Manhattan Hangs (RaceratRedux) by echoroom
Genre: Alternative Rock
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Keywords:
Manhattan (7), hangs (1), Racerat (12), squeeling guitars (1), dying stars (1)
Description:
This is a revamp of Manhattan Hangs done by Philip (Racerat) - the only things that remain from the original are the drums and a few bits of keyboard. Philip took the track, added all the guitars, some backing vocals, increased the song length and mixed it. I then re-did the main vocal (so if that sounds too loud, that's down to me!).
Not much else to say, other than I love what Philip did with this, and think it's a vast improvement. I dunno what we should call ourselves .. EchoRat? RaceRoom? Maybe Craig and VanDusen..... hmmm, sounds like a law firm ....
Steve
Not much else to say, other than I love what Philip did with this, and think it's a vast improvement. I dunno what we should call ourselves .. EchoRat? RaceRoom? Maybe Craig and VanDusen..... hmmm, sounds like a law firm ....
Steve
Lyrics:
The usual vague existential musingsHardware:
IMac, Phils guitarsSoftware:
Logic pro, Addictive Drums, yousenditYou must be registered and logged-in to comment.
ledebutant
You guys need to send out a demo. More later.
ledebutant
I got my vote in before you disabled ratings and you got straight 10's. I actually think the Production rating should have been about 15.
echoroom
You are one fast lady (er, dont take that the wrong way).
I pushed submit, went and had a shave, and you were onto this song! Do you like the growly vocals - does it sound seductive or just asthmatic?
Steve
ledebutant
...I was born in Essex, as you know.
I just happened to check my email at the moment you posted it. Ed is fast asleep on the East Coast, snoring...
Not asthmatic, not a bit. I can't say more than that as I'm a married woman, but those growly bits will make the young girls cry.
ledebutant
What kind of maniac goes and has a shave at 7:30 on a Sunday morning with his song halfway posted? I've seen the evidence. You're a morning person, aren't you?
echoroom
got that right - Rachels still asleep .. the only reasom I'm not doing any singing is that it'd wake her up! Mind you, I am in bed by 9.30 these days - rock n roll!
echoroom
Great! Actually, Rachel likes it when I put on my impression of Christian Bale's 'batman' voice from Batman Begins .... "storm's coming".
Might be too much information there!
Sleep tight
Steve
william devine
Batman.
echoroom
whaddya mean hhhmmm - I'm a guy, i never really mature past 10 years of age.
...I know I shouldn't be saying this Steve (I am a happily married man after all!), but the growling bits are definitely seductive.
---
"We are put upon this earth a little space that we might learn to bear the beams of love." (William Blake)
echoroom
... any port in a storm, man!
Vic Holman
the woodwork.
Heck Steve you're making up for lost time.
Really intense, really rawkin', really enough to make one wet they're pants.
At least thats what I hear about the girls in the early Beatle concerts.
And no I'm not a girly in order to stiffle any come back joke.
echoroom
hey Vic - this track is starting to intrude into Holman territory, in its rockingness ... maybe I need to give you a few % royalties.
I often made young girls cry in my youth, but then my mum would put the bag back on my head ...
Steve
Vic Holman
paper bags are the best! You can draw faces on them.
---
gravel doesn't belong on the lawn. especially on mowing day.
five_extra_arms
Steve and Phil,
Every step of the way this song grew and grew. I had such a great origins with your first version, Steve and look at it now. You guys did a brilliant job.
If you're looking for a name, maybe you should consider joining the Skank Brothers. With their international popularity, your song just might get some attention under the umbrella of their coolness? Just an idea.
You really made a good decision to redo this song Steve. It really turned into something rather epic in proportion to your other "jingles" you post here.
Hats off to you guys!
Bob
echoroom
... maybe the Skunk Bros???? Too cool for school.
Actually, i'm gonna get Phil to redo everysingle track i've posted ... I may never have to mix another song again!
