Well I just progressed your song to my hifi set, and it sounds good. My wife thinks so too (never a bad sign). My first impression that the vocals don’t sit well in the mix at some points remains a bit. Another thing I’m hearing now is that the kick is quite clicky. Matter of taste of course, but it sort of distracted me. Good luck with your further progression towards a world smash hit 
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Intro cool. Ten seconds was enough for me:) ha ha Love your lower register…fix the mutts. Second time you sang the low notes you hit em. Reminds me of Rick Springfield a bit. Yup, this is good . congrats
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Hey, very interesting to listen to some raw stuff from you.
I really like what the drums have to say, specially during the chorus, very smart wrinting to me. The chorus is very catchy as well.
I find the guitar parts during verses a bit boring and repetitive and as @feaker, the intro is a bit long and it lacks of some transition to lead to the song…
By the way, another great shot from you!!
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All right, another Andrew tune! I don’t have anything really that hasn’t already been said. I think this is one of your best vocals. You get a nice “grit” when you’re pushing your voice. Sounds good! For quick bashing, nothing new there either! The intro seems too long and the vocal seems a bit out front too. Good one! 
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Glad you like that bit Emma! You have to listen to the lyrics to get why that is there, though
Well, that’s encouraging - I struggle the most with the vocals, as you probably guessed!
I think I might re-sing those parts. They have been shifted and straightened as much as I dare, but I’ve always found the lowest notes the most difficult to sing. Thanks so much for your thoughts!
Thanks W! Yeah, my wife came in the room looking pretty alarmed while I was singing those. I’m trying to explore a greater variety of textures in my vocals. This song certainly tests the lowest points of my range. Some of the hidden backgrounds are pretty high too.
I originally demo’d the song with VSTi drums, but the parts were pretty carefully crafted. I sent the demo to the drummer, and he pretty much duplicated what was in the demo. He did a great job, but of course added that little “something” that only a real drummer can do.
The “breakdown” - A tried and true method to give the last chorus more intensity and impact 
It’s great to get feedback like this. After working on vocals for a while, I tend to get so picky, I end up hating everything and feel like removing my own vocal chords with a rusty knife. I know in reality it is not as bad as all that though, so it’s good to get a more unbiased viewpoint that balances out my pessimism just a tad. Those comments give me something specific to concentrate on. Thanks so much for your help!
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Good stuff. It has real good vibe and drive in the chorus. I have no doubt then when you are done the flow will be even better and it is good already. I think the others hit on anything that i would mention.
Thanks Evert, these are all points others (not necessarily on this site) have mentioned too, so I will definitely be adjusting things there.
Now, that is funny 
That’s ok… I’m guessing you’re not a big fan of songs like “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” then 
The intro will be more exciting in the next revision, but I’m not shortening it just for you. 
As I said above: Listen to the lyrics and the intro will make sense.
Well, I think my lower register sucks! (and my middle and high register aren’t much better!) Yah gotta work with what you have, I guess! 
Meh - There are worse people I could be compared to I guess 
…he was ok when he was in The Zoot back in '71 (look 'em up - they did a killer cover of Eleanor Rigby)
Thanks! Nice succinct, direct review 
Thanks NCLS. See my reply to Emma above regarding the drums.
Really? That’s disappointing, 'cause I LOVE that riff. I guess you can’t please everyone… I’m guessing you’re don’t like stuff like Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire”, Brian Adam’s “Run to You” or even The Police’s “Every Breath” or “Message In a Bottle”.
The song is meant to hit suddenly. However, I have come up with an idea that may fulfil both briefs - to hit suddenly and transition somewhat. Stay tuned.
Thank you for your input - much appreciated!
Thanks Mike! I think I’ve landed on a technique that enables more vocal distortion (physical, not post-processing technique) without causing damage or too much vocal fatigue.
The vocal being too out front was a result of checking the mix in the car when I still had too much mud in the low mids. I think I’ve solved the low mid issues, now I just need to pull the vocal level back appropriately.
Thanks Eric. This track has been a real struggle to mix for me. At one point I completely lost objectivity and started again- I completely “zeroed out” the first mix and built it from scratch. (I have never done that before, ever!) I don’t normally post mixes that are still this unfinished, but I needed to give myself a break from it, get some outside input, and re-assess.
I’m probably feeling more precious and anxious about it than I should, as it is the first track of a new album, and I want the album to start off with a bang. It’s been a real mental challenge to dig in and get this one over the line.
Thank you to everyone for your generous help!
