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General => Archive => General Music Archives => Topic started by: ariich on December 17, 2010, 05:26:54 AM
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IT IS TIME! Here is the list of competitors, in no particular order:
orcus116
sonatafanica
Portrucci
Ultimetalhead
TheVoxyn
DTVT
zxlkho
antigoon
Right, here’s how this will work. I am going to do the usual six rounds, after which the top 4 will enter a short semi-final playoff (#1 vs #4 and #2 vs #3) with the winners progressing to a final. I know it’s not necessary as the important thing is for me to discover new music, but I figure it’ll be fun to give someone bragging privileges! Oh and if people can let me know whether there’s a period that they will be away and unavailable over Christmas, I can possibly do two rounds at once to keep things ticking over!
How submissions will work:
Rather than use last.fm (which is not really suitable for me as lots of stuff I listen to isn’t in there, and it’s not really indicative of how much I like something), I'm using RYM. My account is here: https://rateyourmusic.com/~ariich
[In case you’re not familiar with RYM, here’s how to use it for this: scroll down to the Music section of my profile, and you can check out the Ratings button to see the list of my 5 star albums, 4.5 star albums, and so on. It also makes things easy to see if I am familiar with a band or artist, as at the top of the Music section there is a “Search ariich's music for” field, so you can check whether I have rated an artist (if not, it will run the search but there will be no results).]
- If I have never rated an album by a band or artist, it should be assumed that I am not familiar enough with them and so they are eligible.
- I will also allow submissions of any bands or artists for whom I have only rated up to two albums by and never rated 3 stars or more. The reason I am allowing this is that often I have heard an album or two from one particular era of a band and not been that overjoyed by what I heard so didn’t bother checking out more, but I am always happy to be shown something else by them that could change my mind! Plus, the quality of an individual song is not necessarily linked to the quality of an album overall.
Submissions should, ideally, be Grooveshark or Spotify links (if you don't know how to use either, PM me and I can explain), but youtube links are also ok. Again, ideally these should be official links so that I can post them in the results posts, but if the only thing you can find is an unofficial link, that's fine, I just wont' be able to post it publicly.
One more rule: One of the later rounds will be for long epics where there is no cap on song length (you can start thinking of ideas now), but for the rest, all songs should be 8:00 minutes or shorter (if a track length is longer because of silence or hidden tracks at the end, that’s fine, just let me know).
My tastes:
I have very eclectic tastes, in all honesty. I am extremely open-minded and have no bias when it comes to genre or style. I am more familiar with various rock and metal genres than any other simply because of my listening habits as a teenager, but even within those there is a ton of stuff I’ve never checked out.
Whether I like something or not seems to be somewhat random as well; there are things that I love such as power, emotion, groove, vocal harmonies, etc, but none of them are remotely essential and I love plenty of music that displays few or none of those qualities. So all I’d say is send me anything you think I’d like based either on my RYM ratings, or anything else you know about me, or even simply because you yourself love it. It’s not a requirement, but feel free in your submissions to include an explanation of why you like the song so much, so I can listen out for it.
Ok, I think that’s everything.
ROUND 1: Open – Send me anything.
GO! :)
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Sent. I think you'll like it a lot.
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Sent. I think you'll like it a lot.
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Sent you a way too long PM. I'm not sure if it will get me many points, but I hope it's something new for you.
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Sent you a way too long PM.
heh same :lol
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:lol Don't worry about long PMs, like I said, the more you explain what you love about it (or the band/artist in general) the more I know what to look out for.
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Sent.
IN A BIG WAY
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Just woke up so I'm on the hunt. Expect a PM shortly.
Jesus I hate open rounds. So many choices.
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Sent'd
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This one should be interesting to follow! :tup
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Sent. Hope you like it. :tup
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This is where I think knowing future rounds is a good idea. I have about 4 songs I want to send, but without knowing what's coming up I can't plan to use certain songs later.
I know Hefdaddy, SoundscapeMN, YtseBitsySpider will strongly approve of my selection. Hef might smite you if you score it high.
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This is where I think knowing future rounds is a good idea. I have about 4 songs I want to send, but without knowing what's coming up I can't plan to use certain songs later.
Yeah but I quite like getting people to think on their feet! :biggrin:
Anyway, I've already given you one of the later rounds (epics).
I've listened once through all the songs sent so far (just waiting on Letters), very good stuff! Open rounds are always tough, but there's nothing I dislike, which is fab.
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I thought I sent you one! I had quite a writeup to go along with it too!
Oh well I'll just send it again.
EDIT: sent.
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:lol Nope, definitely didn't get one before. It's come through now though, on my second listen. :tup
EDIT: Oh man, everyone's songs are really good, the more I listen the more I like them.
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It's cool if you want to do your write-up before mine, Rich. I don't want to be delaying TWO roulettes :lol
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:lol Sure thing.
I've done the write-ups, but on my current listen the ranking has changed slightly, so I'm going to have another listen tomorrow before finalising and posting!
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I just hope that I am more succesfull here than in Gorille's song roulette :p.
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Round 1: Open - Anything you like
Ok, so firstly, all the submissions were really good. Some grabbed me straight away, while others took a few listens to grow. Importantly, though, all 8 I was definitely interested enough in to want to check out a full album (most of them appear to be on Spotify, which is fortunate) so I’ll get back to you guys when I’ve done that. Don’t be disheartened if you’re at the lower end this round, it was all very close!
5 points - Antigoon
Mumford and Sons - Winter Winds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KCg_QEHtkY)
This is terrific folk music right here, so simple and so pleasant. Lovely vocals, good melodies and just an all-round great atmosphere! You’re right about the instrumentation; I particularly love how the mandolin and violin are used throughout, and the added effect that the trumpet provides towards the end. I’m definitely going to be seeking this band out further. I’m not sure I have a great deal else to say about it really, it’s a short and simple song, but completely flawless.
4 points - zxlkho
Oceansize – Unfamiliar (https://listen.grooveshark.com/#/s/Unfamiliar/2sULRT)
Really good song, hooked me from the very first listen. There seem to be quite a number of bands these days playing this brand of new-prog; some do it well while others just end up being disappointingly uninteresting. Fortunately Oceansize appear to be in the first category, based on this song anyway. What I really like about it is the fact that it is surprisingly technical but in a very subtle and understated way. The rhythms are quite unusual, and parts of it are very interesting harmonically, particularly the riffs at the beginning, and yet it feels very natural. I have a real soft spot for bands who can do that (Haken are another great example, although they’re more traditional prog I suppose). The build-up in the syncopated rhythm section starting around 3:20 is particularly excellent, and the end is great.
4 points - Portrucci
Agalloch - …And the Great Cold Death of the Earth (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/+and+The+Great+Cold+Death+Of+The+Earth/2DHXkG)
Well, this is an incredibly depressing song! :lol I remember hearing some Agalloch a long time ago and not being a fan at all, but I think my tastes are broader now because I found this quite interesting. They create a very eerie atmosphere and, maybe because it’s winter and it’s been snowing like crazy here, it hit quite well with me. The harsh(ish) vocals don’t really do much for me here, they seem a bit… I don’t know, tame but weird, if that makes sense. But other than that it’s a great piece of music; the clean vocals are very brooding, and I particularly love the wonderful way in which the acoustic guitars are incorporated, often alongside the electric guitars. The section half way through with the low strings and drums was great as well, especially cranked up to full volume. I’ll be honest, I had a listen to the first song you sent (the one that was over 8 minutes) and I liked it even more, so that’s 2 Agalloch albums I need to check out!
3 points - Ultimetalhead
Seventh Wonder - Welcome to Mercy Falls (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Welcome+To+Mercy+Falls/2gVJhM)
I love the chorus in this song! I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this band as the name lent itself to potentially being quite cheesy, but actually this song (while having some standard cheesy prog metal elements) is really nicely done, and the vocals in particular are excellent. Reminds me slightly of a more tasteful Symphony X, which is good as I like SX but find them a little over the top most of the time. I’m not sure I see the I&W influence, personally, but you’re right that that the musicianship is excellent. It’s pretty much straight down the middle prog-metal done very, very well.
3 points - TheVoxyn
Jónsi - Kolniður (live) (No link)
I can see why you chose to send the live version, this is really good stuff. Post-rock seems to be a genre that works well live, probably because it is so reliant on flowing sections and peaks and troughs. As with Portrucci, I also had a listen to the first one you sent that was over 8 minutes. What’s interesting is that the melodies in that other one are absolutely stunning and the end is great, but actually the song feels a bit dragged out. What I really like about Kolniður is how concise it is and how much it grows in just 4 minutes. His album Go is on Spotify so I’ll be giving it a listen at some point.
2 points - Orcus116
The Black Keys - Everlasting Light (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Everlasting+Light/2JP6GQ)
This song has a really great groove to it, it reminds me a bit of Scissor Sisters, whose first album I rather like. There were just two things that brought the song down a little: the vocals are ever so slightly grating (not the style, I enjoy the falsetto singing, but the way they’re produced is quite overdriven and a bit brash), and the song doesn’t really seem to hit a high at any point. Not that I always except a huge bridge section or anything like that; I just felt that the song plodded along a bit. Other than that though, it’s a very cool tune. The Black Keys are pretty well known here but I’ve never bothered to check them out; think it’s about time I gave them a proper listen.
2 points - DTVT
Kevin Gilbert - Certifiable #1 Smash (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Certifiable+number+1+Smash/2El90j)
The lyrics are fantastically sarcastic! I was already aware of the Madonna video, so fortunately I got the references, although I imagine someone who didn’t might be a bit baffled about the whole thing. The music is good, definitely a nice classic prog feel at times, particularly in the chorus, which is extremely catchy (it’s still stuck in my head now actually and I’ve stopped listening to the song). I liked the groove in the verses as well; the only thing I was less keen on was that the spoken word bits seemed to go on a bit, but other than that it’s a very good song.
1 point - Sonatafanica
Bright Eyes - Take it Easy (Love Nothing) (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Take+It+Easy+love+Nothing+/1QsUWm)
This was an interesting choice, probably the most surprising song here. Unusual mix of indie rock with very old-fashioned video game-esque electronic sounds. I certainly liked the song, you’re right that the lyrics are great, and the outro is pretty cool too, so the song ends on a high. I just didn’t find that there was any real spark in the song, nothing that fully grabbed my attention. The style definitely intrigued me though, it’s a mix that I’ve never really considered before, but that seems to actually work well, especially when listening on earphones as you can hear all the subtleties much better! As with all the submissions this round, I’m going to check out the rest of the album to get the full experience.
Rankings:
antigoon - 5
zxlkho - 4
Portrucci - 4
Ultimetalhead - 3
TheVoxyn - 3
orcus116 - 2
DTVT - 2
sonatafanica - 1
Next:
As it's coming up to Christmas, and I know a couple of people are away, I'm going to do two rounds at once this time. If you're going to be away, send them both in before you go; if not (or if you're still going to have access), feel free to take a bit more time to have a think about the round 3 submission and I'll bump in about a week to remind you!
Round 2: Quirky - Everyone seems to have a slightly different definition, but I've recently started really enjoying music that's a bit quirky and unusual but still high-quality, so send me anything that you consider to fit that description. Points will be awarded for both how good the song is and also how quirky it is.
Round 3: Epics - As I mentioned at the start, this round does not have the 8:00 length limit. There is no upper limit, and in fact I'd like each song to be a minimum of 10 minutes if possible. I often like songs that take the listener on a journey and leave them feeling great at the end, so that's what I'm thinking here, and I figured I'd do this round now over the Christmas period as the listening and writing-up will take longer.
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Yay, 3 points! That's good enough for me :p. Glad you enjoyed it, and you should indeed check out Go. Go Live is better imo but for some reason it's not on spotify. Also, Mumford and Sons are being so hyped and overplayed on the radio here that I am getting pretty sick of them.
I already have an idea of what I'm going to send for the 'epics' round. Thinking of something for the other round is going to be a tad harder though.
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No rush, take your time. I'll expect Round 2 submissions by maybe midweek at the latest, Round 3 you'll have until just after Christmas. :)
EDIT: Oh and Go Live will probably pop up on Spotify eventually, most albums don't go up straight away.
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I saw Mumford and Sons live in August, they were pretty amazing, and I hadn't heard of them before. They've been insanely popular here ever since.
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LIIIIIFFE IS A CLAY URRRNN ON THE MANTLLLEEEEEEEE
AND IIII AM SHATTERRREEDD ON THE FLOOOOOOOOOORRR
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I saw Mumford and Sons live in August, they were pretty amazing, and I hadn't heard of them before. They've been insanely popular here ever since.
I'm listening to the album now, and it's really great!
EDIT: Oh man, White Blank Page is incredible!
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OH GOD THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PUTTING IN A QUIRKY ROUND.
Edit: The I&W similarities I saw in Seventh Wonder's song are mostly in the tone of the instruments. I could easily see a lot of those riffs in Metropolis or UAGM or whatever. The keyboard tone and the amount of guitar/keys unison runs all make it feel like I&W, IMO.
2ND EDIT LOL: If you do get a chance, listen to the full album. It's a concept album, and a fairly awesome one at that.
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I saw Mumford and Sons live in August, they were pretty amazing, and I hadn't heard of them before. They've been insanely popular here ever since.
I'm listening to the album now, and it's really great!
EDIT: Oh man, White Blank Page is incredible!
Little Lion Man is by far their most "popular".
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Yeah I had a listen to Mercy Falls yesterday, it's pretty good. It's quite a long album and there isn't a great deal of variety in tone or style, but other than that a lot of the songs are really solid!
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Yeah, that's my biggest issue with it as well, but if I'm in the mood for something like that, it's total euphoria. I need to explore them further, and their new album is apparently pretty awesome as well.
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Mm, they're starting to find some success so hopefully they'll start to refine their style. I'll check out the new album as well once it appears on Spotify!
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Quirky...and I can't send in Devin Townsend...this might tax me. Before this started, I compared your music to my library and wrote down 30 artists I think you would like that you don't already have. Quirk is something I can usually only enjoy in small doses.
Now of course epics...I have about 100 different songs in mind.
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:lol Awesome, yeah I imagine different rounds will suit different people. I'm glad I have such an eclectic mix of people in this, in that first round all 8 songs were completely different!
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I saw Mumford and Sons live in August, they were pretty amazing, and I hadn't heard of them before. They've been insanely popular here ever since.
I'm listening to the album now, and it's really great!
EDIT: Oh man, White Blank Page is incredible!
Little Lion Man is by far their most "popular".
That song was on the radio here ALL THE TIME. And to add to that two of my housemates listened to it a lot. I am so sick of it now. It wasn't too bad the first couple of times though.
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I can't believe what I'm about to send for the quirky round :lol
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I'm still having trouble to think of something. I know a great track for a future round though (presuming that there will be a open round or a fitting round sometime).
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I haven't yet decided whether the last round will be open or not.
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Well, I backed out of two choices, and of course when I find the song I REALLY want to send, it's not on youtube or grooveshark. ugh...
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You could always upload it somewhere.
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That's happened to me a few times as well. :lol PM the artist and song title and I'll see if it's on Spotify.
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I found something else that will suffice...and I'll skirt the rules because the song is 7:59 long :biggrin:
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YES. I FUCKING KNEW YOU'D LOVE THEM! Sigh No More may be my favorite album of 2010 and I've only had it for about two weeks :lol
Edit: oh God, I'm going to have such a hard time with the epics round. Two questions: 1 - Does it have to be "an epic," or can it just evoke the feeling of being epic? 2 - Can it be a live track?
Edit #2: Third question - Will you hate me if I send in something less than ten minutes, but over eight?
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1 point - Sonatafanica
Bright Eyes - Take it Easy (Love Nothing)
You should be ashamed of yourself.
I'll send my next entry today at some point.
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Why did you send him THAT Bright Eyes song?
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Edit: oh God, I'm going to have such a hard time with the epics round. Two questions: 1 - Does it have to be "an epic," or can it just evoke the feeling of being epic?
The most important thing is that it has the epic feel, although I'd like it to be at least 10 minutes if possible!
2 - Can it be a live track?
Absolutely!
Edit #2: Third question - Will you hate me if I send in something less than ten minutes, but over eight?
I won't hate you, but I might penalise you slightly... :P
You should be ashamed of yourself.
You should send better songs. :neverusethis:
Seriously though, it was a good song, it just didn't grab me as much as the rest of them!
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Why did you send him THAT Bright Eyes song?
Because it's a good song.
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Have to say dude, I think that stuff works better in the context of an album. I'm listening through Digital Ash at the moment and I'm liking it quite a lot. The sadder songs in particular (Gold Mine Gutted and Down in a Rabbit Hole) have a really great mood to them!
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Oh, so NOW it's good, after the rankings are done :lol
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Well, for a start the rankings were based on the songs alone. Also, I'm 6 tracks in and that's my least favourite so far. :lol
Down in a Rabbit Hole is my favourite so far, it's awesome!
After this album I think I'm going to check out the sister record as well; how does that compare?
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Well, for a start the rankings were based on the songs alone. Also, I'm 6 tracks in and that's my least favourite so far. :lol
Down in a Rabbit Hole is my favourite so far, it's awesome!
After this album I think I'm going to check out the sister record as well; how does that compare?
I'd say they're both equally amazing. I'm Wide Awake... is more folk oriented, at least in instrumentation. It also doesn't make you think about death as much, but it's equally sad.
And I was thinking of sending Down in a Rabbit Hole, but then I was like, nah, he wouldn't like that right off the bat :lol
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And I was thinking of sending Down in a Rabbit Hole, but then I was like, nah, he wouldn't like that right off the bat :lol
Well, now you have a better idea of my tastes at least. :)
I'm currently loving the instrumentation in I Believe in Symmetry. Even though you may have come bottom that round, thanks for introducing me to this band!
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;)
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Oh man there are so many good songs on this album. :lol You made the same mistake I did when I sent Joe a River Empires song, picking entirely the wrong one to introduce someone with.
EDIT: Devil in the Details - Ship in a Bottle is such a great two-punch.
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Conor Oberst does not know how to write a bad song.
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I'm Wide Awake It's Morning is approximately 8 million times better than Digital Ash.
Just sayin'
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Took a huge risk for the epic round.
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I'm Wide Awake It's Morning is approximately 8 million times better than Digital Ash.
Just sayin'
I really liked both, but actually I think on first listen Digital Ash slightly steals it for me. I'm Wide Awake... was also great, but Digital Ash had more variety in instrumentation.
By the way, well done on winning the award for cockiest PM title. :lol
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I'm Wide Awake It's Morning is approximately 8 million times better than Digital Ash.
