Push it to the top of the threads (reviews)

[BBABM]

BBABM – the words are a little hard to make out at times (not volume just bluesy slur getting in the way) – which draws to the bare instrumentation. I started imagining a sparse backing vocal and percussion arrangement from the second verse onwards – I am not sure if that’s a good thing or not. The chorus is lovely. I might cut down the (absolutely fine) verses so you get to that chorus quicker each time? You could do with keeping GnG as lean as possible. 5 mins is probably 2 mins beyond its acceptable upper limit

I often have a tendency to slur blues-ily, especially when I'm singing softer like I was here. I was going to add more guitar tracks, maybe a little simple guitar melody, and drums, but our old friend time constraint got in the way (I believe I may have actually entered late regardless). When I have been playing it in practice, I have been playing it faster and with more flare than just strum-strum-strum-strum. This would obviously cut down on the 5 mins I have here, and make the instrument more interesting. I have also been going directly into the second verse rather than a two measure no word intro bit, which, i guess, is really unnecessary in a 2 chord song, especially with only one guitar. Thank you very much for your helpful review!

[JonPorobil]

Jon Eric – nice lady voice, Jon. Nice to hear such a clean, define-able melody as well. On first listen only certain phrases are making an impression, but the chorus lyric is a little, urr, facile isn’t the right word, ack, my hangover! When something appears to be profound but actually not saying anything at all? It’ll come back to me. Also demo or not, a 4 min G’n’G song? Finally I think this is a potentially good song that needs some tightening up.

Yeah, that's fair. Pretty much the type of review I was expecting, to be honest. Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts! I was a bad boy in the last couple of fights, but I'm going to try to post a batch of reviews tomorrow.

[EvelBist]

Sausage – I am not sure whether this is utter rubbish or utter genius. *gets out comparision list* Sparse instrumentation? Check. Monastic vocals which appear to be mixed in from another song? Check. Melody that reminds me of a slowed down version of something else? Check. Solo just when I’m hoping the song will end? Check. No, sorry, no idea what to make of this, especially not with this hangover. This is not hangover music. Weird, possibly in a good way.

If you are saying I lifted any portion of this song from anyone else, you need to apologize. Nothing here was "mixed in from another song." I did everything in it except the drums.

[j$]

well, it's lucky i'm not saying that, then, is it?

No I mean, the vocals and the tune seem to be seperate in the mix somehow - it might be different levels of reverb on those tracks (if you're using 'verb there) - it seems to disconnect them somehow (to this ears at least) - seriously, I really am not sure whether this is a great song with a subtly strange mix, or subtly strange song with a great mix. Neither is meant in any way to be denegrating.

That said, the melody does sound familiar to me, but I am too hungover to make the connection. If I remember, I'll let you know.

[EvelBist]

well, it's lucky i'm not saying that, then, is it?

I fervently accept criticism of my work - good and bad - as it does stay in the back of my mind during future endeavors. However, I work very hard on my material and if it doesn't meet up with the bar you set, that's fine. Just realize that everything I record is mine, not sampled, stolen, clipped or ripped off from anyone. I would never say or imply the same of anyone else without proof, and I expect that respect in return.

That being said, I appreciate your sincere response.

[the idiot king]

Pillar of Paprika – Weak vocals too loud in the mix? Right back at ya, sir

sir? you're all right in my book.

[jb]

Whoa there chief, not sure the defensiveness is warranted here. Didn't sound to me like he was accusing you of anything, rather that a piece of melody sounded like another song.

Or maybe he meant the mix sounded like that part was for another song and didn't blend.

Either way, unless J$ corrects me, I'd chalk this up to a miscommunication, not an accusation.

BTW, my wife digs your song. I sort of do too. Reminds me of Roy Orbisona little for some reason. Which is also not an accusation.

JB

well, it's lucky i'm not saying that, then, is it?

I fervently accept criticism of my work - good and bad - as it does stay in the back of my mind during future endeavors. However, I work very hard on my material and if it doesn't meet up with the bar you set, that's fine. Just realize that everything I record is mine, not sampled, stolen, clipped or ripped off from anyone. I would never say or imply the same of anyone else without proof, and I expect that respect in return.

That being said, I appreciate your sincere response.

