june contest ... GOSSIP

[Hovmod]

Hand Scotch please and next tune.

Thanks for that bunch of laughs, Emdot.
This gossip thread was in dire need of Dr. Kevorkian, but Sven Schlameel brought back its will to live...

Well, I almost fell like I'm plagerising knockman. This kind of review is really inspired by his work in the past.

I liked your last song, as well. You're certainly one to watch.

Thanks! Though I'm not sure which one you're refering to, I've been fairly productive lately. In fact, I just posted one tonight that's all Krakli instruments (see link in sig). Not being in the monthly contest has really let me get back to some personal work.

I was talking about the krakli song.
Very nice. I can almost picture the Stockhausen-like notation for it.

[griels]

Wow! Cheers for the number one vote Opia..
I knew someone would believe in my message.

I think you might need to cast 7 more votes though..

[Khepira]

I'm going to try and 'review' at least some of my 'faves' from this month.

As usual, I read other reviews, give another listen to some tunes, question my original choices to some degree, and realize I've also bypassed some good stuff in my picks and HM's. Sigh . . . So it goes.

A general comment about contest judging: I don't care how 'up-to-date' songs / styles / genres sound (though it's relevant this month). I don't care about using 'new & different' sounds. That can certainly add to a song -- but it's not the main criteria by a long shot; and it can't replace other song elements unless it's done quite well.


"Hometown"
-----------------
This has got several things that combine to make it my #1:
- good 'pop' energy, with enough rock-y 'edge' for my taste.
- good guitar in the chorus part that doesn't overpower anything, just adds what it needs to
(though it could be just a little louder / 'chunkier'?)
- overall good mix; including clear vocals
- vocal is really well done, and the lyrics are good enough you actually care about hearing them!

"Noisy Town"
-------------------
It's all just done very well, and makes a unified whole, fitting nicely into the 2 min. time frame. If it wasn't well-produced it wouldn't be very notable, but it is -- so the 'groove' breathes and dances over the bass (which is quite good in all aspects.)

"Dreaming"
----------------
If this month was a complete free-for-all, "Dreaming" might place even higher for me. Listening now, I hear even more subtle hard-panned echoes of the guitar parts -- which not only sound great, but are very well combined to make the 'center' of this piece. I like the oboe-ish part, and the bass near the end. The intro is good, but I'm a little doubtful about it -- can't say how, but just vaguely feel you could improve it somehow as a lead-in to the guitars. Maybe give just a little "taste" of the guitar right at the start?

"Mr. Right Now"
-----------------------
Nice to hear an R&B style for a change, and someone really using their voice well, with some improvisation in parts. Great pop vocal, which isn't *quite* as clear and up-front as I'd like, though the tune is well-mixed. Maybe a pro studio would add just the right kind/amount of compression there. At least the backup voices are adding quite well to the tune. Lots of little 'bits' to enjoy in this, including the NY twang at the start. On another day, this could place higher in my (quite subjective) top ten.

"Stop I know"
-------------------
I like the autotune 'sound' as it's used here, but it does cut down a bit on how clear the lyrics are. Nice synth sounds, and morphing of the vocal in parts. The lead break adds very well to the song, especially the way it moves into the morphed vocal.

"Athens"
------------
This is a nice break from the more synth-pop-rock stuff. It all sounds very 'real' (I forget whether you told us if this is all live-played.) Good vocals / harmony, (and well-mixed, as usual) The lyrics *content* I'd give maybe a 'B' (just because rather cliched in parts, compared to some other entries), but that's overcome by the good performance and writing technique (rhyme, word rythym). At least they mean something, and add to the song. I have to agree about the electric guitars -- they stand out a bit too much for my taste, and conflict with the vocals some (at least near the end.) Overall -- quite enjoyable.

"The Contract"
---------------------
An engaging vocal that seems to tell a 'story' all its own -- Who *is* this gravelly-voiced character talking about misery, selling out, and chopping of heads? There's a fairy-tale sensibility - mood here I really like. I see a man soliloquy-ing in some dark corner of a decayed English manor house or castle. Orchestration and melody are what stand out for me in this, technique-wise. Very nice. +15 points for the way the french horn comes in. Yes - too much reverb overall. It seems well-mixed aside from that. (Just a *bit* too loud, drowning the vocal somewhat here and there.) Would likely place higher in my vote in a real free-for-all.

