The $5.98 TAC EP Roulette V.4 Final Results

[Buddyhunter1]

If Daughters can release an 11 minute album and Dream Theater can release a 57 minute EP, does the difference really matter?

[Evermind]

Evermind
Best: Guilt Machine - Twisted Coil
Worst: Need - Tilikum

I had Tilikum for double points, I'm screwed.

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

If Daughters can release an 11 minute album and Dream Theater can release a 57 minute EP, does the difference really matter?

I guess what I really mean, is I need way more than the 40 minute limit 

[wolfking]

If Daughters can release an 11 minute album and Dream Theater can release a 57 minute EP, does the difference really matter?

I guess what I really mean, is I need way more than the 40 minute limit 

Surely if we all go between say 40-60 minutes that would be acceptable.  Make it up to the individual how long it would go for.  Unless that wpuld affect scoring as far as Tim's concerned.

[Crow]

listening to my round 4 EP so i can say that i've actually listened to one of them this roulette front-to-back

i have no clue how TAC's gonna react to all this but it's a fun one 

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

If Daughters can release an 11 minute album and Dream Theater can release a 57 minute EP, does the difference really matter?

I guess what I really mean, is I need way more than the 40 minute limit 

Surely if we all go between say 40-60 minutes that would be acceptable.  Make it up to the individual how long it would go for.  Unless that wpuld affect scoring as far as Tim's concerned.

How about 84 minutes? 

[Lethean]

Well you should keep it to just one album; how would 79 minutes and 59 seconds work for you?

[Crow]

69 minutes and 69 seconds for the hottest disc of your life

[ariich]

Evermind
Best: Guilt Machine - Twisted Coil
Worst: Need - Tilikum

I had Tilikum for double points, I'm screwed.

My worst is also my double points song, d'oh! Just have to hope the margins are narrow because he likes everything.

[Crow]

i don't think my double points song has been either best or worst on any of my EPs yet! painfully average at most

[Stadler]

Best: Billy Vera And The Beaters-At This Moment

This has disrupted the time-space continuum for me.  Seeing this was like learning that Gene Simmons didn't play bass on every Kiss song, or that the Beatles did drugs.   

[TAC]

And that’s why they play the game!!

The thing is, in some circumstances, just because it was best doesn’t mean I love it and just because it’s worse doesn’t mean I hate it.

i don't think my double points song has been either best or worst on any of my EPs yet! painfully average at most

Doubley average.

[jingle.boy]

Best: Billy Vera And The Beaters-At This Moment

This has disrupted the time-space continuum for me.  Seeing this was like learning that Gene Simmons didn't play bass on every Kiss song, or that the Beatles did drugs.

Normally, I'd agree with you.  But did you look at the rest of the songs I submitted?   This comment could very well simply be saying that At This Moment is the cream of the crap.

[Crow]

i don't think my double points song has been either best or worst on any of my EPs yet! painfully average at most

Doubley average.

6.0: Terrible
7.0: Mediocre
8.0: Average
9.0: Good
10.0: Great

TAC's point scale, explained

[TAC]

Pretty much.

[Crow]

I'm gonna be the champion of the 8's

[TAC]

You have a few. 

[Crow]

 

[The Walrus]

Results now

[TAC]

6:30-7:00 PM tonight.

[The Walrus]

That's not now. 

[Crow]

katt got straight 6's

[Crow]

6:30-7:00 PM tonight.

[TAC]

6:30-7:00 PM tonight.

Pacific! 





Just finished the final writeups. Just have to format and do the Standings. I'm on it though.

[TAC]

PUPPIES-When All Hope Is Lost

Hopelessness

"Wow, this EP is heavy AF. I struggled with some of the vocals though."


This EP starts out in grand style. The Shylmagoghnar track is amazing. You picked the right song for Double Points. The music is strong and consistent, with the only dip being the Gojira. Being so Harsh vocal heavy, you're kind of playing with fire, but you managed to make it work so far.

