sure steve &mdash 02/16/08 - 01:59:23 AM
...nothing up lifting as death.
But F'n A, this is such a knock out track, that I feel like such a retard compared to it. Bob, Estellie, Phil & Steve. Christ almighty if you guys are not the new day Ratpack! [ Reply to This ]
Its a laugh.. &mdash 02/16/08 - 05:07:29 AM
... death... bloody hell, I've really gotta do some happy songs!
At the point I read this, i was burning a cd, 'cause we're doing a presentation at work as... The rat Pack.
Spooky!
'Ella will be Ava, then, i bugsy Frank! [ Reply to This ]
end of album. &mdash 02/16/08 - 02:02:06 AM
Or movie. There's even some credits rolling on the screen, while people in the audience wipe their tears quickly before the lights go on.
Steve, is this what I taught you to play at the Roxy in 77 ? Never mind the tearducts. This is quite simply a magnificent song. [ Reply to This ]
Sell out &mdash 02/16/08 - 05:09:10 AM
This is kinda mainstream. isn't it
Sorry, gotta just write what comes out.
Cant you hear this on American Idol??!! [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 02/16/08 - 03:18:44 AM
Great start of the song, with the piano playing.... Played with feelings... The vocals fits together... Good raw sound in them... It's a download.... Great... [ Reply to This ]
Hey LM &mdash 02/16/08 - 05:11:05 AM
Just heard your stuff and really liked it.. thanks for stopping by
steve [ Reply to This ]
This is fabulous ... &mdash 02/16/08 - 04:20:12 AM
.. without death, there is no life...
I think you handle the subject with an uplifting, romantic and positive way .. not easy that. I agree
it has a major motion picture soundtrack appeal ..
a missing song from 'Magnolia' for example ...
.. a really great song, and a fantastic mix level wise and stereo field wise- really, really spot on there... that 'jump up' for the chorus is sweet - important ebb & flow between chorus and verses in a song like this.
My quibbles are so small, lets just say when you've got to grips with your Ozone 3 purchase, you could 'warm' this one up a little freq wise (with the harmonic thang) and a think a preset for acoustic a little manual adjustment with the parametric EQ too, would easily de-squeak the 'fret-noise' on Philip's
excellent guitar additions.. small touch of some
mastering reverb perhaps .. and go easy or not use
the maximiser at all... and this 'may' be a little
better.
Great job with the piano.
As you well know, I'm a big fan of Estella and .. your not so bad yourself hahahaha ;o)- so your onto a winner there immediately :o)
The vocal work is just sooo good .. the harmonies, the wash, the togetherness as a whole (perhaps a little
tighter around 3:43?) .. the way you take turns, then combine together .. wonderful duet feel.
Yes - a ballad .. but I would put this in pop-mainstream ... as that's where I see it heading...
Demands respect this: great job Estella, Philip and
Steve .. Bob's gonna love this! [ Reply to This ]
The Master &mdash 02/16/08 - 05:24:50 AM
I haven't mixed or mastered a track in months, and was very cagey about doing this... working with guys like Philip and you make me feel a bit lost, to be honest.
So i did work on the stuff you said, which improved it (like the swell before the chorus), and to be honest, was playing this in the car yesterday morning and got a bit teary eyed, which i thought was a good sign, so posted it.
But i feel i need something (someone) to take me up a level, cause I'm about at the limit of my abilities in terms of mixing and stuff.... so I'll be coming to you for much more advice in future. All of this is really useful Alan, and I appreciate the help you gave me with this.
'Ellas singing, especially in the verses, KILLS me ... come on girly .... we need more from you at MJs! [ Reply to This ]
what really work for me here &mdash 02/16/08 - 06:32:39 AM
is the resignation, while still looking forward... remenicant of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" it's the exact right atmosphere for this song setting... i think the mix and vibe are excellent Steve... and as usual the vocal performances are stellar [ Reply to This ]
Gulp &mdash 02/16/08 - 07:31:26 AM
Nice to hear from you. Getting a comparison to THAT song in any way is frankly awesome... Cohen is one of my favourite songwriters, and 'H' is one of my favourite songs.
