Wanna help critique an original?

SalFromChatham · #1 02-26-2014, 06:32 AM

Guys I started playing around with an original tune a few months back. It's kind of a song about being in a funk and wanting to get out of it, and trying to hide it from others. I would really appreciate your critique and suggestions to make it better? I normally do covers and I want to try to get away from that.

https://soundcloud.com/sal-from-chatham/pick-me-up

Bob1131 · #2 02-26-2014, 10:41 AM

I like it! I think it has a nice flow and the lyrics fit well! I enjoyed listening and look forward to hearing more, Sal.

BTW, it is just my opinion but, I think covers are excellent training for song writing. I write my own songs but, I still play covers because there are some wonderful songs out there that I just have to play and sing! I think that is one of the most amazing aspects of music! So, don't get down on yourself for playing covers!

Methos1979 · #3 02-26-2014, 11:28 AM

I think it's a really good song and I really like your voice. The bass of the guitar was overwhelmingly high though on my Klipsh computer speakers. I made it hard for me to hear the lyrics really well.

That might just be my speakers though as they tend to overdrive the bass, so if no one else says anything I wouldn't worry about it. But if others say something about it then you might want to re-record and pull back the bass on the guitar a bit.

SalFromChatham · #4 02-26-2014, 11:37 AM

Thanks fellas.. Appreciate it.

I love doing covers, but more and more the places that do open mics are insisting on original stuff. Besides I need to get out of my comfort zone.

Bob, I sometimes go to see a show - say Lyle Lovett, Hiatt, or even Tedeschi Trucks, and when I get home I just HAVE to try a cover

Murphy Slaw · #5 02-27-2014, 05:58 AM

Man, that was AWESOME Sal. I too, love your voice.

Originals are a good fit for you.

Get it copyrighted.

SalFromChatham · #6 02-27-2014, 06:11 AM

How do I do that Murph?

Ahhh edited.. figured it out. Just did it online to the copyright office.

Now I just sit back and wait for the millions to toll in when Keith Urban picks it up?

Murphy Slaw · #7 02-27-2014, 07:39 AM

Well, nevermind then.....

Murphy Slaw · #8 02-27-2014, 07:41 AM

Yea, I've been wishing Toby Keith would use one of mine.......

SalFromChatham · #9 02-27-2014, 08:07 AM

sell that divorce-themed one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3a-...re=c4-overview

Murphy Slaw · #10 02-28-2014, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by themissal

sell that divorce-themed one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3a-...re=c4-overview

Back in the 80's/90's I would send songs to people, publishing Co's, etc, I tried pretty hard to "sell" a song. All the while I was gigging bars. When we did the Double Aught CD (iTunes) in 98/99 it was pretty much Classic Rock so I didn't use any of the goofy Country stuff.

I decided 50 copyrights in a drawer was kind of silly, NOBODY would ever hear them that way, so started putting them on youtube just for fun. I figure if somebody FAMOUS ever heard one and wanted to record it, cool. I'd get a new BMW motorcycle if it went well, or a used KLR if it was a flop.

If not, at least a few people might enjoy them.

Best of luck.

Ranger1964 · #11 03-06-2014, 10:49 AM

Very nice Sal!! As always smooth easy vocals and playing are great. VERY nice writing effort! I like the ebbing and flowing of emotion, i really like how it reaches a peak of emotion at about 2:15 then eases back down. That's a VERY good technique in writing! Super job. Keep on working on your originals!

BTW Let It Ride may be my favorite of yours so far! COOOOOL percussion! I kinda like hearing you let it rip!