september theme ... REVIEWS

[Markleford]

Markleford [...] I really like the 'live' feel of this track - in a way it's a bit weird to hear those electronic sounds like they emanate from some weird acoustic contraption. Nice playing!

Thanks, yeah, I was going for a "live electronic" vibe, as might be heard back in the days when human fingers made notes on synths.

The lead playing was via my Yamaha EZ-EG MIDI guitar. It's phenomenal for mono-lead soloing.

I'm not familiar with the original of this, so can't tell if it's a good cover or not. Enjoyed it though.

Enjoyment was the goal! I generally only do covers for *my* own enjoyment, as my tastes are fairly obscure. But I always hope that others can hear the charm of it: a good song is a good song, period. (That is, if I don't mess it up! )

Thanks for the reviews.

- m

[Khepira]

I don't know if it's intentional, but I recall "Trans-Europe Express" every time the main figure in this song appears.

Not intentional at all. I don't know if I've ever heard that tune (if so, it would be a long time ago.) The only Kraftwerk album I ever bought was Autobahn, and I haven't heard that in decades either.

I can't help feeling like there should be a bit more evolution in the composition.

Yes, I agree -- it's quite "spare" in form.

Thanks for the comments and images.

[emdot_ambient]

At the risk of some inappropriate circumlocution . . . Still even yet more review updates:

vurt -- belugamoogfishsundae: Love the sounds. Does anything more need to be said?

aldred -- Gentlemen Don’t Die: Eeenteresting. Kind of a Theremin meets classical, meets musique contrete lament that resolves into an odd little bistro waltz. Very satisfying in the end. I like the small eclectic chamber orchestra feel here. Nice work.

Glooper_Remco -- Hope Is A Bird With Feathers: As opposed to a bird without feathers? I guess that would be a dead chicken ready for dressing, in which case there would be no hope for the poor bird . . . the people dinning on it have hope that it'll be yummy, though . . . just like the listeners of this song can reasonably hope for a smacking good tune. Really nice groove, awesome vocals . . . how could it not be? Kind of a jazzy lounge/rock act here. Everyone in the place is tapping their toes, sipping martinis and waiting for the waiter to bring their first course . . . I'm hungry. Great tune.

Techbot -- Age Of The Gross: Age of the dozen dozen. Yeah, a heavy un indeed, but heavy on the fun. Great tune. Excellent arrangement. Love the bass, it hooks so well with the beat. Nice change-ups. Really astounding work. I laughed, I cried, two thumbs up. Better than Cats. But I'm an intellectual and so I must hate this song, as it is too visceral. Sorry. Kidding

Markleford -- Chameleon: Funny, but when I think of Herbie Hancock, I don’t think of Moog stuff, I think of the Alpha Syntauri. Huh? Wha's 'at, you say? It was the first computer-based synth I ever used. A long time friend and collaborator of mine bought one of these puppies back in 1985. It ran on Mountain Computer Systems DSP cards in an Apple II computer: green screen, ribbon cable connected to the keyboard. The software was 8-bit crunchy stuff that was based on ancient and limited additive synthesis. It had an 8-track sequencer that was free-running: no quantizing that I'm aware of, you just pressed the record button and played until you wanted to loop the sequence, then hit the space bar. That set the loop point, and you could overdub until you got 8 tracks, adjusting the tempo with just a faster/slower control (no BPM). I really wish there was something like that out there now . . . but I digress. Herbie Hancock was fascinated by music technology and was one of the biggest names to use this system. His song Rockit had a lot of Syntauri on it. ANYWAY . . . review, review, review. Funky. Interesting MIDI guitar leads here. Quite a nice little listen!

[Markleford]

Markleford -- Chameleon: Funny, but when I think of Herbie Hancock, I don’t think of Moog stuff, I think of the Alpha Syntauri.

Actually, I think the synths on Head Hunters were all ARPs anyway! Then again, ARP ran into legal trouble for copying Moog designs when they first started...

But I suppose that's beside the point: Moog did have a major hand in starting that electro-funk fusion wave. Good on 'im, eh?

Funkily yours,
- m

(oh, and the Laswell produced Future Shock stuff was indeed pretty cool too)

[knockman]

WATCH THE SKIES !!!