Just sayin'
I really liked both, but actually I think on first listen Digital Ash slightly steals it for me. I'm Wide Awake... was also great, but Digital Ash had more variety in instrumentation.
You animal! OK, I have a confession. I've only listened to Digital Ash a few times a few years ago. I didn't dig it that much, whereas I'm Wide Awake It's Morning is one of my favorite records ever. I'll give it another spin.
Edit: Oh crap I just saw Orcus' submission. I was actually thinking about sending that song :lol
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:lol What are the chances of that happening in an open round?!
Ah well, I'm giving the album a listen now.
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Yeah, that would've been pretty nuts. So I listened to Digital Ash again. It's no I'm Wide Awake It's Morning but, then again, few records are ;) I enjoyed it.
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Bumpity.
Just waiting on Round 2 submissions from Portrucci and orcus. :)
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ariich,
I didn't see anything like it, but have you thought about instituting a rule that says any band that gets at least 3 points in a round cannot be used again? It would prevent people from sending more of the same.
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I hadn't, but it's not a bad idea at all. :tup From now on, that's a rule!
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Sweet, so I can send in some Bright Eyes again :laugh:
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Sent round 2. Oh god such a gamble. It sucks that you have a 10 minute min on the epic round.
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Sweet, so I can send in some Bright Eyes again :laugh:
not before I do! *maniacal laugh*
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Sweet, so I can send in some Bright Eyes again :laugh:
Nope, because I've listened to two of their albums and rated them above 3 stars. :biggrin:
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so, this guy made a song that lasts over 4 days...guess what song you're getting ariich?
Don't worry, you'll have time to listen before Joe finishes.
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so, this guy made a song that lasts over 4 days...guess what song you're getting ariich?
Don't worry, you'll have time to listen before Joe finishes.
:rollin :heart
By the way I have all the songs now, had a listen through once but it'll probably be another couple of days before I'm able to soak them in enough.
They were all quirky... some more than others. :lol
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Mine's the quirkiest. I'd like to see anything top it.
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Mine's the quirkiest. I'd like to see anything top it.
There's one in particular that stands out as the quirkiest of the lot. :lol It's just... well, you'll see when I post the write-ups.
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Mine's not an extravagantly quirky song but the fact that it's plain awesome should make up for that.
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Did I send you Jon Spencer Blues Explosion? I don't remember what I sent you, just the two I almost sent and the one I wanted to send that I couldn't find.
Also, sent my round 3 epic in.
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Nah it wasn't that, but it was rather good. :tup
I'm quite busy because of the lead up to Christmas (like, I'm rarely even in the house) but I should get the write ups done by the end of the week. Anyone who is going to be away, don't forget to send in your epics.
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Wait...I sent you Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, didn't I? If not, just tell me because I don't remember and I leave town tomorrow :lol
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:lol Yeah you did. :tup
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Round 2: Quirky - Points awarded for both how good the song is and also how quirky it is
Another very interesting round with a wide array of different styles. I was very pleased to see the lowest ranking people from the last round stepping up their game and sending in some really top-notch stuff! Only 3 points between first and last place now, so it’s all to play for.
5 points - Ultimetalhead
Dog Fashion Disco - The Hitchhiker (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/The+Hitchhiker/2woz2p)
This song is just awesome; frantic and almost schizophrenic, but brilliant all the way through. There’s a little bit of everything in here, and while most sections remind me of something, the overall feel is incredibly unique. The early verses remind me of a groovier Pain of Salvation, and I really like the chorus (you have a knack for picking songs with great choruses!). AND THEN IT GOES CRAZY! Seriously, the way the weird Devy-like “la la la” bit leads into lounge jazz is just fantastic, I literally cracked up laughing the first time I listened through, and it still makes me chuckle now. This is a completely bonkers song, but they’re definitely a band I want to check out more. Full marks for both quality and quirkiness!
4 points - DTVT
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum - Angle of Repose (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Angle+Of+Repose/2DDJSd)
The opening chords of this song are so creepy! They remind me of the sort of thing you’d get opening a dramatic piece of modern classical music. They set the mood perfectly though, and the rest of the song follows very naturally, or as naturally as avant-garde metal can anyway. Brilliant use of the violin in this song; in fact all the instrumentation is very interesting. What really stands out more than anything else, though, is the contrast between the fact that there is so much going on, but the build-up is actually very slow and subtle. Not the sort of thing I’d listen to relax, but really interesting and engaging music. Again top notch in both quality and quirkiness, and good job keeping it 1 second within the 8 minute limit! :lol
4 points - sonatafanica
Mother Mother - Polynesia (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Polynesia/kqmJ1)
I can’t really explain why, but this song puts a huge grin on my face. Like this: :D The drum beat is very groovy, especially the way it first enters, but the main source of the quirkiness here is in the vocals which are great fun! This is my shortest write-up so far, but to be honest I just don’t have anything else to say. This song makes me happy, simple as that. :lol
3 points - antigoon
Broken Bells - The High Road (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/The+High+Road+album+Version+/3ciWBJ)
The opening notes of this are so bizarre! Before the drums come in it almost sounds like two separate pieces being played out of time with each other. :lol Once the drums come in though, the song gets going, and I love it! Such a lovely feel, and the bleeps and bloops work surprisingly well. DJ Danger Mouse did a really great job producing this song, the whole sound is really nice and again I’m keen to check out the album. I would have ranked this one higher but despite the bleeps and bloops, it just wasn’t that quirky. :P
3 points - orcus116
Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains - Scott Taylor (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Scott+Taylor/2q0gNN)
This is a really groovy hard rock jam, with some very bizarre sections and unusual synthesiser sounds. As you say, the quirkiness is furthered by the fact that at any given time there’s at least one instrument that is sounding slightly out of time. I wasn’t keen on this effect on the first listen through, but actually after a couple more listens I started to really enjoy the tune and realised that the fact that it’s recorded that way gives it a very raw and energetic feel, like listening to a band rocking out in their garage. I find it really interesting that such a bunch of old fogeys (well, not exactly old but you know what I mean) can put together such a youthful sounding jam.
2 points - zxlkho
Skindred - Rat Race (https://listen.grooveshark.com/#/s/Rat+Race/B74Ss)
Wtf, metal mixed with reggae! It’s not really a natural combination, but it actually works pretty well; I find the overall groove and mood of the song really fun, in a headbanging kind of way, and some of the riffs are really cool. The vocalist really does a great job, and I think he is really the key for why this song works so well. The only slight weakness is the lack of any real high point, but it’s a pretty short song so I imagine in the context of an album it probably works better. I’m going to have to give the album a listen, because I really like the style! Also, while the genre-mixing is really interesting, it’s less quirky than most of the other entries this round, which brings the ranking down slightly.
2 points - TheVoxyn
Flight of the Conchords - Foux de Fa Fa (The youtube vid wasn't official, and without the video the song just wouldn't be as funny, so no link)
This was a very strange submission, which gets it quirky points automatically! :lol Problem is, while it is really funny, I find it hard treating it as a proper song. Which isn’t to say that I don’t really like it; I love the comedy in it and the music is kind of catchy, but for the music that’s pretty much the extent of it. I’ve been meaning to check out Flight of the Conchords for ages but have never got round to it. I feel like I should put the effort in as I enjoyed this a lot (I also checked a couple other youtube vids which were equally funny), so I feel bad for ranking it so low, but despite the hilarity the music itself just wasn’t all that exciting. Oh and how much does the guy with glasses look like Will from The Inbetweeners?! :lol
1 point - Portrucci
Bruno Spoerri - Drillin' (No link)
Um. What? Full points for quirkiness, but I can’t imagine ever listening to this again! :lol It’s a 3 minute or so song recorded mostly using the sounds of various drills (presumably some drill sounds were sampled and routed through a synthesiser or something, it’s not entirely clear). It’s a very clever idea and it creates a very unusual industrial sound (by which I mean construction industry, not “industrial” the music genre!), but it’s also a bit difficult to listen to. And sadly, the music is just a very basic blues piece. Top marks for trying though, and you’re the definite frontrunner for the Weirdest Submission of the Roulette Award!
Rankings:
antigoon – 8
Ultimetalhead - 8
zxlkho - 6
DTVT - 6
Portrucci - 5
TheVoxyn - 5
orcus116 - 5
sonatafanica - 5
Next:
As already posted, the next round is as follows:
Round 3: Epics - As I mentioned at the start, this round does not have the 8:00 length limit. There is no upper limit, and in fact I'd like each song to be a minimum of 10 minutes if possible. I often like songs that take the listener on a journey and leave them feeling great at the end, so that's what I'm thinking here.
I've already received submissions from 2 people, so let's get everyone else's in and I'll start listening.
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Glad you liked the song, dawg. Er, I mean, bleep bloop.
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Yeah it's great, I'll give the album a listen at some point. Just couldn't rank it higher in the context of the round, which is a shame.
Um, I mean, bzzt brrr.
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Yea, it was hard to pick a song that worked out of the comedy factor. Some of them do, but I wanted something with a bit of humour to it. Those guys are brilliant by the way, definitely check out their other work and the TV series.
Trying to pick out an epic song right now. I was planning to send GY!BE but you already have a couple of their albums in your RYM. I think I might know what to send now, but I just want to listen to a couple of things first. Too bad that takes quite a while since all the songs I am considering are quite long :p.
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I have the perfect song but it's only 9:12 in length (maybe not so perfect :lol).
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That's ok, 10 minutes isn't a strict limit like the usual 8:00 maximum, more of a minimum to aim for. 9:12 is close enough that if the song is that much better than anything else you have over 10 mins, you might as well send it! :lol
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Yeah. I sent a song under 9 minutes. Granted, I'll probably come in last for that round but, hey, we can't all be perfect :p
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Song I'm about to send is 20 minutes, so I compensated for you guys.
It's going to be a gamble though. I think it will either score very high or very low.
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:victorydance: I knew you'd love it. Time to send my epic.
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Points will be awarded for how quirky it is.
Bruno Spoerri - Drillin' (No link)
Um. What? Full points for quirkiness
1 point.
:angry: :lol
I really like that song. It puts a smile on my face. And that's all I ask of music :)
time to find a good epic...
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FYI, Sleepytime has a violinist as a member of the band. They put on quite a show. I hate posting from my phone.
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Points will be awarded for how quirky it is.
Bruno Spoerri - Drillin' (No link)
Um. What? Full points for quirkiness
1 point.
:angry: :lol
I really like that song. It puts a smile on my face. And that's all I ask of music :)
:lol Yeah sorry about that. I would have liked to rank it higher for the quirk factor, but it was the only song I could justify putting in bottom place.
I've listened to the album, and it's actually not bad at all. Strange sort of electro-funk for the most part, but it's kinda groovy and easy to listen to. That song is still incredibly bizarre though! :lol
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Bump.
Just waitin' on orcus now, but no worries as I know you're busy, plus it's Christmas so you probably have better things to be concerning yourself with. :lol
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You picked the best song. Definitely.
HITCHHIKER...ROADSIDE EXECUTION!
Edit: Rich, the first time I heard The Hitchhiker was when I was at work. I started laughing hysterically at my desk (had my headphones in) and then after the song had finished, I had noticed that everyone in the office was staring at me :lol
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Second guessing my song choice. I'll try to send something by tonight.
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Sent.
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Edit: Rich, the first time I heard The Hitchhiker was when I was at work. I started laughing hysterically at my desk (had my headphones in) and then after the song had finished, I had noticed that everyone in the office was staring at me :lol
:lol Awesome. I had a listen through the album the other day, it's pretty rocking.
Second guessing my song choice. I'll try to send something by tonight.
I do that all the time, so in the end I decided to just send it once I made a decision of some kind. Of course, I did start doing less well towards the end of Joe's roulette, and that may be why...
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Adultery? Yeah, it's a pretty sweet album.
What are your favourite tracks so far?
Try getting Anarchists of Good Taste next. Serj Tankian sings on the track "Mushroom Cult".
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*slump*
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*slump*
Patience, young man. I knew the epics round would be a bit longer as there's more to take in; plus people are busy/away for Christmas so I don't think there's any rush. :)
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There's definitely a rush. I want to know how well you liked the band/song, DESPERATELY.
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I have two ideas for rounds, acoustic and something in your mother language. Although I think the latter would mainly be in English :p.
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You could do language other than English..
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True. But then everyone sends Sigur Rós :angel:.
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ariich already know Sigur Rós right?
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I think it was cool that DTVT did a lyrically-oriented round. That would be cool.
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I think it was cool that DTVT did a lyrically-oriented round. That would be cool.
Well now that you've mentioned it, I might as well confirmed that I've already stolen his idea and am doing that for the next round! So yeah, I guess you can all start having a think now.
ariich already know Sigur Rós right?
Yep.
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DO THE WRITE-UPS OH MY GOD WE'RE DYING OVER HERE.
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:lol Still taking my time over these. There's a lot to take in. Should be done by tomorrow or maybe new years day.
EDIT: Also, they're really hard to rank this round. I don't really feel like any of them deserve to be near the bottom.
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I would like some points please.
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Round 3: Epics
Write-ups seem to be as epic as the songs this time! This round turned out even better than I was expecting – it had the potential to lend itself to lots of generic prog, but fortunately that didn’t happen, and actually there was hardly any prog at all! The songs that have done best are those that have a very big and epic feel, and those that really build up to a climax, but honestly all 8 songs were top notch.
5 points - orcus116
This Will Destroy You - A Three-Legged Workhorse (https://listen.grooveshark.com/#/s/A+Three+Legged+Workhorse/21VQ35)
Wow. Just, wow. This is everything that post-rock should be, in my opinion, and right from the first listen I knew this was going to be doing well this round. The atmosphere that the music creates throughout the whole song is just great, and the textures really give the song a huge feel. There is so much I love about this song: the intro builds up slowly, but it is all so perfectly paced, the music doesn’t even really start until nearly 2 minutes in but when it does, you’re completely ready for it; the song just gets bigger and bigger for the first 6ish minutes, reaching a fairly epic climax, before dying down and then coming back for a big finale. Really wonderful stuff, I’m looking forward to checking out more of this band!
4 points - TheVoxyn
Mono & World's End Girlfriend - Untitled (aka Trailer 5) (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Part+Five/1VlKsh)
The opening piano chords of this song are really beautiful, and the whole intro with that (and then after the strings have come in) just set the tone for the rest of the song perfectly. The way they add layer after layer in building up the textures and the sounds is pretty incredible. After 12 minutes I realised that I had been listening to one big crescendo and that I wasn’t bored. To be honest, this was such a good song that it was a tough decision over which one to give 5 points, and the only very slight downer with this song is that the pacing isn’t quite as spot on as orcus’ entry. I really can’t fault the build-up, and I was never bored, but by the end, as much as I loved it, I didn’t feel like all that much had happened. :lol Still, a really excellent song, so I’m going to see if I can find the album because I really want to hear the whole thing.
4 points - antigoon
Brad Mehldau - Don't Be Sad (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Don+t+Be+Sad/2M9d8y)
Finally some jazz! I’m a big jazz fan (although I guess there isn’t that much of it in my RYM because I don’t know that many whole albums, at least compared to some other genres) from playing saxophone in a couple of bands at uni. I have to say, I wasn’t expecting jazz in the Epics round, but this particular piece fits the theme perfectly, and benefits from many of the same qualities as the two post-rock songs above. The melodies are really lovely, and the instrumentation is great, I just adore the use of the orchestral backing. You’re right about Redman’s tenor sax playing as well, OH GOD IT’S SO GOOD! I don’t know how he gets such a gorgeous tone out of it, but it makes me want to scrap my alto sax, buy a tenor and get practising. The way the song builds up is great, and the feelings that the song evokes are very powerful, especially with some of the strange suspended chords around the 4:30-5:00 mark. Thanks for another terrific entry!
3 points - zxlkho
Ne Obliviscaris - Forget Not (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Forget+Not/39LxI1)
And again, another song with a terrific build-up, I love the climax towards the end where it almost goes into full-on melodeath. There is definitely a bit of a similarity to Agalloch, but with a few key differences. The use of the lead violin is great and really adds a unique touch to the music, and I like the vocals a lot (have to say the harsh vocals are done much better than Agalloch’s). However, the one thing that is less strong here is the mood; there is definitely an atmosphere, but it isn’t as big or strong as the songs that managed 4 or 5 points this round. That said, I really like it a lot, and the 12 minutes just zoom by. I couldn’t find the album on either Spotify or Grooveshark, so I’m putting it on my to-buy-when-I-have-spare-cash list.
3 points - Ultimetalhead
Superior - Why (no link)
This is the most straightforward prog metal I received this round, but it fits the theme very well. The opening theme on the piano and vocals is really nice, although slightly cheesy and on the first listen I was worried that the song was going to be quite generic. However, once it gets going it quickly becomes clear that it’s not the case at all, the piano work throughout the song is indeed great, and my favourite thing about the song is the riffing, which rarely takes the forefront but always fits and adds to the music. Definitely a bit of an mid-era DT feel to quite a few parts of the song, but it never feels ripped off, which I guess makes sense as the album came out in 1996 so was actually before. There are a lot of great ideas throughout the song, and it definitely takes the listener on a journey, the reason it hasn’t done better is that it doesn’t convey as much of a big epic feeling as the higher ranked songs in this round.
2 points - sonatafanica
Modest Mouse - Trucker's Atlas (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Trucker+s+Atlas/eocgB)
This was very close to being a 3-pointer; it was a very tough decision between this and UMH’s song, and in the end I just had to go with what fit the theme better (as you said yourself, Epics isn’t exactly the ideal round for you). I’ve actually been meaning to check out Modest Mouse for a while as I’ve heard a lot of good things about them, and I liked what I heard here. I wasn’t always that keen on the vocals, but they work really well in places, and in general the music is very raw and energetic, and has a great feel to it. It also covers a lot of ground in 7 minutes, and I really like the outro; as I said, the only reason this got 2 points and not 3 is that I didn’t really get much of an epic feel from it. Quality song, just not ideally suited to this round.
2 points - Portrucci
Can - Halleluhwah (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Halleluhwah/ltxgQ)
Ooh, Krautrock! Again, this song might have done better, and I actually thought I was going to rank it higher when I was first listening through, but after a few listens I just realised it doesn’t keep my attention as well as most of the other songs. That said, it’s a really good bit of 70s rock – and I know you said it’s not prog, but to be honest it still feels very proggy to me, particularly with the fact that it was so ahead of its time, and with the way the keyboards are used throughout, which I loved. The experimental nature of the music is great , and it has a very psychedelic feel in places. I also liked the way it peaked and troughed; the one thing that just brought it down slightly was that it felt surprisingly disjointed. The opening 5 minutes, for example, had a great rise and then fall, and then suddenly it just felt like it was starting again. Still, the ideas were really cool, and I’ve never really listened to much Krautrock, so I’m going to try and check out more of Can’s stuff.
