Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

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Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by Pigfarmer Jr »

Why have it if you can't (ab)use it?
Last edited by Lunkhead on Sat Jul 10, 2021 10:11 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by Pigfarmer Jr »

Please place your lyric in the appropriate thread: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=12129
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Re: Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by Lunkhead »

Songs posted!
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Re: Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by micosaudad »

Holy Poops, Carol Cleveland moved to Dayton. Love your stuff, dude.
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Re: Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by thirdcatmusic »

I really like the Carol Dayton Sings song, definitely my favorite of this bunch.
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Re: Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by lichenthroat »

Berkeley Social Scene—I like the chorus a lot more than the verses. The guitar performances all are good, and I conceptually like how there’s a little solo at the end of each verse, but the choruses are the main highlights for me.

Brown Word and the Big Whine—The intro sounds very British invasion to me. I like the descending melodies on the lines with the title. I think, however, that you might be better off with greater complexity in the percussion track. The vocal seems a little—a little, not a lot—too far back in the mix.

Carol Dayton Sings—This sounds like a lesser-known track from a Beatles album. I was surprised when it was over, but maybe keeping it short was a good artistic decision. I wish the music was a little livelier, but I like the smoothness of your vocal.

Critical Rave Theory—You’ve got some good lines in the lyrics. I’m conflicted about the bass: I like the variability, but sometimes it seems like the song could use more continuity. The acapella part is cool and really livens things up.

Duncan Martin—I like the melancholy folk thing you’ve got going here. In fact, I think I’d like this better as a completely earnest folksong with less humor. I do, however, really like “The worst abuse of power is when you don’t use it.” Good rhythm on this one.

Lichen Throat (me)—This feels like it has something missing, but if I knew what it was, I would have put it in. There are aspects of this song that I like, but I don’t think the overall sound is compelling enough to get listeners invested in the lyrical narrative (which, of course, is merely part 1 of 4).

Mango Flops—Nice intro! This is like a happy Wall of Voodoo song. I like the open feel of your mix. It feels like maybe it could use greater intensity at selected points, but I’m not sure exactly where. I like your rhythm guitar line, and the vocal is quietly powerful.

mellfire —The lyrical narrative immediately hooks me. The verses might benefit from more internal variability, but you have a nice transition from verse to chorus. The bridge is handled very well; I wish it was longer.

Nick Soma—This feels longer than it is, which is a good thing in a prog rock song. I like the contrast between the stillness of the beginning with the more raucous ending. Your vocal sounds precise, as do your instrumental performances. The subtle difference in instrumentation between the first and second verses is a nice touch. I think have exactly the correct number of nods to Jethro Tull.

Night Sky—This song has a number of funky elements that I usually dislike, so it was never going to be my favorite. However, I think your execution is quite good, and someone less biased than I am would probably quite enjoy it.

Paco del Stinko—I like the sense of motion that starts immediately and continues throughout the song. This is top-tier Paco. The composition is well suited to your performance and vocal style. I wish it was a little longer.

Phlebia feat. Sweeney Toad—This needs more melody to garner my full endorsement. I do like that you guys are trying something original, though. It sounds conceptually cohesive despite the unorthodox implementation. I like that weird instrumental interlude near the end.

Pigfarmer Jr—I like how you’ve got the bass mixed. Lyrically, you’ve got fairly conventional subject matter, which is okay (and your sentiments are well placed, of course), but you might need more specific details to make it come to life. The overall sound is good and is a good match to the lyrics.

Possum Sauce—That vocal is so mellow and relaxing! I’m not sure what to make of the instrumentation; it simultaneously feels disjointed and cohesive. I think I like it, but I’m not sure. Vocal is great, for sure.

shrts—This was pretty fun. Thanks for the unique take on the lyrics. The tone or resignation in the vocal is a great conceptual match. I sort of want this to be continuously fast, but maybe that’s contrary to the genre you’re going for.

Sweeney Toad— I like the background loop. This isn’t my favorite of yours, but it’s in the top half. Legitimately nodding my head.

Third Cat—Musically innovative. The weirdness of the mix enhances the atmosphere and effect. Obviously it’s too soon to know for sure, but I feel like I could listen to this a lot of times without growing tired of it. Good work.

WreckdoM—I like the slightly more conventional vocal in the verses. Lyrics are a good take on the title. I was surprised when it ended.

Yaks of the Industry—I’m not wild about the intro, but the rest of this is good. Not my favorite Yaks song, but still worth a vote, for sure. It’s nice to have you guys reliably putting out a good song at the end of the alphabet to wrap up the listening session on a good note.
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Re: Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by Paco Del Stinko »

Quick comments with German beer in a can. Well, into a litre glass, but from a can. Yeah, I know, but so what. Always free to offer clarification if so desired.

Berkeley Social Scene - This is a good groove, grey-ish mood mixed with some sun. Little quirky. Ripping leads, tasty. I wish the near abandon of the end was more present throughout the whole song. Could whittle a notch off to give it more push. I like.

