How's it hanging? (Gallows Hill reviews)

[Hoblit]

2cents

begin charging ...
now.

Bb&C: I might go back and fix some small production issues that most of ya'll might have missed. (not you Josh, I know you probably noticed *SMILEY*) Otherwise, got what we were thinkin' of...I think.

Calfborg: This might very well be my favorite piece by you so far. Not that I like it all THAT much..but I definitely give it merit. I like the overall sound you produce in this one. I think the vocals are a bit TOO lazy...but I like them to be lazy...to match the guitars. I think your guitar is a little out of tune, as I believe the augmented chord is on purpose it still sounds a bit off. The drum loops gets a bit tired (as well as everything else repeating itself) but I like I said..the combonation of everything makes it a listenable piece. Keep workin' at it.

Caraleaf: Drums are kickin' if not mixed a little too high against the guitar and bass. The drums could also used a little effect to put in the same place as where the guitars and vocals were recorded. The only reason I'm even that critical with the drums is because they seem to carry the song a good ways and are almost the focus here. They're great even especially during the solo. Otherwise this is pretty much a generic 12 bar blues type song. The overall productin gives it a 70's classic rock sound especially in the break with the vocal reps effected with chorus or tremelo. Real rocker and very listenable. Good work guys.

Duckpoop: Poor man's Tom Waits. Cute. It keeps me entertained througout. The story keeps my attention. For some reason at the backing vocals at naked in the moonlight remind me of David Gilmour of early Pink Floyd...perhaps it's partly the piano too taking me back there. This song is decent and I could listen to it every now and then. I want to say it's not mixed well but I can hear everything just fine. Maybe it just seems loud for a song that doesn't feature LOUD instrumentation. I like this alright.
<b>
J-Woody: Perfection. Well, outside of an absolutely great song spewed from your bottemless pit of a talent well, I'll just mention a few things that I think would help it. I have nothing on your production skills but I think that maybe the vocals in this are mixed a bit high. Thats it. Thats all I can say that would even be the least bit critical. I enjoy the dynamics of the song...between the volume changes in instrumentation down to the seemingly speed changes. I really enjoy the electric guitar on this one. A lot. Although, I swear you rip off Paul Simon in this one here and there! OH KAY... INFLUENCED, INSPIRED, not ripped off With that said, I sincerely hope you lose to Bb&C.</b><font size="1">but you won't...</font>

Kapitano: It's a real shame that Woodard had to be in this fight...or else you had a real chance. This is my second favorite this week. I really like the way all of your instruments sound. I love that electric guitar and the sequenced drum sounds are really solid. Almost over the top but really sell me anyways. I like the monotone delivery...kind of reminds me of early TMBG's in their solid on beat delivery. This is a good tune and I will listen to this again and again. It also sticks too...very catchy.

Punitend: Holy compression batman. This reminds me of wreckdom just a little bit but with a female at the mic. This is spooky in a way. I can't say that I get into it but I can appreciate it. It sounds like quite a bit of effort and talent was put into it. I think it's a bit much and at points can rake the nerves of the living. The distorted vocals mainly...that and the in your face compression. The snare cadence is pretty good, especially if it's not a real drummer.

Ross: This isn't half bad. I could get into an album of this. It reminds me of a modern Johnny Cash sound but with a younger vocal sound. It's not quite country but it's not quite folk either. It's modern but simple and old timey but with such a clear and modern recording approach. I also like the dynamics of this song... the way the guitar picks up and then the vocals jump up an octave. The electric licks are a little stiff and the tone is a bit too fuzzy for my tastes. Also, watch your 'Ps'... get a nylon screen, mouth back about 3 inches more, and just add back a touch of gain to make up for that 3 inches. Just a hair. This is probably my third favorite out of the tunes this week.

STWAZ: I get it. Genre Bias really loses this battle with me. I hear how this is good for what it is. I have friends who would probably like this. I sort of like the strange effected strings rolling in the back and the bass is nice. Gallows hill reps are very catchy. But all the beeping makes the song too choppy and I can't get into it. Perhaps re-release a version without the bleeping. I can hear that you know what you're doin' when it comes to this type of music. SUGGESTION: Re-record Gallows hill into College Girl and turn the song into a stripper's plight type song.

Tentiv: This is obviously one of the better songs this week. Some of the backing vocals, however sweet and feminen...a little out of tune and jittery. Overall I like this though. I have the whole 'written and recorded under a week' tolerance. I'd suggest going back and fixing those though...just out of making a mediocre song into a really really good one. Short, simple and soft. Unlike ross, I do like the soft and swift guitar licks in this one.

