Crack In My Heart and You're to Blame... (Reviews)

[nyjm]

... you give love a bad name (bad name).

There, damn it, now the rest of you can have that melody stuck in your head all day!

Oh yeah, and good luck. ;-)

- njm

[Smalltown Mike]

Unfortunately, I've had that tune stuck in my head since Des crooned it at Gert Mansion when the titles came out.

But thanks—I'm pretty sure it's in there for good, now.

[tonetripper]

just sent it in 10 minutes ago for Gert.... hope it's up on the new page.

[olethros]

@eclectic sp00ns
The sounds are somewhat cool - the song is mercifully short
Score: 2/10

Andrew Reist
Nice guitar, but the effects are clipping a bit. Playing is good, but not stellar. The three guitars work well together, but the chord sequence gets a bit repetitive. No lyrics.
Score: 5/10

Christos Dimitrakakis
This one is mine, so I like it, particularly the constant variations in the chord progression. I hate my singing though and maybe its orchestration is too minimalistic:
Score: 6/10

Gert
Aha, a good one. This is almost excellent. Cool sound, great performances, interesting variations.
Score: 9/10

Jeff Robertson
Playing is unexceptional. The music is far too boring. The sound is too underproduced.
Score: 3/10

Johny Cashpoint
This is kinda interesting with the weird stereo sound and the neat guitar riff. The playing is good. I like the bridges and the whimsical nature of the whole thing, but it's overall a tad too simplistic.
Score: 6/10

Noah McLaughin
Somehow this is similar to the Johny's, but slightly less interesting.
Score: 5/10

PiGPEN
This sounds disjoint. I dig the bass. Or not? No, I don't, really.
1/10

Steven Durand
Yay, happy little vocals. A bit too boring, the playing is OK.
4/10

The Bradshaw Ability
Not bad at all, nice rhythms, good execution.
6/10

Lyricburgler
This has some kind of structure almost. There are a few cool bongos and something that resembles an arrangement somewhere in there.
3/10

Renedo
[REMOVED - admin]

C.D.

[Reist]

Andrew Reist
Nice guitar, but the effects are clipping a bit. Playing is good, but not stellar. The three guitars work well together, but the chord sequence gets a bit repetitive. No lyrics.
Score: 5/10

I just wanted to point out that you are entirely correct. I wrote and recorded this song in about 20 minutes so not much thought went into the chord sequence. I also have only been playing guitar for about 2 months so that's why it's not great.

[olethros]

I wrote and recorded this song in about 20 minutes so not much thought went into the chord sequence.

If this were a write-a-song-in-20-minutes fight you'd get a better score

Very good playing for just 2 months

[jeff robertson]

I also have only been playing guitar for about 2 months so that's why it's not great.

You must've played some other instrument longer than that, though. I'm guessing by your sig, drums, but maybe also keyboard or something. Right? Someone who had only two months experience with music PERIOD could not come up with a chord progression and melody, and arrange multiple guitars to play together, like you did. Unless you were a super genius or something.

I've been playing guitar for 20 years and it wasn't until about the 5th year or so that I played a chord other than E5, G5, and A5. (it was, of course, D5)

[jeff robertson]

If this were a write-a-song-in-20-minutes fight you'd get a better score

"Jim of Seattle" is throwing on of those tomorrow, right?

[deshead]

@eclectic sp00ns: Since you've got songs in each fight this week, I'll give you a 1/3rd of a review: This song reminds me o

Andrew Reist: Ah yes, it's clear how you worked the title in. Good job.

Christos Dimitrakakis: Is this abstract art? At least you're honest about the bad metaphor. The ..uh .. solo at the end removes any chance I could take this seriously. Would've been better if you just went with you and the guitar.

Gert: Yeah Gert. YEAH!

Jeff Robertson: It's a good enough song, but the performance is kinda weak. I'll bet you could tighten it up if you spent more time on it. What's here sounds like you used the first take on everything.

Johnny Cashpoint: This has great movement. It's compelling, if you know what I mean. The only thing out of place was the vocal at 0:44. It seems to sit on top of the mix, in contrast with the filtered vocals through the rest of the song.

Lyricburgler: Dance-club-licious. I think Jeff should be honoured what you did with his lyrics.

Noah McLaughlin: This has some interesting ideas, but the mix is really distracting. Nothing's in its own space. It's hard to say for sure, but I think the bass is just overpowering, muddying up everything else.

PiGPEN: The backing's great, but the way you're singing is ... unfortunate. This might be pretty great if you just delivered it straight up.

Renedo: [REMOVED - admin]

Steve Durand: It's a good song (probably my favorite of the fight,) though the mix needs love. There's lots of mud, and the drums are too quiet. Me, I'd pan things out more (get the guitars right out of the middle,) cut the bottom off the vocals and guitars (everything below 200Hz, or maybe even higher,) and bring the drums up 2 or 3 dB (at least) ...

