Musicians Collaboration Studio

Virtual Music Studio => Finished Works => Topic started by: r4m on May 02, 2009, 12:13:52 PM

Title: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on May 02, 2009, 12:13:52 PM
Pleasuredome (Steve) Lyrics, Lead Vox, arrangement
HDA .............(Jay) Keys, Backup Vox
Jwoo10..........(John) Drums
r4m...............(me) Guitars, Bass, song idea, mix

All I can say is Wow!! Talented bunch I had to work with!!!
You guys TotallyRock!!  Thanks a bazillion!!! 8) 8) 8)


The Tail That Wags the Dog
(McAndrew)

Intro
Wag the tail
Wag, wag the tail

Verse 1
Beware the dog that lies there growling
With hair erect along it's back
Beware the dog that sits there howling
When you try to approach it will attack
 
Chorus
Shadowy shapes that start to sharpen
Ever clearer, clearer as lifting fog
Closer to the source that makes it happen
grab a hold of the tail that wags the dog

Re-Intro
Wag the tail
Wag, wag the tail

Verse 2
Don't go near the lion that lies sleeping
Unless you like to live life from the ledge
Beware the lamb that lies low bleating
In disguise a viper on the edge

Chorus
Shadowy shapes that start to sharpen
Ever clearer, clearer as lifting fog
Closer to the source that makes it happen
Grab a hold of the tail that wags the dog

Middle 8
Breathing heavy, what's now approaching
What now comes along
Hold the line against the menace that's encroaching
Send it back where it belongs
Remain strong

Chorus
Shadowy shapes that start to sharpen
Ever clearer, clearer as lifting fog
Closer to the source that makes it happen
Take a hold of the tail that wags the dog

Outro
Wag the tail
Wag, wag, wag the tail
Wag, wag, wag, wag
Oh wag, wag, wag, wag, wag
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: jwoo10 on May 02, 2009, 12:15:53 PM
Thats what I'm Talkin about!

For as good as this song is... I'd have thought it'd have taken a year to produce... funny how when ya get the right players all in the same place at the same time... good things just happen hum? :o :o :o :o

Kudos to all  :)

Thanks for allowing me to play.  8)
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: Tricia41 on May 02, 2009, 01:46:03 PM
Love it love it love it!!!! 8) 8) 8) 8) reminds me of a million great bands...Yes, Asia,Blue Oyster Cult....more... great job everybody! Love the keys!
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: stoman on May 02, 2009, 03:47:54 PM
Indeed, there is a little bit of Asia in it. Great tune, guys - congratulations!

Regards,
   Steffen
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: McLovin on May 02, 2009, 06:51:06 PM
Funny thing,..I remember listening this when Bill had just posted it in Studio A and thinking,." I gotta get in on this!!",...then I got caught up with other collabs and forgot about this one.

Then I see it in the mixing stage and stayed up most of the night getting my 2 cents in.

Bill,.. I listen to this song frequently,.. totally my style of rock!!  Your one of my favorites on here brother!!

Everyone that contributed on this did a really really great job.

John,..really well thought out and executed drum track,..love the full to half time stuff and the hi hat work on this.

Steve,.. really great vox and lyrics,.. expect nothing less from you and you never disappoint.

Thanks for letting me sneak in. ;)

Jay
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on May 03, 2009, 05:57:26 AM
Thanks everyone!  :)
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: Paulo on May 03, 2009, 01:47:30 PM
Great song guys... Really professional.
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on May 03, 2009, 06:17:59 PM
Thanks Paulo! :)


Entered it at Garageband and got a review. Thought you might like to see it:

review
The guitars were killer, loved the intro. Hits you like a brick. Vocals are crisp and clean. Nice tones, the singer has some pipes. The guitars really keep the song moving though, definitely the heart of the song. Drums are pounding my head like a hammer. Good drummin. Keep up the killer song writing. Like at the movies. I give this song 2 thumbs up.
Reviewed by: DixieNormas from Colorado Springs, Colorado  

Here is a link in case you are interested in checking it out:
http://www.garageband.com/artist/r4m_and_Friends
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: jwoo10 on May 07, 2009, 11:07:16 AM
Thats cool Bill... Thanks for sharing bro!

I've posted *(from time to time) at GB and have gottem some of the most HORRIBLE reviews on some of the best music I've tracked... some folks over there LIVE to beat up songs.. it's what they do. Either that or they're drunk when they listen... LOL
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: Paulo on May 07, 2009, 01:03:55 PM
it's what they do. Either that or they're drunk when they listen... LOL

Are they abble to make music?  ;D
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: AndyG6508 on May 07, 2009, 03:53:09 PM
Wow guys,

This is a super tune - why isnt it this on radio all over the country?