(and read between the lines of this thread)

...sounds like a good idea, so for these reviews i'll do something akin and deliver a stream of consciousness/drivel that should unfold as the submissions grow. heavens!

partVI

kovacs squealing with delight, the space mouse wheels and weaves - in and out, over and under, ever throughout. energetic quiverings vibrate its whiskers as its snuffling descends upon delicious moon cheese, rapidly devoured.

griels sweeping, scanning, gathering a cosmic harvest, shaken and dressed, 'til lo behold a veritable space salad fresh and crisp, tantalisingly flavoured with a complex vingerette of transmissions destined for other worlds.

mysthar with the atmosphere humming, a cloud formation laced with latent potentials is giving way to small conglomerations of a globular substance that drenches the air. it settles in a hollow and there deposits a pool of primordial soup - a nourishment that triggers the synthesis of life.

emdot_ambient a smooth precision sending waves of information down the limbs and along their radiating fibres, packets of control data effortlessly gliding and and dissipating in harmonic flexure. animated, the unit stirs, a translucent sheen encasing its soft pulsating mechanics, subtle flashes of irridescence morphing within.

more later.

[You™]

nearly in the home stretch...



I like the way this starts, but it gets a bit too monotonous for me after the piercingly shrill lead comes in. The mix is very top-heavy too, robbing the song of its bottom end; its foundation. See it up there like a shimmering curtain over the top of the sonogram? Compare that to Wopelka's second entry. Afraid I wasn't too keen on the solo either. Remove 60% of the lead synth, beef up the bass and cut the song by half and it would fare better. I hope I haven't pissed you off because I do want to applaud you and let everyone know the good work you are doing on the Chrysalid project.



Now those are great bass sounds and a cool jazzy take on the theme. At times I thought the LFO mod on the pad's pitch was too strong - I'd vary it so it was subtler at times, but that's about it. Good mix and swingin' groove. It fits my "definition of electronic music." PS: Raymond Scott rocks!



Dear Mr. Mystahr,

Thank you for your kind words regarding the legacy of physical and artistic contributions our friend Dr. Moog left to the mortals inhabiting Earth. I'm sure you can appreciate how busy Dr. Moog is here in Heaven catching up with deceased friends and relatives and commiserating with colleagues in the Heavenly Music Corporation for which he is now developing new and innovative instruments. Although Dr. Moog can't take the time to personally answer all correspondence, he would like you to know he listens to and appreciates each threnody and requiem sent his way. He is ever active and far more creative than he could be during his evanescent human years, for here he is unbound by the limits of time, fortune, technology or indeed physics. I for one, thought your modestly sublime composition showed great respect, passion, even purity of sound. I know he will be pleased with it.

Yours sincerely,

Saint Peter, Symeon ben Jonah, BarJonah, Cephas, Martyr, Princeps
Holy Executive Officer of The Apostles, Minister of Immigration and Naturalization, Heaven



I'm not familiar with the original of this, but this sounds very vintage even if ever so slightly stodgy. There are a lot of nice sonic details and the mix is great, but I think you could introduce some deviation in the composition to break its uniformity. It needs punctuation not embellishment. I find it very odd that we live so close to each other, have such similar interests and have not crossed paths. When are we gonna have tryouts for Proglamtronica?



I enjoyed the languid retro interplay between the synth and guitar leads though the guitar seems more naturally fluid. I think this would be helped by a little percussion and warmth in the mix. The guitar parts are especially nice. Very mellow.



I found the character of sound in this actually kind of un-Moogy - not bad or anything - just more indebted to modern pop and quirky dance music than the progressive classic electronic sound I associate with his name. But you already said you didn't use any Moog-emulation. Compositionally, I found it like a nicely textured game soundtrack. That is, it sounds good and moves along, but doesn't command attention. It could use as focus a melody or lead instrument. Great stereo imaging.



You and Markleford seem to have similar inspiration. It's definitely funky, though not too raunchy. I like the rhythm and melody. I thought the arrangement was a little too synthetic and sparse. Somehow I think that might be what you intended. My first impression was that the snare sound got old too fast but I don't know if that's a fair criticism. I love the bass - it tastes like chocolate.



Realizing that you used a MIDI file is kind of like finding out that The Last Supper was a paint-by-number - although I knew that going in - so why feel crummy? I guess it's because my estimation of the work naturally goes down slightly thinking you didn't have to strain as much to perform or arrange the piece. In fact, I Googled a similar MIDI file in less than a minute on the ol' intarweb. At least the sounds you employed were really good and authentically analog-sounding. If you reveal that they were in fact presets, I will not be responsible for my actions. Aside from those caveats, it's beautiful.

