Autograph the Cube (Sign My Box Reviews)

[Future Boy]

melvin: not that I speak for the whole community, but *I* consider it bad form to vote for yourself and usually I vote for someone else unless I really, really believe that my song is the best one.

[Smalltown Mike]

melvin: not that I speak for the whole community, but *I* consider it bad form to vote for yourself.

Out of curiousity, is this in reference to something he posted? A lyric?

[Future Boy]

It was in response to this:

The Cutie Pies: ... I would vote for this, if I wasn’t obligated to vote for myself (I’m sorry - is that poor Songfight etiquette? Or is it only natural to want to make sure you’ll get at least one vote?!)

[Smalltown Mike]

I would vote for this, if I wasn’t obligated to vote for myself

Vote for what you think is the best song, yours or someone else's—that way it feels better if you actually win.

And you do know you don't win anything anyway, right?

And wouldn't you learn something if you ever actually pulled in zero votes?

[Rabid Garfunkel]

Actually felt uncomfortable submitting my entry (for a coupla few seconds). Kind of wish there was an "artist's discretion" option for tagging a tiny little "parental advisory" logo to the front page's listings, just to the right of the artist name. But, on with the show...

Baker
Nice subtle use of the pitch shift, sounds practically real. Dry vocals could use a little effecting, or some level balancing between the various parts so they sound more of a single piece.

Bell Green
Funky beat. Good stuff. Good lyrics. Singing, though, not so much to my tastes. Strong song, though.

The Cutie Pies
Reminds me of late Men Without Hats, this. Sweet song. The beep beep beep boop makes me chuckle every time. Perfect fit. Thanks for the entertainingness!

Flying Brick
Sigh. Did you use "flocks" as a rhyme in there too? The Victoria voice (or whichever one you used) doesn't have the clarity to sustain a plastic piece like this on its own.

JB Hucklebee
The underwaterish effect on the the Beatlesey rhythm guitar is pretty cool. How'd you do it?

Melvin
Video killed the delivery star! Sorry, couldn't resist. Got nothing to say, really. Oh hey, "John Wayne"? Hancock, is more better, but it just don' fit. Lyrically, you and Smalltown Mike have this fight.

Octothorpe
Yessssssssss. You guys make me so happy. Thank you. Guitar feels a little behind on the beat, but not that big an issue, enjoyment-wise.

The 'Over
Is that a keyboard just before the chorusy part? Or some heavy strums on a second guitar? Vox a little low in the mix, it sounds like.

Rabid Garfunkel
Heh. The Gary Coleman samples were taken from ugo.com a long time ago, so sorry Smalltown Mike, but I'm so not cool enough to share the same airspace as Gary C. Drums suffer from "dancing bear" syndrome, IMO. Shoulda done way more takes. And yes, I do have an unhealthy fixation on Gary Coleman.

Smalltown Mike
Devil song! In the food court! Hell yeah. My bartender liked your song best in this fight, and I'm inclined to agree with her. Vote.

Three Finger Salute
j$, I've got no clue which song this was influenced by. Voice sounds good, both of you guys. Live drums this time?

[Bell Green]

Comments, reviews, feedback from Bell Green.

Baker
Nice idea but not quite coming together somehow. Like the backing track and the pitch shift on the vox. Good use of the title. A little too repetitive. Perhaps a "sign my fucking box muthafucka" here and there would have worked well.
Bell Green
Put together in about 3 hours. The bridge needs work and I could have rehearsed the organ parts a bit more. Not really mixed properly. But hey, a deadline's a deadline. Oh yes, that is my cat in the picture if anyone else has seen it.
The Cutie Pies
Very sweet. Very Rene and Renate. Quite good use of kitschy casio style sounds. The vocal duet works well I think. Nice guitar sound. You are both good singers. The title should be "just say". Catchy.
Flying Brick
Reminds me of UNKLE. "Excuse me, Toast Six Titanium needs your attention." Sounds like my bridge, but better of course. Hmmm.
JB Hucklebee
Can't hear the lyrics. Well, unless I listen really closely. Where's the bass? I think you're a guitarist as that is the most upfront thing in the mix. Nice.
Melvin
Great voice. Lots of feeling. Good differentiation between sections. Naff cheesy sounds and naff lyrics all carried by the quality of the vocal without which the song would fall apart. I think you would do well on a powerballad or something.
Octothorpe
Uhh, ok. Next. Actually do like the synth. Didn't hear "sign my box" anywhere.
The 'Over
This is quite nice. Reminds me of Nick Drake. Don't know if that is a compliment or an insult to you. I would have the vocals louder and guitar quieter. Doesn't sound quite tight to me, I mean rhythmically.
Rabid Garfunkel
Something wrong with the rhythm or is it supposed be like that? I don't think I know who Gary C is. Love the vocals.
Smalltown Mike
Rock. Nice pauses there. Vocals could be more aggressive. Nice organ/synth. There's been a lot of that this week. Good drums.
Three Finger Salute
The unmistakable Cashpoint vocal. Bit on the quiet side though. Very catchy number. Rhythm again on this one doesn't seem too tight.