1. Shylmagoghnar-Transience**  8.5

This song is awesome, but can we give these vocals a rest. The music playing underneath is famtastic. The sound of the vocals doesn't really bother me, but there are just too many words in this song.

2. Death-Flattening Of Emotions  8.0

Hot For Teacher intro! My biggest problem with Death will always be the vocals. There's really just no way around it.

3. Gojira-The Art Of Dying 7.0

This is pretty terrible. Between the long intro and outro, and horrible singing parts, there's like two good minutes of music.

4. Manticora-Echoes Of A Silent Scream 8.5

I actually already have this album in my Spotify. I really liked this. This song rocks, with vocals I can actually listen to.

5. Warforged-The Color Of My Memory 8.0

Similar to the Shylmagoghnar, the vocals absolutely kill what is some intense and amazing music. The music though, is not as good as the Shylmagoghnar.

(8.5+8.5)+8.0+7.0+8.5+8.0=48.5/6=8.1*2=16.2
Meets Theme=1.0

Total=17.2


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CYRIL-Songs For A Dead Friend

Grief

"So this is EP is exactly the reason I created the Bonus Point. I'm not sure how these individual songs will ultimately score, but as a cohesive unit, this EP is tells an amazing story."

Fantastic concept and storytelling through the songs. I thought Limosine was a cool song that worked great back to back with Fulton Street. Great choices in the sequencing. Most of the songs were "just" good, with the exception of the Amendfoil and The Antlers. But they were all solid enough to keep the score afloat.

1.Brand New-Limousine  8.0

This is a really chill way to start this EP. Reminds me of David Bowie.

2. La Dispute-Fulton Street  8.0

This is actually really intense and emotional. Interesting song.

3. My Chemical Romance - The Ghost of You  8.0

Great song to move the narrative along. I don't love the song on its own though.

4. Capstan - There Is No Answer  7.5

Something about these vocals that I wasn't crazy about. I feel like this is the dip in the EP. Musically, however, the last part of the song is really nice.

5.Amendfol-Welcome To Stay 8.5

I like how this gives the middle of this EP a nice charge of energy.

6. Caligula's Horse-Thief 8.5

A nice supporting song to the narrative. Short but quite powerful.

7. Cloudkicker-untitled  Not scored

It's a 2:03 interlude that nicely moves things along.

8. Xanthochoid-Through Caverns Old And Yawning  8.0

Apparently your turn to send Chamber Music.  Fantastic piano.

9. The Dear Hunter-Life And Death** 8.0

This is a nice enough song, but I'm really indifferent about it.

10. The Antlers-Epilogue  9.0

Amazing ending! Amazing.


8.0+8.0+8.0+7.5+8.5+8.5+8.0+(8.0+8.0)+9.0=81.5/10=8.15*2=16.3
Meets Theme=1.0
Theme Bonus=1.0

Total=18.3

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KATTELOX-My Love, My Soul, My Heart

Love

"WTF? I don't remember Footloose being one of the themes."

You should've known not to send Toto. I mean, what were you thinking. The Work Of Art was really solid, and seemed to do what Toto was trying to do. I liked a couple of the Cain's Offering tunes as musically, they were quite solid. That said, I think I can say that I really don't care for Timo Kotipelto. If I have another roulette, please don't send him again.

1. Cain's Offering-My Queen Of Winter  7.5

I have to admit. I don't care for Timo. This music has no edge to it. Really hollow.

2. Work Of Art-Can't Let Go  8.0

This is decently lame. I mean, it's certainly well put together and professional. It is certainly quality. But i would never follow up on this.

3. Toto-Mad About You  7.5

I've heard this song before. The Work Of Art song before this is much better.

4. Cain's Offering-I Will Build You A Rome**  8.5

At least you picked the right song for double points. This song rocks, albeit gently. At least if it's going to be lame, it might as well be upbeat.

