Howard Roark's Love Nest (The Shelton with Sunspots reviews)
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Rabid Garfunkel
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Howard Roark's Love Nest (The Shelton with Sunspots reviews)
Hey Ms. Wynand, want to come up and see my etchings?
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Ross
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My six-year old daughter Sydney is honored (and excited) to have her work featured as the art this week!
Anyone wondering what the heck it is should know that it has to do with my take on this week's title - which is why it bears no resemblance to the O'Keefe painting or the hotel featured in it.
Looking forward to hearing the fight!
Anyone wondering what the heck it is should know that it has to do with my take on this week's title - which is why it bears no resemblance to the O'Keefe painting or the hotel featured in it.
Looking forward to hearing the fight!
"I don't like this song, but at least it's good." - veGetar Ianra Ge
http://www.rossdurandmusic.com
http://www.rossdurandmusic.com
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furrypedro
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Billy's Little Trip
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I had an art entry, but your daughters is my favorite by far. But part of the reason is it is right inline with my entry this week. Listen to my last 4 lines in my song, it's as though that picture was drawn for my song....spooky.rdurand wrote:My six-year old daughter Sydney is honored (and excited) to have her work featured as the art this week!
Anyone wondering what the heck it is should know that it has to do with my take on this week's title - which is why it bears no resemblance to the O'Keefe painting or the hotel featured in it.
Looking forward to hearing the fight!
.....oh, it fits your song too....but that's not spooky, LOL.
Awesome entries everyone, I'm downloading them and I'll be listening to them all week.
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mico saudad
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I have to say that I went into this fight wanting to hear a specific take on the title.
"Super Dragon X of Metamystiks Inc. with TK on the beat" almost directly nailed it. The choice of piano loop combined with rap as the delivery device gives this the perfect urban, stoic but wistful feel. I love it.
"Super Dragon X of Metamystiks Inc. with TK on the beat" almost directly nailed it. The choice of piano loop combined with rap as the delivery device gives this the perfect urban, stoic but wistful feel. I love it.
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Billy's Little Trip
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I've been rocking Paper Cut Brigade and Minty Handy. Minty's lyrics are on the surface but killer! Reminds me of the Da Vinci Code. Thornberry is a grand production, and Sunnydale Ohio is the real deal! I pay to see bands like Sunnydale, live and alive. This fight is going to be a tough pick for me. King Arthur/Wages, Melvin too, I'm in Song Fight bliss right now. I'll get to everyone in my review. 
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Thornberry
- Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
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Billy's Little Trip - The mix has the vocals to far in the back. You need to bring those to the front, although a little off pitch, they are good vocals. This almost gives me a acoustic nirvana feel. Only slightly. I like the high octaves in the..chorus? Good Guitar work, which sits very nicely in the mix. Overall, it was chill and a good listen to start off the reviewing.
Minty Handy - I think there was no reason for the small tinkling for the piano at the beginning. I think vocals alone would have been more effective. I like the 2 step to this. This is another very relaxed one, which I like. "Numbers and Lines" Very catchy hook, without being poppy. Yes, very nice song indeed.
The Disciples of Beer- Disciples indeed. It would have been nice if you cleaned the beginning. Singer sounds like he's on something, and is slightly paranoid. Invest in a pop-filter, as you tend to pop the microphone. They are cheap and can be quite effective. I guess this isnt my thing so much. Good fun though
Papercut Brigade - This sounds like a 70's pop single. Not a bad thing. This has a nice feel to it, and is produced nicely. You could have under or over produced this very easily. I, for example, would have over-produced the crap out of it. But its quite nice. This is another catchy one, but in more of a poppy way. There are a lot of things I like about this, but something about it seems a little hollow to me, just not quite grabbing me like it should. Good song though, just maybe doesnt beckon my call.
Jonathan Mann- Does this happen to co-open with the movie "Night at the Museum"? Man, I want to see that movie. Anyway. I like the baritone vocals, with the octave vocals, which seems to be a theme in this fight. The beat is getting slightly lost, I dunno if you used a metronome or anything, but it might have been effective to do so. I like you're verse melody, but not as much the rest. Solid song though.
Masterhyde- Hey I think i used the same sound near the beginning of my song with the high bell thingy's. Wow, the singer sounds exactly like a guy in my home recording class last year. Did you happen to go to CCC last year? Ya, I didnt think so. Anyway, about the song. I like it, but its not something Ill listen to again, maybe just not my thing. I like the halfsung, half spoken vocal, I like the bell things, and this is also well produced. So very good job all in all.
