Rey Varela
"Please"

some people like to hear songs stripped bare. to them, hearing one person with nothing but a guitar or piano is the "essence" of the songs. this proves true on some occassions, but not always. sometimes listening to a lone singer/songwriter is quite frustrating, especially when a song obviously has much potential to be great, but some of the elements needed to make it great are missing. this is especially true in regards to listeners such as myself. i typically listen to music and instrumentation first, vocals and lyrics second. when my focus has nowhere to go other than toward vocals and lyrics, both must be strong in order to maintain my attention.

Luckily, on "Please" by Rey Varela, a close intimacy between listener and performer is established early. Varela hints that he may feel that this isn't a particularly strong recording. i beg to differ. I am assuming that Mr. Varela feels this way because this track is not as sleek and well produced sounding as the other track i heard, "Live your Life." that is exactly what works to this songs favor.

"Please" establishes its intimacy with the listener before Varela ever sings a note. the buzzed frets on the acoustic guitar and other such tiny imperfections make the song human, natural, and lovely. when Varela's wavering, fragile vocals come in, you can't help but anticipate the next line, and each one proves satisfactory.

some songs don't stand alone without accompanyment. they are good foundations, but you can't build a house without a roof (man, that was cheesy sounding). "Please"'s imperfections are slight and minute, but the song wears them on its sleeve. it wouldn't work any other way. that is how this song is unique and interesting and allows a man and his guitar to stand alone.

7.8/10
Chimpan-A

Hey Rey,

Wow!

I really like this! I guess the highest compliment I can pay is that I wish I'd written this song. (That's not something I think very often, Rey.) Maybe three songs I've reviewed on this thread I wish were mine - this is one. (On re-reading that, it sounds proud; it's not. There are lots of songs on this thread that I think are great - that I never COULD have written, but they aren't songs I wish were mine. If that makes sense.)

MUSIC: Very sing-a-long, like something by John Denver, but with more of an Arlo Guthrie flavour. The harmony work is quite sweet; it give the chorus and pre-chorus a nice rich feel. (Also, it reminds me a bit of the children's artist known as Raffi. I hesitate to mention that, as he's not everyone's cup of tea, but he has an interesting sound I think.) Is that your wife singing with you? Is the other male voice your own?

LYRICS: They swing in the music like Rey in his hammock! They are right at home; real nice. They have a Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn feel to them. This could almost be an American Folk song classic that you found, it's so cool.

PRODUCTION: It's certainly got a happy and authentic feel - with its snap, clap, hambone percussion and perky acoustic line. (The guitar work is very cool: reminds me of something by Valde, Arlo Guthrie or Pete Seeger. Very, very cool in its pristine simplicity.)

OBSERVATION: This would work well as a score for a retro film, a cowboy or down south film - maybe something like 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.'

SUGGESTION: First, the song's most appealing feature in some ways is the simple human percussion, but it may be a bit too far forward. As a result, it can almost hurt a bit when it comes in and goes out.
Secondly, I'm torn on one point. There are times when the clapping is maybe a bit too much out of sync. It would be nice if it were nailed down a bit more firmly but still lose enough to say, 'Relax!' I'm not sure how much fiddling you did to achieve what you've got.
I'm not sure of this, but it might be a good idea to go all out and get a wash board and spoons on the instrumental part.

Finally, what ever you do to this: DON'T DO MUCH! It's about perfect in its feel.

Acoustic Folk Pop singer/songwriter.

A mature and reflective artist with the ability to play your heartstrings for free...

