Beatle-esque Song. How Can I Improve This?

[BrianCoyne]

Hey!

How is my mix? Should I cut a verse? Does it need some piano somewhere? Should I hire a better singer or does my singing suffice. (I won't get offended!)

Thanks for listening!

-Brian

https://soundcloud.com/brn_cyn/ages-between

[ilikered]

Hey Brian, I think you got the basic early beatles song writing style just about right where it's beatle-esque but not too much. I think that's a good thing.
I would suggest harmony vocals, or at least doubled vocals all the way through, a la John and Paul. Maybe doubled vocals in the verses, harmonies in the chorus, I think that'll give it that classic pop energy? I think your singing is good, I like it and I think you deliver the song well and you're a good singer, for what it's worth.
For the mix, I think turn the guitars up a little, and turn the bass down. Even though having it like this is very beatles, I think it's a little much. The "drums" could come up a little but they were never loud on the early records. If you do add piano, I think it's gotta be a Little Richard (RIP) or jerry lee lewis style rock and roll four on the floor part, it might give the song that extra layer to make it sound more finished and less a demo (not that it sounds like that now but I think you know what I mean). I personally DO NOT like adding parts BUT, the taxi reviewers are always telling me to add more stuff so that's what I've been forcing myself to do.
Do you have time? When is the listing due? If you're outta time, submit it the way it is, it's worth the try IMO

-Vikas

[Zaychi]

I don' t pick up the Beatle thing in it... it sounds too... American? for that.

Vocal is more than good enough, no need to hire.

I agree with the bass/guitar thing.

The song lacks a development in the later part (that' s why you feel like cutting a verse yourself, probably). Try finding a bridge, I'd say.

[BrianCoyne]

Hey Brian, I think you got the basic early beatles song writing style just about right where it's beatle-esque but not too much. I think that's a good thing.
I would suggest harmony vocals, or at least doubled vocals all the way through, a la John and Paul. Maybe doubled vocals in the verses, harmonies in the chorus, I think that'll give it that classic pop energy? I think your singing is good, I like it and I think you deliver the song well and you're a good singer, for what it's worth.
For the mix, I think turn the guitars up a little, and turn the bass down. Even though having it like this is very beatles, I think it's a little much. The "drums" could come up a little but they were never loud on the early records. If you do add piano, I think it's gotta be a Little Richard (RIP) or jerry lee lewis style rock and roll four on the floor part, it might give the song that extra layer to make it sound more finished and less a demo (not that it sounds like that now but I think you know what I mean). I personally DO NOT like adding parts BUT, the taxi reviewers are always telling me to add more stuff so that's what I've been forcing myself to do.
Do you have time? When is the listing due? If you're outta time, submit it the way it is, it's worth the try IMO

-Vikas

Many thanks, Vikas!

I will turn the bass down and bring guitars back up. I totally agree. Since I'm not trying to get a Beatles sound I won't worry about that. Yes, I will add solid harmonies and try a double vocal track on verses.

I too have been hearing from Taxi screeners to have more development. It's like verses aren't enough--gotta have new elements coming in and going out. Well, it makes for a fun challenge.

Thanks again for your thoughtful insights!

Regards,
Brian

[BrianCoyne]

I don' t pick up the Beatle thing in it... it sounds too... American? for that.

Vocal is more than good enough, no need to hire.

I agree with the bass/guitar thing.

The song lacks a development in the later part (that' s why you feel like cutting a verse yourself, probably). Try finding a bridge, I'd say.

Thank you, Zaychi! Yes, I agree that the vibe is more "American" than British. I'll take that. And yes, I will try some way of adding development around the 3rd verse so the songs stays fresh.

I appreciate your helpful tips!

Cheers!
Brian