How to Do Reviews

[Reist]

I just get so frustrated trying to get through these massive fights. Lately I've just showed up, listened to the Melvin song, and left. I just don't have time. How do you guys find time for full reviews? Do you just listen to part of the song, or skip through?

[Billy's Little Trip]

First off, f**k you for not listening to my song after Melvins j/k But yeah, I'm a Melvin fan too I must say.

Here's my process:

First, I listen
First I check out every song quick style. I start the song and listen to the intro and how it kicks or digresses in. If it's awesome at that point, I let it continue, but if it's standard, I skip to around the middle and to see how it's bridged. Again, if it's awesome there, I let it continue. Then I get to the closing to see how the song is wrapped up. Generally after the quick listen, I go back for the full listen, or at least to the song(s) I liked for the full listen if I have time.

Second, I upload
I upload to my itunes and clear my ipod shuffle, then down load the weeks entries on my shuffle. My shuffle plugs into my truck system and I have ear buds when I'm working out, jogging, walking the dogs, etc. I listen to the songs all week. And make mental notes about what I like as opposed to what I don't like.

Third, the review
I write the review on windows wordpad and save it as I go. I generally just review a few songs per sitting. When I'm writing a review, I play the song I'm reviewing to refresh my memory. I try to point out what I like, because I'm pretty sure most musicians already have realized the things they would have done different, or their recording and mixing limitations. I know I do. In fact, 90% of the reviews on my stuff regarding weak areas, are saying things I already agree with and in most cases have already changed, but I always seem to be waiting to the last minute to finish my songs and I have to get it in before the deadline as is. So I like to point out things that work so the member might want to work more with that good thing and advance on it more, but of course this is a personal opinion thing and may not be what everyone would like to hear more of. But hey, it's my review

One thing I have done from the time I joined SF. As a lot of people that have ipods know, itunes lets you organize your music better than just about any other music program around, ie: play lists, genres, etc. I have my Song Fight play list, as well as a Song Fight best of play list that I add my absolute favorite song(s) each week. My best of list is pure gold! My best of list is arranged in genres in groups of 10 songs per each genre group for easy management and up loaded to my 80 gig ipod. The reason I break up the genres is because when I'm in a mellow mood and I want to hear Ross Durand and similar music, I don't want to hear Klownhole next, and vise versa. But when I'm in the mood for a wild ride, I hit random in my Song Fight best of list. My ipods plug into everything I own, plus I even have this really cool portable stereo that my ipod docks into when I'm camping, or at the beach, etc.
....oh, and no, I'm not an Apple salesman. I just think they finally answered the needs of the little guy.

[jb]

Just remember that people whose song you like would like to know that you like their song.

So at the very least, if you listen to a song and like it, you'd be doing a good thing to post a note saying so.

No "full reviews" required.

If you hear something and have a suggestion, post that too.

Don't get too caught up in the reviews. Life ebbs and flows.

JB

[Billy's Little Trip]

I agree 100% with JB on that one. I try to let members know when they hit my musical bone with something awesome they have written/recorded. I generally PM them, but lately I decided to post it publicly so others might take another listen, or if they missed it the first time around.
I posted this yesterday about Ray's tune:
Caravan Ray wrote:
Caravan Ray has gone emo this week

I was waiting to hear how this worked with your lyrics. I have to say, what a fantastic song. Well written and performed. Great FX in the recording to accent the mood perfectly.
....oh, and the avatar is great, lol. It goes perfect with your song this week.
It's one of those songs that can sneak by you if you're not paying attention.....which is odd that I was paying attention.

[blue]

I just get so frustrated trying to get through these massive fights. Lately I've just showed up, listened to the Melvin song, and left. I just don't have time. How do you guys find time for full reviews? Do you just listen to part of the song, or skip through?

this is a cop-out, and you are a bad person.

[roymond]

I'm open for public adulation.

Oh yeah, I have to make some noise first. Damn it!

Did I mention that c.layne song Octopus Trees over on somesongs lately? Hauntingly beautiful, that.