This fight belongs to me! (reviews)

[Spud]

or maybe to you.

whatever.

[Magnetbox]

Some reviews for this week's songs.

Balance Lost/Balance Regained: It starts off pretty good. I like the "first" vocalist. He fits in well with the music. There is another "vocalist" who comes in on the right. (I'm not sure if these are really two vocalists or some type of effect to make them sound different) He has some spots where it just doesn't sound "right." There are some changeups in the song, but it still just seems boring. It could be the drum loop. I can tell this MP3 is 192k. The production quality is ok. I'm not hooked on the song or anything, so let's start this one off as a C+.

Billy's Little Trip: I'm a total sucker for beginnings like this. Nice job bringing it all in and making the radio sound realistic. Unfortunately, I can't make the vocals out at all! The drums sound good mostly, but there are a few parts that sound like an edited loop or something. Love the horns! That's really different. So I read the lyrics... I just don't get what this has to do with "It Belongs to Me." I'd probably title this "Time" or "Making up for lost time" or something like that. I just don't get the connection to the title and it's a shame. I *WANT* to like this song. Probably would be a B or a B+, but the lyrics lower that. B-.

The Contrapositives: The vocals sound really distant--like too quiet and too much reverb. It almost sounds like singing in a bathroom... Oh... I get it. Nice harmonica. This kind of seems like it falls apart approaching the end. This almost seems like another idea (knows hair) was adapted to fit "it belongs to me." Just not doing anything for me. C.

Cranial Biffida: Your introduction wasn't as nice as Billy's Little Trip. He did a better job, IMHO, at making it more seamless. The female vocals give this a nice touch, but there's just a lot going on here and musically, it doesn't seem to progress too much. I wish lyrics were posted as they are difficult to make out. C.

The Disciples of Beer: You need a pop filter for your microphone. Ugh! "It belongs to me/I'm begging thee." C'mon. That's a forced rhyme. People don't use "thee" in normal conversation. The music isn't really going anywhere with this, though. Just seems to be the same chord progression. C.

DM6: The guitar sounds distant, BUT, I see... Kind of an old-style Mississippi delta blues sound. It sounds like you have some clipping or something overloading in a few parts. I just wish there was something more with this, but I'm not sure what... A bit cliche. We'll go with a B.

Handpuppets: It starts off pretty strong, but you need more volume for the vocals. I can't really make them out at all. Your right distorted "guitar" is getting really annoying and kind of muddying up the mix. This could be arranged better and this could fix the problem with the vocals being unintelligible. You have the lyrics posted... I think this would be good if the lyrics were borught up a lot louder. B-.. hmm, maybe a B, I do kind of like it... B-... awww.. I'll figure it out.

The Hell Yeahs: HELL YEAH!!! Oh, sorry... I'd like the guitar brought a bit "closer" (a touch louder and less reverb), but I'm biased. This works. It seems really trebly and the drums have some reflections on them, but this really makes me think of some good 50's rock. The singing is spot on. After listening to this, I'm fairly convinced that she *WILL* hurt me. B+. No A-. These are getting tougher now...

Jolly Roger: I bet this would work really well live... The dynamics seem to be drained from this mix, though. The lo-mids are boosted too much making it sound muddy. The guitar playing is good for this genre. I'd like a bit more vocals on this so I don't have to strain so hard to figure out the lyrics. There are some changeups which is good. I'll give you a B.

Jonathan Mann: It's cute. Is this a ukulele? It just seems so cliche. B-

Just In Case: The male singer shows some good emotion and amkes me believe the song. The female singer sounds like she's going to fall asleep. Oddly, I like it from a songwriting aspect. B.

King Arthur: A nice bluesy riff going on here... I think the vocals fit the song fairly well. This one also seems fairly cliche. The progression and melody sounds way familiar. B or B+.

LML: Sounds like trebly dance music? I'm not sure I like the distortion on the vocals. I'd think they'd sound better natural, but that's easy to say not having heard them. not much movement, no changes and it ends pretty abruptly. C-.