The Devil Lays Eggs- You're voice has a very old quality. Hum, let me rephrase that. It doesnt sound like youre 80 or anything, but sounds like your right out of the 40's. Your acapella shindig brings me to wonder if it was because you don't have/play any instruments, or if you just were in a vocal mood. Doesnt effeect it, just thought Id think out loud. It worked well, sounded like you recorded with maybe a computer mic, or just a low quality mic, I try to look past that, but its always a little hard to. That is the beauty of having a good voice though, even through the lack of production, quality recording equipment, and not an expentional song, I still enjoyed listening very much.
Ross Durand- All right! A Name i recognize!! THis is very..stereo-y. You really know how to spread your stuff out. This sounds like something you'd hear on a childrens CD of some sort. If that is what you were going for, and judging by your lyrical content I could see it, then perfect. If you weren't, you shoulda been. I like the lead guitar, it being all twangy and such. To be honest, this wasn't my favorite you've done. Good story and all, but musically it kinda bored me.
King Arthur feat. Wages feat. King Arthur- Another couple names i know. There have been some real manliy vocals in this fight. But man, these vocals need to be..touched up. This reminds me of like, early nighties type of mellow alternative. Nice little tempo change to double time. Then back to normal. Or maybe the faster was normal and this half time...hummm...you have me thinking. I see what you were going for here, but I didn't feel like it was fully accomplished. Singing on key woulda helped, but also I could used some more double time. I dunno, I didnt hate it, I just think it coulda been better.
Mike Lamb- I think I used that chord progression in my song as well. You know, I wasn't liking this, cause the vocals are annoying me, but I am liking the sound of the bass and that guitar. Both are nice touches. Lets see where you go with it. Also, about the vocals, I was harsh on them. They aren't that bad. But have you ever got anything in the relm of voice lessons? Cause you sing on pitch pretty well, just not the greatest quality, which is probably something you could improve on. Ok, as your song ends, I am left with a decision of whether I like the fact that stay simple, or whether I wish it built up a bit. I think I like the way you did it because the melody wasn't particularly strong, and with that progression being so dramatic, you would need more powerful melody lines to realy kick into another gear. So Yes, I like the way you did it , and that was one of my favs.
Sunnydale, Ohio- It sounds like your kit is miced pretty well, just not mixed particularlly to my liking. I don't really like the lead guitar. Sounds like a cheap distortion pedal or an overdrive button on an amp. I cant say that I am liking this song at all. The melody is not there for me, the gutiar is not brilliant enough (in terms of harmonic quality) its kinda dead, the playing is fine. Ya, this one doesn't do it for me. Your big kicker, the drawen out "hooooommmmmeeee" is a let-down for me. The ending guitar jamming is pretty cool though.
Super Dragon X of Metamystiks Inc. with TK on the beat- Ok, so I was right on what style this was gonna be, based on the name. Point for me. The rapper sounds like Linkin Park guy. Cept I think you're better than that guy. Im actually kinda groovin to this. You have very interesting things going on the backround actually. I have to admit, im not really listening to the rapping, cause Im drawen to other stuff. Is that a good thing? You're good though, at rapping that is. The beat works but is it a little cookie cutter. Ill admit, I enjoyed that much more than I expected to, very well done.
Civil Offense- Oh man, very dramatic. So from what I got, you are walking out of a subway maybe? I heard the train go by, and then you walked past a Harmonica player in the tunnel, and then out into the rain? Very interesting. Here is what I liked so much about that: I am going to SDSU right now majoring is Electro-Acoustic Music. So I hear ALOT of experiemental stuff like this. What they always do is drag it out waaayyyy too long. Like 10 minutes of sounds. Its cool and interesting for about 2 minutes, but then my mind wanders. With you'res, given the length, I was able to stay in tune well. I don't think youll get many votes, and it's hard to see its relvence to the title, but that was one of my favorites. Well Done.
Melvin- During my 4 month or so Hiatis from songfight, I only visited the site on occasion, and usually only long enough to sample your entry for that week. This week we have a power Ballad. You always reminded me of Weezer, and this was no exeption. I like this groove to this. I dont know that synth is necessasry, or at least not as pronounced as it is. Good Quality recording as always. I could see this being used in a movie. I'm surprised you havent gotten on a label yet. I dont know if you pursue that or just keep it as a hobby, but you could definietly sell some records. Good job as usual.
