Learn The Hard Way;Global Ska Network - SLAPJOHNSON

11th May 2009 17:38 - 17 years ago
Tags :
Ska
3.78 MB
Description : This is the final track from the first Global Ska Network album. I started this album in Feb thinking I could do all the tracks in time to finish the RPM challenge. I was wrong, but I didn't want to rush what I had started and compromise quality. This track is about the general can't be bothered culture we are facing. You know the kind of people I'm talking about! They want everything for nothing,and expect everything to be handed to them on a plate. They also would rather do dirty deeds to (lie,cheat ect) Than walk the right path..
Verse..How many more times,how many more lies spat at our faces.you wheel and deal,cheat and steal
won't win the races.I turn my back,try to protect the love that's left,you want that too, the greed you show despises you.Chorus.You'll always learn the hard way,
you have to have the last say,stop living day to day,
the future's what you make it,get out there and take it..
10 piece horn section, including a clarinet high up to add a sparkle. All instruments and vocals Slap, drums by Sonic foundry.
Again I'm looking for constructive comments towards the arrangement and mix/production. This track has 24 tracks, so if you feel a tweak is needed please say. I thank you all in advance for taking the time to listen and review...

Cheers Slap...

Comments (6)

If you have time take a listen and give SLAPJOHNSON some feedback.

fiery
fiery 25th May 2009 14:53 - 17 years ago
AHA, there's my answer to the question about an album.

Sooo.... where can I buy it?

You seriously blow me away, I wish I could borrow just a lil of your musical talent just to learn guitar properly ;) This is just solid musicianship all the way around... and you know, your higher range kind of reminds me of Sting.

Lisa
Planetjazzbass
Planetjazzbass 14th May 2009 08:01 - 17 years ago
Yeah that sounds more punchy and clear!...It's an interesting thing different mixes..I think sometimes they reflect the current trends and sometimes the players own musical bias..Being a bass player means I like more bass! lol..but seriously drums and bass are much more forward in the mix these days compared to where they used to be 30-40 years ago...I think the horns have been balanced brilliantly in this version..their just right..mind you my bias is to pump up the Baritone..ever since I heard Gerry Mulligan blow one of those suckers I've been a convert...I think your getting the right balance on these bigger productions now..much in the same vein that Rob Wilhelm achieves within his work..all frequencies can be heard clearly without any saturation or competition...obviously every track needs special attention ..but I think it's like anything you practice often enough you become good at it..and you man are in the groove....hehe as a side note you'll be happy to hear that I am now nursing some blisters on my fingers (no..not from ripping the cap off it) been getting that chillout track together and over looked that I haven't been playing enough (the bass players curse)...anyway cool mix!..cheers planet ;)
Planetjazzbass
Planetjazzbass 13th May 2009 04:48 - 17 years ago
If anything this is the slickest GSN track yet..some great counter rhythms going down..I really like what the bass line is doing and the brilliant sliding horn section..I think I might of touched on this before..but it's very apparent in all your music..it's not so much of what you do and don't do...it's much more about the insertion of Steve Bone's Karma into the track to the extent it becomes a living breathing thing..whether it's a single horn instrumental or a full blown production such as this one...they all resonate with integrity and soul...If we could turn these tracks over we'd find a Hallmark worthy of the best Sterling.
Cheers Dave :)
SLAPJOHNSON
SLAPJOHNSON replied Unknown - 2028 years ago
Hi Dave, I still think you should be my manager lol... Thanks for the glowing review. I have changed a few things since your post. I have lowered the vocals, stripped out the drums in the intro, ripped out a small section after the solo. I think the arrangement sits better now. I would value your opinion...

Cheers Slap...
DonnieVyros
DonnieVyros 12th May 2009 17:54 - 17 years ago
The vocals on this are slightly Sting-like (I'm thinkin his early 90s sound). Though musically this is reminding me more of a mix between UB40 and Huey Lewis & the News.

Now for something random...
I know they might be more electo-centric, but I'm thinkin that you might enjoy some of the music by Dub Pistols. They've got a couple of tracks on their album Point Blank that are sorta similar.

Anyways, I think this is one of those times that ya rated yourself too harshly (as we artists tend to do alot with our own works). It might've been a rush job, but it certainly doesn't sound like one mate. And I think that's where it counts.

Oh, and something else that's random...
For albums I base my stuff on the calendar (aimin for 1 track a month, if I come close to 12 I'm happy). Time also factors in too, slightly. I always try to shoot for around an hour. As long as it hits close it's good. Just some food for thought.

Back on track, about the track now. Sounded decent to me. Thanks for sharing. Later on!
SLAPJOHNSON
SLAPJOHNSON replied Unknown - 2028 years ago
Hi Donnie, well man! I can always trust you to give a BIG review. It's funny you mention Sting. He's a big influence to me, I also like UB40 and Huey Lewis and the news...I will try and check some Dub Pistols out soon, I haven't heard of that band, so, cool new music to listen to.

Cheers Slap...
Bluestocks
Bluestocks 11th May 2009 21:36 - 17 years ago
nice. sounds awesome man!!!
SLAPJOHNSON
SLAPJOHNSON replied Unknown - 2028 years ago
Thanks for that.

Cheers Slap...
MEDICALMARIJUANA
MEDICALMARIJUANA 11th May 2009 20:27 - 17 years ago
HA HA HA HA HA that was catchy, Good vibe always. I believe this is worth a few plays. Upbeat, Horns are awesome. Cheers
SLAPJOHNSON
SLAPJOHNSON replied Unknown - 2028 years ago
Hi Med, I'm glad you found it catchy, that was the general feel I was going for. I'm in two minds about the vocal and sax solo sound though!!!

They maybe a remix looming..

Cheers Slap...

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