3/8/06 SPOTLIGHT: The Taylor Harvey Band

[THBv2.0]

Originally posted by Mathew i wouldn't bother putting the low fi clips up. It will give a bad representation of your sound, and most people have high speed connections anyways.

 

 

Your point is well taken, but I hope most folks are using their computers for a sampling of what the music sounds like rather than as a baromater of final production. If I just put up hi-fi clips, then those who are still on dial-up will have a hard time hearing them, so I defer to the benefit of the doubt.

 

Edit - The downloads are hi-fi, BTW.

 

 

[THBv2.0]

Originally posted by Crustycabs While I don't have any technical critique to add, I'll just say that Taylor sent me a CD and PM'd me some comforting thoughts to help ease the pain of losing my canine best friend (who was almost like another child to us) last fall.

I remember that. I had written a song called "Lincoln," about one of my family's dogs that had died a few years earlier and I sent you the CD it was on. It was also not long after Melody passed. I think it's stuff like this that makes Cool Jam cool.

[ThumpThumpTwang]

Re: Short music soundclips

I have a POS computer literally pulled out of a garbage can at the curb. I can't download very large sound clips, even with a cable modem.

[srsfallriver]

I like the site alot. I've listened to two tracks so far. I love the songwriting and I'll bet you're great live! The production is too guitar heavy for me. One track has no bottom, the other has bottom but the guitar drowns out the vocal a bit. Thats my only complaint. Its excellent overall.

[THB_bassman]

Originally posted by srsfallriver One track has no bottom, the other has bottom but the guitar drowns out the vocal a bit. Thats my only complaint. Its excellent overall.

 

HELP ME!

Which song has "no bottom"?

[MrKnobs]

Originally posted by fastplant I'd only go to samples when you have too many people downloading instead of buying your music. And you really don't get that problem till you go national.

I was looking at our download sales and it's immediately obvious that the tracks that sell are the ones that AREN'T on the website. This is easily verified by the huge number of downloads from our website, which cost us a fair amount each month for bandwidth charges. It was great when web.com bought out our ISP, their stat package is great and the stats are educational to say the least.

I'd say I made a major mistake putting up a few full clips, I won't make that mistake again.

I do agree with the people who've opined that low-fi clips do more harm than good. I'm pretty horrified by the low-fi clips CD Baby automatically generates.

Terry D.

P.S. I have a lot to say about Taylor's various albums, I'm waiting a bit longer. I'd have to put myself in the quite biased category as I consider Taylor and Tim good friends - though we've not yet met.

[THBv2.0]

Originally posted by MrKnobs P.S. I have a lot to say about Taylor's various albums, I'm waiting a bit longer.

I was wondering if you'd come out of hiding for this, Terry. I'm looking forward to what you have to say.



I think.

[MrKnobs]

Originally posted by THBv2.0 I was wondering if you'd come out of hiding for this, Terry. I'm looking forward to what you have to say. I think.

Not hiding, bro. Been very busy with other things, and my computer just spent the last 24 hours straight converting a video we shot for South by Southwest into an AVI file so my internet access was very limited.

Before that, we were getting ready for the video. We've got a new band member and she worked really hard with us to learn our tunes in just a few days.

But don't worry, I have some comments.

T.

[THBv2.0]

Originally posted by MrKnobs Not hiding, bro. Been very busy with other things, and my computer just spent the last 24 hours straight converting a video we shot for South by Southwest into an AVI file so my internet access was very limited. Before that, we were getting ready for the video. We've got a new band member and she worked really hard with us to learn our tunes in just a few days. But don't worry, I have some comments. T.

I know you've been busy.



You done recording yet?

[MrKnobs]

Originally posted by THBv2.0 I know you've been busy. You done recording yet?

Will we ever be?

Our usual semi-famous keyboardist proved helpless on our Latin tune. I had to bring in a different guy. This process of writing and arranging incrementally is terrible. It's somewhat akin to writing a story by letting everyone take the next line.

It's hard to leave space for parts that aren't there, parts you've never heard. It's like actors performing in front of a blue screen, with me as the "director" telling them they'll be instrument x playing part y right in that spot, just imagine it for now.

The alternative is to do what we just did in the video, i.e. play with our regular gigging band, no "guests." That's fun and OK, but the album needs to be a lot better than OK.

My vision producing this is far less than perfect. I have an idea for the production when we start and then after hearing a couple of folks come in and play I see either my idea isn't working, or I see the hired guns have a better idea. Sometimes, we start completely over. Every step costs money!

