I figure the best way to post results will be by the informal matchups, since that might be the most interesting part for the participants. Remember, your scores are how you ranked ... low number is good.
Maradona:
In the Eye, by Iluvatar
This reminded me of Genesis/Domino with the electronic sounding drums 1/2 way thru; solid vocals, good mix of styles that flowed nicely. This is one of those tracks that, while I liked it plenty (and it got better with every listen), I liked the others above it more. Victim of stiff competition.
Ranking: 4
The Viking:
Gloria, by Mando Diao
Man, that was F-U-N!! That put the "fun" in funky, but I'm not sure it has lasting value. Left me feeling like this is what the result would be if the Village People tried to recreate the vibe of Copacabana. I believe the 'fun-ness' will wear off quickly. Good track though.
Ranking: 3
The Skipper:
The Wrong Side of Weird, by IQ
More like 'the right side of awesome'. Lonestar comes to the battle with Nem wielding a big blade. Main/opening melody sounds incredibly like The Song Remains the Same. This had everything I love in a great prog song - strong keys, great instrumental section, wicked vocals, excellent and diverse guitar licks. This one rocked my socks. Helps that he led with a band I've been dying to hear. Given he got his in before the DJ, I feared for her well being this round.
Ranking: 2
The DJ:
Obsession, by Epysode
However, if this was a knife fight with RJ, Nem came prepared
"The Chicago way". She pulled a gun on you dude. Wow... killer - ABOLUSTELY KILLER - prog metal. I needed a cigarette after this one, and I quit smoking 20+ years ago. Hit on every nerve of what I love in music these days. I was worried that my impression was swayed by her 'presentation' (with the back story that this is part of a concept album, and given to me in the form of a very well done video). However, with every subsequent listen (sans video), it just got better. Gotta get me some more of this. This is the track that "moved" me.
Ranking: 1
The Monarch:
Mantis, by Umphrey’s McGhee
Started kinda odd and strange. Almost like late 60s psycadellic/experimental stuff. Finished very strong though. Nice instrumental outro. The styles just seemed to bounce all over the place with no real flow
Ranking: 5
The Koala:
Fly to the Moon, by Axel Rudi Pell
Killer opening riff. This is what I call knowing your audince - Kade leads with a vocalist he knows I love, and I suspect he wanted to get ARP submitted before anyone else could.. I pictured Animal from the muppets on the drums... Frantic yet controlled. ARP has been high on the radar for a while, and this only confirms it's a top priority. ARP delivers a great solo. Overall, an excellent melodic track, the kind that I can't get enough of this these days
Ranking: 2
The Quack:
If These Walls Could Talk, by Clockwork
Very good technical prog metal; strong bass elements. Good, but not great. Something about it just didn't click with me
Ranking: 4
The Tarantula:
Shut Up and Rock, by Blessed By a Broken Heart
Hot damn... Another killer opening riff; just a splash of growlie's (placed appropriately); great hooks, wicked vocal harmonies, nice guitar runs that aren't over-powering. Speed, power, and glam all in one. Guitar solo that had feeling and emotion. Lady Obscure reviewed one of their tracks on her 'zine, and I stated that it "scratched me right where I itch". This track was even better.
Ranking: 1
The Blue Bomber:
Demon Bell, by Dangerous Toys
Trying to appeal to my love of 80s glam, and failing miserably. This one was generic, formulatic glam/hair metal. Sorry man. You've got great taste in music, but this didn't float my boat. This might've appealed to me 25 years ago, but now this track just seems bland, lacklustre and uninspiring.
Ranking: 5
The Guitar Hero:
Red Line Highway, by ZO2
When I plopped the tunes into a playlist and just went with it, I instantly knew this one was Coz's before even checking; great hard rock; killer riff; very Deep Purple like with the racing/charging feel. I was worried after JJ's submission, that the style of music that defined me in my teens and early 20s would be lost on me today... Not so. This track restored my faith that I will always love good ole' rock 'n' roll. Pictured our Guitar Hero on stage rockin out to this one the whole time. Unfortunately, another victim of stiff competition. I loved this, but loved a few others even more.
Ranking: 3
Standings after Round 1:
1 The DJ
1 The Tarantula
2 The Skipper
2 The Koala
3 The Guitar Hero
3 The Viking
4 The Maradonna
4 The Quack
5 The Monarch
5 The Blue Bomber
I'll summarize the side competitions in subsequent post.
Topic: Jingle Boy's Roulette v. drum rolll... pass the envelope please. (Read 92546 times)