"Vocal Up Mix" Mix Up Muddles release!

Phil Stacey: "If You Didn't Love Me"

If I were Phil Stacey, I'd be a worried man. First call would be to label-mate, Sarah Buxton.

Both are on Disney's Lyric Street Records. Stacey's the new great hope; Buxton - a hugely talented writer was that great hope 18 months ago.

I got to hear the songs on her debut album. It's brilliant. But Lyric Street STILL hasn't released it.

Maybe Stacey will be lucky, and the label will put HIS album out, though, the way they've pushed the single to radio is not a good omen.

The first review copy of "If You Don't Love Me" arrived marked "album version"! (What album?) Within days, the label pushed out a second version and begged radio to play that instead.

"Here's a vocal up remix from producer Wayne Kirkpatrick of Phil Stacey's new hit single, "If You Didn't Love Me." Please replace the original version with this mix," they said.  (Hit???? It hasn't even made the Mediabase Top 50 yet!!)

I've listened to both versions in this astonishing mess. Truth is the average listener will be hard pressed to tell the difference between the mixes of a very ordinary song by a guy with an average voice.

If you like Stacey, don't hold your breath for the album. Lyric Street's track record isn't good, and this mix up doesn't auger well for Stacey's future.

My View: Muddled marketing mix up over mixes, and not a very good song!.

Release date: January 29,  2008
Album: To Be Announced (OR NOT!)
Label: Lyric Street
Artist web site:  www.myspace.com/philstaceymusic