Masterhyde: Nice beats and you can actually rap. I'd like a changeup somewhere in this, but it does show some movement. I'm not a fan of rap, but I don't mind this. B.

MC Eric B: Ugh. I liked Masterhyde's rap better. Cute story. (IMHO, when you say "snapping my fingers" you should've pasted a finger snap on the next beat) Very abrupt ending, though. B-.

Melvin: I like the changeup where the drums enter. I was worried it would be guy & 2 guitars. Nice harmonies. A-.

Mike Lamb: (aka, Mile Lamb) Good imagery on this. The instrumentation helps support this. The vocal levels vary quite a bit, you might need to ride the fader or add some more compression. What is the "it" that belongs to you at the end of the song? His glory and honor? That just leaves me a bit confused. B.

Rone Rivendale: (aka, apologetic emo) The cymbal crashes are annoying to me. This doesn't appeal to my sense of melody and harmony. Not much going on to get me excited throughout the song. C.

Ross Durand: The guitar sounds a little weird like it's lacking in lows. I think your voice fits this song really well. The story works for this. Another song with harmonica! A-.

Steve Durand: Nice brass! (Not to be confused with a similar-sounding comment often directed to members of the opposite gender) A-.

Stylon Pilson: Oh, you're English. (Accent on "garage") I don't see what's wrong with 3 computers and 5 guitars... I'd like a bit more dynamics in this. The bass line is nice, actually. B.

Thanks for the Frisbee: Sounds like you're clipping the inputs when you scream... Are you claiming this person on drugs belongs to you?? I'm confused how this fits in with the title... C+.

Three Hole Punch: Just not doing anything for me. C.

wormsweater: Wasn't Shelton with Sunspots last week's song? Looks like someone missed the deadline. No grade.

Well, looking over the scores it looks like the contenders are:
The Hell Yeahs
Melvin
Ross Durand
Steve Durand

A few more listens will sort this out...

[stylonpilson]

Balance Lost/Balance Regained - Quite a nice song. I like the various noises that are available here. Vocal performance not perfect, but the production is good.

Billy's Little Trip - Superb. I would have put less reverb on the vocals and made them about twice as loud, but that's your choice. The brass is many orders of magnitude clearer than anything else on this song, and I don't think it gels very well. I was really enjoying the screaming at the end until it faded out. The overall mix is very trebley - compared to other songs on the table this week, it sounded like it was playing through a cheap radio. Was this intentional?

The Contrapositives - Not much of a connection to "It Belongs To Me" here. Really like the band name though. Silly song.

Cranial Biffida - It's good, but it's not a genre that I can enjoy. It's chock full of ideas and variations, and I can't find fault in the performance or production.

The Disciples Of Beer - I can't think of anything good to say about this song. The lyrics aren't entirely devoid of charm.

DM6 - Has a certain lo-fi bluesy appeal. Not a bad blues song at all, in fact.

Handpuppets - I thought that the intro had a very professional sound, and I had high hopes, but when the vocals came in, it all fell over and I rapidly got bored. It's a real shame that they were so hopelessly quiet - this could have been a really good song. As it is, it's not even just plain old good.

The Hell Yeahs - Absolutely brilliant. Vocal performance could be improved, but with a little development and refinement of some of the ideas, this song could be a hit. If you ever revisit this song and rerecord it after a bit more practise, I'd buy the CD. Entertaining lyrics.

Jolly Roger - Good riffs. I'm not sure that your voice suits the genre.

Jonathan Mann - Good mixing here. The vocals are clear, which meant that I could hear your excellent lyrics. A very enjoyable song to listen to. Nothing horrendously complicated, so it's not going to be a song that reveals something new on each subsequent listening, but so be it. I like the backing vocals too.

Just In Case - Quite a catchy tune, but there's not really much depth here. It doesn't sound like a lot of effort went into it.

King Arthur - Oooh, political lyrics. I like the rhythm too - it lollops nicely, if you'll pardon the phrase. Good mix - nothing too quiet, nothing too loud.

LML - Not a bad effort at a dance song, but where's the bass? It would sound shit in a club, and be completely impossible to dance to. If it wasn't a dance song, I'd complain about the repetitiveness, but it is a dance song, so that argument is moot.