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I like this, I like the intro a lot, I guess you could transition maybe like Love LIes Bleeding but it works as is too. I like the sighing effect (BGV?) early on and the different vocal textures, a little pitchy is good sometimes, anything to push the envelope! I know you can do good but I like different sometimes too. I like that there’s no solo, you’re a great soloist but it becomes a cliche and if the song can work without it so much the better.
So is that how you say progress in Australia, with a long ‘o’? I guess we messed that up here to.
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I hear you. It is definitely hard to keep perspective of ones on work. We over question certain aspects and get numb to other more glaring issues. Well I hope that the feedback is helping you get to where you need to be. I really think besides the vocal on the initial verse and the need for some more movement throughout the song it is sounding good.
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Thanks Ingo! Glad you like it. The “sighing” effect is actually a synth patch from Dimension Pro (if I recall correctly).
I’m of the same mind with you on this. However, if enough people I respect mention something in particular, I’ll definitely change it.
Yeah, I never actually wrote this with a solo in mind… In fact, truth be told, I hardly ever write any of my songs with a solo in mind… I remember you getting stuck into me about solos on the last song I posted.
The impression I got from what you said was that you thought I was just plastering solos all over the place because I’m an ego-maniac guitarist, whose songs are just a vehicle for his solos. That couldn’t be further from the truth! I usually only decide to put a solo in if I think the song would benefit from it, but it certainly is not just as a matter of course. Listen to all the songs off “Meandersaur”. Sure, there are solos, but many of them are very short, succinct and melodic. I tried to make all of them serve a musical purpose within the song arrangement.
That said, there may be some more surprises in store for this track… stay tuned!
I’m not going to buy into that one! 
Let’s just say we are nations divided by a common language, and leave it at that!
Thanks for listening, and your input!
I think I’ve said it before, but being your own producer is a tough job. Great to get some help and objectivity here. Thanks!
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That makes sense but remember our membership is heavy on a certain demographic and pushing the envelope might not be their thing but it might reach out elsewhere. Just a thought.
I’m a guitar player. I love guitar solos. I love your solos. I mourn the passing of the rock guitar gods. I myself have moved on to other genres that feature more instrumental work, not less.
But I’m honestly trying to give you my best input as to what might work to your advantage. You certainly don’t have to listen to or believe what I say but I think we have a lot in common regardless. I listened to all of Meandersaur on Soundcloud in one sitting (because I liked it) and my ears heard a great talent that could easily benefit from a wider pallet and vision. I believe many producers would tell you the same thing. It’s not about the solos per se. It’s not that you’re rewriting the same song, you have lots of variety within a certain space. Look at the response you got with a rough acoustic demo. Look at the response your getting with this tune that has some different colors mixed in. How about some 2 or three guitar solos? How about some instrumentals? I just think you are limiting yourself and I wouldn’t waste my time nit picking you if I didn’t believe what I’m saying might help.
And by the way, the people that accomplish big things have big egos, whether they let it show or not.
I don’t doubt that. I wasn’t questioning your motive - I was just explaining how it came across to me.
I appreciate the compliment, but what you’re hearing is more hard work more than talent.
Maybe so, but does my taste count?.. I mean, really?! What I’m doing is what I want to do. I don’t want to be or do something else.
I mean, I get it - You were a guitarist, you’re over it, you want to do something else - that’s fine.
…but that’s not me…I’m different - I still want to write and record songs broadly within the concept of a rock band. I don’t care if that isn’t current or whatever. It makes me happy.
Different colours? I beg to differ - It’s just me doing what I do. These colours have always been on my palette. Again, go and re-listen to the album - “Snake Oil Salesman” and “The Ballad of Charles and Harry” are so far removed in style and variety of textures and instrumentation from songs like “Lean” or “Outa Control” that, if it wasn’t for the fact that they’re sung by me, they could be coming from different planets!
…& how do you know I haven’t already done those things? For example:
Look, as I said , I’m not questioning your motive or saying that your suggestions aren’t coming from a good place. However, their implications seem to assume a lot about me that just isn’t true. Just wanted to make that clear.
I always try to listen. Listening is the most important skill to learn in music bar none, IMO. I too think we probably agree on a lot of things. I just get uncomfortable being put in the position where I feel I’m being misunderstood and unfairly categorised.
Gitty up cowboy. Holy crap that was some fine speedy playin. Another large portion of humble pie for me. ha ha The tone is awesome too. (could have included your mug)
Hey bud. I like what you do big time including your vocals that you are down on right now. Very few of us here make our own songs entirely. Please accept all comments without getting upset.
