Ah okay, what the hell. I'll do it for you, LieLow.
I'm going to preface this by saying that this was, by far, my favorite round of the roulette thus far. I enjoyed every song quite a bit, and the top 5/6 are all spectacular in their own way. As a result, I'm going to screw the normal scoring and do something a little different with the rankings I've decided on. HERE WE GO!
Tie at the top:
Dr. Strangelove Big Big Train- The Lovers
Big Big Train is a band that I've had sitting on my list for a while, but haven't ever really checked out. Definitely not this song, so fair game. With that being said, it's not entirely fair to the rest of the contestants, because this song is so damn good. The music glides, bounces, soars, grooves, and does everything else I could hope for in a progressive rock salad. Adding to that, the vocals fit perfectly, the keyboard work is astonishing, and the lyrics are very intriguing. Not much more for me to say. Reminds me of old progressive rock music that has somehow been sent through a time vortex and then delivered to me from the future.
jingle.tits Nightwish- Ghost Love Score
This one just makes me smile uncontrollably. Symphonic metal is something I tend to stay away from normally, as I often find the 'symphonic' half of that to be a silly cheese fest. With that being said, I think that operatic female vocals work much better in the context of this music than anything else I've ever heard from the sub genre. Speaking of vocals, I do think I prefer the newer singer, though that may just because I got a good look at her in the live video, which I thought was an overall better production than the studio version. Regardless, both appeal to me a great deal. As much as I love the first half, the final four and a half minutes take things to another level. And you're right, she is a looker!
The next level:
Elite The Fall of Troy- Quarter Past
Fear not, this one did work! I'll admit, I was a bit apprehensive about the vocals when they first made their appearance. Then I listened a few more seconds, got to the chorus, and realized that I couldn't care less. You've successfully sent one of the most catchy songs of the roulette, and the one that I listened to the most throughout the round (for that I'll toss you an extra half a point). Still, even though I kept getting it stuck in my head, I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the two up there ^^^. Not sure why, to be honest. It is a little raw, which might have something to do with it, but that's also something that turned me on to it. Ah well… Great song regardless.
LieLowTheWantedMan I'm not going to dwell on the details. Suffice it to say that I was almost compelled to cry, several times, while listening to this song. I know… reading that and seeing where you landed in the rankings must feel pretty underwhelming. Sorry about that, I just need a little more time to process what I'm listening to. Like you mentioned, the guitar is fantastic. The lyrics connected with me on a very personal level a couple nights back, and I realize now that's because you sent me the best love song of the round. Surprising, given that it's all about losing of love. I guess it just got me thinking, perhaps love never hits as hard as in the moments when it feels like you're losing your grip. I don't know what the hell I'm saying, to be honest. But thank you anyways. I'm very grateful.
The next level:
black_floyd Stone Temple Pilots- Still Remember
I wasn't very excited about the song after the first listen. Wasn't too excited about it the second time either. Third time I enjoyed it more. Now, after about a dozen, I feel like I can safely say I enjoy this song quite a bit. Perhaps a touch too grungy for me, if I'm being honest, but still a nice listen. Also a little repetitive, but I don't think that takes away from the song one bit. A little short, too, but I don't think it would work if it was much longer. Not much more for ya…
bone star Dream the Electric Sleep- To Love Is To Leave
I feel bad having this one land so low on the rankings, because I really did enjoy it. First couple minutes are fantastic. But for some reason, I can't shake the feeling that it never really gets off the ground. At least, not as high as I would have expected given the 8 minute length. Also, while the chorus is really nice, it kind of just flows right in at the same pace as everything else. That's how I would describe the song in one word, if I had to. Flowing. It just kind of flows along very peacefully. The guitar solo is really nice. Unfortunately it doesn't really ever push the envelope into greatness. Even with about 3 minutes left, when they start to mix it up a bit more, it continues to plod along at the same pace. I'm comfortable saying that there is nothing bad about this song. It's all good. Very good in some parts. I just feel like it leaves a a lot to be desired.
The rest…
Shadow Ninja Entwine- Until the End
I like one of the two vocalists, and dislike the other one. Unfortunately that kind of ruins half the song for me. I'll give you a hint, it's the man. It's also a bit lodestar's submission, in that I'm not sure it really goes anywhere, even given it's almost 7 minute runtime. It's not too late for you to get back in the race, I believe in you. You have sent some of the most fantastic songs over the course of the roulette, and I have faith that you're not done yet. This one just wasn't one of them, for me.
Dark Castle Unknown Hinson- Polly Urethane
I'm sorry, but I don't like this song. But the lyrics were fantastic, and I thank you for that.
Standings:
jingle.boy 18+8=26
Dr. DTVT 16.5+8=24.5
Elite 13+7.5=20.5
black_floyd 14+6=20
lonestar 14+6=20
LieLowTheWantedMan 11.5+8=19.5
Shadow Ninja 12+5=17
Dark Castle 11.5 +4=15.5
I realize it looks like Chad and Mason might be getting ahead of you all, but all it takes is one round for them to slip up and its anyone's game. I'll post a theme for the next round tomorrow morning after I've slept on it a bit.