5. Bittencourt Project-Primeiro Amor  8.0

Very nice acoustic interlude

6. Toto-Afraid Of Love  7.0

I've heard this before. Typical of why I don't care for Toto.

7. Work Of Art-Natalie  8.0

I think there was a moment in the 80's when I might have actually liked this. It's quality stuff.

8. Toto-Make Believe  8.0

I've heard this a million times. It's Toto for God's sake. It is what it is. They should just call this band Blue Balls.

9. Cain's Offering-Constellation Of Tears  8.5

Very decent song. This ends on a strong note...or maybe it's the fact that it ends...
Nice guitar solo.

7.5+8.0+7.5+(8.5+8.5)+8.0+7.0+8.0+8.0+8.5=79.5/10=7.95*2=15.9
Meets Theme=1.0

Total=16.9


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


LETHEAN-I might be pale, but I've never felt as strong

Sadness/Despair/Darkness

"Really solid and enjoyable EP, especially the last song."

I enjoyed the Leprous a lot more than I expected. I've checked them out before and never really took to them. I think Passing has a chance to grow even more. The Riverside tracks were Jeckyl & Hyde. Egoist Hedonist was particularly excellent.

1. Leprous - Passing 8.5

This song is really cool, and mesmerizing in parts. With more seasoning, this song could really connect. Still I think is pretty excellent.

2. Riverside - Loose Heart 7.5

This was just OK. the only thing that stood out to me was the Gary Moore inspired lead guitar.

3. Need - Rememory**  8.0

I think I would call this song solid. It wasn't bad by any stretch. It just never stood out to me.

4. Tesseract - Of Mind - Nocturne 8.0

Definitely quality music here. I've seen Tesseract thrown around here a bit. I'd be disappointed if this was one of their best songs though. Similar to Rememory. It wasn't bad, but just failed to go to the next level.

5. Riverside - Egoist Hedonist 9.0

This is excellent. Outstanding instrumental part, that reminds me a bit of Home. Still this is a really strong tune.


8.5+7.5+(8.0+8.0)+8.0+9.0=49/6=8.16*2=16.3
Meets Theme=1.0

Total=17.3


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


JINGLE.BOY-Feelings..Nothing More Than Feelings

Love

"Are you trying to bang me or something?"


I don't even know what to say or how to summarize this. This EP belongs in some kind of Roulette Hall Of Fame. I shall never again bust your chops for sending White Lion.


1. Poco-Legend  8.0

I've heard this a million times. never knew who sang it. Very nice song.

2. Styx-It Takes Love  7.5

I've heard this before. Wimpy Styx. Not Styx's best...

3. Joshua Kadison-Beautiful In My Eyes  8.0

You mean this is NOT Elton John? WTF??

4. Billy Vera And The Beaters-At This Moment  8.5

Would you like to go to the prom with me?

5. Sass Jordan-I Want To Believe 7.5

I want to believe this EP gets better.

6. Nikki Yanofsky-I Believe 7.5

Great lyrics, but it's not really my thing.

7. Carrie Underwood-I'll Stand By You** 8.0

It is what it is. I prefer the original, honestly.

8. Shania Twain-From This Moment On  8.0

Obviously a personal song to you, which I would never ever make fun of. Heard this song a million times too.

8.0+7.5+8.0+8.5+7.5+7.5+(8.0+8.0)+8.0=71/9=7.9*2=15.8
Meets Theme=1.0
Theme Bonus=1.0

Total=17.8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EVERMIND-As Life Shivers in the Distance

Guilt

"Damn, bro, that was really intense. I very much enjoyed my first listen to this."

Excellent songs on this with the only dip being Tilikum. But other than that this was very impressive. I pretty much loved all of it except that one song. Twisted Coil is fantastic and is the best song on both EPs it was sent on.

1. Guilt Machine - Twisted Coil  9.0

This is an amazing song that in no way feels 11 minutes long. So many great parts. One of the best songs of the roulette.

2. Need - Tilikum ** 7.5

I found this a bit plodding top get through. Nothing really stood out for me. The lyrics seemed meaningful, but I really couldn't connect musically.

3. Need - Mother Madness 8.5

There's something familiar about this song. It seems to blend a lot of different bands. I hear a ton of Fates Warning on this. This is a really good song.

4. Soen - Lotus 8.5

High quality tune here. It's really quite wonderful.

5. Trees of Eternity - Gallows Bird 8.5

Excellent and haunting tune. Not usually a fan of this pace, but this works effectively.

9.0+(7.5+7.5)+8.5+8.5+8.5=9+16+8.5+8.5+8.5=48.5/6=8.42*2=16.5/b]
Meets Theme=1.0

Total=17.5

[TAC]

ARIICH-Grief And What Comes After

Stages Of Grief

"Really solid and enjoyable. I know that's generic, but I need to listen again. Not that the EP is generic in any way."

Both Wilderun songs are excellent, particularly Far From Where Dreams Unfurl, which might be the best song of the round. The vocals really bring Soilwork down a notch. I really don't like them, but their cleans, and their music is outstanding. I feel like the Psion sits at an 8.0. I'm not sure if more listens would move it up OR down.
I thought the idea on the theme of going through the stages of grief was effective.


1. Wilderun-And So Opens The Earth  8.5

I really liked this, and it feels like it could go on another 4 minutes or so, and I'd be just fine with it. It has quite an abrupt ending (possibly going right into the next song on the album).

2. Soilwork-The Windswept Mercy  8.0

The Cleans keep it from a 7.5, and the Harshies keep it from an 8.5

3. Psion-Void 8.0

Gee, this is pretty interesting. There's a lot to unpack here that I'm not sure can be done in an EP roulette round. It feels on the surface a bit long. If this was cut in half, and And So Opens The Earth was doubled, that would be great.

4. Soilwork-Death In General** 8.0

Soilwork has such great clean vocals. I find their Harshies really unnecessary. Their music is excellent, though.

5. Winderun-Far From Where Dreams Unfurl 9.5

I love this song. Reminds me a ton of Lor, and you know that works!
Fantastic ending to the EP. Best song of the round.

8.5+8.5+8.0+(8.0+8.0)+9.5=50.5/6=8.4*2=16.8
Meets Theme=1.0
Theme Bonus=1.0

Total=18.8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


BUDDYHUNTER

Depression

"Really enjoyed this. One song, in particular, was not what I was expecting."


Really strong EP, and I was quite surprised to like it so much. The Guilt Machine was fantastic, and doubley so for you. I had no idea what to expect from the Ihsahn, but man, that song really hit the spot.
I struggled a bit to stay with the Riverside all the way through though. It just seemed like the first half out a drag on it. I've dropped the needle on Leprous before, but I don't think on anything this good.


1: Guilt Machine - Twisted Coil **  9.0

This is an amazing song that in no way feels 11 minutes long. So many great parts. One of the best songs of the roulette.

2: Ihsahn - Sámr 8.5

I was not expecting this. I expected an ear porking from the vocals, but instead got an ear licking. This is really nice. Has an Alice Cooper feel to it.

3: Riverside - Towards The Blue Horizon 8.0

This song really grew on me. The first half could use some trimming, but once the instrumentals pick up, it's really cool.


4: Leprous - Passing 8.5

This song is really cool, and mesmerizing in parts. With more seasoning, this song could really connect. Still I think is pretty excellent.

(9.0+9.0)+8.5+8.0+8.5=43/5-=8.6*2= 17.2
Meets Theme=1.0

Total=18.2

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ELITE

Despair

"This was really solid. A couple of Old School nods on this EP. I really enjoyed this."


Amazing quality on the tracks here. The only dip was Jolly. I felt that it didn't quite fit in, and was a notch below.
But everything else was outstanding. Pyre is so f'n cool. I am definitely following up on them. It's strange but quite familiar style. Kind of like if Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath had a baby.
The Khemmis was ridiculously enjoyable, as was In Mourning. The BTBAM reminded me a lot of Alice Cooper. It's quite different than what I have heard from them before, which admittedly isn't much.

1. Huntsmen - Bury Me Deep- Not Scored

Intro that works seamlessly with Pyre.

2. Huntsmen - Pyre  8.5

Such a great Black Sabbath vibe. I love this song. Lots to unpack here that time does not permit here, but I will definitely follow up.

3. Jolly - Firewell 8.0

This takes a bit to get going, but turns into a pretty cool tune.

4. Khemmis - Isolation** 9.0

Damn, I like this. Those guitars smoke. You nailed this, brother. Holy crap, man.

5. In Mourning - The Smoke 9.0

Damn, you're on a roll, here Brother. Fantastic tune. It's songs like this that helped me get into harsh vocals. Very chill tune.

6. Between the Buried and Me - Voice of Trespass 8.5

Really excellent song. Fantastic playing and very interesting.

8.5+8.0+(9.0+9.0)+9.0+8.5=52/6=8.67*2=17.3
Meets Theme=1.0

Total=18.3

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SACUL-Real Sad Hours

Sad

"This was a really effective use of the theme. Very impactful."

Some really cool stuff on this. I liked the Bowie song. I've really only heard his hits, buy that was great. The Nick Cave hits you right in the gut. Really deep. The rest was fairly ho hum, yet you managed to grab a good score.

1. David Bowie-Lazarus  8.5

I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised by this. Shocked to see David Bowie of all people submitted, but this is a really great tune.

2. Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds-Sun Forest 9.0

Damn, this is one haunting tune. It's a gut punch really, especially knowing where this comes from. The Theme Bonus Point was earned on this song. It's crushing.

3. Johnny Cash-Hurt  8.0

Really interesting, but very well fitting to the theme. Not ready to go on a Johnny Cash binge by any stretch, but this totally works.

4. Nine Inch Nails-Something I Can Never Have  6.5

The vocals on this blow. I don't know what to say. Kills the song.

5. Glen Hansard-Bird Of Sorrow  8.0

Cool tune that furthers the EP Theme.

6. Sufjan Stevens-Blue Bucket Of Gold 8.5

I read up on this album. That's some deep shit.

7. Sufjan Stevens-Fourth Of July (Live)**  8.0

OK. Diminishing returns..

8.5+9.0+8.0+6.5+8.0+8.5+(8.0+8.0)=64.5/8=8.06*2=16.1
Meets Theme=1.0
Theme Bonus=1.0

Total=18.1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STADLER

Fear-Acceptance Of Death

"Pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed these songs by some familiar artists."

The Glen Campbell is really intense and haunting. I don't know if I could bring myself to listen to that album. I think I'd be scared, honestly. The Noel Gallagher was an unexpected surprise. And the Greg Allman was fantastic. But this EP was half killer, half filler.

1. The Civil Wars-Barton Hollow**  7.5

I tried to find the right frame of mind to like this. I found I was trying too hard.

2. Grateful Dead-Stella Blue  7.5

This is an example that got worse with each listen. It's not that it's bad. I just don't have any shrooms handy.

3. Glen Campbell-I'm Not Gonna Miss You  8.5

Brutal lyrics, and I mean that in a good way. Really amazing experience to listen to this.

4. Pearl Jam-The Long Road  8.0

I like this. It's a pretty cool song. I really wished I liked Pearl Jam more than I do, because I respect the hell out of them.

5. Gregg Allman-My Only True Friend 8.5

Great tune in a style that I can really dig in small doses. Really touching.

6. Harry Styles-Sign Of The Times  7.0

Is this a cover song? I know I've heard this before. There's something about this that bugged the shit out of me. I can't put my finger on it.

7. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds-Let The Lord Shine A Light On Me  8.5

This was quite a nice surprise. This song is excellent. I had no idea what to expect, but this is a real hidden gem.

(7.5+7.5)+7.5+8.5+8.0+8.5+7.0+8.5=63/8=7.9*2=15.8
Meets Theme=1.0

Total=16.8

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


WOLFKING-Kill, Hate, Revenge, Die

Hate

"I think you'll be disappointed with this. Ultimately it comes down to the vocals."


This EP really had two standouts and lucky for you, you picked one of them for Double Points. I generally liked the Nevermore and Orpheus Omega, but I am really struggling with the Soilwork here. I thought the Devin was hilarious.

1. Kreator - United in Hate**  9.0

This song absolutely rules. I was totally headbanging listening to this.

2. Soilwork - Bulletbeast 7.5

Their harsh vocals are terrible. This song is saved by the instrumental part in the second half.

3. Nevermore - Engines of Hate  8.0

I liked this. Didn't love it. Awesome guitar solo though.

4. Orpheus Omega - Face of Vengeance 8.0

You've talked about them before. I have then Saved on Spotify. Can't say I've really followed up though. musically i like them. Biut Vocally, not so much.

5. Black Label Society - Phoney Smiles and Fake Hellos  7.0

I just don't like their style. i don't know what else to say.

6. Soilwork - Machine Gun Majesty 7.0

It was even tough to get behind the non vocal parts.

7. Angel Dust - Cross of Hatred 9.0

This is a really cool song. Don't know why you thought it was a risk. It stood out right away. A great addicting chorus with a really classic solo spot.

8. Strapping Young Lad - You Suck (bonus track)  8.0

Fucking hilarious.

(9.0+9.0)+7.5+8.0+8.0+7.0+7.0+9.0+8.0=72.5/9=8.01*2=16.1
Meets Theme=1.0

Total 17.1

[TAC]

Round 3 Scores


Ariich...18.8
Elite...18.3
Cyril...18.3
Buddyhunter...18.2
Sacul...18.1
Jingle.Boy...17.8
Evermind...17.5
Lethean....17.3
Puppies...17.2
Wolfking...17.1
Kattelox...16.9
Stadler...16.8
Faizoff...16.6
Romdrums...16.1




Standings

Wolfking...19.5+18.5+17.1=55.1
Evermind….18.2+18.7+17.5=54.4
Ariich...17.8+17.8+18.8=54.4
Jingleboy...18.6+17.3+17.8=53.7
Cyril...17.8+17.1+18.3=53.2
Kattelox...19.0+17.2+16.9=53.1
Buddyhunter...17.9+16.4+18.2=52.5
Puppies...17.0+18.1+17.2=52.3
Stadler...18.0+17.3+16.8=52.1
Elite...16.8+16.6+18.3=51.7
Lethean...17.0+17.3+17.3=51.6
Faizoff...16.7+16.0=16.6=49.3
Sacul...16.5+14.7+18.1=49.3
Romdrums...17.3+13.1+16.1=46.5

[The Walrus]

 

[TAC]

More like  TT

[The Walrus]

How the HELL did Chad score that much higher than mine?! I'm this close to sending Rap God next round for shits and giggles.

[wolfking]

oof.  Things getting nice and close now. 

[TAC]

How the HELL did Chad score that much higher than mine?! I'm this close to sending Rap God next round for shits and giggles.

Chad got a Theme Bonus Point. You didn't.

[The Walrus]

Oh, damn. I thought mine really nailed the theme. Well sticking to rock-based songs was an unfortunate strategy apparently, since Chad's worked out well. That gives me confidence for the last round because I am not planning any hard rock or metal for that

[TAC]

[Crow]

oh man i'm only two bonus points away from first now! 

i love all the 8's. beautiful. someday i'll give my double points song to something that isn't an 8