Merry Christmas!
Minty Handy - I think there was no reason for the small tinkling for the piano at the beginning. I think vocals alone would have been more effective. I like the 2 step to this. This is another very relaxed one, which I like. "Numbers and Lines" Very catchy hook, without being poppy. Yes, very nice song indeed.
The Disciples of Beer- Disciples indeed. It would have been nice if you cleaned the beginning. Singer sounds like he's on something, and is slightly paranoid. Invest in a pop-filter, as you tend to pop the microphone. They are cheap and can be quite effective. I guess this isnt my thing so much. Good fun though
Papercut Brigade - This sounds like a 70's pop single. Not a bad thing. This has a nice feel to it, and is produced nicely. You could have under or over produced this very easily. I, for example, would have over-produced the crap out of it. But its quite nice. This is another catchy one, but in more of a poppy way. There are a lot of things I like about this, but something about it seems a little hollow to me, just not quite grabbing me like it should. Good song though, just maybe doesnt beckon my call.
Jonathan Mann- Does this happen to co-open with the movie "Night at the Museum"? Man, I want to see that movie. Anyway. I like the baritone vocals, with the octave vocals, which seems to be a theme in this fight. The beat is getting slightly lost, I dunno if you used a metronome or anything, but it might have been effective to do so. I like you're verse melody, but not as much the rest. Solid song though.
Masterhyde- Hey I think i used the same sound near the beginning of my song with the high bell thingy's. Wow, the singer sounds exactly like a guy in my home recording class last year. Did you happen to go to CCC last year? Ya, I didnt think so. Anyway, about the song. I like it, but its not something Ill listen to again, maybe just not my thing. I like the halfsung, half spoken vocal, I like the bell things, and this is also well produced. So very good job all in all.
The Devil Lays Eggs- You're voice has a very old quality. Hum, let me rephrase that. It doesnt sound like youre 80 or anything, but sounds like your right out of the 40's. Your acapella shindig brings me to wonder if it was because you don't have/play any instruments, or if you just were in a vocal mood. Doesnt effeect it, just thought Id think out loud. It worked well, sounded like you recorded with maybe a computer mic, or just a low quality mic, I try to look past that, but its always a little hard to. That is the beauty of having a good voice though, even through the lack of production, quality recording equipment, and not an expentional song, I still enjoyed listening very much.
Ross Durand- All right! A Name i recognize!! THis is very..stereo-y. You really know how to spread your stuff out. This sounds like something you'd hear on a childrens CD of some sort. If that is what you were going for, and judging by your lyrical content I could see it, then perfect. If you weren't, you shoulda been. I like the lead guitar, it being all twangy and such. To be honest, this wasn't my favorite you've done. Good story and all, but musically it kinda bored me.
King Arthur feat. Wages feat. King Arthur- Another couple names i know. There have been some real manliy vocals in this fight. But man, these vocals need to be..touched up. This reminds me of like, early nighties type of mellow alternative. Nice little tempo change to double time. Then back to normal. Or maybe the faster was normal and this half time...hummm...you have me thinking. I see what you were going for here, but I didn't feel like it was fully accomplished. Singing on key woulda helped, but also I could used some more double time. I dunno, I didnt hate it, I just think it coulda been better.
Mike Lamb- I think I used that chord progression in my song as well. You know, I wasn't liking this, cause the vocals are annoying me, but I am liking the sound of the bass and that guitar. Both are nice touches. Lets see where you go with it. Also, about the vocals, I was harsh on them. They aren't that bad. But have you ever got anything in the relm of voice lessons? Cause you sing on pitch pretty well, just not the greatest quality, which is probably something you could improve on. Ok, as your song ends, I am left with a decision of whether I like the fact that stay simple, or whether I wish it built up a bit. I think I like the way you did it because the melody wasn't particularly strong, and with that progression being so dramatic, you would need more powerful melody lines to realy kick into another gear. So Yes, I like the way you did it , and that was one of my favs.
Sunnydale, Ohio- It sounds like your kit is miced pretty well, just not mixed particularlly to my liking. I don't really like the lead guitar. Sounds like a cheap distortion pedal or an overdrive button on an amp. I cant say that I am liking this song at all. The melody is not there for me, the gutiar is not brilliant enough (in terms of harmonic quality) its kinda dead, the playing is fine. Ya, this one doesn't do it for me. Your big kicker, the drawen out "hooooommmmmeeee" is a let-down for me. The ending guitar jamming is pretty cool though.