Wreck: No sir, didn't like it. Although, one of the more tolerable songs that I've listened to by you. Son of a biscuit.

[Southwest_Statistic]

STWAZ: I get it. Genre Bias really loses this battle with me. I hear how this is good for what it is. I have friends who would probably like this. I sort of like the strange effected strings rolling in the back and the bass is nice. Gallows hill reps are very catchy. But all the beeping makes the song too choppy and I can't get into it. Perhaps re-release a version without the bleeping. I can hear that you know what you're doin' when it comes to this type of music. SUGGESTION: Re-record Gallows hill into College Girl and turn the song into a stripper's plight type song.

Gallows Hill is as of now my #1 circulated song, my friends are burning copies for their friends and in the end, people I dont even know are thumping their cars to Sta' Warz. Alot of them don't even hear the joke and just think I'm the hardest mother-bleep in the whole world. It's retarded.

One of my buddys girlfriends walked up to me yesterday and said "Oh my god. I didn't know you could rap! You're soooo freaking talented, you sound so good in that 'Collage Girl' rap song." Laughing pretty hard, my reply was "Wow. Who knew that saying mother-bleep you can suck on my bleep increased your sex appeal." And she replyed in all seriousness "It's got a good beat that I can shake my ass too, and I like it so don't be so hard on yourself."

What the hell.

[Leaf]

Yes, welcome to hell SWS!!!!!




Make sure that tune gets you laid at least twice, or else we shall have to consider it a complete failure.

[Southwest_Statistic]

Yes, welcome to hell SWS!!!!!

Make sure that tune gets you laid at least twice, or else we shall have to consider it a complete failure.

The good songs are the ones supposed to get me laid, not the crap ones.

[Grumbleduke]

Duckpoop

Grumbleduke is displeased.

Ducking Stool: I like the way the singer changes key for the last chorus – was that done by pitch-shifting, or did you place his testicles into some sort of vice-like apparatus?

All Grumbleduke can say is that The Stool have many methods for extracting 'a performance', see the following review for the outcome of our 'Testicular Twister.

Ducking Stool – Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

[Kamakura]

A good and worthy fight.
Kapitano ran off with my vote.

[j$]

Yes, welcome to hell SWS!!!!!

Make sure that tune gets you laid at least twice, or else we shall have to consider it a complete failure.

The good songs are the ones supposed to get me laid, not the crap ones.

If it gets you laid, it's a good song, whether you think it is or not....

[Hoblit]

Duckpoop

Grumbleduke is displeased.

You do realize I'm joking yes? *SMILEY* Ducking STOOL... Stool sample... duck poop? awe c'mon, I do it to everybody! <-- smiley

[Freudian Slip]

Duckpoop

Grumbleduke is displeased.

You do realize I'm joking yes? *SMILEY* Ducking STOOL... Stool sample... duck poop? awe c'mon, I do it to everybody! <-- smiley

Oooooh lookie... you'sa made a funny in the rattle bowl. Don't forget to "flush". ...erm... Yeah, that was it.
Yes, well--It would likely have "come off" better and/ or not have been so likely to potentially "hit the fan" in the first place, if perhaps you had said, "DUCK....Poop!" (Aw shit, You's a lil bit late on that one Charlie. oooooh and I bet THAT farts. Hey-- Does this window have a handle? ) Course, as always, when ducking stool, it's always best not to stand near the business end of the catapault. My favorite ..er... "catch" phrase (for lack of a better word) "Don't get any ON ya!"
You know I'm joking, right? if in doubt--Please refer to the smiley immediately following this entry.

Here's me taking a leaf from Thomas Crapper, "I'm feeling "Flushed With Pride."

[Caravan Ray]

Duckpoop: For some reason at the backing vocals at naked in the moonlight remind me of David Gilmour of early Pink Floyd...perhaps it's partly the piano too taking me back there.

Not that I want to put words in the mouth of Mr Diabolist and second-guess his vocals - but from this particular Stool sample - I'm guessing that he may be the type of chap who would rather stick a very sharp pencil into his eye than be compared to Pink Floyd, early or otherwise...

[Grumbleduke]

Duckpoop

Grumbleduke is displeased.

You do realize I'm joking yes? *SMILEY* Ducking STOOL... Stool sample... duck poop? awe c'mon, I do it to everybody! <-- smiley

Grumbleduke's eyes are now opened to your scatalogical references and his pleasure is restored. Though it is tempered by the fact he is in a band that might be referred to as The Stool.

[Leaf]

Grumbleduke is pretentious.

I mean c'mon, either your
a) 15 and think this third person stuff is a grate (spelling intentional. Really, it was) way to get to know the community, or
b) you're just a pseudo-troll personality of a songfighter (not that you are exhibiting troll like behaviour...thus the "pseudo") or
c) spend a lot of time in a tent with a pipe.