1 point - DTVT
Power of Omens - Test of Wills (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Test+Of+Wills/2F6lU0)
I do feel a little bad giving this song only 1 point, as there’s a lot of really good stuff in here, it just grabs me less than the other songs do. The opening is fantastic, and creates a great atmosphere to set up the rest of the song. There are also lots of really good ideas throughout the song, and some of the sections are just excellent. I think there are just a couple of things that drag the song down a bit for me: firstly, the production is not that strong, and it means that at times something like the vocals or drums will be a little too much at the forefront which takes away from whatever else is going on; and secondly, the song is quite disjointed. I love that there are so many ideas in the song, but there does not seem to be much development within and between them, it’s almost like the band were bursting with ideas and had to get them all down. Still, this song was on their debut album, and so it’s a shame that they only released one more before stopping, as they seemed to have great potential and could have been a really great band if they’d got to the stage where they streamlined their ideas a little.
Rankings:
antigoon – 12
Ultimetalhead - 11
orcus116 - 10
zxlkho - 9
TheVoxyn - 9
DTVT - 7
Portrucci - 7
sonatafanica - 7
Next:
Round 4: Lyrics - As I mentioned yesterday, this round is all about lyrics. Send in songs where the lyrics are an important part of why the song is so good, although as always of course the music should also be high quality. The lyrics can be good for any reason you like: powerful, clever, poetic, witty, hilarious, anything, as long as they really add to the overall song.
I know some people are still busy/away so I won't start chasing by PM for a couple of days or so.
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WHAT THE HELL!? Are you me TheVoxyn? Like, when I go to sleep I'll wake up a little later and start posting as TheVoxyn and not remember it at all right now?
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:lol
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Yay, points.
WHAT THE HELL!? Are you me TheVoxyn? Like, when I go to sleep I'll wake up a little later and start posting as TheVoxyn and not remember it at all right now?
It's all just a dream. There is no DTF.
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So pumped you liked it! :tup They're an incredible band and a fairly young one as well. Check out "The World Is Our ____" and "Quiet" from Young Mountain as well as "Threads" and "The Might Rio Grande" from This Will Destroy You for instant suggestions, or just check out those two albums.
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Yeah gonna give the full albums a listen at some point. As an album opener, that song is pretty much perfect!
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I am dissapoint. I thought I was getting 3. "Why" is the only other song this round I am familiar with, and its probably the best song in Superior's catalog.
I'm going to be stuck in my hometown longer than expected, I need new tires for my car and they won't get in until the 3rd. I'll have occasional access until then, and I can probably make an informed selection for the next round in a day or two.
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"Why?" or "Nothing" would be my favorite Superior tracks. Good to see them and Ne Obliviscaris :tup
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So glad you liked the tune, Rich! I was worried!
Gonna have to do some serious thinking for this round.
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I gotta check out more Mehldau stuff. The only thing I've heard from him is an incredible live version of him covering "Paranoid Android" on just piano but his chops are outstanding.
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Ah I heard that one on YouTube, it was awesome. Check out the tune I sent Rich, it's really great. https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Don+t+Be+Sad/2M9d8y
Here's an interactive storybook of the album it's from with clips from the record... It's a bit of a concept.
https://bradmehldau.com/content/storybook/index.html
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Joe, I couldn't work out if that youtube link was an official one or not, so I edited in the Grooveshark link that I found, and which I had already included in my results post. :P
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Kind of a risky pick coming your way. We'll see.
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Joe, I couldn't work out if that youtube link was an official one or not, so I edited in the Grooveshark link that I found, and which I had already included in my results post. :P
Ah. Apologies. Well the video is super cool, it's a stylized song scroll and you can find it on his website.
https://bradmehldau.com/music/highway_rider/index.html#
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Back home from Boston. I'll try to send one in the next day or so.
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I'm having a lot of trouble thinking of a song you don't have yet.
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Bumpity.
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Still don't really know what to send but I will try to get something out today.
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ok sent a good one. this should go well :biggrin:
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Sent.
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Cool, just waiting on one more. I'll hopefully have writeups done before Friday, when I'm going away to Madrid for 4 days.
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Finally sent. SORRY DUDES.
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WHAT THE DICK, MAN
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I BLAME NO ONE ELSE ;~;
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No worries, I'm doing the write-ups now, and I'm away from tomorrow until Monday anyway, so you'll all have plenty of time to have a think about Round 5.
Oh man there are so many good songs this round, I still don't know which one should get 5 points.
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Oh man there are so many good songs this round, I still don't know which one should get 5 points.
If my song didn't move you, you are a heartless, soulless bastard.
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Round 4: Lyrics
Another really great round, possibly the best one yet even. The top few songs I had to keep listening to while following the lyrics to try and decide how to rank them, it was really tough! A running theme in this round was bands and artists that I’ve heard of or meant to check out but never got round to or only heard a small amount of before (5 of the 8 songs - nugget?) and all of those I liked enough to want to listen to more of! Anyway, on with the write-ups…
5 points - sonatafanica
Joanna Newsom - Does Not Suffice (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Does+Not+Suffice/2PLe9x)
This is such a beautiful song! I don’t know what the inspiration was for the lyrics, but it’s clearly about some kind of heartbreak. The language itself is very simple, but the imagery is wonderful and moving, and the last verse/section in particular is just heart-wrenching, probably for anyone who has ever experienced an unwanted breakup. The music itself is really lovely as well, it complements the lyrics perfectly, her voice is gorgeous, and the section at the end is a great way to wrap the song up. As with many of the bands and artists I’ve been sent over the course of this Roulette, I’ve heard about Newsom and I think heard one or two songs here and there, but never sat down and given her a proper listen, which I’m now regretting.
4 points - orcus116
Thrice - Beggars (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Beggars/2r4Crx)
I really can’t say enough good things about this song, it just has everything. The music is really good, pretty straightforward I guess, but the way it builds up throughout the song is great, and the whole thing has a very strong and compelling atmosphere. And this is enhanced immeasurably by the lyrics, which are just fantastic! What I really like is the fact that stylistically the lyrics are very personal and emotional, particularly in the repeated asking of very direct questions, but the subject matter is far more broad and philosophical/sociological. This juxtaposition works really well and gives the overall song a very powerful feel. I’ve heard Thrice mentioned so many times but never bothered to check them out; time to change that I think.
4 points - antigoon
Ben Folds - Fred Jones part 2 (live) (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Fred+Jones+Part+2/2Vhgfb)
This is definitely the kind of thing I was looking for in this round, where the lyrics really add immensely to the song. The music is really nice, but nothing massively special in itself. But with such emotional and well-written lyrics that somehow perfectly complement the pleasant and almost bouncy music, the combination is an incredibly sad sounding song. This is an effect that is very hard to achieve, successfully combining music of one mood with lyrics of another, but the result here is brilliant. Yet another artist I need to check out (I’m so glad that Spotify and Grooveshark exist, or you guys would be bankrupting me!)
3 points - DTVT
Enchant - What to Say (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/What+To+Say/1S8OgS)
I have oddly mixed feelings about the lyrics to this song. :lol On one hand, they are very emotional, the concept is very moving and there are some great moments, but there are just a couple of lines that strike me as slightly awkward. On the whole I do like the lyrics though, but what I really like is the music. I’m not sure how well it complements the words (possibly a DT-esque situation of writing music first and adding lyrics later) but in itself the music is really good, there are some excellent melodies and the performance is very slick. Enchant are another band I’ve heard of a number of times but never listened to, so I’m definitely going to give at least this album a listen, and probably some others as well (they all seem to be on Spotify!)
3 points - Portrucci
Crippled Black Phoenix - Fantastic Justice (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Fantastic+Justice/3awMI0)
I really like this song a lot, this is definitely an album I need to check out. The music is just great throughout, and I love the instrumentation (I can’t work out if those are real brass instruments being used in the bigger sounding sections or just a synthesiser, but the effect is great). The lyrics are interesting, quite dark and surreal and full of strange references and metaphors, although the only downside of this is that it makes the lyrics very dense and hard to get much from, if that makes sense. What I do like a lot about the lyrics, though, is the phrasing, which is very unusual and almost uncomfortable in places, but the effect they create within the overall sound is fantastic! You’ve probably never listened to a Brit-pop band called Ocean Colour Scene, but their lyrics often have similar kinds of unusual phrasing as well, and so some parts of this remind me of a darker version of them. Good stuff anyway, I’m definitely going to give the album a listen!
2 points - zxlkho
A Perfect Circle - Weak and Powerless (https://listen.grooveshark.com/#/s/Weak+And+Powerless/1SbrFD)
It’s such a shame that I can’t give this song more points this round; it was just weaker than some of the others. The lyrics are really good, maybe not something I can relate to personally but despite that they really portray how weak drug addicts can feel, and as is usually the case with Maynard there are some really wonderful lines (like “Digging to the rhythm and the echo of a solitary siren”). The music is good too, I’ve only heard APC’s first album before and I wasn’t a huge fan, but that was a long time ago and obviously they’ve done more stuff since then, so as happened with Portrucci sending me Agalloch in the first round, I’ve definitely been inspired to check APC out again!
2 points - TheVoxyn
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - I See A Darkness (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/I+See+A+Darkness/J6OHF)
This is a really lovely mellow song. The lyrics are pretty straightforward, but this works well because they are obviously very personal and so they give a very sad and relatable feel to the song. The music itself is very simple as well, which complements the lyrics nicely. The only reason this song has only managed 2 points is that it doesn’t really feel like it goes anywhere, and while this is certainly not a major issue at all for an individual song, the quality of the songs this round was so high that it was enough to make the difference. I’ll give the album a listen at some point though, as this song has intrigued me.
1 point - Ultimetalhead
Big D and the Kids Table - Shining On (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Shining+On/2BfEXJ)
This song is only getting 1 point, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still like it quite a lot. I don’t own many ska albums but it’s a genre I enjoy plenty, especially live (a friend of mine at uni used to play trumpet in a band and I went to their gigs every chance I got). The chorus is incredibly infectious; each time I’ve listened to the song it’s been stuck in my head for ages afterwards! There are two reasons this song came bottom of the round though: 1) the verses are kind of annoying vocally. Nothing against rap at all, but that kind of lazy semi-talking just sounds slightly awkward to me when not done right. And 2) the lyrics are definitely good fun and nicely upbeat, but I just don’t see them as a focal point of the song at all. Other than that, it’s very enjoyable.
Rankings:
antigoon – 16
orcus116 - 14
Ultimetalhead - 12
sonatafanica - 12
zxlkho - 11
TheVoxyn - 11
DTVT - 10
Portrucci - 10
Next:
Round 5: Recent – anything from 2009 or 2010 (or even 2011 if you have any!). I've enjoyed a lot of new music that has been released in the last 2 years but I know there must be a ton more. Style/genre etc is completely open, it just has to be an original song first released since the start of 2009.
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Only 2 points for such an amazing song? I must check out all the other songs then :p.
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Only 2 points for such an amazing song? I must check out all the other songs then :p.
Yeah this round was really great! I'm glad I stole DTVT's idea and did a lyrics round. :D
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Ariich, go buy Thrice's Beggars now. Such a great album.
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I see you gave Go a full listen, awesome.
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Ariich, go buy Thrice's Beggars now. Such a great album.
This... and APC's Thirteenth Step.
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Ariich, go buy Thrice's Beggars now. Such a great album.
This... and APC's Thirteenth Step.
I myself should get that, the song you picked and Blue were favorites of mine years ago (and the only ones I've heard).
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Ariich, go buy Thrice's Beggars now. Such a great album.
I very much intend to give it a few listens, but if I like it enough then I imagine I'll buy it at some point.
I see you gave Go a full listen, awesome.
:tup It's a really nice album!
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Bah, I knew it was kind of a risk with the rap-esque verses, but oh well. Glad you liked the song anyway. Their album Strictly Rude (The one the song is off of) is good, but the middle of the album goes down in quality. My personal favorite album is How it Goes. Check that one out for sure.
Time to pick another winner.
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Well, if you liked that song, you should love Enchant, as I wouldn't put that as a top 5 song of theirs for me, but I felt it fit the round well and was under 8 minutes. The song I REALLY wanted to send was "New Moon", but wasn't going to risk sending you a 8:24 song. As for albums, I would rank them:
J9/D10
Tug of War
Time Lost
Wounded (now Wounded and Time Lost are sold together I think)
Break
Blueprint of the World
Blink of an Eye
Most people seem to have Break as their least favorite and Blueprint higher, but even Blink of an Eye is a good album worth that I would give to someone wanting to check out the band and getting them hooked. Ted Leonard is one of my favorite vocalists, and they write so many songs that I just relate to so well - I almost sent you "My Enemy" from Break, and really could have sent half their catalog and had it been very appropriate for this round.
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Woohoo!
Okay, recent, I'll have to think on this...
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Damn you and that 8 minute limit! Best song from my album of the year last year clocks in at 8:03.
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My personal favorite album is How it Goes. Check that one out for sure.
Cool, I'll be sure to give it a listen at some point.
Ted Leonard is one of my favorite vocalists
Yeah I really liked the vocals a lot, definitely one of the standout qualities of the song! Cheers for the advice, J9/D10 is definitely on Spotify so I'll make that a starting point and carry on from there.
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Bump!
I'm returning home tomorrow, so it'd be good to have as many as possible in. Only got 3 so far. :)
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Enchant's "Break" record is great, but the prog fans don't care for it as much. I put it above Tug of War, Blink of an Eye and Wounded.
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Already know which artist I am going to send but need to pick out a song. Not sure if I can earn points with this artist but its a personal favourite that unfortunately not many people have heard of.
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Already know which artist I am going to send but need to pick out a song. Not sure if I can earn points with this artist but its a personal favourite that unfortunately not many people have heard of.
well I'm sending an artist with 900 listeners on last.fm :lol I think it's great to find new music at it's very source with quite unknown bands.
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Already know which artist I am going to send but need to pick out a song. Not sure if I can earn points with this artist but its a personal favourite that unfortunately not many people have heard of.
well I'm sending an artist with 900 listeners on last.fm :lol I think it's great to find new music at it's very source with quite unknown bands.
Dammit, mine has over a 1000. But the top track doesn't even get to the 70 plays, so it's still underground enough to be cool :P.
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Bumpin'.
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Yup, listening to the songs now. Still waiting on sonata though. :P
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Just a quick update to say 2 things:
- Write ups should be done by this evening, or tomorrow at the very latest.
- Just listened through Thrice's Beggars. What a fantastic album from start to finish! Definitely one of my favourite discoveries so far in this Roulette. In fact, most of the full albums I've checked out I've really liked a lot, I think once the Roulette itself is over, I'm going to keep updating the thread with my thoughts on each band/artist's full albums, especially as I'm more of an album person anyway.
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Work backwords with Thrice if you wanna get more of them. I think you'll dig the variety of styles of The Alchemy Index.
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Round 5: Recent – anything from 2009 or 2010
This was another really excellent round, and once again there was a good mixture of bands and artists I’ve heard about but not properly checked out, and ones I’d never heard of before but who were still really good.
5 points - TheVoxyn
Petter Carlsen - Spirits in Need (no link)
Another one of those songs that I really can’t say enough good things about! Never heard of Petter Carlsen before, but he has a really great, very tasteful voice, and his music in this song is wonderful. It’s actually very hard to pinpoint anything in particular, because everything about it is so good – the music, the instrumentation, the vocal melodies (and indeed the vocals), and so on. The two things I will mention specifically though are: 1) the drumming – every other instrument has quite slow, restrained parts, but the drums have a real pace and energy that give the song such an exciting feel; and 2) the bridge type section that ends the song, which has a fantastic feel to it and which really sees his vocals shining. I know this is a single from his upcoming album (which I’m now very interested in) but I’ll certainly check out his previous album as well.
4 points - orcus116
The Antlers - Kettering (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Kettering/2vENjD)
This is such a gorgeous song. I looked the band up on wikipedia as I was curious as to how they are generally defined, and as I kind of expected, they are hard to categorise, which is usually a great quality to have. The atmosphere in this song is fantastic, it has a very mellow mood throughout even though the instrumentation keeps building up for the most part of the song, something that reminds me quite a lot of post-rock. My favourite thing, though, is probably the vocals. He is very emotive, and just sings with such a lovely quality and tone. Great stuff all round!
4 points - DTVT
Redemption - Black and White World (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Black+And+White+World/2EO6bU)
On one of my listens of this song, after the first few seconds I thought I was listening to Forsaken. :lol Very similar opening piano motif. Anyway, this was a really good song, I’m sure I’ve heard some Redemption before, but clearly not enough (or in enough depth) to rate them, and I certainly didn’t recognise this song. It builds up nicely and generally has a very coherent feel over the 8 minutes. What I really like most about the song is the instrumentation, which is pretty unique and distinguishes the song from a lot of other, somewhat similar prog metal. The mix of some quite simple electronic synth sounds with big orchestral sounds (particularly throughout the verses) works surprisingly well and makes the song exciting and dynamic. I definitely need to give Redemption a dedicated listen at some point.
3 points - zxlkho
Alcest - Percées De Lumière (https://listen.grooveshark.com/#/s/Perc+es+De+Lumi+re/2UksBS)
Some very interesting things going on in this song. The overall style I’d probably describe as black metal or maybe post-metal, but it is unusually melodic and upbeat sounding, and there are obvious post-rock influences in there. On my first listen a lot of it seemed like melodic but fairly run of the mill black metal but the more I listen the more I get from the song, and the section in the middle in particular is really excellent. I know you wanted to send the song that was over 8 minutes, but don’t worry, I’ll be giving the full album a listen at some point.
3 points - Portrucci
NàTTSòL - Ved Baal I Kveldstime (Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/track/7JWQJ10l0jYhhn6fTehV9D)
I absolutely adore the acoustic opening to this song; really gorgeous stuff, both harmonically and also in terms of tone and atmosphere. The way the full band comes in is rather sudden, and if I’m honest slightly abrasive, but after the initial shock this is some good black metal. Both clean and harsh vocals are used well throughout the song, and the vocal harmonies around the 2:30 mark in particular I really like! The acoustic break in the middle is, again, just fantastic, but it does seem to come rather out of nowhere and then disappears just as suddenly. Still, they are obviously a new band and so are showing some really good potential, so hopefully they’ll learn to streamline their ideas a little more!
