ROUND 10 RESULTS!!!
So, a bit of a weak round I guess - although an improvement from the last one, it's far from the best. My guess is that some of you just sent whatever because it's the end. I've gotta admit I haven't been the best roulette host besides keeping a good pace - some of my writeups were pretty short and kind of useless, my posts overhyped, and my tastes still seem cryptic for some of you despite having written almost 5 pages on them
Enough mumbo-jumbo, have your results!
(Elite)
Girl Band -
Songs for PearsI've been getting into experimental and all kinds of weird music this last year, so I've developed an strong appreciation for the unconventional. With a place in the finals assured, I guess you allowed yourself a little risk - yes, this and Fluffy's song are the two "fucked-up" tracks.
Sadly, this is a big fail in my eyes for several reasons: 1) I don't really like the approach the, uhm, singer takes. At all. Feels very amelodic, and although it fits the mood, I don't dig it. 2) It all feels very mechanic, and while I don't mind it at all on bands like Nine Inch Nails, it's different here, but not in a good way. 3) Although the guitars make some pretty interesting stuff, and they have an interesting sound to them, overall I feel this song goes nowhere.
All in all, a pretty curious effort that tries to push what's possible to make with rock instruments (I respect them for that) but just fails on the songwriting department. If this was the most accessible track, I don't want to imagine the others
2.5/5You ended up at #4 in my first roulette and now are at #3! Maybe if you play two roulettes more you'll end up first
Just kidding, you did pretty well overall with just a few duds, and are into the Finals!
(senecadawg2)
GLORYHAMMER -
The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee (Live)I enjoy the Converge track you originally sent quite more
On a more serious note... well, it's kind of hard to be serious about this band, really - this is probably the cheesiest thing I've ever listened to, with those keyboards, a guitar solo, the dumb lyrics, the dull drumming. It's basically the genre summed up for me - maybe Evermind would love this
My distaste for cheese has grown bigger with time, and although I may have enjoyed this two years ago, now I find myself watching the time for it to finish it. So, power metal is something I can't take seriously, and although I'm aware most of it isn't meant to, this is just ridiculous to the point of laughability with no taste. I'd rather listen to Ladybaby or something.
2.5/5First of all, I apologise if some of my roulette behaviours and/or decisions quite bothered you - it wasn't really my intention, but I can see how I may have came across as rude or plain dumb. Sorry for that. Second, well... actually expected you to end up in the top 5 or even the top 3. Maybe you couldn't read that well into my tastes (they're all over the place, I admit), or just we aren't that compatible. Despite that, you sent some great stuff like The Antlers song, the Sylvan tune, and
Like a Rolling Stone - I'll be looking into those albums. I'd like you to play in my v3 if you're around then, so you can have your vendetta. Thanks for playing!
(Evermind)
Helloween -
Keeper of the Seven KeysSo... I guess I only made it through this whole cheesefest only twice
Sorry, but this just confirms Power Metal ain't my cup of tea like, at all. I added this album to the list because my theory that on any given genre, the big, iconic classics are way better than all those generic copies - maybe not the case here. So, to the song: it's just that kind of metal I can't get into for it doesn't resonate with me on any level. Not that there's anything wrong with this tune, because the singer is great and not that high-pitched (he reminds me to early James LaBrie), in general the track is well-built and while the guitar doesn't have the best production to it, it does its job well - but the song as a whole does nothing to me, thus I found myself skipping parts to parts whenever it came after the first listen. I wished I could be more specific, but can't find other explanation of why I'm not into this (besides the cheese), and probably never will. At least better than that Seventh Wonder track
3/5Evermind, I realise you won my first roulette by taking advantage of that weird point system I had, and it helped you a lot (except in the last round with that Sonata Artica song), yet you won against Tyrias with the great Telegraph Road. On this v2, there is no point system - add to that the obligatory list songs, our not-so-compatible tastes, and you already got a pretty big challenge. For a good part of it, you got away with sending me some great tracks, but also some duds. You may not have retained your crown, but it was fun at least, wasn't it? Thanks for playing!
