Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...
AlanM
Posted 2011-06-06 8:24 AM (#351340)
Subject: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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As some of you are aware, I bought seesquare's MondoMando on eBay a few weeks back. I promised I'd put something together and post it in due time. Well, I've done it, and it's ready for your perusal.

The MondoMando does all the bass parts for this selection -- called "Steady Rain" -- and to my ear it has a "Renaissance music" flavor to it. I layered in several MondoMando "bass" tracks and a couple of guitar leads. The guitar leads are on the now legendary OFC II. Then I used the resulting .mp3 file (assembled in Audacity, of course) as a backing track for yet another solo jam session on video; again with the OFC II taking the lead. I edited the video using Corel's Video Studio software.

Of course, since I'm the only one playing, the "composition" develops over some time, as new layers go in. It's not the easiest way to put together something with structure and sections, etc., so I frequently end up surrendering to the temptation to cobble together a loosely designed solo jam session. That's the case here.

Now, I know that my stuff is not most OFC'ers' cup o'tea (charitable way to put it -- some have expressed, shall we say, "strident" dislike for it), but I don't mind. And, I confess, I actually like quite a few of the things I've made, and go back to them often just to listen. I figure that constitutes MY test of "good music." This is one of the ones I like.

You may feel free to dump on it to your heart's content. Or, even, if the mood hits you, put in some constructive criticism. It's all welcome.

It's here .
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seesquare
Posted 2011-06-06 8:53 AM (#351341 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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First, I'm gladdened the Mondo is being put-through-its-paces. I heard it's low drone through that piece nicely. The lead parts are very intricate, with lots of movement & activity. I just find it all a bit busy. I wasn't sure which layer to attend to, without trying to appreciate another of the many layers.
Also, the relative mixing. The lead part should have been more dominant, as least that's the way it come across on my playback. Probably why I had problems staying focused, along with not enough caffeine @ 0545 hours PDT.
Otherwise, a valiant composition, Alan. Thanks for "puttin'-it-out-there" for us!
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-06 9:23 AM (#351342 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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Thanks, C^2! Your observations are on the nose. I'm not very knowledgeable about mixing, and it shows.

A note about the MondoMando. I REALLY like it! I've listened to mandocellos (and their relative the bouzouki) and really liked their sound. But the smaller neck always prevented me from exploring them further. I have mondo hands. Your idea to use the wider guitar neck with the mandocello strings worked out wonderfully for me. I'm really glad you thought of it!

Also, despite the shallow bowl, the bass really rings. It's a brighter bass than most, but that's very appealing to my ear. After all, I don't think it's meant to replace a bass guitar or a stand-up bass in anyone's group. I guess the MondoMando really ends up being more of a bright baritone instrument.

You did a really nice job with the MondoMando! And its quirky, slightly 60's-ish appearance is a real plus! JMHO, you're really on to something. Possible mass market appeal? I like it a lot, if that's any indication.

Best,


Alan
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seesquare
Posted 2011-06-06 10:47 AM (#351343 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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Yeah, the "Art Nouveau Meets CAT Scan" was MWoody's assessment of the relative aesthetics.
As for mass market, I'm afraid yours will be the only one. Not that I'm averse to attempting another mandolincello, just not a premeditated twin of this one.
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Waskel
Posted 2011-06-06 10:59 AM (#351344 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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The first 12 seconds are interesting. At 13 you start playing 2 (or more) different songs and it's just noise.
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Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-06 12:21 PM (#351345 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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awful.... just awful
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-06 12:38 PM (#351346 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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Originally posted by Slipkid:
awful.... just awful
Lol! Somehow I figured you might think so! Definitely not your cup o'tea!
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Waskel
Posted 2011-06-06 12:57 PM (#351347 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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Alan, seriously... it's no one's cup of tea. It's a cacophony of runs and hammers that have no melodic structure whatsoever, and sounds like it's in multiple keys. Overdubbed multiple times, it is just unlistenable.
You obviously have the skill to play fast, but playing fast without structure is meaningless.
My suggestion would be to develop simpler melodies and subtly augment them with overdubs.
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stephent28
Posted 2011-06-06 1:13 PM (#351348 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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On a positive note, I also thought the first 12 seconds was stellar. I really liked that a lot.