Gotta know your limitations ... mine are mixing and 4 beers.
Shouldn't you be in bed???
Steve
TheSkankBrothers
Much like you, this rocker is usually in a party-like coma after 9:30 any given night. 5:30am smell like coffee in my house.
echoroom
... i pass out without the aid of booze these days!
dolby
...I'm relatively early here - America must still be in bed:-))
It's a great song - the original was magic. I'm gonna have to listen to this back to back with the first version before I say which is best - but does it matter, really? This is still stellar!
Complimens on the production to Philip - and the new vocal sounds cracking to me. As a frequesnt user of Ventorlin I can tell you what does and doesn't sound asthmatic - this doesn't!
Will get back to you once I've given this a couple more spins.
Phil
echoroom
To me, the best compliment I can get isn't 'you sound like Bowie', but 'you sound fit'.
However, that just doesnt happen (the latter, the former does all the time).
Hell, i wouldn't have been a singer in a band if i didn't need to be loved.
Personally, I prefer this version, but they are different beasts.
have a good Sunday mornin Phil!
Steve
Killer! You guys make a great team! Steve, the VOX levels sound good here. Excellent tune, guys!
echoroom
Thanks - being a singer, i can sometimes push the voice up too high in the mix - thanks Mike!
Steve
bud
the vocals are spot on and the production is tremendous. I especially like the guitar work here and the stately steady tempo. Nice atmospherics too. On second listen all I can say is this is damn good.
echoroom
I love the intro to this ... if i'd the nerve, i'd do a song all like this part, like your current lo-fi adventure. That said, the guitars Philip put onto this are ace - gives it a very widecreen feel.
Thanks Bud - for some 60's drone rock, check out The Black Angels on itunes - I've even managed to get my wife into 'em!
Steve
Everything is polished and sounding grand, does Phil work ina pro studio and raids the premises at night? :)
echoroom
Not so much a remix, more a heart transplant! I got a noo iron lung! I think Philip slums it on line, and actually Rick Rubin or someone in real life. Thanks Mr. W - looking forward to your next toon
Steve
SmokeyVW
absolutely pro sounding to me.
i really enjoyed listening to this!
& the vocal level is just right.
thanks
echoroom
Who you call a pro! Oh, i taught ya meant ho'! Thanks Bill ... sorry about any misunderstanding ...
Steve
Mcboy
racing rat echos......hehhehhe....very nice work indeed....rock ballad....echos of knights in white satin........all thumbs up!
echoroom
.. in white satin - thats makes me Justin hayward ... sheeit! Thanks MB -
steve
Rebsie
Well, the growly vocals work for me. Doesn't sound asthmatic to me except the bit where you stop and take a puff of Ventolin. (Just kidding.)
Fabulous track Steve ... it sounds completely pro as far as I'm concerned. Really top notch stuff. It's a great song, great melody, gorgeous vocals, delicious guitars ... what more can one ask?
CD ready and a total delight to listen to.
echoroom
... Phil did a great job dressing this up to go to the ball, and if you'd take it out, then it's a winner! I'm off to smoke some fags so I can get all growly for you...
Steve
michael2
this sounds great. i don't know how you keep your voice sounding so good. the quality of my voice definitely declined after I stopped touring and playing out (who's got time to practice?).
regarding the song, very cool Suede sort of vibe, and I love how the last thing you hear is your voice all low and manly. great job. On a side note, do not be tempted by the obvious (Rat Race) :)
echoroom
.. just like my handshake! Thanks MIke - i love the 'drama' of Suedes music, and there's definately some of that in here!
My singing tips:
1. NEVER sing on a weekday (as my voice is hoarse after work)
2. Smoke ciggies and drink whiskey the night before (tip from an old studio engineer).
3. Sing with one ear out of the headphones.
My voice lasts about half an hour, so I dont do many takes - then it goes.
Feel free to ignore this advice!