[chocolatechips]

I'll be editing this with more reviews as I get to them as I think I like to do a couple reviews at a time rather than all at once because it lets me give each of the songs my full attention. i'll add a green smiley face to each song I'm giving a vote to at the end... i give four votes/green faces per fight.

antbut --- this reminds me of a song that would be on a soundtrack to a strange children's fantasy movie from the 1980s. I kind of like the synths as they seem to be cheesy with a purpose (on purpose.) the vocals have some level issues as it seems they get too quiet or too loud at different points. has a bit of a Ween vibe, which I dig (they are an influence for me.)

bad boys at bat... --- i find this a bit trying on my patience , it's not bad but there's not much going on for me to want to stick with it for five + minutes. on the good side; I like your vocals - i think they work quite nicely for this style. as the song finishes I think; there isn't much that I really remember from it, no bit of melody or lyric really sticks with me. it seems a bit like you just started strumming the guitar and sang the first thing that came to you, i'm not saying that's all you did ... but that's how it comes across.

billy & the psychotics --- i like the guitar intro, it sounds a bit world musicy (and I mean that in a good way) ... it's real cool how it mixes with the rest of the song as it comes in too. overall i think the song is a bit too busy and a bit too loose. the short guitar solo around 1:30 is pretty cool. this sounds like the type of thing i can imagine hearing at a music festival. not really "my thing" but i think the right kind of crowd could get into it.

the chocolate chips --- this is the first song fight! entry for the chocolate chips. i appreciate the reviews i've read so far, it's interesting to read other people's perspectives. the weird vocal effect is sort of a trademark for the chocolate chips so it'll be on all of my tracks, but otherwise I plan on doing a lot of different types of styles in the future, should be fun, i'm already working on some ideas for the next title.

jay string --- super weird. my favorite bit are the creepy pitched up backing vocals. i like the lyrics as they draw me into your (demented) story. i like the stutter effect towards the end. overall i like the production quite a bit, it has quite a lot of personality to it and there's also real nice separation between the different parts (every part is clear.)

john benjamin band --- really nice clean acoustics. i dig the reverb, just about the right amount I think (any more would have been too much.) really cool chorus, pretty catchy melody there. i like the harmonies too. this is my favorite so far.

jon eric --- the production suffers in comparison to the john benjamin band song i just listened to (which is also acoustic + voice) ... where the jbb song is atmospheric and clear this one is a bit muddy & undefined. i think the vocals should be higher in the mix too. the length is also a bit trying on my patience. the chorus is good but it takes too long to get there and the rest of it seems uninspired in comparison. the last impression of the song (as it fades out) is pretty strong as the chorus is repeating there, pretty nice melody there. possible green face and it would be almost entirely because of the chorus melody and i don't really dig anything else about the song - but that part is really good (and that's a very important element!)

mom & data --- i'm drawn into this one immediately. very strong synth sounds. dreamy in a nice warped sort of way. on the negative side the vocals are nondescript. on the very good side i really love the synth part that comes in at about 50 seconds. cool trippy stuff there. i'm happy when it comes back in at around 2:40 ... but i'm not so pleased with the rest of it, i think instrumentally and production wise it's pretty cool but the vocals sort of let it down.

paco del stinko --- strong rock vocals and the performance and production seem just fine... but really it's not doing much for me until the guitar solo comes in at the end - pretty cool little guitar solo. i like the tone.

pillar of paprika --- there seems to be some nice potential for the synthy sounds and the glitchy guitar... like this could sound really cool but the production sort of lets it down, it's all too dark and muddy. at ~34 seconds ... I like that bit quite a bit more. the vocals in this part of the song sound pretty cool. but the verse with the glitchy guitar and synth just doesn't seem to work for me, it's too awkward sounding rhythmically and it's not clear. the instrumental part past 2 minutes seems like a pretty cool concept that isn't quite realized as the various parts just don't bite through the mix.

ross durand --- i'm not actually a big fan of this kind of style but i still find this pretty endearing. there's a nice bouncy spirit to it. your vocals work very well for this style. i like the recording... it's bright & breezy. almost definitely going to get a green face.

sausage --- the tone on the acoustic guitar is bad. sounds like it was recorded direct... i would go with a mic if you can. the lead guitar solo at 2 minutes is a bit of a surprise... but a pretty good one. the vocals are pretty cool and definitely the strongest part of the song... they should probably the focus (in the center and higher in the mix.)

