As promised, results. I realize that this is the longest I've taken to post them so far, but I also realize that its still in line with my goal of max-1 week per round. Not to toot my own horn, but I feel pretty good about that
Anyways, plenty of good stuff this round, along with a couple misses.
Nekov Casiopea -
Galactic FunkThe Japanese really know how to have a good time on stage! Whether you know it or not, you took quite a risk with this submission. I've never listened to much on the funk side of things and that's because I don't typically like that style of music. In this case, another instrumental from you (3rd one in 5 rounds). As I've said with each one of those, I'm not usually crazy about instrumentals. This follows that trend, unfortunately. It does a few things that I enjoy. And it's pretty fun, particularly live. The solos are all pleasant enough. Still, the way they are arranged feels kind of formulaic and predictable.
6kingshmegland The Fixx -
Deeper and DeeperAgain, not a huge fan of this, although I enjoyed it a little more than Nekov's. It may have been pushing the envelope at its time, in terms of technology, but listening to it now it sounds a bit dated in my ears. And yes- it is quirky. But not in a way that I really enjoy. Some of the instrumental bits sound like they could have been taken straight out of an old arcade game. Not a terrible thing, but I don't really enjoy it that much... The chorus is probably my favorite part of the song, though repetitive. I might check out another one of their hits, since I imagine this could be very hit-or-miss, but you've missed on this one.
6.5Scorpion Praying Mantis -
Thirty Pieces of SilverRight away, this sounds like another jjrock song. But it sounds like one of the better jjrock songs that have been submitted. Oh wait, this is someone else. Another step up from the lowest two songs, for a number of reasons. I'm more comfortable with this than the funk-leaning instrumental from Nekov and it's a lot more focused than The Fixx. There's nothing here that I would trim at just under 4 minutes. The vocalist is not awe-inspiring, but he doesn't really need to be. The guitar solo is pleasant, as well. Once again, not awe-inspiring. Just solid, from start to finish.
7jingle.boy Jefferson Airplane -
White RabbitI think the shortest song I've received in the entire roulette. And one that I've heard of before, at that. It's a psychedelic one too, and also not exactly what I would have expected from you given what I know about your music tastes. At the end of the day though, sending a short song is usually not going to be the best way to make up ground. Because the average ceiling for short songs tends to be pretty low imo, and to break through that ceiling I'm going to need something really extraordinary. Of course, short songs also tend to not score as low as a less-appealing long song. Anyways, I'm rambling.
7.5LieLowTheWantedMan Gang of Four -
Damaged GoodsAs you mentioned, this is a really stripped back song. The raw texture of it reminds me a bit of Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures, but this particular song doesn't feel dark enough to be a song on that album. I noticed it's also labeled as 'Dance-punk', which seems fitting. My experimentation with post-punk has never been all that thorough, but I seem to find almost all of it fitting for dance. Especially The Cure's Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. Obviously this is a lot more stark and even empty when compared to that synth-heavy album, but I couldn't help but make the comparison when I saw the sub-genre label. All of this is just to say that this song sounds familiar and reminds me of a lot of music that I enjoy quite a bit. I'll be checking out more, brotha.
8jjrock88 W.A.S.P. -
Wild ChildI think this is probably my favorite song that you've sent since Saxon in the first round. I've listened to Denim and Leather a few times since then, btw, and am quite thankful for the submission. As for this song... First of all- I think that this is a pretty stupid music video. But that's all part of the fun. I enjoy the singer quite a bit. The chorus is perfectly catchy and there's a palpable sense of energy that I can't escape. Not much else to say... Just a really solid song.
8Elite Television -
Marquee MoonAnother long one from you. It also happens to be another really good one. The vocalist has a sort of whiny/wailing quality to his voice that I really like. The repetitive little guitar lick might be a touch annoying at times, but that's a very minor complaint. You know the one I'm talking about, I expect. I also really enjoy the instrumental section that starts to take off around the 5 minute mark. The guitars are engaging but never overdone. The rhythm section does a really good job of keeping it all moving along, as well. And when the vocals finally reenter, with the song coming to a close, I feel completely satisfied. Not as strong as your submissions from the first two rounds, but better than the last couple.
8TAC Shooting Star -
Last ChanceAnother really good one from you. More melodic, I guess AOR. But still a bit unique, particularly with the strings. They add a really nice touch to an otherwise strong song. I think the vocalist is kind of pedestrian, to be honest, just in the sense that he doesn't really stand out in the song. But that's more of a testament to the strong keyboard work, the economical guitar, and the rhythm section also being really strong. Also, quite the motivational tune. You've sold me on another band, thank you!
8lonestar Pat Benatar -
Hell is For ChildrenI've heard a few of her hits before, but this is a new one. What always struck me in those few select songs was the power of Benatar's voice. I get that here as well. Also enjoy the distinct dynamic shift between verses and the uber-catchy chorus. Then, of course, the larger shift at the 3 minute mark. All building up to a really effective climax with the guitar solo. Speaking of climax- she really is beautiful. I'll be exploring her more thoroughly when we wrap this roulette up. Thanks!
8.5Dr. DTVT Queensryche -
Take Hold of the FlameMusically, I'm not sure I like this as much as most of the songs on Empire or O:M, but it's still a good one. So what elevates it above the other 9 songs from this round? Geoff Tate...
Yes, I understand that he's known to be an asshat, particularly in recent times, but I don't hold that against him. He really is a breathtaking vocalist. I'll pick up this album as soon as I get a chance.
8.5Standings:
TAC 41.5
Elite 41
Dr. DTVT 39
Scorpion 38.5
jingle.boy 38.5
LieLowTheWantedMan 37.5
kingshmegland 37.5
lonestar 37.5
jjrock88 37
Nekov 36
Nekov and kingshmegland take the biggest drops, DTVT jumps up a little and the middle remains very close.
Something to consider in these final rounds... A little clue that might get you the inside track. I've been listening to
a lot of Bob Dylan, Neil Young and early Tim Buckley recently. Obviously, if you don't have a lot of folk singer-songwriters at your disposal that's fine, but it certainly wouldn't hurt...