"Midnight is a Destination"
--------------------------------------
Lots of nice sound and rythym in this. Quite enjoyable. Love the kick sound. Nicely done transition at 00:56--01:00. I don't have much to add to what's already been said, since I basically agree with all the previous points made (at least those in the mostly-positive reviews.) Overall -- a real 'success' I think, in your attempt to add more variation to your songs. That aspect is definitely a part of this song's strength for me.

"Future Bride"
--------------------
Nice intro, leading into the vocal. I like the way the tune changes subtly to follow the change in lyrics from the 'ugly' to 'future.' Great job in making the vocal mostly clear, up-front, with enough processing (I think) to add some texture / interest. And, of course, very enjoyable vocal performance. I would cut the last bar at the end. The bass line seems a bit static /stacatto for my taste, bit I didn't even notice that 'till specifically listening to the bass now, so . . . it probably fits in the overall structure just fine.

"It's a Deal"
----------------
Excelent melodic line, and lead sounds. However, there's a degree of "sameness" of sound throughout, to me -- not a big deal with this tune.

[Beardedone]

"It's a Deal" Beardedone
Cool underwater bell sounds and (I hate to say) excellent drumming. I only hate to say that because it's that slicy-dicy software you use, isn't it? Good mix too. I own a few records like this so I know it's within the realm of possibilities. It would be interesting to see if you could perform this live with a jazzy little combo. I'm glad to hear you would be satisfied with 10 customers for your music. You'll only need 9 more.

Thanks so much George!

Performing this will require much better chops than I have in hand right now. That's the thing I love about this technology. I can produce music that is above my playing ability.

FYI Check my entry notes No Slicy or Fillin this month. This is all BFD. Some playing, some programming some premade midi grooves. I got to say that BFD really is a dream come true. Thanks to Multree for convincing me to go for it. All I need XFL with it's brush kits to assemble all of the kits I would use.

Cheers,
Gordon

[You™]

...Check my entry notes No Slicy or Fillin this month. This is all BFD. Some playing, some programming some premade midi grooves. I got to say that BFD really is a dream come true.

I must have missed that. Good to know the robots haven't completely taken over.

"while you were sleeping" grotman
So you're pretty sure you're gonna win, eh? Maybe. Not a bad riff. Not quite a song though. I think the snoring would have ben funnier if it was further in the background and not fooled around with using the sampler. This song does kinda grow on you doesn't it? Needs better mixing -> compression, EQ a bit of limiting on the master to fatten the sound.

"future bride" remco
What happened to Emerald Tablet? Now that you're re plain Remco, you're so mild-mannered and calm. You're almost ... normal. And what, you thing you're gonna marry a normal woman who's gonna love for for being "just enough for her?" Yikes. I'm thinking you're getting a tad passive aggresive. The mix seems to be missing high-end, it's a little claustrophobic which adds to the weirdness. Did you roll-off to much high freq. with your EAS plugins? I don't know. There's a rough splice or something at around 1:10, just before "by my side."

"Noisy Town" Guido Scognamiglio (ZioKiller)
Love it. Not intensely original, but cool and refreshing. One of my faves this or any month. Excellent production. You'd do well on ESL records with Thievery Corp.

"Tabasco" Plunge
Personally, I'm a big fan of Tabasco sauce. I use it on all meals. Especially like it on grits. This is quite a tasty concoction you've brewed up here too. Excellent playing all around. The plate reverb on the drums is cool in parts but I'd change it up with something more open and less resonant. Given your songwriting skills and penchant for more straightforward pop arrangements, I'm surprised you didn't go that route this month. Nevertheless, it's boss funky vamping.

"jongleur" mchlwlsn
This is certainly clean and well played. Maybe a bit too perfect. It tends to be so easygoing and smooth, it doesn't get my attention until the mysterious flute-like sounds in the second half. I hate to say it, but I suppose this would be at home playing in some new age 'candles, kites and wind chimes' shop or on Windham Hill.

