Perhaps someone who was there during the recording process could clear this up once and for all.
I'd like to know more in general about how his vocals are recorded, and how his producers are finding subtle ways of emphasizing them in the mixes. I don't think these are "gimmicks" quite-- and certainly not autotune tomfoolery-- but I do think that his voice has a stronger, more immediate sound that isn't entirely due to any changes in his singing style. His producers and studio engineers must be helping in small ways, too.
His singing voice has never been better than it is right now.
The songs, however...
Oct 14, 2006
Ruled By Frankenmusic
by Robert Everett-Green
The computer program that cleans up the singer's pitch is reshaping the character of pop, writes Robert Everett-Green....
You can hear the autotune very clearly on Years of Refusal. However, I'm not sure this was something that was within Morrissey's control. There are certain aspects of that album that makes me think that the production wasn't really finished before Finn died. The weird lisping effect in Paris for example, that just sounds like a bad recording mistake. I think Finn died and they had no money left for the album to be properly finished. Perhaps if Finn had lived the post recording process would have been longer and discussions would have led to the autotune being toned down quite a bit.
I do think that his voice has a stronger, more immediate sound that isn't entirely due to any changes in his singing style. His producers and studio engineers must be helping in small ways, too.
This can be a magazine serise / book / radio (TV) programme project.
Interviewing John Porter, Grant Showbiz, Stephen Street, Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, Steve Lilywhite, Tony Visconti and Gustavo Santaolala.
Very sad that Jerry Finn isn't no longer with us.
Vocal production techniques have certainly changed over time, and Morrissey's vocal "presence" has been very strong of late, no question. Personally, I was thrilled with the production on "I am Two People," when the producer gave Morrissey that very dry, filtered, trip-hoppy moment in the middle. It was thrilling to hear That Voice from a different angle.
Lovely idea Kewpie, but I bet Morrissey would rather eat a bucket of fried chicken than allow a detailed discussion of the intimate details of his vocal "performances." Takes the mystery right out of it.
Could you please be specific on where it was used in a particular song on the album? I'd like to listen for it. I really didn't notice anything.
Thanks.
Chrissie Hynde talked about recording with him but it was brief and it wasn't technical. I can't find it. I believe that she said he had pictures of his heroes, and I think she said the lights were low.
The verses of It's Not Your Birthday Anymore. Its that slightly metallic, wobbly underwater sound. It's pretty unmistakeable. The bends in the melody are too smooth.