Brown Word and the Big Whine - Love the fade in. It way reminds me of old four track sessions. That and Devo's underrated 2nd album. The production breathes here, a welcome and wise move. A lesson in less is more. Maybe a snip off a bridge or verse to give it a bit more propulsion. Big fan.

Carol Dayton Sings - Amazing and delightful. This presents as natural and genuine, like its been around a while. Blooming Peter Max colors at times, but not dated. Smart music made real. A smile after smelling a garden flower.

Critical Rave Theory - Closing theme music, then not. Very nice adult rhythm and groove, the verse groove opens nicely when it returns. The horn key is both good and hint of cheesy. There's something European about this. Vocal end is very good, key riff under it.

Duncan Martin - Very out on the range in the living room. A big Johnny Cash, Waylon voice would've been great here. But I very much dig the atmosphere of this. More brassy sounds, even if guitars, with a slice here and there would be nice. Could be a pinky shorter. Pinky poo. Or drop the drums for a bit like that Bob Sneaker tune does.

Lichen Throat - Some kind of Leonard Cohen thing here. Works for me. The verses work better as the rhythm is tighter and the arrangement is more open breathes. I like this and consider it folky. End a little open booky.

Mango Flops - Great opening riff and butterfly Chinese groove. Hello, Mr. Ridgeway. Great in a club or on the pillow with headphones. Great lead, the intro is tops, key changes groovy and floating. I like that there aren't stacks of backing vocals, just relaxed accents. Fade away, fade away.

mellfire - Vocal is a bit unsure, but lets you know where it wants to go. Lovey happy song, a bit ok yeah yeah at times, but smart and charming enough to make you take a bite. The bread is fresh. Super vocal break, thanks, and also for those chord changes.

Nick Soma - Very well done, great mood so somber. Thank god some Malmsteen thing didn't happen, but I was scared for a moment. I enjoy hearing this, impressed, but would like to hear it as part of a whole theme thing. A play, opera, whatever. But yeah, clean nuts, man.

Night Sky
- Clean cousin of some porn track, I'm alright with that. But that is a close cousin, my man. Solos are great as are the brappy accents. This is 90% there, maybe a little more scruff without dirtying it up too much. Unbalance feeling as far as vocals go, but groovy groove. Dig it.

Paco del Stinko - Inspired by the director of nursing at my hospital, I call her the Man Behind the Curtain. Very Paco-y. The vocal is done into an SM-57, preamp and compressor, after work and during beer. Scruffy that way.

Phlebia feat. Sweeney Toad
- I like this combo, brutal in the right places, love hearing this come and go, knowing it might reappear later and plow into my life. Better that way, can not lie. Maybe a lead too long, still pummels good.

Pigfarmer Jr - Pedal steel would be wow, man. I can almost hear it in there, funny part is. Related to King Arthur somehow, just the right way of going about it all, balanced. Good one for the middle of the set. Mood right.

Possum Sauce - Midnight barge-o, or, am I baked in the sun? Why is George Harrison riding that carousel? There are times that I almost wish there was more delay. Feels longer than it is, it could still take a snip and survive.

shrts - I want to shift gears in my muscle car and drive way too fast to the party. Outside, a fire, a cooler. Starts here, ends there, the length only makes me want to hear it more. Confident, no need to give out a punch to that guy. I like this one a lot, lean.

Sweeney Toad and the Synthlads - Very big, exciting throbbypump. Great insert to break something up. Vocal could be double or harmonized at that middle point, it gets a bit weak. The extra large elctro hump is very effective. I can easily handle tastes of this, just not a heaping plate.

Third Cat - Very nice mood riff there. The verby delays float in a just heady enough space around everything. Kind of singing up here all the time, samey. Understated mood lead very nice. Arrangement implies a longer song than it is, nice. Sketch with strong lines.

WreckdoM - Slinky and skanky enough but it knows who it is. Brilliant in its stripped to the core yet huge-ness. The abrupt ending almost hurts when it takes the cough syrup away. This is super duper donut hole.

Yaks of the Industry
- The pre-chorus is so good, the chorus giant. I'd love to hear a female in here, the texture to compliment. Disco 'byew' drum sells to me. Lacking a little crystal on my home stereo. but cruising, this. To the clubs, young folk!
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Re: Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by MellyP »

Berkeley Social Scene – Yep, I think this is really strong way to start a song. Drums grabbed me. I like the verses more than the chorus. Wailing guitar at about 1:30 woke me up in a good way. The bridge is a change of pace and its bass line is unusual. Lots of perfect licks. Don’t need any guitar lessons here. Propelling beat. Nice work.

Brown Word and the Big Whine – I think the vocals need to come up in the mix. I actually hear a bit of Madness’ influence in the sounds here and I like Madness a lot. The backing vocals add a lot to those sections. “The nail that sticks up gets hammered down” is a great line.

Carol Dayton Sings – This is really beautiful, and I think you’ve written some timeless melodies here. My only quibble is with the ending. I feel that one strong chord would have been the final puzzle piece.

