Would that be a MMOMPG? October 13, 2007 5:59 PM   Subscribe

Let's have a massive Metafilter Music collaboration.

What I'm proposing:

I record a basic song, say just guitar and vocals, and make the multitracks available online.

You dust off your instrument and/or vocal cords and record your part.

You send me the result.

I compile the submissions, mix the song, and present to you what is effectively a sort of musical exquisite corpse.

Proficiency and/or talent not required; shits and giggles mandatory. Do not be shy.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane (staff) to MetaFilter Music at 5:59 PM (229 comments total) 14 users marked this as a favorite

Who's in?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 5:59 PM on October 13, 2007


are you gonna write personalized lyrics for each of us?
posted by jonmc at 6:06 PM on October 13, 2007


Will do, if you don't mind that one of the vocal tracks will be a puppet singing naughty lyrics.
posted by Astro Zombie at 6:06 PM on October 13, 2007


jonmc: No.

Astro Zombie: Do it, that would be great. I will hold you to your word.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 6:09 PM on October 13, 2007


I'm in.
posted by escabeche at 6:10 PM on October 13, 2007


Excellent!

Oh, perhaps it would be a good idea to state what instrument you would expect to contribute (including vocals). All are welcomed, of course; but should one happen to play, say, the guitar *and* the Uzbeki five-stop counter-soprano reed tuba, then I would suggest going for the least obvious one, of course.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 6:17 PM on October 13, 2007


I don't really know how to record on top of someone else's recording on my computer. Or else I would.
posted by miss lynnster at 6:20 PM on October 13, 2007


If you mean "how" technically, miss lynnster, we'll sort it out via email, if you're interested. I'm sure we'll figure it out, and I'd love to have you on board.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 6:24 PM on October 13, 2007


I love the idea of this and would offer my djembe skillz, but I have no way (hardware or software) to record anything to my computer.
posted by rhapsodie at 6:42 PM on October 13, 2007


I'm in with slide guitar, maybe harmonica if I can scrounge up a mic somewhere.
posted by signal at 6:44 PM on October 13, 2007


I call the triangle!
posted by SassHat at 6:47 PM on October 13, 2007


I'm willing to give it a shot.
posted by blaneyphoto at 7:09 PM on October 13, 2007


I'm in (though that depends on whether I can get my computer to stop being a microtarded douchetruck when it comes to recording)
posted by Kattullus at 7:10 PM on October 13, 2007


Ooh, sounds awesome. I'm in if I have time.
posted by equalpants at 7:25 PM on October 13, 2007


Totally in. Personal monumental footdragging on related not-to-be-spoken of project entirely notwithstanding.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:26 PM on October 13, 2007


I know how to to play the bass, and possess the skillz to record myself doing so. I'd love to give it a whirl.
posted by Devils Rancher at 7:32 PM on October 13, 2007


I have a harmonica, and I don't know how to use it.
You have been warned.
posted by wendell at 7:34 PM on October 13, 2007


I volunteer to make the little piece of art that you put into iTunes to go along with the song, if that's needed or wanted.
posted by interrobang at 7:35 PM on October 13, 2007


May I recommend the title "MetaRchestra"?
posted by wendell at 7:35 PM on October 13, 2007 [1 favorite]


In.
posted by sourwookie at 7:41 PM on October 13, 2007


If you mean "how" technically, miss lynnster, we'll sort it out via email,

Could we do that in thread and get some general pointers? Sound cool.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:51 PM on October 13, 2007


Count me in.
posted by googly at 7:52 PM on October 13, 2007


interrobang: That's an excellent offer, and we'll definitely keep it in the oven.

Brandon Blatcher: Absolutely, great suggestion. A short technical write-up will be forthcoming. Do nudge me if I turn out not to be so, um, forthcoming.

All the musicians who have expressed their interest so far: thanks!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 8:00 PM on October 13, 2007


miss lynster: you could use something like Audacity or Garageband, import the existing tracks, add your vocals (I assume) on top. Then save out the vocals alone for later mixing. Don't let minor technical issues get in the way. On preview: what goodnewsfortheinsane said.

Oh, and I like it. I'm in. I have some real synthesizers, a couple of cheesy drum machines and a few toy Casio keyboards. And a Happy Apple, if the situation warrants it.

How are you deciding who records what if you get more than one guitarist, for instance? Not that I expect another Happy Appleist, mind you.
posted by O9scar at 8:02 PM on October 13, 2007


I'm too busy to commit to anything, but I give this project my blessing.

In doing so each participant automtically recieves the following:

The purest digital silence available anywhere. We're talking -90db subfloors, here.

One gross assorted matched aux send and returns of the finest quality.

One full drum of the most superlative filter-sweep and fader oil, suitable for knob twiddling and fader sliding of all sorts.

One knob that goes to "eleven". You'll have to fight over that one, sorry. It is the nature of these things.

1 trillion MIDI or SMPTE clock-ticks in your choice of formats, be it clicktrack, metadata, CV gates or other. They're already in your boxes - you just have to let them out.

One freeware VST plugin titled "The Nag-o-tron 2000". Documentation implies that it is an effective studio production tool suitable for simulating the creativity-enhancing effects of a nagging spouse, lover, boss, parental figure, guru, life coach, drug dealer or A&R agent. The documentation also goes on to disavow any responisiblity for smashed instruments, alcoholism, drug addiction or other "high risk" behavior such as television-shooting and cruising for tranny hookers on Melrose.
posted by loquacious at 8:02 PM on October 13, 2007 [2 favorites]


I contribute my meager violin skills!
posted by cabingirl at 8:04 PM on October 13, 2007


Do nudge me if I turn out not to be so, um, forthcoming.

Is it done YET?

Oh, it's something we can import into Garage Band? Cool.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:07 PM on October 13, 2007


I usually record in Amadeus. That's all I have, I think. I used to have Deck but I couldn't figure it out because I'm lame.

When are we doing this? Thinking I may be getting a root canal this week so I'm mostly just singsonging like a Tourette's victim right now.

MY JAW FREAKING HURTS. HOLY JESUS MARY JOSEPH ALLAH ETCETERA PLEASE STOP THE PAIN.
posted by miss lynnster at 8:12 PM on October 13, 2007


SassHat: "I call the triangle!"

You got it. See, no empty promises in this thread.

