Suddenly Last Summer cover by myself

[Mike Neer]

A little hesitant about posting this here because it’s a vocal tune that only has a small amount of lap steel. But it is my production and my arrangement of a classic 80s tune by The Motels.

I originally started this out as an instrumental but it took only about 10 seconds to realize it needed vocals because of the great lyrics, so I dusted off the pipes. I did some playing with my Epi Model M to recreate the cool keyboard part on the original. Took me about 5 or 6 hours to arrange, record and mix this.

Anyway, I hope you dig it. I’m kind of finding a middle ground with my voice, which has lost its bottom end and which is strong in a range that I don’t like singing in.

https://mikeneer.bandcamp.com/track/sud ... ast-summer

[Brooks Montgomery]

Really nice Mike. Your vocals fit it perfectly.
Instrumentally for me it was kind of the Motels merged with the Cowboy Junkies. Liked it a lot.
Has very much an indie film background song vibe too.

[Charlie McDonald]

I really enjoyed hearing you sing one of my favorite tunes from the era. Really nice backing tracks--orchestral, using minimal parts--just like I would have done them.

[Brad Bechtel]

I really liked that, Mike. The lap steel was a subtle but necessary ingredient. You don't have to apologize for your vocals!

[Will Houston]

Nice job on that, always liked that song.

[Joachim Kettner]

I didn't pay much attention to eighties music, but I did like Cock Robin etc. Saw the Motels records in the bins at that time but was not interested.
Good song and good interpretation from you, Mike!

[Mike Neer]

Appreciate it, thanks!

[Donny Hinson]

Moody, brooding, kind of like a cross between David Bowie and Leonard Cohen. Your voice goes well with the song. Maybe they’ll use it as the theme if they remake the movie again? Fame is always just a phone call away!

[Mike Neer]

Thanks, Donny. I think setting the mood of a piece of music is really important for me, whether it’s a solo, a vocal, whatever. That’s pretty much the number one thing I want to do is evoke a mood. All my favorite music does that. You can see how big a role it played in so many great records, even Miles’ music. As time has gone by, the producer’s role has had a big impact on how the music recorded music sounds. I am one of those people who love that stuff, so I am definitely having fun in the producer’s role in my own music. I think the reason I play music is to satisfy that particular urge I have.

[Craig Stock]

Really nice Mike, voice is perfect, I liked the Motels back in the day, good choice in picking that!