2 points - Ultimetalhead
Floater - Matadors (https://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search/song?q=Floater%20Matadors)
This is a really good hard rock song; the verses have a fantastic groove to them, and I really enjoy the poppy chorus as well. In fact, every section individually is great; it’s a fun rocker with good riffs and melodies that is enjoyable throughout. The one small downer is that the sections don’t seem to fit together that well. By that, I don’t mean that it’s disjointed at all, just that the moods and styles of each section don’t really complement each other that much. It’s only a minor point though, other than that it’s a very good song!
2 points - antigoon
Ives the Band - The Joker (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/The+Joker/2JB0dq)
I like the intro to this song, particularly the bouncy piano part, but it does take a little time to really get going. Once it does though, it’s a pretty top-notch pop-rock song. There’s a good groove throughout, some really nice melodies, and I particularly like the guitar parts when they come in, which give the song a much bigger and more energetic feel. Only very slight downer is that the singer’s voice (while it has a very nice quality to it) just seems a little too soft for the bigger sounding parts of the song. Still, it’s their first album, and from this song they sound really promising, so I’m sure his voice will strengthen over time! I’m definitely going to give the album a listen at some point, as I often find that lead singles don’t represent albums all that well.
1 point - sonatafanica
Disasterpeace - Ensis (https://disasterpeace.bandcamp.com/track/ensis)
OH GOD CHIPTUNE! :lol Actually I have to say, there is something very endearing about this music, and it reminds me immensely of old video games (obviously) and so instils a very pleasant feeling of nostalgia. The tune does drag on a bit, but the main problem here is that I really can’t imagine listening to this very often. Giving it a handful of listens for this Roulette was enough of an effort to be honest. I do actually listen to music that is maybe not quite as basic sounding, but that uses, say, 90s video game midi sounds, but the difference there is that it is music that came from video games that I used to play (or even still do) and so I enjoy it largely because it reminds me of the context within the games. Music in the same style but without that context sadly doesn’t seem to do much for me.
Rankings:
antigoon – 18
orcus116 - 18
TheVoxyn - 16
Ultimetalhead - 14
zxlkho - 14
DTVT - 14
sonatafanica - 13
Portrucci - 13
It's still pretty close! Going in to the final regular round, everyone is able to qualify for the semi-finals, and technically everyone can fail to qualify although for 'goon and orcus it's pretty unlikely, so there's everything to play for. In terms of a final ranking to determine semi-finalists, if there is a tie then I will take my favourite two songs sent in by the tied people and make a decision on ranking based on those.
Next:
Round 6 (final regular round): Emotional - I realise there is an extent of cross-over with the lyrics round (as some people went for very emotional lyrics) but music that really makes me feel something speaks to me a lot, so send me something amazing that you consider very emotional. And remember, it doesn't have to be sad emotions, and it's not even necessary for the emotion to come primarily from the lyrics, I've heard many instrumental songs or classical pieces that are incredibly emotional!
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Hell yea! Glad you enjoyed it. I had some trouble hunting his first album down but I ended up buying it digitally. I saw he made a facebook post today about a site where you can get physical copies though.
And I think I know what to send for my next round. I had two songs for the lyrical round and I think I might send the song now that I didn't send then.
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Hell yea! Glad you enjoyed it. I had some trouble hunting his first album down but I ended up buying it digitally. I saw he made a facebook post today about a site where you can get physical copies though.
It's on Spotify. GODDAMN I LOVE SPOTIFY! :D
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Hospice is a fantastic album, I've been listening to it quite a bit lately.
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I think I blew my load with that last song for the emotional round :lol Glad you liked it though!
Alcest are actually described as Post Black Metal so you were right on all accounts.
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HOW THE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO SEND CHIPTUNE THAT YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF BUT WILL STILL FEEL NOSTALGIC ABOUT, AS THAT'S THE ONLY WAY YOU'LL LIKE IT
YOU'RE GOING TO MISS OUT ON A COOL GENRE AND DIE DRUNK AND AFRAID AND NO ONE WILL EVER REMEMBER YOU
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Hospice is a fantastic album, I've been listening to it quite a bit lately.
Same, great album.
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Work backwords with Thrice if you wanna get more of them. I think you'll dig the variety of styles of The Alchemy Index.
Just noticed that you posted this before I put my results up. And yeah I'll work backwards, they seem to have the whole lot on Spotify!
Alcest are actually described as Post Black Metal so you were right on all accounts.
:lol Awesome.
HOW THE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO SEND CHIPTUNE THAT YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF BUT WILL STILL FEEL NOSTALGIC ABOUT, AS THAT'S THE ONLY WAY YOU'LL LIKE IT
YOU'RE GOING TO MISS OUT ON A COOL GENRE AND DIE DRUNK AND AFRAID AND NO ONE WILL EVER REMEMBER YOU
no u
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Work backwords with Thrice if you wanna get more of them. I think you'll dig the variety of styles of The Alchemy Index.
Just noticed that you posted this before I put my results up. And yeah I'll work backwards, they seem to have the whole lot on Spotify!
Odd. I think my forum clock was messed up because I couldn't post in this thread for like 30 minutes. I'd like to wish I was psychic though.
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By the way, I've added the following sentence into the Round 6 criteria: "And remember, it doesn't have to be sad emotions, and it's not even necessary for the emotion to come primarily from the lyrics, I've heard many instrumental songs or classical pieces that are incredibly emotional!"
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Thanks for telling me what emotion is, jerk.
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Thanks for telling me what emotion is, jerk.
:lol Well, I only decided to add that because G said in his Roulette that almost all the entries for his Emotional round were fairly similar in those regards.
You're just upset about your fall from grace.
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Alright, I'm praying you've never heard the song I'm about to send. Probably one of the most powerful songs I know.
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I think I'm going to deviate from my original plan. Have 2 songs in mind now, going to be hard to choose.
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Can't believe I didn't respond to the results. Fair enough. I personally think there's nothing wrong with the flow, but hey. That's opinions.
Listen to the albums Alter, Wake, and Glyph. They are the best.
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Seeing your Thrice ratings make me so happy. Glad you're digging them!
Sent btw.
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good to see some appreciation for The Antlers. They have a new album expected in 2011.
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Can't wait. Hospice was far and away my favorite album of 2009.
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Yeah, Thrice might well be my favourite band I've discovered through this. So far anyway. I've only properly checked probably less than half the bands so far, so I've got a long way to go!
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I had some trouble picking a track because I couldn't choose between three different tracks (which were from different artists). Managed to pick one though, just sent it.
In before Ruben claims I am him. I'm sure he would have thought of this artist as well.
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I wish I wouldn't have blown my loads on Enchant and Redemption already...I'm struggling to find something emotional from the list of artists I made for you at the beginning Mexirich.
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Mexirich.
:lol
Anyway I have all the songs now so hoepfully write ups will be done by tomorrow night. I've heard all the songs at least once already, and I don't know how I'm going to rank them yet. You're all too good at this!
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...gah...must........have............results
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Round 6: Emotional
Once again, this was a terrific round, and I just keep discovering more exciting music, so thank you everyone! As always I ranked the songs through a combination of how much I liked the song and how well it fit the theme (and also how well it obeyed the rules, UMH…)
5 points - TheVoxyn
Ólafur Arnalds - 3055 (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/30+55/26Iiiy)
You’ve really pulled it out of the bag these last couple of rounds! This is just such a wonderful piece of music. I love how it starts very mellow and minimalist, with just a simple, sad theme played on the piano and strings, but as the song builds up the tone changes to something very happy and optimistic sounding. Definitely an emotional ride, and just perfectly executed throughout, I felt melancholy at the start and upbeat by the end. I’ve never heard of this guy before, but I’m really interested in checking out the album now.
4 points - DTVT
Kevin Gilbert - Song for a Dead Friend (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Song+For+A+Dead+Friend/E6qVK)
This is such a sad song, musically and lyrically. I haven’t had anyone in my life commit suicide and so I can’t relate personally, but obviously I can still empathise with situations beyond my own experience, and the lyrics here really do such a great job to help that. The line “What could I have told you to make you think again” in particular is incredibly upsetting, the first time I listened through while following the words, I had a tear in my eye. Aside from the lyrics though, the music is beautiful as well, very mellow and perfect for the subject matter, and the vocal performance is very emotional. I’m glad you sent me this song, as I haven’t got round to checking out any Kevin Gilbert yet, but now I’m a lot more excited about it.
4 points - sonatafanica
Björk - Joga (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/J+ga/z1NsL)
This is my first proper experience of Björk’s music, and I have to say I really love it! Her voice is pretty strange, but I really like it a lot, even though I find it hard to really explain why. When she hits the first words of each line in the pre-chorus bits (“Emotional landscapes”, etc) there is such great power and feeling in her voice. I love the lyrics as well; they’re also slightly odd (I get the feeling that everything to do with her is weird in some way) but they clearly tell of the highs and lows of being very close to someone. I can’t work out if it’s a friend or a lover she refers to, but either way, both the words and the music paint a very strong picture of a relationship with ups and downs.
3 points - antigoon
John Mayer - Dreaming With a Broken Heart (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Dreaming+With+A+Broken+Heart/2DcKzq)
Another sad song, again very well executed, both musically and lyrically. It maybe lacks the soul-destroying emotional punch in the face that DTVT’s entry has, but on the flip side it’s something that is much easier to relate to: the ending of a relationship, and dealing with the aftermath, which is something that most of us have had to deal with at least once in our lives. Some of the lines really hit me quite hard (the first two, for example) as I had a pretty hard break-up a few months ago and, while I’m fine now, I still remember pretty vividly what a state I was in at the time. The music is great too, simple and very soulful pop-rock, and again I love the vocal performance.
3 points - zxlkho
Buckethead - For Mom (https://listen.grooveshark.com/#/s/For+Mom/bYUcR)
Interestingly this is the first time I’ve received two entries by the same artist! I know very little about Buckethead, only that he plays guitar, was briefly in G’n’R, and releases something like an album a month. This was a really good instrumental piece though, written when his mother was battling cancer, and what I really love is how optimistic the music sounds. There are some sadder sounding sections, but for large parts of it the music is very attractive and upbeat, which I think portrays either how he was feeling at the time, or possibly even how he wanted to feel even when he found it hard. Really nice stuff, and thanks for informing me of the context of it, as knowing it definitely gives the tune some emotional impact.
2 points - orcus116
Alice in Chains - Rotten Apple (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Rotten+Apple/3mUgYO)
I think you used the perfect description for the concept and lyrics in this song: soul-crushing. It’s clear that he is regretting loss of innocence; I can’t tell whether he refers to himself or people in general, but either way it’s clearly something he feels strongly about. I really like the music as well, it’s got a great feel to it and I love the bluesy chorus. The one thing that gets in the way of me really enjoying it is Layne Staley’s voice, which isn’t bad but I’ve heard a couple of AIC songs before and I always just find his voice slightly bland, and this is a great example where I don’t think he’s strong enough to deliver the emotional punch that the song deserves. Having said that, after a few listens I was starting to get used to it, so I’ll give the album a listen at some point!
2 points - Ultimetalhead
Buckethead - Soothsayer (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Soothsayer+dedicated+To+Aunt+Suzie+/5Q87f)
Another Buckethead tune, and again this is really good stuff. This time the track is about someone close passing away, and it’s interesting that this song actually goes into some quite rocking sections. The emotion is clear in his playing and in the music itself, particularly in the first solo (or possibly the bit just before… the problem with solo guitar music is that it’s hard to tell what is solo and what is melody) which is just fantastic. In general this is a really good song and between this and Ryan’s entry I’m very inclined to check Buckethead out properly now. The main reason this one has only managed 2 points while Ryan’s got 3: you failed to keep to the 8 minute time limit! :P
1 point - Portrucci
Neu! - Lilac Angel (https://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Lila+Engel+lilac+Angel+/2IcwGZ)
I’m a little torn over this song, and I feel kinda bad for giving it only 1 point as it has some really cool ideas, I just liked it less than the other entries. You certainly seem to like your 70s German rock! I cranked the volume up like you suggested, and you’re right, it has a great amount of power to it and I’m quite a fan of the strange and slightly freaky vocals. My main gripes with the song are that I think I’m just not a fan of the production which even at high volume sounds quite odd and dated, and I’m also not a fan of the way the chord does not change once. I can appreciate the idea behind this, and I’ve heard similar songs do the same thing where it worked pretty well, but here it just meant I felt the song dragged on.
Rankings:
antigoon - 21
TheVoxyn - 21
orcus116 - 20
DTVT - 18
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zxlkho - 17
sonatafanica - 17
Ultimetalhead - 16
Portrucci - 14
Well well well, there we have it. Sorry to those of you who haven't made the semi-finals, but honestly thanks so much for taking part; every single person has introduced me to at least two bands/artists that I'm interested in checking out properly (or have already done so) and everyone submitted mostly really good songs.
Next:
SEMI FINALS
antigoon vs DTVT
TheVoxyn vs orcus116
The twist: I want you all to send two songs this time - one heavy and one soft.
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HELL YEA!
Last couple of rounds have been pretty damn good for me. Finally doing good in a song roulette. Might be because it's the first time I'm really thinking about what I'm sending instead of sending the first thing that pops into my mind :p.
That said, will have to think about what to send now. Don't really have something anymore that I feel like I really want to send.
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That said, will have to think about what to send now. Don't really have something anymore that I feel like I really want to send.
Don't let me down, Sander, or I'll have to hurt you! :police:
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That said, will have to think about what to send now. Don't really have something anymore that I feel like I really want to send.
Don't let me down, Sander, or I'll have to hurt you! :police:
I'll think of something :eyebrows:.
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Dammit Rich. :lol Was it not worth it?
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Dammit Rich. :lol Was it not worth it?
:lol Well, to be honest your song was pretty much on a par with Ryan's aside from the length, which would have given you 3 points potentially rather than 2, and so you still wouldn't quite have qualified. So from that point of view it makes no difference, but from the point of view of introducing me to a really good Buckethead song, it was worth it. :tup
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brb killing myself
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UHM... you should've sent I Love My Parents. Or any track offa electric tears
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Glad to see some love for Kevin Gilbert here. Definitely get The Shaming of the True when you can, El Ricardo.
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brb killing myself
:sadpanda:
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fuuuuuuuu last :lol oh well. this roulette was fun Rich, thanks for running it!
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UHM... you should've sent I Love My Parents. Or any track offa electric tears
The FUCK?
Oh, by the way. When can I start mine?
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Emotional songs.
Nvm. All BH's songs are emotional, and soothsayer shoulda won. It's a god tier song.
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also get Thud and Toy Matinee (Kevin Gilbert)
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UHM
:facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
fqUI9GBogibqogybq
I GET IT NOW
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Soothsayer has the greatest guitar solo ever.
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Haha barely squeaked in there. Next round should be great.
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Wow! Thanks for letting me continue in my absence. Can't wait for the semifinals -- I should be able to get you something by tomorrow evening.
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Songs sent. I went with one up-and-coming artist and one complete unknown - I could have played it safer I think.
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Aww come on. :P
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Aww come on. :P
:D
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fuuuuuuuu last :lol oh well. this roulette was fun Rich, thanks for running it!
:lol No problem man, I'm glad I invited you as you introduced me to Agalloch and Crippled Black Phoenix who I'm really interested in, plus a couple of others who I intend to check out properly. :tup
Oh, by the way. When can I start mine?
Depending on how quickly people send their songs in, the semi-finals hopefully won't take too long. Once I'm on to the final, you can probably set yours up.
also get Thud and Toy Matinee (Kevin Gilbert)
Yeah I'm definitely interested in Thud in particular, as 1) that's what Song For a Dead Friend is from, and 2) the whole thing is on Grooveshark.
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This heavy song submission is going to be the end of me. The only heavy music I listen to is stuff everyone on this board listens to :lol
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I have a slow song that I'm not very confident about and don't have a heavy song yet. This is going well...
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It amuses me that you guys are having so much trouble picking things this round. :lol
orcypoo, send me songs! :P
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Been busy and out of town. You shall receive them by the night. I actually found a great heavy song but it's damn near 10 minutes so back to the drawing board.
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Been busy and out of town.
:lol No worries, was just posting a reminder.
I actually found a great heavy song but it's damn near 10 minutes so back to the drawing board.
D'oh! I actually had considered removing the 8 minute limit for the semi-finals onwards, but as the others have submitted their songs already it might not be fair. Unless Voxyn is cool with it, in which case go ahead.
EDIT: Oh by the way you'll be pleased to hear I picked up a copy of Beggars from HMV and ordered all the Alchemy Index discs from play.com. :D
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If you drop the limit, I might need to rethink my songs. I don't really care either way but dropping it now would mean you'll have to wait till Friday (don't have the time tomorrow).
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Sent.
EDIT: Oh by the way you'll be pleased to hear I picked up a copy of Beggars from HMV and ordered all the Alchemy Index discs from play.com. :D
Excellent! Glad I could further spread the Thrice love.
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All songs are in, so results and write-ups should be done by tonight or possibly tomorrow, depending on how quickly I can make some decisions. I've no idea who I'm going to put through to the final yet!
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Oh by the way you'll be pleased to hear I picked up a copy of Beggars from HMV and ordered all the Alchemy Index discs from play.com. :D
YESSSSSS
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Semi-finals: Heavy and Soft (2 songs)
Ok here we are. This round is going to have a separate post for each match. The first will go up in a second, and the other will go up in a few minutes when I’ve finished writing it up.
For each match I’ve separated the categories and within each category I’ve put the song I preferred first. One thing that made it hard to decide on a winner is the fact that everybody won one category in their match, so even after I decided which songs I preferred, I needed to listen a couple more times and decide how much I preferred them, to come to a decision. Anyway, onwards…
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Match 1: antigoon vs DTVT
HEAVY SONGS
DTVT
Intronaut - Elegy
This is a really interesting song. It’s pretty heavy at times, and some of the riffing is really great – pretty unique but not so weird as to be hard to listen to. There are lots of really good ideas throughout the song, and there’s a lot going on but what really stands out about the song is that it’s still very coherent, so the six and a half minutes just fly by! Really good stuff, and definitely along the lines of what I was hoping to discover in this round! Oh and I absolutely love the chuggy headbanging section towards the end; I’d love to see these guys live just for that.
antigoon
Protest the Hero - The Dissentience
I think your description of this music as ADD is very apt. :lol I really like it though, it took a couple of listens to start to get into, but there’s a lot of good stuff in here and on the whole it’s actually really enjoyable, which is something you don’t tend to get with heavy music. It is pretty crazy though, and maybe slightly disjointed at times (seriously, I don’t think a single section is repeated!) but this is a band who clearly have a huge abundance of good ideas, because individually the sections are great, and the melodic ones in particular have a great feel and contrast well with the all-out heavy sections. The vocalist is great as well, really powerful voice, and in fact all the musicians are top-notch performers. Fun stuff all round!