Magnetbox - A promising start, but when the vocals came in it lost something. Really nice shimmery chorus though. I love the chorus. It's got a very rich sound. Guitar solo could do with a lot of refinement.

Masterhyde - Maybe a little too much kick drum. I had to turn the volume up quite a lot before I could hear anything but the drums. Good, substantial lyrics though. Ending was a tad abrupt.

MC Eric B - Heheheheheheheheheh. I salute you.

Melvin - Once again, you pull out a great chorus, and a great song all round. I'm struggling to find the underlying thread behind all these lyrics though.

Mike Lamb - I love songs that tell a story. Shame that the entire first verse is just padding. Third verse vocals are too quiet, which is also a shame, as that seems to be where the plot actually starts moving properly. Final comment about the vocals - at the end, you seem to rapidly get bored of saying "It Belongs To Me" which has an unintended effect upon the message of the song. I like the arrangement - the selection of instruments seems to fit the bill perfectly.

Rone Rivendale - Everything about this song is annoying in its own right. The mix goes completely arse over tit at the end.

Ross Durand - The words "woke up this morning" in the first line of a song tend to start me off on a bad note. The song reminds me of REM. I enjoyed listening to the lyrics - you tell the tale well. It has to be said, I'd really like this song if you didn't keep saying "woke up this morning". That's just me. Some of the harmonica solos were better than others.

Stylon Pilson (me) - So embarrassed. That bass. So loud and overwhelming. So sorry. I was rushing to meet the deadline. I can think of a million ways that I'd improve this song if I had more time - I want to replace a few of the lyrics, and make the outro more interesting.

Thanks For The Frisbee - Vocal levels turn a bit ugly in the chorus - pull back from the microphone when you raise your voice. Please. And how does this tie in with the title? Quite a good song though - it's compelling, the lyrics have meaning, and despite wincing each time I go through the second half of the chorus, it's quite a good listen.

Three Hole Punch - I'm not enjoying listening to this. I'd like to be able to listen to the lyrics, just in case they are really good, but I'm finding the music too distracting.

Wormsweater - Wrong title. Cute song though.

[hillbilly]

wormsweater---very g00d sound this week

[Billy's Little Trip]

Damn, I'm beside myself with this weeks fight. Everything from punk to swing, I'm in music junkie bliss right now. I'm burning them all right now so I can pop it on my living room system and get the full effect. Steve Durand blows my mind.

[Ross]

Happy new year!

I resolve to review this fight.

I enjoy what I've heard so far, and thanks for the reviews so far, too.

[Billy's Little Trip]

Billy's Little Trip: I'm a total sucker for beginnings like this. Nice job bringing it all in and making the radio sound realistic. Unfortunately, I can't make the vocals out at all! The drums sound good mostly, but there are a few parts that sound like an edited loop or something. Love the horns! That's really different. So I read the lyrics... I just don't get what this has to do with "It Belongs to Me." I'd probably title this "Time" or "Making up for lost time" or something like that. I just don't get the connection to the title and it's a shame. I *WANT* to like this song. Probably would be a B or a B+, but the lyrics lower that. B-.

I never write a song based on a title. When I write, my songs don't even have names, but when I do have to name them, I just use a part from the chorus as I'm sure most people do. If I named this one, it would probably be "Philosophical dreaming" or "Give me a little more" but I'd never name it "time" because that's too obvious, lol.
But this song was inspired by my Holiday stress with family, work and Christmas. So basically I'm trying to take back control of my time because it's mine and it's up to me as to how I manage it. I didn't plan on my thoughts to go all the way back to when I was 10 until now, that just kind of happened. So I started thinking of how everything took forever when I was a kid, but now the years are flying by. But it's my time to do as I want, whether I waste it or use it wisely, so it's no ones fault but mine if I don't take back control of what is mine, because.......it belongs to me. How's that?
Thanks for the comments. I really did enjoy making this one with Steve. He's a true musician.