Critical Rave Theory – This grew on me on second listen – especially the intro, which is excellent. Some of the keyboard parts are so quiet and I want to hear them better. You’ve done a lot of work on the panning and that’s appreciated! The mixing of all the vocals at the 3:40 mark onward is really well done. Would be interesting to hear the “brokedown breakdown” section with more effects on the vocals. A lot of great stuff!

Duncan Martin – Good work on the drums and I particularly like the whistling/keyboard parts. Your wordplay is the not-so-secret weapon in your songs, and the outro is kind of brilliant as a result. Maybe this song would work better with one less verse. Nice.

Lichen Throat – I like this guitar sound and wonder how you got it. Love the chord progression in the verse. It is unexpected. The bridge doesn’t really work for me. A catchier melody might have been better, not sure. Very strong lyrics and a good ending. Was that bells? Nice.

Mango Flops – This is a song I will come back to listen to after this fight. Has a vibe I really like. You skillfully build the tension before that guitar solo so when it finally comes the listener is dying to hear it. Doesn’t disappoint. This song needs to fade out… will it fade out? Oh yeah there it goes. Definitely getting my vote.

mellfire – (Me) Probably much too heartfelt for a song about whether you need to believe someone’s (long-assed) story when they tell you they need a bit of money. The longer and more detailed the story, the sillier you feel when you think you see through it – but we all need help sometimes.

Nick Soma – Pretty and a good mix. This isn’t my thing lyrically (bias warning) but I think it’s well written. Great guitar playing here, and the build of the song is skillful. Your choice of instruments is inspired and the pace change at the end has a nice effect – march!! I like the singing more in this section too. Great ending.

Night Sky – The bass/drums start is a little different and it works well. Cool guitar effect on there. What is that first one? Good singing. You really get into the spirit – it fits perfectly. I like the sax parts (sometimes dueling), including those early sax rhythm honks. The song needs an ending, to my ear at least. I found it tough to hear your lyrics but I like “you were towering over instead of powering up,” and I liked the theme.

Paco del Stinko – This has a great feel – enjoyed the “wonderful” section especially. The outro is a step out on a ledge all of a sudden, but on second listen I kind of get it. The “grape” bridge needs a stronger or more fully-formed melody but the lyrics are so well meshed with the sound and rhythm on the rest of this one. Seems like you must have worked hard to make that work so perfectly…or you got very lucky… or you’re just that good. Lol.

Phlebia, feat Sweeney Toad – This has a great energy and I like that anger. It’s a wall of sound, as I’m sure was intended, but it’s hard to get through that wall to hear what you’re saying. It’s not my typical style of music so that’s on me. I really like the blistering guitar solo at the end.

Pigfarmer, Jr. – Fine harmonies throughout this one. I like your bass work here. Interesting to hear it panned hard over. Works nicely. The solo (first part) is maybe too simple but the guitar one is strong. Toe tapping rhythm, serious topic.

Possum Sauce – It’s an interestingly sweet-sounding song against the heavy topic, which I often like. The keyboards during the first “use your power to help the garden grow” part took me by surprise. The song is missing something but I can’t figure out what. Did you try this speeded up a little bit? Might have been the element needed (for me) to like it more.

Shrts – Great clean, precise playing, with a perfect (for me) electric guitar sound, and drums especially. I like the pauses a lot. The gang vocals are fun. Lyrics are a bit tough to catch at times, though the mix is good. This is a fun song.

Sweeney Toad and the Synthlads – The vocal is awful quiet and I do wish I could hear it better – though I can hear most of the words. Not sure who this is about, but probably he/she would be quite the fascinating dinner date! Definitely a unique song.

Third Cat – Yes to the delayed guitar tones. This is a pretty song. It has a nice build to it. The ending is abrupt, but it holds together. Low-key guitar solo – octave up at the end – is cool. I’m interested to know what effect(s) you put on your voice for this.

WreckDom – I laughed. Thanks for that. A simple idea well executed. The falsetto parts are a bit pitchy at times but you may be trying to work that in with rambling, shambling song style. Good guitar playing here. I like the effect(s) you’ve got on the main vocal.

Yaks of the Industry – This one starts out low-key but builds quickly. You use auto-tune in an interesting way. It’s very busy throughout. Lots of cool ideas thrown into the pot. For me it’s a bit too busy. I would love to have less guitar in background at times. These are great lyrics. “We can die or get out the way” is a phrase I particularly liked.
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Re: Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by Pigfarmer Jr »

MellyP wrote:
Thu Jul 08, 2021 9:33 am
Pigfarmer, Jr. I like your bass work here. Interesting to hear it panned hard over. Works nicely.
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Re: Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by Lunkhead »

Carol Dayton Sings wins!
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Re: Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by mo »

Yay Carol Ohio City Sings!
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Re: Let me count the ways... (Abuse Of Power reviews)

Post by sleepysilverdoor »

Hey, Cleveland TN and Dayton TN are right next to each other on I-75.
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