Today’s Song of the Day is “Your Song” by Elton John.
This one’s a nostalgic pick for sure, but a bit more intentional because today is piano tuning day. So while the tech tunes away I figured I go after a piano tune.
For most of my childhood playing outdoors around a swimming pool, there was always an easy listening station in play for all the adults hanging around the pool. So I heard my share of 70s and 80s greats—Elton John, Bonnie Tyler, Lionel Richie, Billy Joel, etc. “Your Song” is just one of those that stood out in my memory.
Through producer ears, it’s a great track; lots of stereo information, as well as some subtle imperfections or “leave-ins.” The most noticeable to me is the kick coming in heavier on the right ear. I fight with my overhead mic positions often to avoid this, but now I doubt my struggle. It doesn’t sound so bad here, there’s so much else going on, it just seems to work.
I can also hear a few piano noises, which I appreciate because the tech upstairs was able to fix a squeaky pedal on my piano. I’m just used to the extra noises in the recordings.
The track is filled out nicely with acoustic instruments as well as strings that really give it that old school studio vibe. It’s hard to hear it and not think about what the old producers wrestled with before digital technology took over so much of the recording process. It’s quite refreshing.
Check it out if you haven’t heard it!