The rest, not so much.
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Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-06 1:17 PM (#351349 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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Hey, hey. Give Alan credit for having a mind of his own and his own tastes. He LIKES what he hears. His ears pick up on his creations a different music than WE may hear. (on the other hand, he may have taken too many line drives to the head during his baseball playing days)
Keep going for it Alan, and one day you may put together something we can ALL appreciate.
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-06 1:56 PM (#351350 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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Originally posted by dark bar:
Hey, hey. Give Alan credit for having a mind of his own and his own tastes. He LIKES what he hears. His ears pick up on his creations a different music than WE may hear. (on the other hand, he may have taken too many line drives to the head during his baseball playing days)
Keep going for it Alan, and one day you may put together something we can ALL appreciate.
Lol! Thanks for the encouragement, db! Kinda my state of mind exactly! I DO like to listen to some (even most) of my "songs!" Maybe because I made 'em, I know what to listen for or something like that.

Absolutely NOT trying to be contrary here, but I have a couple dozen or so friends/correspondents/acquaintances who give me very favorable feedback on my "style," while at the OFC it tends to be a universal thumbs-down. (I know, I know...I'm teeing it up for one and all!)

I started out with good intentions to make something much more structured, and didn't get there. I'll keep at it. Db: I think you've given me a bit of a goal: try to make something that you, Waskel and SlipKid don't pan.

On the topic of line drives, in my youth, I DID take one in the mouth, necessitating a new, fake front tooth. My reactions were usually pretty good, and I was able to field my position pretty well. It just came back too fast.

Some years later (1977, actually) one more came back WAAAYYY faster than I pitched it to Lou Brock. It whistled through my legs giving me only the time to wince upward juuuuuust enough to permit my children to see the light of day. (Just taking an opportunity both to date myself, and to drop a name!) I had struck him out previous to that incident, which led me to believe that the strikeout might have been a charity K from the wily veteran, to encourage the (then) young kid. He assured me later that it was nothing of the sort. I just laid it in there and he jumped aaaaaalllll over it. It was during Spring Training, and I seem to remember the ball being lodged in the centerfield fence at Al Lang field in St. Pete., Fla. That would be a neat trick as it would have had to traverse the infield AND the outfield and still have enough juice to lodge in the then chain-link fence. The years CAN embellish a good story...
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G8r
Posted 2011-06-06 1:56 PM (#351351 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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Alan, I applaud you for putting it out there. Very few people on this and other guitar boards are willing to share what they do and subject themselves to criticism.

That said, I have to agree with the majority opinion. This (and most of your compositions) are far too busy for my taste. We've had this discussion before - the whole "sometimes, less is more" debate. You are obviously an enormously skilled technical player. Most everybody here would give their right nut (not their right arm, of course) to be able to play with the speed and clarity you have. You also have the ability to translate the rhythmic themes along with scale runs and arpeggiations you have in your head into a physical reality.

But you have a tendency to overdo it with the layers until it becomes the sonic equivalent of an autism sufferer being dropped into the middle of Times Square during a Gay Pride parade - too much stimulation, with no clear direction. If you could find your way to limiting your overlays, and sticking to melodic themes throughout a composition, your ideas would reach a wider audience.

Again, I give you great kudos for doing what you do, and admire your technical ability. But I don't think confusion is the emotion you want to elicit in listeners, even though that seems to be the predominant response.
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moody, p.i.
Posted 2011-06-06 2:06 PM (#351352 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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I disagree. I think gay pride parades have a lot of direction....
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Waskel
Posted 2011-06-06 2:46 PM (#351353 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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You would know, being right up front...
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-06 2:52 PM (#351354 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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Originally posted by AlanM:

Db: I think you've given me a bit of a goal: try to make something that you, Waskel and SlipKid don't pan.
...and others, of course.
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Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-06 2:56 PM (#351355 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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We understand....you can't go and list EVERYONE.
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-06 3:05 PM (#351356 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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Teed up THAT one too...I just GOTTA stop making it so easy for youse guys!
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Waskel
Posted 2011-06-06 3:11 PM (#351357 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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Originally posted by AlanM:
I started out with good intentions to make something much more structured, and didn't get there.
Actually it started out heading straight there. Unfortunately it veered off course immediately after launch.
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stonebobbo
Posted 2011-06-06 3:25 PM (#351358 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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My brain isn't wired to be able to track each of the layers in a way that you probably intend for people to hear them. When I record, I often use up to a dozen different tracks, instruments, and passages ... but I have to fit mine together so they make up a picture sort of like a jigsaw puzzle. But everyone's perception is different. I'm sure your friends and colleagues see your recording like a Thomas Kincaid painting ... but I can only see Jackson Pollack. I'm sure the reverse is true as well when it comes to my songs. Or maybe mine is more like Elvis on black velvet. But art is art and it appeals to people different ways. I'm just not that big of a Jackson Pollack fan.
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Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-06 3:25 PM (#351359 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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True. When it first started I thought, "damn, Alan has finally settled down with his playing." Then those other 37 people joined in, playing a completely different song and ruined it.
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stephent28
Posted 2011-06-06 4:38 PM (#351360 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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Originally posted by dark bar:
True. When it first started I thought, "damn, Alan has finally settled down with his playing." Then those other 37 people joined in, playing a completely different song and ruined it.
BINGO!
Those were my thoughts exactly.

