Great
Here are results for the round that blows:
Dark Castle Him- The Way the Trees Are
First three minutes or so and I have very little idea as to where this one is going. It seems to drift, lulling me into a catatonic state. It's not from boredom, but rather relaxation. The use wind instruments is perfect! Very breathy, which fits in will with the tone of the piece, and the kind of airy vocals (sound like they're being sung by a ghost). I'm not going to say too much more. This is a fantastically relaxing song and it makes me feel like I'm floating invisibly 10 feet above the ground, watching the people go by.
black_floyd Psychotic Waltz- I Remember
A close second place for you, this round. And it really was close, because this song is excellent. Excellent in the vocals department, delivering with authority but without strain. Also really enjoy the guitar work, throughout, a lot of really nice little runs. And the flutes… perfect fit! I especially enjoy it when they pick up right before the 3 minute mark. This song has the feeling of a steady march, moving towards inevitable death. I enjoy the lyrics, and the music is excellent.
lonestar Jethro Tull- Witches Promise
I have been meaning to listen to Jethro Tull for a long time. I have heard Aqualung, a little bit, but this was new for me. Anyhow, this was exactly what the doctor (not DTVT) ordered! Classic progressive rock with excellent use of wind instruments. Those wind instruments are far from my favorite thing about this song, though, and that's a testament to how strong all the other components are. What really stands out to me is the incredibly hooky little vocal melodies, 'foo ooo oo oo ooh oh ooool', etc.
jingle.boy Damian Wilson- Commune
Once again, we find you right underneath RJ. Firstly, Damian Wilson is one of my favorite vocalists around today (Daddy Fucking Loves You
), so good on you for introducing me to this one. The music, however, is not at all what I was expecting. It's not bad, per say, but I'm also not sure its the best fit for his vocal style. It's just a little uncomfortably poppy, and that's so far from what I've come to expect from DW. With all that being said, it's still a fun song and catchy as all get out.
Elite Focus- Hocus Pocus
First thing that stood out to me was that this is a fantastic guitar song. Next was that it was a fantastically strange yodeling song. The former had me really excited, and the latter had me contorting my face to try to find out if I liked it. I've decided that I do. It's one part experimental, one part catchy, and ten parts playful. My issue with this song is less to do with the yodeling, but rather with the sinking feeling in my gut that says it hasn't really gone anywhere. The song runs around like a maniac, no doubt having a lot of fun, and that's great for a little while. Ultimately, however, it strikes me as being directionless, and that leaves a lot to be desired.
DocTorVT Peter Gabriel- Sledgehammer
Here's another very poppy one. And you're right, it's not bad. It's easily the most catchy song from this round, and I appreciate that. As a result it got a lot of the repeat-listening treatment. What I found out when I broke that repetition, however, was that I didn't necessarily feel drawn back to the song for its music. PG has a great voice, and it's easily the greatest selling point on this song. Everything else is good, but not great, as far as I can tell. I'm not a big fan of pop music, however, when it's all said and done. Even when it's good, like this one, it's unlikely to keep my interest enough to draw me back for more.
LieLowTheWantedMan System of a Down- Peephole
You're right, I have heard a song (or maybe two) by SoaD. I believe it was Lonely Day, and I used to enjoy that one quite a bit. Maybe it's just that my tastes have changed, but this one isn't nearly as appealing to me. It's got some nice things going on, but nothing to get me thinking or feeling. I guess it might be trying to evoke anger/irritation, but that's not really something I'm into right now. I'll take sadness any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. Speaking of which, I'm going to toss an extra point your way right now for the American Football track you sent last round. I've been listening more, and now gotten the full album, and there's no doubt in my mind that you deserved more than you got.
Shadow Ninja Shining- I Won't Forget
Sorry pal, but I don't 'get' this one. At all. It reminds me a little bit of a more toned down version of The Dillinger Escape Plan, by which I mean slower and less aggressive. The thing about aggressive though, for me, is that it often doesn't work as well when there's no contrast through which I might be able to make the transition. On the whole this song lacks the appropriate amount of dynamics to keep my interest.
Standings:
jingle.boy 26+5=31
Dr. DTVT 24.5+3=27.5
black_floyd 20+7=27
lonestar 20+6=26
Elite 20.5+4=24.5
Dark Castle 15.5+8=23.5
LieLowTheWantedMan 19.5+3=22.5
Shadow Ninja 17+1=18