Modern Country Reference CDs?

Groove Dog · 6th July 2006

Hey all,

I’m about to start tracking and later mixing a country project. This will end up being pitched to some majors in Nashville, and having little experience in that genre, I was wondering what some good current reference CDs would be.

My sonic country vernacular stops in the 90s – and while I think Alan Jackson stuff sounds great, it’s a little dated for today.

What are some good examples of really musical, exciting mixes/engineering out there today?

I should probably mention this is George Strait-esque country, not Rascal Flats or Big n’ Rich, if it helps.

Thanks!

uncle duncan · 7th July 2006

Get the newest George Strait record. Or listen to the top-thirty countdown on your local C&W radio station, usually on Saturday or Sunday morning, and write down the name of anyone who sounds like your artist. They probably have a similar thing on cable TV, but I can't afford cable TV. I can afford $1000 microphones, though.
Also, consider sending your project off to Nashville to be mixed by a pro. Not that you're not a pro, but if your artist is pitching to major labels, you need a major label mix. Those A&R people might be clueless, but they know how 'their' music is supposed to sound, and if you miss the mark, your artitst's CD will be in the round file before you can say sassafrass.

SparkyCanada · 7th July 2006

For traditional country music - try Martina McBride's "Timeless" (I think that's what it's called) - it's her singing classic traditional country tunes. I think the recording & replication of the instruments is pretty amazing...

SparkyCanada

Thumper · 7th July 2006

For country crossover type stuff, Rascall Flatts "me and my gang" is a GREAT sounding record. Some of the best sounding vocals that I've ever heard before in my life.

Other than that, I can't help you out. I'm not a huge country fan, but if it has great songs and great performances, I'll listen to it.

Mistadschan · 7th July 2006

Martina McBride's "Timeless" !!

Exactly!!

That's why I ordered it a few weeks ago!
BRILLIANT sound.
Stunning recording...
(none of the used gear & instruments built after 1970)

Great Mix, gorgeous musicians, lovely voice!

Buy one to have a REAL REFERENCE!
Of music AND production..

Regards,

MD

djui5 · 8th July 2006

Check out some Chris Cagle or Dierks Bentley

6th July 2006	#1
Groove Dog Gear maniac Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 163 Thread Starter	Modern Country Reference CDs? Hey all, I’m about to start tracking and later mixing a country project. This will end up being pitched to some majors in Nashville, and having little experience in that genre, I was wondering what some good current reference CDs would be. My sonic country vernacular stops in the 90s – and while I think Alan Jackson stuff sounds great, it’s a little dated for today. What are some good examples of really musical, exciting mixes/engineering out there today? I should probably mention this is George Strait-esque country, not Rascal Flats or Big n’ Rich, if it helps. Thanks!

7th July 2006	#5
Mistadschan Gear interested Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Germany, Bonn Posts: 16	YEAH!! Martina McBride's "Timeless" !! Exactly!! That's why I ordered it a few weeks ago! BRILLIANT sound. Stunning recording... (none of the used gear & instruments built after 1970) Great Mix, gorgeous musicians, lovely voice! Buy one to have a REAL REFERENCE! Of music AND production.. Regards, MD

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7th July 2006	#2
uncle duncan Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 3,716	Get the newest George Strait record. Or listen to the top-thirty countdown on your local C&W radio station, usually on Saturday or Sunday morning, and write down the name of anyone who sounds like your artist. They probably have a similar thing on cable TV, but I can't afford cable TV. I can afford $1000 microphones, though. Also, consider sending your project off to Nashville to be mixed by a pro. Not that you're not a pro, but if your artist is pitching to major labels, you need a major label mix. Those A&R people might be clueless, but they know how 'their' music is supposed to sound, and if you miss the mark, your artitst's CD will be in the round file before you can say sassafrass.

7th July 2006	#3
SparkyCanada Gear addict Joined: Mar 2005 Location: Saskatoon SK, Canada Posts: 346	For traditional country music - try Martina McBride's "Timeless" (I think that's what it's called) - it's her singing classic traditional country tunes. I think the recording & replication of the instruments is pretty amazing... SparkyCanada

7th July 2006	#4
Thumper Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 990	For country crossover type stuff, Rascall Flatts "me and my gang" is a GREAT sounding record. Some of the best sounding vocals that I've ever heard before in my life. Other than that, I can't help you out. I'm not a huge country fan, but if it has great songs and great performances, I'll listen to it.

8th July 2006	#6
djui5 Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2004 Location: Phoenix Posts: 6,664	Check out some Chris Cagle or Dierks Bentley