Alan....take the beginning and limit the song to absolutely no more than 2-3 overdubs and let us hear the results. I am guessing it will be much more palpable and pleasing to all.
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Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-06 4:57 PM (#351361 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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Alan... I need to break up with you. It's come to the point to where this us just taking up to much of my life energy.
I've given it no small amount of thought this afternoon on why I'm such an ass when I reply to your offerings.
.
I had formulated one last jab with an extensive list of what I'd rather listen to. On that list was... Tiny Tim.. one of those wind up monkees with the clapping cymbals... and Yoko Ono.
But with your almost Charlie Sheen like ability to not "get it", I'll just let that slide.
.
I can only think that these negative responces are filling some kind of need for you tho I cannot imagine just what that need might be.
.
I'm glad you have found others out there in cyberspace who cotton to your offerings. I'd suggest you cultivate those relationships for all they are worth. They would be much more healthier that what you are getting here.
.
After peeling back the onion like layers I've come to the reason for my out of character rudeness.
Over the years I have received a mountain of good, heartfelt advise from friends here. These guys did not have to take the time & effort to offer this help, they just did. Because they did, I can easily see how much I've benefited from this advise.
It really pisses me off when time and time again, I see this valuable assistance shugged off with such a cavalier attitude. "LOL" ... "let eye-rolling start". In it's own way it's downright disrespectful.
.
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seesquare
Posted 2011-06-06 5:10 PM (#351362 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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Alan,
Reference John Updike's comment on critical reviews.
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-06 5:11 PM (#351363 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
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Posts: 1851

Location: Newington, CT
Originally posted by G8r:
Alan, I applaud you for putting it out there. Very few people on this and other guitar boards are willing to share what they do and subject themselves to criticism.

That said, I have to agree with the majority opinion. This (and most of your compositions) are far too busy for my taste. We've had this discussion before - the whole "sometimes, less is more" debate. You are obviously an enormously skilled technical player. Most everybody here would give their right nut (not their right arm, of course) to be able to play with the speed and clarity you have. You also have the ability to translate the rhythmic themes along with scale runs and arpeggiations you have in your head into a physical reality.

But you have a tendency to overdo it with the layers until it becomes the sonic equivalent of an autism sufferer being dropped into the middle of Times Square during a Gay Pride parade - too much stimulation, with no clear direction. If you could find your way to limiting your overlays, and sticking to melodic themes throughout a composition, your ideas would reach a wider audience.

Again, I give you great kudos for doing what you do, and admire your technical ability. But I don't think confusion is the emotion you want to elicit in listeners, even though that seems to be the predominant response.
Thanks for your very thoughtful analysis, G8r! Much appreciated! Especially the vivid imagery! It's not a big deal to post something that's not popular. I always get several nuggets that are, I think, really important. I know, I know...you guys are thinking, "Well, why don't you assimilate them, then, doggone it?!?!" Or even something a tad saltier than that.

I do assimilate them...I just don't really have the circumstances in place to act on them effectively. On a given weekend (the only REAL time I have to make these songs) I get maybe 15-30 minutes at a time to work on these little things, before I'm off gallivanting around bringing this kid to that thing, and that kid to the other thing. Just the nature of the single daddy life.

The nuggets I got from this one are, in no particular order: (1) the first 12 seconds went over well, and (2) that might be a theme on which to build a more coherent song. (3) Make the leads more integrated with the main theme(s) of the song. (4) Establish, bring out a theme, and work with it a lot more. (5) (a repeat) add structure.