BB, I'll do my best to make it as cross-platform and dummyproof as possible.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 8:17 PM on October 13, 2007


miss lynnster: "When are we doing this?"

The Tourettes thing has an appeal entirely of its own, but let's say we're aiming for say a three-week window as soon as we've got this up and going.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 8:22 PM on October 13, 2007


I do bleeps and squiggles and have a just bought a shiny new (well, shiny old ) Jupiter-6. If vintage sci-fi noises are needed, I can provide them...
posted by Jon Mitchell at 8:31 PM on October 13, 2007


I have access to most anything. Just don't expect me to play any woodwinds other than melodica. Best at strings, keys, and brass.

OTOH, perhaps I should force myself to do sax or clarinet.
posted by sourwookie at 8:39 PM on October 13, 2007


Oh, and I have a 70's analog monophonic Arp synth.
posted by sourwookie at 8:42 PM on October 13, 2007


*Takes deep breath, bites down on jaw harp, hits record*

Bwang-bwang-BWONG!

Dammit!

*Takes deep breath, bites down on jaw harp, hits record...*

Maybe I'll just whistle something in the stairwell at work.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 8:55 PM on October 13, 2007


Whatever you do, set it to a click track of some sort, please, in case we get a live drummer involved, after the fact.

So long as everyone treats 00:00 the same, things should line up nicely.
posted by Devils Rancher at 9:07 PM on October 13, 2007


are you gonna write personalized lyrics for each of us?

I will, but I am drunk and still seek satisfaction regarding my nose-scar.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 9:19 PM on October 13, 2007


Absolutely in (trombonist).
posted by rossination at 9:24 PM on October 13, 2007


I am 100% in - and think this is a great idea. I look forward to the track goodnews!
posted by Samuel Farrow at 9:36 PM on October 13, 2007


I know I have Audacity and a cheap microphone, and I think somewhere around here is a swell instrument that my esteemed instructor calls a counterfife (personally, I find it's better known as a mirliton or singing membranophone).
posted by booksandlibretti at 9:38 PM on October 13, 2007


(trombonist)

Yeah, well. Thanks for the offer. We'll call you if we need you.

I kid, I kid.
posted by sourwookie at 9:41 PM on October 13, 2007


I'm in, (unless the song's really shitty.)
Seriously, though, I think you should supply the basic ingredients and then let it loose, and have a dozen versions.
Or are you set on one meta-song?
posted by chococat at 9:45 PM on October 13, 2007


Yeah, sourwookie: "no, don't call us; we'll call you".
posted by rossination at 10:20 PM on October 13, 2007


Anyone used Indaba yet? It lets you upload tracks, mix, and collaboratively write online.
posted by deern the headlice at 10:24 PM on October 13, 2007


I'll sing something.
posted by davey_darling at 11:01 PM on October 13, 2007


Ooh, I'll play. Dulcimer. (This kind.)
posted by roll truck roll at 11:02 PM on October 13, 2007


rossination: ohferchrissakes. Grow a Musician's hide. We're all subjects of jest.

(are we both riffing Sugarloaf?)
posted by sourwookie at 11:06 PM on October 13, 2007


With this roll call, the final product should sound like a Iannis Xenakis composition.

Stochastism FTW.
posted by sourwookie at 11:10 PM on October 13, 2007


"With this roll call, the final product should sound like a Iannis Xenakis composition."

Best. Case. Scenario.
posted by Joseph Gurl at 11:31 PM on October 13, 2007


Is there any room for trippy synth effects? Because that's about all I'm good for.
posted by tehloki at 1:02 AM on October 14, 2007


Also, a suggestion: Everybody contributes a layer to your barebones track. Nobody gets to hear anybody else's layer until the finished product is in.
posted by tehloki at 1:03 AM on October 14, 2007


I'm in! Instruments may include: bells, shakers, crumpling paper, whistles, flex-a-tone, vibra-slap, talking drum, jaw harp, mouthbow, Juno 60, walkie-talkie feedback, sanza, WaveDrum, darbuka, fingersnaps, bodyslaps, AirSynth, angklung, scrapers, sammples, frame drums, rattles, keys on keychain, rocks, sandpaper, bowls of water, sleighbells, ball bearings, plastic cups, bubble wrap, Novation BassStation, tubes, windchimes, bodhran, flip-flops, woodblocks, chimes, doorbells, etc.

And will it be ok to throw in some backing vocal lines about death, trains or Cincinnatti, even if your song has nothing to do with death, trains or Cincinnatti?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 1:24 AM on October 14, 2007


Also, a suggestion: Everybody contributes a layer to your barebones track. Nobody gets to hear anybody else's layer until the finished product is in.
posted by tehloki at 6:03 PM on October 14 [+] [!]


MIMEO's Sight
posted by Joseph Gurl at 2:01 AM on October 14, 2007 [1 favorite]


since it's gnfti proposing this — author of "Requiem for Blink" — I SAY FUCK YEAH
posted by blasdelf at 2:38 AM on October 14, 2007


Must I be the first to volunteer to contribute some cowbell?
posted by Doofus Magoo at 6:14 AM on October 14, 2007


I was going to call Cowbell. Darn you Blue Oyster Cult!
posted by wheelieman at 6:20 AM on October 14, 2007


I'm in. I'll also second tehloki's suggestion - I think it's the only real way to make this work.

I can add vocals, Wurlitzer, banjo, bells, synth parts, and of course, guitar or bass.

Goodnews, I'd also love a huge zip of all the tracks (even as a160kb/s mp3s), so I can mix my own version. I'm an audio engineer by trade, so this shit is fun for me.
We should also have a remix competition once this is all done.

posted by god hates math at 7:45 AM on October 14, 2007


[sourwookie -- to be clear, I was entirely joking as well. No hard feelings at all!].

But yeah, this sounds like it could be a lot of fun.
posted by rossination at 8:08 AM on October 14, 2007


Flapjax: angklung

Do you actually have one of these, because seriously, I need one. No, really. If you have an idea where to track one down, I'd be grateful.
posted by Devils Rancher at 9:24 AM on October 14, 2007


Devil's Rancher: If by "one of these" you mean a set, no. I just have a couple of them. This is what we're talking about, right?

