Be My Producer? I need help - Full Band or Acoustic?

[rootsandruins]

Hey slutz,

I've been working on this song for a while.
It works well as an acoustic type folk ballad
a la Kings of Convenience/Jose Gonzalez,
and it also works well as as a rock song a la
Interpol/The National.

I recorded a demo version of each idea
and I guess I am wondering which one works better. I like both
separately but I want to put some serious time into one version
and I can't choose. Tell me what to do with this song!

Thank you!

[rootsandruins]

no thoughts??

[88fingerz]

I would go with the full band route but I'd incorporate the acoustic and make it a major player in the mix (perhaps mono panned slightly off right with the Elec. gtrs hard panned L/R).

You must also bring the vocal way up (don't be too self concious about this)...you happen to sing in pitch and have a unique voice..it's a Strong point here!

Best of luck...my advice was to basically merge the 2 ideas.

[Old Cane]

I think I'd like an electric version better, just not that version. I hear it as a slow open groove. But, I hear everything that way. I like the acoustic version fine, maybe build onto that with drums and guitars.

[44deluxe]

I liked the acoustic version a lot more. It was really nice.


Gotta myspace link?

[rootsandruins]

Hey, thanks for the feedback! I think I'm going to try to record a hybrid version of the two songs. Maybe have drums and some bass and electric or organ come in about halfway through the acoustic version.

(myspace link is in my profile)

anyone want to comment on the acoustic sound? I recorded an alvarez jumbo acoustic with a Sputnik tube mic with some light EQ'ing and Tapehead.

[compo]

I prefer the Rock version, but I'd start if off much more sparsely, with really soft drums, and generally calm playing, and then start building it up towards the end of the verse.

The organ idea was a great idea. It's the sort of song that would be built on it's dynamics. It needs ample calmness, and a breakdown to make the storm sound louder. That's the song you'd end up with if I produced it anyway

Have a listen to "War On Christmas" by The American Dollar for a sound idea. I've had their first album for a year, and it's got a great dynamically produced sound. In fact, it looks like they are allowing people to Download an MP3 of that track free now. Cool.

MySpace.com - The American Dollar - Queens, US - Experimental - www.myspace.com/americandollarband

[rootsandruins]

Thanks for the input compo, I actually agree with you on the rock version. I'd like to start it off quieter with some organ maybe and acoustic and then hit it with the (mr. november) rock beat. I actually love the American Dollar and that track is one of my faves, so, yeah I see exactly what you mean. It's hard writing, arranging, playing, mixing my own stuff without any outside perspective, so thanks!

[initialsBB]

Have you tried the electric version done with the vocal style from the acoustic version? I think that would sound cooler and not quite so Interpol. I also like the atmospheric vocal bit at 3:10 on the acoustic version. That might sound good as a short intro before the bass and drums kick in.

Or how about this for a hybrid version? Sing the first verse an octave lower in that interpol style but with the acoustic guitars a little more simple and driving so that the intro has a sparse, kind of dark feeling rather than that sparkly pretty sound. Then after "glory be to god" the band kicks in and the vocals go up an octave for the rest of the song.

Sounds great by the way.

[moxie34]

I'm with 44 deluxe. I liked the acoustic version much more. It may just be the nature of an acoustic performance, but the intimacy of it had wayyyy more vibe to me and connected with me. I agree again with deluxe, really nice. I was able to loose myself in it, and this version would get me interested in hearing more. Perhaps it's partly because the vocal on the electric version feels too low in the mix and not as engaging to my ears.
+1 for the acoustic. beautiful song. i love it. and so would my girl...

[rootsandruins]

Thanks for all the feedback! I have a lot of great ideas to work with now. I'll post a new version of the song when I get it recorded.

[diatonic]

...

[viciouswhiskey]

Originally Posted by initialsBB

Have you tried the electric version done with the vocal style from the acoustic version?

I know this is an old thread, and my 2 cents probably won't help at this point. But, I totally agree with this comment. The rockin' version of this tune with the vocal octave/melody of the acoustic version would be awesome. Maybe even do the lower vocal part as well during the "you are the beginning of the end" part. I don't know. I liked the song do much I was compelled to respond. If you've got it done, let me know where I might hear it.