[jast]

i'll add a green smiley face to each song I'm giving a vote to

I think that limits you to 4 votes, then. Because IIRC the board won't let you add more smiley faces to a post.

[chocolatechips]

i'll add a green smiley face to each song I'm giving a vote to

I think that limits you to 4 votes, then. Because IIRC the board won't let you add more smiley faces to a post.

good to know! that seems like a good amount of votes to give anyway... so my green smiley faces/votes will go to my four favorites each week.

[jb]

These are the jokes, choco, Jast was kidding. Tou can use up to five smilies in a post.

BTW, when we listened to your song I remarked to my wife that it was somewhat Weenish. So what I'm saying is I have a keen ear and broad knowledge of music throughout the ages.

Glad you like my song! I gave you and Sausage and BillDenni and Ross (and myself because I'm like that) my votes this week.

JB

[Billy's Little Trip]

Billy And The Psychotics- this reminds me a bit of poe. this is a good thing. i like how the heaviness comes in. the chorus lacks a payoff considering how well everything else builds. with a slightly catchier chorus, this would be a clear winner out of everything so far.

I had to go listen to Poe after I read this. I've heard the name, but never really listened to them. They/she reminds me of Portishead or that genre. Thanks, IK. You rocked it this week too.

BTP: With a guy plugged in and also singing in here, this could easily be the B52s. That's how good this works as an alternative pop song. Nothing more to say, its all right there in the box.

Alternative pop, huh? I like that. Thanks, EB. You brought it as well.

Billy And The Psychotics: the wacky high guitar riff is not my favorite, but i am loving the 90's alternative vibe. sounds like a Poe song.

Funny, Idiot King mentioned Poe too. After hearing this I went and listened. I don't care for them, lol. Well, it's alright I guess. By high guitar riff, do you mean the intro guitar that I run through the song, or the chorus? Either way, thanks bad boy. Lovin' yours too.

Billy et Al – Nice insistent riff and great vocals. I don’t like the bluesy second guitar much, but I appreciate it’s not-riff-1-ness. Well produced (as far as I can tell). I *love* the break down, kind of want it to go on longer. Hmmm, this ticks all the boxes but I don’t feel like I’m engaging with it. Don’t know why – maybe it’s my massive hangover. Actually I think it’s this – together all the hooks and riffs and swirly twiddles and grindiness sounds amazing, but individually are any of them particularly strong? What could I listen to individually on repeat for ages without losing interest? The vocals and the insistent ping riff. Nah, actually, it’s probably just my hangover. This is a good song. So I vote for it.

Funny you say that about the breakdown (4th verse). It was originally different, but felt that after Dee's vocal were in the mix the way she did it there. At that point I felt it. And leaving it short and sweet keeps it special I think. But I could easily hear a whole song done like that with short heavy bits. Thanks for the vote Mr Money. And I dig your tune too, by the way.

billy & the psychotics --- i like the guitar intro, it sounds a bit world musicy (and I mean that in a good way) ... it's real cool how it mixes with the rest of the song as it comes in too. overall i think the song is a bit too busy and a bit too loose. the short guitar solo around 1:30 is pretty cool. this sounds like the type of thing i can imagine hearing at a music festival. not really "my thing" but i think the right kind of crowd could get into it.

Yeah, it is pretty busy in parts, but intentionally. It was part of our "push it" musical metaphor, if you will. Sorry it's not your cup of tea, but I do appreciate the review.

[Ross]

The fact that people know the smileynlimit cracks me up .

Btw, when Imtried to type in more than five, assuming it would just show them as punctuation, I was alerted that the maximum is four

[the idiot king]

I had to go listen to Poe after I read this. I've heard the name, but never really listened to them. They/she reminds me of Portishead or that genre. Thanks, IK. You rocked it this week too.

yeah, "haunted" is the record to listen to. solid front to back. her other stuff is decent, but not a masterwork.

/saw her open for depeche on the exciter tour
/her new songs were better than their new songs

[j$]

Didn't sound to me like he was accusing you of anything, rather that a piece of melody sounded like another song.

Or maybe he meant the mix sounded like that part was for another song and didn't blend.