Billy's Little Trip - Superb. I would have put less reverb on the vocals and made them about twice as loud, but that's your choice. The brass is many orders of magnitude clearer than anything else on this song, and I don't think it gels very well. I was really enjoying the screaming at the end until it faded out. The overall mix is very trebley - compared to other songs on the table this week, it sounded like it was playing through a cheap radio. Was this intentional?

Thanks styl. I am working on my mixing techniques and each week is a learning experience for me. The cheap radio sound was only in the beginning, but the rest wasn't intentional. At the last minute a ton of bass was pulled out because it was real boomy and I couldn't get rid of it without effecting other low tones for some reason. *whispers, because I suck at recording* But Steve was able to play with the EQ and helped it out. I'm getting better. I promise my future songs will be getting better on the recording and mixing, but I can't make any promises with the songs themselves.

[jb]

I never write a song based on a title.

Um, that kind of is the game we're all playing here, you know? It's not "write a song and call it the title even if it doesn't fit" fight.

[frankie big face]

I never write a song based on a title.

Um, that kind of is the game we're all playing here, you know? It's not "write a song and call it the title even if it doesn't fit" fight.

Ban him. BAN HIM NOW.

[Billy's Little Trip]

HaHaHa, thanks Frankie.
I do base every song on the title.

[Magnetbox]

I'm getting better. I promise my future songs will be getting better on the recording and mixing, but I can't make any promises with the songs themselves.

Personally, I think that is one of the great things of doing Songfight. Where else do you get to spend a week of your time trying to put together your best work only to have it shot down with a two-to-three sentence note on a bulletin board?

Seriously, though, this is a great forum for improving songwriting skills, arrangement skills, and even recording techniques. Comments notwithstanding, it forces you to practice all of the above.

[Magnetbox]

So I started thinking of how everything took forever when I was a kid, but now the years are flying by. But it's my time to do as I want, whether I waste it or use it wisely, so it's no ones fault but mine if I don't take back control of what is mine, because.......it belongs to me. How's that?

I really wish you would've put that into the lyrics of the song. I think that really would add to it. This is a bit of a different dimension on the song, but it does add to it and also give you some more movement throughout the song. This gives it a concept of "Don't waste your time like I did before I noticed time is going so quickly." You're telling your listener that you need to take back control of your time because it belongs to you and, therefore, you shouldn't let the same thing happen to you (the listener).

Think like the message in Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle:" This happened to me, so don't let it happen to you. You don't have to actually say "don't let it happen to you," just let your story imply that it would be bad if it does happen to you and you know this because it did happen.

But, of course, it's still a pretty good song with what you have, IMHO. Just not for this fight.

[Billy's Little Trip]

I agree. I love this place and all the members.....even Denyer.
Although I'm just scratching the tip of the iceberg, I've learned so much about computer recording in the short time I've been here.

So I started thinking of how everything took forever when I was a kid, but now the years are flying by. But it's my time to do as I want, whether I waste it or use it wisely, so it's no ones fault but mine if I don't take back control of what is mine, because.......it belongs to me. How's that?

I really wish you would've put that into the lyrics of the song. I think that really would add to it. This is a bit of a different dimension on the song, but it does add to it and also give you some more movement throughout the song. This gives it a concept of "Don't waste your time like I did before I noticed time is going so quickly." You're telling your listener that you need to take back control of your time because it belongs to you and, therefore, you shouldn't let the same thing happen to you (the listener).

Think like the message in Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle:" This happened to me, so don't let it happen to you. You don't have to actually say "don't let it happen to you," just let your story imply that it would be bad if it does happen to you and you know this because it did happen.

But, of course, it's still a pretty good song with what you have, IMHO. Just not for this fight.

I do tend to take a different approach to the way I visualize things. I find myself having to pull back, because I tend to write very metaphorically and people just can't relate and can't enjoy my story, so I'll pull out the metaphors and replace them with a brief lines. So sometimes my songs end up being groups of single lines that don't match each other, but they are all relating to the topic or story I'm telling. I have no idea why I do it this way, but more than likely it's because that's how I view music that I've heard all my life.
Like for instance my "Shelton with Sunspots" entry. I had around ten pages I wrote about Georgia O'Keeffe as I saw her life from things I read. So I had to sum up my story with simple lines to paint a picture (no pun intended) of my take on her life. I know it's nothing special or unique, but it's from my soul, so I don't question it, I just go with it because it just feels right to me....as I'm sure is the reason most people write the way they do.
I think I talk too much.
By the way, while Steve was adding his horns to the song, I made this art that I submitted because this is how I saw it in my mind.

