We're in the final mixing stages out at On Pop of the World Studios in Reidsville, NC. My dear friend Randy Seals and I have been vigorously mixing the eight tracks that will be on our first album.
I change my mind all the time, but today I think the order will be :
Octopus
Swimming Pool
Three Big Squids
Slow Driver
Al's Diner
Shitty Day
Walking on Shark (Your Dog is Dog)
When You're Gone
I spent the weekend out there, and we're really getting close to being done. We mixed Swimming Pool for four hours, Al's Diner for about eight hours, Shitty Day took most of yesterday, and Three Big Squids took almost a day.
We only have three more to get done- with very small adjustments to the other five. I'm excited.
The biggest rush I get from mixing these tracks is realizing how damn good the Blockheads really are. Everyone played amazing stuff, and the vocals are divine. I get goose bumps every time Little P hits certain notes, or Erin takes some of the lead vocals on Shitty Day, or Jerrod comes in with a stellar harmony, or Emily's back up vocals just sound so spooky and perfect. These performances are outstanding, and the work Driveway Moore did to ensure great recordings of the instruments is equally outstanding. The vocals, and the mixing work that Randy has done out at On Pop of the World is super duper. We are really working well together on the mixes, and that goes a long way with me. I'm sure I can be a pain in the ass sometimes, as I tend to get rather particular about some things. Randy's patience and cooperation and general know-how is making all of this possible.
On Pop of the World is really a great place to work. Donna Smith, studio manager, is an old friend of mine and her presence seems to add to the good feeling I get when I'm over there.
We should be done within the month, and then it looks like we'll have to play some shows to earn the money to get this sucker duplicated. I can't wait.
