You Shake My Snake & You Rattle My Brain-Rattlesnake Reviews

[Billy's Little Trip]

Attention All Units - Nice touch with the synth backing for a nice guy and guitar tune.

Damn!!!! Don't nice guys finish last?

The only thing I can think of that I'd have done would be to run the acoustic through a soft tube and add a bit more ambiance to let it float a bit more, but not as much as the backing music.

Yeah, I see what you mean- to give it that "creamy" feel. Any suggestions on a good soft tube?

I like the Voxengo Tube Amp. It has some presets, but you'll probably dial in the perfect settings for you and save the setting. I also use the one that came with Cubase for a harsher warmer tube.

[Shush]

I like the Voxengo Tube Amp. It has some presets, but you'll probably dial in the perfect settings for you and save the setting. I also use the one that came with Cubase for a harsher warmer tube.

Awesome, thanks! Just DLd.

[ElaineDiMasi]

Elaine DiMasi - I've grown to really like this song. The way it flows on the "bring me along for the ride" melody and chords part, is intoxicating. As you pointed out, the crashes are way too much and the drums are not right for this. I like it, but I have to tell you, I like the raw version I heard and mixed better for some reason. It could be just that I've heard it the other way so many times while mixing that it's hard for me to adjust. But honestly, this song is so powerful that it doesn't need all of the pretty sugar sprinkled all over it. I know you weren't happy with the demo, but in my opinion, it was very alive and real. Either way, seeing past the drums, this is a really good song.

What really happened was, I asked for help I wasn't ready for. I knew that track was no good, because the ending wasn't written yet and I was sure it was too slow! Then I went out of town for three days while BLT got used to it, then I came back and unilaterally changed everything in one ten-hour streak of desperation. Darn these song fights anyway! I'm totally not doing the next one.

Yes, it needs version 3.0 to happen - maybe the beat of version 1 and the structure of version 2. Should go without saying that my posted recording is not a keeper. Thank you for liking the song!

[Billy's Little Trip]

Elaine, I generally don't like to revisit my SF songs once I submit because I'm sick of them by that point. But I really think the writing is very good on your song. I have no problem putting a time needed recording session and production on it with you. Also, if you trust my direction, I can make this song very catchy without losing your original feel....I think. Like I said, with some remixing, "I" think that many would really like the rawness of the demo. Your voice was more natural, and your playing sounded like a live performance, which I enjoyed. PM me if you want to go for broke.

[tonetripper]

That BLT/Paco/Spud track kicks some serious ass. Reviews come later.

[Stubby Phillips]

I'll post my reviews after the next title is posted. DO IT! IT'S MY FU'KIN LIFE! DO IT NOW!
Oh, by the way, I do have a life. It just happens to revolve around the Songfight titles. Yeah, I know I haven't submitted anything in over a year, but still -- DO IT! DO IT NOW!
I'm still working on the anger issues...

[Billy's Little Trip]

"anger issues" I like that title.

[Spud]

Deep Throat sent me the title, and I memorized it and ate the paper it was written on as is required by our arrangement, but then I forgot what it was! SHIT.

[Teplin]

I'll post my reviews after the next title is posted. DO IT! IT'S MY FU'KIN LIFE! DO IT NOW!
Oh, by the way, I do have a life. It just happens to revolve around the Songfight titles. Yeah, I know I haven't submitted anything in over a year, but still -- DO IT! DO IT NOW!
I'm still working on the anger issues...

Yeah, I was just about to submit my cover for the next fight:

[Billy's Little Trip]

Deep Throat sent me the title, and I memorized it and ate the paper it was written on as is required by our arrangement, but then I forgot what it was! SHIT.

So what's protocol in this situation? Do we have to wait for your next BM?

[slats]

DO IT! IT'S MY FU'KIN LIFE! DO IT NOW!

I agree. I'm jonesing.

[Spud]

Are you happy now?

[Spud]

Deep Throat sent me the title, and I memorized it and ate the paper it was written on as is required by our arrangement, but then I forgot what it was! SHIT.

So what's protocol in this situation? Do we have to wait for your next BM?

What did you think I meant by "SHIT"?

[Ross]

Is this a review thread?

[slats]

Are you happy now?

I'm never truly happy, but this helps.

[Stubby Phillips]

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH! (gulp) I CAN BREATHE AGAIN!!!!!!

thanks, Spud.

[Spud]

So Stubby, I've done my part. Where are the reviews?

Yeah, yeah, I know you didn't say how long after...

