We returned to the studio on July 3rd, geared up to re-track a tune that just wasn't jivin' the way we wanted it to. Three Over Four is a blues in 6/8 that really requires dynamics and a live feel. The scratches we'd laid down for the track were uninspiring (which is fine, they're non-keeper tracks... but...) and were difficult for Scott to track anything with feeling. Scott commented that he plays off of Mel's vocals and keys primarily, and that having Mel track with him may yield a more passionate performance.
We decided to track the bulk of the tune together. The lofty goal was to keep it all, but even if we just got a great drum track, that would be a victory. Within a few takes, we got a winner:
The vocals will most likely be cut again, and we may retake the keys and guitar, but the drum and bass performances were very solid and full of emotion! A victory for rock and roll
The Low End Thump Sticks:
After our victory on Three Over Four, we moved on to two other tunes: The Contented Tune (There Is A Light) and You Won't Rule The World. These tracks only have one thing in common, a militant adherence to the click. The Contented Tune has a layered looping prechorus ala The Edge meets "Lifting Shadows Off A Dream" from Dream Theater's Awake. To accomplish the feel of swirling chorused delays, the time needs to be incredibly steady. We did a number of takes to make this happen, and in the end, Scott punished the click and gave a great performance.
You Won't Rule The World is more in the Radiohead direction, with a Clapton-esque head riff. It's tight and punchy and fast,... another reason to be slave to the click. Oddly enough, this is the first take that Scott and Tyler did... one take wonders on this tune. I think you will hear in the take the frantic energy and frenzied pace of the tune,... and the performance is killer. This tune is going to melt people when they hear it.
So, in one session, we worked on a blues in 6, a triumphant piano-driven textured piece and a frantic riff-based rocker. This record's going to lay you out!
The Contented Tune (There Is A Light)
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