"Biggest Hit" Respirator
It would be nice if this did make you rich. Hey it worked for Right Said Fred didn't it? You do have it all and if the vocals were more earnestly sincere, it would be hard to spot the sarcasm. The drums (mostly the snare) while perfectly played, are a bit harsh sounding for pop fare and the screechy dissonance before the solo at 1:30 is deliciously cacophonous. It puts me in mind of classic Talking Heads though I doubt anyone would confuse you with David Byrne.

[Beardedone]

Beardedone -- It's a Deal: What you put something in my Scotch? Oh, no, just flashback. Everything okay. Trip jazz fusion song. I'm in 1978 again . . . only better! Hi hi SVP hate jazz more than French. Put on list.

Are you saying you hate Jazz and French? Better not be in Montreal next two weeks then!

Thanks for the nice words! Emdot_ ambient!



Cheers,
Gordon

[Beardedone]

I robot, George?

[emdot_ambient]

Beardedone -- It's a Deal: What you put something in my Scotch? Oh, no, just flashback. Everything okay. Trip jazz fusion song. I'm in 1978 again . . . only better! Hi hi SVP hate jazz more than French. Put on list.

Are you saying you hate Jazz and French? Better not be in Montreal next two weeks then!

No, Sven likes Jazz and French, especially French food and French women and French movies where they show a lot of tits. It's his Senior Vice President that hates them, and it seems Sven and his SVP are headed for a showdown.

Your song's on our short list.

[emdot_ambient]

I liked your last song, as well. You're certainly one to watch...I was talking about the krakli song. Very nice. I can almost picture the Stockhausen-like notation for it.

Ah, then you have been keeping an eye on me! I thought it felt like someone was watching me . . . how many fingers am I holding up right now?

Notation? What's that?

I do have a good deal of Stockhausen . . . there are actually a couple parts on one of his Aus Licht operas that were pretty good. But PHEW takes a while to get to them!

[xander]

Mr You™ & Emdot --

Thanks for your observations & constructive comments & thanks for listening!

Cheers,
Alex

[Emerald Tablet]

"future bride" remco - What happened to Emerald Tablet? Now that you're re plain Remco, you're so mild-mannered and calm. You're almost ... normal. And what, you thing you're gonna marry a normal woman who's gonna love for for being "just enough for her?" Yikes. I'm thinking you're getting a tad passive aggresive. Smile The mix seems to be missing high-end, it's a little claustrophobic which adds to the weirdness. Did you roll-off to much high freq. with your EAS plugins? I don't know. There's a rough splice or something at around 1:10, just before "by my side."

what was i thinking huh ? two months of my life to waste - wel luckily i`m a positivo - uprise here again. and nope - normal woman ? never - perhaps normals woman if normal wouldnt kill me over that
guess i undelibberately compensated the normalness with a claustrophobic mix in the next entry i wil screeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmm

[slartibartfast]

btw. It's a great job you and a few others are doing reviewing all of the songs. It's a lot of work to capture your thoughts in text and distill something usefull for every song. And much appreciated.

Knowing how much I appreciate constructive feedback/criticism on my own stuff, I figure it is the least I can do - after all I can't really expect to receive comments from others unless I am prepared to do the same myself.

FWIW, as far as feedback on my own work is concerned, I find the best comments are those that offer something specific, and constructive (e.g. this month's comment about the bass/kick having been lost on some systems, and the drums being a bit too "busy" and uncoordinated). These give me something to work on, and improve for future submissions. I try to offer similar suggestions myself, where I can, although there are times when I wonder whether I am adequately qualified to do so, and other times when my comments are more related to taste/personal opinion. But I figure folks can use or ignore my comments, as they wish......

[Beardedone]

Beardedone wrote:
Quote:
Beardedone -- It's a Deal: What you put something in my Scotch? Oh, no, just flashback. Everything okay. Trip jazz fusion song. I'm in 1978 again . . . only better! Hi hi SVP hate jazz more than French. Put on list.


