I also got to finalize some guitar parts...which was a relief to get through. Sometimes it is hard to get out of your own head when it comes to recording, and just play. So much self-analysis and self-criticism seem to come to the surface when your music is under a microscope. My solution has been to wait 24 hours before passing judgment on guitar sounds that I make. Nothing is ever good enough at the time. But after awhile, the dust settles and I start to see the method in the madness...things seem better. I start to hear things I like and it might even sound...(gulp)...good...
A blizzard was forecast for Sunday, but I figured we would play it by ear (no pun intended). We were fortunate to have scheduled Stephen Konrads to come in and lay down some keyboard parts for a few tunes. But getting to the studio was quite the challenge. My car becomes a glorified Go-Kart in the snow. It handles like a toy. And so I slip slided my way on a prayer to Brighton... Stephen managed to make it, too. And WOW can this guy play. He played some Wurlitzer and some Hammond sounds on Ben Riley, I'll See You, and The Jailer. He was really easy to work with, he came prepared, and he was adamant about doing it until it was right. You should check out his music if you get a chance. His new band, Sleepy Very Sleepy, is incredible.
So then the snow stopped mid-afternoon, and we were elated. We took the rest of the time to add some noises here and there. Stephen was also a help here too...we were in a similar mindset when it came to sonic texture and ambient adventures. Fun with Sound 101.
Next month should see some of the final touches to the (as-yet) untitled debut from Dogs On Television. There are some vocal parts left to do, and a few odds and ends to address. Will 2010 be the year of the dog? We will have to wait and see...
Happy New Year!