Steve
Macaudion
great great work on this! and certainly, it was a hunk of some pretty amazing work from the begining. can't believe how fast you guys put this stuff together.
glad he didn't touch the drum track (too much, if at all)
awesome guitar work! a pretty impressiv remix!
***both heals in the air*** - i'm blown far away from whence i stood!
love your vocal work, steve! it's always so very right on!
beautiful writing! if i had a tenth of you guy's talent, they'd have to tie me down, and real tight too -- i'd have no life other than music. don't know how you might not do it...
great track!
echoroom
Actually, this was done before 'Breathing water', but i wanted to post that song first - so this is really our first collab.
I do think about giving it all up for a life of music, then I look in the mirror - not sure i fit in in a world full of teenage pop wannabe's ... although botox may help!
Ta macca
Steve
Macaudion
I don't quite understand the B'tox comment, but not to worry, smart music attracts, smart people...
And really, do you want some teenbooper on your trail for a sloppy wet kiss and a silly autograph... Well..., maybe don't answer that...
---
I just love music!
echoroom
it's for my wrinlkes, the Botox.
I'm at an age where kissing teenagers is a capital offense!
And great I loved the original, but I must say Mr. racerat Brought this to another level! excellent
echoroom
..I've deleted the original from my 'pod in preference to this one ... it's a more aggresive beast, and I didn't want to argue with it!
Steve
Peter Bauckham
sounding better than ever - and I liked it before. Vocals are top notch (and sound just about the right volume to me) and the guitars are excellent too.
Really pro sounding re-working.
Peter
echoroom
hey Pete ... still waiting for your next track! I know, life gets in the way ...
It was great working with a real guitarist ... I've given up now, as Philip's work made me realise that's not where my 'talent' lies (still looking). Anyway, thanks about the vox - I didn't want them to dominate ... well, not all of me did (typical 'singers mix')!
In fgact, the only thing wrong with Phil's mix is the fact I'm sure those vocals weren't quite loud enough...!
Steve
on the radio, as I'm flippin' through the stations in Mustang Sally?! The first was good. This version just took me for a ride!!!! :-) Amazing music! Perfect vocals!
echoroom
Hey CJ - the onlyradio this plays on is the one in my head ... and it's on permanent loop in my car. Thanks for the great feedback - Phil did such a good job on this, i listen to it and dont even think its me!
Steve
echoroom
Hey CJ - the onlyradio this plays on is the one in my head ... and it's on permanent loop in my car. Thanks for the great feedback - Phil did such a good job on this, i listen to it and dont even think its me!
Steve
DWL
This is so good.
Stupendous in fact.
I'm lost for words except I'd pay money for this .
Cheers
Dick
echoroom
- give us £0.79 and you can download it!
And i haven't invoiced you for MG yet!
ta matey
Steve
I still love the original...BUT THIS IS WAY BETTER! Way to rock Phillip! What an excellent collab...Playing and production is outstanding. And your vox is just right Steve! Rock the house dudes!!!
Be well!
echoroom
I said you were nuts to remix 'Hunted' and was wrong - guess the same applies here! I had some weedy guitars on the original, but nothing like what Philip out down - thanks for checking this out Mike
Steve
Ed Hannifin
...is, as they say, "a completely realized production"...or some mess like that...
The vocal is great, and I wouldn't have picked it as a 'typical Steve' vocal...I love the guitar tones Philip is using, including the crackling on some of those slow lines that ride out of the mix... It has that feeling you get when you're in a small room with a tube amp, not all cleaned up...
Every bit of it, from drums to bass to guitars and vocals, perfectly occupies it's musical space and aural space and nothing feels overplayed or oversung or at all excessive...
That would be my only complaint, then...just to prove you're human, the two of you have to do a next collab that's self-indulgent and excessive...AND I WANT MELLOTRON...There, I haven't said THAT in a while... Also, no skimping--get those lyrics posted, and no, I don't want to have to go to the other version to get them...