The Bradshaw Ability: The song doens't do much for me (it's a little monotonous,) so Ill give you some mix thoughts: The vocals are clear. Nice. But I'd like to hear more presence on everything else. The instruments are a little squished into the middle. It might help if you brought the snare level way up.

[Renedo]

Andrew Reist- Short, melodic, It's kind of hard for me to make up my mind. I think I like it.

The Bradshaw Ability- Dystopian.

Christos Dimitrakakis- The word "methadone" comes to mind.

@eclectic sp00ns- Too short.

Gert- Angry.

Jeff Robertson- Admirable.

Johnny Cashpoint- Favorite.

Lyricburgler- Good name, enjoyable song.

Noah McLaughlin- I can dig it.

PiGPEN- I agree, Unfortunate.

Renedo
[REMOVED - admin]

Steve Durand- Second Favorite. Close Second.

[one_dumb_mick]

pigpen......paint chips come to mind but that wouldn't get the point across..........did your mother inject heroin into her stomach during her pregnancy.......or have you ever licked dog anus....i don't get it.....i shit better songs than that.

note:i have no songs as of yet

[one_dumb_mick]

gert....you make me happy

[Reist]

Someone who had only two months experience with music PERIOD could not come up with a chord progression and melody, and arrange multiple guitars to play together, like you did.

You're right about that one too. I have been a drummer for about 4 years now, and played keyboard for a few years when I was little, but haven't played it for a while. My review is coming soon.

[Reist]

This was a tough one to judge. Pretty much every song was a good one. I particularily liked Gert, Jeff Robertson, Steve Durand, and The Bradshaw Ability. Oh and by the way I made the cover art for this one.

Jeff Robertson - Interesting start ... I like the tapping sound. Singing's definitely better this time through ... WOW I love that mix of guitars at about 31 secondsish. I love it. Harmonies work great between different parts. I like the lyrics as well. Interesting soloing. I'm liking this one quite a bit. The double time drumming fits it pretty well. There are a few timing issues but they're not very noticeable. The ending is great too. Potential vote.

@eclectic sp00ns - Cool intro. I like the different sounds. It's a pretty amusing song. I like it. Sounds like some sort of a crazy tribal dancing song. I'm glad you made it short though. Good songs should not be dragged out too long.

Lyricburgler - Cool mix. I don't exactly like how loud the bass drum is. It kind of takes away from the vocals, which are done quite well. Cool beats though ... just should try to keep the tune up in the mix a bit more. Nice drum solo. Were those real drums and bongos? Good ending. Might have been a bit long though.

Noah McLaughlin - Dramatic first hit. You seem to be reaching for the low notes, but that's understandable where the notes are. Really cool music, but the vocals don't exactly speak to me until later on. I enjoy them once you get into it. Really like the mix between the instruments. Overall quite good, but vocals need to step it up a bit.

Andrew Reist - Well, that'd be me. As I said before, this thing was written in like 20 minutes, with not much guitar experience. I really think it could be way better if I was good at guitar, but I think it overall is a pretty decent song ... but that's just my opinion. Potential vote ... just because it's me. I'm not actually going to vote for it.

PiGPEN - Cool start. Don't know about the vocals ... they kind of go with the style though ... maybe try not to sound so moany when you sing. I like how you used you cracked into my heart. You could have instrumental breaks with no vocals though.

Johnny Cashpoint - Weird. I like it once that first thing's over. Creepy but catchy. Don't really know what to think about this one. I am kind of naturally against midi sounding songs but at least it's interesting. Has kind of a frantic cool sound to it.

Christos dimitrakakis - I like the guitar intro.. The vocals could be more accurate though. Just keep the whole guitar thing there, but work on the vocals.

Gert - Could have lowered the levels of the drums in the intro and overall ... I really like the vocals when they come in. They sound like they're professional almost. You really have some potential. Try and work more on the timing of the singing vocals. You guys are pretty good. Is this more than one person? Like a whole band? Because if it was I'd want to see you guys live. Great guitar solo too. A very very potential vote.

Steve Durand - Fun song. I like the harmonies. Kind of one of those songs you'd hear in the background of a movie where there are people driving down a road with a cool guy and a good looking girl up there with him and it would be playing ... just what it reminded me of ... I like the trumpet. Almost beach boys type feel. Good ending. I like it. Potential vote.

The Bradshaw Ability - I like the mix at the start ... makes me want to hear more. Vocals are a bit whiny at some spots but I really do like it. I'm partial to more rocking music so I like this one automatically. I like the lyrics. Cool song.

After hearing everything, you guys all did pretty good, but my vote goes to Gert.

[jeff robertson]

Andrew - have to admit, the first time I heard the opening notes, I thought "only one song in and already the competition is too stiff for me.. this is gonna start slow and then kick in like Metallica or something".. then I saw it was 1:31 and knew there wasn't enough time for it to go anywhere, and I breathed a huge sigh of releif.