I'm glad this came across to you.. thanks Scott. [ Reply to This ]
on so many levels &mdash 02/16/08 - 09:24:11 AM
this is brilliant. the vocals are rich with emotion and texture. your voices just gell together. the strings are in the george martin category of good. i esp like the subtle guitar work. it adds a warm organic element to the soundbed. fantastic mix steve [ Reply to This ]
George martin! &mdash 02/16/08 - 12:35:05 PM
Hell of a comparison ! Thanks man ... This started as a gift
for Bob but turned into something a bit bigger! Thanks for
checking this out [ Reply to This ]
I only &mdash 02/16/08 - 11:18:11 AM
know this is Bob's song from your description. It has undertaken such dramatic changes.
You songwriting ability amazes me and the performances by both of you and the mix are superb.
Another great production.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Song for Bob &mdash 02/16/08 - 02:52:14 PM
This was the track we nearly all collabed on! maybe next time - thanks Len! [ Reply to This ]
I am officially floored! &mdash 02/16/08 - 12:26:51 PM
Once again, you have come up with something so imaginative and so wonderfully executed that I'm almost lost for words. But what kind of comment would that be, so...terrific vocal performances from everybody concerned. The contrast between your (Steve's) more resigned, accepting tone and estellie's more uplifting (but still sad) performance give this great power. So much so, in fact, that I did have to wipe a tear...powerful stuff.
The instrumentation is also very good. I read apb's post regarding the mix, and a lot of it makes sense to me. The squeak on the acoustic at the start in particular is a little distracting. I'm in the ha'penny place compared to apb as far as mixing and mastering goes, so I honestly couldn't even begin to approach that level of detail as far as what could benefit from tweaking, so I can't really tell you how to fix it!
Love the lyrical approach. Says something positive about something most people see as negative. Who was it said that death is the meaning of life. Was it Browning who said no flower would be beautiful if it lasted forever?
This is great. Kudos, people. Y'all rock. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Mixed Up &mdash 02/16/08 - 02:56:45 PM
Thanks David. i could've tinkered with this more, but impatient as usual, wanted to get the track done, and I felt this was kinda at the limit of my mixing ability. Being a non-guitar player, the squeak didnt really bother me that much, but one of the benefits of posting tracks is getting the feedback... it's very easy to lose perspective. The comments here spur me on to do better next time... cant ask for more than that.
Excellent new track from you, btw ... again!
steve [ Reply to This ]
Godspell... &mdash 02/16/08 - 12:59:38 PM
There's something about the music and singing and lyrics that propels this to "Broadway Musical Showtune" status for me... powerful succinct lyrics, clear vocal lines... unique and pretty music. Excellent job everyone!
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
Too much rufus! &mdash 02/16/08 - 03:00:17 PM
I totally see what you mean here, Drak! I've been listening to a lot of Rufus... maybe it's rubbed off! I'll see if lloyd Weber has any musicals coming up about death ...
lol
steve [ Reply to This ]
Spiritualized.... &mdash 02/16/08 - 01:30:45 PM
This has a very cool Spiritualized vibe about it, a la "Stop Your Cryin'."
Wonderful keys, guitar and vocals here.
Love the lyrics, too.
I have nothing to say about the production, because I feel like I have a lot to improve on in that area as well.
Kudos on a fab collab!! Maybe more to come....?
:) [ Reply to This ]
Hey Mysti &mdash 02/17/08 - 01:11:28 AM
Spiritualized are playing London soon too... what a coincidence! Thanks for stopping by - glad you liked the vibe. [ Reply to This ]
This song... &mdash 02/16/08 - 01:53:55 PM
Would fit well in a modern day remake of Harold and Maude. I guess with that said it reminds me of something Cat Stevens might do today if he chose to consider making music today.