I hope the two of you are getting satisfaction out of this in proportion to its awesome goodness...
We will leave the discussion of my alleged snoring to another time and venue...
Ed
echoroom
...boy, you're a tough customer. We did discuss the crackling guitar and whether to clean it up ... but liked it messy. I'm intrigued by your comment about this not being a 'usual' vocal from me - i take that as a compliment - i might be strawberry flavour most of the time, but also try to be chocolate now and again.
Mellotron - well, you know, that's not impossible - I sent Phil a cd of The Black Angels, a really 60's sounding group, so it could be on the cards for future tracks . .. we do take requests!
Anyway, aren't you due another song up soon??? get busy!
Steve
jiguma
Yeah ............ it's OK I suppose. Can you play "running Bear" though ;)
Seriously though: Excellent performance, production song etc etc. What everyone else said. You sound really fit on this Steve!
Don't go losing each other's emails now will you - great stuff!!
Neil
echoroom
I can retire now ... Neil thinks I sound fit, and he's a fine, tanned looking man. Just thought, I think we're coming to Australia next year if you want any backing vocals doing!
I'm constantly bothering Philip - I think he's gone radio silent in case it turns out I'm stalking him! We have one more track to do, a collab on an Alex weiler track, and then we'll see where we go ...
Steve
Leon
I gotta go listen to the original to compare the changes made... but this song is smoking... Racerat is an awesome musician no doubt, and Steve adds another layer of musical sheen with his always-passionate vocals.
echoroom
That's a fine lookin' new picture, leon - you look very distinguished. i keep trying to change mine, but never get anything I like ... the vivid colours on my current pic cover up all my wrinkles.
Anyway, you are one of the first guys ever to comment on one of my songs back in the old days, so if this meets your approval, I'm happy.
Hope the studying has gone well - get back here soon!
Steve
MissChaos
As pro-sounding as they come. It's just a damn fine piece of music, boys. Kudos -- no, make that multikudos! You put all us wanna-be, half-assed hacks to shame. :-)
echoroom
Yeah right - i know what you've got up your sleeve, missy, so don't come humble here!
I must admit, I find your new avatar piccie quite, er, well, i'm just gonna go and have a cold shower.
Thanks for popping by Miss C!
Steve
MissChaos
careful or I'll sic Bud's avatar on you. :-)
---
"If Hell could be beautiful, it would look like Pasadena, Texas at night."
echoroom
OK OK ... i think it was the fishtail that did it ....
Feter
this is incredible .. Groovey Classic
sound and singing ..just a huge work
and efforts very clear to see here
very nice arrangment .. welldone !!
echoroom
Thanks feter - Phil put a lot of effort into making me sound good ... i dread working on my own now!
Thanks for listening
Steve
perceptualvortex
I snooze for two days, and your song is all commented up and stuff. Holy cow this is good. Great singing, perfectly matching music, moody, excellent production... what more does one need in a song?
Nothing. Great work, guys!
echoroom
Whaddya mean you're snoozing - haven't you gotta song to mix? Afer me slaving over a hot mike ! Get off line now and look after Che!
Thanks for checking this out , Dave ... glad you woke up for a listen!
Steve
Doadars Uncle
This is definitely a hang your head and wail version! I really like this presentation. It really gives you an opportunity to savor it!
Excellent!
Doug
echoroom
Hey Doug - feel free to wail all you want! Checked out your latest Chew, and loved it - thanks for coming to listen to his
Steve
cjdaley
not as much as my jaw, though.
echoroom
...as that's all that's hanging, JC. Didn't your mama tell you it rude to keep your mouth open???
Steve
Sorry for being late Steve, this is great post from you, the guitar sound outstanding, the vocal really fits !!
Enjoyed this a lot, keep up the good work
Take Care
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi
echoroom
Hi Yeman - thanks for dropping in - Phil did all the guitar work, and rather overshadowed my first attempt - i think it can be said here that i actually rock!