SOFT SONGS
antigoon
Neko Case - Vengeance is Sleeping
This is a really lovely, laid-back folky type song. I don’t really know The New Pornographers so I’m not aware of any of her other work, but she has such a nice voice, and I really like the way she brings in some great vocal harmonies every now and then. I don’t have much more to say to be honest, this song just has a great vibe throughout, and the more I listen to it, the more I like it. I’m very glad that Spotify has so many of her albums. :D
DTVT
Vonassi - Gini
Interesting choice, going for a real unknown, but this song is really good. If I’m honest, it’s not as soft/light as I was expecting for this category, and the pre-chorus type section in particular is actually pretty rocking. But aside from that, it’s a really nice bit of vaguely proggy rock, and while it may not be that exciting all the way through, it shows a lot of promise seeing as it’s their debut album. The vocalist in particular is great, and I really like the bridge section (although again it’s a lot more rocking than I was expecting!). I’m not sure I was wowed enough to go out and buy the album, but if it ever appears on Grooveshark or Spotify, I shall definitely give it a proper listen!
WINNER - antigoon
This was a really tough call. I liked all 4 songs a lot, and you were both victorious in one of the categories, but in the end it came down to the fact that the difference between the soft songs was bigger than between the heavy songs.
Thanks so much for playing though, DTVT, you’ve introduced me to some excellent music!
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And I was so close to sending Protest The Hero instead.
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Match 2: TheVoxyn vs orcus116
HEAVY SONGS
TheVoxyn
God is an Astronaut - Zodiac
Is this really the heaviest thing in your collection?! :lol It really isn’t particularly heavy at all, although in fairness it is a lot faster and more rocking than any other post-rock I’ve heard, and that is one of the reasons I like it so much. It has all the good things about post-rock (the vibe, the build-up) but in a really rocking song with a tremendous amount of energy and dynamic. I’ve heard of the band before, but never listened to any of their music, and it sounds like I’m missing out!
orcus116
Between the Buried and Me - Alaska
Ok, now see this is heavy! Comfortably the heaviest song I was sent this round, and it has some good stuff in there. The intro section in particular is great; there is some sweet riffing and it’s somewhat melodic - it sets the song up really well, but then it really kicks off and to be honest it gets a bit intense for me I think. You mentioned the vocals, and those don’t bother me too much actually (although they do take a bit of getting used to), it’s more just how frantic and generally insane this song is. It’s so manic in places that it becomes impossible to follow or even make out the riffs! :lol That said, there are some really good ideas in there, it just takes some effort to make them out. I’ve heard good stuff about BTBAM, and the intro to the song shows what they’re capable of, so I’ll definitely give a whole album a listen at some point.
SOFT SONGS
orcus116
The Beta Band - Dry the Rain
Wow, I really love this song. If I’m honest, on the very first listen I was slightly underwhelmed, but the more I listened the more I loved it, and now I just can’t get enough of it. It has a really nice vibe to it, and a really great build-up, which is unusual for something that is ultimately pretty laid-back. The section towards the end after the trumpet comes in is so damn catchy; I had another listen to all the songs this morning before going out, and that part was stuck in my head all friggin’ day. :lol Really terrific stuff!
TheVoxyn
Jason Molina - Long Desert Train
This is a very pleasant song, and I liked it quite a lot right from my first listen. The only problem I’ve found with it is that it really doesn’t have much going on in it. It’s nice, and Molina has a good voice, but after a couple of listens I felt there was nothing else I was really getting from the song, and it started to drag a little. If it was a bit shorter and more concise, I think I might have really engaged with it more, but as it is I consider it more suitable as background music. Although there’s nothing wrong with that (that sort of thing is great to have on while doing work) so I’ll definitely give the album a listen at some point.
WINNER – orcus116
If anything, this decision was even harder than the last one! Both of you sent in one song that I really loved, and one that interested me but that I wasn’t that excited by. Ultimately, I simply couldn’t decide on song quality, so I decided to put orcus through as he did a better job of fitting the themes.
Sorry that you got eliminated for such a lame reason Sander, but thanks so much for playing!
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NEXT:
THE FINAL
antigoon vs orcus116
The twist - recommend an album to listen to! The reasoning behind this is that often people recommend a particular song that I like or dislike but that doesn't necessarily represent the quality of the album it's on that well (good examples in this roulette have been Bright Eyes and The Black Keys). And to be honest, I'm far more of an album listener than a song listener.
So, recommend me an album! Ideally one that I can find on Grooveshark or Spotify. If it's on Grooveshark, send me the link. If not, PM me anyway and I'll have a look on Spotify. Style etc is completely open.
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:tup
Try looking for more stuff on Grooveshark from their Three EPs album. Folktronica is such a quirky genre but they make it work so damn well.
EDIT: Oh wow this is gonna be something.
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And I was so close to sending Protest The Hero instead.
:lol That might have served you better for the heavy song, but then you made it through anyway so never mind! :biggrin:
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Yeah BTBAM is a hard band to swallow at first but I personally feel their music is rewarding. Colors is the album that you'll hear a lot of people mention on here that does heavier sections in incredibly tasteful melodic ways and more bearable hardcore sections. I remember at first clinging to the bits of their stuff I loved for dear life as I plowed through the stuff that was a little too brash for my ears and eventually got so into it it just clicked at one point and I loved it.
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Interesting, so which album would you recommend as a starting point? Or are they all pretty inaccessible in that way? I have heard Colors mentioned a lot, so I could give that a try.
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Definitely Colors though I could see you digging The Great Misdirect. If anything check out "Ants Of The Sky", "Viridian"/"White Walls" (I personally think they work best as a pair like "Wait For Sleep"/"Learning To Live", etc), "Obfuscation", and "Selkies: The Endless Obsession" (from Alaska). "Selkies" showcases all aspects of the band I think where it starts off heavy and has a gorgeous lighter outro/solo.
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"Selkies" showcases all aspects of the band I think where it starts off heavy and has a gorgeous lighter outro/solo.
That sounds great, I'll be sure to check it out! I think that was the thing with Alaska, the heaviness was pretty relentless. After the intro it was a barrage of all out heaviness, and while there were some really cool bits in there, it was just a bit much to take in. :lol
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Good thing I didn't send you "All Bodies" since that song is absolutely brutal but if you get an ear for that type of music it's such an incredibly anthem song. My friend showed me Alaska a few years ago and I was pretty much :| for the entire time.
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:lol Yeah that was my reaction on my first listen when it really kicked off.
I'm listening to Selkies now, it's terrific. I mean there's still some really crazy stuff, but it's more spread out, and the contrast with the more melodic heavy stuff (like the opening riffs and their reprise) and the softer stuff towards the end is great, and even within the hardcore stuff, it's a little easier to make out the riffs. :tup
See, this is exactly why I'm asking for an album for the final. :lol
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:lol Yeah that was my reaction on my first listen when it really kicked off.
I'm listening to Selkies now, it's terrific. I mean there's still some really crazy stuff, but it's more spread out, and the contrast with the more melodic heavy stuff (like the opening riffs and their reprise) and the softer stuff towards the end is great, and even within the hardcore stuff, it's a little easier to make out the riffs. :tup
See, this is exactly why I'm asking for an album for the final. :lol
Selkies is easily one of BTBAM's best songs
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Thevoxyn sent Zodiac and didn't win? :omg:
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Wow. Never woulda guessed I'd win that one! This round is gonna be hard, I feel like I've used all my good stuff already :lol
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Is it alright if I do a roulette after this one? I badly need some new music and to expand my tastes.
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Is it alright if I do a roulette after this one? I badly need some new music and to expand my tastes.
You'll have to go to the stickied Tracker thread and join the queue! :P
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Well, he had it coming, stealing all my ideas!
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:(. Glad I could join in though. Hope you found some cool stuff through me :).
Well, he had it coming, stealing all my ideas!
:laugh:
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Hope you found some cool stuff through me :).
I really did! In fact I think every single round you've submitted an artist (or a comedy duo, in the case of Conchords) that I've been really interested in checking out! :D
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Soft ain't my thing...I knew that song would be the weak point. Good game though.
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Soft ain't my thing...I knew that song would be the weak point. Good game though.
Yeah I figured most of you would be better at one than the other.
Also bump! :P
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Sent.
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THE FINAL
Well, here we are. A well fought battle, and a very tough decision. In alphabetical order:
antigoon
Arcade Fire - Funeral [2004]
There’s one thing in particular that you are absolutely right about – this album is a real grower! If I’m honest, on the first couple of listens I was a little disappointed, especially considering the quality of your submissions over the course of the Roulette, but the third listen was when it started to hit me how much good stuff there is in here, and since then I’ve just enjoyed it more and more. I think part of the problem was that the album gets better as it goes on (IMO), and so it doesn’t give a great impression on first listen. Although now I quite like the opening song, but the next couple aren’t so interesting. For me, Crown of Love is where it starts to get really great, and the second half of the album is top-notch stuff.
What I love most: All the songs, even the less interesting ones, have a really great feel to them. I also love the variety of instrumentation that the band uses, keeps the sounds fresh and interesting.
What I’m less keen on: His vocals. At times they do fit the music really nicely, but at others they just sound a little weird and irritating. I’ve got used to them so it doesn’t stop me enjoying the music now, but I still find them annoying in a few places. :lol
Favourite songs: Crown of Love, Rebellion (Lies)
orcus116
Neutral Milk Hotel - In An Aeroplane Over The Sea [1998]
This is a really solid album, and it grabbed me from the very first listen! Some of the fuzzy rock songs required a couple of listens to get into, but the folky stuff in particular was instantly appealing, and are really where the album shines. The album has an excellent flow to it and the quality is pretty consistent; there are a couple of less interesting tracks, but the start, middle and end of the album are all fantastic which helps it to be very accessible right from the off. There are a few moments throughout the album that remind me a bit of The Smashing Pumpkins for some reason, particularly in some of the rockier songs.
What I love most: The flow of the album is terrific, and the album has a great vibe throughout. But most of all, I really really love Oh Comely.
What I’m less keen on: The production. It’s not bad, but in some places the mixing isn’t all that smooth, and just occasionally the recording seems a bit lazy, as though the take wasn’t a very good one but they couldn’t be bothered to do another. :lol
Favourite songs: Oh Comely, Two-Headed Boy Part Two
Winner:
This is such a hard decision as both are really good albums that I’m going to rate 4 stars on RYM (I was going to do it already, but figured I should wait until after I’ve done my write-ups!). One was more immediately appealing, but the other was more of a grower, and so it’s quite hard to compare them. I thought about bringing past submissions into play, but to be honest you’ve both been fantastic throughout, so that didn’t help. :lol
After much deliberation, I have decided that the victor is...
…orcus116!
I just really enjoy listening to this album so much, and there are 2 factors that just slightly give it the edge: Oh Comely (seriously, such a great song!) and the fact that it really feels like a complete whole much more than a collection of songs. You had a bit of a slow start to the Roulette but I think once you identified where the overlap in our tastes were, you’ve been terrific, so thanks so much playing!
Joe, you came so close! :lol Sorry to have to give you the runner-up place, but thanks so much as well for playing; you’ve been the most consistent out of anyone and have introduced me to so much great music. :)
And that’s it! I’ll keep updating this thread as I check out full albums by all the bands and artists.
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Omg, winning with IAAOTS :lol. I was planning to send a song from that sometime, but thought it would be too risky. Congrats!
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(https://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lea3tytG4u1qa9c5lo1_400.png)
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:lol
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Wtf Ian, do you actually have an image for every situation? :lol
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Yes.
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Holy shit, Orcus. I wouldn't have thought in a million years to send him that :lol Good choice, though.
This was so fun, Rich. Thanks for having me.
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Yes.
Do you have an image that suggests that I'm plotting to destroy saturn with a giant laser beam?
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Wow. I'm so glad you enjoyed it :tup You can see now why I didn't want to send the castrated "Oh Comely" they had on Grooveshark. Easily one of the most powerful songs on the album.
You guys have been formidable opponents and it was great going up against a fellow Mets fans for the final. I've yet to check out any Arcade Fire but I've heard great things about The Funeral so I'll check that out before delving into The Suburbs.
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My God, probably THE two most indie albums ever going head to head...and the worst of the two won :P
Still, this was fun to follow!
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I see your point with Neutral Milk Hotel but Arcade Fire is pretty mainstream. I mean they're on NYC subway advertisements for the Grammys :lol
Oh and congrats, Orcus! Hopefully you don't think Arcade Fire is lifeless and dull like Sigz does!
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This was so fun, Rich. Thanks for having me.
:D
Wow. I'm so glad you enjoyed it :tup You can see now why I didn't want to send the castrated "Oh Comely" they had on Grooveshark. Easily one of the most powerful songs on the album.
Yeah when you mentioned a "key song" getting cut short on Grooveshark, you didn't mention which one, but after hearing the album I did kinda assume it would be that. Interestingly, although I think the production is a bit rough in some parts of the album, that song is where I think it's just perfect; the raw, 'rough around the edges' feel just makes it very powerful and personal. Just love it, on a couple of listens through the album I've had to go back afterwards and listen to that song again. :lol
My God, probably THE two most indie albums ever going head to head...
:lol In terms of sound or exposure? In terms of sound, I don't find either to be that indie, I've heard plenty of stuff that is much more so. In terms of exposure, you may well be right with NMH, but Arcade Fire are massive, especially in the UK. They're playing in Hyde Park this summer!
and the worst of the two won :P
You spelled "best" wrong. :P
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Good roulette indeed. Glad I got to expose you to Dog Fashion Disco and Floater.
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Good roulette indeed. Glad I got to expose you to Dog Fashion Disco and Floater.
Yeah those two really interested me (even though the Floater song didn't do so well points-wise). And don't forget Buckethead, Seventh Wonder and, to some extent, Superior!
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I say "two most indie albums ever" despite AF's mainstream success because of the way sites like pitchfork and the music section of that-site-that-can't-be-named-because-they-have-boobies-everywhere treat those albums like God's gift to indie/hipsterkind.
Never could get into NMH. Just nothing in that whole album appealed to me.
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I say "two most indie albums ever" despite AF's mainstream success because of the way sites like pitchfork and the music section of that-site-that-can't-be-named-because-they-have-boobies-everywhere treat those albums like God's gift to indie/hipsterkind.
Ah ok, yeah they do seem massively hyped up in indie circles.
Never could get into NMH. Just nothing in that whole album appealed to me.
You have no soul.
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Yeah I know. I sold it to a magical space hobo to buy some green apple jelly beans.
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Good roulette indeed. Glad I got to expose you to Dog Fashion Disco and Floater.
Yeah those two really interested me (even though the Floater song didn't do so well points-wise). And don't forget Buckethead, Seventh Wonder and, to some extent, Superior!
Damn right. Be absolutely sure to explore Buckethead further. The man is a multi-faceted genius.
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Yeah but there's JUST TOO MUCH STUFF! :lol The album with Soothsayer isn't on Spotify, but there's like 15 albums there are so plenty to check out.
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Yeah but there's JUST TOO MUCH STUFF! :lol The album with Soothsayer isn't on Spotify, but there's like 15 albums there are so plenty to check out.
Check out the official Buckethead thread to start your journey proper. :metal
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Yeah but there's JUST TOO MUCH STUFF! :lol The album with Soothsayer isn't on Spotify, but there's like 15 albums there are so plenty to check out.
There's 30 albums bro. :lol
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Yeah but there's JUST TOO MUCH STUFF! :lol The album with Soothsayer isn't on Spotify, but there's like 15 albums there are so plenty to check out.
There's 30 albums bro. :lol
I meant just on Spotify (which I pay for the premium version of and so can sync albums up to my iPod!). Turns out there's only 9 albums on there, but that's probably still enough. :lol
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Yeah but there's JUST TOO MUCH STUFF! :lol The album with Soothsayer isn't on Spotify, but there's like 15 albums there are so plenty to check out.
There's 30 albums bro. :lol
I meant just on Spotify (which I pay for the premium version of and so can sync albums up to my iPod!). Turns out there's only 9 albums on there, but that's probably still enough. :lol
Population override is on there.. what an album that is man. EPICNESS
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Wait, you're from Sweden? I always thought you were American for some reason :lol
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Wait, you're from Sweden? I always thought you were American for some reason :lol
:facepalm:
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Meh. I just assume that most people with good English are American on this message board, to be honest (unless I know otherwise).
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Meh. I just assume that most people with good English are American on this message board, to be honest (unless I know otherwise).
How do you find out otherwise?
Another thing... I haven't seen anyone with really bad english on these forums yet - but I definitely don't assume everyone has english as their native tounge because of that... :P
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I haven't seen anyone with really bad english on these forums yet
Really? :lol
To find out otherwise, I usually have to speak to them a lot or I have a look at their profile.
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I guess it's not that hard to see that I'm not a native speaker.
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WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG YOU WERE THE KING OF CARROT FLOWERS
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I guess it's not that hard to see that I'm not a native speaker.
I probably wouldn't have noticed, to be honest. I was referring to people like BRGM.
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I guess it's not that hard to see that I'm not a native speaker.
I probably wouldn't have noticed, to be honest. I was referring to people like BRGM.
But icy used to type worse than most non-natives as well.
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Right, as I said, I'm going to be updating this thread as I check out full albums by the various bands and artists. So here's the first part of that:
Bands and artists from round 1, part a:
Mumford & Sons (antigoon)
I’m really glad you submitted a song by them, as it got me listening to the album on Spotify, and I liked it so much I just couldn’t stop listening! So in the end I got my brother to buy me the CD for Christmas, and it’s still getting regular listens. The blend of folk and Radiohead-esque rock is just brilliant and it keeps the album varied and interesting, but still very coherent and consistent. My favourite songs I think would have to be White Blank Page, I Gave You All, and Thistle & Weeds. All the big sounding songs basically; they’re really good at those! Obviously they just have the one album at the moment so it’s early days, but I’m looking forward to whatever they do next.
Sigh No More [2009] – 9/10 – (Owned on CD)
Oceansize (zxlkho)
I’m really liking Oceansize so far. I’ve given Frames a good few listens and it’s such a solid album, very interesting all the way through. Quite a lot of it was like the song you submitted, in that ‘new-prog’ kind of style, but there’s a good amount of diversity on the album as well, particularly in some of the heavier parts. I’ve also given the new album a couple of listens as well, and it’s also extremely good, although it slightly lacks the consistent quality of Frames in my opinion. Still, both are excellent albums. Is it worth me checking out the earlier albums as well?
