Sounds great! - think you can lose the intro and start at about:30. Love the background choruses (airy chants)not sure what to call them- they are very effective. I hear a little Indian vibe in this 1:06 and 4:04. Very restrained and the production values are quite good. Loved the break at 3:59. I have a fairly unreserved love for this one. You have a signature style which I think comes through very effectively with this track. Much respect. -clindsay
Amazing - loved the transitions - piano at 1:48 is perfect - strings at 2:20 as a lovely contretemps to a great transition at 2:55. This is truly masterful - beautiful yet clean and understated. Great work! -clindsay
Hey clindsay, Thanks for the enthusiasm I see ;D And the kind words, It is great to see such appreciation and to see that others indeed enjoy it. It is one of those things that keeps me going
Wow - really liked this! Didn't expect to when I saw it was over nine minutes which challenges my attention span but it holds together well. Love the precision and restraint - every bit comes through clearly and with purpose. Love the vocals and counterpoints between :55 and 2:55 and loved the transition after that. Professional quality throughout. -clinsay
Yeah, i did wonder if i'd made it a bit long for people to listen to all the way through. Seems like some do though and that makes me a happy bunny. Cheers for dropping in and leaving your thoughts. FR
Very Nice - great production values. Not my favorite genre but you've handled this with restraint and precision. There are subtle layers in this that make it more nuanced than the listener would expect. Excellent work. -clindsay
Liked it - still hear Ry Cooder and Filmore West. Guitar is solid. I think those are strings in the intro and they are very effective. Good vibes throughout liked the transition at 2:45. -clindsay
I still haven't listened to any more Ry Cooder since we last spoke about him and your comparisons of my playing with his.
I'm a bit in love with those strings and you can hear their compositional origin if you check the cinematic track in this track's description. I'm currently still using them a little in another unfinished track so probably need to fix that as I don't want three (quite different) tracks to feature pretty much the same string part. Otherwise I'll need to start paying myself royalties for all the samples I steal from my other work!
I thought you might particularly like the sitar bits during the second half guitar solo. Not sure if you like sitar - just guessing you do because of your love of bhangra. Not sure there is much sitar in bhangra. Probably but I wouldn't know.
Much more sitar and tambura and filtered, swirling droney sitar stuff in the full length version of this that I'm still working on.
2:45 transition is big sitar note backing up the big, bent guitar note.
This works - I still think there are too any vocals and they are a little hot but that's old news. The break at 1:18 is excellent - the bridge at 1:40 is very good.
You should try muting the vocals at 2:28 and picking them up at 2:40 and turning them off at 3:05.
This is very good - like it a lot- my ears just take it in slightly different directions.
Wondered where you had been hiding. Like this - as usual your melodies are solid. You always have interesting and creative riffs. I think the vocals are a little hot and you could probably cut out the vocal from 1:37 to 1:50. I like the vocals on this one and I think they fit pretty well with the mood/genre. Not sure I would call it house but that is a quibble. I kind of agree with VaVedriVer that if you are going for a house vibe it should build - if you are going for a more fusion/jazz vibe I think it works. -clindsay
Hi Clindsay! I've been on a small break from making music, too little time and no inspiration. But I tried to finish this one just now, here is the new version: http://www.looperman.com/tracks/detail/155548
No idea what it became of it in the end... Thanks for listening anyway! Take care/ SJ =)
I liked it - good production values throughout. I agree with evisma that the panning was distracting. Not sure I would call this dance but that is a quibble. It is coherent and restrained in a good way. Keep it up this is a very good first effort. -clindsay
very nice- professional quality! Great vibe and vocals. Good drop at 1:25. Ironically I think the bit from about 1:51 to about 2:20 doesn't require vocals and could be an extension of the bridge. This is really tight definitely a fave. -clindsay
Very Nice - similar to some of my cuts but better. Good subtle changes and unique instrumentation. I guess if I were to quibble, and this is a matter of taste, there was not as much contrast and surprise between parts as I would have liked. Loved the drama at the intro and very effective use of contrasting but really complementary aural imagery. -clindsay
In one of the earliest draft versions I did have a lot more contrast with quieter moments between the heavy rhythms, but after the bagpipes began entering the mix it all changed. I wanted it to carry the energy of a riot or rebellion - full on until the end. I've been playing around with remixes of other artists work lately, and you've got me thinking another version of this is probably in order. Thanks for that.