Yeah, JB is spot on with what I was trying to say. i certainly wouldn't intend to accidentally imply that you nabbed someone else's music and tried to pass it off as your own. That would be rude, dumb and inaccurate!

While one small part of the melody seemed vaguely reminiscent of something (or is catchy enough to make me think *i must have heard this before*), more importantly, I meant to this old tired ears, the mix is wacky - that's not a bad thing, just there is a vague sense of seperation between track and vocal which makes me feel a little uneasy.

So many, many apologies if my bad wording implied anything else!

[Billy's Little Trip]

So many, many apologies if my bad wording implied anything else!

I'm just not buying it. Why am I imagining you typing this, and right after you clicked submit you flipped off your computer screen and said bloody wanka?

[EvelBist]

Didn't sound to me like he was accusing you of anything, rather that a piece of melody sounded like another song.

Or maybe he meant the mix sounded like that part was for another song and didn't blend.

Yeah, JB is spot on with what I was trying to say. i certainly wouldn't intend to accidentally imply that you nabbed someone else's music and tried to pass it off as your own. That would be rude, dumb and inaccurate!

While one small part of the melody seemed vaguely reminiscent of something (or is catchy enough to make me think *i must have heard this before*), more importantly, I meant to this old tired ears, the mix is wacky - that's not a bad thing, just there is a vague sense of seperation between track and vocal which makes me feel a little uneasy.

So many, many apologies if my bad wording implied anything else!

straight up, its all behind now. you laid the cards down, and its a clean slate between us.

i'm new to self recording. So if the mix was bad, then that's because of my unfamiliarity with the tools. i bought a used boss br600 a couple of months ago, and the first song i did on it was for that 'skootchies' fight a ways back. i was so lame back then, i turned the drum sound to a "fill" selection and let that go for the entire song. since then, i've learned one can actually program an entire arrangement with the recorder. and i've learned there is a guitar patch to sim a bass. so now i have a bass! for my first couple of entries, no bass. as far as the guitar sounding too bright, thats because i thought it was cool sounding, but now i'm hearing what others think of it, and it does sound a bit bright, not like an acoustic at all. thats what i have though - an ovation acoustic/electric and an SG. plus a nice shure sm58 and the boss recorder. if it wasnt for this venue, it wouldnt be worth it to go thru all the work of building a song. but now that i know about it, all those sounds in my head have an out. the song up there now does remind me of both roy orbison and chris isaaks, and i may have subconciously channeled them, but it didnt start out that way. its just the way it worked out. usually the words dont come all at first, but as the music builds, the words take on a story and force the shape of the tune. i heard roy orbison singing the words as i did, so i kept at it and he came through. of course i'm not saying it sounds like him, but it is in his style, and i'm very humbled that it evokes that in others who hear it.

[Paco Del Stinko]

AntBut There's something JB-ish about this. The main melody, I think. Excellent vocals and key work all around. Despite the too upfront vocal mix, this is near professional sounding.


Bad Boys at Bat Mitzvahs Heh. Heard a dark barking at the start. Arf. I watched one of your recent video posts of you performng at a pub or whatever and missing from this is the crowd chatter. Almost has a bum-ba-deeda feel to it until the chorus gets straight forward. I like that part (chorus) best. This takes its time to go around the block, but doesn't necessarily feel as long as it says it is.


Billy And The Psychotics The start makes me think of Les Savy Fav until Yo D comes in. That starting riff sounds better as the song moves along. That's not a keyboard I hear, is it? Nah. The chorus and verses are similar, melody wise. Pleasant, but perhaps lacking a distinct difference from each other.


The Chocolate Chips I don't mind pitch shifted vocals, having done a thousand of them, literally, over the years. I am still not a fan of auto-tuned vocals though. Beatle-esque at times, I enjoy how this goes where it needs to go and moves on. Could be longer, but too much might be just that; too much.


Jay String I don't know who the other half/members are of this collab, but the unmistakable vocal und uke-age is comlemted by its psychedlic moodiness and throb. I like the dark lyrical matter and could find myself coming up with a similar concept, if not executed so well. Loose but that keeps it real.


The John Benjamin Band Always glad when you enter a tune. I like the carry buckets to the sea line, even if I don't know why. Sigh. I hate to feed the beast, but you do indeed show how it's done: Good lyrics, strong melody not requiring an army of tracks to carry the tune. And delivered with one of the best voices at the 'ol SF!. Graceful bow delivered.