LOL
Steve
buckhorn
or ratraceecho, whatever, you guys do some excellent stuff together. I like both versions, this one has a little bigger , more edgy feel to it, excellent singing and song writing as usual.
echoroom
Hey Buckhorn - thanks for checking both out ... I think the original was the last time I did a song on my own - it'll be weird not doing a collab. The original has a more atmospheric feel - this is a bit more in your face, and sweeping.. and significantly better guitar playing!
Thanks for taking the time to check 'em both out, man.
Steve
timothy devine
I have been thinking about Manhattan a lot lately.
I moved away from NYC 5 yrs ago and man I never thought I'd say this but i seriously miss it and it influence.
The production on this is great and your voice just rocks.
This I will listen to again later and comment more.
peace
tim
echoroom
Thanks Tim - I've been to NY about 5 times now and, if pushed, would have to say it's my fvourite city - it has a completely unique feel. Lyrically, there are a lot of odd things in here, which even i dont understand ... to an extent, manhattan is used for a metaphor for lost innocenec ... but the word 'manhattan' symbolises a great deal to me, and has a great deal of attachment. Not something I can explain easily ... i'll let others make their own interpretation.
thanks for listening
Steve
... and all the good seats at The Steve Show are all taken - an increasingly common occurance. I had to haggle with a scalper to get a ticket, wheedle a big security gorilla who thought I was here to change out the candy bars in the cafeteria, sneak past the paparazzi, tiptoe past another security ape, and stand on my tippy-toes to catch the show.
What a finely-crafted gem this is. It has a simple, elegant and flawless production that really showcases the power and grandeur. What a pleasure to listen to this.
By the way, I'm not so sure about the 'Bowie' thing. Your voice has a real edge to it, an emotional razor that can softly cut your heart like a lost love. Bowie, with due respect, is all buffed chrome and sweet milk.
echoroom
we saved you a seat. in all honestly, I'm very surprised, exteremely grateful and slightly confused by the good response I get generally.
BTW, cheque's in the mail.
This track has a kinda cinematic, movie end-credit feel that I love - Phils guitars give it a big emotional sweep at the end ... its a very simple song pretending to be cleverer than it is. Interesting take on my old vocal chords matey - they were warmed by laphroig the night before, hence the deep rasp! Thanks for listening, you 80's god, you!
Steve
dajama
by both of you. This has always been a great song, and i love this version. The production is ridiculously crisp and clear and the vocal performance is great. Nice guitar sound and perfect balance of everything. Some playing issues - when I click play nothing happens, and I have to move the slider forward to hear anything. Then when I move it back, the song plays. maybe it's an issue with my setup or Safari or something. Sorry I haven't gotten to this before now. i won't be late again...very cool work. Nice job. Peace.
echoroom
Dunno whats up with the player maybe it' our copyright control software in action. The mix is all Philip's - i'm keeping it to use the vocal and guitar settings on my future work (it's like having free production lessons!).
I was late for you, so ditto - wont happen again. Cheers for stopping by
Steve
Tiny_Man_Inside
I gotta hear this through some real speakers... as I'm listening through my laptop right now. The fact that it sounds GOOD through these craptacular speakers suggests that it should sound GREAT through a decent stereo system.
I really dig the changes, the buildup, the arrangement, and the "current"... and the drum arrangement is phenomenal. In fact, it's almost too good as it seems to steal the show.
Gotta listen through a good system before I comment more. Great work as always - Steve's vocals Philip's production = instant classic.
Mason
echoroom
... is my new favourite word! Phil did a great job as per on the production - I'm gonna struggle to do my own mixing ever again! Glad to see Why We Travel getting lots of attention - great track!
Steve
Tiny_Man_Inside
Funny comment on the production end of things... whenever The Composer mixes the TMI stuff, it makes me want to cry because he's sooo much better than I am. The good news is that you take what you can and learn from it - working with talented people just makes you better in the end... you can always learn through association.
