Picture Book - Kinks Cover - NEW MIX

[Mark Kaufman]

This one is by The Kinks, something I want to put in an online competition for Cover songs. Any help on the mix or production would be welcome. Thanks! http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7092797

[davekershaw]

Oh yeah Mark.The Kinks & Ray Davies.One of my favourite bands, and writers and singers!This is good.I know you want more, so I'll leave space for the others.Best of luck with that competition.Dave.

[heinsite]

hey mark, i remember this davies tune--damn you sound allot like him here man. i really like the entire production and your vocals --i'd like to suggest hearing the acoustic guitar ALLOT more up front, and that would fix the drums in the beginning as well "maybe" being a tad too out front?--your vocal is just fine, with a bit of tweaking and smoothing out on the machines you gots--i dig the la la falsetto, great harmony (is your middle name ray?) tweak the falsetto a bit, reverb a tad?, but it's damn near there, and this is just my opinion, it's so close, maybe nada...--i'd personally lose the "scooby doo", conjurs up that damn dog (unless you're trying for that.. )however in it's place after leaving the other nah nahs, etc, maybe a guitar, either a sturdy and prominent acoustic lead, or electric but not too blasting lead--answering in place of the scooby? or on top of that freelance piece.. but hell, the last time (can't remember the song...) i suggested dumping one line i was SURE didn't fit, you said no way, no how,,,,so as always, your tune! LOL...AND i dig it, very nice effort for this "cover" IMHO. very "kinky"all the best,warren

[mojobone]

I'd suggest compressing the bass a bit more to even out a few notes, then hit the master bus compressor a little harder. Your production skills are progressing by leaps and bounds, Mark. Nice work on the drums, too. Kudos!

[zoom]

Hey Mark!I'd say Mojo's got a line on what you need... and I'll throw in that you might try a boost in everything but the snare -- it's way out in front and throws off the balance for me. Maybe EQ a bit more bass... but this is a much much better starting point than the last couple of posts in regards to mix. Playing is great, and I love that song. Nice job!

[Mark Kaufman]

Woohoo, looks like I'm finally getting somewhere.Dave - I'm with you, brother. The Kinks never disappoint me, just always fun and irresistible.Warren - I probably sound like him because we both have skinny necks. I'll take another spin at the acoustic levels, and ease off that snare. I suppose I could lose the Scooby, but when you take away things like that from cover songs, you end up pissing off the people who wait for that part. Still, your idea is cool and tempting...some sort of instrumental riff...hmmmMojo - I'll do that! Exactly the sort of ears I was hoping for. Thanks!Zoom - Yes, the drums are TOO much...I'll pull them back and boost the rest.This song was speedy, probably about three hours total. I'm starting to thing I should just work faster and fuss less... Thanks for all the help!-Mark

[ideascapes]

Great, Mark, this must have been really fun to do. I have a friend who writes only soundalikes from bands in the '60s and they're a blast to try to produce. In fact, I'm going to send this to him--he'll love it!My detailed production advice would depend on whether you want this to sound like it was recorded in 1968 (when the Kinks released the original) or 2008. Either way, I'd recommend you treat the drums differently; specifically, I'd narrow the stereo field to almost mono and re-amp them. If your studio setup allows you to run the audio through an amp, I'd do that and mic the speaker. Otherwise, you could use a plug-in and mix the amped version with the current signal you have here. That'll dirty them up a little; right now they sound too pristine and too wide to me. The closer you want this to sound to 1968, the more I'd mix in the re-amped drums.I do think the vocals (especially falsetto), guitar, and bass are well done. The time and feel of this song are excellent.Best of luck with the competition!Vince

[Mark Kaufman]

Thanks Vince! Yeah, I used EZ Drummer on this.I guess I'd like to take the 60's spirit and give it 2008 sound...of all their albums, I think The Village Green Preservation Society has probably the worst sound, recordingwise...and some of the best songs. The drums in particular on their track is just dull-sounding as can be...although that's part of the sloppy charm. Anyway, rather than dirty it up, I'd like to make this particular version simply cohesive and clear.You have excellent advice...wish I really did play drums. I sure would love to hear what your friend thinks.Thank you!-Mark

[matthoggard]

I was also gonna suggest a bit more "low-fi" sound on the drums. But, if you want a modern repro, stick with what youve got.The crash cymbal or whatever sounds a little weird to me. A real high swish sound in my monitors.All around excellent work. One of my favorite Kinks songs also.M~

[Mark Kaufman]

Thanks Matt!New mix is posted...I really don't know if I like it better or worse. More acoustic guitar, beefier bass, toned-down drums and more overall compression.