[Paco Del Stinko]

Attention All Units - I like the laid-back groove although the reverb makes it a bit less warm feeling. Strings are appropriate although could go back in the mix a smidge near the end.The guitars sound nice. I was wondering who/what the song is about and certainly wouldn't mind if you explained. Decent tune, if unremarkable.

Billy's Little Trip featuring Spud and Paco - Way fun rocker, I'd love to be part of the live version of this some day. BLT's mad genius pulled it off but Spud takes it over the top. Sure it was fast to lead to, but I think the lead is mis-laid by like a fraction of a milisecond. Still works well though, I think. Boozy, reckless fun.

The Chadderandom Abyss - I like this for the first couple of minutes, then it gets tiresome. The 'where's my rattle' lines are gooney and near chuckle-worthy, as are some of the falsetto lines and ssssss sounds. But, enough, really.

coder_lyte() - I agree with the TV show themes but think that's great. Just missing the baritone guitar. (gimme a call for the re-do) Another well worn but appropriate addition would be the distant deep voiced mens chorus ahh-ahh-ing. Lead vocal could present a bit more conviction, but a good tune.

Corn on the Cob - Right from the de-tuning guitar this is nice and filthy. Stumbles a bit, but always manages to keep its stride, if wandering at times. I dig the ZZ feel and would enjoy to be boozing it up at the jam. Is it Boltoph on the right side guitar? Keys add nice flavor when they poke up, but the deliciously gritty guitars are the stars here. And yeah, the descending to hell at the end is a psychotic treat.

DuToVa - I like how this is focused but not all uptight. T'Heads comparisons are appropriate, minus some of the manicy Byrne delivery. Recording-wise, it could use some overall punch, but the uncluttered mix is nice and all you need. Almost craving a super sort sax solo right before the end.

Elaine DiMasi - Love the intro piano lines, dreamy w/o getting lost or too heady. This song seems to get steadier as it goes and similar to Jast, your backing vocals often outshine the lead. Still, your voice is pleasant to listen to. I like the main melody and think that the evolution to the bass and lead guitar intros is very tasty. It's also this last section where the song feels most confident and gets bigger structurally, not production-wise. Good tune.

Ford's Theater Disaster - The ideas here are very good, but I'm not too sure that they pack the intended punch. I like the riffs, the driving beat and transitions to folky punk and back, yet somehow I feel it doesn't quite connect. Is there no bass here? I don't know if it would save it but it would certainly connect more of the dots. Great energy and effort, but misses the mark.

Heine - The Pink Floyd comparisons are appropriate here, I think, as the beat and relatively dry mix, with splashes of effected guitars, are quite reminiscent of them. Still, structurally, it's not really in that ballpark. Not a fan of the panned vocals, although I like the timbre of the voice and the easy-going yet confident delivery. If the vocals were each on two tracks, I might do something like have the verse ones be tight up the middle, and the chorus ones pan wide when they come in. Some of the lead breaks could use more lead, but they are very well done when there. I don't get the boom, though.

The Hell Yeahs - Lux and Poison switching roles here. Great progressions and simple melodies. This is more in the cave than in the swamp, and that's certainly fine. Right when I think the drums are programmed, something happens that convinces me otherwise, and then vice versa. Great playing/programming or whatever, anyway and both geetar and sanging are tops. I think that an occasional supporting vocal line from Phil might make this sexier somehow. You know, like John Doe or someone, but without taking the spotlight off of the ever lovely Heather. Great stuff guys, please bring more.

Make Spoons Not Knives - I like the rhythm loop and portamento keys to start, vocals are neat as well. I'm sure it's a harmonizer effect more than multiple lines as Elaine asked. Too tight. Neat and creepy, if more sci-fi than earthy prehistoric creature. Somehow the synths portray that more, implying the sun. Must be digital 'coldness'. I was unsure if it was whammy-pedaled guitar or keys at first for the solo, but am sure it's guitar now. Great lead, anyway. Good mood piece.

Manatee Matinee - I like the kooky attitude here more than the execution. The vocals are stupid, but those are the parts I enjoy most. Just silly. The music wanders and is best when it becomes more supportive of the vocals about halfway through. Better after a couple listens, but not sure it can withstand too many listens too close to each other. Like the ending, too.