As far as where to find a set, hmmm... AHA! Here!

or you could join Angklung4Jesus...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 9:31 AM on October 14, 2007


Have I mentioned that OH MOTHER OF GOD PLEASE NO MORE my teeth FUCKITY FUCK MAKE THE PAIN STOP really kinda hurt?
posted by miss lynnster at 9:40 AM on October 14, 2007


How about some minimal constraints, like picking a key, time signature, and a tempo?
posted by horsewithnoname at 9:47 AM on October 14, 2007


horsewithnoname: How about some minimal constraints, like picking a key, time signature, and a tempo?

Fascist!
posted by Kattullus at 9:50 AM on October 14, 2007


My dad has an anklung. I might be wrong, but I think they're a pretty common item in stock at these stores. And like everything there, it's cheap because everyone is a volunteer except for the actual craftsman.
posted by roll truck roll at 9:57 AM on October 14, 2007


Won't the key, time signature, and tempo all be determined by gnfti's actual song?

Unless we're just going to completely ignore it. I can roll like that, too.
posted by roll truck roll at 9:58 AM on October 14, 2007


Devils Rancher: "Whatever you do, set it to a click track of some sort, please, in case we get a live drummer involved, after the fact.

So long as everyone treats 00:00 the same, things should line up nicely.
"

Will include click, and will supply instructions for everyone to use the same zero point.

chococat: "I'm in, (unless the song's really shitty.)
Seriously, though, I think you should supply the basic ingredients and then let it loose, and have a dozen versions.
Or are you set on one meta-song?
"

Basically the latter; maybe with contributions cut together temporally; anyone remember this? (And no, this is not an example of what we're aiming for musically, and no, the song will not be "Perfect Day".)

flapjax at midnite: "And will it be ok to throw in some backing vocal lines about death, trains or Cincinnatti, even if your song has nothing to do with death, trains or Cincinnatti?"

Yes.

tehloki: "Also, a suggestion: Everybody contributes a layer to your barebones track. Nobody gets to hear anybody else's layer until the finished product is in."

This is absolutely the idea, yeah. It's not going to be Layer Tennis.

horsewithnoname: "How about some minimal constraints, like picking a key, time signature, and a tempo?"

I feel it would work better as a song, verses, choruses and all, because that's the form I'm most comfortable with.

I don't yet know which song, though: I'm leaning towards a cover, however, and in an attempt to avoid democratic/group-think quagmires I think it's probably best if I play the benevolent dictator here and just pick a song and put it out there, period.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 10:01 AM on October 14, 2007


Oh hell, I'll do it.
posted by danb at 10:05 AM on October 14, 2007


As far as where to find a set, hmmm... AHA! Here!

Hey, thanks. My band, The Dukes of Simpleton, needs one of those for the middle section of Yacht Dance.
posted by Devils Rancher at 10:30 AM on October 14, 2007


i will provide a gratuitous guitar solo. or two.
posted by quonsar at 10:44 AM on October 14, 2007


I'd be interested in contributing drums to the MMOMPG - most likely digital but I can look into doing live drums, too.
posted by jazon at 11:45 AM on October 14, 2007


I could flute a little bit for such a cause.
posted by Secretariat at 12:50 PM on October 14, 2007


Love the idea, goodnewsfortheinsane! Put me down for a keyboard track.
posted by horsewithnoname at 2:17 PM on October 14, 2007


I think I know how to use Audacity well enough to sing or otherwise contribute somehow, but I should probably just contribute by being a part of the audience. Looking forward to that.
posted by ZachsMind at 2:54 PM on October 14, 2007


This is great! Count me in too!!!!
posted by snsranch at 3:30 PM on October 14, 2007


Upon getting my harmonica out of storage, I have discovered it has been infested with bugs. I will clean it out as thoroughly as possible, but would you mind a harmonica part without any of the notes made by inhaling?
posted by wendell at 4:11 PM on October 14, 2007 [1 favorite]


would you mind a harmonica part without any of the notes made by inhaling?

No, wendell, that would suck.

No, wait... that wouldn't suck.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:07 PM on October 14, 2007


I might as well be in. You probably need a toy piano and/or ukulele. Everybody does.
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 7:35 PM on October 14, 2007


So, yes, I'm totally in.
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 7:36 PM on October 14, 2007


I would like to have a chance to be included among those who qualify for the "in" people, if possible.
posted by fleacircus at 8:08 PM on October 14, 2007


And I would call this thing exquisite chords.
posted by fleacircus at 8:09 PM on October 14, 2007 [1 favorite]


I would like to have a chance to be included among those who qualify for the "in" people, if possible.

I'm in with the in crowd,
I go where the in crowd goes
I'm in with the in crowd
and I know what the in crowd knows...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:18 PM on October 14, 2007


We should probably set up some sort of Yahoo! group or mailing list or common FTP logon or something, before we all forget about this crazy thing. At least, we need a place for everybody to dump their stuff.
posted by tehloki at 8:34 PM on October 14, 2007


Hooray! This is going to be awesome!
posted by snsranch at 8:56 PM on October 14, 2007


I shall contribute a series of arm-farts in the key of A-flat.
posted by BrodieShadeTree at 9:12 PM on October 14, 2007


Cover? Boo! It should be an original song.
posted by O9scar at 9:50 PM on October 14, 2007


fleacircus: I see what you did there.
posted by sourwookie at 10:15 PM on October 14, 2007


Later this week, I should be receiving my first ever computer recording equipment + software. (Cubase LE) If I can figure out how to use the darn thing by the time you get this off the ground, I'd love to contribute a bass part.

For that matter, once I get the hang of the process I'd be happy to collaborate and provide bass lines on future projects for anyone else who wants them.
posted by tdismukes at 10:20 PM on October 14, 2007


If there is the possibility (time / logistics wise), I will be wanting to add some vocals to this thing.
posted by Meatbomb at 10:29 PM on October 14, 2007


If you are in need of any kind of whiskey-cured Daltrey-channelled-by-Waits inarticulate roar, then I'd be happy to provide.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 1:17 AM on October 15, 2007


I am interested, depending on my schedule and on what format you need (I don't use a computer, but I can put stuff on CD). Um, autoharp, Q Chord, bulbul, tremoloa, kaen, gopichand, chartola grand, or stylophone are all possibilities depending on what key it's in. If all else fails, I have a cymbal-playing evil monkey. It might be best to just go with the monkey.
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 3:26 AM on October 15, 2007


Karlos the Jackal has a stylophone! And a tremoloa, too!

