Critique My Mix or Playing

http://soundcloud.com/pnutman3k/broken-heart-cliches-1

This is a song my friend wrote and sang. Just starting out using EZ Drummer. Please let me know what you think and what I need to work on as far as drumming and the mix. Usually I over compress. Thanks

When I look at just the silhouette of your tracks I see you are getting just about the max volume in your mixes. I don't hear overcompression in this.
The song sounds just a hint like BLUE CHRISTMAS, but that's fine. I think it's a strong, clean recording. Everyone is decent.
The drums are clear, they cut through. The gentle kick drum suits the style. I heard VERY few symbol crashes. Maybe one? Nice restraint. You kept it tastefully simple. Keith Moon might have ruined this recording.
But what would you say the hook is?

Nicely done — of course I'm a sucker for those old-school barroom shuffles, and agree with Ringodingo that the simple treatment really serves the song. Nice creative fills too, sort of neo-western swing. ... I use EZD too, and it's really improved my recordings (was previously using a Dr. Rhythm drum machine).

Nothing wrong with the playing at all, and the drum track was fine-maybe a couple cymbal crashes can be added, but it's almost not needed.

One thing I WOULD do, though-bring the vocals up more (2-3 db) and push the main melody guitar back about the same amount-the guitar was stomping all over the vocal when both were playing!!! Nice performance, and otherwise a nice mix (maybe a little tic-tac bass?)

Franc Robert

Really enjoyed that. Everything seems to have been recorded well and it is all clear. I agree with Backalley though that the vocals could probably come up a bit.

Thanks guys. I have a hard time finding the right volume for the vocals. I think its because I am not a singer, I almost tune them out when I listen to songs. The drums could be a tiny bit flashier, too. I am a big fan of your stuff Mr. Woodman.

The only thing in the mix that stuck out to me are the fills at the beginning of the song.
I think they kick some ass. Please keep that in mind.

For the sake of the song I would have a lot less of it at the beginning.
As good as it is, (to my ears) it doesn't give the stuff in the middle and, end of the song any place to go.

Why?
Because I think that song stands on its own.

The Vocal needs some 'space' to set the pace.

Thanks for sharing.

~ ST