Chivalry II

This is the current 'live' (as in, I've played it once in a bizzarro jam-show) version of this song. It's a single take, straight through, using my favorite pedal (a Headrush E2). I'm really, really going to beg for criticism (constructive, or other kinds), since I don't know really what to do with it or what to improve. So, crits? Thanks guys

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posted by tmcw (7 comments total)

I'm a little confused. I guess by "live" you don't mean this is during the show but as it would sound at the show?

Are you playing with others or are some parts recorded?

Just curious as it would help my analysis.
posted by snsranch at 6:11 PM on May 20, 2007

Live, as in it's just one take, nothing is recorded or edited (besides the looping of live bits with my pedal). I only say that because I think I've put a version of Metafilter that did have multiple tracks and editing postfacto.
posted by tmcw at 7:10 PM on May 20, 2007

Oops, didn't check your tags before commenting. Overall this sounds a bit "tinny". (Probably just what you're recording with.)

The big strums coming in just before the half way point are distorted sometimes. I would just adjust the settings some for a fuller sound and try to get rid of the distortion.

If I was in an audience I would dig this. I like what you're doing with the loopy pedal and how you develop the song with it. Big thumbs up.
posted by snsranch at 7:32 PM on May 20, 2007

Tough question. I like it a lot and the thing is that sort of counterpoint in the guitars with the odd measure reminds me of King Crimson's Discipline record, and that might a direction in which you can take it, but, at the same time, your sound in general reminds me a bit of the best Velvet Underground. It's got the same sort of hypnotic melodic appeal that the VU has.

That could be a good question to begin with, do you want to take it in a more experimental or a more melodic direction? (perhaps you could combine the two in different sections of the song, have this like a musical verse and then have bits in 4/4 where you sing).
posted by micayetoca at 7:32 PM on May 20, 2007

I dig this. Seconding snsranch that it sounds kind of tinny. I found in the first third or so of the song the sound was a bit harsh. I think it might sound better a played a little lower.

The tinny/harsh part ended somewhere in the first half and the second half was great.

The only other criticism I can think of was that nearer to the beginning it sounded a little jumbled at times, like there were too many loops going on, and they weren't quite lining up. That's totally par for the course given the one take nature of the track though.

Sorry I can't be more helpful. I don't know anything about recording, guitar, or using looping this way.

All that said, this is right up my alley, and I would definitely like to hear more tracks like this. Keep it up!
posted by benign at 3:18 PM on May 23, 2007

Are you going to add drums to this eventually? The second half is begging for them to come in. It had me thumping out a beat on the table.

Outside of that, I'd say just record those guitars over again and make them rockin'. It's a cool tune.

Do you go to William & Mary? I should get you together with my friend Jeff. He doesn't have anyone to jam with since he left us to go to law school.
posted by GalaxieFiveHundred at 5:19 PM on May 24, 2007

Hey Galaxie - drums, definitely. My roommates next year (yes, WM) is one of the best drummers I've ever met and he's in my band. Jeff's stuff sounds awesome, I'm bummed he hasn't jammed with anyone - there's actually a cool music scene but it's a little bit insular.
posted by tmcw at 7:02 PM on May 26, 2007