It’s so nice to see this is moving forward! I really like how the song has developed. Instruments make it sound it so fresh but I agree with Martin that it needs more power and independence. Congrats guys!
Make the music more raw. In general. In my opinion, your music is a bit too polished, a bit too kind, a bit too not-provoking. What does this music want? In my ears, it just wants to be nice and hopes noone dislikes it. Find an edge, something that isn’t ‘oooh’ but ‘rrraaaarrrghh’. Something to tickle my ear, that says ‘listen to me, god dammit’, instead of ‘is it okay, if I play’. More powerful, more rough, more personal.
Hey April, You’re right, it sounds so much better with Matt’s drums. When we started out with Mubla, we didn’t really think about drums for any of the songs apart from this one. So now we have drums, everything else that’s going on, like the electric guitar and bassline makes more sense :) Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it.
like I said way back at the beginning this is the one for me, I do feel a little disappointed thought, for me the real charm comes from the piano and the vocals and I just feel the intro has a little too much going on and 2.33 to 2.56 I almost want the piano the play and pull at the heart strings.
It’s the one song that almost reminds me of the fiancée and makes the hairs stand up on my arms but unfortunately is losing that effect.
If I was to listen to a recording it would be recording one.
Cheers for commenting on the site. I believe we’ve only met once after the gig in Leicester, but Rob showed me O.S.O.M a while back and I’m impressed! :)
About the song, it’s definitely very different to recording one. The beauty of this project is that we can just go into the studio after you’ve said this, strip it down to something very minimal with the piano centre-stage. We can then mix this down as a different version as it captures a totally different feeling.
I really appreciate the detailed comment. If you have anything else you think about our songs, then it’s really helpful.
I’m definitely getting the feeling that the piano has an important part to play in this song. And you’re right about calling it a solo. When Rob and I are playing it, we call it that!
I would also like to hear more piano in the mix. Also, the background vocals on the chorus seem corny to me. I would rather hear a harmony vocal, or even a countermelody.
Thanks for the tip about the piano. Rob and I both think it would be nicer if it was higher in the mix. As for the background vocals, I think the “ooos” are high in the mix at the moment because a) we wanted to hear them when we rehearse and b) we haven’t sat down and mixed each track, which we will start to do once the final vocals are on. What I’d really like is a female vocal on this track – what do you think?
Definitely, at the very least I think the piano that is there should be higher up in the mix and drop everything else. Then I think it should carry on when the vocal returns though obviously with the level of it being dropped. What do you think?
I think you’re right there Dena – it’s definitely our most catchy song which is usually a good thing. Not quite sure where we are going with this for now but the drummer we are going to have collaborate with us said he has some ideas so we’ll see where they go!
Howdy guys,
first time i’ve checked out you tunes since the first recordings and since we last caught up in pub. Sounding much much better. I know its not the final version however I think the acoustic guitar could be played harder as you said in the above comment, and also I reckon Kal’s backing vocal towards the end could be a little louder- he sounds a bit distant. We all know how much Kal loves the sound of his own voice so i’m sure he won’t mind. But definately a marked improvement. Dare I say it rob almost catchy!
I just heard your last podcast! Thanks for mentioning! But I want to clarify some points. First, when I spoke about the name “Ana Perez”, I didn’t have in mind that your purpose was actually using a very common name. In my language, Mary-Jane may sound exotic. That’s why I thought that an unique and exotic spanish name will fit better. But if that’s the effect you were looking for, then good match! ;) Finally, I personally like stories with beginning and end, so I don’t see why to repeat the story at any time. When I mention the repetition, I was talking about the four lines in the chorus which, in my opinion, are too many compared with verses. Cheer up guys!
I like the melody and the poetic side of the story but I find the hole piece too much repetitive. The story is explained in two strophes whereas you dedicate most part of the time to a short and repetitive chorus, especially between the second and third strophe where you repeat it twice. I understand that you have found a catchy chorus but I think that using it so much put that deep story in a secon level. You might add, for example, another strophe between chorus. Finally, I’d say that the spanish name is too ordinary to be a dream. I mean, it has no power, I can’t see romance on it. Anyway, good job guys! Cheer up!
Love the lyrics in this one, really like the way the answering phrases work and tell the tale, especially the first verse, elegant and poetic. Maybe you could really build up the musical layers/vocals in the answering bits?
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It’s so nice to see this is moving forward! I really like how the song has developed. Instruments make it sound it so fresh but I agree with Martin that it needs more power and independence. Congrats guys!
Make the music more raw. In general. In my opinion, your music is a bit too polished, a bit too kind, a bit too not-provoking. What does this music want? In my ears, it just wants to be nice and hopes noone dislikes it. Find an edge, something that isn’t ‘oooh’ but ‘rrraaaarrrghh’. Something to tickle my ear, that says ‘listen to me, god dammit’, instead of ‘is it okay, if I play’. More powerful, more rough, more personal.
wow you guys are really good and this song is fantastic
Hey Jack, thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it. Come back anytime!! Kal
This really sounds like a completely different song now. I love it. The drums have made a world of difference.