Frames [2007] – 8/10
Self-Preserved While the Bodies Float Up [2010] – 7/10
Agalloch (Portrucci)
Agalloch do a really amazing job of creating a bleak, wintery atmosphere. It’s not something I can listen to all the time, but when I’m in the right mood, especially on cold days, it’s just ideal. The Mantle in particular I really like, very well written and a great listen. I like Ashes… as well, although a little less so, but I’m not sure what it is. I think it’s just a few sections in a couple of songs where I lose interest, whereas there’s nothing like that on The Mantle. I need to check out their latest album at some point, but it’s not on Spotify yet. :sadpanda:
The Mantle [2002] – 8/10
Ashes Against the Grain [2006] – 7/10
Seventh Wonder (UMH)
Some really nice prog metal! I’ve given Mercy Falls a fair few listens now, and it’s a very good album, although my one issue is that it’s a little unnecessarily long. Aside from that, I like it a lot; I said when you submitted the title track that it reminded me of a more tasteful SX, and I think that vibe is there for the whole album, and the good songs are really good. I’ve also listened to their new album a couple of times, and it’s still good but to be honest I’m less keen on it because it really is quite cheesy. I thought they had a great balance on MF, but the new one just goes too far for me. :lol I’d be interested in hearing what the older stuff is like though.
Mercy Falls [2008] – 7/10
The Great Escape [2010] – 6/10
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A followup? Will definitely be checking this out.
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Check out Effloresce by Oceansize next. That's the best album.
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A followup? Will definitely be checking this out.
Yup. I'm trying to make sure I properly check out at least one album by every artist, just to really see what they are like, especially as the individual songs submitted may not have always been ideally suited to my tastes.
Check out Effloresce by Oceansize next. That's there best album.
I would, but your grammar is so terrible I don't think I'll bother. :neverusethis:
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Yeah I know. I sold it to a magical space hobo to buy some green apple jelly beans.
w...
wat
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Both Effloresce and Everyone Into Position by Oceansize are amazing.
If you like them, check out Home & Minor EP and Music For Nurses EP also. ;)
Oceansize = the best them. :hefdaddy
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Bands and artists from round 1, part b:
Jónsi (Voxyn)
This is really nice stuff, I’ve had a few listens to Go and it’s just such a pleasant and enjoyable album. I think I actually slightly prefer it to most (maybe all) of Sigur Ros’s stuff. Tornado and Kolniδur are the real standout tracks for me, and I really like Grow Till Tall as well. I haven’t had a chance to listen to Go Live yet as it’s not on Spotify, but the versions you sent me for the Roulette sounded really great, so I look forward to hearing that when it appears. Is he planning on doing any more solo albums?
Go [2010] – 8/10
The Black Keys (orcus)
This band are definitely growing on me. I like the song you sent me, but I’ve given the whole Brothers album a few listens and I really dig it, it’s got a nice 70s blues rock vibe all the way through and they do it really well! My favourite song is easily Tighten Up, but there are some other really good ones as well. I also had a listen to their previous album, Attack & Release, which was really good too, although it was basically more of the same – not a great deal of variety in their sound. :lol Still, what they do, they do well, maybe not something I’d listen to too intently, but perfect for having on while working or reading. I'll be sure to give the older albums a listen, although I have a feeling they'll sound basically the same.
Brothers [2010] – 7/10
Attack & Release [2008] – 7/10
Kevin Gilbert (DTVT)
Ok so I haven’t been able to fully check out The Shaming of the True yet as Grooveshark only has 5 of the songs on there, but I have given Thud (which you submitted a song from later) a couple of listens in full and I really dig it. I guess it’s mostly got a hard rock feel with a proggy edge, and there’s a nice blend of quite emotional stuff and more rocking songs. I had a listen to the songs I could from Shaming… and they sound pretty good, maybe not as interesting as Thud, but it certainly sounds like a more fun album! If I get the chance to give it a proper listen, I’ll do so and report back.
Thud [1994] – 8/10
Shaming of the True [2000] – unable to rate, but sounds good
Bright Eyes (sonata)
Dude, you may have come bottom in that round, but it really was just because of the choice of song. I really like the album a lot! It’s got a great vibe throughout the whole thing, but with oddly depressing lyrics that contrast really well with the music which is often very upbeat sounding. Some of the songs, like “Down in a Rabbit Hole” and “Ship in a Bottle” are outright brilliant. I’ve also had a couple of listens to the sister album which I like a lot as well, although I find it slightly less exciting, I think because the instrumentation is a little more uni-directional. It’s got some really nice stuff in it though, and again a great vibe, very folky. I need to check out more of their albums – where should I go next?
Digital Ash in a Digital Urn [2005] – 8/10
I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning [2005] – 7/10
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Yeah the biggest problem with The Black Keys is how their sound is pretty set so the songs kinda bleed into one another. Brothers was maybe a tad too long but in small doses the songs are great.
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Check out Toy Matinee as well. It is essentially another Kevin Gilbert album.
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Yeah the biggest problem with The Black Keys is how their sound is pretty set so the songs kinda bleed into one another. Brothers was maybe a tad too long but in small doses the songs are great.
Yeah but that can work in its favour at times. Like, if I'm in the mood for their style of music, I know I can just set up a Spotify playlist of all their albums, hit random shuffle and just enjoy whatever comes up.
Check out Toy Matinee as well. It is essentially another Kevin Gilbert album.
I'll keep that in mind. :tup
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Glad you enjoyed Go :). Not sure what the planning is. I think he is taking a break now (the tour for Go just finished), but chances are pretty high that he will make another album sometime. Guess it depends whether Sigur Rós is planning anything soon.
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where should I go next?
If you like the electronic instrumentation more, I'd say go with the latest (er, upcoming) album The People's Key.
But really, just head in any direction and you're going to find something incredible. Bright Eyes is amazing.
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I really want to love Bright Eyes, but I just can't.
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I really want to love Bright Eyes, but I just can't.
Have you heard the album Digital Ash in a Digital Urn? It's mostly electronic, you might like it more.
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yeah don't forget about Toy Matinee. To be honest, he's (Kevin Gilbert) my favorite musician of all-time, but that was the record that hooked me off the bat. Perfect Pop Record.
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yeah don't forget about Toy Matinee. To be honest, he's (Kevin Gilbert) my favorite musician of all-time, but that was the record that hooked me off the bat. Perfect Pop Record.
Cool, looks like that one is on Spotify (none of his solo stuff is) so I shall definitely give it a listen!
Next batch coming up.
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Bands and artists from round 2, part a:
Dog Fashion Disco (UMH)
DFD won this round, and rightly so, the song you sent was just fantastic. I really really like the album it’s on as well, it’s dark and quirky and fun and brilliant. A couple of the songs took a few listens to grow on me, but now I’m a big fan of the whole album. I’ve also had a listen to 2 of their early albums, but I wasn’t so keen on those to be honest. The production was weaker and while there was some good stuff, it was much less consistent. However, the two albums in between those and the latest aren’t on Spotify so I haven’t had a chance to listen to those. Worth checking out?
Experiments in Alchemy [1998] – 5/10
Embryos in Bloom [2000] – 6/10
Adultery [2008] – 8/10
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum (DTVT)
Oh man, these guys are really great! Nothing on Spotify so I’ve had to listen on Grooveshark which I get to do less (can’t listen at work) so I’ve only managed to give a couple of listens each to their last two albums… but I love them already! At times they remind me of a wackier, more experimental Pain of Salvation. Of Natural History is a really amazing album, so much quirky, experimental stuff, at times heavy, dark, epic, occasionally even fun, just everything. In Glorious Times is great as well. I’ll try to check out their debut album at some point as well.
Of Natural History [2004] – 9/10 – (bought on digital download)
In Glorious Times [2007] – 8/10
Mother Mother (sonata)
Another band I have really got to like a lot, the top half of this round was seriously strong! I have listened to Touch Up so many times now, it’s just such a brilliant, fun album but with a serious side in some of the songs that works really well, like in Angry Sea which is a really excellent song. I’ll probably get myself a physical copy of that album if I see it in the shops at any point, because while it’s such a nice listen. I’ve checked out O My Heart as well, and it was good too but I wasn’t as enthralled by it, possibly because it lacks the diversity and contrast of Touch Up. Still, I look forward to the new album this year.
Touch Up [2007] – 8/10
O My Heart [2008] – 7/10
Broken Bells (antigoon)
Ok, so we’re on second round artists, and so far two of them have I bought physical CDs by – both your submissions! Broken Bells do such a great job of combining the folky indie background of the dude from The Shins and the poppier, more electronic edge from DJ Danger Mouse. And it works fantastically. This album has already got many listens from me, and I’m sure it will get many more. It’s really hard to pick favourite songs as the quality is so consistent throughout, but the ones that stand out at the moment are probably The High Road, The Ghost Inside (SO GROOVY!), Sailing to Nowhere, and Mongrel Heart (epic bridge section!). According to Wikipedia, they’ve “announced intentions to record a follow-up”. Can’t wait! :D
Broken Bells [2010] – 8/10 – (Owned on CD)
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Some Avant-garde shit this time! :metal
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Some Avant-garde shit this time! :metal
Hell yeah, that round had some pretty wacky stuff!
Right from when I first heard the song way back when we actually did that round, the first thing I thought was "I bet Gorille loves this band". I assume I am right. If I'm not, I'll eat my own face.
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The Embryo's in Bloom and Experiments in Alchemy aren't really worth getting, to be honest. You'll find a lot of the tracks are re-recorded on the other two albums (which are much better). Experiments in Alchemy was self released (hence why the production is bad).
Anarchists of Good Taste and Committed to a Bright Future are MUCH better than those two. Adultery is my favourite though.
Also, Anarchists of Good Taste has Serj Tankian guest singing on the track called "Mushroom Cult".
Edit: I would also like to add that a lot of the songs that have been re-recorded have also been changed/improved.
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The Embryo's in Bloom and Experiments in Alchemy aren't really worth getting, to be honest. You'll find a lot of the tracks are re-recorded on the other two albums (which are much better). Experiments in Alchemy was self released (hence why the production is bad).
Anarchists of Good Taste and Committed to a Bright Future are MUCH better than those two. Adultery is my favourite though.
Also, Anarchists of Good Taste has Serj Tankian guest singing on the track called "Mushroom Cult".
Edit: I would also like to add that a lot of the songs that have been re-recorded have also been changed/improved.
Ok that's cool, yeah I like Adultery a ton, but I was wondering about the other two so I know how much effort I should put in to listen to them. :lol I'll see if they're on Grooveshark.
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Glad you like them. They're one of my favourite bands :hat
So, feel like going to Baltimore with me to see their two reunion gigs in June? :neverusethis:
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You can stay at my house. :lol
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:rollin
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Broken Bells is spectacular. And yeah, The Ghost Inside is groove city, usa.
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I like these updates :tup.
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yeah I like Adultery a ton
sigged.
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Fuck yes @ Dog Fashion Disco. They kick an immeasurable amount of ass.
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So, feel like going to Baltimore with me to see their two reunion gigs in June? :neverusethis:
:lol There are very few bands that I'd travel that far to see. But if they're reuniting then hopefully they'll visit here someday.
And yeah, The Ghost Inside is groove city, usa.
It just makes me wanna dance! :D
I like these updates :tup.
Cool, glad you're getting something out of them! I was keen to do them, so it's good to know that they're not just being ignored. :lol
yeah I like Adultery a ton
sigged.
Dammit! :rollin
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They're re-uniting for those two gigs :p
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Bands and artists from round 2, part b:
Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains (orcus)
Well, these guys are certainly a mixed bag. I checked out their only studio album and it was an enjoyable listen, but I find there to be a bit of a lack of consistency in the quality. Some of the songs I really like, such as the one you sent (Scott Taylor), and especially the opening song, Buckethead. But then there are some tracks just didn’t hold my interest at all. That said, the playing throughout is great, Claypool’s bass is uber-groovy, and Buckethead is of course a beast on the guitar, so the jam sections are always enjoyable. Can’t see myself revisiting this album too often though.
The Big Eyeball in the Sky [2004] – 6/10
Skindred (zxlkho)
Reggae metal! :metal And not just that, but Welsh reggae metal! Definitely very enjoyable music, they really mix the sounds well and the singer has a really great voice. Only downside with this band is that the music gets a little samey after a while, so a whole album in one go is a bit much. Still, Roots Rock Riot was a very good listen, and their debut Babylon was also good even though it dragged slightly. Probably won’t listen to full albums that often, but I can see myself listening to a few songs quite regularly, as there’s nothing in my music collection that really sounds anything like them! :D Might check out their newer albums at some point as well.
Babylon [2002] – 6/10
Roots Rock Riot [2007] – 7/10
Flight of the Conchords (Voxyn)
Ahahaha, these guys are so great! I still hold that it was an unusual thing to submit in a song roulette, as their music isn’t all that exciting (obviously) but their comedy is top notch. I saw that they’ve released two albums, which is presumably songs from each of the two series, so I decided to check out the self-titled one, but did it by watching the videos for each song on youtube first. Fantastically funny stuff, some of them had me literally laughing out loud. Bret has a great voice, and Jemaine’s sense of comic timing is incredible. Can’t see myself listening to the music much (although listening once I’ve seen the vids was still very enjoyable), but I can see myself getting the DVDs!
Flight of the Conchords [2008] – 7/10
Bruno Spoerri (Portrucci)
What strange music this guy made! Obviously he made his music in the 70s and 80s, but the only disc I’ve been able to listen to is the compilation Glückskugel which came out in 2006. And I actually found it quite endearing; I like the way he sometimes experimented with incorporating real sounds (like drills) into the music. On the compilation album most of the songs were in a sort of electro-funk style, and are pleasant to listen to, so nice for a bit of background music, but I found it hard to really get much from it when paying any real attention.
Glückskugel [2006 compilation] – 5/10
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Skindred is good fun! :)
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Bands and artists from round 3, part a:
This Will Destroy You (orcus)
Holy crap, I think I have a new favourite post-rock album! The only album of theirs that is on Spotify is the Young Mountain EP, which I had a couple of listens to, and it was very good but nothing special. But then I had a listen through their self-titled full length debut on Grooveshark, and was floored. Obviously I heard the opening track when you sent it for the Roulette, but I was amazed to find that the quality stays that high all the way through the whole album. The textures and soundscapes are wonderful, there are some amazing climaxes, and just a really gorgeous, relaxed vibe all the time. According to RYM they’re recording a new album this year… :caffeine:
Young Mountain EP [2005] – 7/10
This Will Destroy You [2008] – 9/10
Mono & World's End Girlfriend (Voxyn)
These guys have come together to create a very good album. The way they use strings (for example solo cello lines) gives it a very natural feel, more so than a lot of post-rock. The music is really lovely throughout, but the one that brings it down just slightly is that it is very slow moving, almost too much so. I said when you sent in the song from it that as much as I loved it, I felt that not much happened, and that’s pretty much the case with the whole album. The final track is still lovely, and the middle one (Track 3) is really great as well, but the others don’t keep my attention so well and in general the album feels like it’s going on forever. It is perfect background music though because it really is beautiful, so I can see myself listening to it a lot while at work.
Palmless Prayer/Mass Murder Refrain [2005] – 7/10
Brad Mehldau (antigoon)
This was the only jazz I received throughout the entire Roulette, and I love it. The album Highway Rider (which you sent a song from) is so great; the use of a symphony orchestra is brilliant, and the style ranges from more traditional jazz to pretty epic and unusual stuff as well. What I really like most about the album, though, is how well it flows. It really does tell a story and takes the listener on a journey. Terrific stuff! I’ve also had a listen to the previous studio album he released with his Trio, and it’s good stuff, although not nearly as exciting. At some point I’m going to check out the album that he recorded with Renée Fleming, because she’s an amazing classical soprano and so it could be interesting!
House on Hill [2006] – 7/10
Highway Rider [2010] – 9/10
Ne Obliviscaris (zxlkho)
Wow, what can I say about this band. When I first listened to their demo (the only thing they’ve put out so far) I thought “yeah, pretty good, nothing special”, but after a few more listens I think this is a really excellent recording. This kind of melodic black metal can be hard to pull off convincingly, but they do a really good job of it. Unlike when I first heard one of the songs during the roulette, I don’t actually see much of an Agalloch resemblance – they have the focus on atmosphere while these guys have the focus on riffs and melodies. Different approach, but both equally good. The production on the demo is, understandably, weak, but I’m excited about further recordings from them.
The Aurora Veil [2007 demo] – 8/10
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Dammit, that selection of artists all has really long names, was impossible to fit it into the thread title without having to abbreviate loads. :lol
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Rich, sign he petition! https://www.gopetition.com/petition/40983.html
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Rich, sign he petition! https://www.gopetition.com/petition/40983.html
Done! :tup
That would really suck if he gets sent home.
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I'm sooooo glad you liked the Mehldau, I almost didn't send it.
I'm checking out This Will Destroy You's S/T right now. I don't really like post-rock but this is pretty powerful stuff.
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I'm sooooo glad you liked the Mehldau, I almost didn't send it.
I'm very glad you did; I love jazz but don't have much modern/recent stuff that isn't big band music, so this was a great addition to my listening! :)
I'm checking out This Will Destroy You's S/T right now. I don't really like post-rock but this is pretty powerful stuff.
Yeah it's amazing, such a great listen!
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I usually listen to Worlds end.... as background music as well. It's absolutely perfect for studying :p.
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Bands and artists from round 3, part b:
Superior (UMH)
Well, I liked the song you sent during the roulette but wasn’t really wowed by it, seemed maybe a little straightforward. However, after giving their first two albums a couple of listens, I really dig them! Yeah, fairly straightforward prog metal, but there’s a reasonable amount of variety in their music, and they have a really good sense of melody. And there’s definitely enough in their music that is unique enough to stop them sounding like a DT-clone. Shame they’re not around anymore, but at least I still have their one other album to check out as well!
Behind [1996] – 7/10
Younique [1998] – 7/10
Modest Mouse (sonata)
I really like these guys! They didn’t have the album with Trucker’s Atlas on it on Spotify (where I do a lot of my listening) but I managed to get a listen on Grooveshark – it’s a pretty good album, some nice stuff on it. But since you first submitted the song during the roulette, I’ve been using Spotify to check out some of their more recent albums, and I love Good News for People Who Love Bad News in particular. Some of the songs have that same indie-ish feel that is very prominent in the earlier stuff I heard, but there’s also a nice bit of variety, and some quite unexpected and brilliant songs, like Bukowski which I just love! Top-notch stuff, and I’m fairly sure there’s still a couple more albums of theirs that I need to check out as well.
