The one day (and a bit) album

Well - our album was a quick record to make.  This was out of necessity for a couple of reasons: budget and work commitments.  Nevertheless - it was fun (though a bit stressful).  Basically we had 4 hours of set up - followed by 6 hours of crazy recording (tracking in music jargon) which also included a lunch break.  We recorded 10 songs - though one of them wasn't up to scratch up on later scrutiny.  


I recall the last song to be recorded - Praying for the future.  We did one version and it was okay - though not quite cooking.  We were tired and hungry and needed a beer or two.  Anyway - I instructed the lads to dig deep (in my best Allan Jeans oratory) and proceeded to undo the buttons on my shirt to provide an apparently tough image.  Though doubtful this display was particularly effective (probably more in spite of)  - the lads worked considerable angst into the song as was required!


My highlights were:  Birchy's high wire act in doing his solo's live to hard disk - (Praying, New Place and of course the 5 minute jam at the end of Miracles) - what a nut!  Most lead guitarists would spend upwards of a week in a studio perfecting their solos - no not Chris.


Well if it was good enough for Birchy it was good enough for the ego driven lead vocalist - yes I managed to record lead vocals live to hard disk too.


Of course the engine room was fantastic as usual.  Ivan's bass playing is to die for and is a real highlight through out the CD (my favourite bit being the end of the 2nd chorus of Lonely Life when the bass (to me) appears to imitate a cello).  I also love Stu's amazing ability to rock on with the best of them (note Praying and Miracles) and then to hit a groove (title track) and use jazzy touch and feel  - great drumming.


Finally Ian's beautiful piano in Lonely Life is fantastic as is the cheeky synth solo in Ten a Penny and the twinkling ivories in Ode to Richie.


Thanks also need to go to past muso's who helped to get Mu-Theory off the ground - in particular Anthony Cohen - a wonderful musician.


I also have to acknowledge the wonderful engineering, mixing and mastering of Jarrad Gilson of Oaklands Studio - Jarrad was an absolute pleasure to work with and I highly recommend him and his studio to all muso's out there.


Cheers,

Tony