Super Dragon X of Metamystiks Inc. with TK on the beat- Ok, so I was right on what style this was gonna be, based on the name. Point for me. The rapper sounds like Linkin Park guy. Cept I think you're better than that guy. Im actually kinda groovin to this. You have very interesting things going on the backround actually. I have to admit, im not really listening to the rapping, cause Im drawen to other stuff. Is that a good thing? You're good though, at rapping that is. The beat works but is it a little cookie cutter. Ill admit, I enjoyed that much more than I expected to, very well done.
Civil Offense- Oh man, very dramatic. So from what I got, you are walking out of a subway maybe? I heard the train go by, and then you walked past a Harmonica player in the tunnel, and then out into the rain? Very interesting. Here is what I liked so much about that: I am going to SDSU right now majoring is Electro-Acoustic Music. So I hear ALOT of experiemental stuff like this. What they always do is drag it out waaayyyy too long. Like 10 minutes of sounds. Its cool and interesting for about 2 minutes, but then my mind wanders. With you'res, given the length, I was able to stay in tune well. I don't think youll get many votes, and it's hard to see its relvence to the title, but that was one of my favorites. Well Done.
Melvin- During my 4 month or so Hiatis from songfight, I only visited the site on occasion, and usually only long enough to sample your entry for that week. This week we have a power Ballad. You always reminded me of Weezer, and this was no exeption. I like this groove to this. I dont know that synth is necessasry, or at least not as pronounced as it is. Good Quality recording as always. I could see this being used in a movie. I'm surprised you havent gotten on a label yet. I dont know if you pursue that or just keep it as a hobby, but you could definietly sell some records. Good job as usual.
Merry Christmas!
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Ross
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I was going for early british psychedelia (early Pink Floyd singles, Donovan, that sort of thing). which accounts for many of the qualities you ID - fairy- tale-ish theme, chorus-ey guitar, extreme stereo.Thornberry wrote:
Ross Durand- All right! A Name i recognize!! THis is very..stereo-y. You really know how to spread your stuff out. This sounds like something you'd hear on a childrens CD of some sort. If that is what you were going for, and judging by your lyrical content I could see it, then perfect. If you weren't, you shoulda been. I like the lead guitar, it being all twangy and such. To be honest, this wasn't my favorite you've done. Good story and all, but musically it kinda bored me.
Thanks for the review - nice to see you back, minus all the votes you're gonna take, of course
Oh, and merry christmas to you as well!
"I don't like this song, but at least it's good." - veGetar Ianra Ge
http://www.rossdurandmusic.com
http://www.rossdurandmusic.com
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Reist
- Hot for Teacher
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Man. Thornberry, I love this song! You just keep getting better. I loved your Adonai fight, but this time your voice is more powerful and the song is pretty epic for a songfight. Great job! To BLT, this caught me offguard, since you had really punk'd up songs the last few times, and the start of this is nice and laid back. Cool. Glad it doesn't get too crazy. Another favorite so far, as usual is Melvin. You seem to be utilizing your vocals a bit different in this one in the verses ... I like it. Chorus is great, as usual. Great fight from as far as I can tell.
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Billy's Little Trip
- Odie
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I thought I brought the vocals out front pretty good this time, but it's something I'm working on. But I agree, after I listened to it the day after we finished the mixing, I thought it had one of those old MTV "unplugged" kind of vibes to it, which is cool because I worked hard to maintain a live feel. Although the lyrics were inspired by the things I read about Georgia O'Keeffe that I could relate to, this song was pretty much about the guitar work, so I hope the guitar players here like it, I know I enjoyed playing it.Thornberry wrote:Billy's Little Trip - The mix has the vocals to far in the back. You need to bring those to the front, although a little off pitch, they are good vocals. This almost gives me a acoustic nirvana feel. Only slightly. I like the high octaves in the..chorus? Good Guitar work, which sits very nicely in the mix. Overall, it was chill and a good listen to start off the reviewing.
Thanks for the comments Thorn.
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Rabid Garfunkel
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More reviews, less filling.
King Arthur feat. Wages feat. King Arthur
Sorry Wages, I know this vocal pocket you're singing in is your comfort range, but it still sounds strained and atonal to me.