Jon Eric Somewhere Over The Rainbow lies this private feeling tune. The strumming feel keeps this light, but the lyrics seem a bit moodier or personal, no? I enjoy the ascending melody line in the chorus very much, I'm a sucker for those and never seem able to write one. I can hear this country-rockified.


Mom&Data This has a very Euro feel to it that I generally am less fond of than other musics. I enjoy the dark vibe here and the bass tone especially. I think I'd like to hear a highly delayed voice as well, sending this out to Tripsville. This could be Stateshirt lite. (A compliment)


Paco del Stinko I did this in a day after scrapping the one I had worked on all week. Two guitars, one amp and same settings. Ha! I was hoping for a hint of Stones, but somehow ended up with...Bryan Adams?!?


Pillar of Paprika Boy, this is moody. I enjoy the different synth sounds and other tones as well, but where'd the bass go in the chorus? This dares to do something less than conventional and pulls it off although it's a bit head scratchy at times, verses especially. Meaning it kind of moves in directions that don't all feel together, or something. Nice and scary around 2 mins.


Ross Durand Upbeat and campfirey. I like the percussion. Is that the guitar body being tapped? Sounds bongo-ish at times. A colorful video, with maps and you in a car with an obviously fake background scrolling by would be super for this.


Sausage I hadn't hought of Roy Orbison until I read your comments. Now I hear what you're saying. Slow it down and cut the beat accents in half anf there ya go. A fine tune, nice balance between dark and light, leaning towards light. A decent mix for a new guy to recording, I can recognize BOSS sounds in the lead. Pleasant, doesn't stick around as long as it should after listening.

[BBABM]

.
Bad Boys at Bat Mitzvahs Heh. Heard a dark barking at the start. Arf. I watched one of your recent video posts of you performng at a pub or whatever and missing from this is the crowd chatter. Almost has a bum-ba-deeda feel to it until the chorus gets straight forward. I like that part (chorus) best. This takes its time to go around the block, but doesn't necessarily feel as long as it says it is.

Yes, that was Rosie barking at what I believe was a ups truck in the neighborhood. I agree, the crowd chatter would fill the immense emptiness in the background of this song. I suppose now that I think about it, I usually write songs to be performed (and that can be performed solo) rather than a recording masterpiece. The chorus is my favorite part too, I think I ripped it off from somewhere though because it sounds too right, and I don't think it feels like 5+ mins either.

[hillbilly]

Jb---- the more of your reviews i read the less i care for you. remember(sounds like an old drunk with no knack of lyrics) your entry sounded like a gay educated school teacher playing a uke. dont give it if you cant take it. Treat people like you want to be treated. If you would like to talk about this we are only 3 hours away. 828-403-8935

[Ross]

Jb---- the more of your reviews i read the less i care for you. remember(sounds like an old drunk with no knack of lyrics) your entry sounded like a gay educated school teacher playing a uke. dont give it if you cant take it. Treat people like you want to be treated. If you would like to talk about this we are only 3 hours away. 828-403-8935

I've just looked back through this thread and can't figure out what this comment has to do with this thread....

[jb]

Jb---- the more of your reviews i read the less i care for you. remember(sounds like an old drunk with no knack of lyrics) your entry sounded like a gay educated school teacher playing a uke. dont give it if you cant take it. Treat people like you want to be treated. If you would like to talk about this we are only 3 hours away. 828-403-8935

Thanks for the comment hillbilly, but I can't tell if it means you don't like the song. Unless, for some reason, you think "gay" and "educated" and "school teacher" should add up to an insult. I don't.

I'm kidding, I know you mean it as a cut. It could be that you mean it's just too twee for your taste. I actually think it would sound pretty great if you covered it. Not that you will, since you're mad at me.

Sorry my snide review of your "A Conversation" entry still stings. Just listened again and I still don't think you spent enough time on those lyrics, and that you've made better melodies in your life. On for example, "Glass Eye", or your entry for "Tigerlily".

Come to Song Fight Live in Seattle and I'll buy you a beer.

JB

P.S. my wife thinks you sound like the guy who sings the Firefly theme song. (That is not an insult.)