More recordings utilizing Tool chords...

[Benjamin Strange]

I've slowly been putting together a solo acoustic album in between tours. I've just posted two new songs, entitled "Beckoning" and "Confession", in a streaming format on my website (http://www.benjaminstrange.net).

"Beckoning" was recorded using my roommate's 1940's era Gibson L-50 with flatwound strings, and "Confession" was recorded using my trusty Alvarez 9-string. "Beckoning" was an especially difficult piece to play, as I'm not much of a guitarist and I have a nasty habit of writing music that's too hard for me to play.

Your comments and criticisms would be appreciated. If you dig it, come be my virtual buddy on http://www.myspace.com/benjaminstrange.

[Matt Till]

I've been listening to some of this acoustic stuff of yours from time to time. Some top drawer accousticing in my opinion. I've said it before, but I get an Alice in Chains vibe from the vocals.

All in all, this isn't my favorite stuff from you... it's not that it isn't really well done, it's a matter of my preference. I'm not down with minimalism, just a guy and his guitar, but you do it really really well. But, without a mellotron and a tabla player, I'm out the door. But once again, well done.

Do you feel it's best to augment Tool chords... or diminish them? One time, I flatted a 5th on a Tool chord and I was like, whoaz.

[Benjamin Strange]

Originally Posted by Matt Till

Do you feel it's best to augment Tool chords... or diminish them? One time, I flatted a 5th on a Tool chord and I was like, whoaz.

Wait... you're changing Tool chords? Is that even possible?

[jollygiantchris]

I vaguely recall this Tool chord post *_* kinda reminds me of when Metallica copy wrote the E G B progression and as Lars said, "not the chords mind you but only the chords when they were presented in that way."

I listened to the first song with the really long name I liked it. Not my style of music though. I bet you get a lot of weird artsy chicks with it

[superbassman2000]

good stuff Ben! they both are pretty good songs, however, might you bring out the vocals a little more in the mix? in my speakers it sounds like the guitar is really close to me, while the vocals sound like they are further away

[Benjamin Strange]

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

good stuff Ben! they both are pretty good songs, however, might you bring out the vocals a little more in the mix? in my speakers it sounds like the guitar is really close to me, while the vocals sound like they are further away

Is that on all the tracks, or just a few? What kind of speakers are you using?

[Matt Till]

With headphones the mix sounds pretty good. The vocals seem a little buried I suppose.

[Benjamin Strange]

Originally Posted by Matt Till

With headphones the mix sounds pretty good. The vocals seem a little buried I suppose.

I generally do bury my vocals in most of my stuff. Perhaps it doesn't work so well with just an acoustic guitar?

[superbassman2000]

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

Is that on all the tracks, or just a few? What kind of speakers are you using?

all of the acoustic tracks--i have listened in headphones and my laptop speakers (i know, not very audiophile, but on the other hand, neither are most listeners!) but it just seemed that the acoustic guitar parts are right there in your face (and sounds really good) while the vocals are pushed to the back--you have a good voice, you should turn it up more!

[Benjamin Strange]

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

all of the acoustic tracks--i have listened in headphones and my laptop speakers (i know, not very audiophile, but on the other hand, neither are most listeners!) but it just seemed that the acoustic guitar parts are right there in your face (and sounds really good) while the vocals are pushed to the back--you have a good voice, you should turn it up more!

Cool... thanks for the advice. I'll tweak the mixes and update them shortly.

[superbassman2000]

rock on! look forward to hearing them!

btw, I am glad that lamentations is still on your site--I still like that song!