Billy's Little Trip
Weird. I could describe this with a whole mess of comparisons to 4 or 5 bands. Rather just say good job.
Civil Offense
Sounds like something I'd make if I had the three-day shakes while purging nicotine from my system. Enjoy the review rapes for not making a "song".
The Devil Lays Eggs
Creepiest... Christmas... Music... Ever... Thanks, mauxmeaux. Looking forward to entry #2.
The Disciples of Beer
I hate Tenacious D. I like this. Kill him and take over his regime, please. Good paranoia fuel story. Fear the self-aware tech, heh. /geek
Jonathan Mann
Heh. Good happy song. Possible vote.
Masterhyde
Heh. Good happy song. Possible vote. (Yes, I am an asshole, but the review holds.) Dangerous song to drive to, had me bopping from side to side in lane. Not good in the rain
Melvin
Shelton reference seemed a bit shoehorned in to make an opening for the "window in your heart" chorus/thematic element, but otherwise your usual solid entry.
Mike Lamb
Hello? Anyone in there? On cheap computer speakers (all treble) there ain't dick for vocal levels coming out. Not much more on home or car stereos. Repeating piano loop/line gets monotonous for 2:47 of it.
Minty Handy
Ha! Possible vote. Good singalong material. Thank you.
Papercut Brigade
Ugh. I feel old. Why are you kids always on my lawn? Production, &c. solid. Nice and hooky. Makes me want to turn the hose on you, though (stylistic, not technical).
Ross Durand
I fought the law and... I won! Or The Who's "Happy Jack" (as interpreted by Sid & Marty Kroft). Another good singalong song.
Sunnydale, Ohio
Groovy. The high notes from the lead guitar's intro line are driving icepicks in my brain, though.
Super Dragon X of Metamystiks Inc. with TK on the beat
Nicely done. Hope you don't flood the fight, this ain't a battle-site, yo.
Thornberry
Jesus fuck, this is sweet. Possible vote.
VOTE RESULTS: Jonathan Mann, with Minty Handy in very close second place.
King Arthur feat. Wages feat. King Arthur
Sorry Wages, I know this vocal pocket you're singing in is your comfort range, but it still sounds strained and atonal to me.
Billy's Little Trip
Weird. I could describe this with a whole mess of comparisons to 4 or 5 bands. Rather just say good job.
Civil Offense
Sounds like something I'd make if I had the three-day shakes while purging nicotine from my system. Enjoy the review rapes for not making a "song".
The Devil Lays Eggs
Creepiest... Christmas... Music... Ever... Thanks, mauxmeaux. Looking forward to entry #2.
The Disciples of Beer
I hate Tenacious D. I like this. Kill him and take over his regime, please. Good paranoia fuel story. Fear the self-aware tech, heh. /geek
Jonathan Mann
Heh. Good happy song. Possible vote.
Masterhyde
Heh. Good happy song. Possible vote. (Yes, I am an asshole, but the review holds.) Dangerous song to drive to, had me bopping from side to side in lane. Not good in the rain
Melvin
Shelton reference seemed a bit shoehorned in to make an opening for the "window in your heart" chorus/thematic element, but otherwise your usual solid entry.
Mike Lamb
Hello? Anyone in there? On cheap computer speakers (all treble) there ain't dick for vocal levels coming out. Not much more on home or car stereos. Repeating piano loop/line gets monotonous for 2:47 of it.
Minty Handy
Ha! Possible vote. Good singalong material. Thank you.
Papercut Brigade
Ugh. I feel old. Why are you kids always on my lawn? Production, &c. solid. Nice and hooky. Makes me want to turn the hose on you, though (stylistic, not technical).
Ross Durand
I fought the law and... I won! Or The Who's "Happy Jack" (as interpreted by Sid & Marty Kroft). Another good singalong song.
Sunnydale, Ohio
Groovy. The high notes from the lead guitar's intro line are driving icepicks in my brain, though.
Super Dragon X of Metamystiks Inc. with TK on the beat
Nicely done. Hope you don't flood the fight, this ain't a battle-site, yo.
Thornberry
Jesus fuck, this is sweet. Possible vote.
VOTE RESULTS: Jonathan Mann, with Minty Handy in very close second place.
Last edited by Rabid Garfunkel on Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:21 am, edited 1 time in total.
