An honest review of your song

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 9:49 pm

Michael Frazier reviews - Seneki

Anymore - Musically this feels darn depressing. Vocals are a bit behind the overdriven guitar parts. Thanks for posting the lyrics - at least I can see them, although they don't realy have much of a message. Timing of the players and their parts is close but not totally tight. Could use some performance work I'm thinking. The song construction itself is a bit messy. Changes don't seem to keep any real flow - they just feel too contrived. Just one man's opinion.

One Moment - Again, a negative message. Of course I don't know the background but the feel of the entire tune is pretty negative. I'm sure there is a story behind this that did not have f... imbedded in it. Tell the story, if it is worthy of listening to then you don't need to repeat f....... again and again. A good song stands on it's own and allows the listener to embellish if they so desire.

Brutal is the Bitten Sky - I like the intro to this one. Yeah, I don't know. Movement seems built around the guitar player and the music is not always tight together. Drums are pretty stale and lead mostly flails. Vocals are back in the mix with another depressing message.

Keep on working on the recording and the sound and maybe a message that makes a difference.

Just one man's opinion. Michael

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 10:26 pm

Hello Michael, I've listened to a few more of your songs and at this juncture my favorite is "Free and Flying" I love the message and the energy you have here, strong rhythm guitar and tastey licks in the backround, very good vocal, I only wish you added some harmony to the chorus vocal . . . nice work!
Would you be so kind as to review a couple more of my songs?
One is called "Golden Rule" in which I'm doing all the instruments. I've recently written a 2nd verse for it which is NOT on this recording, I just repeated the 1st verse. The second song is called "Slow Down" and it was done with the last band I was in, it's about this rat race we live in.

Play Golden Rule . .
Play Slow Down . .

Peace,
Erick . . .

ubw newbie Joined: Dec 15, 2004 Posts: 39

Hi, I think you have reviewed some of my stuff before and I found your comments very useful.

I have a couple for you

Old men round a table

http://www.unsignedbandweb.com/music/play.php?band_id=2510&song_id=11191&mode=song_hifi

and

Here he come (rough demo, will be re-recorded in new year with live drums)

http://www.unsignedbandweb.com/music/play.php?band_id=2510&song_id=11978&mode=song_hifi

www.unsignedbandweb.com/unclejohnny

Thanks for your time

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 9:10 pm

Hey Michael
Thanx for the review, always intresting to hear what people who dont know the band and the musicians think of the songs. More honest i think. Personaly i never realy thought of the songs as negative, just kick ass rock n roll but i suppose that depends on whos listening. Anyway thanx. I did get around to form some sort of oppinion on a few songs i dl from you.

Great Day - This song has a great sound and i absolutely love the flute (its a flute right?). This song is perfect to have on in the background to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Free and Flying - I realy like this one, especially the guitars. They keep the song moving constantly and keeps it fresh and intresting. The "in case you didnt know" part is nice(2.10) and even though the sound of the song is very laid back i would have liked the vocals to realy dig into it and wail alittle, kinda build up for the end.

Enjoy the Ride - This is a good solid song with a message we all probably should listen to but rarely do.

Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2005 10:14 am

Hey Michael,
I think you had listened/reviewed one of my songs (Silence) somewhere along the way, I was hoping that you could take a listen to my other songs and review them as well

Silence Let me first say on this song that unfortunately I did not perform the lead vocals on this, the band I was in at the time when this was recorded had a lead singer who insisted on singing it with me as the backup vox

Reflections

Soul of Gold

26 Days I know that this song's "recording quality" could have been better, not so "washy", but by then the band had broken up and I unfortunately have no ability to make necessary corrections on this particular track Sad

I look foward to your honest comments and observations on these songs!

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 11:51 pm

alright... hows it goin?