I don't mind when the criticism comes through in a harsh way. It's not intended personally, and I'm nearly impossible to offend, so there's no real risk in putting my songs out for review and comment. It'd be difficult, I think, to find a more knowledgeable crowd to put them in front of.

(Just so everyone knows: I AM well aware that I've teed it up for someone [probably db] to reply that the harsher criticisms ARE meant personally...but I won't take that personally -- possibly due to the aforementioned line drives.)
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-06 5:46 PM (#351364 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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Originally posted by Slipkid:
Alan... I need to break up with you. It's come to the point to where this us just taking up to much of my life energy.
I've given it no small amount of thought this afternoon on why I'm such an ass when I reply to your offerings.
.
I had formulated one last jab with an extensive list of what I'd rather listen to. On that list was... Tiny Tim.. one of those wind up monkees with the clapping cymbals... and Yoko Ono.
But with your almost Charlie Sheen like ability to not "get it", I'll just let that slide.
.
I can only think that these negative responces are filling some kind of need for you tho I cannot imagine just what that need might be.
.
I'm glad you have found others out there in cyberspace who cotton to your offerings. I'd suggest you cultivate those relationships for all they are worth. They would be much more healthier that what you are getting here.
.
After peeling back the onion like layers I've come to the reason for my out of character rudeness.
Over the years I have received a mountain of good, heartfelt advise from friends here. These guys did not have to take the time & effort to offer this help, they just did. Because they did, I can easily see how much I've benefited from this advise.
It really pisses me off when time and time again, I see this valuable assistance shugged off with such a cavalier attitude. "LOL" ... "let eye-rolling start". In it's own way it's downright disrespectful.
.
Ummmmm...ok.

No disrespect intended. And no cavalier attitude taken.

Quite the contrary.
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Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-06 6:08 PM (#351365 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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On the other hand, I remember playing a tape of me playing and singing to some girl I was out on a date with while we were out "parking." She basically said that I wasn't very good. Fortunately I didn't give up playing based on her "review", but I did give up on her.
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Old Man Arthur
Posted 2011-06-06 6:48 PM (#351366 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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It's okay, Alan. Your playing is just too complex for them to understand.

(but you did lose me at about 20 seconds, so I must be a dummy too! :p )
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-06 7:32 PM (#351367 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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Lol! No one's a dummy here! I'm pretty sure I never implied that anywhere...At least I held onto you for 20 seconds, OMA!
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stephent28
Posted 2011-06-06 8:13 PM (#351368 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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OMA fell asleep at the 12 second mark Alan.
It was his 8 seconds of snoring that woke him up and made him think the first 20 were good :rolleyes:
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Beal
Posted 2011-06-06 8:49 PM (#351369 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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It's like you're making some kind of abstract painting.
not everyone likes abstract
you gotta know what kind of responce you're going to get ahead of time
and guess what, you get it
I don't really like what you're doing. So what, the important thing is that you're doing it and keep doing it. You might not like what I'm doing, might find it boring or too predictable (or predickable), fine so what. I'm going to keep doing it till I get much better. So are you.
good luck
I gotta go
The last two days were all golf, the next three are all guitar and playing mexican vs forsithia.
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-06 10:26 PM (#351370 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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Originally posted by Beal:
It's like you're making some kind of abstract painting.
not everyone likes abstract
you gotta know what kind of responce you're going to get ahead of time
and guess what, you get it
I don't really like what you're doing. So what, the important thing is that you're doing it and keep doing it. You might not like what I'm doing, might find it boring or too predictable (or predickable), fine so what. I'm going to keep doing it till I get much better. So are you.
good luck
I gotta go
The last two days were all golf, the next three are all guitar and playing mexican vs forsithia.
Thanks, Beal! I WILL keep trying to get better.

Brad: calm down...it's not like I kicked your dog 'er anything. I posted a recording.

Beal's right...I knew what response I'd get (except for the genuinely constructive ones, for which many thanks!), and I gave permission to give that response with the "eye-rolling" thing.

So, the bottom line: golf and guitar... if that doesn't sum up a perfect weekend, I don't know what does.
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james37214
Posted 2011-06-06 11:17 PM (#351371 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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I never got Frank Zappa but I could tell he knew how to play.
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standing
Posted 2011-06-07 12:11 AM (#351372 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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Geniuses are like thunderstorms. They go against the wind, terrify people, cleanse the air. -Kierkegaard-
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fillhixx
Posted 2011-06-07 11:56 AM (#351373 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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It would sound purr-fect at one of those hippy poetry readings I used to go to. If you could get a booking at one of those, circa 1971 or so, I think it'd go over really big!

