Bewells: On one hand, this seems like a safe, first-round entry. On the other, it sounds amazing. I really like how forward in the mix you made the vocals.
Bjam: Your voice allows me to forgive the obviously rushed recording. For the next round, I'd a) make sure you give yourself more time, and b) take a tip from the Bewells entry, and get your vocals that far forward in the mix.
Calfborg: Great mood. I keep getting an 80's vibe from your vocal delivery, though I can't place the band. Chalk Circle? Anyway, keep submitting stuff like this and I'm sure you go the distance.
Denyer: The "minesweeper" reference seemed out of place, but maybe it just went over my head. If you submit more stuff in this genre, you might consider lowering the kick a little and raising your vocals. Your voice works well for the style, so you should let it take center stage, so to speak.
Glenn Case: My first thought when I heard this was "and they say *I* sound Canadian??!?!" Then I saw your reference to Odds in that other thread, and it all came together. I think you've already won the contest.
Heuristics Inc: It's like Skinny Puppy or early Ministry or some such. I'd like to hear the vocals a little clearer, but then, the piece does work as a whole. Maybe the lyrics aren't that important to it. Either way, I don't think you have anything to worry about.
Jim Tyrrell: This is full of great hooks! "As good as dead to me" is a sweet lyric, especially the way you syncopate it. Fantastic song, man.
Jolly Roger: The key to convincing drum machine parts is variation in the cymbals and hi hats. If you have the capability (and plan to use the drum machine in the next round,) I'd allow yourself a little time for "humanizing" especially the hi frequency parts.
Kamakura: Eff, link isn't working for me. I'll try again later.
Ken: Yeah,
you needed immunity. Heh. I like the way you cleanly finish every syllable. Very controlled singing. Makes everything so clear.
Leaf62: Just awesome. Ramones meets The Specials. Unlike Niv, I really liked the "fairy tale " line. The whole song, really.
Noah: I could be way off base here, but I get the impression you're trying to sound like Aaron Lewis. If that's the case, it might be hurting the song. I want to hear you sing it all relaxed and comfortable in front of the mic.
#: I didn't get # 'til I covered On My Block. Now it works for me. "At the theee-a-tuh" cracks me up
Remiss: I think this would have worked much better if you'd used real handclaps, and backed off the mic so you could give 'er a little more. Maybe some tips for the next round.
Ross: Some really sweet phrases in this. "With or at me" is great. Good choice with the organ on the right, too. Totally enhances the mood.
Sausage Boy: This is bold. I figure you're just doing your thing, so it might not seem that way to you. But depending on how the judges do their judging, this could sail, or ... well, not.
Stueym: Why in God's name does this remind me of the Bay City Rollers?
It's definitely a great song, and I'd say it just needs some mix love. Don't be afraid to push the bottom end a little!! Maybe try listening to some commercial CDs while you're mixing, to give your ears a reference.
Sven Umlaut: I reckon the guitar riff is the single catchiest thing in the whole first round. Listen to j mascis much?
Texavan Ray: Hahahaha .. This cracked me up, in a good way. So much fun.
Thornberry: A little Wings, a little Manic Streets ... Overall, very very good. This is probably the most commercial-sounding song of the first round.
WreckdoM: When you say "ballet," you mean
ballet, right? Either way, great WreckdoM.
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