I mean, seriously, these can be the only options that would explain this silly, unprofessional posing. (And I meant posing, not posting...)



Or, you're weird.




Cool name though.

[JonPorobil]

Grumbleduke is funny. No, perhaps that's too strong a word. Amusing.

I just realized I never reviewed Caravan Leaf, for some reason.


Caravan Leaf - I like the synthesis of the beach vibe with the creepy witch song idea. But... Uh-oh. I can hardly understand the vocals when the only thing under them is that kick drum, so there's not much hope for you when the full band is playing. So basically, I get "Gallows Hill, Gallows Hill, Gallows Hill, Let's rock!" Musically, though, you got a great vibe going on. The manic backup vox really add a lot. Is that Leaf drumming? Solid. This doesn't shake my top three, but a solid piece nonetheless. Why does it end before the crash can ring out? That bugs me.

[Leaf]

I think it's totally appropriate that we discuss Grumbleduke like he's not even in the room to counter the thridpersonisms.



And yes, amusing.



And thanks for reveiwing... only two more days to review the fights people!!!

[Geoff WreckdoM]

Thanks to all who reviewed this week, here are some comments that stuck out to me.

over a beat of toy barky dogs?

That is staccato Theremin with a long echo, no dogs were harmed.

On second thought, I'm strangely entranced. What the hell have you done to me?

I don’t know, but I loved getting this comment. Thanks!

smacks a little of desperation to win a fight before your year runs out. Maybe that's a bit harsh, but you have totally sold out and now you're trying to rediscover that early mad wreckdom feel but it doesn't feel right to me.

Honestly, the madlib dealy was meant as something special for our anniversary, I particularly wanted to do something that involved the message board. However, if it were a cheap ploy to garner votes, could you blame songfight’s biggest losers for doing so? I’m flattered by your mention of an early mad feel, but I disagree that said madness has been deluded. I thought about for a while, though.

Wreckdom is two people. One is an inventive experimentalist. The other thinks he has a sense of humour.

This is an odd yet accurate way to describe the three of us.

--- not sure why you included the pansy backup voice in the second verse. adds nothing ---

It was meant as way to make the verses more melodic, I wanted to make sure you could make out all the words, but then I felt it wasn’t sing songy enough.

I like to pretend that you’re all a bunch of long-hairs, doping out, and lifting your middle finger to the establishment whenever you can be bothered to lift a finger that is, yet sometimes I fear you’re a group of bored lawyers who gather to blow of steam.

1. correct, but I ain’t no stinky hippie
2. correct, but seriously, I ain’t no stinky hippie.
3. A little of both, I work outside the establishment, but I work very hard.
4. Incorrect, it’s been made clear I am not to represent anyone legally.

Conjures Barnes and Barnes.

I consider that a great compliment, thanks.

you've submitted so much now, and you always do pretty much the same thing, there is no secret ingredient involved, it's just become cliche and predictable. it's well produced but even wreckdom needs to think outside their own box every once in a while.

This is good advice and I think it applies to a lot of songfight’s most tenured artists.

[Caravan Ray]

Grumbleduke is funny. No, perhaps that's too strong a word. Amusing.

I just realized I never reviewed Caravan Leaf, for some reason.


Caravan Leaf - I like the synthesis of the beach vibe with the creepy witch song idea. .

thanks for the review - but there's nothing about witches in it - it's just a song about skipping work and going to the beach - I'd never heard of Gallow's Hill - I thought it sounded like a good name for a beach.

It wasn't till I'd read The Stools lyrics that I discovered the title had historical significance - and further research led me to the wonder of urine cakes. Mmmmmm......uriney.


Oh, and re the lyrics:

So basically, I get "Gallows Hill, Gallows Hill, Gallows Hill, Let's rock!"

...that's pretty much all there is to get. Although I didn't sing "Let's rock" - but I like that line - can I use it next time?

[Grumbleduke]

further research led me to the wonder of urine cakes.

Remind Grumbleduke to give your sweet trolley the swerve.

[Kapitano]

further research led me to the wonder of urine cakes.

Remind Grumbleduke to give your sweet trolley the swerve.

Kapitano is hereby reminding Grumbleduke. Though why Grumbleduke can't remind Grumbleduke himself is a mystery.

How do you know when someone is a bit, you know, witchy?

If they're too smart to rely on magic spells, or fly on a household cleaning implement, or wear a silly pointed hat, or dance naked at midnight around a cauldron, or go around cackling...they're probably a witch.

[Freudian Slip]

While simultaneously working on perfecting my somnambulistic typing skills...


