Hello,

I just did my rpm challenge february CD and I got a peer to peer review that was highly complimentary in a lot of areas. Since I don't need help there (ha, ha) -- I thought I would just post the parts where I needed help. So even though he said a lot of nice things, he hammered me on the mixing and mastering (I didn't do any mastering!). I am not sure I really have the "ear" for that side of the music making -- but I guess I can at least get better. Is there one book or internet series that you would recommend that I take a look at?

Originally Posted by My Album Reviewer
Things that i think would make this better:

- The mixing ... theirs some crazy panning this album. its kind of off-putting.
Vocals on the left, and bass on the right, at times... i just think you had a bit too much fun with panning stuff, And just think if you center vocals/bass/drums, for the most part, might sound better. with just panning and hard panning embellishments ...

- The mastering, the album is heavy on the mid range. With some bass. but very little high frequencies, to make it punchy.. i really wish, the songs would pop more, and be more bright, punchy and colorful. After a couple of songs... the tones just sound like a long wash.. and drone like. (Banjo/mandolin? for example, should really pop and be bright, to counter balance your bass, in my opinion)

- the signing style, now this is just my personal preference, but your vocals are just too smooth to sing weathered folky songs... i wish there was a bit more dirt/gravel in your voice, to really drive home the sense that the singer has been around, and weather, as some of the lyrics reflect. the smooth vocals make you sound too happy. Plus it would add character.

- giving the guitar more rest. Am amazed on how many instruments are being in this album, and not just that but played very well! i think their 1-2 songs that my ears wanted a rest from the guitar, and just wanted the piano. so yeah, 2 piano songs would have been great.

"Good science comes in peer reviewed journals. Conspiracy theories come in YouTube videos. "
Kevin @ bandcamp: Crows Say Vee-Eh