Fab performance and mix!!!.

A great cast of players - and each of you stand out.

Killer guitar breaks/riffs, great bass tone, wicked keyboard breaks, great space drumming and capped off by another fine vocal!!!

Love this tune - into the ipod it goes!!

Cheers
Andy




Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: Stoney on May 07, 2009, 04:10:44 PM
Cool track guys ... love that classic rock sound ..the keys and vocal harmonies are magic .... very nice all round

Cheers Ian
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on May 07, 2009, 04:58:46 PM
Thanks for the compliments guys! :)

Yea John, starting to get some negative now!! ;D
Althought I will say....there is ALOT of talent over there!!! :o
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: jrobbins on May 07, 2009, 07:56:39 PM
Knew this was gonna ROCK THE **** OUT!!!!!!!

AWESOME!!!!

Love it guys.... If I were to be specific about what I like about this tune I would be typing for an HOUR!!!  LOLOLOLOL

BUT... I do have to mentions John's Drum Sound at least!  KILLLLLLLLEEERRRRR!!!!

Bass gut sounds Awesome too!

OK... OK... I better stop now of I'm gonna start talking about the guitar solo and vocals and arrangement....LOLOLOLOL

GREAT STUFF FELLAS!!!!!  A+.......!!!!!!!!

Jon
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: j on May 08, 2009, 07:46:51 PM
this turned out really well.. always liked this song. another one for the Ipod!

congratulations to all!
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on May 08, 2009, 08:01:58 PM
Thanks Jon and J  :)
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: jwoo10 on June 09, 2009, 11:12:18 PM
The more and more I listen to this .. I just gotta say what a Great job I think everyone did on it!

Bill that Bass line is simply Killer bro!

Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: Benny on June 10, 2009, 01:05:20 PM
Great sound and playing by everyone. Sounds great LOUD!

Benny
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: Studioplayer on June 10, 2009, 03:18:02 PM
That was killer Bill!! Great tune. Love the bridge & solo. Can't go wrong with all these guys playing on your tune.  8)

Dave
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on June 11, 2009, 04:58:59 PM
Thanks John! Yea.......everyone seemed to jel on this!! ;) Your drums are magic! Love the outro and end! If you notice, I really pegged the meter on your last hits!! >:D

Thanks Benny! That is my goal....for it to sound good loud!!  Glad you like. ;)

Thanks Dave! Yea, you said it! With all the talent I had to work with I could just sit back and watch
                  it happen!!  ;D  We're gonna have to do one again some time.  ;)
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on June 13, 2009, 08:52:42 PM

Awards at GarageBand:
Track of the Day on 28May2009 in Hard Rock
Best Bass in Hard Rock, week of 18May2009
Best Bass in Hard Rock, week of 25May2009
Best Mood in Hard Rock, week of 18May2009
Most Original in Hard Rock, week of 25May2009

Rank Active contest: #125 of 184 in Hard Rock
All-time: #5,317 of 9,797 in Hard Rock
Best #117 of 279 on 22May2009

Not bad considering all the talent over there!! ;)
I have got alot of people saying I posted in the wrong genre.
May have done better in rock or classic rock.
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: Pleasuredome on June 14, 2009, 12:22:41 AM
Cheers Guys and good news Bill.

Let's put it this way bros, we did absolutely nothing wrong!!!! 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: jwoo10 on June 20, 2009, 09:03:03 PM
Got a link to the GB page ???..
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on June 20, 2009, 09:17:20 PM
Yea, I have it posted a few posts back.

http://www.garageband.com/artist/r4m_and_Friends
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: jwoo10 on June 20, 2009, 09:21:32 PM
Duh.... Found it
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on June 20, 2009, 09:28:46 PM
Got some good reviews, and some......... not so good.

Tough crowd over there!
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: jwoo10 on June 21, 2009, 06:16:03 AM
Opinions.........everybody's got one ...lol

It's a great song and I was very happy to be a part of it. Thats MY opine and I'm stickin to it!
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: Pleasuredome on June 21, 2009, 06:17:53 AM
Opinions.........everybody's got one ...lol

It's a great song and I was very happy to be a part of it. Thats MY opine and I'm stickin to it!

Ditto John :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: srvfender on June 21, 2009, 10:04:26 AM
Nice job everyone. Enjoyed the listen.