/jealous
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:05 AM on October 15, 2007


I will contribute white-noise degraded to 2-bits and run through a low-pass filter at 160hz. But it will have rhythm.
posted by Jimbob at 5:23 AM on October 15, 2007


Sounds like fun. Happy to provide piano, synth, bass, guitar, and/or vocals, plus possible clarinet or mouth trumpet noises.
posted by motty at 6:36 AM on October 15, 2007


tehloki: "We should probably set up some sort of Yahoo! group or mailing list or common FTP logon or something, before we all forget about this crazy thing. At least, we need a place for everybody to dump their stuff."

Senduit will probably be just fine. I will email everyone who expressed interest, and that's a lot of folks, I might add. I may forgive, but I don't forget. And I don't forgive, either.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 7:03 AM on October 15, 2007


Don't most of the Send Big File FooIt sites have time-sensitive storage? Like, get it in a week or sorry, charlie?
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:42 AM on October 15, 2007


I'm totally in - ukulele and/or poorly bowed contrabasso.
posted by dirtdirt at 8:30 AM on October 15, 2007


cortexAdmin: "Don't most of the Send Big File FooIt sites have time-sensitive storage? Like, get it in a week or sorry, charlie?"

A Senduit file will last for a week, which I think should be fine for getting things to and fro. Sending to me especially shouldn't be a problem, and if anyone still wants my basic tracks when the link has expired, I'll just email it to them or put it online somewhere.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 8:59 AM on October 15, 2007


I think the song should be "We Are The World", and everyone should take a line. I call Huey Lewis!

OK< not really. But that'd be funny as heck.
posted by dirtdirt at 9:17 AM on October 15, 2007


If you end up with 30 lead guitar parts all fighting each other in a huge hideous mess, you might consider distributing the entries into multiple versions of the song. It might be easier to get a musical end result that way.
posted by tdismukes at 9:56 AM on October 15, 2007 [1 favorite]


I would gladly play the singing saw, please count me in.
posted by verysleeping at 10:24 AM on October 15, 2007


If you end up with 30 lead guitar parts all fighting each other in a huge hideous mess, you might consider distributing the entries into multiple versions of the song. It might be easier to get a musical end result that way.

Yeah, canonical megamix aside, I'm really excited by the possibility of alternate subsets and the like. Especially really weird stuff: nothing BUT supporting tracks, etc.

Putting some of that into a flash app, to allow dynamic track enabling/disabling, would be a hot-shit toy to put together after the main mixology, too.
posted by cortex (staff) at 11:51 AM on October 15, 2007 [3 favorites]


I would love to sing for this. I don't have any equipment, but I might be able to work something out.
posted by Anything at 12:49 PM on October 15, 2007


I definitely wanna be a part of this but my 'studio' has been reduced to a laptop, a microphone and an acoustic guitar since moving. Perhaps some processed acoustic guitar from me!

Oh and I'd definitely vote for original song rather than cover!
posted by TwoWordReview at 4:57 PM on October 15, 2007


I've been playing the doumbek for nigh-on 10 years.

Damn, your arms must be tired!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:13 PM on October 15, 2007


Echoing what cortex said above, re: multiple remixes. Perhaps the whole big collection of tracks could be given out to multiple MeFi Musicers, whoever's interested, so lots of different mixes'n'remixes could happen?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:16 PM on October 15, 2007


Perhaps the whole big collection of tracks could be given out to multiple MeFi Musicers, whoever's interested, so lots of different mixes'n'remixes could happen?

That would be very exciting - I'd probably come up with 5 or 6 different versions. And then there's the remixes to think about.
posted by god hates math at 5:35 PM on October 15, 2007


cortex, flapjax, I agree too. That's a good idea. I've daydreamed about this before, and I imagined everyone having a very minimalist input so that every voice could actually be in one song.

It's like that game where you tell something to the person next to you and so on until the message has completely morphed into something else.

Pretty long rhythm track with everyone's 3 or 4 (or more) seconds of variation on a theme. Just another idea! It's seems simple in theory but the product would be really interesting and cool. Any thoughts on it?
posted by snsranch at 5:43 PM on October 15, 2007


Yeah, if I got the barebones I could throw together a remix.
posted by ageispolis at 6:05 PM on October 15, 2007


I've been away from the world for the last month, and I just came back today, what seems to be too late for this. But in case it is not, I'm in.

I don't have many instruments, but I can do something quirky or Latinesque in it so that (my contribution) is different enough -at this point it seems everything else has been already offered.

I'll check back the thread. Now I have one month worth of Mefi Music waiting for me.
posted by micayetoca at 7:05 PM on October 15, 2007


Echoing what cortex said above, re: multiple remixes. Perhaps the whole big collection of tracks could be given out to multiple MeFi Musicers, whoever's interested, so lots of different mixes'n'remixes could happen?

Ya, that's kind of what I was getting at, without saying it intelligibly, way back when. But I'm kind of torn...the risk of this whole thing is having to mix 50 tracks of lead vocals or guitar solos, a bunch of beeping synth loops and scratching, and someone will be really sad because you can't hear his djembe in the mix. There's only so much panning you can do.
But that's the risk and it's a fun risk and it's gnfti's risk and I agree that he should completely be a dictator on this one and pick and choose stuff and present the result. It was his idea.
And ya, it should be one of your original songs, for sure, gnfti.
That way people have nothing to copy and they have to invent their own parts. Way more interesting.
Maybe he could mix his own final cut as "the collaboration" and then have tracks free for download for anyone to make their own versions/mixes? Or is this exactly what you guys are saying?
posted by chococat at 7:19 PM on October 15, 2007


Maybe he could mix his own final cut as "the collaboration" and then have tracks free for download for anyone to make their own versions/mixes? Or is this exactly what you guys are saying?

That's exactly what I'm saying. :) Having heard enough of Paul's work, I'm totally confident in his ability to a great fucking canonical mix incorporating as much of the source material as he can, but I am very much interested in seeing what other sort of mixes folks could come up with. All sorts of weird degenerate fun in the offing, there.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:45 PM on October 15, 2007


Hey, mica! Wondering where you'd gotten off to! Welcome back!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:54 PM on October 15, 2007


Hey chococat and cortex, that's making sense to me now and sounds right on!

