Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Here's a link:
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7059336

Hope you like it.


Real People Blues

I got a million friends
They're all well adjusted
They want to welcome me in
I hear their friendly talkin'
But when the sweet talkin' ends
I feel I been busted

I see them starin' at me
They're so fascinated
And so I try to explain
Until I twisted my brain
Till what was simple before
Become so complicated

Where are the real people
The ones who know what love is for


Well, it's been another adventure in learning. The only thing different with the gear is the use of my Epi Sheraton on the rhythm guitar and the use of Logic software for the first time. As usual, I'm exhausted so I'll turn it over to you guys, if anyone's listening.

You're covering a lot of ground with each song Kira...I'm finding hard to keep track. This is classic - from the intro to the outro I'm hooked. Love the harmonica - is it just "reverbed" or have you added some other effects?

Hi Evan,

Kudos again to my good friend and neighbor Kritter for the juicy harp sounds.

I recorded and arranged the harp dry and then looked for a good old-sounding tube amp modeling plug-in before starting the final mix. One I like is called "Texas Blues" or something like that. I tried it on the harp and it was just the ticket. Then just a little echo, I think, no reverb.

My 320 took the lead again, and those shimmery chords on the chorus. Stereo 4001

I don't really try to plan a specific style for a new song. I start with a very vague idea of what I want to do, i.e., "cavern stomper", "blues number", "dance number", stuff like that. Then I find the chords that give a specific feeling and rhythm, and the beginnings of words that fit (sometimes by improv), and start building with those simple blocks. Adding tracks one at a time, channeling my favorite artists. The songs usually turns out a surprise really, they're not written until right before I hit the button, and the style just comes from the feeling in the parts when they're played. Always ends up different than what I first spawned in my head.

I'm always eager for feedback when I'm done because I'm kinda working in a vacuum all along. Each song takes me four or five days of work,

Love the sound of the Sheraton- it sounds very 'swampy'. In fact I think the song as a whole sounds great- obviously Logic agrees with you.
You mentioned amp sims; which one do you use or is it a stock logic one?

I'm always eager for feedback when I'm done because I'm kinda working in a vacuum all along.

I know what you mean- I ask my partner, but despite the fact that she does tell me if something sucks (not very often, admittedly ) independent feedback is good. Unless it's bad. Haha.

Thanks, Mark.

The plugin for the harp was found in GarageBand settings in the library, which were nicely imported into Logic. Select the track, go in the library and choose Guitars/Texas Blues. GuitarAmpPro takes over in the insert drawer, you can tweak it from there. I used it for the harp and the lead work during the verses. The lead guitar in the break was my tube-hybrid on overdrive, line out, no inserts at the board except a little reverb. Software drums and organ.

Logic is a big step up, not only in ease of use and expanded choices, but I think the result is the best sounding track so far.

As for JD, he gives me lots of hugs and once in a while he makes a good suggestion.

Great feel to this track.

I would have sworn it was a full group playing, marvellous!

Awesome track, Kira. I love it. Seems like you keep topping yourself with every new song. Although I enjoy all of your stuff, this one is one of my faves. The new Epi sounds great, BTW.

Great, very "rough" and "straight" feeling - I love the sound of your 320 and the harmonica, of course.

Thanks for the good words, guys,

This one was a lot of fun until it came to arranging the solo parts - very complex. I had a lot of fun with the feeling, and the vocals were the simplest so far But I'm getting tired of my own lead playing after six in a row. Anyone wanna fly out and help on the next one?

Great comments, thanks.

Markus, I've been meaning to check out your newly posted recordings. I'm taking the day off today and will do just that.

Wow, Kira!!!

That is fantastic...... love it!!

Thanks, Howard. Glad you like it

I've updated my website to make all six recent tracks available in one place for everyone's downloading pleasure. Hope you'll come visit soon. It may take a while to load the page. Start a new tab, punch in, go make coffee, and when you return the page should be in. Subsequent visits should be faster after the stuff gets cached.

http://web.me.com/kiramdear/Galerie_Kir ... Songs.html

This one deserves two thumbs up Kira. If it's possible, this is the best of your best IMO.

Hi Brian,

I really appreciate your constant support. I give the credit to Logic for the upgrade in quality. I am starting to get the hang of this stuff, though. Thanks again; we'll count you in on the next one too.

kiramdear wrote:Hi Brian,

I really appreciate your constant support. I give the credit to Logic for the upgrade in quality. I am starting to get the hang of this stuff, though. Thanks again; we'll count you in on the next one too.

Kira based on my past reviews of your music, I am beginning to suspect that I would like anything that you record. Your style and presentation is so captivating......... no matter what genre you choose to tackle. You always manage to make your songs a tapestry of sound that is very cool and interesting.

Wow.... Just took the time to listen. Waaaaay cool song, Kira! Had me tapping my foot and wishing I could jam along with you! Two thumbs up.... I think this is your best yet.