The Smiley Smile Message Board

Hey everyone, hope your weekend is off to a great start

So, I'm in the process of working on a few original projects right now. One of them being a retro 60's / 70's soul type of thing

This is one record I cut during the bulk of these paticular sessions. I got turned onto the song through The Beach Boys' version(s), but ended up discovering all of the different versions done throughout the years. Since then I've become somewhat obsessed.

http://soundcloud.com/smile-a-d/ol-man-river

I'd love to know your thoughts. Flubbed lyrics aside, I'm curious if something like this (along with 90% originals with somewhat similar production) is something you'd support on iTunes and or in concert with a kick ass band. I know I might be reaching with that question without providing any originals yet, but I will post some soon once I finalize the recordings.

anyways.. Thanks for your time!

I like it, kind of reminds me of Bobby Darrin.

I like it too. Hints of Sam Cooke and Dion in the delivery too. There's a Michael Buble element too.
Love the arrangement.

I appreciate the comments fellas. Real interesting comparisons there I didn't even think about. Love Dion and Bobby Darin.

Funny thing about this recording, I actually did the vocal first (that's why there's some snaps that aren't in time) then did the track, and synced up the vocal afterwards.

BTW, The original songs from this batch are a little more soul / motown / early 60's british invasion type stuff. It's hard to put a label on it. Oldies / Retro would probably be the best way to put it, I guess lol.

anyway.. 'preciate the feed bros!

I flipping love this! The horns in the background = :thumbsup

Yeah, I got a strong swing vibe from it too - which is good! Your voice really works with that.

And the horns, as my esteemed colleague Rab said, are brill.

Would so be interested in more of this sort of thing!

Thanks Hype & Rab! 'preciate the love!

From that description, I would love to hear your original songs!

Based on the top production value and your great vocal here I would definately be willing to purchase your own songs.  :) I'm a sucker for soul & motown and your voice really seems suited for this type of music. It's something that I personally hadn't noticed when listening to the other covers you've posted but I guess that's because they're Beach Boys songs.

You really are an awesome singer! And I hope you'll proceed with this project as you obviously have too much talent to just continue covering the Beach Boys (which you are superb at, I should be quick to add...)

The only criticism I have of this version of Old Man River would be that the tempo makes it sound a bit too old-fashioned for my taste. Like someone else has noted I was also reminded of some of Sam Cooke's funkier tracks. Personally, my favourite versions are the BB one and the more mellow take by Jim Croce so that probably obscures my view. But other than that, you really nail it. I'm really impressed by the professional sound you get on your recordings. Do you record / play music for a living?