[Marc JX8P]

(Note from research team: we've ran out of funny ways to start your reviews. Stop asking!)

Alright then, one more review:

Sleepwalk - Yagushi:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Didn't know the title and it was a really fun surprise to recognize the tune after a while. It's really nice, I love the sounds - the synths are great and the drums are punchy. It's only a pity it ends so quickly.

[liqih]

I love the bass - it tastes like chocolate

I agree, <grin>, and I may agree about the snare sound too,

thanks man and congrats for the sonograms idea

[Diek]

More reviews

Griels A Slice OF Moog
Great dob bass and swing intro. Kinda acid-electro-jazz. I like the synth solo lines, they ride very well over the rythm. Groovy indeed, like all the music I've heard from you.

Mystahr Dear Mr. Robert Moog
Back in the heart of the machines. I like the ambient but is a bit static for my taste. I've read very good reviews about your song, so it's probably me.

Emdot_Ambient Cybernaut
I've never heard about T.O.N.T.O. before nor knew the song. Anyway I see a couple (at least) people influenced by this, Tangerine Dream and Vangelis. The structure is a blues but the intentionality is quite far from here. I like the story you've explained about this people.

Nikp2000 A Sailor On Strange Seas
Good synth + guitar work. I like the effectivity of the few pieces in this song. There's passing a variety of synth sonic possibilities, showing the flame Bob started.

Rsmus7 Moogerrober
Curious ethnic rythm. First part is ambient, bridge is more 80's electro-pop and the next change is more Enya-ish. I like the way this soundscapes get in and out. Also a bit of reggae break!. Good sounds and programming.

Liquih Funky Mooger
You're right. One of the first (if not the first) dance styles that were born with synths embedded is Funk. You've done a piece with few instrumentation but highly effective. The synth and the guitar are very well played and the rythm is very well programmed.

Slartibartfast Adagio
I'm quite reluctant to covers. The less known (like You or Emdot ones) the less pain for me to see here.
Once said that, what could I say about Adagio. I'm a Baroque fan. The italian school is great, but one of the most known bits is that Adagio (despite the masterpiece it is). In the sounds plain, all the voices are very good programmed except the low, that sounds too dark for my taste.

and more reviews to come...

[You™]

Stodgy, he says. Lemme see, "heavy, dull or uninteresting: boring...unduly formal and traditional. Dull; graceless or inelegant...

Hey, I said "ever so slightly stodgy" and I also said it had "nice sonic details and [a great] mix." I didn't mean to come off so boorish. I like what you entered and I can tell that you really respect the original - I probably would too. But since there is at least one definitive version around, I thought you could take this somewhere else and inject a bit more of your personality into it as well as update it for us ADHD-inflicted philistines.



I hear the whales and the hydrophone noise but I'm not sure where the sundae comes in. Looking at the sonogram, maybe it's because the pieces slightly resemble a parfait. On second thought, maybe not. It's the best looking picture of the bunch, though. Unfortunately, there is a really nasty transient bit o' clipping at the very end of the file. Other than that, I love this piece - it's simple and odd (and very Vurt) but it's very enjoyable too. I just goes to show how much more you can achieve with less.



What don't you believe? I think there should be something nice for people in pain whilst they're suffering. They're so much senseless delay of gratification in life. I'm not advocating outright hedonism, but life is what you make it. Make the best of every second - like you've done with your song: It's super. Sounds like a lost Radiophonic Workshop soundtrack - I'll say Blake's 7 this time. The piano is kind of phony but since the whole feel is oddly surreal, it's not a problem. Really nice composition. The theater ambience sounds are a nice touch.



What is that sample? I know that song... I'm going to guess it's Remco doing the "Moo-g" parts but that's only because I know he's down with cattle.



You both have done a excellent job on this. I have three minor suggestions:
* maybe turning down or punching out the wah-wah rhythm guitar in parts,
* possibly adding a huge reverb tail on Remco's voice at the end of the choruses,
* and at the end, there's a kind of an odd warble on the voice that sounds like pitch correction catching up with the note. It may just be a natural vocal thing. It's not really bad, but it's kind of distracting. That's nit picky. You guys did a great job. But there was one thing I was wondering: Why is hope a bird with feathers? Don't most birds have feathers? Or are you talking about girls? A bird with scales or an exoskeleton would be noteworthy.



