My birthday present

[elwoodblues1969]

James,

The inclusion of a real drummer(due to a lack of realistic VST's),is of course a substantial upgrade & the audio recording quality is ace....but I'm sorry to say,the composition of this drum track is no better than the original(in my opinion).

It sounds as if the drummer is playing along with a rock song,as it has too much energy for this folk tune & it just doesn't gel,because the timing is all wrong for this piece.

The volume level is a bit overpowering as well.Honestly...I think this song stands well enough without drums at all.I know how pleased you are to have a real drummer in on this version,so it makes me really uncomfortable to disappoint you by expressing my forthright opinion...but it is what it is,as I see it.

My apologies to Mr.Robinson,but I call it as I hear it.


-Thom

[offthewall]

Thanks for listening Thom.
I seem to recall you having a similar point of view when I first made this song.
I have always approached this one as 'apart' from my usual folk-ish style.
This, to me, was always intended to be my own personal 'rock anthem', if you like. My intention has always been for this to be a powerful, forceful piece and I'm more than happy the way it has turned out.

Shows how we all hear things in different ways 

 
James

[SLD Music]

I'm totally new to this song, as I wasn't around in 2009.  Nice work, James!

Wish I could play guitar.    ::sigh::  I realize you're calling this finished, and believe me, I can appreciate that sentament, especially when you've spent so much time and invested so much emotion into something to try to make it the best you can.  For my part, I like both version in different ways.  I like the first one for the fact that the drums aren't quite so present.  They are there, but not too prominant in the track--allowing you to concentrate more on the lyrics and mood.  On the other hand, I like the second version because the drums sound so good.    Those are really nicely recorded drums, and there's nothing like live playing.  In addition, the looser playing style really does fit the song.

I really like both versions.  Congratulations on completing a song that was clearly very meaningful and important to you!  Nicely done!

[offthewall]

Thank you for listening and your kind comments, Scott.

 
James