Rock Staff Writer -- Take Two

[Casey H]

Hi AubThis is my first listen for a while. You got the chorus standing out way more than the first cut I heard... This is thing is really rocking now. Metal Aub & Ponch live at the Forum!!! ... When's the deadline on this infamous listing? I hope someone here gets the gig! Casey

[aubreyz]

This is a harder process than it looks Here we go... second song, faders up mix - new lyrics.I Believe I BelieveVs1I’ve had enough of looking back at the mirrorAnd seeing someone who I don’t want to beThe only way I can see into the futureIs looking good for all the good I can't seeRight nowCh1I believe in higher loveSomething more than we can dream ofDon’t have to wait for destinyNothing can stop it, I believe I believeVs2I took my time but now I’m taking back the momentWith no second chance ticking awayDon’t have a minute now to spare for discontentmentWithin the hour live the power todayRight nowCh2I believe in higher loveSomething more than we can dream ofDon’t have to wait for destinyNothing can stop it, I believe I believeBridgeThere’s plenty of plenty to go around nowToo much up to try and tear anybody down nowI believe in meSoloCh3I believe in higher loveSomething more than we can dream ofDon’t have to wait for destinyNothing can stop it, I believe itI believe in higher loveSomething more than we can dream ofDon’t have to wait for destinyNothing can stop it, I believe I believeI believe I believeI believe I believeI believe I believeI believe I believeI believe in me

[daniel481]

Hey Aub,I like it...I'm just wondering about how much it's hittin' those a-la's, though. I'm getting a strong STP/Velvet Revolver vibe from the music, and I suppose VR is kind of in that vein, but I'm having a hard time hearing Daughtry or Nickleback doing that. The lyrics also come across as a bit inspirational. Now, there's nothing wrong with that at all, but again, I just don't know that I would hear any of those artists singing "I believe in Higher Love", especially when one those bands had a big hit called "Let's Get Stoned" Just my two cents. I'm curious to hear the final mix, though.And trust me, I'm all too aware of how this process goes. I had to write and record 5 songs to decide I like two of them enough to turn them in. My brain is fried.I guess that last line's a bit of a disclaimer...Dan

[andreh]

Hey Aub-Another cool song! I'm with Dan on the lyrics, though...they seem a little preachy. You could surely find a home for this tune, but probably not on mainstream radio...unfortunately people would rather hear about lovely lady lumps than self-motivational messages. Also, even though I dig the vibe, the super dry drums and subdued guitar sound don't seem reminiscent of any of the ala's for the listing.Speaking of which, I'd really like to hear you try out some different drum sounds for variety...I think you could get things sounding a little more "human" with something like DFH/EZ Drummer, BFD, or one of the other recent packages. What are you using, BTW?André

[aubreyz]

Thanks guys... I haven't really tweaked out the drums or mix yet, and fyi I mostly use the original DFH. As far as not hitting the ala's I think we're okay-- or at least will be once this is mixed The style of this is very close to "What I Want" by Daughtry which is also a pretty positive lyric... but not nearly as positive and preachy as Nickelback's If everyone cared... and "I Can Only Imagine" that radio would not by definition be open to a positive song. We'll see AubNow back to writing songs about lumps Quote:Hey Aub-Another cool song! I'm with Dan on the lyrics, though...they seem a little preachy. You could surely find a home for this tune, but probably not on mainstream radio...unfortunately people would rather hear about lovely lady lumps than self-motivational messages. Also, even though I dig the vibe, the super dry drums and subdued guitar sound don't seem reminiscent of any of the ala's for the listing.Speaking of which, I'd really like to hear you try out some different drum sounds for variety...I think you could get things sounding a little more "human" with something like DFH/EZ Drummer, BFD, or one of the other recent packages. What are you using, BTW?André Quote:Hey Aub,I like it...I'm just wondering about how much it's hittin' those a-la's, though. I'm getting a strong STP/Velvet Revolver vibe from the music, and I suppose VR is kind of in that vein, but I'm having a hard time hearing Daughtry or Nickleback doing that. The lyrics also come across as a bit inspirational. Now, there's nothing wrong with that at all, but again, I just don't know that I would hear any of those artists singing "I believe in Higher Love", especially when one those bands had a big hit called "Let's Get Stoned" Just my two cents. I'm curious to hear the final mix, though.And trust me, I'm all too aware of how this process goes. I had to write and record 5 songs to decide I like two of them enough to turn them in. My brain is fried.I guess that last line's a bit of a disclaimer...Dan

[daniel481]

I'd like nothing more than to be wrong, and you're right, those songs do have pretty positive lyrics. So, I wouldn't be surprised if you do get the forward (since I have a lot of faith in you getting all of the musical elements up to speed in the mix), it's just that something about it's not hitting me the same way as the first one.I honestly hope you get the gig though, man! And if you do and I don't...well, maybe you can put in a good word for me and help me get in as well a little ways down the road... Dan

[ponch]

Hi everyone!wow.. there are so many good comments and critiques on this thread. Anyway, Aub and me really appreciated any comments about those two songs. So far about the lyrics, well I think I'm gonna leave it to Aub cause I'm no way near to a lyricist . To Andreh - Hi Andreh nice to meet you in here man . I've read that you asked about the guitar sound, well so far I use Line 6 Tone Port to get a certain sound and at the same time I try many combination of my guitar pickups to get a sound that I desire. To Matto,Hello guru Matt ! Thanks for your encouraging comments..I'm speechless. I'll take your input to the heart for sure, thanks again.Cheers,Ponch

[tedsingingfox]

And BTW, Ponch, you ROCK. I could see your blurred fingers flying all the way from New Mexico.

[ponch]

Quote:And BTW, Ponch, you ROCK. I could see your blurred fingers flying all the way from New Mexico. Oh man..thank YOU!, man I've tried not to be a dated guitarist you know ..but i just cant lie to my ears and what i feel about any songs.. this one need to be like this..lil bit spice up, i can do more or less than that..but i just can't lie to my ears. yes I believe I believe lol

[sgs4u]

Hey y'allI've just finished a decent 1st draft of a ? tune. It's calledThe Magic in MeWhat genre is this? any suggestions and all comments are most welcome.UnbelievableInconceivableQuite achievableThe magic that’s in meSuddenly you appeared right here in my handsAlmost as if I had whispered some secret commandSurprising how my life is changingNow my world is so amazingThis is what I’m looking for It's exactly what I need You bring out the magic The magic that’s in meThis is all I’m hoping for It's everything I need You bring out the magic The magic that’s in meNothing up my sleeves, no tricks, I’ve got nothing to hideThe genie’s out the bottle on a magic carpet rideYou cast a spell now I’m enchantedEvery wish I want is grantedThis is what I’m looking for It's exactly what I need You bring out the magic The magic that’s in meThis is all I’m hoping for It's everything I need You bring out the magic The magic that’s in me© 2007Josiah BlountDavid L GrahamSteve Soucy