BTW a good drummer can push and pull off of the click as required to keep the pocket open. It takes ALOT of practice and it only works in certain situations.

I've played to a click live and in the studio on sequence songs and sometimes if you want that machine like feel and everyone is on top of it a click can add that bit of relentlessness that humans cannot convey.

But most of the time it just makes bands sound like nervous ass.

I've seen a click used well. My friend has a math rock band in PA that uses a click track in this odd and unique way. The metronome is adjustable, and they make it click at really odd tempos and write songs by it for the most part. "Just to ensure perfection." It works for them I suppose, and they use it constantly...so it can be done.

I know better bands with impeccable timing that have never ever thought of using one.

Depends on how you use it...but I vote crap.

Completely NOT CRAP!


I have a "theory"

This theory is based on a couple of things.
First off: If the band ( really the drummer) is hearing the click for the first time in the Studio forget it.... total waste of everyone's time.
However, IF you get the chance to do any preproduction with the band ( you know like going and listening to them play and things like that ) sit down and knock out some scratch tracks ( I usually do guitar for rock ) and then tap out the tempo tracks for each song. I do this with P**T**LS. Its what I have to work with.( like it or leave) Bounce these clicks down to cd both with and without the scratch track. Give to drummer AT LEAST one month preferably two months before sessions.

I have found that when most players ( most any instrument) first start playing with a click, they don't play with it so much as to it. Hence the game of trying to "beat" the click to beat one starts. It sounds bad and usually is what most complain about regarding the "lifeless and robotic sound" . After this has worn off and you actually start playing with the click instead of to it suddenly your groove is back and tight as hell.

I am currently in the studio with a Punk Band ( real punk too not power pop crap) that did this. fastest song hits 210bpm. Drummer played with it for about two months prior to going into the studio. We made several revisions along the way regarding tempo and time changes etc. Drummer knocked out 7 songs in about 7-8 hours. Bear in mind that we weren't rushing and no one felt that we had to "settle" for anything. After that the click was dropped mostly and the drums of course used for the rest of the band to gauge time by. I don't believe we could have met the budget schedule on this project any other way without it sounding sloppy. I would also say that it makes edit (once again digital) way easy ( and fast) , but thankfully there is VERY little needed with this project.


Randy

Saturday wrote:unless they create a drum machine that can follow a drummer´s tempo... that would be a neat idea..

triggers?

randy5235 wrote:...I don't believe we could have met the budget schedule on this project any other way without it sounding sloppy. I would also say that it makes edit (once again digital) way easy ( and fast) , but thankfully there is VERY little needed with this project.

You don't believe you could meet a schedule otherwise? A schedule that allowed you months of pre-production and tempo-divining recording sessions?

Man, some people make recording such a chore.

tmidgett wrote:i hate click trax but i don't hate drum machines

i like drum machines when they are well-used

and i like drummer w/drum machine or sequencing, when it's done well

I am a big fan of the drummer/drum machine thing done well too - I bet you like There's A Riot Goin' On as well.

Click tracks suck fucking ass. Example: Mike Watt made George Hurley play along to click tracks in the studio with Firehose. As a result...Hurley's playing got way more stilted. Fuck that shit. Hurley's one of the best drummers who ever picked up sticks.

randy5235 wrote:I am currently in the studio with a Punk Band ( real punk too not power pop crap) that did this.

A punk band using a click for hours on end for pre-production of an album.

Yes, folks THAT is authentic punk rock right there.

steve wrote:

randy5235 wrote:...I don't believe we could have met the budget schedule on this project any other way without it sounding sloppy. I would also say that it makes edit (once again digital) way easy ( and fast) , but thankfully there is VERY little needed with this project.

You don't believe you could meet a schedule otherwise? A schedule that allowed you months of pre-production and tempo-divining recording sessions?

Man, some people make recording such a chore.

I love that people read..... Budget schedule .... you know as in the band had little money hence limited time for recording.

As for making recording a chore? Not really... Hard work definitely.... A hell of alot of fun ..certainly... Rewarding? I hope the band feels that way once we are finished.

I appreciate the condescending tone Thanks!
Randy

bomberz1qr20 wrote:

randy5235 wrote:I am currently in the studio with a Punk Band ( real punk too not power pop crap) that did this.

A punk band using a click for hours on end for pre-production of an album.

Yes, folks THAT is authentic punk rock right there.

Wow man I post my opinion on the use of click track ( in which I mention my opinion and process) and not just one but two people bitch at me.

Cool thanks!

What's your idea of Punk Rock? a band that can't keep their instruments in tune or play in time? I guess if the band can actually play their instruments not punk rock some how? Gimme a break.. They are a good band that has something to say. They want a good sounding album. They believe in busting their ass to get their music out there. Pre-production involved mostly me sitting in on their practice sessions to listen to them and getting them a click to practice to. Heaven forbid I take an active interest in the artists I work with. ...

Randy