It is very difficult from the other side to tell a very talented artist that he has a few vox notes a little too far off center. I lost my best friend here zeroing in on just one trivial thing.
I was a varsity basketball coach and I told my assistant to never shut up during the game. I said I would not comment back. Just wanted quick feedback that I would quickly process. “coach, you do know Jerry has four fouls”?
I wish there was a place you could send tracks (for a fee) where one didn’t have established friends. Kinda like a format when you google tires or cars. pros on the left and cons on the right. How simple that would be. cons…bridge is off target and weak…etc
On the plus side I get to see my oldest daughter and three grandkids tomorrow after 8 months. Surprise for my grandson Ryan (20). i am giving him my 2017 Camry. We will buy new.
Stay cool ole friend
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Did I give the impression I was upset by you saying that? I wasn’t at all upset! I know singing is your “thing”. (along with @Emma ) so I really take your comments to heart and try to improve. I’m sorry, you got the wrong impression completely, Paul - Sometimes I find Americans don’t understand the typical Aussie self-deprecating sense of humor…
My reply was just making light of the fact that I don’t really like my own voice, but I live with it, because it is the only one I’ve got, and when all is said and done, I think it’s ok.
Just to update you. I have already “fixed the mutts” that you and others pointed out and I think I’ve improved what was bugging me. I’ve been workin’ up another mix, which is coming along really nicely.
I have a guest artist doing some work for the track, so I’m waiting for their contributions to be sent to me, so I can present a completely overhauled mix.
I’ve found this to be an excellent place, over the years TBH! My entire last album was critiqued on RR and here, and that was extremely helpful - that’s why I keep coming back! There are a lot of trusted ears here, and I don’t mind the truth bombs. Usually after a while, even observations you didn’t take notice of at first resonate later when you gain a little distance from the project at hand.
The nice thing about IRD is that, even when you disagree on something, you generally know that the suggestion or observation is truly coming from a good place/intention (as per my discussion with @ingolee ), so it’s not like everyone is trying to troll you or tear you down just for the sake of it.
Awesome mate - I’m happy for you! Man, it would’ve been nice to have such a modern car when I was that age. My first car (in 1986) was a 1973 Mini 1100s!
No problem, that’s easy here because it is Winter, the finest time of year hear in Brisbane! Chrystal clear sunny days at around 24 degrees C (75 deg F) and clear starlit nights getting down to 7 degrees C (44 deg F). Beautiful!
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Ha! I’m a little older than you, but my first car (in 1980) was a 1973 VW Super Beetle. (I was half expecting you to say that when I read 1973.) I had that car for years. I still have a sore back from stuffing my Peavy bass cabinet into the back seat of that car! 
FWIW, I didn’t see any of the defensiveness in the comments here. It’s a tough thing to put yourself “out there” and it’s a tough thing to receive honest criticism too. That is one of my favorite things about this site, is the number of very helpful and accomplished musicians, song writers, and engineers giving feedback and advice from a good place. It’s kind of intimidating to be honest. 
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Ooh, that sounds really difficult. Thank goodness amps are much lighter now (& cars are much better)! I stilll have nightmares about replacing the radiator in the Mini. Changing the engine? You had to basically dismantle the entire front end! “Worst-car-ever-to-work-on!!!” I understand Beetles weren’t much better in that respect. Ironically I now own a VW - A GTi Golf.
Yeah, sometimes it’s hard to get your head around things. It can be a little bruising and deflating at times - especially when you’re really excited about something and the response is not so great. I try to take away the things that will help me improve and just move on. Overall, posting music here has been a very positive experience!
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Hi all - New, updated and improved mix here:
Ok, I may misinterpret the section and the flow of the song. I was speaking about the 1:20 -> 1:46 section (pre-chorus I suppose) where guitars only play one chord per measure…
I’m gonna check this in the next thread.
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Ah, I see… yeah I agree, it is a very plain part! Very “pedestrian”… but that is deliberate, I suppose. I always thought of it as a way of contrasting the more complex verse part before it… I guess if it were more complex, it wouldn’t contrast as well with the parts either side of the prechorus.
It’s always very hard to understand the intent of the writer when you try to critique a song; personal taste and preference always become a part of your judgement.
I’ve tried to learn that knowing where I may have taken a particular composition is typically irrelevant; if the writer knows what they are doing, questioning the direction they choose is counterproductive.
This song is a great case in point; every decision made was intended to propel the song, as well as set the stage for each twist and turn along the path. The message comes across loud and clear to the point that minor imperfections are superfluous. The damn thing is stuck in my head.
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