Nice track. The core drum beat is so familiar but I can't place it. However I did recognize the voice of the deceased former governor of my neighboring state Maryland and part-time vice president of the US, Spiro Agnew. Great choice of sample. This song rocks at full volume - it could use some "air" in the high end and maybe a couple more breakdowns, but I love it. I hope you won't give up on the heavy stuff.



Head Hunters is one of those must-have albums - even though I still don't have it. This is a really hip and interesting (as well as condensed!) take on the original, but (you knew there would be a "but," didn't you) it's missing some of it's swing. I think it need needs some staccato syncopated rhythm guitar and/or shakers to emphasize the funky groove. I'm ambivalent about the amount/type of reverb too. The musicianship is excellent, nice drums, keys and horn - especially that horn (a muted trumpet or coronet?) - that whole middle section is top notch. The lead can be a bit harsh in the beginning and end, but it's a really smart funky piece.



I love the original version of this. Your reducto ad absurdum interpretation is cartoonish, manic and mercifully short. It's also very funny. I think its important not to overcook the joke, but I do miss the sustained high-note end. The more I listen to this, the more I am reminded of those cheesy Moog-titled novelty albums that frustrated Bob so much. Take that, Jean Jacques Perrey!

[aldred]

This is the first time I've done this. I'm still a baby when it comes to mixing and the like, so everything below is based completely on personal taste. If you disagree, feel free to ignore me

Here's page 1 ....

The-Starving-Time_In-Memoriam-Doctoris-Roberti
The song title and the distortion go very well together (if that makes sense). It might have been an idea to reintroduce the haunting theme from the start again in mid-tune or at the end.

knockman-the_moog_kookbook
My first real synthesizer was a monophonic Teisco. My mates from school all came along to see what it could do. The result - the first 30 seconds of your song. Oh, and being mocked about having a synth from 'Tesco'. Those were the days. Very funny piece.

Benedict_Time Returns All Legends To Glory
I love the string machine sound at around a minute. Sounds like the Hohner I played to death in the eighties. Great tune all round. You don't know where it's going, and that makes it interesting.

Scamme-Now_you_can_rest
Nice rhythm. Although I think it could have done with a more convincing lead and a break somewhere. And some bass?

MarcJX8P-TheGreatModularInTheSky
I expect other's have said it as well - very Jarre. I think I would have preferred if you'd stuck with the swirling sounds and a ringing majestic melody rather than introducing the arpeggio. The arpeggio sounds a little out of place, a little too bouncy and not quite retro enough. Nice piece though.

Barnadine-Flown
Fits the theme very well. Nice haunting vocals. And the synth sounds there are all barebone, pure and true. I like it.

Khepira_Spirals
It might have been an idea to bring the delay right out up front, tighten it and use it as part of the theme/melody. The sound is a little thin and maybe lacking some bass.

SilentMind_KvRbullshit
Holy shit. My EQ meter is almost a block of white! And I think my blood is starting to pump at the same rhythm! Not really my scene, but I do like the lead synth sound.

Hovmod_in_a_blue_moog_101
Nice squidgy organic sounds. I'm not sure you needed the guitar. Maybe the same chords on a ringing pad and a sine lead? I don't know, this is all taste. I like the melancholic mood anyhow.

poepe___bob_has_left_the_building
Wonderful production. The lead synth only seems to be floating a bit. Good to have a celebration song as well as the mourning ones.

Beardedone_MoodforBobMoog
Excellent. Airy and spacious but never loses its shape. And nice when it picks up at the 2:15 point.

Patrick9-InTheMoog
I have an old old Casino game on the SuperNintendo. This would fit right in. Just when you think it's finished it starts up again. It makes you want to kill, but I like it!

utm-europa+piratetwins
Banjo! There's so much to listen to, so many layers. Great production too. Deserves at least another minute or two in length.

mchlwlsn_AllegroAssai
The only sound I'm not so sure about is the guitar-strum-like sound that accompanies the bass. Very well done otherwise.


--

[Yagushi]

The more I listen to this, the more I am reminded of those cheesy Moog-titled novelty albums that frustrated Bob so much.

Mission accomplished!
That was the intended effect...

Hopefully I'll get some reviews going in the next day or two...

[Markleford]

This is a really hip and interesting (as well as condensed!) take on the original,

Yeah, the original is 15 minutes+ and *still* fades out!

but (you knew there would be a "but," didn't you)

Dashing my hopes and dreams upon the jagged rocks of reality once again!

it's missing some of it's swing. I think it need needs some staccato syncopated rhythm guitar and/or shakers to emphasize the funky groove.