So it seems that I was focusing on the vocals this week, more the delivery rather than the lyrical content. Plenty of organs and synths in there. For me it's toss up between "The Cutie Pies" and "Melvin". I would go with Melvin because I love the vocal so much, but I think The Cutie Pies have it. It's one of those songs that I would pretend not to like and listen when no-one was looking. Cheers all and thanks for listening.

[fluffy]

The rules do not stipulate that the title actually appear in the song's lyrics, simply that the song be for the title. Spend too much time listening for specific words and you lose track of the greater meaning.

[Bell Green]

I guess so. But it just sounds a bit odd to me if the title isn't actually used. I guess one could compose and produce an instrumental track with no lyrical content and that would fulfil the criteria. So what you're saying is that the given title is more like a catalyst rather than an ingredient in the final production? I can see this getting moved to another thread.

[fluffy]

I'm saying that many good songs haven't had the title anywhere in the lyrics, while the lyrics were obviously about the title. There have also been a few pure instrumentals which have fit the title.

As I'm familiar with my own catalog the most, check my "Paper Cuts and Spilling Guts" (none of those words aside from "and" appear anywhere in the song) and my "Repair My Heart" (no words at all, OMG).

Quick quiz: Did the Beatles' "A Day In The Life" have those words in the song? (Answer: NO)

[Spud]

I can't believe that this issue would come up with respect to this song.

from the <a href="http://www.songfight.org/faq.html">faq</a>:

"Every week several titles are provided, the competitors write a brand new song inspired by the title of their choice."

Here are the lyrics:

I know a man, he's a performer.
His name was Keith, he liked transformers.
Making rhymes, verbs did he conjugate.
Screaming fans, the show ended late.

[chorus]
Can we say, Keith was shy?
Can we say, his pen was dry?
From amnesia do we construe -
To one <b>box</b>, he is true?
[end chorus]

There was a girl, she was a student.
She had piercings, and sounded impudent.
Her hair was long, it covered her eyes.
Her skirt was short, didn't cover her thighs.

[repeat chorus]

Keith was there, at the table.
She jumped on it, it wasn't quite stable.
Wrapped in black paper, it was cardboard.
Presented to him, with a saucy word.

[repeat chorus]

She gave a pen, and pointed to a spot.
The words she said.......he forgot.
<i>[editor's note: that would be the direct title reference, right there.
It would even rhyme, by Octothorpe standards]</i>
Hearing her a request, Keith turned red.
He took the pen, <b>signed</b> elsewhere instead.

[repeat chorus]

The strategy here was to tell the story without every saying the title, but to provide enough information so that the listener can infer what the girl said, which happens to be - voila - the title. I mean, that was the big idea, man.

btw: http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/encycl ... lyrics.htm

see also the following Octothorpe songs:

Bad Attraction (words by the venerable Jim Owen)
Happy Machine Ankle (all three words appear, but not in the same verse)
Merry Christmas
Step Up (we say "Step Right Up")
What We Need More of Science (words by fluffy, also recorded by brody)

Finally, our very first submission (a winner) intentionally mis-states the title as "Bean to China" rather than "Been to China".