Say, isn't this thread supposed to be "Spotlight on Taylor Harvey?"



Terry D.

[THBv2.0]

Originally posted by MrKnobs Every step costs money! Don't I know it! I've been broke for three years! Say, isn't this thread supposed to be "Spotlight on Taylor Harvey?" Terry D.

Doh!

[orfalot]

I got to give it to Taylor and the band, (1) for volunteering to be the first band spotlighted, takes balls, (2) having a nice website and (3) most importantly having a good sound. I don't have high speed internet at home and I listened to your songs today at work so I can't remember names but I did have a few favorites. Keep it up!

[Lee Flier]

Yes, thanks to Taylor & Co. for being the first "victims," and kudos for responding by providing some full-length, hi fi downloads! I would agree that some folks are still on dialup and can't download hi fi clips, but I think it's a good idea to include both lo-fi and hi-fi clips.

I really like the web site overall; it's simple, clean and easy to navigate. I dunno about some of you guys but I've gotten really weary of band sites that were obviously done by somebody eager to show off their art school degree rather than care about user friendliness. Or have too many bells and whistles so they're kludgy and slow to load - which will alienate those dialup folks right off the bat.

And just one more little comment about the MP3's - if you're going to leave the full length downloads up, you should edit their ID3 tags so listeners know later what they've downloaded! That can be very important.

But anyhow - on to the music itself. Overall I think it's pretty obvious that you guys are extremely tight, professional and experienced musicians. You've got a really good sound and good songwriting skills, and I'll bet you go over very well.

I'll agree with one of the earlier comments that the tracks do sound like they suffer a bit from overcompression. The overall recording quality and production are great, but this much compression (probably done at the mastering stage but not necessarily) tends to give me ear fatigue after a short time. I'm not listening through the world's greatest speakers at the moment, but it almost sounds like I can hear a compressor pumping on "Place to Call My Own" and that might be the one that someone remarked sounds like the bottom is dropping out - it does seem to lack bottom compared with the others, although this may not be as apparent on better speakers.

And yeah the drum sounds are quite different from one record to the next, more likely due to different drum kits/styles than recording techniques. Sounds like on the clips from "Place To Call My Own" the drummer is using a smaller tighter snare in particular. I prefer the drum sounds on the "Beauty in the Eye" clips myself, but that's just a personal taste thing. I like hearing a big full drum sound.

Anyhow, these are all minor quibbles and I doubt they would even be worth mentioning if the overall sound wasn't so good. Enjoyed listening Taylor and Tim, you've really got a good thing going!

[THB_bassman]

Originally posted by Lee Flier Enjoyed listening Taylor and Tim, you've really got a good thing going!

Since nobody really mentioned the bass, I take it as a compliment that it's not overdone and is supportive of the music, which is as I intended it to be.
On behalf of the rhythm section, Gregg (who doesn't come around here) and myself, thanks.

[Lee Flier]

Originally posted by THB_bassman Since nobody really mentioned the bass, I take it as a compliment that it's not overdone and is supportive of the music, which is as I intended it to be.

Oh, I meant to mention it actually. You've got some VERY solid and tasteful chops there; in fact you are probably my favorite individual musician in the band. Seriously. And yes it supports the song without getting in the way, which is great - but there's also plenty of real musicaity to keep anybody interested who actually does want to focus on the bass.

[THB_bassman]

Originally posted by Lee Flier Oh, I meant to mention it actually. You've got some VERY solid and tasteful chops there; in fact you are probably my favorite individual musician in the band. Seriously.

Thanks for the compliments...
That's sweet, Lee, but not necessary.
I'm just happy to be a part of getting Taylor's music out there...I've told him, and others, that I'd do it for free as long as people can hear his music.

[Marlin in Minn]

Last Friday I had to run a few quick errands before we left on vacation and I was listening to Beauty in the Eye.

Then the Missus and I left for the airport, and as usual, the first thing she does when she gets in my car is turn on the stereo. ( She never turns off the stereo in her car, or the heater/AC etc for that matter, so whenever I drive her car as soon as I start it I'm ready for a sonic blast! )

I rarely leave a CD in the stereo, but I did this time and she asked me what radio station I was listening to.

I told her who it was and she said that she really liked it. ( 3 a.m. was playing ) I played about 5 more songs for her before we got to the airport. Oh Yeah, Love Song No. 4, Beauty in the Eye, I Don't Want to Die Tonight, and Heaven Starts Right Here.

She really liked the sound, which is a good thing...the bad part is I think I just lost another CD.