We was wunderin if like ... you'd av a quick look at "The BIG Slinky"? and see what you recon?

http://www.unsignedbandweb.com/music/bands/4245/

Lookin forwards to your comments

Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 10:19 pm

Michael Frazier reviews - Erick Schweitzer

Sorry to be so slow - been finishing my new project "Thorns and Roses".

GOLDEN RULE - Man this is so smooth. Let me know if you re-post with the second verse as I like the lyrics and would like to see how you keep the feel alive in the 2nd half. Guitar work is sweet, vocal is right on and overall sound quality very easy to listen to. I very much enjoyed listening to this tune. Nice work.

SLOW DOWN - Another solid piece of work. Reminds me of something a friend of mine would write. Lyrics are well written and telling and your music and arrangement support the story line very well. Musicianship is right on - tight, on time, on pitch. Great work Erick. Another fun listen with meaning. Keep on - you have a lot to offer musically and lyrically. Michael.

Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 10:29 pm

Michael Frazier Reviews - unclejonny

Old Men Round A Table - Full on music. Cool mix of rock and blues feels. Would like to hear the vocals up in the mix a bit - they are pretty buried. Solid musicianship all around and nice changes. I like the orchestration and song construction. The lyrics are pretty weak to me, though I know the focus is more on the music itself. Still the kind of trite, exacting message is not on par with the music. Aside of that this is a fun listen.

Here He Comes - Nice intro. Love the guitar work on this tune - cool rising and falling - like the water. Some super harmonies though there are a couple of notes that bend the pitch a bit too far. Mostly well done. Not sure what the lyrics mean - I 'm not getting a feel or a picture for them. Maybe I would have to be there to get it. The later part of the song starting at the ending of the second chorus feels too busy and edges on distorting the recording. I like the feel you are after as far as dynamics - it just feels a bit overdone. Just one man's opinion and still an enjoyable listen to some talented musicians. Thanks and keep on playing and writing - you have a lot to offer. Michael

Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:02 pm

Michael Frazier reviews - Tammy Bick

Sorry to be so slow. Between the holidays and trying to finish my own CD project I have been rather busy. Here now - on to the reviews.

REFLECTIONS - Super musicianship on this tune. Well constructed and orchestrated. Love the melodies and harmonies and the jazzy feel of the tune. Lyrics are well written and the main vocal has some nice qualities. I would suggest a change in the chorus phrasing - I would get distinct here as it is such a big part of the song. Change to 2 phrases - "I Just Want" - "To Hold on to you" and really ennuncuiate the words. I think that would sharpen / tighten up that chorus. There are a few other spots where the main vocal could sharpen up the phrasing. Overall a really well written tune and an enjoyable listen.

SOUL OF GOLD - Again great musicianship. I knew I recognized that guitar sound -great work Erick - I suggest crediting all the players on the lyric page as well - they deserve it. Anyway, back to the song - married a money man - sorry - solid lyrics. There is this kind of hidden funk / jazz feel to this rock tune that I like a lot. Nice groove and the vocals are right on. Nice piece of work. Enjoyed the listen and appreciate the talent.

26 DAYS - You're right - the sound quality is much less listenable on this tune. Vocals are really buried as is the lead guitar. It's got the making of a good listen though not as it is presently presented. There are some almost Christine McVie vocal moments though - might be wise to reminisce on how you got there. I like the orchestration and musicianship - the recording simply does not do it justice.

Overall - you have a lot of talent running around in these songs and I have enjoyed listeneing to your music. Best of luck - Keep on - I know there is more to come. Michael.

Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:52 pm

Michael Frazier reviews - The Big Slinky

THE BIG SLINKY THEME TUNE - Very tough vocals - maybe a tad too hot in the mix in a couple spots. Love the instrumentation and the musicianship. Very tight work. Changes are very cool and well performed. Enjoy the groove you got going on this one - a bit o funk - a bit o jazz - a bit o rock. Great sound. Would be nice if the lyrics were posted.