Micayetoca, hey, welcome back! I was starting to worry about you.
posted by snsranch at 9:17 PM on October 15, 2007


Hey Great Big Mulp, take the toy piano, will you? I've got a uke and I'm not afraid to use it, but my toy piano skills are sadly lacking.

ps I'm in, plus I'll get my spooky tom waits track done besides, I hope
posted by davejay at 11:53 PM on October 15, 2007


Argh, you too, dirtdirt? Well, even together you cannot stop my ukulele contribution. And maybe a kid or two screaming in a high C.
posted by davejay at 11:56 PM on October 15, 2007


Davejay, Clearly in this project, as in most aspects of life, you can't have too many ukuleles.
posted by dirtdirt at 9:24 AM on October 16, 2007


Alright, davejay. But I might be tempted to cheat and break out the electric ukulele.
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 10:22 AM on October 16, 2007


Uh oh, The Great Big Mulp might be bringing the Electric Uke!!!! Yea!!!!
posted by snsranch at 1:39 PM on October 16, 2007


This thread is useless without pictures.


Well, not really, but wouldn't a "Musical Mefites and their Intriguing Instruments" photo set be neat?
posted by Secretariat at 7:02 PM on October 16, 2007


COUGH. cough. Sneeze. Snork.

That aside, I would like to squeeze myself in here too, with vocals, guitar, keyboard or drums. Which one depends on the song I suppose.
posted by loiseau at 11:54 PM on October 16, 2007


Secretariat: the room-sized synth rig I have in my dreams would totally take up the whole picture.
posted by tehloki at 4:58 PM on October 17, 2007


I've emailed the following people with their respective missions:

Astro Zombie, miss lynnster, rhapsodie, signal, SassHat, blaneyphoto, Kattullus, equalpants, cortex, Devils Rancher, wendell, interrobang, sourwookie, Brandon Blatcher, O9scar, cabingirl, Jon Mitchell, Rossination, Samuel Farrow, booksandlibretti, chococat, herrdoktor, davey_darling, roll truck roll, tehloki, flapjax at midnite, blasdelf, Doofus Magoo, god hates math, danb, quonsar, Afroblanco, jazon, horsewithnoname, ZachsMind, snsranch, wendell, The Great Big Mulp, fleacircus, tdismukes, Karlos the Jackal, Jimbob, motty, dirtdirt, verysleeping, Anything, TwoWordReview, micayetoca.

These people don't have email addresses listed in their profiles, and should email me:

escabeche, Secretariat, davejay, loiseau

(Okay, so everyone got the same mission.)

Over fifty people. Wow.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 5:49 PM on October 17, 2007


I'll let Secretariat know when she gets home with my Pad Thai.
posted by cortex (staff) at 5:52 PM on October 17, 2007 [1 favorite]


I just got it. My download will begin in 31 seconds. Do you have any deadline in mind, goodnewsfortheinsane?
posted by micayetoca at 5:53 PM on October 17, 2007


cortex: Heh. D'oh!

micayetoca: Good one, let's say 8 November?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 6:25 PM on October 17, 2007


(Download is 75% through). 8 November sounds good. I know you've said it before, but, should I just go ahead and record whatever I come up with and leave it to you to decide how to insert it (or nor)?
posted by micayetoca at 6:33 PM on October 17, 2007


Absolutely. Go nuts.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 6:47 PM on October 17, 2007


I got the tracks, imported them into Cubase, and I've started learning my bass line.

This should be fun.
posted by tdismukes at 7:30 PM on October 17, 2007


[this is good]
posted by roll truck roll at 8:04 PM on October 17, 2007


Messing around with it now...
posted by sourwookie at 8:40 PM on October 17, 2007


So what do you all think of Orch Hits?
posted by sourwookie at 8:41 PM on October 17, 2007


Senduit says:

"File has expired. The file you are trying to download has expired and is no longer available."

Aw MAN
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 10:08 PM on October 17, 2007


Glad I grabbed the file when goodnewsfortheinsane first posted it.

The bad news: I've just spent the last 3 hours getting the drum track in place. Still a couple spots to smooth out but the main drumset part is done.

Next up - adding the fun stuff... (and I've got a tambourine!)
posted by jazon at 11:36 PM on October 17, 2007


(not to say doing the drums was bad, but I need to be in bed, not playing)
posted by jazon at 11:37 PM on October 17, 2007


FWIW, I screwed up the link expiration date; it's up again now. You should have received another email from me.

If you haven't heard from me, send me an email. Also if you're reading this just now and still want to participate!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 8:26 AM on October 18, 2007


Oh you silly bastard. This is going to be a monster.
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:55 AM on October 18, 2007


From the mission statement: -Please do not send me multiple takes, unless you've recorded two parts on the same instrument but that are *massively* disparate and you're absolutely lost as to which one to submit. In which case I would still advise you to confer with me via email anyway. Do a one-take (you're good, right? :-P), or edit your own master take together.


What if you're recording two (or more) instruments? Is it ok to send 1 track per instrument?
posted by signal at 9:16 AM on October 18, 2007


Sure, signal, that's perfectly fine.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:35 AM on October 18, 2007


Is it too late to get in on this? I could contribute some lap steel.
posted by timeistight at 9:51 AM on October 18, 2007


Surely not too late. You've got email.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:56 AM on October 18, 2007


So, are we doing these as though we were arranging the song for 50 instruments?

In other words, if I were actually in a band of 50 people playing this song and we'd not practiced it ahead of time, I probably wouldn't play continuously through the whole thing, under the philosophy that a little dulcimer probably goes a long way. Or am I thinking about this wrong?
posted by roll truck roll at 12:27 PM on October 18, 2007


It will probably be impossible (or at least unmusical) to have *every* instrument run through for the entire song, so if you think a little would be best than yeah, go for it.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:25 PM on October 18, 2007


I think I've settled for the Charango. It's the one instrument no one else is bound to have around here (though I'm sure someone does) and it is so fucking highly pitched that it will be recognizable among the thirteen guitars, three bass guitars and 33 vocalists.

