Stuck On The Ground (PVD, stoman, cyclone, DrumGuy, off-site singer)

[stoman]

I think it's time to post some finished songs until they sink into oblivion.

This is a 80s-ish pop song, the thread in Studio A was:  
http://www.musicianscollaboration.com/forum/index.php?topic=10389.0

Lyrics: Paul Dempsey
Vocals: Susan St. John
Bass: Michael Schöbele
Drums: Mark R. Cole
Guitar: Cyclone (I forgot Tim's last name)
Music & Production: Steffen Offermann

There are two versions with different drums, both played by Mark. Since we cannot decide which one sounds better, I'm posting them both.

Regards,
  Steffen

[gbm]

Steffen

Nice! I was thinking 70's or psychedelic 60's. Tight drumming, good stuff! Big busy strings in the refrain would have really picked it up to finish! Nice guitars Cyclone, sounds good!  Sweet vocals!

 

[stoman]

Thanks, Gary! 70s is always a compliment for me. But the synths are clearly 80s (e.g. the Jupiter .

Regards,
  Steffen

[cyclone]

Thanks for the comp G.Turned out very good thanks for letting me join in the fun.
Cyclone

[stoman]

Thank you for joining, Tim!

This song actually isn't my usual style, but I think it turned out ok.

Regards,
  Steffen

[DrumGuy]

Steffen,

Nice job on the mixes and I love the keyboard parts! (even if you don't like keyboard driven songs...)    Susan did a wonderful job on vocals too.

Thanks for giving me a chance on my first project here!

Mark

[stoman]

I hope it won't be the last one, Mark!

Your drumming is just right for the song - both versions. I still can't decide which one I like better.

Regards,
  Steffen

[PVD]

Steffe/everyone:

Glad to see this one complete, great job.
Tks for giving this one a chance.

Paul

[CosmicDolphin]

I prefer the drum sound of the first mix as the others make it sound too 80's with the gated snare etc.

I've not heard this singer before and think she has a good voice for this type of stuff, reminds me a little of the singer from St Ettienne ( Sarah Cracknell )

My fave part is the synth sounds you've used Steffen 

CD

[stoman]

Thanks, Paul and Mark.

This song was actually meant to sound very 80s. Now, from a distance, I do like the sounds too, but I think my ears were simply over-saturated from working on it.

There were times when I did not think the song would ever be finished. I actually hated it - because my original arrangement was completely inadequate. I thought it was the drums that did not fit, but the synths were the reason. So I reworked them, and I think it was worth the effort.

Regards,
  Steffen

[rightonthemark]

i prefer mix 1 as well.
something about it seems to have more groove/feel to it.
not my cup of tea but a good collab nonetheless.
the only criticism i have is that it sounds almost too perfect - too clean - needs to be dirtied up some; especially the vocals.
she has got to have the cleanest sound voice ever - a very nice voice.