Son of Blue Bruises : The Attack
Since my last post, when we had just finished mixing the record, it's been anything but calm. The only song that no matter how much we did in the mix to it, still sounded different when played next to the other songs , and that was Blue Bruises. Dave pushed to get us back in the studio to re-track it from scratch and make a better version before the final mastering date in New York this coming Monday. Josh and Ryan made the time, and we tracked the new version last Saturday and Sunday.
We tracked the drums at NRG studios, and spent the rest of the day adding guitars. We moved to Pulse on Sunday and I sang the vocals, Chris came in and laid down the final bass, and Stephen put on some Perkussion. The rest of the day was Dave, Ryan and I adding sonic spices to make "Bruises" sound as loved as the other songs. You may wonder why we decided to re-track the entire thing. "Bruises" was the only song on the record that we had done last summer when working with Howard Benson, and it just didn't sit in with the rest of the record, and contractually, we weren't free to change that version. It was a lot of work for two days, but I am super happy that we did it. We added some piano while at NRG that give the intro melody a kind of David Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" feel. Dave totally re-approached the solo and now it's great.
Last night Dave and I went in to put the final tracking touches on the song. I re-sang some lines in the verses, and we got the song ready for today's final mix. We go to the Record Plant in a couple hours to hear what Ryan has cooked up, make our notes and changes, and then we will be DONE with the recording/mixing phase. We have to be, because we fly to New York City tomorrow for a mastering session on Monday, where we commit the final track listing and sequence. That's a whole other issue... I have been going absolutely nuts wringing by brain around what to leave off the record. In the next 48 hours, it must be decided.
Aside from the weighty decisions that have to be made, I am really excited to go to NYC. Hopefully I'll have time to tread around and see some of the city that I have come to miss so much.
Comments
Tough decisions lad! I wish all of you to do what you feel is right in your hearts for continuity. That is great that you and DN are walking this all the way through. I am sure when mastering is finished, the album will have all the sonic nuances in place. Almost there...
Posted by: MIke C. | February 4, 2006 07:42 PM
You go Steve! I'm sure the cd will be rockin like I don't know what! I will love it, no matter what.
Love ya dude!
-AER
Posted by: Adriana | February 4, 2006 08:20 PM
NYC ??? and I have to work!!! that means I cannot lurk ... damn so close but yet so far.. I hope you enjoy the revisit...
Cheryl
Posted by: sexsinger | February 5, 2006 04:37 AM
Gdamn, I'd kill for a hot dog from Nathans' on Coney Island right now. A piano on "Bruises"? Oh man, what a great idea! I can already hear it. If it sounds like I'm hearing in my head, that's your Grammy winner right there. "Perkussion"-what a great word, lol. So appropiate. IMHO? "Listen" has to close the record. That's all there is to it. Damn Man, so fucking happy for you guys. Major kudos for all the work done in two days-unbelievable.
I can't wait to hear this thing in it's entirety. "Lyn" will win record of the year. :)
Posted by: Lyn | February 5, 2006 06:46 AM
I really think you did ought to call it "Lyn", Steve.
RP
x
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | February 5, 2006 07:53 AM
Have a fantastic time in NY. Mmmm NY Bagels! ; ) Safe Journey.
~JJ
Posted by: JJ | February 5, 2006 10:30 AM
Perkussion...that is punny.
Have a good time in NYC.
-darree
Posted by: darree | February 5, 2006 01:22 PM
Steve,
Just breathe dude. :)
You've come this far and made this much progress, the final tracklisting and finished versions of the songs will come together on their own. Maybe all 4 of you should sit in the studio in NYC tomorrow (or where ever), close your eyes, light some candles, play all the songs...and just let it come to all of you.
And that's my zen advice for the day, lol. Sorry to go all Buddha on you, didn't mean to. But that's what I do when I'm in a rut and need some help getting out. Good luck tomorrow!
:)
Peace!
- Sean
Posted by: Sean | February 5, 2006 06:29 PM
Whew Steve!! It all sounds so incredibly hecting and exciting and "real." I can just taste the excitement! Have fun in New York, I'm sure you guys will end up with the right thing in the end.
Posted by: Abby | February 5, 2006 10:14 PM
Getting to read your thoughts on the whole recording process has been a big bonus Steve.
I'm sure the finished version will be a cracker, whatever line-up you go for.
Will we get to hear the different 'Bruises' version? (Extra on a single maybe?)
Hope to see you around Sheffield one day and
if you can, get it released in the middle of June (ideal birthday prezzy for me!!!).
Rock On!!
Posted by: AndyTheOwl | February 5, 2006 11:51 PM
Congrats and have some NYC style pizza....
Posted by: Brett | February 6, 2006 09:31 AM
Have fun in NYC! Good luck.
Posted by: Mike | February 6, 2006 11:07 PM
have fun in NYC... we all trust in your decisions.
And remember what I said about NYC... "only a little"
Posted by: Pony | February 7, 2006 03:28 PM
Thanks for the update, Steve. Hope you're revisiting/mastering is going well...
Posted by: Junebug | February 9, 2006 08:18 AM
Rumor has it the record has been given a name and the track listings chosen...will we have to wait ages for the info or, can you share?
Posted by: Cori | February 9, 2006 01:38 PM