I'm going to be starting classes tomorrow and the pace will probably return to closer to one week per round, but since I've had a lot more time these first two rounds have been super quick. I've listened to all the songs a handful of times and feel comfortable enough sharing the results now. Overall, there are a couple really good songs at the top, but also more songs on the lower end of the scale this time around.
Elite Deep Purple -
Child in TimeOf course, I've heard Smoke on the Water before and I'm familiar with Deep Purple as being a massive influence on so much of the music that I listen to now. But I've also obviously never checked them out very thoroughly. Probably a mistake on my part, if this song is any indication as to what I might find. Because this is
fantastic. Truly epic song, with great dynamic changes, awesome vocals, and a marvelous guitar solo. The organ adds a really nice touch too. I'm not going to dwell on it much more, just suffice it to say that you knocked it out of the park again.
9kingshmegland Toto -
HydraI've never even heard of these guys, so I had no idea what to expect. It didn't take long to figure it out though- this is a great song. Once again you're atop the list of non-Elite submissions, and this one is even a step up from the Jon Butcher song. I'm having a hard time trying to articulate why I enjoy this song so much. Rhythmically it's a real joy and makes me want to dance. The vocals are also perfect for the song. I didn't read the lyrics, but as far as I can tell there's something fun going on here involving a dragon and solitaire and other odd stuff. All in all, I really enjoyed this one and I look forward to checking out the rest of the album (and hopefully others too).
8.5Nekov The Waterboys -
Old EnglandThis is a sizable step up from your last submission. Once again piano driven, which I once again appreciated. Of the songs at the top this seems to be the most simple. The vocals didn't really grab me the first couple times I listened to the song, but they've only grown on me. The brass, bells and choir (though only used sparingly) really add another dimension to the song. The way the song is set up really demands that attention is paid to the lyrics, and I really do like the lyrics. They have a bite to them that, at times, reminds me of one of my favorites: Bob Dylan.
Where the time stained of england flies
Where the homes are warm and the mothers sigh
Where comedians laugh and babies cry
Where criminals are televised politicians fraternize
Journalists are dignified and everyone is civilised
And children stare with heroin eyes
Old england! 8.5Scorpion Camel -
Nimrodel/The Procession/The White RiderWhile this is a multi-movement epic, everything flows quite well here. Flows in a dreamy sort of way, which really puts me at peace. The keyboards/moog/mellotron/whatever the else is going on there do a lot to contribute to that peaceful and dreamy mood. Even when the pace picks up near the four minute mark, I'm never really overwhelmed. It all just sort of makes sense and I might even say that it's predictable. I don't mean that in a bad way at all, quite the opposite. It's like everything is right where you would expect it to be, because it fits best there. Nothing is tedious, nothing is boring, nothing bothers me. At the same time, I'm not sure there's anything really astonishing about this song. Never do I feel blown away. It's just really solid on every level and a really enjoyable listen start to finish. I'll definitely be checking out more from Camel (been on my to-do list for a while now, anyways). Also, bonus points for the subject matter of the lyrics!
8.5 TAC Thin Lizzy -
EmeraldWhen I saw that I had two Thin Lizzy songs this round I expected that they'd probably have leave a similar impression and score the same. As it turned out, I enjoyed this particular song a bit more than the other. It's softer on the edges and I like the guitar work more. Both are good guitar songs, but this one just left me wanting more. I'll have more to say about Thin Lizzy farther down in the write-ups, so I'll leave this one here.
8Dr. DTVT Stevie Ray Vaughan -
CrossfireMy first impression, as I payed attention to the bluesy vocals and the steadily walking bass line was that I might be walking into an old saloon or something of the sort. The music video certainly didn't help me escape that feeling and I consequently couldn't help but feel that this was quite a dated song. That was a bit of a turn off, and it initially got in the way of my enjoying the song. I've kind of accepted that now, thankfully, because there is still a lot here to enjoy. Most noteworthy is (of course) the guitar. Stevie Ray Vaughan is a greaaat guitarist. There's something about his playing that's very economical. Here, it's not about the number of notes and the speed of his playing, but rather choosing
just the right note and letting it develop at a natural pace. The solo is mighty impressive, but also shows remarkable restraint. Step up from the Van Halen song!
7.5lonestar Montrose -
Bad Motor ScooterThis one is a little tricky for me, because I enjoy the verses quite a bit but don't particularly care for the chorus. The motorcycle guitar effect kind of rubs me the wrong way. It feels a bit gimmicky, to be honest. It's not painful or anything, and when I don't overthink it I hardly notice it, but I don't think it really adds anything to my enjoyment of the song. I do enjoy the vocals though from Sammy Hagar. Although different in many different ways, this song actually reminds me of a more straightforward, hard rock, poor man's Red Barchetta. I don't think it's a very fair comparison, but I couldn't help but think about it.
6.5jingle.boy Mr. Big -
Addicted to that RushIt's a fun song to listen to, I'll give you that. It actually reminds me a bit of the Doc's first submission, Hot for Teacher. I don't really have any issues with the song. Apart from not having EVH on the guitar, this song might actually be a bit better. The bass guitar stands out, especially. At the same time, it's a bit repetitive and unfortunately it starts to wear me down after a few listens. Nothing bad here... just nothing super exciting either.
6.5jjrock88 Thin Lizzy -
Thunder and LightningI enjoyed the other Thin Lizzy song enough to get them on my 'check out' list, but this one alone probably wouldn't have done it. It's a little rougher than "Emerald", and not in a way that makes me happy. I'm not a big fan of the verging-on-breakneck speed with which the vocals are often delivered. Along with the rawness that I mentioned, it almost feels kind of punkish. I don't necessarily dislike punk, but I don't really enjoy that kind of texture on Thin Lizzy. I'll still definitely check them out though.
6.5LieLowTheWantedMan Cardiacs -
In a City LiningOnce again, an interesting song. It's a bit wild but in a very bouncy sort of way. I don't particularly like that bounciness, to be honest. Even so, I can enjoy most of this song most of the time. It loses me a bit in the sections when the tempo picks up a lot. There's a recklessness there that unnerves me a bit. Funnily enough, since you mentioned them, this is the same problem I have with Mr. Bungle. Their songs (and this one too) jumps from theme to theme in a manic way that makes for a fun first listen. But once I've become more familiar with those shifts, and the element of surprise wears off, I'm just left with a sort of jumbled song that I don't necessarily want to listen to again. Sorry
6Standings:
Elite 18.5
kingshmegland 16.5
Scorpion 16
TAC 16
Nekov 15
Dr. DTVT 14.5
lonestar 14.5
jingle.boy 14.5
jjrock88 14
LieLowTheWantedMan 13.5
Obviously Elite has the edge right now, but it's still very early in this race and a lot can happen.