SEEN YOU BEFORE - No, I mean the real lyrics. I know you're not Marshall Tucker Band but the opening is so similar. The mix could use a bit of work - that one guitar is just too harsh and biting and propably forces the vocal and everything else to get pushed up in volume in the mix. The mix could be improved - at least for this pair of ears. Lyrics fit well with the music though I didn't get any feel or pictures from them. Still a solid composition and excellent musicianship.

ROAD SONG - Nice guitar riff for the basis of this one. Very classic rock feel. Nice keys sprinkled in there with the driving drums and bass. Another tune with solid musicianship and the mix is decent on this one. Still there is something about the lead vocal that needs attention. I like the energy - it is just too in my face - especially for saying very little lyrically. Maybe just needs some reverb to hold it within the other sounds. It's good and al just feel a bit too forced to be hot.

Anyway, you all certainly have some talent for writing the musical portions of songs and for playing them. Solid ideas with nice changes and grooves. A killer recording and mix away from stardom in the 80's - or in those countries that are 20 years behind. Great listens - keep on - you have a lot of talent assembled here. No doubt you can move forward. Michael.

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:41 pm

Hi Michael, I just had a listen to your song "The Usual Way" It has such a Neil Young vibe going on, from the older "After the Gold Rush" era. . .nice job! Again another good message song from you. . . I noticed it was dated 1989, was that when it was recorded or just written, just curious?? interesting stop breaks happening as well . . . . I definitely enjoyed the listen....

I will be listening to more of your music and giving feedback as time allows, Thank you for your excellent effort in reviewing request from us UBW members. Have a great New Year!

Peace,
Erick . . .

If you get a chance to review this that would be great . . Play Sound of Joy . . click me

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 12:05 pm

I am actually new to this but I would love it if you could review our groups page.
Our group name is "Sowers Of The Seed"
We are a bluegrass Gospel group and we write a lot of our own material. Were not expecting to get big. We just love what we are doing. If you have time check us out.

Thanks!
and be honest. Laughing

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 10:57 pm

Michael Frazier reviews - Erick Schweitzer - Sound of Joy

Hey Erick. Cool Goooove. I like the feel and as always your hot stylish guitar licks. Man I wish you lived next door. Lyrics are a bit repetetive but they kind of get a bit of that trance thing happening which is definitely cool. Sound quality is not as good as some of your other tune which tells me you are very much moving forward in all facets. Very enjoyable listen.

As for your comments on the Usual Way - I always felt there was a bit of Neil in there - thanks for the confirmation. Yes, the date listed was the date of writing. The recording was actuallly done in 2003. Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment. Love your works. Keep on. and on and on and on .... Michael

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 11:27 pm

Michael Frazier reviews Sowers of The Seed

The Old Rugged Cross] - Music is simply done and keeps things open for the full on vocals you guys have worked out. There is some room for improvement in spots but I really enjoyed the raw feeling of the voices all focused together. I like the song constrution and the vocal lines are nicely written. Decent mix overall. Like the mandolin - nicely played and fills in the mix well. Unique lyrical take as well. I imagine you rushed to get the music out and will post the lyrics later?? Nice moving, yet solemn tune.

We All Swung The Hammer - Another unique lyrical take on the subject matter and some solid songwriting and vocal work again. Banjo adds a nice feel to this one. The raw feel of the group vocals are again a strong point. Solid mix and song construction. Well done.

Dreaming of Heaven - This tune has an interesting flow to it. A bit out of the norm it feels to me and I like it. Again the big group vocals. Again a decent mix and nice instrumentation and song construction. Actually - this tune is the most interesting in terms of song construction as it has nice parts and well done changes.

Overall some very nice vocal work - kudos gentlemen. Decent recordings, mixes and musicianship make your music very listenable. Thanks for your request and keep on playing. Michael

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 11:47 pm

Thanks michaelfrazier.

I appreciate your time. Tomorrow I will check out your page.
Very Happy

An honest review of your song

UBW Resources

Music Forums

Music Forums

Partners