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MintyHandy
- Mean Street
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- Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2005 5:00 pm
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I'm in ur forem, viewin yer musix
This set of reviews comes complete with laments about the things I didn't get for Christmas.
Civil Offense
The Residents got on board a train to Negativland, but it never left the station. It was fun to listen to the stereo panning, however. A train set would have been awesome.
King Arthur/Wages/King Arthur
This isn't really my thing until the guitar bit about 1/3 of the way in, and when the voice comes back initially (muttering), it's quite Jethro Tull -- I like it. Then it goes back to being not really my thing for the last third. I wish I had gotten a guitar.
The Devil Lays Eggs
I would encourage you to simplify, simplify, simplify -- you have a lovely voice and you can rely on it, so why clutter things up? Also, with the complexity + lack of instruments, it was hard to follow the melody. The background harmonies were adorable. If I had gotten a karaoke machine, I'd never have to sing acapella.
Papercut Brigade
Great arrangement, strong execution. Less chorus effect on the voice, replace it with harmonies for the same impact without the cheese. I very much enjoyed this. Hey, is that my best friend egg shaker? Terrific solo, too. With harmonies (esp. on the chorus) -- hey, what's that weird vocal thing at the end, where you're gone but there's a little backing vocal? Ignoring that. Good song. Full of pep. And vim and vigor. And other old-timey stuff. With harmonies, possible vote. I can never have too many egg shakers, but evidentally santa did not agree.
Sunnydale, Ohio
At the beginning I thought it would be better, but the wandering guitar didn't grab me, and the lyrics/delivery are just sort of "eh". I like your drummer, but there just isn't enough of a song here, almost like you improvised it. Kind of forced, kind of stilted. It goes on too long as well. Not my thing, I guess. I looked out my window, but there was no snow for me this Christmas.
Masterhyde
I like this! It's the De La Soul Christmas album. If I weren't so painfully white, I'd write stuff like this. Tight delivery, solid minimalist arrangement, terrific lyrics -- right now, this gets my vote without hesitation. Fun stuff, nice work. "'cuz on the high floors, you can spot the sun" is a clever and terrific chorus hook, delivered perfectly. Keeper, and I hope you do another entry next week. Santa brought me this CD single for Christmas, but I wanted the whole album.
Melvin
Sorry to say, following Masterhyde makes this a tough review, because it's depressing. But I like the Cake vibe. Kick the rhythm section in from measure one rather than 1/3 in, and it'd be much better. Nice chorus, as this develops it improves. Second verse has everything the first verse was missing. Good arrangement, good harmonies, decent hook, solid musicianship. There's a bit of Too Much Joy in here, oddly enough. Were not for Masterhyde, this might have gotten my vote. "I'll paint a window in your heart" is terrific. Loved everything except the first verse. I wanted cake for Christmas, but santa must've thought it would bring me too much joy.
Disciples of Beer
Jack Black without his cohort. Can't really get behind this as a serious song, and it's not funny enough to keep me going. There's this guy I know who loves Tom Waits, and he can't perform songs without sounding like he's trying to be Tom Waits; this leaves me feeling the same way. Sorry. Jack Skellington showed up at my house this year, but it just wasn't the real deal.
Ross Durand
Bright, peppy recording, even in computer speakers, nice. I like your lyrics, too. "Shelton lives on the sun, that's why he can't be touched by anyone", I wish I had written that. I like the springy guitar solo, too. Yep, this is a great little song in every way. I wish you could sing higher, though -- that may be my only complaint. Cute stuff, great kids song, although it gets a little depressing in the bridge for a bit and the ending could be lost (the Shelton in the forest and all that.) This left me smiling. Nice work. All I wanted for Christmas was my two front teeth, but instead I got nuttin'.
Jonathan Mann
I wanted guitar from the first line, but then, I always do. Another good song for kids. I like the percussion, and the harmonies suggest a saxophone for some reason -- in fact, a deep saxophone is the only thing missing here. Hey, I know this voice...you were 40 Second Songs, right? I still have your Snow Fort entry in my collection, it's a favorite. This doesn't have the magic of that song, but it's still charming. Dear santa: why didn't you bring me a saxomaphone this year?