AJ
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: Pleasuredome on June 21, 2009, 12:10:39 PM
Thanks AJ :)
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: McLovin on June 21, 2009, 12:50:29 PM
Still love cranking this in the car!!  Bill,.. if I get a speeding ticket while this is playing,... your paying! ;) >:D

OK,..garageband comments:  The ones I find funny are when people compare Steve to axle rose or the song to a GnR song,.. I don't get it,..Steve is 10times better than Axle and IMO sounds nothing like!
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: Pleasuredome on June 22, 2009, 01:31:18 PM
Thanks Jay, praise indeed bro and it means one heck of a lot coming from someone as talented as you bro 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on July 08, 2009, 11:55:18 AM
Thanks AJ!!
Been busy lately and missed the posts here.

Yea .....those GB reviews are entertaining in themselves!! ;D

Yup, the vox are KILLER!!
Those keys are the icing on the cake!!!
Drums are totally smokin as well!
Love the keys and drums ending also!!
This is my favorite tune of mine that I've done! 8)
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: McLovin on July 08, 2009, 03:40:22 PM
Thanks AJ!!
Been busy lately and missed the posts here.

Yea .....those GB reviews are entertaining in themselves!! ;D

Yup, the vox are KILLER!!
Those keys are the icing on the cake!!!
Drums are totally smokin as well!
Love the keys and drums ending also!!
This is my favorite tune of mine that I've done! 8)

Hmmm,.. I think you miss posts because there are no arrows pointing to them!! <--
;D
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: CosmicDolphin on July 09, 2009, 02:42:13 AM
Great track , awesome performances...not sure the mix does it justice ???

CD
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on July 09, 2009, 04:29:46 PM
Great track , awesome performances...not sure the mix does it justice ???

CD

I agree. Would you mind going into some detail? If you were mixing what would you have done different?
thanks
Bill
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: CosmicDolphin on July 09, 2009, 04:52:29 PM
Great track , awesome performances...not sure the mix does it justice ???

CD

I agree. Would you mind going into some detail? If you were mixing what would you have done different?
thanks
Bill

Sure...

Hard to say for sure because I haven't heard the seps so I don't know what you were working with but knowing the quality of some of the players I've mixed before I should think they'd be very good.

I think this one being a rocker needs building around the Bass - Drums & vocal , so I'd just balance those up without any eq, get a nice full sound without taking too many frequencies out, hard pan my rhythm guitars and just get it working without any eq first.

It sounds quite thin, but again that can be a consequence of the sound of the room you work in, but just as an exercise take all the eq off , any master buss stuff or mastering and just post one up with panning and levelling, then you get a better idea of where to take it.

CD
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on July 09, 2009, 05:15:02 PM
Great track , awesome performances...not sure the mix does it justice ???

CD

I agree. Would you mind going into some detail? If you were mixing what would you have done different?
thanks
Bill

Sure...

Hard to say for sure because I haven't heard the seps so I don't know what you were working with but knowing the quality of some of the players I've mixed before I should think they'd be very good.

I think this one being a rocker needs building around the Bass - Drums & vocal , so I'd just balance those up without any eq, get a nice full sound without taking too many frequencies out, hard pan my rhythm guitars and just get it working without any eq first.

It sounds quite thin, but again that can be a consequence of the sound of the room you work in, but just as an exercise take all the eq off , any master buss stuff or mastering and just post one up with panning and levelling, then you get a better idea of where to take it.

CD

To be honest......I truely think it's the guitar tones that suck! I am having a hard time hearing good tone.
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: CosmicDolphin on July 09, 2009, 05:42:47 PM
Try it ! ;)
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on July 09, 2009, 07:13:11 PM
Here is dry mix. Guitars are WAY thin! hmmmmmmm? Sounds horrible!
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: CosmicDolphin on July 10, 2009, 02:45:02 AM
Here is dry mix. Guitars are WAY thin! hmmmmmmm? Sounds horrible!

Sounds better already...I much prefer this to the other mix....more listenable

I don't think they are too thin..they're probably about right , but I wouldn't thin them any more.  Maybe try to thicken the leads with a doubler type effect.

The drums sound slightly off to the one side to me, unless I broke my headphones  ::)

ok...next stage is to work on your fader rides to give it punch and dynamics.  I normally draw them in but some like to use a control surface fader if they have one, but there's lots of bits where I can hear things need to be pushed up or pulled back especially on the vocals.   Rule of thumb push things more on the chorus and drop them back a litttle in the verses.  In the middle section those panned guitar sounds could come up a few db's.  Sometimes it's better to work on the final chorus first as it should be the loudest section,  then you won't run out of headroom as you move backwards.