We've all been there... Sitting at a light... A man or woman, sometimes with a dog... And a cardboard sign. We sit there looking on... If we give them some money it could be because we're compassionate, or it could be because we are suckers... It's a gamble either way. If you look on and pretend they don't exist, then they won't... But only in your mind. They're still there with the cardboard sign... Pleading.
Rey Varela can spin a musical tale equivalent to some of the greats like Jim Croce or Harry Chapin! His voice also has that amazing quality of those two, but the real quality in this song is how Rey is able to Show us the poignant and intricate ballet that can go on in the human psyche while just stopping at a light. The complexities involved in this everyday event, he has broken it down to it's elemental properties.
Above and beyond the fact that the minimalist guitars are done perfectly for this confliction of emotions, and like I have stated, Rey's vocals have the ability to send shivers down your spine because of their thoughtful magnitude, the remixed version adds a background of children which in a retrospective way is to me Rey stressing that no matter where we are from, or where we are at, we all came from the same small place inside our mothers.
The truth is, People like Rey are a rare commodity. Looking through rose colored lenses, he is still able to keep his feet firmly planted in the Earth and teach us all about humility and the reality of it all... I feel... but if I helped you all, I would have to join you...
A beautifully composed song (both versions) and once again Rey gently nudges us... Hey man, We're all human! ... Get used to it!

First of all..........WOW. I say again, WOW. Pretty stirring stuff, Mr. Varela. 'Specially when its loud. Had her on 8 by the third listen, man. Wife banging floor again.

Every now and then I hear a song that has a combination of a great melody that just fits like a glove with the score......great enough that you get those little hairs on your arms taking notice. Used to listen to U2 "Still Haven't Found What Im Looking For" over and over for that "wall of emotion" feel.

Personally, I think that this is some of the most ear and soul pleasing music that I've heard on Soundclick....or elsewhere for that matter.

There are many qualities in Rey's piece that really made me sit up and take notice. I'll try to describe a few.

1. The listener immediately gets a positive message from the choice of chording......even before the vocals start. Some superbly selected mid-octave chord-work in an airy, effortless, almost ethereal manner. For lack of a better word, it sounds "spiritual".

2. Very few vocalists have pulled off using constant tremelo or vibrato in their voice effectively. Mr. Orbison was a genius with it. Mr. Varela's grace with this sort of vocal pattern couldn't fit the music any better. It creates a breadth of emotion about an emotional topic, and really takes away the need for a four or five-piece band sound. I feel 'Pray' could stand alone without percussion just as effectively as it does with it's current presentation. The sparse (and not in a bad way) placing of harmony in the Chorus makes a person want to sing along.

3. There are three kinds of songs in my world. Those that you play, those that you fast-forward, and those that you rewind. "Pray" is of the latter, in this bird's opinion.

I loved it, Rey.

Thanks for sharing

***Singer Songwriter Review***

Artist: Rey Varela
Song: "I Know"
______________________________

... Well, I'm actually speechless. I got that lump in throat feeling on this one.. it makes you think. Right when you struck the first couple of chords on the guitar I turned the volume up and listened closer! This was a very cool song to listen to, and everything you say in the song everyone has seen and can relate to on some level. I've been in that same situation, at the light, and you look over and see that on the side of the road... what can you do? Your vocals are strong. (I don't know if you want to be compared to anyone cause you might hate this band but your vocals reminded be of the singer for the band Live) The guitar work is great for the song, its, for lack of a better word right now, spooky, but in a good way. The recordings of what sounds like traffic and a child laughing brings it all home and strengthens the entire message of the song! I'm saving this one to listen to later if you don't mind. Two thumbs up!

Thanks,
Billy Wilcosky

Artist: Rey Varela
Song: "I Know"

Music: What genre is this? I don't know, you wouldn't tell me!@ Musically I would have to say you've got your act really together. A great acoustic song with alot of emotion. I hear your voice straining to get the words out, like it's hard for you to talk about the music. That is a great example of what I wanted with Bill Heeter.

Lyrics-- A very personal song, I really can't say anything bad about it. I got the message. I understood, and I was a little saddened by it even. Great execution!

Produciton-- What is really wonderfull about this song is the audience you put in it. Interaction is such an important thing in creating the illusion of emotion in music. You really pulled it off here. Simplistically even. You are definately a master of your craft.

