Care to critique my country demo?

pesmitty · Post by **pesmitty** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:20 pm

www.myspace.com/perrysmithmusicSong starts automatically ("Is It Too Late")I would love to return the favor, so provide a link for me if you would like a critique from a music fan's perspective (I am no expert). Thanks all,Perry

tedsingingfox · Post by **tedsingingfox** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 5:31 pm

And let me clarify...I agree with what Chits just said. I think these songs are GREAT (and those of us who lurk around these boards know all too well that "Good" is NEVER good enough). I don't question whether or not I believe these tunes would get past the TAXI 'country' screeners. That's almost a sure thing. (But then again, it IS the country market...the TOUGHEST nut there is to crack of all, and I have ZERO successes in that market, so WHAT do I know???? ).I was only commenting on moments when I thought the vocals should have soared (and absolutely COULD have soared) but didn't. Hopefully, a producer with good ears will KNOW how to give it just enough of a tweak to send it into the stratosphere.I repeat...these are fantastic songs with (IMHO) a big future.Keep posting. I'll want to hear more.Ted

aubreyz · Post by **aubreyz** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 6:45 pm

Dude,Just heard the 2nd song. Wow. Amazing stuff. Some magic lines in there. It's something to use common phrases in a unique way. Similar issues though. Lift that chorus and you have something that IMHO competes very well with stuff I hear everyday on the radio in my wife's minivan-- (my personal taste is somewhat more dark and quirky )Aubbtw-- would love to hear more of your story. I know you have more than two friends

matto · Post by **matto** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 7:38 pm

Perry,I think your second song is by far better than the first, both musically and lyrically. Excellent lines in there, particularly the verse and bridge are lyrically tight.The chorus is a bit of a let down for me, it does not knock me out musically, I would like more of a meodic lift. Lyrically it's the most generic part of your lyric, and just a bit too ordinary.It doesn't contain that emotional payoff, that WOW I wish *I* had come up with this idea feeling that the top country songs give me.The first song didn't really wow me ; I liked to opening few lines...but then it just goes to the theme of the other guy way to fast for my taste and all the story line interest is lost. I think you could've mapped out this lyric a lot better and taken us on more of an emotional journey.I also think the concept of the song is too generic. Yes it's a situation everybody can relate to but it is not really told in a unique and fresh way. That's something that's very important to the Nashville market, you need that unique angle.I did like the idea of "it's not too late", but then I would've liked to see a turn around where the guy resolves to do something...even if just a symbolic gesture or something.I agree that the demos are top notch in every way, singing, playing, the arrangements, the production...it's all excellent.This will HELP sell the songs but IMHO the songs themselves could be stronger, especially "Is It Too Late".I hope this is not too much of a let down after the initial raves, but IMHO this is how Taxi's screeners, and beyond them the Nashville publishers and other songfolk will be scrutinizing and disecting your material.So consider this your heads up I think you definitely have a gem in the making in "Dream Another Dream" if you can somehow lift the chorus to a higher level, both musically and lyrically. There are some killer lines in that.So best of luck to you, keep working on your craft, you definitely have some real talent there.matto

pesmitty · Post by **pesmitty** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 7:44 pm

Thanks a ton, matto. This is precisely the reason I left the comfort of the opinons of my friends and family and came here. I will conisder everything you siad and see what I can do to improve the songs. Interesting, though, that you think Dream is so much better than Is It Too Late, as the general response so far has been greater for Is It Too Late. But Aub and you have me thinking that I might put more effort into Dream and see what happens. Keep the honesty coming, folks. I think that is what people truly want, even if they sort of don't

heinsite · Post by **heinsite** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:25 pm

hi perry, i never do this, but coulnd't resist the listen--very nice vibe, very nice everything actually, however from my experience (and i'll attach one of my country tunes...) taxi screeners would probably say the biggest fault might be that you are not being specific enough as to WHY the breakup. but that's just my opinion, after being turned down a million times... , but again, very nice demo. i hire for my country a firm out of nashville, and i like that they stay true to my tunes, but add that c/w sound, and the more authentic vox as well. anyway, good luck, again, i really like the tune, except for what i think might be the only problem...heinsite (warren)i'm going to give you my site on taxi, and click "Second Chance" or "I Still Miss Her Kiss" for what i'm trying to get passed the screeners, or even "Way"...http://taximusic.com/heinsiteps; sorry, wrong site map, try http://taxi.com/heinsite

johnnydean1 · Post by **johnnydean1** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:10 pm

Quote:www.myspace.com/perrysmithmusicSong starts automatically ("Is It Too Late")I would love to return the favor, so provide a link for me if you would like a critique from a music fan's perspective (I am no expert). Thanks all,PerryRe: Care to critique my country demo?No,but thanks for asking!

johnnydean1 · Post by **johnnydean1** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:23 pm

Quote:No worries. Anytime.Good answer!!!!! Great songs!!!I prefer,Is It Too Late.

paults · Post by **paults** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 3:46 pm

How about at www.taxi.com/pesmitty ? Here it is, I think:http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... tream=true

pesmitty · Post by **pesmitty** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:38 pm

Damn. Probably should have come up with that one! Thanks.