The Lonesome Crowded West [1997] – 7/10
Good News for People Who Love Bad News [2004] – 8/10
We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank [2007] – 7/10
Can (Portrucci)
This is really my introduction the Krautrock, and so far my reactions are a little mixed. I quite like the music, and I really love how experimental some of their stuff is, pretty ahead of its time in some ways. But in tone and sound, I do find it gets a little samey after a while, even though there’s actually a ton of diversity in the music itself. I think it’s probably the way it’s recorded and produced, and so I actually wonder if I might prefer their later (less popular but probably slicker sounding) albums. Interesting stuff anyway, and I think I’ll try and check out other albums of theirs, but I’ll keep it spread out as I feel like this is a band I couldn’t listen to too much in one go.
Tago Mago [1971] – 6/10
Landed [1975] – 6/10
Power of Omens (DTVT)
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to check them out, as they’re not on Spotify, Grooveshark only has the song you sent (which was fairly good but didn’t really wow me), and I can’t find anywhere to buy either of their albums cheaply. I will admit I even scoped around for any digital downloads, but couldn’t find any! So, this has to go down as a N/A I’m afraid.
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Was wondering this afternoon whether you were planning to update this sometime soon. Happy to see you did :laugh:. This is almost more interesting than the roulette itself.
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Yeah, unfortunately those two albums are out of any reasonable price range for most people. I think its rediculous what people are asking for it. It's out of print, but I can't imagine a buyer setting the market at $100. More than likely one seller listed it for that, and others followed suit.
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Glad that the full Superior albums are to your liking. Behind is my personal favorite, with Ultima Ratio right behind it. UR is probably their most straightforward album, but the riffs are great, and the vocals are amazing, especially on Fallen.
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Glad that the full Superior albums are to your liking. Behind is my personal favorite, with Ultima Ratio right behind it. UR is probably their most straightforward album, but the riffs are great, and the vocals are amazing, especially on Fallen.
Cool, haven't given that one a listen yet, so I'll be sure to check it out!
Was wondering this afternoon whether you were planning to update this sometime soon. Happy to see you did :laugh:. This is almost more interesting than the roulette itself.
:lol Yeah took a bit longer this time. It's because at the moment I'm having to go away with work a lot, so don't have as much time to listen, especially to Grooveshark albums as streaming over mobile broadband doesn't really work.
Yeah, unfortunately those two albums are out of any reasonable price range for most people. I think its rediculous what people are asking for it. It's out of print, but I can't imagine a buyer setting the market at $100. More than likely one seller listed it for that, and others followed suit.
Yeah the amazon and eBay listings here are all in the £50 or more region (which is what, $70-80 ish). Madness.
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Bands and artists from round 4, part a:
Joanna Newsom (sonata)
So far I’ve only listened to Have One on Me, but seeing as it’s a three-disc album lasting over two hours, I feel I’m getting my fill of her music. :lol I love it, despite the album’s length, it somehow doesn’t get boring and there are a few songs in particular that are just wonderful (In California and Does Not Suffice come to mind). She has a great voice; she actually reminds me of a folkier Regina Spektor, especially when she does her “cutesy” voice in some of the songs, and with a similar kind of versatility of singing styles. I adore both the music and the lyrics as well – it’s intricate enough that you can pay close attention to it, but pleasant enough to just have on while doing something else. I’ll give her other albums a listen at some point.
Have One on Me [2010] – 9/10 - (bought on digital download)
Thrice (orcus)
Thrice are without a doubt my favourite of the bands that I’ve discovered through this roulette so far (haven’t checked out all the later ones in any detail yet). Just really amazing music in all regards. It is intelligent, diverse, dynamic, exciting, and contemporary yet not way-out. I already consider them one of my favourite bands, and I’ve only heard their most recent four albums so far so I still have more to discover, plus they’re working on a new album I believe. Funnily enough this is one of my shorter write-ups, because I just don’t know what else to say. This band are amazing.
Vheissu [2005] – 8/10
The Alchemy Index: Volume I & II - Fire & Water [2007] – 8/10 – (Owned on CD)
The Alchemy Index: Volume III & IV - Air & Earth [2008] – 9/10 – (Owned on CD)
Beggars [2010] – 10/10 – (Owned on CD)
Ben Folds (antigoon)
Another artist I’m really glad you introduced me to, because I’m really digging his brand of piano-led rock, and to be honest even though it’s pretty straightforward, it’s quite different to anything else in my collection. I’ve only listened to his first two solo albums so I have plenty more to check out (including his stuff with the Ben Folds Five), but there is so much great stuff on them. I particularly like Rockin’ the Suburbs, because of all the little stories he tells in the lyrics for each song. The title track is pretty out of place, but I can forgive it! :P
Rockin’ the Suburbs [2001] – 8/10
Songs for Silverman [2005] – 8/10
Enchant (DTVT)
Again this is a band who have lots of albums and so I haven’t had a chance to check that many of them out yet, but I’ve been listening to a couple of the ones you recommended since back when the round took place, and I really like them. J9/D10 is very good, although I wasn’t really wowed by it and while there are some great songs, I find it drags just a little. But Tug of War is an excellent album, it has a bit more diversity in the sound (which might just be the way it is produced but it keeps it sounding fresh) and it’s definitely helped by having such an awesome opening song – the riff keeps getting stuck in my head! Top-notch stuff.
Juggling 9 or Dropping 10 [2000] – 7/10
Tug of War [2003] – 8/10
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Thrice
YES
YES
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I keep Joanna very close to my heart.
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Have One On Me is a brilliant, brilliant album.
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It was one of those albums that I was waiting and waiting for the release and when it came out it just delivered and delivered.
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Thrice
YES
YES
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It was one of those albums that I was waiting and waiting for the release and when it came out it just delivered and delivered.
I'm just constantly astonished at the sheer volume of it; I can't comprehend somebody making THAT MUCH awesome music in only a few years.
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Rich, have you checked out Ben Folds 5, "Whatever and Ever Amen"? It's the best. Love the harmonies.
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Thrice
YES
YES
:lol But seriously, they are just too damn awesome. The physical CDs of the Alchemy Index only arrived today, so I gave them another couple of listens... considering upgrading Vol III & IV to a 10/10 as well, so much great music!
It was one of those albums that I was waiting and waiting for the release and when it came out it just delivered and delivered.
I'm just constantly astonished at the sheer volume of it; I can't comprehend somebody making THAT MUCH awesome music in only a few years.
Yeah I was a bit apprehensive about it being such a long album, but it really works!
Rich, have you checked out Ben Folds 5, "Whatever and Ever Amen"? It's the best. Love the harmonies.
Nah haven't heard any of the BF5 yet, that's on my to do list.
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I can't really get into Joanna Newsome :/
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Her voice was more tolerable when I believed she was deaf.
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I'll murder both of you.
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And I'll help. 'Good Intentions Paving Company' is one of the finest songs of last year.
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Thrice are amazing.
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Her voice was more tolerable when I believed she was deaf.
Try her new album. She uses a 'smoother' voice on it. Try '81, my favorite track on the album.
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I actually don't have a problem with her voice, her music just doesn't seem very well written.
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Sorry for the delay, I promise the next one won't be such a big gap!
Bands and artists from round 4, part b:
Crippled Black Phoenix (Portrucci)
So far I’ve only really been able to listen to their latest album ‘I, Vigilante’, but I’m completely wowed by it, what a fantastic album! Beyond the fact that they are clearly a rock band, their music is pretty indefinable, which is a great quality to have. The amount of variety on this album is great, from the dark quirkiness of Fantastic Justice to the big bombastic prog of Of A Lifetime, but impressively it never feels disjointed or inconsistent, and they do everything so well. It’s definitely an album that takes the listener on a journey and leaves them happy and satisfied by the end, especially with the strangely upbeat closer. :lol How do their other albums compare?
I, Vigilante [2010] – 9/10 – (bought on digital download)
A Perfect Circle (zxlkho)
I first heard APC years ago, when Mer de Noms first came out, and I wasn’t really a fan, but I’m glad you sent me the song from their next album, because I’m really liking them now. I listened to MdN again as well and it’s great, so I’ve no idea what I was thinking back then. :lol There’s definitely a bit of a similarity to Tool, particularly with Maynard’s vocals, but it’s all round a bit more accessible. There are some weaker songs on both albums that don’t really interest me much, but most of the songs are great – some excellent riffs and ideas and lots of good lyrics. I’ll have to listen to the other two albums they did at some point, although their average ratings on RYM are a lot lower…
Mer de Noms [2000] – 7/10
Thirteenth Step [2003] – 7/10
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy (Voxyn)
This guy writes some very pleasant folk music! I listened to his debut album first, which you sent me a song from in the Roulette, and I liked it, but I didn’t find it all that exciting really. I think it’s his voice, which is very mellow but not desperately interesting, and there wasn’t really enough going on in the music to compensate. Still good though, and then I listened to one of his more recent albums and thought it was really good. I think the superior production works immensely in his favour, because there’s not a great a difference in style, but I enjoyed the latter considerably more. It’s a really nice listen with the occasional song that sounds a bit bigger or darker, giving it some nice variety. Good stuff!
I See a Darkness [1999] – 6/10
The Letting Go [2006] – 7/10
Big D and the Kids Table (UMH)
Strictly Rude (the album with Shining On on it) isn’t on Spotify, but I’ve managed to have a listen on Grooveshark, and it’s a really fun album! Not among my favourite ska, but still very enjoyable, and there are a few really good songs like the opening track Steady Riot which sets the album nicely, and a couple of the more epic songs like Snakebite. Still not a huge fan of the vocals, but I can overlook that for the most part! I’ve also had a couple of listens to the previous album How It Goes, and I have to say I didn’t like that one so much – it’s not bad and it has some good stuff, but the serious stuff isn’t as good and the fun stuff isn’t as fun.
How It Goes [2004] – 5/10
Strictly Rude [2007] – 6/10
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Glad you explored further. The biggest problem with Big D is that I can almost never sit through a whole album. They have a bunch of really great songs, but when you try to listen to more than 5 or 6 at a time, it gets really annoying. That said, Sounds of Allston Village/LAX is pretty much the best one-two punch ever.
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Yeah that was exactly how I felt as well. Pretty fun band to just put on random shuffle for a bit though. :tup
Next update should be up shortly. Told you it would be quick! :)
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:laugh:
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Sorry for the delay, I promise the next one won't be such a big gap!
Bands and artists from round 4, part b:
Crippled Black Phoenix (Portrucci)
So far I’ve only really been able to listen to their latest album ‘I, Vigilante’, but I’m completely wowed by it, what a fantastic album! Beyond the fact that they are clearly a rock band, their music is pretty indefinable, which is a great quality to have. The amount of variety on this album is great, from the dark quirkiness of Fantastic Justice to the big bombastic prog of Of A Lifetime, but impressively it never feels disjointed or inconsistent, and they do everything so well. It’s definitely an album that takes the listener on a journey and leaves them happy and satisfied by the end, especially with the strangely upbeat closer. :lol How do their other albums compare?
I, Vigilante [2010] – 9/10 – (bought on digital download)
all of their albums are good, but the new one is the best.
watch out for an interview I'm doing with them come April.
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Awesome, thanks Ben, I'll try and check the other albums out when I can.
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I actually don't have a problem with her voice, her music just doesn't seem very well written.
Sigz, try to not do this anymore ok
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Bands and artists from round 5, part a:
Petter Carlsen (Voxyn)
This guy has such a sweet voice! The tone of his voice is quite high and very pure, and so at times it has a very angelic quality. He actually reminds me a lot of the guy who won the most recent X-Factor, Matt Cardle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmffsSRWaUk for those who don’t know). As for the music, it’s really lovely. For the most part it’s soft and pleasant and very accessible, but I really love the way he adds in these sections that are dark and powerful as they really give the music a bit of an edge. There’s lots of good stuff on You Go Bird, but my favourite song so far was the latest single that you sent me, so I’m very excited about the new album!
You Go Bird [2009] – 8/10
The Antlers (orcus)
Another very sweet voice right here, and the vocals really turn this music from good to great! Don’t get me wrong, the music on Hospice is really lovely, and a few of the songs in particular I absolutely adore (Kettering, Bear and Wake come to mind), but there are spots where there is less going on that I think still work really well because of the singing more than anything else. As a result, this ends up being a consistently nice album from start to finish, with a number of high points but no real low ones. I haven’t had the opportunity to listen to their previous album or any of their EPs as they’re not on Spotify; how do they compare?
Hospice [2009] – 9/10 – (Owned on CD)
Redemption (DTVT)
I’ve been listening to a couple of Redemption’s albums, and so far I really like one while the other is merely good. Strange really, there isn’t a huge difference in style between the two, but the writing on Snowfall… is just so much more interesting and engaging, and the instrumentation really adds to a great sound overall. Obviously that album is where you sent a song from, and really the whole album is very solid, and I found myself enjoying the whole thing. The only thing I’m not keen on with this album is the guitar solos – he really just isn’t an interesting player. But there’s enough great stuff in there for it to not be an issue at all. The Origins of Ruin is, sadly, a lot less interesting and I wonder if the soloing annoys me more as a result. Ah well, at least one great album anyway, will check out their earlier stuff too!
The Origins of Ruin [2007] – 6/10
Snowfall on Judgement Day [2009] – 8/10
Alcest (zxlkho)
This is really fantastic stuff. Their debut album is excellent, very interesting and with some really gorgeous parts, they create a great sound. But their latest is really amazing – even after the first song I was just in awe of how wonderful the music was, so I can see why you wanted to send me that originally. And the closer! Just phenomenal peaks and troughs and climaxes and diminuendos. This is definitely the best post-metal I have heard to date, I really can’t get enough of it. The first and last songs are perfect and the rest range from good to great!
Souvenirs d'un autre monde [2007] – 8/10
Écailles de lune [2010] – 9/10
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Alcest is incredible. Glad you like them. :tup
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Petter Carlsen and The Antlers are both awesome :heart. Petter's new album is really good, hope it ends up on spotify sometime soon :tup.
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The Fullness of Time is much better than Origins of Ruin. Memory really props OoR up.
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Bands and artists from round 5, part b:
NàTTSòL (Portrucci)
This is a good album, and certainly a debut that shows some promise. I do find the album a little hit and miss – at the best of times it is atmospheric and powerful and the vocals are used really well, but at other times it sounds like to me like pretty run-of-the-mill black metal, and at times the vocals are a little over the top to the point of being annoying. It’s not too often though, and overall the album is fairly solid, but not something I can see myself going back to regularly. I’ll certainly check out any follow-up though, simply because of how excellent the good parts of the album are!
Stemning [2010] – 6/10
Floater (UMH)
I dig these guys. I was interested that their genre definitions say “Progressive rock” and “Alternative metal” as I wouldn’t really say they are particularly either progressive or metal, but no matter. I really like the hard rock vibe that they have and I think they pull it off well. I’ve been listening to a couple of their albums – Alter I think is the more consistent record, but doesn’t have any real standouts, plus is just slightly shaky vocally in a couple of places; Wake isn’t as strong all the way through, but has a couple of really excellent songs, and very good vocals that really make the songs come alive. All in all both are solid albums and I look forward to checking out more of their stuff.
Alter [2002] – 7/10
Wake [2010] – 7/10
Ives the Band (antigoon)
This is a very strong debut album – I still think the vocals are a little weak in places, and a couple of the songs aren’t very interesting, but it’s a really nice album with lots of good ideas. Just really top-notch pop rock, and I have to say that the song you sent me (The Joker) has really grown on me so much, it keeps getting stuck in my head. I’m very much looking forward to any follow-up that they do, as hopefully they’ll be able to strengthen and refine things a bit, which should allow them to create something really great!
The Incredible Story of Mr. Birch [2009] – 7/10
Disasterpeace (sonata)
I have to admit, I was apprehensive about checking out a whole album here. As I said when you first submitted a song from his latest album, it was kind of endearing but I couldn’t imagine listening to it very often. And indeed having listened to the whole of that album, I feel pretty much the same way. However, I am very glad that before I listened to that album, I checked out his 2008 album Level first (because it was on Spotify so I could listen on my iPod) and I have to say, I really like it! The sound, while still all 8-bit, is much better produced, and the way he layers the different sounds works surprisingly well. But most of all, the musical ideas are great! Very intricate and intelligent, and with some fantastic moments, which I never thought would work so well with such basic sounds, but as I said the sound on this album is done very nicely. Finally some chiptune that I really enjoy! Do any of his other albums have a similar sound to Level?
Level [2008] – 7/10
Rise of the Obsidian Interstellar [2011] – 5/10
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Do any of his other albums have a similar sound to Level?
Hmm, that's a good question. I haven't listened to Level much, but Neutralite (https://disasterpeace.bandcamp.com/album/neutralite) was made around the same time and is pretty darn cool. Atebite and the Warring Nations (https://disasterpeace.bandcamp.com/album/atebite-and-the-warring-nations) as well.
Jammage (https://disasterpeace.bandcamp.com/album/the-chronicles-of-jammage-the-jam-mage) is definitely worth listening to, if only for the track At the Zombie Gates.
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As far as Floater is concerned, Alter is definitely my favorite album. I adore every song on it. I'd go for Glyph next. It'll be a bit of a grower, but once it hits you'll be a fan for life.
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Do any of his other albums have a similar sound to Level?
Hmm, that's a good question. I haven't listened to Level much, but Neutralite (https://disasterpeace.bandcamp.com/album/neutralite) was made around the same time and is pretty darn cool. Atebite and the Warring Nations (https://disasterpeace.bandcamp.com/album/atebite-and-the-warring-nations) as well.
Jammage (https://disasterpeace.bandcamp.com/album/the-chronicles-of-jammage-the-jam-mage) is definitely worth listening to, if only for the track At the Zombie Gates.
Ok cool, pretty sure Atebite is also on Spotify so will give that a listen, and I'll try and hear the others too.
As far as Floater is concerned, Alter is definitely my favorite album. I adore every song on it. I'd go for Glyph next. It'll be a bit of a grower, but once it hits you'll be a fan for life.
Yeah am definitely interested in hearing Glyph, that seems to be the most popular one on RYM. The reason I checked those two out is one had the song you sent and the other you said was your favourite, but Glyph is next.
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Bands and artists from round 6, part a:
Ólafur Arnalds (Voxyn)
This is some really beautiful music. I can’t decide if I consider it classical or post-rock, but I don’t care, and the fact that it’s so indefinable speaks volumes about how interesting it is. My only small complaint is that the music does get a little samey – on Eulogy for Evolution for example, the vibe is pretty similar all the way through until the very end, where (although it’s totally out of place) I love the breakdown in the almost post-metal section. The songs individually have some glorious buildups (3055 is still incredible), but there’s not much to distinguish between them, and the same goes for his latest album as well. Really excellent music though, thanks for introducing me to it!