Rey Varela

I Know

You have a very intense vocal on this one which does well to convey a kind of desperation. Looking at the lyrics it's a toss up as to who is more desperate, the vocalist and his inability to facilitate change, or the homeless man who is a victim of change.

Well written lyrics, first of all. The music is minimalist but very well done. Anything more, at least for most of the song, would have ruined the tension of the sound. Your guitar is very poignant sounding. The vocals are done up close and personal feeling, which is perfect for this song.

I also like the background sound, but have a few suggestions on that, below.

Criticism: The silent room sounding beginning to this song is good, but I after hearing some of the background noises later in the song I think that some street sounds would be a fantastic way to start the song. Something low key, and fading into the opening vocals.

Next, the background sounds later in the song begin to occur around 1:50 or so, as does your guitar fill riffs. Now, the two work very well together and I like it a lot. What I'm not so hot on is the background sounds continuing as the guitar goes back into the verse pattern (around 2:10). Rather than cutting the background sounds off short to that spot, I would trim it some and actually prolong some of your fills... they're very nice. There's a spot (2:25 or so) where the background sounds change and the guitar is so quite that it's a little jarring. Not a big thing, just something my ears wanted you to know The ringing of the guitar really cuts the hiss of those background sounds and make it less noticable so that when it goes to the slow string/chord verse pattern it get's a lot more noticable.

I really like this song, Rey. I think it's a fine example of the tradition of singer/songwriters and wouldn't be phased to hear it right beside James Taylor, etc.

Hey Rey,

Well, my thoughts are that this is an excellent number. For surel this song has a powerful emotional feel to it. It's a genuine song. You are writing about things that matter - not only to you - but matter absolutely.

The instrumentation is an excellent example of 'less is more.' I wouldn't add a lick. It just hangs there in the air and feel like agony.

The beginning sounds like drops falling in a puddle. For me at least, that seems appropriate: sometimes we don't feel we can be much more significant than a drop in a puddle when we consider how hopeless the plight is of many street people!

I'm reminded of a number of folk artists, but - frankly - mostly I'm reminded of me! I know that you listened to and appreciated 'The Least of These' because I recall some of the things you said, but I'm wondering: have you listened to 'Halo' or 'Don't Cry...it's Just the End of the World?' Somehow I'd like you to hear them, because I think we have much in common. I'd like to know what you think - maybe particuarly about 'Halo.'

In any case, we are both writing songs about seeing human suffering and not really having the faintest clue what can be done! Your reaction '...I have a family of my own...' reminds me of the parable of the Good Samaritan. You will remember that both the Levite and the Priest passed the poor man by - we are not told why, but one can hear them saying, "Oh, I'm late...I've got things to do...blah!"

Yeah, I'm not condemning you; I've done the same thing.

Anyway, from the sublime to the insignificant: I have a question of a technical sort. Why did you include the ambient sounds of a child (yours?) playing in the background? It doesn't sound unpleasant, but it doesn't connect in any obvious way with the song - or am I missing something?

Rey Varela-
I Know-

This story takes place at a traffic light in anytown USA. It sets up a familiar scene that is all too often present in Dick Cheney's America. A guy sets in his car waiting for the light to turn green, and on the corner is a guy holding one of those "will work for food/cash/beer/sex...etc."signs.

It seems to want to emphasis the point that we all got our own snakes to kill, and if I could help ya out on my time schedule I would, so good luck with all that. "I know, I see, I feel" is the mantra we are singing along with here.

I don't know what the actual position is, but its early and I'm still working on my first pot of coffee, so maybe I'll find a little clairity on this subject later on in the day. The vocals are good, and the guitar is clean and helps the story along somewhat. There's no true melody here just chording that wants to tell its side of the story. I find nothing wrong with this style, since I have used it myself, but I just feel that the story is too short and there's no resolution. I know that not all songs/stories are not meant to resolve anything, but that's just my preference, take it for what it is. I guess this is an observational piece to bring to light what we basically already know, people suck.