Mason
---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/34706">The latest offering by Tiny Man Inside - <b>Why We Travel</b></a>
ktb
on sending out a demo. This has all the elements of a huge hit. Steve your voice just sounds great, and Phil's guitar work & production chops shine. Sign me up for a pre release purchase of the CD.
Ibstrat
guitar-I love that raspy fuzztone sound.Sounds like Buck Dharma from Blue Oyster Cult
Vocals are perfect-unique style.Haven't heard the original but this is great.
echoroom
We'll send the demo and get 2 guys and 2 girls, young and beautiful, to 'be' Echorat - Phil and i will write and produce in the back ground .. we'll be the next milli vanilli!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, ktb - we wont forget you when we're on MTV!
Steve
racerat
RaceABBAecho.
great idea!
---
-Philip
echoroom
replied to ibstrat!
killer song guys! really!
very moving and emotional
wonderfully played and wonderfully sung!
outstanding!
echoroom
As a member of the totally rockin' Montgomery California, we take that as high praise indeed - thanks man!
Steve
lavalamp
Nice bluesy waltz thing going on here. You all did a very nice job. RR, nice guitar work.
Very very good lyrics and singing.
Look forward to much more.
The lost, but not forgotten
Lavalamp
echoroom
Nice to know you're still out there! Thanks for listening .... i thought i should do something at some stage in something other than 4/4 ... so now its done.
Not forgotten, hope you're cookin up some new stuff
steve
Bowman
pacing loved everything about this song Steve. You guys are great talents. A real treat to my hungry ears.
Best,
Charlie
echoroom
I duno if its just your picture, but you always strike me as a weighty, serious musician (your work is always articulate and itelligent), and I really appreciate your thoughts Charles.
Thanks for stopping by
steve
peacepiano
This mix is clear and strong sounding. Vocals, guitars, all have room to sound great.
Thanks
Bill
echoroom
Thaks for listening ... the mix is all down to the guy who's just below me ...
racerat
I want to thank everyone for their great comments and input. Working on building this track with Steve was great. I was hesitant at first because the original was so poignant and simply beautiful, I thought: "how can we possibly make it any better than it already is?" But I think this version is just different, and has it's own power.
Steve did an incredible job with the vocals and was very open to changing the vibe of the song, which made working on it a real pleasure from a creative collaboration POV. It was a great experience. The results echo(room) that I think.
lengold
I love this song and have enjoyed listening to the previous version many times. I am also loving this version.
Cheers
Len
echoroom
Thanks for checking this out, and welcome back! Hope you had a good break. I've got a collab up with Perceptual Vortex and Drew Kopr, which I think is ace - check it out if you have a chance.
steve
---
Check out 'Future War Baby' by Perceptual Vortex, with Drew Kopr and Echoroom.
estellie
well, let me just say, I don't love this anymore than the original, but no less, either. I'm not going to compare. The guitars are pretty amazing. It's an extraordinary redux. Congratulations to you both. But I'm always a sucker for the raw, original, which is all just to say that I love both versions.
I love that the Christmas bells turn to rotten fruit. I cannot identify with Manhattan too much (I've only been there once), but the line "Manhattan hangs like rotten fruit" - works. I was almost afraid that a song about New York would be cliché, but the portrayal of a mother and son - wow.
echoroom
This is one of those songs that I wrote the lyrics, and now have to figure out what they're abou.t I also get the mother/son thing, and about the loss of innocence , the corruption of child to adult ... perfect pop lyric then!
Thanks 'ella!
steve
What a sound, the chorus has some many layers, awesome track.
Schello
filtred vocal, go on... and the lyrics for me abosolutily "rollin stone" beh Steve tnx for to exist! =)
im not musician
----------------
Schello
echoroom
thanks for listening man... i ahve no option but to exist!
steve
Drew Kopr
Great job all round...there are too many well done things to list them all. Suffice it to say that this great art!!