Is my bassline too busy? (mp3)

[smurfco]

I'm still finessing this one so there's a few goofed notes. I exaggerated the bass volume in this mix. Too busy?

http://www.rogerwatersneedsahug.com/DesignsRick.mp3

I played everything on here except the drums, which my friend played. I also wrote the tune. I have recently been criticized for over-playing and -arranging, not just on bass but everywhere.

Please let me know your thoughts, good and bad! The bass is a Rickenbacker 4001S into a SansAmp bass driver pedal.

[Jazz Ad]

It sounds like a general MIDI demo to me so yeah, it's a bit over the top.
Drums are the worst IMHO. Way way too many breaks and crashes.
Melodic bass lines are cool but here it gets in the way of the main melody that tends to vanish in the process. Bass is mixed way too upfront, too.
Other parts, singing, piano and stuff sound of to me. It just sounds too crowdy as a rule, which makes the song sound generic and tiring rather than interesting. Let your song breath !

[Greyvagabond]

Nope, not too busy, that guitar isn't doing much, so its up to you to play the counter-melody!

[smurfco]

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

It sounds like a general MIDI demo to me so yeah, it's a bit over the top.
Drums are the worst IMHO. Way way too many breaks and crashes.
Melodic bass lines are cool but here it gets in the way of the main melody that tends to vanish in the process. Bass is mixed way too upfront, too.
Other parts, singing, piano and stuff sound of to me. It just sounds too crowdy as a rule, which makes the song sound generic and tiring rather than interesting. Let your song breath !

Thanks for listening. I recognize you from HC! Yeah, the bass is definitely exaggerated in this mix so that it can be heard. I'd never mix a bass that high in a real mix. Good points on the rest of the song, though. Thanks again.

[Bassman7PM]

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

It sounds like a general MIDI demo to me so yeah, it's a bit over the top.
Drums are the worst IMHO. Way way too many breaks and crashes.
Melodic bass lines are cool but here it gets in the way of the main melody that tends to vanish in the process. Bass is mixed way too upfront, too.
Other parts, singing, piano and stuff sound of to me. It just sounds too crowdy as a rule, which makes the song sound generic and tiring rather than interesting. Let your song breath !

Totally disagree. Despite the quality of the mix the bass line fits nicely, nothing over the top or too busy. My only suggestion would be to lock in a little more with the drummer.

[JehuJava]

I don't think it sounds too busy. Well...maybe a little in the chorus/bridge part.

I think the rythm is a bit generic (not intending to offend...seriously ). I would consider adding some space in the line and use your 16th note subdivision to spice it up a little. Note choices seem very appropriate. The way I hear it is basic guitar strumming with a very straight ahead beat. Augmenting the rythm with additional feeling might be cool.

Alan

[headless]

I have to agree with a little of what Jass-ad and Greyvagabond said. The drums are way too much out there, but it would really improve the grove to play the counter melody! All in all not ALL that bad though. It's ok.

[neurotictim]

I think it was groovy, a nice melody counterpoint.

[kevteop]

I think the bass part is fine. If anything the piano is doing too much, it gets a bit muddy.

[sssmmike]

How about a sound clip with the bass at a normal volume? I think most of us can still pick out the bassline! It sounds weird to me at such a high volume.

I like the bassline. Not too busy imo.

[Captain_Arrrg]

Originally Posted by JehuJava

I don't think it sounds too busy. Well...maybe a little in the chorus/bridge part.

I think the rythm is a bit generic (not intending to offend...seriously ). I would consider adding some space in the line and use your 16th note subdivision to spice it up a little. Note choices seem very appropriate. The way I hear it is basic guitar strumming with a very straight ahead beat. Augmenting the rythm with additional feeling might be cool.

Alan

+1

This is what I do whenever I feel backed into "straight ahead beat" (you saved me from having to describe it myself, another +1). Although it doesn't always fit and sometimes I get yelled at for changing "the feel".

If the chorus is what happens at 55/56 sec, then I'll have to disagree on that point. I thought that was the best part. To each his own.

Edit: A normal mix would be nice. I understand wanting to bring it front and center, but it doesn't convey the overall song that well, plus it's a little grating. We're all bassist, we can find the bass in any mix.

[4-string]

Sounds like a Ringo tune.

I don't think the bassline is too busy at all.

[JehuJava]

Originally Posted by Captain_Arrrg

+1

This is what I do whenever I feel backed into "straight ahead beat" (you saved me from having to describe it myself, another +1). Although it doesn't always fit and sometimes I get yelled at for changing "the feel".

Right on...not changing the feel requires a little alone time with you, the song, and the bass if you're not comfortable working on different rhythms with the band present.

Originally Posted by Captain_Arrrg

If the chorus is what happens at 55/56 sec, then I'll have to disagree on that point. I thought that was the best part. To each his own.

I listened to this a couple of times now. It has definitely grown on me...that chorus/bridge part at 55 sec.

[phxlbrmpf]

I think it sounds a tad repetitive, the verses and the chorus just seem to blend together, it would be neat if your bass line helped make them more distinct.

[WRBass]

I don't think the bassline is too busy. Can we hear it again with a better mix?

[Jimmyplaysabass]

I can safely say i absolutely loved that song. Its so meat puppets meets keane esque

I adored it all. the bass line was excellent, well crafted like a web, the guitars the longitude and you can that latitude line right across

[Jimmyplaysabass]

if you could harmonize another vocal, id give it this huge effect though, anyone else in your group sing?

[Walbodiddy]

I don't find either the bass line or the composition to be overdone whatsoever. In fact, if this song or bass line was the target of the critique you mentioned, I would be tempted to question the musical comprehension of the critic. To my ear, the bass is nicely complementary to the style and melodic content of the piece. My only quibble would be that the drums sound disconnected from the rest of the instruments. But maybe you wanted that.

All in all, I like it quite a bit.

[Jimmyplaysabass]

and leave the bass loud! it may sound loud to us, but to the average concert goer, its just right

[baalroo]

No, the bass is fine. The song is VERY "they might be giants" sounding, is that what you're going for or just a coincidence?