(Biskit)
Explosions in the Sky -
Last Known SurroundingsOh, post-rock... a genre I feel I have enough of with GYBE! and Sigur Rós, for most other bands I've tried getting into I've found terribly generic, uninspired, and basically bad copies of Explosions in the Sky. And they weren't a good band to start with...
While this song has a nice atmosphere to it, and doesn't feel like it lasts too long, it's one of those tracks that leave little to no impressions on me - much like that Pearl Jam song, they have nothing I find any special. While I appreciate this isn't just one long buildup, it just goes nowhere, really - most post-rock it's just atmosphere and little songwriting, therefore it quite bores me with the exception of the two bands I mentioned earlier. I feel this is the highest score I can give to this track - nice, but unimpressive.
3/5Oh dude, I'm sorry. I really wanted you to reach the finals, but you lost it with such little margin I almost feel bad about it. Funny how you sent me probably the best song of the roulette, but also some of the worst - quite similar to Parama. I know you may not have the biggest music library, and I kind of regret a bit doing those mini roulettes, but we had fun anyways! Thanks for playing
(Tyrias)
Clint Mansell -
Death is The Road To Awe (The Fountain OST)Your entry reminded me I wanted to watch this movie, and finally did so, but not before giving your song several listens. My impressions were that it was kind of a typical neoclassical soundtrack, but with some post-rock elements. While that would normally be a good formula, it falls flat imo. Maybe because it's Mogwai - I don't really like their music, as much as I've tried. Plus, this felt weird without context - what kind of scene does this epic piece illustrate?
So I watched the movie to see if my opinion changed. And... not really. I can see how it fits the movie and that particular part, which was kind of climatic I guess? But I don't feel it works out of that context, really. Not with like 3 buildups wtf. I mean, yeah it's pretty epic as a piece, but I don't really connect with it - felt the same with the movie's soundtrack. Because everybody mentioned it, I felt it would be awesome or something but most didn't sound really special or different to other modern OSTs imo.
+3/5How did you go from #2 in my v1 to bottom half on this one? And how come you're loving most of my championship submissions? These roulette things work in mysterious ways
Well, even if you didn't do that well overall, you sent me some excellent stuff like Inhaler, and the Thrice and Caravan Palace tracks - I'll get to those albums soon!
(425)
Spock's Beard -
The Light (Live)I quite like Neal Morse's work with Flying Colors and Transatlantic yet never felt compelled to check this band. So... it sounds like prog by the numbers, imitating 70s prog at times, but with a bit of a modern approach I guess? Nothing wrong per se with that, but I feel it's been done to death and no longer appeals to me. Like Fluffy said, I feel when listening to this song I have already heard everything I need to listen about his work. A bit of a shame, being such a prolific artist.
A pretty nice song that has some quite cool moments in which the guitars lead, but I don't really like some of the synth sound like that at ~8:45. Also, this song is all over the place, going from theme to theme. I normally wouldn't mid that approach if each section had enough time to develop a bit, and was awesome on its own. This just feels like it constantly jumps from idea to idea with no clear direction. For 16 minutes. I guess I deserve this
+3/5I feel you were probably the most affected by my roulette restrictions, but you still decided to play and sent me great music like
Midnight (never imagined myself liking Coldplay
), Heaven and Hell, and the Bon Iver song, even if it took ages to click. I hope you play in my v3 for a second chance!
(home)
Amelie -
La Valse D'Amelie (Piano)Whys is that I received 3 soundtracks in the same round?
At 2:40, I think it's the shortest song of the roulette - a pretty sweet piano piece. I'm a fucking sucker for piano-based music, but also quite picky about it, and more so if it's part of a soundtrack, for I feel most songs don't really work out of their original context. Or at least I need to experience them in that before listening to them on their own. Anyways, this is pretty nice, and passionate, and although I feel more development could have improved it, it's quite fine for it's length. Nothing too special, but very far from meh.
