My critique

[wtfman]

I submitted three songs. Apparently the songs did not fit the criteria for the listing. My mistake, I didn't know what Americana and Alt Country is. MY eye caught the "... looking for cohesive lyric stories with strong emotions, with engaging melodic and lyric hooks..." part of the listing.I have since listened to the suggested songs to see what the two categories are, I'll pass on those, not my cup of tea at all.http://www.taximusic.com/hosting/home.p ... d=22427Not sure of this link will get you to my profile. If not let me know, maybe someone can help me figure it out. Or you can search for Jeff Harrington and see if that brings my profile up so you can hear the songs and view the lyrics. While the critiques were favorable overall, I take issue with something added by the person reviewing. First though, I am not "prideful" concerning what I create. I know I am human and I also know that we all want what we create to be seen as wonderful as we see it. If someone has constructive criticism, I am all ears. However, the reviewer did say that my songs need, or could use, more "lyrical imagery". I honestly do not see my songs as lacking in that area. Nor do I see them lacking in "emotional impact". I get the impression the reviewer read the lyrics but didn't take the time to "listen" to the songs.I am trying to be objective about these three and see if I can improve on the imagery, which I am sure I can with more effort, but I am at a loss here. I spend endless hours editing each song I write, to make the lyrics "perfect" in my eyes and hopefully in the eyes of others. Lyrical imagery is what I am all about. I mean, practice does make perfect, but I can assure everyone concerned, lyrical imagery is my primary endeavor in every single song I write, no matter how well the song comes out. In my opinion, a song can have mediocre music and get away with it. But a song with weak lyrics has to have some pretty awesome music to make up for where it lacks lyrically. This area of the critique seems like an unqualified response to what I submitted. If I am being overly sensitive, so be it. Sorry, I am human. Honestly, "Something Strong" was written in about 30 minutes. Then I spent nearly 10 years tweaking the lyrics. I have yet to perform this song and hot had rave reviews. Its a good song that is easy to identify with. Not perfect in any sense, but definitely good quality, family oriented music. I would be proud for anyone to hear it even in its current state, which needs plenty of refinements and tightening up. Love Came Back, went through about a year of lyrical revisions.Little Pieces was written in October 08. I spent two weeks of intense revision work with the help of my wife. Its actually rather off base from the original rough draft. I hate ending a song on a negative so I changed it to a positive. What can I say, I'm a romantic at heart. Sorry Shelly!Again let me say, the overall review was favorable and I appreciate that. I do however get the sense that the reviewer is trying to tell me that I need to come up with something "new". Something "outside the box" as was written about Love Came Back. I was under the impression that while yes, something new with fresh hooks and cleaver deviations is wonderful, creating something pleasing with good or at least decent hooks and lyrics, the average listener can identify with, is what we are after. I didn't realize we are supposed to be re-inventing the musical "wheel". Criticism concerning the mediocre recording quality is "spot on" and expected. That will get better however, as I get more practice with my equipment and technique.My Bad I guess... lolThanks!JeffTitle: Something Strong (between us) Score 6 and 7'sThe sweet ideas and memories in the first verse set up here makes a very traditional country impression. The style of your melody and phrasing is also quite mainstream and conventional. Some more unique and evocative imagery in your lyric might create more emotional impact and make the song a stronger pitch.Title: Love Came Back (to you) Score 6 and 7'sThis too sounds fairly mainstream oriented, to me. I like your soft pop and country sounding melodic ideas but you might need to think more outside the box to make for stronger pitches to this kind of listing. Nice positive lyric idea but the lyric is very conventional and plainly stated. Use imagery and fresh phrases to make a more unique, commercial impression. Name Jeffrey Harrington Listing # S081212ACLittle Pieces score 6 ans 7'sIt was a little hard to hear the vocal here - think about making it a little louder in your mix. You have some mainstream country sounding influences here and that could be ok for this kind of listing but you might need to throw in some more unique and alternative ideas as well - to really nail the style the listing is after. Some vivid imagery in your lyric might create more emotional impact, too.The main reason(s) you were or were not forwarded for this listing is:These songs are not in the right style for this alt country listing.Listener ID # 180S081212ACALT COUNTRY/AMERICANA SONGS in the wide range of Sheryl Crow, Kim Richey, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lucinda Williams, Radney Foster, etc. are wanted by a Producer/Engineer/Songwriter who has worked extensively with the likes of Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Ann Womack, Hank Williams III, etc. He's going to be producing a project for a Female Country artist and will be screening these submissions himself, along with his business partner. He'll be looking for cohesive lyric stories with strong emotions, with engaging melodic and lyric hooks. Simple demos are fine, as long as the performances "sell" the song effectively. More complex production styles will be considered as well. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than December 12, 2008. TAXI #S081212AC