It think I'll give you a full track of it, goodnewsfortheinsane, so that you have more to decide with. Hopefully some of it will make it to the final mix.
posted by micayetoca at 1:40 PM on October 18, 2007


I have been following this thread, but have been unwilling to commit due to being very busy and not having any recording equipment set up right now. Could I hear the thing without signing up for a specific instrument? Maybe I'll be inspired.
posted by team lowkey at 1:49 PM on October 18, 2007


gnfti, why don't you just go ahead and post the existing voc-and-guitar track to Music as a "before" track with a touch of explanation and a link to this thread?
posted by cortex (staff) at 1:57 PM on October 18, 2007


Sounds great, micayetoca!

team lowkey, I sent it to you just now.

cortex, it's not that I'm bent on some sort of surprise element or anything, it's more that I want to minimize my musical contribution as much as possible. I'd prefer to just compile and mix other people's contributions, and then when that's presented I'd be happy to include a "before" version.

Which reminds me: contributors, do not be afraid to record rhythm instrument part (guitar or other) and/or lead vocals! I feel that if I could mute the original tracks and the song can still hold its own, then we've really reached our goal.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:52 PM on October 18, 2007


Muchos gracias.
posted by team lowkey at 4:32 PM on October 18, 2007


GNFTI, just taking a second to thank you for doing this! The tracks are excellent and I really appreciate the details in your "readme".

(furiously trying to catch up to micayetoca!!!! Must...run...faster...)
posted by snsranch at 5:26 PM on October 18, 2007


Sorry, gnfti, but by the time I got to the Senduit link, it had timed out. Can you put it up again?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:34 PM on October 18, 2007


The second link, flapjax? He sent another after the first one timed out.
posted by cortex (staff) at 5:37 PM on October 18, 2007


I've emailed the following people with their respective missions:

Crap -- I just now found this in my junk folder! I'll be on it next week - going camping tomorrow.
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:37 PM on October 18, 2007


the Charango. It's the one instrument no one else is bound to have around here

Dude, not only do I have a charango, it's made out of authentic quirquincho.
Can't play the thing, though, so you're still good.
posted by signal at 5:48 PM on October 18, 2007


The second link, flapjax? He sent another after the first one timed out.

Thanks cortex, but I don't know what was first or second or what... anyway, I mailed gnfti, and he just sent a link, and it's downloading now. Yay!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:01 PM on October 18, 2007


Yeah, in retrospect the lack of both emails would kind of make it hard for you to discern which one you had, I guess. I'll hush up now.
posted by cortex (staff) at 6:05 PM on October 18, 2007


the Charango. It's the one instrument no one else is bound to have around here

Dude, not only do I have a charango, it's made out of authentic quirquincho.


Hey, a while back I bought an old barn in Portugal, and when we sawed off the rusty old padlock on the door we found it was full of... charangos! Floor to rafters! Musta been five or six thousand of 'em in there! We didn't know what they were, though, so we used 'em for firewood all winter long. Man, those strings a-poppin' in the fireplace sure sounded good, too!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:06 PM on October 18, 2007


I'm pretty sure you can still buy Charangos at Taco Time. Sweet cinnamon bready goodness. Mmm hmm.
posted by cortex (staff) at 6:07 PM on October 18, 2007


The temptation for me to submit a .wav of Never Gonna Give You Up is building.
posted by tehloki at 10:30 PM on October 18, 2007


I probably wouldn't have admitted that if I were you.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 10:37 PM on October 18, 2007


If all the submissions were anonymous and nobody heard the final product in the end, I'm sure it would be goodnewsfortheinsane being drowned out by a chorus of Rick Astley.

(I'm not actually going to do that, I'm just sayin'... we're that kind of crowd).
posted by tehloki at 11:45 PM on October 18, 2007


Well, no. I don't think we are.

At the risk of sounding like the cranky old man yet again, at this stage the Rick Astley thing is kinda lampshade-on-the-heady, if you know what I'm saying. Mildly funny the first time, maybe, but that was approximately a geological age ago. In dog internet years.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 11:51 PM on October 18, 2007 [1 favorite]


I'm telling you, these days, the whole lampshade-on-the-head is a classic, classic! It's like the Iliad of stupid things to do at a party. Of course, as with most that is good in the world, putting a lampshade on the head is nigh on impossible these days, because most lampshades have metal things which preclude the shade from fitting on the head.
posted by Kattullus at 5:05 AM on October 19, 2007


Kattullus, you sound like a man who has actually tried this at partys, on more than one occasion. And for that, you are either to be praised or condemned. I'm not sure which.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:19 AM on October 19, 2007


*buys everybody a big goddamn drink with an umbrella in*
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 5:30 AM on October 19, 2007


Hey, a while back I bought an old barn in Portugal, and when we sawed off the rusty old padlock on the door we found it was full of... charangos! Floor to rafters! Musta been five or six thousand of 'em in there! We didn't know what they were, though, so we used 'em for firewood all winter long. Man, those strings a-poppin' in the fireplace sure sounded good, too!
posted by flapjax at midnite


Now that's an idea. Thx, flapjax, no more racking my brain trying to come up with a part to play that's original enough.
posted by micayetoca at 6:15 AM on October 19, 2007


a chorus of Rick Astley

You know, done as a tasteful counterpoint line...

Hmm.
posted by cortex (staff) at 6:50 AM on October 19, 2007


cortexAdmin: "You know, done as a tasteful counterpoint line...

Hmm.
"

My thoughts precisely.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 7:14 AM on October 19, 2007


For some reason the Senduit link expired again; I put the ZIP file up on FTP now. Updated link in your email; if you're reading this and want to give it a go please email me.

You've all kept your weekend free for recording, right?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:53 AM on October 19, 2007


You've all kept your weekend free for recording, right?

Yeah, luckily, because Mick Jagger just called me. Why were you asking?
posted by micayetoca at 10:13 AM on October 19, 2007


Another late entrant here- gnfti, I sent you an email.
posted by InfidelZombie at 10:27 AM on October 19, 2007


micayetoca: "You've all kept your weekend free for recording, right?

Yeah, luckily, because Mick Jagger just called me. Why were you asking?
"

Oh great, ask him if he still wants that chorus doubled, will you?

And InfidelZombie, late? We're just getting started!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 10:48 AM on October 19, 2007


I misinterpreted the "set the expiration to ONE WEEK" as "you must have your tracks in within ONE WEEK". So, yeah, enjoy my early-bird submission.
posted by tehloki at 11:02 AM on October 19, 2007


For a fully ridiculous effect, someone has to sing the chorus of "We Didn't Start the Fire" over one of the later choruses in this song. The melody works over the changes.
posted by horsewithnoname at 1:32 PM on October 19, 2007


Careful, you're giving it away.
posted by roll truck roll at 3:16 PM on October 19, 2007


UPDATE: three submissions already, five tracks. Sounds great, looks to become a pleasant chaos.