3.5/5So after a brilliant beginning, you went downhill for almost 3 rounds then recovered in a magnificent way and managed to get into the Finals! Good luck!
(Shadow Ninja 2.0)
Homestuck -
MoonsetterWait, I think this is actually the shortest song of the roulette with just 2:20 mins. Kind of short writeup: pretty nice, charming song that wouldn't sound weird at all in an RPG. My knowledge of Homestuck is limited to knowing it's a pretty long webcomic with a huge fanbase - is it so dedicated they composed a soundtrack to it? Just curious.
All in all, a short sweet piece that would work great as soundtrack, but doesn't really stand on its own.
3.5/5For half of the roulette you sent awesome stuff, and the rest just goods tracks or duds. I wonder if you self-sabotaged or something
Anyway, there are already several albums you are making me want to check so I guess that's what matter in the end. Thanks for playing Mr Ninja!
(splent)
The Orb -
Little Fluffy Clouds (7" Edit)Pretty interesting song, based on a spoken-word sample of a girl talking about fluffy clouds or something - I have no clue what she's talking about, but damn her voice is bae. The electronic part is quite nice, maybe not extremely original, but they serve quite well as a background for the samples. There's nor much to say, I quite liked this song, didn't blow me away, will check this album, blahblahblah.
3.5/5Oh dude, you started so well with La Villa Strangiato and B.O.B., then just went downhill and never recovered - don't worry, I'll check those albums. Roulettes can be tough, and mine wasn't an easy one - I hope you good luck in Bolsters' roulette!
(sneakyblueberry)
JOANNA NEWSOM -
EmilyThis is both beautiful and a weird piece - the instrumentation is gorgeous, yet the structure is kind of all over the place. Probably due to the melodies, but had a tough time telling whether there were several movements and reprises, or if it jumped from idea to idea. After several listens, I feel it's the former. Still, it's all over the place. Also, I kind of got used to her voice, but it's a bit annoying when it gets harsh, for it sounds like she had flu or something. Still, a pretty enjoyable track.
+3.5/5Well, what can I say... that Frank Ocean song was excellent! But besides that, you've had more misses than hits - maybe our tastes aren't really that compatible. At least I can promise you to check lots of classic albums I have pensing
Thanks for playing!
(Bolsters)
Broods -
SuperstarI swear at first I thought it was Lorde who was singing, but maybe it's just the New Zealand accent. Well, both have pretty sexy voices so I don't mind the similarities! To the song: borderline with that crappy pop that it's so common on radio today. But I quite like this one more - nice atmosphere, great vocals, good production. Maybe not the most varied song on the round, but being under 4 mins and not repeating itself too much, it's quite good at what it attempts to do. Not much to say, other than I quite enjoyed it - not as much as some of your other pop tracks, but a pretty good entry anyways.
4/5With very few duds, you managed not only to crack the top 5, but even surpass Elite, who had been dominating the second spot for most of the roulette! Despite me totally sucking in your roulette with the exception of two songs, I'm surprised how well you've been doing in mine - I guess I didn't read well into your tastes. Congratulations for the temporary silver medal and welcome to the finals!
(Train of Naught)
Closure In Moscow -
Happy DaysUgh, I hope you can forgive the short writeup, for I don't have much to say about this track. Reminds me a bit of Arctic Monkeys, Foals, and Oasis. I quite like the vocals and the guitar work overall. But the production could be better - feels compressed and can barely hear some instruments at times. Overall, a pretty good alternative rock song - while it may not be creativity 101, it's quite enjoyable.
4/5Despite being a bit inconsistent, I guess miracles happen for you managed to crack into the finals!
Your best song definitely was
Entre 2 Mundos, so if you can find more stuff that basically screams Sacul, you should do fine.