Hey April, You’re right, it sounds so much better with Matt’s drums. When we started out with Mubla, we didn’t really think about drums for any of the songs apart from this one. So now we have drums, everything else that’s going on, like the electric guitar and bassline makes more sense :) Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it.
Mr Rob Mr Kal
like I said way back at the beginning this is the one for me, I do feel a little disappointed thought, for me the real charm comes from the piano and the vocals and I just feel the intro has a little too much going on and 2.33 to 2.56 I almost want the piano the play and pull at the heart strings.
It’s the one song that almost reminds me of the fiancée and makes the hairs stand up on my arms but unfortunately is losing that effect.
If I was to listen to a recording it would be recording one.
Hey Adam,
Cheers for commenting on the site. I believe we’ve only met once after the gig in Leicester, but Rob showed me O.S.O.M a while back and I’m impressed! :)
About the song, it’s definitely very different to recording one. The beauty of this project is that we can just go into the studio after you’ve said this, strip it down to something very minimal with the piano centre-stage. We can then mix this down as a different version as it captures a totally different feeling.
I really appreciate the detailed comment. If you have anything else you think about our songs, then it’s really helpful.
Cheers,
Kal
This is a great song so far! I loved the piano break, too. It almost seemed like a solo. More at the beginning would sound really great, too.
I’m definitely getting the feeling that the piano has an important part to play in this song. And you’re right about calling it a solo. When Rob and I are playing it, we call it that!
I would also like to hear more piano in the mix. Also, the background vocals on the chorus seem corny to me. I would rather hear a harmony vocal, or even a countermelody.
Thanks for the tip about the piano. Rob and I both think it would be nicer if it was higher in the mix. As for the background vocals, I think the “ooos” are high in the mix at the moment because a) we wanted to hear them when we rehearse and b) we haven’t sat down and mixed each track, which we will start to do once the final vocals are on. What I’d really like is a female vocal on this track – what do you think?
How about building a strong piano solo in the break at 2.34? Love the understated work in the rest of it, and the vocals are excellent Rob…
Definitely, at the very least I think the piano that is there should be higher up in the mix and drop everything else. Then I think it should carry on when the vocal returns though obviously with the level of it being dropped. What do you think?
so far this is my favorite song. I like it just the way it is, and yes it is very catchy.
I think you’re right there Dena – it’s definitely our most catchy song which is usually a good thing. Not quite sure where we are going with this for now but the drummer we are going to have collaborate with us said he has some ideas so we’ll see where they go!
And this one needs 8s with a shaker.
Howdy guys,
first time i’ve checked out you tunes since the first recordings and since we last caught up in pub. Sounding much much better. I know its not the final version however I think the acoustic guitar could be played harder as you said in the above comment, and also I reckon Kal’s backing vocal towards the end could be a little louder- he sounds a bit distant. We all know how much Kal loves the sound of his own voice so i’m sure he won’t mind. But definately a marked improvement. Dare I say it rob almost catchy!
Cheers Russ. If you say it’s catchy then it must be!
Hey Russell,
I’m glad you agree with me! People need to hear my voice!
Ok… I wasn’t expecting this! I like it though!
Hey Mike, what do you think about the new sound? Yay or nay?
Hey guys, I just wanted to say I read the comments and I really like this song. I don’t know why, but It really reminsd me of Summer of 69…
I just heard your last podcast! Thanks for mentioning! But I want to clarify some points. First, when I spoke about the name “Ana Perez”, I didn’t have in mind that your purpose was actually using a very common name. In my language, Mary-Jane may sound exotic. That’s why I thought that an unique and exotic spanish name will fit better. But if that’s the effect you were looking for, then good match! ;) Finally, I personally like stories with beginning and end, so I don’t see why to repeat the story at any time. When I mention the repetition, I was talking about the four lines in the chorus which, in my opinion, are too many compared with verses. Cheer up guys!
I like the melody and the poetic side of the story but I find the hole piece too much repetitive. The story is explained in two strophes whereas you dedicate most part of the time to a short and repetitive chorus, especially between the second and third strophe where you repeat it twice. I understand that you have found a catchy chorus but I think that using it so much put that deep story in a secon level. You might add, for example, another strophe between chorus. Finally, I’d say that the spanish name is too ordinary to be a dream. I mean, it has no power, I can’t see romance on it. Anyway, good job guys! Cheer up!
Hey Superka9,
I think you make some really good points. Check my blog post on the lyrics to this song and hopefully it addresses some of the things you said! Thanks for commenting!
http://www.robandkal.com/mubla-2-0/cant-help-me-now-the-lyrics/
This is the one for me boys, poetic was a word used in a comment above and I have to agree with that.
For me the real charm comes from the simple lyrics and effective harmonies.
Love the lyrics in this one, really like the way the answering phrases work and tell the tale, especially the first verse, elegant and poetic. Maybe you could really build up the musical layers/vocals in the answering bits?
The bit at 1 minute 43 seconds should be a lot louder in later and final versions. Drums might do the trick i’m thinking…