Craig, I wanted to post something earlier, but I've recently thrown my back out and I can't sit down at the computer for very long. Hell, I can barely walk over to it.
Anyway, I listened to all of them, and I can never get over that powerful voice. Damn I wish I was capable of that kind of tone. I could never really tell who played the guitar leads in SM, but in hearing these songs, I've gotta say, you are one hell of a soloist. At least this way, I know it's your playing and anyone who happens to wander by your songs won't have to wonder who's actually playing the solos. That's a big plus to you now being on your own as well. When you see pics of a band and you see a singer/ guitar player along with other guitar players. The general sense is that one of the other guitar players is responsible for the solos. Big props on the guitar playing in these songs.
Admittedly, as I was listening through them, I was listening for that song that would compare to September. And Train ended up being that song for me. I think it's definitely the song that should let you know that you can move forward without SM. That's a freaking hit song if I ever heard one. Between September and Train, I wouldn't consider one to be better than another, they're both phenomenal songs.
Taking that aside, All I Know, Everywhere, and Don't Hang Up are very commercial and easily marketable songs. I think that's also a sign that you understand the music industry very well. Aside from the songs themselves, I also think in terms of commercial use in other areas. Those songs can also be pitched to various companies and corporations for use in their TV commercials. I can hear bits and pieces that would be perfect for that as well.
Overall, you've created a nice arsenal here Craig. As always I'm very impressed. If I may, I just wanted to give you my critiques on a couple of things I heard from a different perspective from the outside looking in.
In Don't hang up, the keyboard intro doesn't seem to fit. I know that key sound very well, we used it in one of our recordings in a song called Truly Do. And while at the time it seemed to be kind of cool, eventually most people ended up being a little turned off by it. Including the band. Our thoughts now are that it should be either straight up piano or guitar. The reason is, guitars and piano are timeless. Spacey keys are a little too 80's. When a listener listens to a song over and over, those keys become a little annoying.. I would try switching to a guitar riff or possibly regular piano type solo intro. If it were at the end of the song and faded out, it wouldn't be as much of thing. But if someone is turned off at the beginning, they probably won't listen to the rest of it and move on to the next song.
Falling Down is every bit as good as Train and September. No joke.. That song is badass. One thing you might think about would be to train-wreck the music in the bridge and leave out the dddooooooowwwwnnnn part (only way I know how to interpret that part. Hahaha). I think it'll give a little break from the vocals to the listener, and still get your point across. You go into the chorus right afterward, so your voice gets right back into the song quick enough. I just don't think there's enough separation between the "down" and the chorus for the dynamic to bring the chorus back. It's creative, and it took me by surprise a little, but in this case I think less is more. It seems to make the chorus at the end of the bridge lose it's power. I put up a little sample on my profile of one of my old guitar crashes to give you a little idea of what I'm talking about. Anyway.. That's just my 2 cents.. I love the song. It has a lot of power..
That's it.. That's the only critiquing I have as far as my song tweaking thoughts go. I'm not so sure what you were so worried about. These songs are really good. I think the time will come when you find the musicians you're looking for Craig. I think if you keep this up, a lot of success is coming your way. I understand about the time it takes. It frustrates me too sometimes. But I think you're right there. These songs should impress any record company. Keep your head up. You wrote some really cool sh*t, and I'm sure there's a lot more on the way. Hey bro.. I trimmed the tree in my front yard to damn near a stump a few months ago, and you should see it now.. It grew back better than ever. If that ain't enough inspiration I don't know what is..
I was so bummed when I cut it.. I thought it was done for. Now everyone who comes over says," Dude!! I can't believe that tree grew back as good as it did!!" This thing had no branches in March. It was basically a stump!!
Oh and one more thing. Don't think I just skipped by Fall and Tiny Little Pieces. I like where you branched out from the Southern Rock a little. The guitar and keyboard work in Fall is sick!! I can totally hear it on an easy listening station. Great job on that too. Another very marketable song. I'm still not sure what to think of Tiny Little Pieces. For some reason it reminds me of Nat King Cole. Not so much your voice, but the song itself. I can't quite put my finger on what it sounds like. It's definitely different. Good to see you exploring different areas.
OK.. I gotta take some pain killers and lay down. My back ain't doing so good.
Overall, your songs are awesome. There's a lot of good that I heard, certainly not limited to Train.. I know they are beginning stages, but damn man, the fact that you did this all on a keyboard should at least get you a sponsorship from them!! hahaha.. As always I'm a big fan Craig. You're a great musician and a true professional.
Peace.