Eulogy for Evolution [2007] – 8/10
…And They Have Escaped the Weight of Darkness [2010] – 8/10
Kevin Gilbert/Toy Matinee (DTVT)
I already discussed Gilbert in round 1, but I’ve now had a chance to listen to Toy Matinee’s album, so I’ll talk about that instead. I really like it – it’s fairly straightforward, not quite as good as Thud and it doesn’t sound as quirky as Shaming of the True, but it’s still some really nice proggy hard rock with a good amount of variety. As with Gilbert’s solo stuff, what really shines is the softer stuff – he really knew how to write sad songs! The title song in particular is just gorgeous, and I love the closer.
Toy Matinee [1990] – 7/10
Björk (sonata)
I’ve been listening to her Homogenic album since way back when we did the roulette, and I think it’s a great album! I love the way she incorporates different sounds and styles, and her voice is really fantastic. The big sounding songs in particular, like the first two, I just can’t get enough of. More recently I’ve also been listening to her next album, Vespertine, and it’s also good but doesn’t really grab me in the same way at all. There are some nice ideas, but nothing that really stands out in the way that lots of parts of Homogenic do. I’ll continue to check out more of her albums though – she clearly has a lot of variety so there’s bound to be plenty of great stuff I haven’t heard yet!
Homogenic [1997] – 8/10
Vespertine [2001] – 6/10
John Mayer (antigoon)
I’m starting to like Mayer’s music – I’ve always really liked the song you sent in the Roulette, but on my first listen of that album, I found it a little bland and, I don’t know, normal. But I’ve been listening to that and one of his older albums, and after a few listens, it definitely grows. Pretty simple pop-rock for the most part, but it’s nicely done, and some of his songs just have a great feel and there are some nice melodies. I discovered this week that it is perfect music for working to; simple but pleasant and not too distracting.
Heavier Things [2003] – 7/10
Continuum [2006] – 7/10
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For Mayer, I cannot recommend 'Where The Light Is' enough. You'll gain a newfound appreciation for him as one of the most skilled 'complete packages' in music today in terms of singing, songwriting and ridiculously good guitar, which I don't quite get from his studio stuff myself.
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That sounds great, it's on Spotify so I'll definitely check it out. I did consider that he might have a bit more energy live, but figured I'd start with studio albums!
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Yeah, that's a good way to go. Especially as it has now set the bar slightly lower for an album that would (hopefully) have blown you away anyway. :D
Marvellous G trivia: 'Out Of My Mind' off of that live album is probably in my top 5 guitar performances of all time. OF ALL TIME.
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OF ALL TIME?!
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Glad you like Mayer. Where The Light Is is definitely his definitive work.
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definitely definitive.
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You should also check out 'Covered In Rain' off of 'Any Given Thursday.' *stops fanboying*
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Bands and artists from round 6, part b:
Buckethead (zxlkho and UMH)
This guy plays some really awesome guitar. And his music isn’t too shabby either! I’ve only listened to two of his albums so far (there just isn’t time to listen to each of the gazillion albums he has made), the ones that you guys sent songs from, and while I like Colma, I think his style really benefits from more modern production, because I enjoy Crime Slunk Scene a whole lot more. He has a great amount of variety, from the mellow to the rocking to the downright bizarre, but he is slick enough to be able to pull it off. Standout tracks so far are both the ones you guys sent in, plus I really love King James and We Can Rebuild Them! On that basis, which of the many albums should I check out next?
Colma [1998] – 6/10
Crime Slunk Scene [2006] – 8/10
Alice in Chains (orcus)
Ok, so I’ve been listening to the Jar of Flies EP, and it’s a good album, but I have to be completely honest, it just doesn’t do much for me. It’s a very close and personal album, quite dense, and while I can completely appreciate that, I think I just find it a little inaccessible. On the flipside, I’ve also been listening to their full length album Dirt, and I absolutely love it! It has a really great bluesy hard-rock sound, and there’s a nice amount of variety on the album, from some pretty serious songs (both heavy and soft) to more fun ones. Everything about the album (except maybe the production, which sounds a little dated to me) is really top-notch, and quite frankly the result is genuinely amazing. I’m looking forward to checking out more of their stuff now!
Dirt [1992] – 9/10
Jar of Flies EP [1994] – 6/10
Neu! (Portrucci)
When I first decided to start listening to some full albums by Neu!, I was a little apprehensive. The song you sent me I kind of enjoyed, but the fact that it was all based around a single chord was a little inaccessible and made it hard to get all the way through. I’m happy to say that my fears were completely unnecessary – sure there are moments where things drag on and get less interesting, but that is ultimately in the nature of music that is largely improvisational. But other than the occasional dull section, the band created a great sound and had a lot of very cool ideas, and actually I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of both albums I listened to. Maybe not for every day listening, but completely unlike anything else in my music collection, so it fills a niche!
Neu! [1972] – 7/10
Neu! 2 [1973] – 7/10
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You liked Colma but not the production? Try A Real Diamond in the Rough or Captain EO's Voyage. For heavier albums, I recommend Pepper's Ghost and Albino Slug.
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Dirt :metal
I love Jar of Flies and you probably will too. You just need to stop failing.
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Jar of Flies is my favorite Alice in Chains album, if you want to call it that. It's amazing.
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So, you like the guitar playing, and you like Crime Slunk Scene. But Colma is underproduced...
Alright, first off, I'm calling sacrilege on the Colma comment. That album is godly through and through. On a happier note, you are going to absolutely adore Buckethead's modern material. Check out Captain EO's Voyage, Shadows Between the Sky, Real Diamond in the Rough, and for the heavier side, Albino Slug is all you will ever need (but Pepper's Ghost is a good choice as well).
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Neu! (Portrucci)
When I first decided to start listening to some full albums by Neu!, I was a little apprehensive. The song you sent me I kind of enjoyed, but the fact that it was all based around a single chord was a little inaccessible and made it hard to get all the way through. I’m happy to say that my fears were completely unnecessary – sure there are moments where things drag on and get less interesting, but that is ultimately in the nature of music that is largely improvisational. But other than the occasional dull section, the band created a great sound and had a lot of very cool ideas, and actually I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of both albums I listened to. Maybe not for every day listening, but completely unlike anything else in my music collection, so it fills a niche!
Neu! [1972] – 7/10
Neu! 2 [1973] – 7/10
Wow! Never thought you'd give them a 7 :laugh: but their best album is actually Neu 75! (infact, it might be my favourite album of all time..or top 2! :)). You'd definitely like it more than those other 2 albums (which are probably more experimental). Better production, better arrangments, more piano :) :) do try it!
Oh and also, about Crippled Black Phoenix, I've just been listening to their 2009 LP 200 Tons of Bad Luck and it's excellent! If you liked I, Vigilante also check this one out!
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You just need to stop failing.
lol irony
Wow! Never thought you'd give them a 7 :laugh: but their best album is actually Neu 75! (infact, it might be my favourite album of all time..or top 2! :)). You'd definitely like it more than those other 2 albums (which are probably more experimental). Better production, better arrangments, more piano :) :) do try it!
Awesome, I look forward to checking it out! :)
Oh and also, about Crippled Black Phoenix, I've just been listening to their 2009 LP 200 Tons of Bad Luck and it's excellent! If you liked I, Vigilante also check this one out!
Schweet, I'll do that thing. Gonna try and check out all their stuff at some point, I like I, Vigilante so much!
Ryan and Justin, cheers for the recommendations, I'll start with the albums that you both recommended and go from there.
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So, you like the guitar playing, and you like Crime Slunk Scene. But Colma is underproduced...
Alright, first off, I'm calling sacrilege on the Colma comment. That album is godly through and through. On a happier note, you are going to absolutely adore Buckethead's modern material. Check out Captain EO's Voyage, Shadows Between the Sky, Real Diamond in the Rough, and for the heavier side, Albino Slug is all you will ever need (but Pepper's Ghost is a good choice as well).
UMH is 100% correct.
Colma is godly.
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Heavy bands and artists from the Semi-finals:
Intronaut (DTVT)
I’ve only been able to listen to their latest album, but it’s a really good record! They have a very interesting style – it’s never that heavy but it’s never that melodic either, which makes it very interesting and, while unusual, fairly accessible. I’m not sure I agree with the BTBAM comparison; those guys take it to the opposite extremes a lot more while Intronaut mostly take the middle ground. It does mean the music is ever so slightly less dynamic or exciting, but also makes it easier to listen to, if that makes sense. Is it worth putting the effort in to check out their older albums?
Valley of Smoke [2010] – 7/10
Protest the Hero (antigoon)
When Joe sent me a song in the roulette, he described it as “the most ADD thing” in his collection, and I don’t think there’s a more fitting description of this band. Somehow they craft a consistent style from a mish-mash of a million different ideas, and it works! The result is something that is at times heavy and chaotic, and at others anthemic and even cheesy, which makes the music incredibly fun and enjoyable. Kezia gets a slightly lower rating than the others but only because I don’t find the choruses as epic or exciting, but that might change over time.
Kezia [2006] – 7/10
Fortress [2008] – 8/10
Scurrilous [2011] – 8/10
God is an Astronaut (Voxyn)
Another addition to my list of favourite post-rock bands, possibly even edging out This Will Destroy You who only reached that spot a few rounds ago! :P This is amazing stuff – it is atmospheric and has all the peaks and troughs and climaxes that you would expect from post-rock, but with so much more energy than anything else I’ve heard in the genre. I still hold that they didn’t really belong in the “heavy songs” part of this round, which was why you didn’t reach the final, but I no longer care. Their self-titled in particular is such a fantastic album, with the real standout track for me being Snowfall! Incredible stuff.
All is Violent, All is Bright [2005] – 8/10
God is an Astronaut [2008] – 9/10
Between the Buried and Me (orcus)
In contrast to the ADD of Protest the Hero, this is schizophrenic. Ok a lot of it is heavy (although less so with the latest album), but there are some outright bizarre sections thrown in at times. It’s like “RORORORORORORORORO and now for some light jazz”. :lol But that’s what makes it so exciting; I don’t generally go for full-on hardcore bands as I tend to find them too intense, and indeed at times BTBAM are a little too much for me, but the mix of styles and ideas that they incorporate makes the music incredibly exciting, and the fact that they’ll happily go through some very melodic sections means that after a while the music becomes surprisingly accessible, more so with each album. I wasn’t sure I’d ever really get into BTBAM, but I’m pleased that I was wrong!
Alaska [2005] – 7/10
Colors [2007] – 8/10
The Great Misdirect [2009] – 9/10
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PTH IS AWESOME! :D
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Valley of Smoke is Intronaut's best album by far according to people who's opinions I trust. I haven't heard other albums.
You need to listen to Colors more. Sun of Nothing, Ants In the Sky, and White Walls are all better than my favorite song on TGM. Not that TGM is a bad album, Colors is just too amazing.
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RICH, RICH, RICH!
First, you gave Scurrilous and Fortress more points than Kezia and then you give The Great Misdirect more points that Alaska and Colors! WHAT THE HELL?!
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Prehistoricisms is pretty awesome, a bit heavier than Valley of Smoke too.
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Valley of Smoke is Intronaut's best album by far according to people who's opinions I trust. I haven't heard other albums.
Hmm, ok might just wait for new stuff from them then. :lol Although if Ian likes Prehistoricisms then I might see if it's on Grooveshark.
You need to listen to Colors more. Sun of Nothing, Ants In the Sky, and White Walls are all better than my favorite song on TGM. Not that TGM is a bad album, Colors is just too amazing.
Don't get me wrong, the high points on Colors are probably their best stuff, particularly those songs you mentioned, and also Viridian and the opening track. Same goes for Selkies and Medicine Wheel (if I remember rightly) on Alaska. But the rest doesn't do as much for me, bar some moments here and there. TGM doesn't have quite the same highs, but it's consistently good all the way through and still has some really excellent moments.
RICH, RICH, RICH!
First, you gave Scurrilous and Fortress more points than Kezia and then you give The Great Misdirect more points that Alaska and Colors! WHAT THE HELL?!
For a start, I'm a new fan rather than a trve cvlt one, and can therefore actually judge all the albums on equal terms. I can see why someone who has listened to PTH for ages would be initially surprised at the reduced level of harsh vocals, and same for BTBAM really (plus there's the fact that I'm not that much into all-out heavy music), but I love the style on both bands' latest albums.
And besides, different strokes for different folks.
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I don't think I've ever said anything about the reduction in harsh vocals any where on this board so I don't know where you're getting that from :lol
Rich, don't be so silly, music is an objective thing and you are just damn wrong.
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I didn't mean that in relation to you specifically, but that seems to be the main complaint about the new album in the PTH thread. :P
You're right though, I should learn to accept that you are right and I am wrong. :neverusethis:
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Great to see some love for some awesome bands. :)
I got into BTBAM fairly recently as well (beginning of this year), and the three albums you listed are the only three I know this far, and my opinions on them are fairly samey as yours.
Colors has the highest highs, though TGM really is great all the way through, and ranking them against each other would be a hard thing.
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Yeah initially I had TGM on the same level as Colors, but after a few listens it really started to click and I realised that was some really great stuff in there as well, which added with the consistency throughout the record really gave me a hugh appreciation for it.
Of course the same could happen with Colors; the more I get used to the really heavy stuff, the more I'll probably like the album overall. When it comes down to it, those ratings are only from a couple of weeks of listening, so they're only provisional really.
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Struggling with the concept that anyone could prefer GIAA's s/t to All Is Violent, All Is Bright
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I enjoy both of them a lot. Glad to read that you love them so much Ariich :hat.
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Soft bands and artists from the Semi-finals:
Neko Case (antigoon)
Gotta say, I really love her latest album (which you sent a song from) and have done from the very first listen. I guess I’d describe her as a folky singer-songwriter, but that just doesn’t do her justice, and there’s so much more to this album. She has a lovely voice, and the music is great; very diverse and engaging, but always pleasant and enjoyable. I’ve also been listening to one of her other albums, which is also very good but not really as exciting – bit more straightforward I guess. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like it, far from it, it’s just that I like the new one so much! Gonna check out her other albums at some point as well I think.
Fox Confessor Brings the Flood [2006] – 7/10
Middle Cyclone [2009] – 9/10
Vonassi (DTVT)
Well, I said during the roulette that I liked the song you sent but wasn’t thrilled enough to go out and buy the album without hearing it first. Well I changed my mind as the digital download on Play.com was only £7 so I figured I’d take the risk, and I’m glad I did because this is a really good and very promising debut! They definitely a straightforward old school prog tinged with hard rock thing going on, reminding me a little of Spock’s Beard at times. Not every song is killer, but there are a few really good ones (for example Gini is really nice, and my favourites are probably the opener and the title track) and the rest are solid. I really like the vocalist as well. I hope they do well enough with this album to make another, because I see a lot of promise in them!
The Battle of Ego [2010] – 7/10 – (bought on digital download)
The Beta Band (orcus)
These guys are really interesting! I find them a bit inconsistent, but their good stuff really is fantastic. Been mostly listening to the 3EPs compilation, and Dry The Rain is, admittedly, probably the best thing on there, but some of the others are really top-notch as well (She’s The One was one that stuck out). Just a really nice vibe with a small amount of experimentation! Overall I find there to be a couple of songs that drag things down though, particularly Monolith which just seems to drag on for 15 minutes. I’ve also been listening to their last album, and I find a similar problem, although it’s the other way round there – the album starts weak but really picks up with the third track, and is then pretty up and down for the rest. Still, I can always just make a playlist of the songs I like!
The Three EPs [1998] – 7/10
Heroes to Zeroes [2004] – 7/10
Jason Molina (Voxyn)
This guy’s music is really nice, but I have to be honest, it doesn’t do a huge amount for me. I think it’s because every song is pretty similar and the vibe all the way through (while very pleasant and chilled) doesn’t really change. That said, I’ve been listening to both his albums and the first I’ve come to like quite a lot, particularly as background music if I’m trying to work. The newer album is still decent, but I just find it wafts by unnoticed for the most part. Ah well, can’t win everything!
Pyramid Electric Co. [2004] – 7/10
Let Me Go, Let Me Go, Let Me Go [2006] – 6/10
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Glad you were willing to check them out. I too see a lot of potential in Vonassi as well. Supposedly they are working on their second album.
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Bands from the final:
Ok so I wasn't sure if I'd bother with this as I wrote about full albums for the roulette itself, but over the last couple of months I've been really getting into both bands, so I figured what the hell, I may as well post an udpate and round off this whole thing. :)
Neutral Milk Hotel (orcus)
Aeroplane is still such an amazing album and actually continues to grow on me, and I got to the point where I was listening so often that I figured I might as well just buy it rather than constantly listening on Spotify. I've also been listening to their other album, and it's also excellent, has the same kind of rawness to it that actually makes it very powerful. It's not quite as coherent and doesn't have such high highs, but it's also a great album. I'm so glad you introduced me to them, there's a really intense emotion in the music and a unique style that's pretty unlike anything else in my collection!
On Avery Island [1996] - 8/10
In An Aeroplane Over The Sea [1998] - 9/10 - (Owned on CD)
Arcade Fire (antigoon)
So, at the time of the roulette I really liked Funeral but found it was dragged down just slightly by a couple of weaker songs. I guess that hasn't really changed, but the weaker songs are still good enough to contribute to a high-quality album overall. I checked out their other albums as well (had to buy them on digital download as they weren't on Spotify) and was possibly even more impressed by Neon Bible! The quality is on a part with Funeral, but with a little more consistency and slicker sound. I'm really starting to like their style, it's unusual but very fresh and rather enjoyable, especially when they throw in the occasional epic song! Suburbs was a good album as well, although after a number of listens it doesn't grab me nearly as much as the other two.
Funeral [2004] - 8/10 - (bought on digital download)
Neon Bible [2007] - 8/10 - (bought on digital download)
The Suburbs [2010] - 7/10 - (bought on digital download)
And that, as they say, is it. I really enjoyed the roulette, and even a couple of months on I'm discovering how much I love some of the bands and artists that I've been introduced to, so thanks to everyone! Next I'm going to be doing a Top 50 Albums thread in a similar fashion to what Sigz has done (even though he's completely failed to finish it!) as I touted the idea on facebook chat and people seemed interested. I'll probably kick that off this weekend, I'm still trying to decide on what the order should be!
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You'd only give Funeral 8/10?!
Other than that, I'd agree with all your ratings, other than the first NMH album which I haven't heard.
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I'd rank the AF albums a bit better, but I'm glad they were one of the winning bands for you!