Things we need more of:

Bass guitar
Rhythm guitar (and other rhythm-harmonic ('chord') instruments)
Lead vocals
Backing vocals
Drums

Wait a minute, let me check - yes, we need a standard rock band. And all the other, more outlandish stuff.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 7:33 PM on October 19, 2007


Metafilter: a pleasant chaos.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:46 PM on October 19, 2007


What's new?! I'm recording tomorrow evening...
posted by loiseau at 3:57 PM on October 21, 2007


I just sent off the link to my track.

That was fun. If any other MeFi musicians are working on a project where they need someone to lay down a bass track, drop me an email. I'd love to help out.
posted by tdismukes at 12:31 PM on October 22, 2007


Hey, I was gonna do the bass track! (JK)

I've actually been practicing that part, but who cares! This is for the fun, no?
posted by snsranch at 4:15 PM on October 22, 2007


So submit a dang bass track, snsranch!
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:20 PM on October 22, 2007


"Hey, I was gonna do the bass track! (JK)"

If we can have multiple ukuleles, I suppose we can have multiple bass tracks.
posted by tdismukes at 5:00 PM on October 22, 2007


Absolutely. See it as a revue: the more, the merrier.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 6:58 PM on October 22, 2007


Six excellent tracks submitted so far by four outstanding people.

And still no one has sung the lead vocal part.

What is it with you people?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 6:01 PM on October 23, 2007


Well one thing I'm NOT doing is the lead vocal!

So, GNFTI, what instruments have been covered? I'm not sure if it's cheating, but I'm curious as to what part of the aural spectrum is still wide open.
posted by snsranch at 6:25 PM on October 23, 2007


If I sung, mathowie would receive take-down notices. Threats. All sorts of nasty stuff.

I'm sticking to charango. (what's taking you so long- you may ask. Yeah, I know I'm taking my time but I'll come thru). How's the rest doing? Did someone officially back out?
posted by micayetoca at 8:38 PM on October 23, 2007


i *could* conceivably do the lead vocal... should i?
i'd need a couple of days to practice it 'cause it's a toughie. thoughts?
ps. i'm a girl
posted by loiseau at 11:58 PM on October 23, 2007


Go for it, lady.
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:29 AM on October 24, 2007


Do it, ma'am.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 11:32 AM on October 24, 2007


snsranch: "So, GNFTI, what instruments have been covered?"

So far we've got some backing vocals, synth bass and synth strings, electronic drums, tambourine, and bass guitar. Again, multiple submissions of the same or similar instruments are absolutely fine.

micayetoca: "Did someone officially back out?"

Well, of course there are some people who can't follow through because of other obligations, broken computers, forces majeures, etc. But mostly the response has been very enthusiastic and promising.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 11:37 AM on October 24, 2007


I'm assuming a lot of people just aren't done yet. God knows I'm not.
posted by cortex (staff) at 11:39 AM on October 24, 2007


Oh and I don't blame them, there's still plenty of time. And I certainly don't mean to rush anyone, I just think an email reminder a week or so into the project helps to keep the forgetful on board.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 11:55 AM on October 24, 2007


thirded, loiseau, it would be great to have a female voice in it.
posted by micayetoca at 12:00 PM on October 24, 2007


Oh, absolutely! I don't mean to imply that you mean to rush anyone. (Shall we carry this out three or four more steps for the excruciatingly polite joy of the thing? Because I will win.)
posted by cortex (staff) at 12:01 PM on October 24, 2007


Oh, I concede. Shame on my English heritage, but I can't do the overly polite thing. At the risk of doing a kind of Whorfian Godwin I do believe there's a significant cultural component to it - both the Americans and the Dutch are known for a stereotypical kind of forward matter-of-factness, and I can get kind of impatient with some of my English and Polish friends for example, with whom every meaningful exchange can be covered with layer upon layer of politeness.

Secretly I like the obsessive politeness thing and wish I could do it, but I guess I don't have the talent for it.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:32 PM on October 24, 2007


Oh, epic "Oh" combo though.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:32 PM on October 24, 2007


I mostly just hit things with a hammer until people capitulate.
posted by cortex (staff) at 12:34 PM on October 24, 2007


That's "steampunk juicer" to you, you ignorant Yankee asshole.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:35 PM on October 24, 2007


Choke on a fretboard, Dane.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:22 PM on October 24, 2007


*bows*
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:30 PM on October 24, 2007


You guys are cracking me up.

loiseau: p.s. I'm a girl. Ha, that's great! Now, I double-dog-dare you to sing the lead!

This is sounding really cool. I'm off to go practice *something*.
posted by snsranch at 3:36 PM on October 24, 2007


I'm gonna sing lead! This is my big break!!!
posted by loiseau at 7:41 PM on October 24, 2007


I'm gonna sing break! This is my big lead!!!
posted by davejay at 1:44 AM on October 26, 2007


In an ideal world, when's the end date on this? I'm doing this and recording my mefimusicchallenge piece this weekend, and want to prioritize.
posted by davejay at 1:45 AM on October 26, 2007


(also, I may abandon ukulele in favor of jazz organ, because the tempo you picked suits the keyboarding I'm hearing in my head. not that anyone cares, but it's 1:45am and I have to be back up at 6:45, so I'll ramble and shake my fist all I want.)
posted by davejay at 1:46 AM on October 26, 2007


Tentative deadline is 9 November.

As for uke/organ, please do both.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 5:46 PM on October 26, 2007


2:15am this time, and what started out as making sure my setup was working for recording quickly turned into a Buckets! remix of Goodnews's vocal. I may have to post it separately later on.
posted by davejay at 2:16 AM on October 27, 2007


"Buckets"? Eh?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:03 AM on October 27, 2007


Recording tonight I think! If I can figure out exactly how, that is!
posted by loiseau at 1:13 PM on October 29, 2007


My bass line is sent off to gntfi!

If I have time, I'm gonna record some backing vocals! This is my small break!!!
posted by escabeche at 7:56 PM on October 31, 2007


Hey gnfti, can we get a status update?
posted by tehloki at 5:29 PM on November 2, 2007


Absolutely. 15 tracks have been submitted so far by 8 people from 3 countries (none of this is counting my original submission).