If you're not honking someone off you're boring.
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MWoody
Posted 2011-06-07 3:06 PM (#351374 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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You tuned!

IYCSSN, STHU
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Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-07 4:23 PM (#351375 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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?
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-07 4:26 PM (#351376 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


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I'm guessing: If you can't say something nice, shut the heck up.
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Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-07 4:40 PM (#351377 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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In general, I agree.
Except when someone openly solicites feedback.
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Waskel
Posted 2011-06-07 11:05 PM (#351378 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



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Originally posted by AlanM:
You may feel free to dump on it to your heart's content.
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-07 11:45 PM (#351379 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851

Location: Newington, CT
Originally posted by Waskel:
Originally posted by AlanM:
You may feel free to dump on it to your heart's content.
Guess ya showed me!

But, really, all I did was provide a translation for MWoody's "IYCSSN, STHU" a couple posts back. I didn't suggest that anyone actually follow the advice, now did I?

And I did ALSO encourage constructive criticism, which some were kind enough to provide.

All who feel so inclined may resume dumpage.

I'm startin' ta think I'm providin' an important cathartic outlet for some with serious pent-up anger issues, or stress or somethin'!

I mean, ye'd think I was goin' 'round kickin' yer puppies, er questionin' yer ancestry, er somethin'! Sheesh! It's just a song!

That is all.
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Waskel
Posted 2011-06-07 11:57 PM (#351380 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
No anger here. I was simply agreeing with Slip. And I did give you constructive criticism, as did others.
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Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-08 6:42 AM (#351381 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
All who feel so inclined may resume dumpage.
Doesn't this kinda sound like our old pal Glen?
.
Why assume "dumpage"? Maybe I'm missing something. If there is some positivity out there, I'd like to hear it.
.
Alan... for the last time... you have a real talent. It's just a real shame you can't figure out how to put it to better use.
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seesquare
Posted 2011-06-08 8:48 AM (#351382 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3615

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
I think the horse has expired, some time ago. I'm pleased one of my creations was used in a creative effort.
click.
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-08 9:20 AM (#351383 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851

Location: Newington, CT
Originally posted by Slipkid:
All who feel so inclined may resume dumpage.
Doesn't this kinda sound like our old pal Glen?
.
Why assume "dumpage"? Maybe I'm missing something. If there is some positivity out there, I'd like to hear it.
.
Alan... for the last time... you have a real talent. It's just a real shame you can't figure out how to put it to better use.
:rolleyes:

Brad: this is MORE than an LOL...this is an ROFL! I've been nothing but cheerful in ALL my responses. If you're seeing self-pity or something in there, you're ummmmmm... mistaken.

Look three posts back from your post. Never let it be said that when THIS group is invited to dump, they will not rise to that call and perform skillful, witty, pithy and bombastic dumpage! Hence, the assumption of dumpage. A valid assumption, I might add.

Regarding your call for "positivity," I've had several private messages -- some REALLY private even going outside the PM system here -- to say that overall they liked the song, but had some critiques, and gave them...However, they were reluctant to voice the positive openly, because there seemed to be a tide of the exact opposite coming through here.

Hey, the flavor of this place is a particular one, and posting something here for review and comment is NOT for the thin-skinned. In answer to the frequent "Why do you do it?" questions: I'm just not at all thin-skinned.

At the same time, amid all the dumpage, one WILL get some excellent, substantive and helpful critiques from skilled, knowledgeable guitarists and musicians -- and frequently with clever and imaginative imagery. I look for those, while the rest is entertainment.

Quite a while back, a sometime poster here admonished the membership to post something of their own before presuming to pan the work of others. I wouldn't go QUITE that far. But, I DO understand why there is a paucity of postings asking for review and comment. Tough crowd! People here frequently encourage others to post something from a guitar they've recently acquired. Might want to change up the mood a bit if you ACTUALLY want others to post things for review.

As regards "Steady Rain," I DO like it. Quite a bit, actually. It's not perfect, of course. Far from it. But, I visit it from time to time, and just to listen. Again, I DO actually like some of what I do. Otherwise, what's the point of doing it?