It should end up with automation lines that look like a London underground map  ;D

Don't eq anything yet  :)

CD

Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: McLovin on July 10, 2009, 08:34:39 AM
CD,..carry on,..we are all learning. ;)

Then after the lesson,.. you can remix it.  OK? ok! cool! ;) ;D >:D
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: CosmicDolphin on July 10, 2009, 01:45:27 PM
CD,..carry on,..we are all learning. ;)

Then after the lesson,.. you can remix it.  OK? ok! cool! ;) ;D >:D

 ;D ... you won't need me to if I tell you right  ;D
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on July 10, 2009, 03:06:49 PM
Quote
ok...next stage is to work on your fader rides to give it punch and dynamics.  I normally draw them in but some like to use a control surface fader if they have one, but there's lots of bits where I can hear things need to be pushed up or pulled back especially on the vocals.

What is that?       (fader rides)     (control surface fader)
                        channel faders          main faders
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: McLovin on July 10, 2009, 03:22:56 PM
Quote
ok...next stage is to work on your fader rides to give it punch and dynamics.  I normally draw them in but some like to use a control surface fader if they have one, but there's lots of bits where I can hear things need to be pushed up or pulled back especially on the vocals.

What is that?       (fader rides)     (control surface fader)
                        channel faders          main faders

I think he is referring to track level faders dude.
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: CosmicDolphin on July 10, 2009, 04:37:21 PM
Quote
ok...next stage is to work on your fader rides to give it punch and dynamics.  I normally draw them in but some like to use a control surface fader if they have one, but there's lots of bits where I can hear things need to be pushed up or pulled back especially on the vocals.

What is that?       (fader rides)     (control surface fader)
                        channel faders          main faders

Ok, in the old days when we had analogue mixers and when we did our final mix we had to ride the faders up and down in different parts of the song as it went down to DAT or whatever...most of us made little marks on the mixing desk with masking tape or blu tack to help us remember....I screwed up many a mix by missing a particular fader ride and having to start over.

Now we all mix in the box so we can just draw all the level changes ( fader rides ) into the software and have it repeat them perfectly each time for us...some don't like to mix with a mouse or draw stuff in so they use a Control Surface which gives the tactile feel of the anlogue desk but moves the virtual faders in the DAW sotware.

Here is a video of someone using a control surface to change the volume of a guitar part in a mix....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvPcKPKeIW0

but if you don't have one you can use the mouse to get the same result..like this guy..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CJFAEXSBD0


Having levels that stay the same all through the song usually makes for a dull mix, so you need to work out where to bring up the vocals ( chorus is good !  ) where to fade it back ( verses ) where to pull up the guitars , or boost the drums etc...this will alot more life and excitement to the track , once you have that nailed your more than halfway to a great mix.

CD
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on July 10, 2009, 05:47:13 PM
Thanks CD! That makes it easier to understand. Ok lemme giver a shot now.
Be back soon. Love this tutoral!! 8)
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: CosmicDolphin on July 10, 2009, 05:59:32 PM
Thanks CD! That makes it easier to understand. Ok lemme giver a shot now.
Be back soon. Love this tutoral!! 8)

Me too, I won't have to do any more mixes for everyone  ;D ...just kidding

CD
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: CosmicDolphin on July 21, 2009, 06:09:31 PM
How goes the mix ?

CD
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: McLovin on July 21, 2009, 09:10:08 PM
How goes the mix ?

CD

Hey CD,.. Bills on holidays until Thurs.
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: CosmicDolphin on July 22, 2009, 11:59:23 AM
How goes the mix ?

CD

Hey CD,.. Bills on holidays until Thurs.

No Excuse !  ;)

CD
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: McLovin on July 22, 2009, 01:36:11 PM
How goes the mix ?

CD

Hey CD,.. Bills on holidays until Thurs.

No Excuse !  ;)

CD

Ya your right,.. the lazy bastard! >:( ;D
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on July 22, 2009, 03:11:41 PM
Back!!!  Impatient goons!! >:D
This one will have to get in que.
Got some other stuff wrap up for now. :D
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: r4m on August 02, 2009, 07:30:20 PM
Hey! We are at #20 out of 2066 on Soundclick!! In Hard Rock!! If ya go there and play it, it will prolly go higher.  >:D

http://www.soundclick.com/genres/charts.cfm?genre=Rock&subgenreID=251&currentpage=1
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: McLovin on August 02, 2009, 09:34:10 PM
Cool,.. Born to Die is like #23 right now.
Title: Re: The Tail That Waggs the Dog
Post by: Pleasuredome on August 03, 2009, 12:25:23 AM
Good result guys, well done all!

If i was a dog my tail would be wagging!