In conclusion, the relationship of the lyrics to the title is one of the areas that Octothorpe has always considered to be an integral part of the creative endeavor.

[Bell Green]

Wow. Thanks for pointing that out guys. That really opens up the creative possibilities much further.

[Evermind2]

I'll post sporadically as I listen to various songs, I'll only review songs I listen to all the way through.

Cutie Pies - Good take on the title. A little abstract, I like to see that. I like the DTMF tones you use at one point. I think those could be more effectively used as embellishments at other points. Nice!

Small Town Mike - VERY interesting lyrics in the first verse. The chorus' lyrics have a bit of a stretch to fit the title, but still fun. The keyboard solo is pretty fun, very groovy. Additionally, the ending is nice. I like the sudden stops in the song.

The 'Over - Yay! I remember listening to you guys like a year ago and liking what I heard. Sounds a bit out of tune at points. The guitar in the left channel is a bit distracting. I take it back, it's very distracting. It should either come in and out for effect, or be mixed further into the background. You should only really mix things like that for a solo. Also, its timing is off. But as always, I LOVE your sound. I don't get the lyrics' relation to the title, really. But then, Sign My Box isn't the most adaptive title.

Rabid Garfunkel - The guitar effect is irritating. The bass drum sounds like wang-slapping a plastic bag. Although, this sounds like a joke song. Pretty good one at that. "This reminds me of that episode of Diff'rent Strokes where the two kids were sexually molested by the guy who owns the bicycle shop." Oh man, this song isn't so well produced, but it's sure as hell funny, and worth passing on to friends. =D

Three Finger Salute - The beginning promises so much. The singer comes in, and then I twist my mouth much like this smily. =\ But then, not everyone was born a singer. I say work on your timing and you should improve greatly. The lyrics don't seem too complicated. I don't think they really make sense. Ahh, I can't take any more... erf.

Bell Green - Hm. You sound like someone else I can't put my finger on. Lyrics have a nice take on the title. The backup voice in the chorus doesn't seem to fit in quite so well with the rest of the song. Perfoom? The bass line seems to be looped. Meh, I don't really have much to say about it. ARGH. Box, fox, locks, rocks, grr. Not workin out for me.

Octothorpe - Very Octothorpe lyrics. Gotta love the synthy fun. Also, gotta love the interpretation of the word "box" Oh man, I missed you guys too.

Melvin - I LIKE this! The guitar just sounds nice. You know how to produce a song. The timing of the vocals is kinda weird. This reminds me a lot of Weezer. Really good stuff. This may very well get my vote.

JB Hucklebee - I saw JB and got excited, but it looks like you're somewhat far from JB. This is pretty nice, but the vocals could be redone, and the guitar effect is too soupy. Eh. Compress your vocals too. Also, the lyrics could use retooling. And the drums are too simple and midi.

Some good stuff this week. =)

--
Evermind

[j$]

But then, not everyone was born a singer.

Hahahahaha - you're absolutely right.

[Smalltown Mike]

But then, not everyone was born a singer.

Hahahahaha - you're absolutely right.

Wow: what a cheap shot. He offered constructive criticism about how you might improve vox (timing) and you cut him down for efforts in past fights?

[j$]

Oh, was I talking to you? But in answer to your question, I have never been above taking cheap shots, especially when they highlight the subjective nature of reviewing.

And since when has 5 Ha's y ever meant anything other than IT'S A JOKE?

[fluffy]

It also means 'I am laughing spitefully.'

[thehipcola]

<b>Baker</b>
I like the tension in the music, not as keen about some of the flow. But stick with it. It doesn't sound bad, just doesn't do it for me. The backing loops need to variate a bit more..it gets really really really really really really repetitive.

<b>Bell Green</b>
This might be the first fade-in SF! tune I've ever heard. I like the old school funk drum sounds. I wish the hats were a bit more prominent. Not digging the backing vocals where they are...they're too up front and not as strong as the main vocal. Bass line has great feel. Wish it would move around a bit more. I hear some pops/artifacts in here..too bad. Not a bad tune at all..just doesn't get me excited.

<b>Flying Brick</b>
This doesn't do anything for me.

