I refuse to use the entry count as an excuse for not reviewing. So, here they are, and some of them are even as objective as they were supposed to be.
A Tribe Called Quoons
production 5
performance 4
writing 4
The vocals seem a little resonant in some places. A bit of eq’ing would have fixed this.
The delivery doesn’t always feel up to par with the rest of the song. I really dig the
Piano loop, it feels very Gnarls-ish.
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Babylon Horuv Feat. Pandamonieum & Atryom
production 3
performance 3
writing 2
Your vocal part is very muddy. Some better mic’ing and eq’ing. The only thing that
Got this up to a 2 on writing was the story line.
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Berkshire Social Scene
production 8
performance 9
writing 7
Seems pretty busy, and I think that takes away from the listening. Other than that, this a
Very decent song, if a bit generic. Great vocals.
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Cabin Fever
production 8
performance 8
writing 9
My only criticism is that it could have used a bit more lead in the mix through some of
The louder spots. Nice discretionary use of effects, and a great job with the vocals.
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The Chadderandom Abyss
production 5
performance 2
writing 1
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Chopped Liver Meat God
production 7
performance 7
writing 7
-1 production point for the drums. The mix could have used some volume
automation in places (if you’re using a DAW). I’m a bit torn on the performance score
as I think you pulled off what you were going for, but it sounds like the reason I
don’t like the Cure.
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Cobalt Stomach
production 7
performance 6
writing 5
+1 production point for the drums. The kick seems a bit much until the rest of it comes in. I’m a bit torn on the performance score, as it sounds like the reason I didn’t like Chopped Liver Meat God. As for writing, there are some great vocal dynamics in here, but the music feels mismatched to it. Overall, decent song, LOO.
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Cock
production 5
performance 6
writing 6
+1 production for the vocal effects. -1 for the REALLY loud parts. The dynamics keep the flow from getting boring, but I found myself clutching for the headphones to get them farther away.
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Country Martyrs
production 4
performance 3
writing 4
The mix isn’t all that bad, but the vocals are. Don’t get discouraged, keep working at it. The bass has a bit much high end for what it is, which puts it right up front where it shouldn’t be.
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Deetak
production 4
performance 7
writing 4
It sounds like you recorded too quietly, then cranked the vocals up later. Lots of noise. Oddly enough, it kinda works for this song. I’m going to be objective and give you a 7 on performance because although I didn’t like it, some CBC listener would. -1 writing point for the verse/chorus flow.
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Durand Durand
production 7
performance 8
writing 8
Some things could use a bit more or less in the mix (in isolated places). Great chorus and funk feel.
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Dutova
production 6
performance 7
writing 6
I like the retro feel of this. I love the synth line a little bit more. The chorus feels pretty meh. Maybe some stronger b/vox and dynamics would have helped.
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Embers Of Autumn
production 5
performance 8
writing 6
The vocals are a bit hot, and very dry. Maybe a touch of verb&delay? Great vocal performance, though.
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Evil E
production 4
performance 6
writing 5
Lack of compression/volume only works if you have some dynamics to show off. The verses seem to just drag with the guitar doubling the vocals, and no diversity in the melody. For the same reason, the chorus doesn’t stick out much either.
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Heine
production 7
performance 7
writing 8
The vocal track sounds like it tried less than everything else. With more punch, they could have really brought the chorus out. The higher octave lead rocks, +1 writing point.
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The Hell Yeahs
production 7
performance 8
writing 8
The whole thing seems to lack life. Maybe some upgraded eq/mastering techniques. As usual, I dig your guys’ punk feel.
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Hostess Mostess
production 8
performance 8
writing 9
I personally don’t like to give this a 9 for writing, but I know a good melody when I hear it. Great chord changes.
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Howl Down The Chimney
production 6
performance 8
writing 8
+ 1 production for the vocal sound, but -1 for the abrasive organ. I think it’s the high end of the eq that makes it stick out so bad. I’m starting to really appreciate your writing style, though.
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Jimmy Jet And His T.V. Set
production 5
performance 8
writing 7
With the sound of your room in the mix, this sounds like a live radio special. Not necessarily bad, just very distinctive. It works well for a G&U song. Some backing vocal takes would have convinced my ipod to keep this song.
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John Kloberdanz
production 7
performance 8
writing 6
This is what makes me not dread G&G songs.
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Jon Eric
production 7
performance 8
writing 7
It turned me on when you said “broke my fuckin heart”. Not a bad song, maybe a bit generic. The vocals feel like they have no air, up in the top end of the eq. Simple fix, and it would make it sound not so home recorded.
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Jonathan Mann
production 8
performance 7
writing 8
-1 performance for the loosey goosey shots on “love me more”. That would have given the whole thing a tighter feel. Other than that, great job on everything.
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Loooove
production 8
performance 8
writing 5
This gets old pretty quick without dynamics or changeups. On the other hand, I DID masturbate when I heard what you did to the vocals. I’m a whore for that kind of thing.
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LSK
production 4
performance 1
writing 1
Please, James, take the time to ask Rone for vocal tips.
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Maggie Kanuka
production 4
performance 5
writing 5
You’ve got a great voice, but it sounds like you’re trying to keeps it under wraps.
Also, are you recording a real piano? It sounds like it harder to do than it sounds like.