On that "note," as you know from previous posts, I've been making things that I've called "Soundscapes," or "Meditations," or "Moods." It's because I like to do that. I set up a backing track, and just improvise over it. Pretty simple methodology actually. It's what I have the time and circumstances to do. Furthermore, it produces things that I enjoy listening to. I've understood that, with few exceptions, that's just not well-liked here. My reaction to that is simple: to each his own. I got where I got -- musical taste-wise -- my own way...everyone else did the same. Nothing wrong with that.

So, I'm going to take Beal's advice and try to improve that which I like to do. And, I'm going to take the others' advice to try to dial back the layering and improvisation, (cf. G8r's excellent and image-laden critique) while paying more attention to composition and greater thematic coherence. And, I'll post here for review and comment. Again, I'll probably encourage you all -- pre-emptively -- to dump if you feel so inclined. 'Cause some of you just will... but I'll be DARNED if I'll not at LEAST let you know that I know it's coming! And all that's ok.

I'm not sure what else remains to be said about all this, but feel free if you so desire.

My thanks to one and all for a lively exchange, and for some interesting and sometimes excellent feedback!
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Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-08 9:32 AM (#351384 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
I am waiting for the day AlanM posts a new recording and blows us all away. He's finally taken all the criticisms, suggestions, and advice and he creates a masterpiece. I have faith. (I also have a nasty icepick wound to an important part of my brain).
I hereby challenge you Alan....one recording, no more than 73 tracks, each track in the same key, same song being played on each track. I know you don't HAVE to appease us....I mean, who the heck are WE. Still, it might be fun. What do you say?
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Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-08 9:35 AM (#351385 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Again, I'll probably encourage you all -- pre-emptively -- to dump if you feel so inclined.
... and another thing.
(just kidding... I'm done wit cha)

Alan.. just to remind you, as author of this thread your are within your rights to have it closed. Just ask Miles or Al.
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-08 11:14 AM (#351386 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851

Location: Newington, CT
Originally posted by dark bar:
I am waiting for the day AlanM posts a new recording and blows us all away. He's finally taken all the criticisms, suggestions, and advice and he creates a masterpiece. I have faith. (I also have a nasty icepick wound to an important part of my brain).
I hereby challenge you Alan....one recording, no more than 73 tracks, each track in the same key, same song being played on each track. I know you don't HAVE to appease us....I mean, who the heck are WE. Still, it might be fun. What do you say?
Don't hold yer breath...

JUST KIDDING!!!

Yes, it would be fun. When I have the time and opportunity, I'll give it a try, and let you know that I've done it...of course, with all the up-front encouragement to everyone to perform dumpage...

(just 'cause ya KNOW ya will!!!)
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schroeder
Posted 2011-06-08 12:14 PM (#351387 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 4413

The problems with this piece are the same as the problems with all the other pieces.

1. Tuning.
Each guitar may be in tune to itself but not with all the others. It is sad you can't hear it. All tuners will tell you that +/- 3% is close enough, but if the E string is at -3% on one guitar and at
+3% on the next guitar, although their individual tuners say they are in tune they are in fact 6% out which is twice the passable limit. If the tuners between guitars are themselves 1 or 2
% varied then the resultant cacophony is horrible. Even if you are playing like an angel and the tune is by Verdi it will sound like a cat being castrated with a rusty can opener. This is
why everyone makes the crack about playing in the same key.

2. Laziness.
Because you loop essentially the same handful of chords each time, always with open drones ringing on, you never give yourself the chance to develop anything harmonically. The
continued presence of any combination of the E,B and G strings in every chord means that every time you hit C or F in your one augmented pentatonic scale there is disharmony
whether you want it or not, and it's always the same disharmony that cannot be developed. It also inhibits any meaningful opportunity to shift modes because the other guitars are stuck
to the drone.
Because you never write anything recognisable as a melody or basic developing riff you have nowhere to go and nowhere to return to.
So because you just throw together a practice loop of the same old chords you end up with the same old scale over the top.


But of course by doing what you do and then posting it up you become the centre of attention, which I suspect may be the aim in doing it. Now you've told us you have secret admirers
who dare not show their names why don't you just post the link to them privately? Then everyone will be happy. I can see no flaws in this argument.
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stephent28
Posted 2011-06-08 12:38 PM (#351388 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303

Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
Alan, I offered my critique and read most of the responses with amusement but whenever I see these types of comments it really turns me off because it is what some of our former crazies use to use for their defense.....the invisible PM's and emails professing the love.