Hey - I really like this one - I've learned to be more precise in comments on your tracks because you have very deep knowledge. Anyway, I like the crispness and definition of this. The bit at 3:26, kind of the coda, is very effective and builds well. At the risk of imprecision (only conceptually similar) you might want to listen to 'Marghat' by Clinton Cerejo from the Coke Studio show. Good work - my kind of cut. -clindsay
"I've learned to be more precise in comments on your tracks because you have very deep knowledge"
I suppose so. It's more that I love a broad range of music and am a real obsessive about it so have a lot to say about it and the making of it. And I tend to express that quite a bit on this site - unlike the majority of one or two line track reviews and replies. Who knows, maybe I'm wasting my time a bit. I like to think not.
Anyway, yes the crispness and definition of the track really does still surprise me. I have a lot to learn about why this sounds quite as good as it does. Let me explain as I'm really not trying to just say how great I am.
I've just listened back to this on crap laptop speakers. The awful ones that are built into the slim body of the average consumer laptop. And the track still sounds great!
Normally, when I do that with one of my tracks, the bass is so non-existent that a huge part of the track is missing. Maybe it's because the bass isn't that low on this one so those crap speakers are able to handle reproducing those more mid range frequencies. But the track still does have some pretty good low end so I'm not sure why it manages to sound decent through awful speakers.
Yes, 3:26 is that cool lead Korg Z1 synth sound. With the tambura underneath. You can also hear it around 1:16.
It's exciting at 3:37 when the beat comes back in with that powerful orchestral sort of cymbal (the build I think you referred to).
I did listen to the whole Marghat track and liked it. But I didn't see too much of a connection to this track though there is a definite connection to the music I make in general. It's much more Indian sort of rock band stuff though not too psychedelic. This track doesn't really have much rock in it, despite that big guitar part towards the end. And it's all electronic drum grooves and loops. No acoustic drum kit and very tightly sequenced so not like a band.
And my track isn't really very Indian. I only guess at Eastern genres anyway. I have no idea what I'm doing!
I checked your profile but could only see that you're from Arlington and have the one influence of AR Rahman. Let me know sometime what your link is to Indian music. Hey, maybe you are Indian, or of Indian descent.
Like the energy - the drop starting at about 1:09 could be longer - it has interesting riffs. Like the balls to the wall aspect of this one - could be sick with a collab. -clindsay
Yep - good intro - brilliant coda. Great melodies throughout. Some mixing issues with the vocals but overall very good. Loved from 2:12 on (the brilliant part). -clindsay
Hey Clindsay - thanks for learning me some new words to describe music with - I had to google that "coda".
OK, I knew you would like the tail/outro/coda more than the rest. Actually this song stands pretty well without any vocals, even if there is a lot of mixing and mastering left to do before it's finished. But I'm going to make two versions, one without vocals or just with a hint of vocals for texture - just as you have suggested before. I think it would work with this one.
Well, that is if I ever get finished...I tend to get bored too fast and leave the songs half finished. But I'll try.
Like it for the most part - vocals from beginning to about 1:24 are effective and work well. At 1:24 they go off key and the verses don't fit as well as they should. Might consider removing the verse and using the vocals as texture. Just my take - others may see it differently. It's very difficult to marry these vocals. Overall very good effort but maybe more groove less narrative. -clindsay
WOW really wonderful - very clever! You basically use all the tricks of the genre and I mean that in a good way. There are about 6 tracks here that could be remixed in a variety of ways. Interesting throughout. I agree that it could be a movie sound track. Great work - this must have been fun. -clindsay
Hey, thanks allot, Clindsay! I've actually been listening to this style a bit more so I can get a better handle on it. I've always checked out the better know drummers of the time but not much else. I'm kinda digging it, believe it or not!