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Manhattonglutton
production 5
performance 7
writing 7
The whole thing sounds somehow abrasively loud even when I turn it down.
Guitar is a bit much in the mix. Mixed better, I would have liked this.
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Marlaama
production 4
performance 1
writing 1
+1 for the reverse reverb. -1 for submitting. I am Lord Of loving this a little bit less.
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Max The Cat
production 7
performance 9
writing 8
Way to put the drums where they belong in this particular song. The vocals remind me of Paul Simon.
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Melvin
production 8
performance 9
writing 8
Your voice works well in a lower range. The synth bits don’t translate well to smaller speakers, as all I heard was a staticky noise.
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Melvin Is God
production 4
performance 8
writing 1
With the exception of your vocal timbre, I might have thought this was Rone.
You damn near pulled this off.
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Ochodelculo
production 4
performance 1
writing 1
But YOU didn’t pull this one off.
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Organist Who Can't Tag
production 2
performance 3
writing 2
The pitch shifted bits creep me out.
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Paco del Stinko
production 8
performance 7
writing 5
This rocks a bit less than most Paco entries.
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Pathetic Wannabes
production 3
performance 2
writing 3
Out of curiosity, who the hell do you “wannabe”?
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Pet Squirrel
production 7
performance 5
writing 6
+1 for the bass. -1 for not turning it down just one notch. As far as the rhythm and stuff goes, this is not bad. It’s the vocals that bring it down. In an effort to try and be a little constructive, I’ll say it’s the falsetto-ish lack of balls.
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PiGPEN
production 5
performance 4
writing 3
This has a very “just for shits & giggles” feel. I don’t want to listen all the way through, but I haven’t reached for the fast forward button. I don’t understand…
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Plain Songs For Doves & Tigers
production 6
performance 6
writing 6
The oboe-ish sound works really well in there. I can’t tell if your voice does or not. You sound like
Richmond from the I.T. Crowd.
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Quimby
production 8
performance 9
writing 8
I love your voice. Good decision to add some solo guitar, it makes the song feel, um, fuller. Some drums would have helped a lot too, though.
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R. Mosquito
production 5
performance 6
writing 7
There’s so much fuzz going on that it’s hard to tell what’s doing what behind the wall of noise. The vocal/drum break was good, and much needed.
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Raisin Brain
pproduction 7
performance 6
writing 7
Good overall feel. The lead synth is a bit loud. Lyrics are a bit on the edge… did you just throw “threshold of tolerance” into an 80’s pop song? Damn.
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Red Skeletons
production 7
performance 7
writing 8
The pre-chorus is great, as is the combination of vocal style/organ.
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Rik Gerblick
production 8
performance 8
writing 9
This is well put together. I’ll rock out to it in the work truck. The lead guitar could be louder.
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Roymond Feat. BLT
production 8
performance 7
writing 8
Rock! The guitars are a bit harsh, though. Especially with one of them being panned right.
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Signboy
production 6
performance 5
writing 4
When am I going to learn that I can’t rap?
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The Sky Looks Pissed
production 3
performance 4
writing 4
It’s mostly production and singing that hurts this one. The decision to try and rock out with no drums didn’t really work out too well. Acoustic + no drums = hard to be angry.
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Slats
production 6
performance 7
writing 7
I don’t have much to say about this. It’s pretty good. The vocals are “peaky” in the eq, in the high mids. The guitar is peaky in the same spots, and it’s a bit much together.
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Some Guy Called Noel
production 6
performance 9
writing 8
I like this; If you’re gonna go G&G, go all out on it. The guitar is a bit bass heavy, and the vocals need some “air” at the top of the eq to be heard well. The backing vocals are well placed. I dig the stereo panning.
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Squid Bird?
production 7
performance 7
writing 7
LOL “cacaw!” I don’t get the birdness of this. The squeaky chirping gets annoying right quick.
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Steve Durand
production 7
performance 7
writing 6
-1 for the (harmonica? melodica?) intro that made me turn the volume down.
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Swilington
production 6
performance 6
writing 6
It sounds like you’re using a vocoder because you can’t sing, not because it fits the song.
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Todd McHatton
production 8
performance 8
writing 8
Really nice Brian May-ish solo. I don’t know what else to say. Nothing really sticks out, except the tuba. Tuba? Wtf? Nice.
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The Weakest suit
production 7
performance 6
writing 6
I realize it’s totally out to lunch that I haven’t mentioned this to some other people, but your lyrics feel a bit trite. I’m not a lyric guy, though, so take that with a grain of salt. What would have helped this song a lot is better tambourine playing, and a non generic Mostess melody.
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Wet Towel Society
production 7
performance 7
writing 8
Feels a bit like a showcase of what windows general midi can do. I think this is one of your better vocal performances, though.
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The White Hat
production 8
performance 8
writing 8
I really wanted this to bust out into a full on hoedown. I also really want to bust out my own banjo now.
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The Worldly Self-Assurance
production 8
performance 8
writing 8
Love that synth bit.
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. I think John was too hard on it, later on. Anyway, no, that's not a real theremin (it's a vst moog, Gforce Minimonsta) but that's the vibe I was going for. I'd like to have a genuine theremin someday, but I'm sure I'd need a lot of practice do anything like I did in the song. Glad you liked it, thanks for reviewing!