Bradshaw Ability - A favorite, because there really isn't anything to complain about. Good lyrics, good singing, music that just does its job and doesn't get in the way.

Christos - guitar is interesting. Can't get into the vocals.

Eclectic Sp00ns - exactly as long as it took to get your point across, and no longer. goodness.

Gert - This is actually like what I was afraid Andrew Reist's song would be like. Bastards.

me - Right up to the last minute, I was still torn between this and a different song about butt-crack. I also considered double-submitting once as me as once as a new pseudonym, but I was afraid someone would still recognize it.

J$ - Space Surfy. Your accent saves it. If you were American I'd say there was no need for this in a world where Man.. or Astroman? and Servotron had ever existed but as it is, it has a place in my heart.

Lyric Burgler - I never imagined somebody could take my lyrics and do something this different from what I did with them. In my song those lyrics really were just an excuse for the music, which in turn was just an excuse to use a slide, wah, and fuzz pedal all in the same song, which had been sitting unused since approximately 1998. You actually built the song around the vocals more than I did. This is 'Lyric Burglers' first entry.. are you a new personality for somebody who's been around?

Noah - At first the vocals sound too reachy to hit those low notes, but then you start growling and its cool. Possible vote getter, in competition with the Bradshaws. I like how there are notes that I am still not sure if they are guitar or keyboard.

PigPen - the vocals remind me of Brak from Space Ghost Coast to Coast.

Steve Durand - happy! poppy! The vocals are almost too happy.. what this needs is a slightly strained, pained sounding voice like the guy from Of Montreal. Nothing to complain about in the instruments, and lots to like. Nice note to end the fight on.

[PiGPEN]

I guess no one gets what i was trying to do. =_O

[jeff robertson]

I guess no one gets what i was trying to do. =_O

You were bringing realization to Caravan Ray's idea of a booty disco song, right? But you still sounded like Brak. Which isn't neccessarily a horrible thing; Brak is funny. And chicks dig funny. My wife would probably leave me for Brak.

[PiGPEN]

I would leave myself for a life with Brak but thats beside the point.
I'm wondering why the fightmaster didnt include the full name i gave for this fight because i think that wouldve helped people understand what i (PiGPEN the Ass-Disco King) was doing.

[anti-m]

Renedo
[REMOVED - admin]

Wha happen to Rendeo? I notice he/she's gone from the stream too...

[olethros]

Sorry about my bad vocals. The chord changes and minimalist guitar playing require a singer with a much better sense of his own pitch. As it was I was struggling to move the pitch to the correct position everytime. It'd be fun if some better singer wanted to have a go at it - perhaps with not so stupid lyrics.

[Lyricburglar]

CHRISTOS: This is quite bizarre. Interesting voice - but too soft and mumbly to really stand out

ANDREWREIST: Some nice sounds - but not really enough to make it interesting

NOAH: I like this - the French chorus is very cool. That panned filtered voice is a nice touch. I would listen to this again. Great stuff

PIGPEN: I like your vocals - it works well for me. I hate the synth sound though. The music sounds a bit sterile - I'd rather hear this dirtier and distorted - then this could have been very cool

STEVEDURAND: Good song - but I don't like the arrangement - the drum sounds a little robotic. Good la-la-las. I think I'd like to hear this played more like one of Paul MaCartneys sappy songs eg. "I Will"

ECLECTICSPOONS: Hey! Aren't you the guy from Squeeze who sang "Cool For Cats"? I can't help but like this. Very silly but enjoyable. Ha ha - you said "arsecrack":lol:

BRADSHAWABILITY: I've got my skinny tie on and I'm doing the pogo! I love this. Great song, well written and I love the performance. Perhaps one or two more takes on the lead vocal and you could have nailed this even better - but it's a fine job nevertheless.

GERT: High quality as usual - but it's conjuring images of spotty teenage boys in black t-shirts. Not my thing. I would like to party at Gert Mansion though.

JEFFROBERTSON: Intro is a bit dodgy - but I love it when the guitar kicks in. That is some seriously good guitar wankery. Good job on the vocals too - though they sound a little dry to me - I'd like to hear some ear-bleeding distortion and reverb on them.

J$: Catchy as bird flu. I'm a sucker for those type of bass lines - and the low "ooohs" are great. Nice whishpery-type lead vocals too. You are really annoyingly consistantly good nowdays!

LYRICBURGLER: This is me. I did the riff thing as part of my own aborted entry - then arrived home to Brisbane on Sun night - saw the time extension - saw that Jeff's lyric post seemed to be almost inviting someone to take his lyrics - and it seemed like an obvious path to take.
Bad mixing job - the bass drum is way too boomy. Sounded OK on headphones when I did it - but almost shook the Corolla to pieces when I put it in the car stereo


Really nothing bad in this fight and a lot is very good - I will vote for Bradshaw Ability.

[Lyricburglar]

Were those real drums and bongos?

Maybe. You'd have to ask the manufacturers of Garageband that. They're certainly not my real drums and bongos