Musically, I feel that a second instrument would be warranted durring the instrumental break. This piece, for me at least, reminds me a lot of "old Friends" by Paul Simon, in its feel and texture.

SONG RATING 1-10:
Music:
(Composition) 4
(Application) 4
Lyrics:
(Composition) 5
(Delivery) 5

Overall Rating: 4.5

This song is an Acoustic Ballad. I'm gonna start right off here and say that if this ain't #1 material I sure don't know what is. This is one beautiful piece of work. The acoustic guitar is recorded and played pristine with a rich warm tone. The playing of the piece is something I could only dream about being able to do and is as close to perfection as one can get IMO... simply outstanding!

The vocals and melody in this song really move me. I've always loved Rey's voice and He does a tremendous job here on this tune. Very convincing and emotional delivery, every note right on, I'm tellin ya it just doesn't get any better than this. The melody to this piece really sounds inspired to me, like something that just flowed and was captured from the moment.

The production... well Rey you've outdone yourself this time! Beautiful work on the mix, no extraneous noise, clear as a bell, with great work on the tone of this exceptional piece. Well Done!!

I rarely gush about a song, but I just can't say enough about how much I like this one, and how well it is done. Listen for yourself, and if you don't agree well... you wouldn't know good music if it slapped ya upside the head! Seriously though check this tune out I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Hey Rey!!!! Intresting reviewing one of the Guys who reviewed me alot!
Im happy to do it!

I love this tune! The chord progression sounds very good with a very fitting vocal. A very well delivered, full of emotion, vocal. Bringing some tears to my eyes here. The children playing and laughing in the song adds so much feeling to the song. The lyrics are powerful, about how we would all like to help someone, but can't and the feeling of helplessness that comes with not being able to, that feeling of regret of how we could have made a difference to someone. But how we acknoledge that feeling 'I know I feel I see' and maybe someday we can help. Theres a ton of meanings in this song that goes along with a wealth of moral issues. I love this song cause it doesnt preach and privides an inspiring meaning.

I highly recommend this tune to everybody, Rey varela is quite the story teller and songwriter.

Production is very very good(Not that it had to be with such a good song) and just adds to a great song!

Awesome Job
Cameron

One of the mainstays of the Soundclick forums, I reviewed Rey's Dreams last month and was instantly struck by his voice, although I felt the track had to work a little harder to get my attention than it did. Nonetheless it did turn me on to a vocalist who is very much to my taste, musically as well as sonically. If you like Chris Isaak country-style, this will be right down your street; and this track is already IMO head and shoulders above Dreams.

Mind you, I had to listen to it more than a few times for the details to sink in. Although I was instantly drawn to this track, it took repeated plays for me to be fully convinced that this is an infinitely detailed track, with much charm and warmth riding in its belly. The main instrumentation is carried - like Dreams - by an acoustic guitar but in this case the balance between track and instrument is exactly right; propelling both the track and the vocal. This gives the track a very righteous flow that will drag the listener in by the ears and rightly so, because this is a special track.

I do like this style of music, and Rey shows in this track that he is completely at home in the genre; making likeable, lively tracks that have something to say. What really sold me on Pray however were the little touches that shine out of the musical peaks - more notably the 'pray' female refrain in the choruses. Beautiful stuff and no mistake. Sure there are some little niggles, but the feel of this track makes up for any little glitches that probably no one else would notice anyway. Again a track that is made in particular style but which would probably appeal to a much broader audience - people who like a good song, performed well.

Now there's a thought to lay on the pillow at night, and this is the track to lay right next to it

Rey has a voice that almost no matter what He's singing it is a pleasure to listen too. This song is no exception and is one of the best I've heard Him do. The playing style while on the simplistic side fits well with the mood of the song and uses very melodic and interesting chord progressions, which I'm finding to be a trademark with Rey. The drum track fits well with the song, but is a little to deep in the mix IMO, I'd like to hear it brought up in the mix a bit with possibly a bit more reverb, but it's a minor point that certainly doesn't detract from the song.