[Billy's Little Trip]

I never write a song based on a title.

Um, that kind of is the game we're all playing here, you know? It's not "write a song and call it the title even if it doesn't fit" fight.

I meant my songs that I write for the band, not my solo stuff I do here at SF. I'm so misunderstood, haha. All of my songs that I've submitted here are 100% related to the titles as I see them. I'm just not as "worldly" as the Fightmasters, so I never know if the titles have a deeper meaning, so I started googling them, lol. Like on the Georgia's Hand title, I was COMPLETELY off with my take on that title. But I enjoyed it never the less because I pushed myself in direction I never went before. I've actually learned new things here that I would probably never have learned, so SF is really adding more to my life than just shooting the shiz with other musicians. I now know a ton about Georgia O'Keeffe and before I joined here, I'd never heard of her before.
Song Fight has honestly pulled me out of the rut I was in and someday I hope I can repay this place and all the people here. I may not show it enough, but I truly appreciate all the hard work that the Admins and mods do here as well as all of the help and advice some of the members have given me. Sorry for the sap, but it needed to be said.

[MintyHandy]

I'm in the mood for some new music purchases, but I don't feel like buying from the labels -- so these reviews are tagged with offers to buy CDs from those folks that deliver consistent good stuff. If I call you out, in all seriousness, PM me so I can send you some cashage.

Three Hole Punch
I like this odd little song, but I don't know why, and so I can't say anything else. Perhaps it's the urgency in the arrangement. Couldn't get through it, though; got kind of old.

Frisbee
I like the lyrics, I like the guitar playing, I like the vocals. It's got everything but a hook that I like -- oof, boy, you got aggressive all of a sudden there. Whoo. From pleasant to intense to pleasant, with nothing in between. Points for passion, though.

Stylon Pilson
"It's fuuuuuuuuny" was awkward, but it was fine from there. This is very mellow and moves along nicely, but the drums slow it down a lot. I like the concept, I just wish the whole thing flowed better, more smoothly. Very meta. Couldn't hang out until the end, though.

Steve Durand
I feel like I'm in the New Orleans section of an amusement park; nice brass arrangement! Or perhaps a Nintendo game. Heh, the vocals ruin it as a dixieland jazz number, but are comedy gold. You've obviously having a good time, and I like this a lot. Dr. Demento would play this (is he even still around?) The bassline and guitar are classic and make me smile. Nice horn solos! I'll vote for this one if nobody tops it with a serious song. I really like your stuff, keep it up with the whimsy, and PM me to say how you did the brass (name the synth, or was it real?)

Ross Durand
This is a big American country number, and so doesn't really suit my taste, but you crafted and executed it well for the genre, and I like the harmonies. I'll stop there, since it isn't my thing.

Rone Rivendale
Kraftwerk got a real cymbal for Christmas, and let their cousin Steve do the vocals. With the right arrangement and appropriate (i.e. inhuman robotic) vocal, this might have been captivating; as is, it's just self-indulgent. Sorry.

Mike Lamb
Pleasant guitar, good arrangement, but I am not a fan of serious epic songs, so I hereby judge myself unfit to judge (didn't listen to the end, either.)

Melvin
Easygoing, constructed well, and sung well. You're 90% to a great song, but I can't tell you what's missing -- a more memorable musical hook, I think, and a catchy chorus. The guitar solo is terrific, though, and I do esp. like the vocals (harmonies, too) and drums. Steve Durand's whimsy keeps this from becoming my vote for the week (so far.)

