Enough of the writing already, wheres the music? (song lyrics, rock)

DontRunMeOver · 02-08-2006, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ledzeppelinrulz

hm i just cant judge lyrics without music, i havent the slightest idea about how fast it is, what key its in, the kind of song it is. but thats just me.

LedZeppelinRulz made a very good point here, one which keeps being alluded to but then swept under the carpet for some unknown reason. If we're critiquing song lyrics in their development stage, why not do the same for the rest of the song, tune, rhythm, structure etc? Being in a band I'd appreciate the input from outside listeners to the rough drafts of certain songs, does anybody feel the same way?

My point here is that, if you have written a song then you should be able to record it and post it, accompanied or unaccompanied. All you'd need would be a microphone for the recording. Yes it might be bad quality, yes you might not have a decent singing voice, but beyond that what real reasons could you have for not putting your lyrics out with at least some attempt at the music you want with them?

I disagree when people say that reading lyrics is the best way to criticise them. Reading is the best way to criticise those poems or books which are intended to be read quietly. Lyrics, on the other hand, are meant to be heard and not just in any old way, they are meant to be sung. So the best way to criticise a lyric is to HEAR it, as sometimes what looks good on paper sounds crap and vice versa.

So anyhow, I'm going to have a go at doing this and if nobody else follows suit I want to know why not. CrashingSun and RAR, I realise you've already been doing this so thanks for stimulating me to do the same, if you have any tips for where to put audio files etc. I'd appreciate them!

Crashing Sun · 02-08-2006, 08:46 AM

I would say definitely link your music (home recorded or otherwise) if you're not worried about infrigement, and if you are then at the very least describe the genre/tempo/instrumentation/whatever so reviewers have a clue.

Everything I have online for download has already been copyrighted which means that I already paid the Library of Congress my $30 per record and waited the three months it takes to get my certificates back. All those lyrics are sort of set in stone now but it doesn't mean I can't go back and tweak them for my ever-loving audience. The music I'm fine with it, but the lyrics I need feedback on.

Mama Booze · 02-08-2006, 04:19 PM

I agree, there should be a..."Listen" forum....very good point LedZepRules made there.

DontRunMeOver · 03-12-2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DontRunMeOver

the best way to criticise a lyric is to HEAR it, as sometimes what looks good on paper sounds crap and vice versa.

I'm sticking to this statement - two of my songs are up on:

www.myspace.com/jodileeparker

Please criticise them. Particularly the lyrics and vocals, as that's what I do in the band so I have the most control over what they do!

Jadix · 03-12-2006, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DontRunMeOver

I'm sticking to this statement - two of my songs are up on:

Please criticise them. Particularly the lyrics and vocals, as that's what I do in the band so I have the most control over what they do!

Ok. Well before I start this know that I dont like emo music, so I may not be digging the sound you are trying for. You might be hitting it exactly how you want to, but I just dont like it. Ill try to tell you why.

"Obsolete Alibi"
Good sounding guitar intro.
Your voice sounds really whiny. Kinda ear piercing. Only when you say ALIBI though. As the song is going on I can hear something there that sounds really cool. You guys should go for a less emo sound, and more of a rock sound. I like the way you sing your verses. you have a better voice when its lower I think. Your high voice either needs work, or should just be dropped.

DontRunMeOver · 03-12-2006, 06:32 PM

When you say a 'less emo sound' do you mean just in the vocals, or in the mixing in general? I think I get what you mean - that the Obsolete Alibi song is more of a rock song, so its should be performed and recorded with a more rock sound?

I'm starting to agree about the whiney voice. Although singing in this band for (5 months now I think) has made my voice much more powerful in terms of volume, my singing technique has gone AWOL and even though its louder my voice has started to sound a bit flimsy. Compared to how it used to sound anyway. I'll stop listening to Funeral For a Friend and put on some Joe ****er instead! Its also out of tune on half of Backseat Retributions...

dog · 03-16-2006, 06:02 AM

guess it wasnt just me then. and 'dont run me overs' song is pretty fun. geetar is good-o.

02-08-2006, 08:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
Crashing Sun Idontthinkyouknow Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Out of the Frying Pan Posts: 102	I would say definitely link your music (home recorded or otherwise) if you're not worried about infrigement, and if you are then at the very least describe the genre/tempo/instrumentation/whatever so reviewers have a clue. Everything I have online for download has already been copyrighted which means that I already paid the Library of Congress my $30 per record and waited the three months it takes to get my certificates back. All those lyrics are sort of set in stone now but it doesn't mean I can't go back and tweak them for my ever-loving audience. The music I'm fine with it, but the lyrics I need feedback on. __________________ People Against People "Scientists in Taiwan say they have bred three pigs that glow in the dark." (Support Spam)

03-16-2006, 06:02 AM	#7 (permalink)
dog this bird has flown Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: paris,texas Posts: 860	guess it wasnt just me then. and 'dont run me overs' song is pretty fun. geetar is good-o. __________________ formerly ledzeppelinrulz. http://theraffinkids.bandcamp.com/ music^

02-08-2006, 04:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mama Booze Here's lookin at you, kid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The White Hotel Posts: 366	I agree, there should be a..."Listen" forum....very good point LedZepRules made there.