5 Points - Ariich
The Cat Empire - FishiesI've been thinking a lot about how to start off this write-up. I figured I could mention how this is the best thing I've ever heard. Then, I thought I'd tell the story about how I've wondered if music like this existed (I've been into ska-punk for a while, but always wanted something focused on the horns). Finally, I decided I'd start it this way: OMGWTFBBQ THE TRUMPET. I've been playing the trumpet for about 7 years now, and up until this point I've never found music with good trumpet that was worth listening to 500 times. This song (and the album, I listened to it straight after hearing this song) is pure bliss. The Latin vibe in the bass sets the mood perfectly, and those unique vocals come in to set up the story. The pre-chorus gives away that something awesome is coming, and BOOM TRUMPET MELODY. This melody has been stuck in my head for the past 4 days. Seriously. The trumpet/piano duel in the middle of the song is just amazing too. You said you thought this was a risky move, but you ended up defining "High risk=High reward". Congratulations.
4 Points - KevShmev
Camel - Lunar SeaNow this is just delicious. Camel is a band I've wanted to explore for quite some time, but I never really knew where to start. This one certainly seems like a perfect introduction to the band. The synth textures are great, and when the odd-time groove kicks in it just gets better. I love how the synth solos lay over top the softer sections, and then the guitar solos play over the more turbulent sections. Great contrast. Old prog in general is kind of a grey area for me. I like King Crimson, Rush, and some other random songs by older bands (like Yes), so I was waiting for something like this. Great stuff.
4 Points - DTVT
Marillion - Sugar MiceWell, it definitely makes perfect sense to use a bit of this song in Surrounded. Extremely similar vibe. Since I'm quite fond of Surrounded, so I didn't have much trouble appreciating this song. Everything about this song is really relaxing and ethereal. I feel like if I believed in heaven that this would be the song playing while I was ascending up to kick it with Jesus and the crew. I've honestly never been much of a fan of Fish, but he's pretty great here. The guitar solo is fabulous as well, and reminds me a lot of Pink Floyd (Mother, especially. Makes sense considering Chaos In Motion used that bit as well). Looks like I definitely need to get this album, as I know quite a few people on DTF are crazy for it.
3 Points - lateralus88
Estradasphere - Smuggled MutationI had absolutely no idea what to expect with this one. The band name, the song title, the opening seeing a strange guy playing the violin. I was waiting for it to turn into a basic song, but it never did. It turned into Fiddle Metal.
I was considering marking this down a point because of the metal, but it's not the focus of the song. The focus is on the violin and the accordion. That said, this song is complete and total chaos, and I adore it. Must explore further.
3 Points - skydivingninja
My Morning Jacket - What a Wonderful ManVery stately piano intro. This song reminds me a lot of The Beatles. I was honestly amazed to find out that this band wasn't from the early 70s. Sure, the production values are obviously quite a bit better than 70s production would have been, but this gets that vibe across almost TOO well. Congrats on picking a singer who doesn't sound whiny this time.
2 Points - Sigz
Brand New - DegausserHitting me again with that dreamy music. Can't say I'm complaining. This is a really great song. The vocalist has a really great voice, especially when he's harmonizing. The transition into the heavier section is just awesome. Sadly, the singer's voice kind of goes sour. I think it would have helped the song to keep the vocal tone from the verses. Still a good song though.
2 Points - sonatafanica
Bjork - HyperballadI've been kicking myself for 4 days over this song. I told you to send me Bjork, and I end up not caring for it that much. I'm so ashamed. It's definitely not a bad song, but it's just not all that interesting to me. The focus is clearly on her vocals, and while I can definitely appreciate that, I just need a bit more to listen to. On the plus side, I do dig the electronic vibe, and the driving backbeat. It's not really so much her voice either, she has a really great tone. I just kind of have some issues with the way she pronounces certain words. More of a pet peeve than anything. It gets better as it presses on with more layers added to the background, and I'll definitely explore further, but this was a bit of a disappointment.
1 Point - AcidRainLTE
Static Crap - Journey Through The Moor (Live)This song defines pure excellence. The seemingly incoherent ranting actually tells a multi-faceted story full of rich lines and astounding character development. The echoing in the vocals combined with the synth textures give a very mysterious vibe, wondering how dangerous this journey must have been. The ending with the poor protagonist's suicide over Brian's house is just a flawless ending that ends abruptly to show how sudden death can be. A truly poetic masterpiece. However, I have to mark off 4 points because you broke the unwritten Static Crap rule. Sending in the greatest band known to mankind is simply cheating. Sorry.
Ariich - 23 Points
sonatafanica - 22 Points
DTVT - 21 Points
lateralus88 - 19 PointsKevShmev - 17 Points
AcidRainLTE - 17 Points
Sigz - 15 Points
skydivingninja - 11 Points
Finalists are in bold. To the rest of you: Good job. You all introduced me to at least one thing that I'm itching to explore further. Yes, even SDN.
Semi-Final Round: OpenWhat an enormous surprise. An open round, even for the semi-finals. I swear there will be a theme for the final, but in this round we will be eliminating 2 people. The 2 songs I like the most will be awarded tickets to the ultimate final round of the UMH Song Roulette!