MC Eric B
Oh lord. Nerdcore is exploding, and burning shrapnel is falling everywhere. You know, there's nerdcore, and there's nerdy; this is the latter. I'm going to push myself to listen to the end, because I once submitted a crap song about how I deserved to win, and this is my penance. You did a good job with the arrangement, and your vocal delivery certainly matches the lyrics -- but you're neither nerdcore nor Weird Al. Ouch. I deserve this, I know, but why does it have to hurt so much?

Masterhyde
Here's the real rap again. A relief, a balm, a salve after that last one -- heh. Really well done, feels good, even the helium voice portion. And what a great take on the topic! Ah, Masterhyde. I know you don't like my stuff, but you're my favorite songfighter right now, after your entry last week and this one. Great hooky chorus, too (although not as strong as last week.) Hit this level of quality for the next six fights, then release the eight as a CD; I'll be the first in line. Now in the lead for my vote; sorry Steve.

MagnetBox
"About" and "Drought" lost me lyrically, and you never won me back, but it's a good example of the overwrought 80s music that I used to like (not love.) I meant that as a compliment, by the way; I can't do arrangements like this, and you executed beautifully. Just needs better lyrics, a better hook, harmonies, and less level on the guitar (not the solo, though, that's excellent.) Looking forward to your next one, and I'd give this a vote in a weaker competition. I would love to write the lyrics for your next one, too.

LML
You spin me round round baby round round like a record baby round round round round... That aside, I tip my hat to the new queen of treble. Seriously, my head hurts. I can tell there's an interesting song here, but we've moved on from the days of transistor radios. I like your energy, I like your instruments, but I can't get past the tin. Hook up with someone who can help you with the recording, and I'll be eager to hear the next one. Couldn't finish this one, though.

King Arthur
This sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it. Well arranged and recorded, but uninspired lyrically. Ah, it's a protest song! I guess that makes sense, and I do like the arrangement (and the USA, as well) but as soon as I heard the chorus, I started hearing Neil Diamond singing "We're coming to America, TODAY!" and I can't get it to stop -- sorry. I don't disagree with your sentiment, though. (Stopped before the end.)

Just In Case
The male voice here is better than the female voice; the she of this group needs to drop the irony and replace it with enthusiasm. Having said that, I like this. Three voices singing in unison? Egads! Drop the thin high voice and harmonize the other two, and you would have had me; as is, I can't get behind it. Solid guitar playing, and I liked the lyrics.

Jonathan Mann
With an opening like that, who wouldn't enjoy this? Camper Van Beethoven and The Violent Femmes hooked up for this one-time performance, and I adore it. The only thing it needs is for some drums to kick in with abandon. Waiting for it, waiting for it... ah, it never came. Damn. Wild drums and an egg-shaker away from perfection. The lyrics are a bit meta, but also delightful, so I'll stop complaining. Baby (baby), you may have my vote over Masterhyde on this one. Well done. I bet this is Jonathan again -- yep! Great stuff, you and Masterhyde are now duking it out for the dubious honor of my favorite songfighter-of-the-month. Got a CD?

Jolly Roger
This is solid Nu-metal guitar playing in the opening, except for the little blunder right before the lyrics kicked in. The vocals and lyrics don't live up to the quality of the sound. It's kind of karaoke-ish. Get your vocals up to the level of your instruments, and you'll be a formidable force. I'm pining for a White Zombie-style vocal on this... boy, your playing is solid. Nice. Can I hire you out for one of my submissions? (didn't get to the end.)

The Hell Yeahs
Is this the Hell Yeahs? Hell yeah -- I didn't even need to look at the name to know for certain, and I haven't heard any of your stuff since "Brand New Car". Signature styyyyyyyyyyyyyle. Well written, well arranged, well executed -- all good. Three way battle now, with Steve hovering around the three of you (Masterhyde, Jonathan Mann, the Hell Yeahs) looking for an opening. "Give me back my shit" is a great, great hook, and the first/second references to your Sixteen Candles DVD were awesome. Perfect length, too. Oh, wait, it's not over. Okay, about twenty-five seconds too long -- heh. I love you guys. CD?

Handpuppets
There's a band playing without a singer in this room, and in the next room some folks are singing acapella. I like the fast-talking bit, though. I'm going to stop there, because I'm running out of time, sorry. (didn't get to the end.)

