Update! Again, sorry for the delay. This week it was applying to law schools and registering for classes that got in my way.
Submissions were so good I had to break my own rule.
5 Points – SBB – Florence and the Machine – Bird Song
Where did this band come from and why have I never heard of it until now? I love how soulful and bluesy Florence’s (I assume that’s the vocalist’s name) vocals are in this song. The contrasting loud and soft sections work really well in this song, and I especially like the vocal harmonies in the soft parts. Sounds really ethereal at times. I’m definitely gonna need an album recommendation.
4 Points – letters – Katatonia – Omerta
I told you I liked this song! The “Why have you waited so long?” refrain has been stuck in my head all weekend. The vocalist’s voice is perfect for this track. It’s a pretty simple song, and while I don’t think the guitar solo/interlude is the greatest ever it provides some nice variation. Not much else to say really, the song is very solid. They don’t usually play music like this though, right?
4 Points – Sonatafanica – Pomplamoose – If You Think You Need Some Lovin’
This song made me dance. Literally, I got up from my chair and started dancing. I love the groove going on throughout the track so much. The call and response vocals are really well done; I like this chick’s voice a ton. Quirky tunes like this are among my favorite songs, so it really hit the spot for me this week! It’s not even 2.5 minutes long but it feels fully realized. Album?
4 Points – Rich – Nellie McKay – There You Are In Me
So I broke my own rule. Sue me. The four pointers were just too strong to move any of them down! I didn’t really like this one at first but I’m glad I gave it a few more chances. I think the chorus in the tune is cool, but the verses were what really kept me interested. It’s one of those rare occasions in which jamming a lot of words into a verse works well. Makes it a bit frenzied sounding, which I think is cool.
3 Points – SDN – Weather Report – Teen Town
So I was thinking about asking you for another song since I have Heavy Weather, but honestly I wasn’t too familiar with this song so I decided to use it. It’s good! I like how they held back for the most part. There really isn’t much wild playing or soloing at all in this piece. Kinda all about the groove -- I can dig that.
3 Points – Sigz – Emily Loizeau – Comment Dire
So it took me a while to get over the French, which I didn’t think was going to be a problem for me. But anyway, I think this is a cute song, but not really as strong as the four tunes with higher points. I like how haunting it is, and the piano work is really nice. I’m interested in checking out some more of her stuff if you want to recommend something, though.
2 Points – Gorille – Mr. Bungle – After School Special
So I’m just going to pretend the last minute of this song without music doesn’t exist. I liked the actual song a lot, but I dunno what the deal is with the end. Definitely a strange song, but I think it works for the most part. Really like the refrain. You were SO close to being in the 3s this round!
2 Points – Kev – Trevor Rabin – The Cape
This was probably the most interesting song I received this week, and I feel bad for rating it so low, because I certainly enjoyed it. I guess that’s the problem with the way I’m doing the rankings, but that’s OK. Can you tell me more about this guy? I thought the song got pretty damn good in the second part when more instruments were added.
1 Point – SoundscapeMN – Kevin Gilbert – Suit Canon
Holy polyphony, Batman! This song has a few things going against it – Not really a fan of the polyphony, and I’m definitely not a fan of much a cappella anything, although it is impressive to hear. Also, the little circus bit at the end confused me. I gotta say, the song wasn't my cup o' tea.
sonatafanica - 12
KevShmev - 11
SDN - 10
letters - 9
sneakyblueberry - 9
SoundscapeMN - 8
ariich - 8
Sigz - 8
Gorille - 6
Round Four: I think this year was a pretty damn good one for music releases. Send me something from 2010.