Originally posted by AlanM:
I've had several private messages -- some REALLY private even going outside the PM system here -- to say that overall they liked the song, but had some critiques, and gave them...However, they were reluctant to voice the positive openly, because there seemed to be a tide of the exact opposite coming through here.
If they really "liked" the song, then they should step up and say so instead of lurking in the shadows. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but if they are not willing to openly step up to the spotlight and state it, it is all fantasy.

Having you make the "pronouncements of love" from the invisible, really only harms your credibility IMHO.....but it is only my opinion and if someone wishes to disagree I hope they have the guts to state it online in this discussion instead of lurking in the shadows.....and not only tell us that they like it but TELL US WHY they like it.
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2011-06-08 1:04 PM (#351389 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759

Location: Boise, Idaho
For 30 years I've regretted my failure to learn music theory, but it's one of the bucket list items I'm working on. I just know what sounds good or bad to me, but I don't know why.
All I could tell from the the video was what other people said. It sounded good at first and then got progressively worse as you added layers.
Schroeder's explanation seems to put into words what our ears were telling us, although paragraph 2 was over my head. I can't attest to the rusty canopener analogy, but I do know how bad an old Siamese sounds. You weren't quite that bad, but I could turn you off after a few seconds.
There was some good advice among the barbs.
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GaryB
Posted 2011-06-08 1:14 PM (#351390 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 494

Location: Location Location Location
You're a good sport Alan, and it takes a lot of balls to put your stuff out there. Kudos to you. This thread has shown what an incredibly untapped source of talent there is here for piling on.
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-08 1:25 PM (#351391 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851

Location: Newington, CT
"All the other pieces?" I've posted precisely two (2!) songs asking for comment in over six months.

Appreciate the information about tuning...no I was not aware of that, and no, my ear is not particularly good.

The theory stuff is way above my head. Note to self: start to educate self in music theory.

The rest of your post is just silly self-indulgence, aka: entertainment.

You're a one-note Nellie, schroeder.

Oddly enough, YOU were the one, mentioned slightly above, who exhorted us all to post something of our own before we criticized the bad Mexican Beatles imitator. THERE's some irony fer ya!
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Waskel
Posted 2011-06-08 1:25 PM (#351392 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
Also an incredibly (unheeded) source of advice on what makes music listenable.
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-08 1:36 PM (#351393 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851

Location: Newington, CT
Originally posted by Waskel:
Also an incredibly (unheeded) source of advice on what makes music listenable.
Maybe not yet, anyway...only two songs into it.

(I'll leave it to someone else more knowledgeable to comment on "what makes music listenable." Bigger topic than I'M ready or able to take on!)
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G8r
Posted 2011-06-08 2:03 PM (#351394 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969

Horse.Dead.

Alan, I'll look forward to seeing if I can ride the next bull for more than 8s.
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Beal
Posted 2011-06-08 3:18 PM (#351395 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
Mexican 1, forcithia 0

now it's time to go practice for open mic tonight, thank god nobody records this, I wouldn't be able to come up with pages of clever replies to clever comments.
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NostrAdamas
Posted 2011-06-18 3:03 PM (#351396 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
October 2004
Posts: 256

Location: chicago
Alan,I really like it and I understand where your coming from....Ive always approached recording anything with the intent of telling myself,I dont know if its good or bad but theres something thats driving me to keep capturing moments in time thru recordings.Its a bit self indulgent for anyone of us to listen to ourselves and go wow im really good?Since you are playing to apease yourself,dont let anyone dictate where you should put what.I commend you for the insperation it takes just to get the first two parts going,witch drives the next two parts etc..many times I come up with tiny nuggets that I hang onto waiting sometimes years for the rest of the song to come out.In the end the recordings wont lie,and you can put little filler in spots of your songs as opposed to blowing your wad in the first 28 seconds.I will say this for sure...DUDE YOU ARE HAVING FUN USING THE SHIT YOU BOUGHT.Right? Jeff
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AlanM
Posted 2011-06-19 8:54 PM (#351397 - in reply to #351340)
Subject: Re: Seesquare's MondoMando in action (let the eye-rolling commence!)...


Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851

Location: Newington, CT
Many thanks for the words of encouragement, Jeff! You described the state of mind -- the frustrations as well as the moments of euphoria -- square on the nail. And you're absolutely correct. I'm enjoying everything I bought immensely! Thanks again!


Alan
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