The production is of decent quality and everything is mixed well enough, though if there is any one thing I could fault Rey on, He always seems to be holding back a bit. Then again maybe thats just the "rocker" in me thats likes things to build with a bit more punch.

All said, this is top notch song that everyone, especially those who enjoy the more mellow side of things should check out and while your there check out the rest of the songs as well, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Originality: 8
Musicianship: 8
Vocals: 9
Arrangement: 8
Production: 7
Overall: 8.5

Before I start Rey, I must confess that this is not exactly my fav genre. However, as with all music, it can (whatever genre) be judged on all the merits associated with good music composition and production............................so here we go...

From the start of this track, the influence and structure of the track became apparent with a wonderful String Guitar feel. This was performed and excecuted really well throughout the track, apart from a section about 1.40 which I would work on , but what the heck do I know, thats just my opinion.

The vocals were really well arranged and delivered..In fact, do you fancy a collab on a song with me??

My only problem I guess, was the quality of the package. A pro studio would transform this track (as it would anyone's) , but a quality comp system to polish out the fuzz would be the ultimate answer. What system did you use to create your track for Mp3??

All in all a great track for the genre, I sensed possibly a Steele Dan infuence??

My Verdict..........   

3 outa 5

Respect as always

I Know:

Immediacy and tension are the order of the day with this track.You do have the oppurtunity to bounce off the ceiling vocally, but you turn away at the last moment.I believe at the end of the tag line " In My Face", would have been the time to push your range to the hilt.If you listen to my tune " High Low", you may get an idea of where I'm going for emphasis.
Bottom line, it's a very nice tune

Life Goes On:

Crisp and fluid.You've achieved a wonderful warmth on your acoustic tone which evenly matches the mild lilting quality of your vocal approach.The keyboards are a bit timid and distracting, but overall this is a tune worth shopping.

'Why' - Acoustic guitar had even more of a Jimmy Page likeness here - love it. Very folky, and beautiful in places. You really have what I consider to be an excellent voice. Personally I would have liked to hear a more straight ahead structure to this, but I still very much enjoyed it.

Great stuff Ray - keep it up!

'Praise' - I LOVE the acoustic guitar playing here. Reminds me a little of Jimmy Page in pages. Your singing sounds great too. This could have gone down a storm at Woodstock back in '69 but I also think it can go down a storm today. I'm very impressed indeed - nothing negative to say at all.

Dreams?

…is very pretty. Ah, strings! I think guitar and strings compliment each other so well - very tasteful addition there. Production is all about discretion, isn’t it?

This is a very reflective piece; it reminds me a bit of Joni Mitchell. (The lyrics and feel, that is, not the voice!) Nice progression. Your voice is just acidic enough to do this number without it being saccharine. Good touch.

Oooo! That end is a little startling. Is that the waking up phase?

Here's something you don't come across every day.

Think Elvis mid-period arrangements, a Chris Isaak'y voice, a folk rock approach and you'd pretty much have this track in your sights. So, let's get the cards on the table sharpish and then spend the rest of the review trying to explain myself...

Hey!! Whadda mean just like always?

The most irritating thing about this track is also the most important part; the acoustic guitar. Fact of the matter is that it's way too loud in the mix and well boomy with it. Consequently that means that playing this loud means a precarious existence for your speakers. Yep, yep, its a mix problem I know, and maybe I shouldn't be discussing that and concentrating on the song fer fecks sake!

Well, in my books the production gives the track the edge; the polish to demolish.

And that is what you have to do to get through these days.

Initially I get this Chris Isaak flavour from Rey's remarkable voice, very distinctive if a little derivative. Dreams falls well into it's easy listening, country tinged genre and would definitely suit some of the more yeehaaah members of this community. I did find it's whimiscal charm pleasant initially, but as I am not a great fan of this particular style I soon tired of listening to it. Production problems notwithstanding this is still a very admirable track in terms of delivery and conviction, certainly well worth checking out if you like the style I have mentioned.

Steve Gilmore