Meatknob - Did somebody say halfstep? I dig the multichord change a lot. Smoking guitar and key solos, I want to bum out that I can't hear one over the other, but it's more exciting that they're playing together. This rocks just enough then takes its beer and heads to the next party. Maybe a taste of something more would be good, but it's nice being left hungry for more. Great live party feel as well. Good stuff.

oddbod - This would probably be the song I would vote for in the one vote only era. Complete all around with good melodies and well balance, not doing too much of any one thing for too long. Mysterious and just spooky enough, the melodies are quietly effective and just hooky enough. Dig the transitions out of the chorus. Great instrumentation and performances as well. The keys are nicely done and often just heard enough to influence, but not overwhelm. Loopy slide works great as well. This should win the fight.

Paco del Stinko - The distorted guitar someone spoke about is all amp, a little Champ type with it's boost switch engaged, no pedal. And my best slide guitar, a skanky old Silvertone, tuned DGDGBD.

Quimby - Nice and sweet, the only syrup might be the recipe list. That's cute the first time, but doesn't age well. Regardless, the sunny feel is great without getting all mushed out. Your singing is wonderful here, as is the the guitar playing. Do you do all the parts or is it the hubster on the strings? Very well done either way. I like the pacing of this. It seems like it should feel all slow, but moves along just right. Very nice.

R. Mosquito - Harsh and abrasive...I like it! Needs an over the top bottom end. Distorted, Klownhole-ish neck punching bass. No idea what you're saying, but that's OK. Fun, but I do need a break after it despite its length.

Rone Rivendale - Sure, it's random and messy, dissonant. The misplaced cymbal hits are what get me though. I actually like some of the guitar stuff, accidental as it is. There's a whiff of melody in here as well, just not a strong one.

Ross Durand - Nice Memory Lane story, feels true even if not. Not all gushy, either, right blend of sentiment and moving on in life feel. Guitars sound great, but have to jump on the treble wagon with the electric. Is it as simple as too much on guitar or amp? Nice tone in there, just piercing. OK, off of the pigpile. Good tune that fits nicely into your memory song scrapbook.

Steve Durand - I like your voice in this range, but side with the Sinatra or screamer comments. Still, sounds nice up there. Besides the always fantastic horn work, the guitar playing is quite good here as well. I like the tune a lot, but have to back up again to the vocal delivery. That would indeed give some more threat. Good fun though.

The Styop Quoons Experience F. Dr. Bean, the Rock & Roll Mexican - I like the pseudo militaristic commentary, if a bit lackluster in delivery. The pumping progression is good, but I don't like the stuttery digital-ness of it. The wimpy 'aaahhh' voice that people have dissed is actually my favorite part. What a wuss! But an over the top vocal and a bigger dynamic punch, musically, would give this song the proper desired menace.

the test - I like the loose vocals, but Mick and Keith do it better. Still, a nice genuine feel. Could actually use a bit more booze. Guitars are nice and I like the organ, bordering on too aggressive. Almost sounds like a Christmas song by a grunge band singing to a near empty club at the end of the night. A compliment, if backwards.

Tungsten Chic - I just had a thought that this might be Nigel. Probably not, though. Silly and Frankensteinish. I'd like it more if it were less randomly tossed together feeling. Also, I'm sure that you have another song in this fight as well. Hmm...who could it be?

The Weakest Suit - File under 'you can't win whatever you try'. After songs too short, this one could use a whittle down in length. I like the Cars rhythm and the chorus, as weird as it's key change seems first time it shows up. A simple vocal harmony, sloppy or not, would've added enough spice to keep this from feeling too repetitive. Decent pop rocker undercooked.

[Billy's Little Trip]

Billy's Little Trip featuring Spud and Paco - I think the lead is mis-laid by like a fraction of a milisecond.

Was it really? I didn't even notice, lol. Now that you mention it, I do feel myself leaning my head to hurry you up when you start, but it falls in the groove when you start hitting note per beat. But I just think of it as loose and live.

[Paco Del Stinko]

Yeah, it's probably all me. I tend to anticipate the beat and miss my marks. Good job, Chris, I dig the tune and am pleased with what you guys did. (crossing fingers for live performance one day)

[Henrietta]

....the only syrup might be the recipe list. That's cute the first time, but doesn't age well. Regardless, the sunny feel is great without getting all mushed out. Your singing is wonderful here, as is the the guitar playing. Do you do all the parts or is it the hubster on the strings?

Thanks! Yeah, I agree I didn't really have a clear vision of the recipe section before I started recording. It could have maybe worked as a background spoken word over a shorter, more interesting instrumental section. I did all the parts (acoustic guitar & acoustic bass guitar).

[Heine]

I don't get the boom, though.

Well, it was my attempt to get rid of that snake... and bring back the peaceful feeling that lies upon the very beginning of this track just before that snake appeared. It's a circle.