Cat is one of my favorites and he has a song called "Where Do The Children Play" that is very special to me. This song matches that song in feeling and flow.
Very cool Steve!
Tobin [ Reply to This ]
Cool movie &mdash 02/17/08 - 01:15:28 AM
And first time i've been compared to Cat!
Believe This is lowly underway ... [ Reply to This ]
Featherweight &mdash 02/16/08 - 02:32:33 PM
Holy wow...is all I have to say. Great job on everything, I agree with all that's been said above... Makes me feel a bit amateurish to hear such mastery in every corner of this song. Great collab and great work! [ Reply to This ]
I like that &mdash 02/16/08 - 04:15:46 PM
little mouse. He adds a little sparkle to a shining mix. No reason to go gentle. The mix sounds great. And couple of great and sultry vocal performances. I enjoyed it. [ Reply to This ]
Sqeeek &mdash 02/17/08 - 01:20:50 AM
Hey Bucky... thank you... when do we hear more from you soon????
steve [ Reply to This ]
Ornamental Featherweight &mdash 02/16/08 - 04:23:29 PM
Mighty work my friend ..what a great duet song
you both fit so good ..Estellie voice so awesome
wih your deep voice here .nice emotions .
welldone my friend .great colab !! [ Reply to This ]
AWESOME... &mdash 02/16/08 - 04:24:53 PM
You two have alot to come...I BELEIVE IN YOU TWO MAKIN MUSIC TOGETHER....WOW : ) : ) : )
..BOTH of You have such great STRONG voices with many 'depths'/colors in them...quite unique...I sure am lookin fwd to more collabs with YOU!!!!!!!!!
....Man I'd LOVE to see the two of You on stage !(!)wonder if You're in the same country...? 4th listening now...gets better each time (problems with dl:( )
What a potential You guys have....mmmmmmm TX...happysigh... Love to U both 8 ) [ Reply to This ]
Woops.. THANKYOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! &mdash 02/16/08 - 04:28:59 PM
I got so lost in Your 2 VOICES TOGETHER so I forgot bout the ALL OF YOU ! (LOL) SORRY - I WANNA C U ALL ON STAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Courtsey & Love to You All ;) : ) : )
Lena [ Reply to This ]
Well... &mdash 02/17/08 - 01:22:31 AM
... I think Ella's in Texas, and I'm in the UK, so no time soon .... but i'm in NY in July... you never know!
Thank you!
steve [ Reply to This ]
; )heheehhehehe..... &mdash 02/17/08 - 02:21:46 PM
Ya never no..do Ya'(don't miss that chance...its not so far away as it seems/July ; ) 8 ) ( 8 tx again ! [ Reply to This ]
Great up and down &mdash 02/16/08 - 05:30:53 PM
Boss &mdash 02/17/08 - 01:29:37 AM
I'll tell sophia when I see her... but i aint got the time now!
lol
steve [ Reply to This ]
Cool Remix &mdash 02/16/08 - 06:56:01 PM
Excellent vocals throughout from the both you, Nice music to listen to on the beach, nothing summertime and death :) [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Tom... &mdash 02/17/08 - 01:31:45 AM
My prediction is... &mdash 02/16/08 - 08:49:50 PM
...somehow or other this becomes some sort of Internet-rumored great song...and someone picks it up, and it really does get to be the "roll the credits" song at the end of a sad movie...
I'll be right there, sniffling into my sleeve...
Steve, I always love your vocals. On this one the special surprise is the blend with Estellie in the backing vocals... The backing vocals end up sounding vulnerable, instead of that bv slick sound, and so they make the song more of what it is...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Calling holywood! &mdash 02/17/08 - 01:35:37 AM
Thanks Ed (what, still o song from you yet??!!).
A definite winner in 'movies about divorce and terminal disease'... i can see the oscar nomination now!