Bloodberries and Cream
I loved the Goth sound, neat twist on the title. Well produced. There was one line “evil boys”, that hit a <<shudder>> somewhere in my photoGRAPHIC memory, but other than that. cool song.

Calfborg
I’ve enjoyed many of your songs, but this one...sorry, wasn’t among my favorites. Fun in it’s own way but a bit too...er... monotone?

Caravan Leaf
Fun Song. Glad you guys made it onto the playlist. I always enjoy your work, reminds me of the Dead kennedys for some reason... Benn listening to Jello Biafra a LOT these days. Buy My Snake Oil! I could listen to that all day... and occasionally, I do. Though I miss Leaf’s more reggae rockouts... I find I really like the surf flavor, salty, a bit crunchy and a fine way to take a dip.

Ducking Stool Kinda weird creepy, kinda fun creepy. I’m getting into this one. Look forward to hearing more... <<ducks>> (C’mon-- anyone who *knows* me, even sorta KNOWS I hadda say it, heh.)
Love the name... for a whole lots of reasons... Among other thigs I have "pooploads" of books on the subject.
I’m sure Grumbleduke would sa that Grumbleduke did a fine saying of the solo. Glad to know that singing alone can be accomplished in the third person-- remind me to try it sometime. Was wondering though, can the third person ever be first in line. I yank chains too, although I occasionally *flush* after my choice of words. Course today, I'm underslept, sleep depravity is setting in, so, right now-- EVERYDAMNTHING'S funny-- Even stuff that isn't.

Josh Woodward
This is, of all the songs I’ve ever heard from you, I think, my favorite track of yours. I think the choice to use the deeper vocals really sets it off. For some reason, potentially unbeknowest to me, I can’t help picturing a gypsy camp when I listen to this. Especially enjoyed the thrice repeated vocals at the end of each chorus which was for me, also reminscent of an incantation, of sorts. Perhaps a way to dispel demons. The playing and production is always among the best on the site. I’m sure many here at SF will miss your weekly contributions.
Nice ending.

Kapitano
I enjoyed this, another unusual take in wording as well as musical vision.

Pun In Tend
Can’t imagine why Leaf would have suspected ME of being involved in this? <<<<shrugs>>>
BTW-- The reference to God and drinking blood was originally intended to have been spoken by me. It was a direct historical quote and something I considered.. all things considered a solid wrapup to our B-- movie effort. Thanks for hanging around to enjoy the “show’, as it were.


Ross Durand
I like your voice and the groove. The bluesy feel is really cool. This is one of my favorites out of this fight. The “plosives” pop a bit... but again-- that’s pot calling cauldron... cuz I caint mike vox worth a damn.

Sta' WarZ
I get that it’s a joke song, and-- I like joke songs... not too keen on this one, though-- Sorry. Glad to know you’re rocking cars though... “May the Sonic force be with you.”

Tentativious
Liked the female vox better than the male. It’s a good song but, thus far, I’ve liked something about pretty much every song I’ve heard so far. Like the moody feel, though.


WreckdoM
As strange as I have become aquainted to hearing from you. Although That's, once again and perhaps even moreso the pot calling the cauldon, yet again... isn't it? Some of the anal references put a whole new squeeze on sphincters. I love the way the the xcess number of syllables sort of build up into their own rhythm. Actually on the second listen... I find I like it better... To quote someone else, "I'm enjoying this-- what have you done to me?"
Or, perhaps more accurate, if you were to be asking J$ (QUALIFIER to the aforementioned comment--refers to REVEIW only, no other viewpoints on Wreckdoms expressed or implied) "What HAVE you done to my Wreckdom?"
Yeah, yeah.. Poo and bodily fluid jokes are fun for me, too. It's clear how *I'VE* matured...or at least plan to start attempting to, within the next few decades or so.
Love George Carlin’s skit from Class Clown on the bodily fluids subject. Maybe you could work in some clips of that in an upcoming title. (....Snot?... Somebody ELSE’s?!? aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarghhh!!!!!!!!!! That line’s one of my favorites.)

[Leaf]

Josh wins his last fight.

Out like a true champ.

Well, at least we can enjoy more room around here now that all that traffic he floods in with every week is gone.... [/kidding]

congrats on the win... The more I listened to this fight, the more I just started to like the whole damn thing. I expected more votes for Caravan Leaf based on reviews...but then, I'm silly like that.

So, Josh, Congrats!

[Niveous]

Leaf's right. It definitely was quite the fight. A lot of stellar songs.

[Caravan Ray]

10 votes from 2 collaborations - easily my most successful fight so far! Maybe I should change my name permanently to Diabolist.