DM6
Great period playing, but the vocal just doesn't hold up (you're too white and too modern, sorry) -- great concept, though, well-executed lyrically except for the "sit on my face" line -- did I hear that right? Great playing, though, I mean, wow. You need to get a vocalist who suits your playing style and lyric writing. Nice entry. Should have ended about 2:08, though. (didn't finish listening.)

The Disciples of Beer
You still sound Jack Black-esque, and since I complained about that last week, I'm just gonna skip this one. Nothing personal; I just don't have anything constructive to add this week over what I said before. Sorry. (ended early.)

Cranial Biffida
Fun! I normally love stuff like this, and I very much like this; it's only missing a compelling vocal -- you're dark, yeah, and you're evil, I get that, but where's the FEAR? You don't sound like you have fangs, and it's about the way you're recorded, not the way you deliver -- get some bass and some depth into the lead vocal, and move it into both ears instead of the center. Oh, and the girl-devil vocal is good, but thin. So, that's it for my review of your "Soulless" entry -- where's your submission for "It Belongs To Me"? Seriously, though, I like this better than last week's entry, and that's the right way to trend. Very inventive, keep it up! (stopped listening when my ears bled)

The Contrapositives
Get closer to the microphone, sir. Sir, get closer to the -- yes, that's it, thank you. Oh, now you're too close; I can see your nosehair. Back away from the microphone, sir. Yes, right about...there. Yes. Mm hmm. As for your song, it's cute. A classic "Got Nuthin'" entry, and we're all better for it.

Billy's Little Trip
I wanted to hear more of the radio conversation. Kicks in strong, solid backing for a vocal that's missing about 4db relative to the rest of the track. Like the Cranial Biffida track, this doesn't sound like it was written for this fight (although, again like the Cranial Biffida track, I'm sure it was) -- what's it about, exactly? I like the wacky synth brass solo in the middle, just my cup of tea. (interrupted by work phone call, moved on to next one)

Balance Lost/Balance Regained
"Melancholy wrapped in doubt" -- now THAT'S a happy little toe-tapper. Heh. If you're going to be depressed, you should own it, I guess. I like the arrangement, esp. that stuttering bit, and the main vocal (both styles) is good, but there's something missing. Joy, I guess. I like joy in my songs, so can't really get behind this one. Also a musical hook. Considering how you feel (according to the song), this review is probably going to make you more depressed, so I'll stop here. Heh. (didn't finish it.)

Minty Handy
Oh, I didn't enter this one. Holidays and all that. I suck.

In no order of preference, here is my solid top four:

Masterhyde
Jonathan Mann
The Hell Yeahs
Steve Durand

Okay, I lied -- that is my order of preference, after all. Lots of other good ones here, though, and lots of good songs with one fatal flaw. Strong fight, I'm glad I didn't enter.

[Erwin Cloibhofer]

----------

[Heather. Redmon.]

Heck Yeahs –What we need more of is no more songs from you.

Whatever Don't count on it.

[jb]

Drunk reviewing is only funny when I do it.

[Billy's Little Trip]

Heck Yeahs –What we need more of is no more songs from you.

Whatever Don't count on it.

You rocked Heather! In fact, your entry is in my top 5. I've been rockin' the shit out of it.

[Phil. Redmon.]

(redacted.)

[Billy's Little Trip]

Billy's Little Trip
I wanted to hear more of the radio conversation. Kicks in strong, solid backing for a vocal that's missing about 4db relative to the rest of the track. Like the Cranial Biffida track, this doesn't sound like it was written for this fight (although, again like the Cranial Biffida track, I'm sure it was) -- what's it about, exactly? I like the wacky synth brass solo in the middle, just my cup of tea. (interrupted by work phone call, moved on to next one)

That's Steve Durand on the horns. My vocal levels are going to be the death of me. It's about time going slow when I was young, but going fast as I get older. It's my time and I'm taking back control of it.
...oh, and here Minty, don't say I never did anything for you, lol.
Thanks for the review.

[Erwin Cloibhofer]

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