<b>JB Hucklebee</b>
Vocals are way too quiet. I like the plucky tone of the lead guitar. the fairly standard chord progression serves to make this seem a bit bland for my tastes. That lead guitar wanders to places pitch-wise that don't work very well for the song. Not a bad song, but it could be stronger with better performances and a better mix.

<b>Melvin</b>
Very Weezery, actually sounds more like The Rentals. Well recorded, well played, solid mix. This rocks pretty good. Unfortunately I can't get into the vibe, it's not being sold to me. I like the bridge around 2:00..nice work. Lower voice is good...falsetto-ish voice isn't strong on its own. It's well done Mr's Melvin, but sounds a bit dated. Not that you need to try and be new and fresh or anthing...just my feeling about it.

<b>Octothorpe</b>
This is probably my favourite # track. It's among the more song-y songs of Octothorpe. Love the synth stuff, and the lyrics are great! Plosives here and there are distracting. Just barely holds together in typical # style. Nice.

<b>Rabid Garfunkel</b>
This is sick. Use of samples is sickly sweet. Wow. Is that guitar the new Steer? I feel dirty listening to this. Very Tom Waits-ish.

<b>Smalltown Mike</b>
Fantastic lyrics...love the Smalltown vocal swagger. I can see the video for this tune. I like the take on the title. Good use of pauses. Nice bridge! I'd hear another guitar in that part, one that sounds different than the guitar already throughout. Nice mix, everything is there. Nice ending.

<b>The 'Over</b>
NIce guitar tone on the right. I like the chord hits from the 3rd guitar...they ring nicely. Nice mix, vox a tad quiet. Good work. Song could use a bit more percussion or something to move it along a bit.

<b>The Cutie Pies</b>
This is fun, in a cute kind of way. I wish the vocals were tighter together, both the doubles and the guy/girl stuff. Programming is very tight and light. That's why the looseness in the vocals stands out. But the prechorus and chorus' are great. Keeper.

<b>Three Finger Salute</b>
Wow...you come right after Smalltown..exact same chords..I thought it was the same song. Heh. I like the guitar tone on the right. Snotty. The drumming seems a bit unfocused, and I want them to be punchier. Backing vox are nice and lush. Not a bad song, doesn't really get me moving though. I think it's the same two guitars panned hard left and right don't really ever change what they're doing feel-wise.

[HeuristicsInc]

reviews!

favorites:
smalltown - the timing is slightly weird, but i think that gives this song character rather than making it bad (instruments together rather than against each other). cool solo.
flying - it was probably thrown together quickly but i think it's pretty neat anyway. little repetitive at the end.
cutie - nice. girl's singing is better. around 1:55 is great. that "saaaaay" near the beginning bugs me.
bellgreen - pretty cool. slightly slower than it should be? i dunno, that's a weird thing to think. nice chorus, particularly, but i'm not that much a fan of the backup singing here. the organ is good.
three - this is cool, but it does suffer from the usual problem, which is that the vocals have weird cadence that doesn't always match the music
# - classic #. yep, cool solo. i like the lyrics. hahahaha.
melvin - cool. i like the cadence. think the guitars should be "punchier" or something on the chorus part?

runnersups:
jb - the guitar sound is good. don't think it all works together quite well, it feels muffly to me and doesn't grab my attention.
over - this rambles along pretty nicely. the solo is a bit too loud compared to the rest of the sounds. i think that's a electric guitar.
rabid - sick, sick man, you. not a bad song tho. reminds me of tom waits. feels rambly around 2:05 - 2:20.

didn't care for it:
baker - don't like the vocals, particularly the lower ones. it's not doing anything for me.

hopefully i just voted for octothorpe, but my runner-up is melvin.
-bill

[Yook]

# FTW!

-Y

[HeuristicsInc]

hopefully i just voted for octothorpe

yeah, so i'm going to claim that it was my vote that made them win
good night!
-bill

[Rabid Garfunkel]

Is it pointless to note that the vote total for this fight was 69? I'm so immature sometimes, which y'all pro'lly figured out from this week's entry.

Go #!

[fluffy]

I noticed that, too.

Here's an alternate mix of the Octothorpe song. Just as a silly experiment.