Written over several nights - sorry for the typos - I just figured I would get them posted.
Fortune’s Favorites - I suspect the lassie angle crossed most of our minds - kudos for going after it. Seems a log way to go for what is essentially a one-liner. I think you managed to develop it pretty well for what it is, and the last verse takes an unexpected turn
. Tuneful and interesting. I think the arrangement could definitely be improved, but I suspect you are limited by your resources here.
Doscientos - I think you would have achieved the thick sound you seem to be going for better by having the stereo guitars doubling each other at the opening. A little too thick for it’s own good, actually. This rocks ok, but I think structurally I feel like it is only half a song.
Gawking Urethras - Right off the bat it sounds like the vocals and guitar don’t quite agree on the pulse and phrasing. “Tapping back to the well” are you dancing? Is that like shuffling back to buffalo? The backing track grooves in a way that some of your edgy vocals conflict with. This track is ok, but feels like it is not completely developed lyricaly and like the vocals are detached from the rest of it - somehow.
Gooey Caramel Centaur - I think your lyrics are quite interesting even if I don’t know exactly what they mean - I think they share a clear vision internally. Tuneful well constructed and earnestly performed. It does begin to feel a bit long about 3/4ths of the way through.
Loose Napkins - hmm interesting ripped off opening lick. not much song here.
Jon Eric and Friends - Hmm - the tune feels quite awkward at the top of the tune. I appreciate the attempt at not having a same-old-same-old tune. The chorus works pretty well, and the backing tracks work great - who did the piano? is that your new digital thing? Nice work. some excellent vocal turns as well, especially in the post solo section Like some of your other work, I feel it is about 2 bpm too frantic.
Good work, but some awkward spots, including the verse tunes may be holding me back on this one.
KA - Intro feels a bit long, and the drums are a little distracting. some tasty licks. I think this seems like a problem of momentum, musically - the song feels like it takes too long to get where it is going, musically. I am having trouble figuring out if the lyrics are to be taken at face value or whether it is supposed to be a satire.
Kokiri Warriors - the opening is not making me optimistic. So this is some kid reading and enjoying hearing there own voice with reverb?
Deetak - I do wish you would open your mouth and sing on a track like this. Why are you whispering everything? Interesting story - especially paired with the gospel work song idiom. That juxtaposition makes this a very interesting piece. Nicely arranged.
Crack my Jaw - This is a nice little folk tune - it took a while to grow on me, but it’s pretty nice. Since you chose the Timmy name - I was waiting for a Lassie reference. The shout at the ending takes away from it.
Clubs - I guess this is relatively successful at what it sets out to do. Bummer about the digital snare - that may have made all the difference.
Paco - great opening lick, man. Jack and Jill - nice title take. after that the song is not doing much for me except for a groove and some great playing. Actually gets a little longish in the guitar solo section.
Swilington - ok, heavy on the atmosphere. Not much song here - maybe it would workas an album track, but it needs the rest of the album, I am afraid. Nice groove and delivery.
LML - I started bobbing my head right away. The vocals are a slightly obnoxious and almost got in the way of me being able to hear the “song” in here. Teh verses and chorus are so similar in tune, timbre, lyrics - it just gets pretty boring. I hear you trying to use the arrangement to manage that, but it just isn’t varied or cumulative enough to make it work for me. you do sound pissed, though.
Cock - Great intro and line into the groove. The transitions and arrangement make this work so well, and the title take is good. nice job.
Pathetic Wannabees - the lyrics all disconnect for me. I think I may hear some of what you were going for here - but the nuts christmas thing - I feel like you go more for sound than meaning in this case, and I prefer a combination of either. To me, several rhymes and pieces of wordplay fell short (including well...wall)
Manhattan Glutton - pretty slick sounding. Nice break into the distorted section. I admit that I am not hearing a lot of what this song is about, but it sounds nice getting there. however, it does get a little long.
Hell yeahs - Ok: not exactly a review of this song, but - when I first started this almost 5-years ago, you guys not only rocked great, but you also had some of the strongest production, but I don’t feel that the production end has grown much over that time while those around you have shifted that. It is not really about the song at all, but I thought I would say it out loud - I’d love ot hear your production move forward, as well. I realise it costs time and takes money - so if those are the limits - screw it, but there ya go.
Now to The song - great opening guitar counterpoint. This wanders a bit - is this about Silence of the lambs? I heard “Hannibal” in there. “This Place is Dead” is a cute double meaning. I wish this was a bit more focussed.
Tuners Union - nice guitar opening. right off the bat. The backing vocals are a bit wide for the rest of the mix. Quite 1973 neil young-ish (good in my book). Nice song - oh, I’m not a big fan of hte funky break - you kinda lose me - all of a sudden it’s budget Sufjan. hmm
Orchestra of Blades - this is hard to listen to since it is so hard to hear what you are saying and also because the mix is a bit harsh on the ears. as a result I have little to say about. I heard your sounds, but not your song.
FF - I love the opening line, and the second lie, too. The lack of rhyming scheme and over repetition of the get my money back line take this way down for me, although it is nice to hear you trying some new things. Ends a bit too quickly as well.