I wanted to work with Ella for a looong time, and she makes this track for me...a beautiful voice!
ta
steve [ Reply to This ]
Wow- &mdash 02/16/08 - 09:34:54 PM
Hi
Excellent sound and good, thought provoking, moving lyrics. I love both your vocals Yes ! yes this could very well be a really good stage production you both sang so sweetly,.
I always say do what feels right at the time and take a chance but as you might know
I am only just strarting out and I have a lot to learn from this too
What a lovely masterpiece ' I call works of art.' Well done and I always say usually- My two ears know what they like to listen to, and yours was one of many I have listened to now also. Thanks so much for sharing.
Peace
Dee.
[ Reply to This ]
Starting out &mdash 02/17/08 - 01:39:22 AM
You sound pretty together for someone just starting out, Dee! Thanks for listening... really enjoyed your lateat... glad you liked our little 'showtune'!
steve [ Reply to This ]
Love the production &mdash 02/16/08 - 10:52:30 PM
Some of those sounds seem to be behind me :)
Great vocals from you both - would have liked Estella's to have been just a tad louder, but barely noticeable as a nit.
Good lyrics, production, singing, playing (nice guitars Philip). Excellent post!!
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Ella &mdash 02/17/08 - 01:26:00 PM
shoulda sung the whole thing. Yeah, i struggled to get the balance right... hope I didnt drown her out!
Thanks Neil
steve [ Reply to This ]
Love this tune &mdash 02/17/08 - 12:09:15 PM
RatPack &mdash 02/17/08 - 12:24:20 PM
Steve, Estellie, Bob,
Thanks so much for inviting me to add my rodent squeeking guitar to this. I think there was an EQ shift that accentuated the squeek, somehere along the line, but Steve, after having a mixing houseboy (me...;-) for a couple months I think you did an amazing job with this.
The noodling acoustic tracks I tossed off, then sent to you were a real hodge-podge and I think you did an admirable job of editing them to work with the track, sorry I was too busy to be more help, but the new job has got me locked down for the moment.
This is a complex song. There is air where there needs to be, lushness where there needs to be, density, etc. Well done!
The vocal performances are close to flawless. You two make an amazing duo. Two of the best voices on the site, I'd have to say.
Thanks for including me. I think I'd like to be part of this Rat Pack long-term.
Ciao,
Philip [ Reply to This ]
Help! &mdash 02/17/08 - 01:32:07 PM
You see what happens when you leave me alone, I f**k it up! I coulda improved the squeak (what is this, squeakgate??) but dont have you talent or ability, so its there, but doesnt bother me... I'm so glad you added this, cause it helped give the track momentum.
I'm not gonna do any more tracks until we're both retired and can do this full time, or I come to SF and you mentor me for a month.
Nice to hear from you, keep in touch buddy ...
steve
[ Reply to This ]
Very good &mdash 02/17/08 - 01:33:01 PM
I dont think there is anything that cant be done musicaly here at MJ's You guys took 5extra to 10extra Excellent! [ Reply to This ]
Ego! &mdash 02/18/08 - 01:28:48 AM
Nothing that can't be done with time talent and patience.... I'm buggered then!
thanks man
steve [ Reply to This ]
Steve, &mdash 02/17/08 - 04:51:52 PM
Incredible how dynamic your voice - ! Don't you usually sing more high Tenor than this? nice
and you can sing with Estellie, no doubt
. - Harold [ Reply to This ]
Whew &mdash 02/18/08 - 01:34:02 AM
yeah, singing with Estellie is pretty daunting! I usually sing higher than this, but it gets a bit loud and waily, and this needed something calmer and gentler than normal!
Thanks for stopping by
steve [ Reply to This ]
stirring ... &mdash 02/18/08 - 04:23:35 AM
... what an amazing duet with Estellie and a brillant team work overall! steve, no worries about your mixing abilities! [ Reply to This ]
Hey Alex.. &mdash 02/18/08 - 11:22:48 AM
Excellent song &mdash 02/18/08 - 06:32:46 AM
Ooh, you've got a new NT1-A? Not that I'm a gear head, but they are bloody brilliant aren't they? I hardly have to use any EQ on my voice at all since I got one o' them.
