Nothing can save you from Count 3

I promised myself I wouldn't talk about this, but I can't resist. It's actually really evil, and pretty critical, but because I did some stuff to benefit it (for a temporary time) I guess I can be critique their...work.

My brothers friends have to do a project for a book they read. They are in 8th grade, and decided to compose a song. Luckily(ish), I own and know somewhat how to work ProTools M-Powered essential. The little "things" came over today, hijacked some instruments, and screamed their hearts into the microphone. Remember, Play In Time.

Well I'm not gunna go through every track they did and bicker about it. They had about 8, and didn't realize the importance of the ingredients of a song.

First: you need a steady drum beat. This will ensure constant timing throughout the song, and is a reliable instrument to listen to.
-These people sped up around 20 counts from the beginning to end. Instead of starting on count 1 like in the original song, this group decide to start on count 4. EVERY TIME.

Second: A steady, groovy bass line. This needs to be reliable for both the chords (in case of emergency) and the beat. Adds an overall balanced feeling to the song.
-They decided to record the bass LAST. They first, chose my bass with only 3 strings (see post from a week ago), but eventually realized that you can't play on the missing string. Hmmmm...I wonder why. Then, with guilty permission, took my finger bass (strings are NEVER for picks) and started carelessly plucking on it with no particular idea in mind BEFORE THE SONG EVEN STARTED RECORDING. When it started recording, the player messed up completely in the beginning. GAH!

Third: Guitar needs to cooperate with the drums and bass. Too much can lead to puking. Needs some for a bit of melody and effect
-They turned the guitar almost all the way down, and complained when I turned it up to make it sound like a song. They had 2 parts, which were ok.

Vocals: Vocals need to be melodic, perfect volume, and accurate.
-They screamed into the mic while laughing. That isn't singing. The volumes was so infrequent that I couldn't mix it; it was truly impossible to take out every laugh and volume change that occured.

I mixed it to sound good, but the group disagreed, and overall it sounded like crap. [sarcasm] But they had fun right? And that's all that matters [/sarcasm]

Other than that today was normal. Lotsa pictures though. And other crap. Have fun :D