Are you saying you hate Jazz and French? Better not be in Montreal next two weeks then!


No, Sven likes Jazz and French, especially French food and French women and French movies where they show a lot of tits. It's his Senior Vice President that hates them, and it seems Sven and his SVP are headed for a showdown.

Your song's on our short list.

Wow! Thanks!

[Katanaman]

"An open letter to the Man" Katanaman
Love it. Might be the best song this month. It fuckin' rocks. Perfect.

Thank you!

[You™]

"Mr. Right Now" Lady J
Now that the submissions thread is closed, it would seem that you have clearly entered the epitome of the meretricious and profligate bastard genre that inherited the moniker R&B. To me, RnB means Arthur Alexander, Otis Redding, Bo Diddley, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Bill Withers, Rufus and Carla Thomas - just about anything by black artists between big band / jazz up to the commercialization of disco and funk. Though I love the soul and RnB I grew up with on the transistor radio, I have not been able to embrace much since the genre took a nosedive in the 80s with the solo career of Lionel Richie or that evil song by Kool & the Gang. The one they play at every f#^$%* wedding! I will not utter its name. Unfortunately, this style of music would be exactly why I no longer listen to the radio. Your song: Impressive? Sure. But memorable? No way. I much preferred what you were doing with "I Lost My Robot," where all the autotune seemed appropriate. At least this new song will help move all "The Backups" merchandise - but judging by your comments, I'm afraid you actually believe your own hype. If we don't impress you, why do you want to impress us? Well, Simon says: "You probably think this song is about you." Can't beat that: reviewed, remixed, written about and roasted. I hope respect is a worthy substitute for attention.

"Love Strikes" Barnadine
Postmodern Buddy Holly. Awesome. This is such a great song. The mix is a little dark and chilly, but it has nifty and inspired lyrics and elements like the banjo, that percussive guitar work (I assume that's guitar) and the final chorus. What a great song! I wish I could say more, but I'd rather just shut up and listen to it again.

"Rocktronica" Kovacs
It's starts off like the worst of the 80 power pop and morphs into the oddest unclassifiable thing. From awfully cheese to chaotic ataxia in 28 seconds. I wish it was sooner. Once we've safely arrived in the dog's breakfast, all is well. Not a catchy song, and I could have done without the obligatory fusion rock solo starting at 1:10 but pretty interesting on the whole.

"(Standing on a high cliff off West Maui Tripping as the) Waves break (into my consciousness crashing on the rock) below me " eman8ions
I like it. Maybe "nothing much," but it is pleasantly stimulating. I like it a lot. I don't know your usual MO, but this seems an avenue worth pursuing. I did a fair bit of hallucinogenics back in the day. I remember walking down a nicely manicured street one night marveling at the sparks shooting out underneath the decorative cabbages before a rather large symmetrical vortex opened in the starry sky and began pulling everything towards it. Fortunately I made it home before melting only to discover I had to perch on furniture all evening because of the thick lavender fog that obscured the floor. I would have loved this song back then. So would Dock Ellis.

"Hometown" Glooper
You English baffle me. You make fun of us yanks for manhandling your precious language and then go off and try to rhyme "fellow" with "killer." And then all that slang. It takes me a good couple days to decipher Donkey Tugger posts. What happened to the bass? I think you need to tighten and simplify the drums and rework the bass into something a lot deeper and groovier that works with the beat. That will anchor your verses. The sibilance of your rhyme acts as the hats and cymbals. And you could cut back the effects on your voice a little or at least in parts. It's a terrific vocal sound but too much for such a fast-paced delivery. The marimba is a nice touch.

"Tower of Babel" HAMMER[SCAPE] - Shane Sanders
I love how you quoted Bill Graham and Madame J concluded you were talking about Billy Graham. Sublime. You always have exquisite percussion and textures and I like all the middle eastern flavor with which this is infused. I don't find much of a riff or motif that stays with me after listening - maybe the main bass line, though I think it's a bit too sophisticated to be an earworm candidate. Could be untraditional soundtrack music to a traditional modern movie about ancient times.