Billy's Little Trip
Your guitar playing is lovely, and you went to some very interesting places structurally. I tend to enjoy the simple stuff, song-wise, so this is leaving me a bit flat on the lyrics and melody, but in the rhythm and lead guitars you've done fine work here. I wish you and The Devil Lays Eggs had teamed up for this song; her vocals would have been transforming. I asked santa for a DVD box set of The Simple Life, but he didn't bring it. In retrospect, that's a good thing.
Thornberry
Boy, this is quiet at first. Had to crank it up, thank you for not having a sudden explosion of sound. Overdramatic songs aren't my thing, really, so I'll ignore that aspect of it and say that you've got a lovely voice. Mommy, why wasn't there a keytar under the tree?
Mike Lamb
I couldn't write anything with the lyric "The Shelton With Sunspots" that I liked, so I used the title for inspiration instead. You took the plunge where I chickened out; you crammed it into the lyric, and I'm sorry to say it sounds awkward there. The arrangement is nice, esp. the guitar noodling, but there isn't anything resembling a hook here. Kind of like Thornberry's entry for me, so I'll just say that you play a lovely guitar noodle. A year's supply of Ramen noodles, was that so much to ask?
Minty Handy (me)
You know, you never really get used to the sound of your own voice. Note to myself: don't sing the lead and harmonies acapella without putting instruments in the click track; there are a few flat spots in the vocal that make me want to shoot myself. From this day forward, I mix without headphones. I wanted a Red Ryder BB Gun, but I would've shot my eye out.
Superdragon et al
Two solid rap entries this week, nice! Where Masterhyde's was upbeat and inspirational, this one is hard and gritty. Nicely executed, nothing to fault, well put together. I have to give the nod to Masterhyde over this, though, because I prefer "up" in my beats. Santa doesn't deliver toys to this neighborhood.
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I'm surprised to say Masterhyde and Superdragon et al are in my top six; not because I don't like this genre (I do) but because I've not heard it executed this well on Songfight! before. Masterhyde takes it with ease, and Superdragon et al works it out with Melvin, Papercut Brigade, Ross Durand and Jonathan Mann (in no particular order) to make the top six. Billy's Little Trip gets a nod for fine guitar craftsmanship.
Civil Offense
The Residents got on board a train to Negativland, but it never left the station. It was fun to listen to the stereo panning, however. A train set would have been awesome.
King Arthur/Wages/King Arthur
This isn't really my thing until the guitar bit about 1/3 of the way in, and when the voice comes back initially (muttering), it's quite Jethro Tull -- I like it. Then it goes back to being not really my thing for the last third. I wish I had gotten a guitar.
The Devil Lays Eggs
I would encourage you to simplify, simplify, simplify -- you have a lovely voice and you can rely on it, so why clutter things up? Also, with the complexity + lack of instruments, it was hard to follow the melody. The background harmonies were adorable. If I had gotten a karaoke machine, I'd never have to sing acapella.
Papercut Brigade
Great arrangement, strong execution. Less chorus effect on the voice, replace it with harmonies for the same impact without the cheese. I very much enjoyed this. Hey, is that my best friend egg shaker? Terrific solo, too. With harmonies (esp. on the chorus) -- hey, what's that weird vocal thing at the end, where you're gone but there's a little backing vocal? Ignoring that. Good song. Full of pep. And vim and vigor. And other old-timey stuff. With harmonies, possible vote. I can never have too many egg shakers, but evidentally santa did not agree.
Sunnydale, Ohio
At the beginning I thought it would be better, but the wandering guitar didn't grab me, and the lyrics/delivery are just sort of "eh". I like your drummer, but there just isn't enough of a song here, almost like you improvised it. Kind of forced, kind of stilted. It goes on too long as well. Not my thing, I guess. I looked out my window, but there was no snow for me this Christmas.
Masterhyde
I like this! It's the De La Soul Christmas album. If I weren't so painfully white, I'd write stuff like this. Tight delivery, solid minimalist arrangement, terrific lyrics -- right now, this gets my vote without hesitation. Fun stuff, nice work. "'cuz on the high floors, you can spot the sun" is a clever and terrific chorus hook, delivered perfectly. Keeper, and I hope you do another entry next week. Santa brought me this CD single for Christmas, but I wanted the whole album.