Very Nice- good use of the very versatile pellas from futureanalysis. Could easily be a sound track. I use his pellas in my tracks and find them very versatile. -clindsay
Very Nice! Mobyesque again - very melodic with some good transitions. Transition at 1:10/1:24 is very good. Intro could probably use a little work and I agree that the reverb is a bit high. Keep the ideas coming they are always interesting. -clindsay
Overall VERY good. Good production values and excellent marriage of vocals to loops. I still think you are too dependent on the vocals but others may hear it differently. You have great musical intuition and the melodies are always superior. Good work. -clindsay
Hey thanks Clindsay! Nice to hear - this one is all about the vocals but I know now what you mean by that and am thinking about it while making new tracks. Take care!
EXCELLENT! - very well produced - great vocal - great piano intro. I think the beat after the drops (2:48) could be a bit more hardcore but really excellent work. -clindsay
Thanks clindsay for the kind words, really glad you enjoyed it. Yeah maybe I should have a more hardcore dirty house drop but decided to keep it a bit of a calm remix
Very Nice - I'm not sure the intro as you have it is necessary. Could start without it - it could start at 1:00 - I think it creates more aural surprise and groove when it changes after the 'poplike' vocals - btw good drops at 2:30 and 4:30. Just my take - solid production - great vocals. -Clindsay
I create this intro to get the idea what kind of track it is, I also maked the intro because every track has a intro like this but this is my first Melbourne Bounce track, but maybe it is indeed better without intro, I'm not sure. Thanks for listening!
VERY good - actually cleaner and better than the original to my ears. I think it could use a musical bridge somewhere to showcase the Reggae but that is a quibble. Extremely well produced- good job. -clindsay
Commented on A Perfect Story Ft Miper And KnowKontrol by SeriouslyJoking
Sounds great! - think you can lose the intro and start at about:30. Love the background choruses (airy chants)not sure what to call them- they are very effective. I hear a little Indian vibe in this 1:06 and 4:04. Very restrained and the production values are quite good. Loved the break at 3:59. I have a fairly unreserved love for this one. You have a signature style which I think comes through very effectively with this track.
Much respect.
-clindsay
Commented on Blues in Open E by djole94hns
This is fine - it should probably be released as a loop. Guarantee you'll get more traction and hear more variations from other arrangers.
-clindsay
Commented on Of darkness and stars by johnnyproducing
Amazing - loved the transitions - piano at 1:48 is perfect - strings at 2:20 as a lovely contretemps to a great transition at 2:55. This is truly masterful - beautiful yet clean and understated. Great work!
-clindsay
Commented on Track 50 by FreeRadical
Wow - really liked this! Didn't expect to when I saw it was over nine minutes which challenges my attention span but it holds together well. Love the precision and restraint - every bit comes through clearly and with purpose. Love the vocals and counterpoints between :55 and 2:55 and loved the transition after that. Professional quality throughout.
-clinsay
Commented on Speed of Light by XmafaX
Very Nice - great production values. Not my favorite genre but you've handled this with restraint and precision. There are subtle layers in this that make it more nuanced than the listener would expect. Excellent work.
-clindsay
Commented on Random Acts Of Human Kindness by StaticNomad
Liked it - still hear Ry Cooder and Filmore West. Guitar is solid. I think those are strings in the intro and they are very effective. Good vibes throughout liked the transition at 2:45.
-clindsay
Commented on Troubled Minds Ft TheG1t by SeriouslyJoking
This works - I still think there are too any vocals and they are a little hot but that's old news. The break at 1:18 is excellent - the bridge at 1:40 is very good.
You should try muting the vocals at 2:28 and picking them up at 2:40 and turning them off at 3:05.
This is very good - like it a lot- my ears just take it in slightly different directions.
Keep em coming.
-clindsay
Commented on Troubled Minds Ft TheG1t by SeriouslyJoking
Wondered where you had been hiding. Like this - as usual your melodies are solid. You always have interesting and creative riffs. I think the vocals are a little hot and you could probably cut out the vocal from 1:37 to 1:50. I like the vocals on this one and I think they fit pretty well with the mood/genre. Not sure I would call it house but that is a quibble. I kind of agree with VaVedriVer that if you are going for a house vibe it should build - if you are going for a more fusion/jazz vibe I think it works.
-clindsay
Commented on Synthicator by Emolyte
I liked it - good production values throughout. I agree with evisma that the panning was distracting. Not sure I would call this dance but that is a quibble. It is coherent and restrained in a good way. Keep it up this is a very good first effort.