I did make a conscious effort to strip down the arrangement for a small live ensemble feel. The original has like 5 keyboard parts going on at once, a few of them actually being clavinet sounds imitating rhythm guitar. And that's not including the middle section when the percussion kicks in and the tempo starts accelerating...

I'm ambivalent about the amount/type of reverb too.

I probably could've spent more time selecting a more "quality" one (convolution profile or whatnot), but it *had* to be about that size of a room and fairly "live" to satisfy my conceptualization.

The musicianship is excellent, nice drums, keys and horn - especially that horn (a muted trumpet or coronet?) - that whole middle section is top notch.

Thanks. Muted cornet. Actually used a plastic measuring cup like a plunger mute, opening and closing it for that "wah" sound. (The ORIGINAL filter! )

The lead can be a bit harsh in the beginning and end, but it's a really smart funky piece.

Again, going for "live": I pondered reining it in, but only briefy. I like my jazz to be dirty and dangerous, so some pointy stabs to the ears were okay in my book.

Thanks for the time, words, and ears.

- m

[mystahr]

Back in the heart of the machines. I like the ambient but is a bit static for my taste. I've read very good reviews about your song, so it's probably me.

Indeed it was intended as a journey into the insides of the machines, and it was as analog I could get, showing the different sides of it. I very much realize that this is probably not everyones taste, but it is a great thing that tastes differ and give us differentiality.

[/quote]

[slartibartfast]

My apologies for not contributing much recently - time is at a premium. However, I have managed to put together some comments on the tracks submitted. Take them for what they are - a personal opinion only. They are in the order that my mp3 player chose to play them.

Yuskevich - In Memoriam Doctoris Roberti
This is an interesting and suitably solemn track with some original sounds in there. There as an interesting contradiction between the mellow backing and the somewhat abrasive lead that means I can't quite decide whether this a chill-out track or something that demands listening to.

poepe - Bob has left the building
I like the guitar work in this, the sax is great and the synth solo is so-so - could perhaps have benefited from a more interesting patch. The female vocal on this is good also, but the synthetic voice leaves me rather cold. After a while the same chord progression starts to wear a little thin - the track could have benefited from some variation in this area. But overall, this is a satisfying, if rather repetitive track.

Scoops - The Telephone Call
This is one from weirdsville. The connection with the theme is somewhat tenuous. And the point of the whole track is lost on me. Unfortunately, if the track had been more interesting, then I might have been more inclined to try and work it out - but as it is....sorry - not one for my taste.

Silent Mind - KvRbullshit
The pumping compression in this just about drove me crazy - way too far overdone for my ears. While the track is otherwise competently made, it is not particularly original in either melodic content, nor choice of sounds. Strive for more originality, and go easy on the compression, and this may have impressed me more.

Synthasy2000 - The Release
This is a rather rambling track, with something of a freeform structure that left me a little unsure where it was heading. There are some interesting sounds in this track, but the track as a whole didn't quite hang together for me. It seemed a rather random demonstration of various Moog sounds with no linking theme or purpose.

AndreasE - MoogMeetsEmerson
This seems rather overquantised in parts, or alternatively, may have benefited from a little more relaxed playing - particularly the acoustic guitar. The combination of sounds works well, although this probably needs a little stronger melodic line to be a truly memorable track.

liqih - funky mooger
This has a nice funk feel to it, and the track is well constructed. Some of the melodic lines become a little repetitive, however, although the whole track is very enjoyable.

Markleford - Chameleon
I am not familiar with this track, but this seems a very moogy treatment of it. The track itself doesn't fill me with inspiration, but there is some great lead playing in there, over what is otherwise a fairly simple backing treatment. Great choice of lead sounds, very well played.

Caco - Moogie Wonderland
Love that bass! Unfortunately, after a promising start, the track doesn't really develop and go anywhere. There are some interesting sound-effects, but that on its own is not enough to hold my interest for long.

Mystahr - Dear Mr. R. Moog
For a while there, I thought this might have been another "44 seconds of fear" entry - with the low drone suddenly leaping into a raw, nerve-jangling and LOUD squawk. It didn't, but this track is very reminiscent of early 1970's ambient electronica. A bit of an acquired taste, but well done, and in keeping with the theme.