Melvin
Sorry to say, following Masterhyde makes this a tough review, because it's depressing. But I like the Cake vibe. Kick the rhythm section in from measure one rather than 1/3 in, and it'd be much better. Nice chorus, as this develops it improves. Second verse has everything the first verse was missing. Good arrangement, good harmonies, decent hook, solid musicianship. There's a bit of Too Much Joy in here, oddly enough. Were not for Masterhyde, this might have gotten my vote. "I'll paint a window in your heart" is terrific. Loved everything except the first verse. I wanted cake for Christmas, but santa must've thought it would bring me too much joy.
Disciples of Beer
Jack Black without his cohort. Can't really get behind this as a serious song, and it's not funny enough to keep me going. There's this guy I know who loves Tom Waits, and he can't perform songs without sounding like he's trying to be Tom Waits; this leaves me feeling the same way. Sorry. Jack Skellington showed up at my house this year, but it just wasn't the real deal.
Ross Durand
Bright, peppy recording, even in computer speakers, nice. I like your lyrics, too. "Shelton lives on the sun, that's why he can't be touched by anyone", I wish I had written that. I like the springy guitar solo, too. Yep, this is a great little song in every way. I wish you could sing higher, though -- that may be my only complaint. Cute stuff, great kids song, although it gets a little depressing in the bridge for a bit and the ending could be lost (the Shelton in the forest and all that.) This left me smiling. Nice work. All I wanted for Christmas was my two front teeth, but instead I got nuttin'.
Jonathan Mann
I wanted guitar from the first line, but then, I always do. Another good song for kids. I like the percussion, and the harmonies suggest a saxophone for some reason -- in fact, a deep saxophone is the only thing missing here. Hey, I know this voice...you were 40 Second Songs, right? I still have your Snow Fort entry in my collection, it's a favorite. This doesn't have the magic of that song, but it's still charming. Dear santa: why didn't you bring me a saxomaphone this year?
Billy's Little Trip
Your guitar playing is lovely, and you went to some very interesting places structurally. I tend to enjoy the simple stuff, song-wise, so this is leaving me a bit flat on the lyrics and melody, but in the rhythm and lead guitars you've done fine work here. I wish you and The Devil Lays Eggs had teamed up for this song; her vocals would have been transforming. I asked santa for a DVD box set of The Simple Life, but he didn't bring it. In retrospect, that's a good thing.
Thornberry
Boy, this is quiet at first. Had to crank it up, thank you for not having a sudden explosion of sound. Overdramatic songs aren't my thing, really, so I'll ignore that aspect of it and say that you've got a lovely voice. Mommy, why wasn't there a keytar under the tree?
Mike Lamb
I couldn't write anything with the lyric "The Shelton With Sunspots" that I liked, so I used the title for inspiration instead. You took the plunge where I chickened out; you crammed it into the lyric, and I'm sorry to say it sounds awkward there. The arrangement is nice, esp. the guitar noodling, but there isn't anything resembling a hook here. Kind of like Thornberry's entry for me, so I'll just say that you play a lovely guitar noodle. A year's supply of Ramen noodles, was that so much to ask?
Minty Handy (me)
You know, you never really get used to the sound of your own voice. Note to myself: don't sing the lead and harmonies acapella without putting instruments in the click track; there are a few flat spots in the vocal that make me want to shoot myself. From this day forward, I mix without headphones. I wanted a Red Ryder BB Gun, but I would've shot my eye out.
Superdragon et al
Two solid rap entries this week, nice! Where Masterhyde's was upbeat and inspirational, this one is hard and gritty. Nicely executed, nothing to fault, well put together. I have to give the nod to Masterhyde over this, though, because I prefer "up" in my beats. Santa doesn't deliver toys to this neighborhood.
---
I'm surprised to say Masterhyde and Superdragon et al are in my top six; not because I don't like this genre (I do) but because I've not heard it executed this well on Songfight! before. Masterhyde takes it with ease, and Superdragon et al works it out with Melvin, Papercut Brigade, Ross Durand and Jonathan Mann (in no particular order) to make the top six. Billy's Little Trip gets a nod for fine guitar craftsmanship.
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mico saudad
- Mean Street
- Posts: 522
- Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2004 9:34 am
- Location: San Francisco
Re: I'm in ur forem, viewin yer musix
From your stylistic tendencies I can see why you'd prefer Masterhyde, but I got a much more wistfull feel from SupX than hard and gritty. For me Masterhyde sounds like a (well done) cable commercial for a local hotel, but SupX comes across as a much more nuanced painting.MintyHandy wrote: Superdragon et al
this one is hard and gritty. Santa doesn't deliver toys to this neighborhood.