-clindsay
Commented on Breakaway by WaPer
very nice - good transitions - clean productions
-clindsay
Commented on Outta Control by JacVanBee
very nice- professional quality! Great vibe and vocals. Good drop at 1:25. Ironically I think the bit from about 1:51 to about 2:20 doesn't require vocals and could be an extension of the bridge. This is really tight definitely a fave.
-clindsay
Commented on Dancing with the Carnival Rebellion feat Nuada by n0mad23
Very Nice - similar to some of my cuts but better. Good subtle changes and unique instrumentation. I guess if I were to quibble, and this is a matter of taste, there was not as much contrast and surprise between parts as I would have liked. Loved the drama at the intro and very effective use of contrasting but really complementary aural imagery.
-clindsay
Commented on Circular Motion by StaticNomad
Hey - I really like this one - I've learned to be more precise in comments on your tracks because you have very deep knowledge. Anyway, I like the crispness and definition of this. The bit at 3:26, kind of the coda, is very effective and builds well. At the risk of imprecision (only conceptually similar) you might want to listen to 'Marghat' by Clinton Cerejo from the Coke Studio show.
Good work - my kind of cut.
-clindsay
Commented on lets forget about my inconvincible father by ElenaSatine
Like the energy - the drop starting at about 1:09 could be longer - it has interesting riffs. Like the balls to the wall aspect of this one - could be sick with a collab.
-clindsay
Commented on Turn Your Heart Around by Bathers
Very Nice - tight and well produced. With a good vocal this could be a hit. Well done.
-clindsay
Commented on Foggy Farm Ft Addis Branwell and Holly by SeriouslyJoking
Yep - good intro - brilliant coda. Great melodies throughout. Some mixing issues with the vocals but overall very good. Loved from 2:12 on (the brilliant part).
-clindsay
Commented on Feel it by s10343068
Like it for the most part - vocals from beginning to about 1:24 are effective and work well. At 1:24 they go off key and the verses don't fit as well as they should. Might consider removing the verse and using the vocals as texture. Just my take - others may see it differently. It's very difficult to marry these vocals. Overall very good effort but maybe more groove less narrative.
-clindsay
Commented on Manouche Pajammin Party by ScottB55
WOW really wonderful - very clever! You basically use all the tricks of the genre and I mean that in a good way. There are about 6 tracks here that could be remixed in a variety of ways. Interesting throughout. I agree that it could be a movie sound track. Great work - this must have been fun.
-clindsay
Commented on Farisha-Rewind Feat NFMaster Track by NFMaster
Wow - close to a perfect mix - this could be expanded and featured anywhere - great arrangement!
-clindsay
Commented on Archangels In The Sky feat FutureAnalysis by VickyDan
Very Nice- good use of the very versatile pellas from futureanalysis. Could easily be a sound track. I use his pellas in my tracks and find them very versatile.
-clindsay
Commented on To Lila by SeriouslyJoking
Very Nice! Mobyesque again - very melodic with some good transitions. Transition at 1:10/1:24 is very good. Intro could probably use a little work and I agree that the reverb is a bit high. Keep the ideas coming they are always interesting.
-clindsay
Commented on That Special Someone Ft Thasuspect1 KnowKontroll by SeriouslyJoking
Overall VERY good. Good production values and excellent marriage of vocals to loops. I still think you are too dependent on the vocals but others may hear it differently. You have great musical intuition and the melodies are always superior. Good work.
-clindsay
Commented on Remix colors by johnnyproducing
EXCELLENT! - very well produced - great vocal - great piano intro. I think the beat after the drops (2:48) could be a bit more hardcore but really excellent work.
-clindsay
Commented on Krewella - Alive Thunzer Remix by DjAvad
Very Nice - I'm not sure the intro as you have it is necessary. Could start without it - it could start at 1:00 - I think it creates more aural surprise and groove when it changes after the 'poplike' vocals - btw good drops at 2:30 and 4:30. Just my take - solid production - great vocals.
-Clindsay
Commented on Rehab feat Amy Winehouse by Baggadub
VERY good - actually cleaner and better than the original to my ears. I think it could use a musical bridge somewhere to showcase the Reggae but that is a quibble. Extremely well produced- good job.
-clindsay