(mikemangioy)
Muse -
Citizen ErasedWell, finally time to give Muse a listen I guess. I can definitely hear the Radiohead influences, so I'm glad they evolved from them to find their own sound. The song: pretty good, actually. I think this is easily your best song on the whole roulette - a pity it took you so long to 7send it
It's structured in an interested way, with that bombastic riff switched with ambient-ish sections and some ballad-like parts. Overall it's a mess, for they feel kind of disconnected, but I quite enjoy all of them. I also like the singer's voice and the guitar tone, yup. That weird "alarm" or whatever sound near the end didn't really distract me, unlike Parama
4/5Where do I even begin?
I mean, dude, I fucking won your roulette and got you into David Maxim Micic and Destiny Potato, and other stuff, so at least I kind of expected you be middle of the pack here. Funny how your best song is your last one
Thanks for playing!
(Parama)
Ne Obliviscaris -
Forget NotOhcrap, this is gonna be tough to write about, because there are many things going on here. So let's start from the beginning.
I *love* the intro with the violin, and when drums appear at 2:20, I'm in total love with the track - the string melodies are magnificent and the rest of the band quite great. So up until the first 6 mins everything is awesome. Then the violin kind of disappears and I'm left with the heavy drumming, and the singer appears out of nowhere in an awkward way - feels like he had been singing before or something, but got used to this thing. So from there it kind of goes ok - the song ain't as awesome as before, but far from bad. Then growls followed by a short breakdown, just to jump straight to shrieks (my least favorite part of the song), but then the violin reappears along with the growls and they make a beautiful contrast. So bad it didn't last longer, for while I don't mind the singer, I quite prefer the violin. And it's not the epic climatic ending I kind of expected, but it's fine for me.
So I find it kind of hard to rate this song - it starts amazing, and stays amazing for the first half. The second one goes a bit downhill, and while it doesn't have moments I actively disliked, some of them didn't do much to me. But the very ending was nice at least.
+4/5So... like the Biskit, you sent some of the best, but also some of the worst of the roulette. But since you don't seen to care, I can only guess your tastes are pretty awful
Thanks for playing!
(Fluffy Lothario)
Fire! Orchestra -
Enter, Part OneYour song was one of the two "fucked-up" tracks, and unlike the other, this one is amazing. Like I said on that write-up, I've become more interested in experimental music. But not everything is gold - some artists I respect for their endeavours more than actually liking their music. This is a case were both intersect in a curious, even if weird way.
So, to the song - it's fucking weird. Vocals are creepy, the sax player is fucking insane, and the rest of the musicians are excellent. I really like the flow this track has, how they all get along making this. A remarkable moment is the female vocal performance on the second half - pure lunacy. Although it's one of the longest tracks on the round, it really didn't feel like it. I don't have much to say, other than this was full of great moments. Btw, our secret player submitted something from this band's first album in round one - I told him "nothing generic" and he looked straight into his avant-garde folder
So yeah, I can definitely see how "along with the Swans, these guys are about the most awesome band on the planet at the moment."
4.5/5I dunno how many roulettes you've played, but man, you were on fire on this one - from the beginning you got a good grasp of what I liked and sent according to it, with some little interesting experiments here and there.I think you deserve your #1 spot, and on any other roulette you'd have already been given the crown - but that ain't how we do things here. Welcome to the finals.
Standings41 - Fluffy Lothario
+39.5 - Bolsters
39 - Elite
+38.5 - home
+37.5 - Train of Naught
37.5 - Biskit
37.5 - Parama
+37 - Shadow Ninja 2.0
(
37 - Symphony)
+35.5 - Evermind
+34.5 - senecadawg2
35.5 - Tyrias
35 - 425
34.5 - splent
+33.5 - Sneakyblueberry
31 - mikemangioy
To all of you, regardless of your score, thanks for playing! You have showed me at least one great song and artist, and for that I'm grateful. A v3 will happen in two years or three, so if you're still around, you're invited to play! I promise no list and baits that time