I just sent everyone on the list an email, which I will reproduce here for those with no email listed in their profiles:

--------------

Just a heads-up: the deadline for the Metafilter Music Collaboration is 9 November, or one week from now. If you haven't already, please submit your recordings!

Things we're specifically looking for:

Lead vocals - don't be afraid! My original idea was to make the final mix a 'revue' of all the different submissions, and it would be great if we could at least divide verses between singers. So far, no lead vocalists have yet stepped up to the plate.

Rhythm instruments
- we've got a basic electronic drums track, but it doesn't seem to have any kick drum. So if someone could at least fire up the Rebirth machine and program a little 909 ditty, that would be great. If someone wants to record actual, human, acoustic drums, that would be amazing. (Do split the tracks as much as possible.) Drum loops, handclaps, foot-tapping and other rhythmic thingamazoids equally welcome.

Weird instruments - we've had all this discussion about outlandish instruments, and the most nontraditional thing submitted so far is.. a melodica part. That's right, a blow-piano. It happens to be one of my favourite instruments, but still. We can do weirder!

Start drum fill mimicry
- perhaps surprisingly, the song's characteristic drum fill at the head remains sadly unimitated. I had expected tons of vocal "doo-do-do-doo"s and guitar tapping and the like, but so far, nuh-uh. Get crackin'!

Vocal oddities
- if you're a singer, or if you're not, don't forget to include the song's little vocal trademarks: "Leonard Bernstein!", "Right? Right!", and "Time I had some time alone".

Also, no gratuitous guitar solos yet, or vocal musings on death, trains and Cincinnatti.

Thanks for your submissions so far, and have fun recording!

--------------

If anyone has any further questions, please do reply in-thread or via email.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 7:59 PM on November 2, 2007


I had a feeling all the most extraordinary claims would be the ones to flake out.

(If you're stuck for drums I can bother evstar into recording some.)
posted by tehloki at 8:03 PM on November 2, 2007


(Please do.)
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 8:19 PM on November 2, 2007


Huh. I just discovered this thread, having inexplicably missed it the first time around. It makes me wish I had even the slightest smidgen of musical talent.

Alas, that is not the case.
posted by dersins at 12:40 AM on November 3, 2007


I'm for real for real doing the lead vocal! It will have to be recorded monday afternoon, though -- just some problems with my practice space and metal bands downstairs... I'm not blowing smoke though, I'm definitely doing it!
posted by loiseau at 2:05 AM on November 3, 2007


I'll do it tonight or tomorrow.
posted by Evstar at 1:50 PM on November 4, 2007


I can record some drums at home, but they won't sound fantastic. The idea is that we don't hear any other parts before we record it, right? Can you tell me the tempo, time signature and length? Any major changes I should know about or do I just wing it?
posted by Evstar at 1:55 PM on November 4, 2007


Evstar - gnfti has provided "starter" tracks with the rhythm guitar and vocals, so you can get the time signature, tempo, length and changes from those. You can email him to ask for a download link.
posted by tdismukes at 8:54 PM on November 4, 2007


Hmmm.. you'd think the link would be somewhere in the thread, but alas, it is not. I would fish it out of my email, but somebody initiated a reply-all fiasco at my university, so I have about 8000 messages between me and my inbox.
posted by tehloki at 9:30 PM on November 4, 2007


I emailed Evstar just now with the relevant materials.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 6:31 AM on November 5, 2007


This is just a bad REM rewrite. There's no room to do anything really creative with this and it won't be very surprising. I was expecting something a lot more free. The song's already written.

Bummer.
posted by Evstar at 8:00 AM on November 5, 2007


"There's no room to do anything really creative with this..."

I don't know, I think there's always room for creativity in doing a new arrangement of a cover tune. Even if gntfi had supplied an original tune, it would still be already written, just less familiar. At some point someone has to decide on the chord progression, tempo, lyrics, and so on. If we all just sent in random collections of unrelated tracks with different keys, tempos, chord progressions, melodies, and lyrics, there would be no way to mix them into a single song.

If you have a suggestion for how to do a massive collaboration on writing a new song, I'm up for participating, but I think you'd need to come up with a different process to facilitate it.
posted by tdismukes at 12:15 PM on November 5, 2007


I agree with tdismukes.
I dunno, do it and have fun with it, or don't and let us.

I'm sorry guys -- I'm in the middle of a brutal cold and everything sounds like it's coming from my sinuses right now. Next Monday at the latest!! I promise.
posted by loiseau at 5:23 PM on November 6, 2007


Discussion continues here.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 5:50 PM on November 6, 2007


Hi y'all - I'm up for contributing but only just saw the thread - can I get a-hold of the tracks?

Excitement!
posted by freya_lamb at 7:40 AM on November 7, 2007


Freya,

You've got mail.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:46 PM on November 7, 2007


FWIW: I really wanted to participate, downloaded and learnt multitracking software, etc., but the song really does nothing for me (the song itself no GNFTI's version).
I gamely tried to record some slide guitar and harmonica, but was unable to come up with anything interesting or non-sucky at all.
I'd be up for another round, sans REM songs.
posted by signal at 1:50 PM on November 8, 2007


Hopefully we can keep doing this with songs of different genres, tempos, flavors, and moods so that if you can't find any interesting ideas to play on one song, you can come up with something for the next one.
posted by tdismukes at 6:02 PM on November 8, 2007


Cross-posted from the new thread:

I'm currently cleaning up and comping tracks, and so started work on the gargantuan task of making a vaguely coherent mix out of this wonderful mess.

By which I mean to say thanks immensely to everyone who has contributed, and you can hereby consider submissions closed.

You're going to have to wait a bit for the final result - a few weeks at the very shortest, real-life obligations and the favour of the music gods permitting. But when it's done you'll hear from me.

Thanks.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 5:38 PM on November 10, 2007


I know it'll probably be an unlistenable cacophony, but can you simply throw everything in one project and slap a compressor on it? I would love to hear how all the submissions sound together, untouched.
posted by tehloki at 7:43 PM on November 10, 2007


In short: No. I'll probably make the raw tracks available in some way, shape or form, and maybe do a "cacophony mix" of sorts just for the sake of it.

In the meantime, patience is a virtue, and all that.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:17 PM on November 10, 2007


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