Anyway, you know how much I love songs about death and this one is fabulous. Lots of different layers and textures all weaving in and out of each other but still as light as a feather.
Great performances all round! [ Reply to This ]
Ta Rebs &mdash 02/18/08 - 11:25:35 AM
Yup, Phil got me the mic, and this was the first time using it... much better than my old shure one (after i figured out where the phantom power button was).
Death... it's part of life!
steve [ Reply to This ]
Harmonies &mdash 02/18/08 - 07:45:19 AM
Stunning harmonies. I could listen to this song all day.
Thanks
Bill [ Reply to This ]
That would be... &mdash 02/18/08 - 11:31:09 AM
I definitely get the &mdash 02/18/08 - 11:35:50 AM
Exit Music for a Film vibe from this fantastic collab. Everyone did such a great job - the lyrics are wonderful and your voices sound great together. [ Reply to This ]
'head &mdash 02/18/08 - 11:55:31 AM
Hadn't thought of that, but yeah, I totally get that now you mention it... its as cheery as Thom! [ Reply to This ]
Hey Steve. &mdash 02/18/08 - 03:29:25 PM
I thought I left a comment here.
My mac has been crashing and maybe I walked away ... arg!
Great tune. I love the contrast in your two vocals.
Bonnie & Clyde
meets
Bowie and Baez
this is a piano version... just embellished perfectly by some friends
nice collab
Steve, you have such insight as to how to, and who to,
with this collab thing
that in itself is a talent
peace
tim
[ Reply to This ]
A lil help from my friends &mdash 02/19/08 - 03:15:21 AM
Bowie meets baez - excellent!
I think i have a good idea of my weaknesses, and so try and rope in people who have skills I dont, e.g. guitar playing, better mixing skills etc. This started off simple, me and piano, but Estellies voice sounds great on anything. Phil has a lot on his plate at the moment, otherwise I woulda got him more involved in this.
Thanks for commenting!
steve [ Reply to This ]
Thanks! &mdash 02/18/08 - 05:27:49 PM
Steve, I hope you will be willing to sing with me again sometime! I agree you have one of the most distinct and beautiful voices around here, and around other places, as well. It was such a pleasure.
Phil, I like your delicate and skillful playing here--just right. Steve, I think you did well with the mixing. I've always found the mouse in guitars very endearing.
I liked what you said in your e-mail about how amazing it is that a group of people who have never met could accomplish so much musically. It would be a blessing to work with you guys in person, but this isn't too bad, either!
I'm trying my best to get more music out, but I'm working VERY slowly as graduate school and wedding plans keep getting in the way! Here's to Spring Break coming up in March! [ Reply to This ]
Hey E &mdash 02/19/08 - 03:20:29 AM
I remember playing the first song you posted here and thinking 'Jeez, this girl has a great voice', and I 've talked about collabing with you for ages, so i'm totally thrilled with this track. In hindsight I shoulda spent a bit more time on the sound issues, but then you start singing and I'm transported.
I definately intend to bother you again for more tracks in future ... you have a great voice, period, and it's a pleasure to work with you.... and i wish you all the best for your future ! [ Reply to This ]
steve &mdash 02/20/08 - 01:10:44 PM
i've been sick for the last week and missed this one. really amazing. you and estellie sound great together. for some reason this almost reminds me of Spiritualized (who I worship). This is just a really great song. Great collab guys. [ Reply to This ]
Get well soon &mdash 02/21/08 - 04:16:59 AM
Hope you're feeling better, Michael. Spiritualised are touring the UK soon... i thought they'd split up.
Glad you liked this... ella sounds fantastic on this! [ Reply to This ]
Meeting &mdash 02/20/08 - 03:46:53 PM
of talented MJ, fan of you all...
