Great first round, team. There probably aren’t going to be this many 8s in future rounds. And I’ll be very happy if anyone can get me another song as spectacular as the winner this round. On the flip side, I enjoyed all of these songs. Even the ones that scored lowest. So here are your results...
Elite Wishbone Ash - Sometime World
Oh that’s rich. He says he’s fucked in this roulette, but right now I’m the one who’s feeling fucked. In the most fantastic way imaginable. This was the first song that I listened to, and what a great song to open up the roulette! Seriously- I couldn’t be more pleased right now. I’ve already listened to the full album Argus. Great great stuff. The guitar work is spell-binding, the bass is just what it needs to be and the vocals are a great match. Lyrics are real nice, too. I feel both at peace and excited. The only downside to this submission is that you can only go downhill from here. 9.5
kingshmegland Jon Butcher - Send me Somebody
This here is a pretty straightforward tune, but really enjoyable nonetheless. It’s interesting that you mentioned this is his last album before moving into the blues, because there are definitely moments in the song that I can hear that beginning to seep in. It’s got a great groove to it and I love the guitar tone. Also- best chorus of the round and it’s not even close. Overall a really strong song which could easily have been my favorite of the round if not for Elite’s sensational pick. Also, really cool and funny story about you running into him in the mall. Thanks! 8
lonestar Robin Trower - Bridge of Sighs
I’ve got the blues now and evidently so did Robin Trower. I can feel it in the vocals, the emotive (albeit simple) guitar work, the lyrics, and the excellent atmosphere. I get the sense that if I were to strip away the first three components the fourth would still make for a nice ambient piece. My favorite thing about the song may be the slow pace with which it moves. There’s a patience here that lets the music swell, all the while keeping my attention. Very solid song to kick things off. 8
TAC UFO - Rock Bottom (live)
You’ve come out swinging- that’s for sure. At just over 11 minutes, this is easily the longest song of the round. It’s an unrelentingly fun, wild, and astonishingly impressive ride. As you mentioned when you sent the song, the Schekner guitar solo is not to be taken lightly. My one difficulty in judging this song was the length. While there aren’t any bad parts, I wonder if it could have been shrunk just a touch. That’s a minor qualm though and I think the music is more than satisfying enough to get a pass. With such a great start, Where do we go? Where do we go from here? 8
jingle.boy Slade - My oh My
So I’ve heard of Slade, and quite like Quiet Riot’s cover of their “Cum on Feel the Noize”, but never checked ‘em out. That’s going to change, if you could be so kind as to direct me to your favorite Slade album. As for this particular song- I’m really digging it. Simply put, it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. In part because of the uplifting vocals and lyrics, in part because of the nice piano intro, and in part because of the very full sound when it starts to take off. Thanks for mixing things up with a ballad! 8
Scorpion Judas Priest - Beyond the Realms of Death
I’ve listened to Judas Priest before on Spotify several times, but never really invested the time to check them out more fully. I left them off the banned list precisely because I was hoping someone would get me something better to prompt a stronger reaction in me, so thanks for fulfilling that wish. Assuming you’re familiar with more than just this song, how would you rank your top 3-5 Judas Priest albums? About the song, I can understand why it would be considered a classic. And about the guitar solo, you’re right on point- great stuff. Though I’d probably rate TAC’s guitar solo offering from this round a bit higher, this is a close second. Very good start. 7.5
jjrock88 Saxon - Power and the Glory
A minute and a half into the song the questions are posed: can you feel the power? Can you feel the glory? And to that, I answer yes. Apart from Iron Maiden I’ve never really delved into NWOBHM bands, though you’ve got me starting to question why. My one complaint with this song is the kind of dirty-sounding production. Overall, nice introduction to the band- I’m now going to look into checking out more. Which album would you suggest I try first? 7.5
LieLowTheWantedMan Can - Paperhouse
While you might not always send my favorite songs, you’re always introducing me to really interesting stuff. So thanks for that- I really do appreciate it. This song is no different. It’s astonishing to me that this album was released almost 45 years ago, the sound is not dated in the slightest. I’m not crazy about the gibberish vocals, but they’re certainly not unpleasant or inappropriate within the context of the song. I checked out a couple other tracks from Tago Mago and they were, once again, interesting. Kind of a lot for me to swallow, but still a fun and worthwhile meal. 7.5
Dr. DTVT Van Halen- Hot for Teacher
You’re right- this is a fun song. Paired with a fun video, no less. And I’m really enjoying EVH’s guitar work. But I’d be lying if I said this song didn’t still leave a little something to be desired. Not exactly sure what that something is, but I suspect it might have to do with the way the vocals are delivered. Regardless, it’s the difference between a 7.5 and a 7.
Nekov Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays - Ozark
This is a really pleasant instrumental that I enjoy. I’ve been playing the piano for about 10 years now and I really enjoy piano-centric music. My only issue with this song may be that it’s a touch too playful and more bouncy than what I typically go for. It’s up-tempo and festive- definitely appropriate for the holiday season. Unfortunately, I’ve never been all that wild about festive music. Still, that this should be my least favorite song of the round, despite still enjoying it, is a testament to how strong a batch of songs this was. 6.5
Send round 2 whenever you're ready!