Knockin On Heaven's Door

February 21, 2016 12:36 PM

I am playing all the instruments and doing all the vocals in this recording. There are no software tacks. Youtube, Band camp. I recommend good headphones or good speakers for this recording. Small speakers are likely to distort a bit.

This was a pretty satisfying project to work on for a number of good reasons. The first is that I just set up a new studio space and this was my first opportunity to use it. Second, I got to use my new color coded XLR cables that make working with my 8 track interface AMAZINGLY easier to deal with. I also got to record with my baritone acoustic utilizing both the onboard soundboard pickups and a microphone so I was able to see what the combined signals sounded like together, This is also my strat’s last recording (most likely) before I install the new orange drop tone caps I got for it.
Of course though, I have also always really liked this song and it was fun getting to explore it myself.

Left Channel: My Kay strat being played through a Fender Vibrochamp XD using the spring reverb in the amp and playing through the middle pickup. Recorded using a MXL 106 pencil condenser https://www.facebook.com/media/set/.....621&type=3

Right channel: My Susuki Baritone acoustic converted from an old 60s 12 string. Recorded using both on board soundboard pickups and a Rode NT1-A large diaphragm condenser mic at the neck joint. I wanted to see how this guitar did filling in for a bass while being played like an acoustic. I think it did pretty well!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/.....621&type=3

Center: Vocals recorded using a Rode NT1-A

Center: Harmonica recorded using a Rode NT1-A for the primary track as well as a MXL pencil condenser used as a room mic pointed at the wall and ceiling behind me.

The back ground vocals and percussion track were recorded using a Rode NT1-A The percussion is actually an old canvas painting being used as a drum with a tourist trap Native American drum mallet

27 tracks total.

Lyrics:

Mama take this badge off of me
I can't use it anymore
It's getting dark, too dark to see
I feel like I'm knocking on Heaven's door

Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door

Momma put my guns on the ground
I can't shoot them anymore
That long dark cloud is coming down
I feel like I'm knocking on Heaven's door

Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door
Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door

posted by Drew Eddy Jones (8 comments total) 4 users marked this as a favorite

Man, that text formatting really got mangled :( Noted for future reference.
posted by Drew Eddy Jones at 12:37 PM on February 21, 2016


Wow, this is just the right mix of 'just enough' without 'too much'. Guitar tones, vocal harmonies, laconic groove, harp lines, all just right. Excellent!
posted by BlackPebble at 12:12 PM on February 22, 2016


Your new studio is crisp. What a recording - many more to come, I hope.
posted by AppleSeed at 7:36 PM on February 23, 2016


Sounds great even through my shitty speakers.
posted by not_on_display at 4:43 PM on February 24, 2016


Really nice! I've got halfway to an allergy for this song because of various versions I've heard, recorded and live, but I've still always thought it was a pretty good song underneath and this gets at it in a way that works well for me.
posted by cortex at 11:52 AM on February 26, 2016 [1 favorite]


I love this song...
posted by Whatifyoufly at 10:00 AM on March 4, 2016


This gave me a heartsad. So...well done!
posted by threeants at 12:34 PM on March 4, 2016


Great voice! Nice soundstage on my home stereo too. Separation but not in an unpleasant "dual mono" sense.
posted by Lorin at 8:33 PM on March 7, 2016


« Older Snow Drift   |   a new kind of beat Newer »

You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments