Results! This was an amazing round.
Tyrias: The National - Fireproof
I'm not usually a fan of indie music in general, but this song is a huge exception. It's hard to pinpoint what I like so much about this song, but everything here - the vocals and the sparse guitars and the restrained drumming come together in a certain fragility that makes this song seem homest and relatable in a way most songs of this type aren't. Huge bonus for the vocals too, they fit the song perfectly. Love it. 9 points.
senecadawg2: Saxon - And the Bands Played On
This song wastes no time getting started, hitting you hard with a great guitar solo in the first seconds. Some really cool vocals that are immediately recognisable as Saxon enter over a groovy riff with some great fills thrown in, and hey presto! You've got yourself a great song here. What I enjoy about this one is that they know precisely how long such a song is capable of captivating the listener and don't stretch it out needlessly - it's only 2:48 minutes, but not a second of those is wasted, and any longer would have felt like filler. Really enjoyable. 8.5 points.
kingshmegland: Echolyn - Headright
I've heard the name Echolyn before, usually accompanied with praise, so I was looking forward to this, but I was left a little disappointed. It's not a bad song by any means and it's brilliant musically - I like the restrained drumming, the piano and the subtle guitar touches, not to that brief but brilliant guitar solo - but the vocals just don't fit the song at all, and they feel rather bland and exchangeable, especially in the harder, more rocking sections on the song. Again, while it's not a band, this still leaves me unsatisfied. 5.5 points.
Elite: Napalm Death - Metaphorically Screw You
The only other Napalm Death song I know is You Suffer, and this is definitely better. It's like being punched in the face, but in a good way. It's a non-stop-two-minute musical assault of brutality, but what really makes it work is the fact that if you pay attention, there are still creative musical elements hidden everywhere in this track, even though they easily get lost in the overall heaviness. While this isn't something I could listen to exclusively, it's very good for what it is. 8 points.
mikemangioy: Goldfinger - Spokesman
This is the type of music that I listened to maybe four or five years ago, and while it therefore does have some nostalgic appeal, that's pretty much all there is to it. Not a bad song, but certainly a baffling choice, considering that I accidentally clicked on Get Up on YouTube, which would have netted like, double points at least. But yeah. This is energetic and rocking, but the vocals are just sorta annoying and it's quite generic overall. Still fun, but lacking substance. 4 points.
Sacul: Deftones - Street Carp
I actually know some Deftones - the album Diamond Eyes, to be exact - but I haven't heard this song, so no harm done. Like all the other Deftones songs that I know, this is awesome. The riffing is powerful, varied and energetic and Chino's vocals are just pure awesome. I know no other vocalist that sounds exactly like him, and what's even better is that his voice fits the music perfectly. I distinctly remember telling myself to get into this band after hearing and liking Diamond Eyes, but for some reason I didn't - that's not a mistake I will make again. 9 points.
Shadow Ninja 2.0: Tom Waits - Hang Down Your Head
I've heard some of Tom Waits' stuff already, but not this song specifically. Well, let's just say that if I had, he would have been banned from any further roulettes immediately - no way I'm not checking out the back catalogue of the guy behind this masterpiece. His unique vocals work perfectly with the groovy instrumentation and the somber lyrics to create what is probably my favourite musical discovery of 2015 so far. Thanks a lot, dude. 10 points.
Standings!
Shadow Ninja 2.0: 26 points
senecadawg2: 23.5 points
Sacul: 23 points
kingshmegland: 22.5 points
Elite: 19 points
Tyrias: 18.5 points
mikemangioy: 11.5 points
Shadow Ninja takes the lead, and mike's still in last place, though catching up a little. Still, his number decides the next round again. His number was 6, which means that our next theme is On the Radio, that is, any song that has received radio airplay. I probably won't check every song for this, so please be honest folks. It's just a game, not worth cheating over.
Again, 48 hours to get your submissions in, and keep up the good work!