I'd like to not focus on something that should be minor like the level of autotune, when the overall impact of the mixes, how well they work for the song, etc., are much more important...
But I have to chime in that I do think this vocal track is overtuned. When used carefully, melodyne can make a vocal just sound like a damn fine performance. No artifacts at all, just a take you nail to the absolute best of your ability.
Grant: I tune my own vocals too, and I know how much better you feel when you know they're in tune.... but trust me that melodyne can do better at making you sound natural, yet in pitch.
If you want, send me the raw untuned vocal, and I'll tune it and post for comparison, and share my melodyne tricks. I've been thinking of starting a melodyne techniques thread anyway... hmm.
Then again, maybe it doesn't matter. In a mix, I'm sure 99% of the general public wouldn't hear the tuning as a problem... but perhaps it depends on what audience you're trying to attract. If you're aiming for mainstream radio, yah, this is fine... but maybe the indie pop crowd is a touch more demanding of natural sound?
Just a thought.
I haven't had a chance yet to really listen to the mixes.... but quick impressions are that J's is big ass as usual, and iCombs is very solid...
I gotta get home and listen to these. I mixed this (mostly) on a new set of avantone mix cubes, which I haven't learned yet. If anything, I expected my mix would translate too bright, given that the mix cubes lack a bit in the very high end. So I'm afraid the problem exists between the desk and the chair.
-Garret