First off, I've got to repeat what a great song this is.
As I'm sure I've mentioned to Steve and Todd, I personally think this song captures the best qualities/ essence of Steve's vocals..I basically use this as the gauge to see if any tunes we work on with Steve are making the mark to take advantage and make the best of his vocal qualities..and this is easily as great as anything you'll hear. Out of any rock songs I've heard on the site, this certainly is on the top, if not the top song..I'm leaving personal preferences out of the equation..looking at it purely by what I would think would chart (spend much of my day on the raod, maybe get about 3 hours a day just scanning the staions to see whats new,etc..), along with some of the Ain't TV tunes Steve is on as well. It's heavy enough to make it on the rock stations, but could go to the classic rock or lighter rock stations as well. It's got a little 80's retro to it..which presently is a pretty hot sound...some Canadian bands from the 80's come to mind..Streetheart, Honeymoonsuite kind of vibe.Also, for the bass playing, is certainly one of my favs here..which is funny considering Dave considers himself a guitar player!
You guys really nailed this one!
As for the mixes, did alot of a/b's...leaving personal preferences out of it..tried compare to what you'd hear on a big label album..although both sound as good as most of the stuff out there.
I find, overall, Nick's mix is cleaner and defined..the vocals are crystal clear, center stage, every word loud and clear/Todd's snare has alot more...snap/punch to it...at least on my system, makes it sound better. Personally think the intro should be a hybrid of both...the chunking rythmn a little less pronounced, and more of the background guitar..although, again if I had to pick, I think they would go for Nick's version on the beginning. I do prefer Mark's mix of the guitar during the last bit..but that's more personal preference..like the guitar to crank when it needs to...give it some heaviness, but that's preference...find much of the newer stuff is mixed that way, as compared to 10 or 20 years ago.
Bass is great on both..a little more power (bottom punch) on Nick's I think..those are about the only differences that stand out to myself anyway, but then again, what do I know?..I repair dishwashers for a living, not records!
But this is certainly a highlight of the year I would think..if there was a vote, I'd say track #1 the CD for sure!
Good work guys (now that you've got your new toy Dave, start pumping some more killer tunes man!
)
Marc