[Marlin in Minn]

Originally posted by THB_bassman Since nobody really mentioned the bass, I take it as a compliment that it's not overdone and is supportive of the music, which is as I intended it to be. On behalf of the rhythm section, Gregg (who doesn't come around here) and myself, thanks.

Good job THB_bassman! The rhythm section sets the overall tone and feel for each song. It's the way the bass and drums work together that makes a song breath and live, they add the tension and feeling of anticipation, and then give you the resolution.


I haven't listened to the clips people are talking about on here (I'm on a slow dial up), but the Beauty in the Eye album has excellent rhythm work on it!


:thu:

[THB_bassman]

Marlin in Minn,
That's great to hear. and I am sincerely glad you like it...it was fun.
I think of all the songs THB has done, my personal favorite has to be "nothing to do tonight", which happens to be on the "Place To Call My Own" CD, and I wasn't with the band on that CD. (But I wish I had been).
That song is SO powerful, and touches me so deeply, that it makes me chill when Taylor calls it at a gig.

[THBv2.0]

Thanks for the comments, Lee. Truth be told, I'm not terribly involved in the mix-down and mastering phases of the recording process. I'm there for editing sessions and then I let the producer produce. He's watching this thread, though, and I'm sure has taken note of the listed inconsistencies and I continue to be appreciative of all the comments that have been made on this very helpful thread.



I also like that Mike got some kudos for his work. He's a steady bass player and I love having him involved. Look for him name on the next THB liner.

[srsfallriver]

Originally posted by THB_bassman HELP ME! Which song has "no bottom"?

Sorry I didn't get back to you right away. It looks like Lee already answered for me. It was Place To Call My Own. I can hear the bass but, being a bassist myself, it just was not enough for me. The line worked but the mix didn't in my opinion.

Great work overall. I've been busy the last couple of days but I plan on listening to some more tonight.

[bonscottvocals]

THB, I LOVE YOU'RE SOUND! Thanks. You guys freakin' rock. There's a definite resurgance of blues-based, southern-rock feel, and you've got it nailed. I'm getting more and more young ladies begging me to play Skynyrd, 38 Special, Marshall Tucker, Allman, etc. Sounds like you've got it freakin' nailed. I love the guitars, the rhythm, the vocals. It's all good.

Have you guys tried out for Nashville Star? You've definitely got everything that would make a 'new' southern rock feel. Everyone who looks at the country stations these days sees the Tim McGraw's and Faith Hill's, but what about the guys from Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Hank II, and those guys?

Hopefully, I can make it out to So Cal this summer and catch y'all.

Keep on Rockin, THB!

[THB_bassman]

Originally posted by srsfallriver Sorry I didn't get back to you right away. It looks like Lee already answered for me. It was Place To Call My Own. I can hear the bass but, being a bassist myself, it just was not enough for me. The line worked but the mix didn't in my opinion. Great work overall. I've been busy the last couple of days but I plan on listening to some more tonight.

Thanks. That album was recorded prior to me joining the band, so obviously I had little to do with it...but I assure you when we play it live now, there IS some bottom!

I joined about six months before recording began for Beauty In The Eye.

Thanks for the nice comments, and constructive criticism.

[THBv2.0]

Originally posted by bonscottvocals Have you guys tried out for Nashville Star? We ain't young and purdy enough! Hopefully, I can make it out to So Cal this summer and catch y'all. Keep on Rockin, THB! Let us know when you're dropping by and if we don't have a gig, we'll find one!

[bonscottvocals]

I met Charlie Daniels a little while ago, and he said something to the fact that bands are getting prettier and that he wouldn't stand a chance in today's market. I saw the pictures of you guys on the web site, and though we're about the same age, there's no reason your band wouldn't rock it hard. Look at the teeth on SRV, OH GAWD! He made Austin Powers look like a dental hygenist. And he made it while the 80's bands were so 'beautiful' you had a hard time telling the men from the women.

I'll let you know. I am supposed to get out to Thousand Oaks this summer, and I'll try to make it so I have to be there on one of your Friday night gigs. I used to live in San Diego in 83, and I've been pining to get out there for a long time.

I'm going to have to order your cd's. We 'cover' good stuff from other musicians (only with their express permission). I'd like to play some of it, and I'll write to you and let you know which tunes as well as ask for your permission. Oh, and we ALWAYS give credit to the original musicians. You've got great stuff, and I think it would go over like crazy at the next Harley Rendezvous we play.

We could always stick your cd's in during breaks too.