Excellent collab, nice tune Steve, on everything ! And very good mix !
I love your vocals and it's always a great pleasure to discover a new post from you.
Estella, the same for you, glad to hear you with your so nice voice.
Great performance you two with Philip and Bob, bravo...
Marc
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks marc &mdash 02/21/08 - 04:28:41 AM
Nearly up to the standard set by you and Micahel2! Thanks, as ever, for your support
steve [ Reply to This ]
Ornamental &mdash 02/20/08 - 05:11:11 PM
Oh man, I just love this! The voices blend so well together, the build works really well. This is a total download - so glad I found you! Thanks [ Reply to This ]
Hey MT &mdash 02/21/08 - 01:15:44 PM
Really enjoyed your latest - thanks for stopping by... my keyboard skills are pretty dire next to yours, so thank you!
s [ Reply to This ]
wow!! &mdash 02/21/08 - 08:33:12 AM
people!
that was one mighty song. steve and estellie - my new favorite vocal duo - what glorious impact you ALL make here.
anne [ Reply to This ]
Vocal queen &mdash 02/21/08 - 01:18:57 PM
That's some compliment coming from you, lady! Thanks Anne - your harmonies always leave me very envious... i should let you and Ella sing this all!
lol
steve [ Reply to This ]
Late to the party &mdash 02/22/08 - 03:50:03 AM
pity all the beer has gone (even checked the bicycle panniers in the hall) but at least the music was still good.
Excellent track.
Thought provoking and very well done.
Cheers
Dick
[ Reply to This ]
Dont worry... &mdash 02/22/08 - 04:56:52 AM
... theres a bottle of wine with some acid in it... ah no, its a joke, someones pissed in it (that happened to me at my first year of college).
Off to the all night offy then...
steve [ Reply to This ]
Powerful &mdash 02/22/08 - 03:16:41 PM
You kids are spectacular!!
I can't believe this version ever happened and I'm blown away by what it became. Is there no limit to your abilities??? How could you guys keep a secret from me like this?
You can imagine my surprise when I got the file in an email on Valentines Day. It's taken me a week to finally come to the site and comment.
You three are awesome artists. [ Reply to This ]
Glad you're not mad! &mdash 02/23/08 - 04:39:10 AM
I was a little worried that you might be miffed that we'd done this.... but i thought estellie would protect me.
I think this is an ace song you wrote, and it survives multiple interpretations!
lol buddy
steve [ Reply to This ]
Miffed? &mdash 02/24/08 - 07:00:08 AM
You sensitive artists types. I thought I went over board with the praises and thanks in the barrage emails I sent you! I figured you'd be disgusted with me by the time I actually commented here at the site!
Aren't we a funny lot?
I love this song and I love you guys in the weirdest, sickest way ever. [ Reply to This ]
Rode Nt1-A Buddy &mdash 02/22/08 - 04:19:43 PM
Hey, we're mic buddies! How exciting. I don't know what you were singing with before, but you do sound especially rich on this song, as though there's more voice in your voice.
I don't know how I got distracted the other day and didn't comment on this because I was blown away. It's wonderful and I've listened to it tons since you posted it. Estella's vocal is MAGIC. When her vocals first come in, the hair on my arms stands up every time. She sounds completely professional and I love the little raspiness in her voice on "today".
This is SO not an American Idol song, Steve. Maybe American Idol in a Bizarro Universe where one of the judges is Lou Reed. They don't let you say 'sex' or 'laid' or 'we're gonna die,' on American Idol.
You guys should be a band, absolutely. All of you. This is a hit song if it could just get on the damn radio. Phil is quickly becoming my favorite musical mastermind. Even though you mixed this, I can feel his influence here.
Magic, magic. Love, love.
|
But F'n A, this is such a knock out track, that I feel like such a retard compared to it. Bob, Estellie, Phil & Steve. Christ almighty if you guys are not the new day Ratpack!
[ Reply to This ]