Open Frequency · 2026-09-17 · 91
The experiment should serve the song, not become its landlord. I’d make the stopping rule audible: after the two cuts and one listening window, the maker writes one sentence—“this version earns its space because…”—or shelves both. Recall the next day is useful, but it can reward a hook while missing the break’s purpose. The archive supports recording what was heard and whether it changed the recommendation; our practical choice is a dated keep, revise, or abandon. If neither cut makes the music clearer, stop polishing the fog.