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Post by Rob W on Jan 8, 2017 20:20:24 GMT
This is where we can vote (twice) for our favourites.
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Post by stephen on Jan 10, 2017 19:38:51 GMT
Hard to vote - I wish i could put them in order instead of just choosing two. I'll have to have a think...
Mine
Sticklers for rules will be pleased to know that the working title of my song was the same as the film, Rambo. I only changed it when I remixed the song, because otherwise iTunes doesn't recognize the new file. Though I suppose I could have called it Rambo 2, another film title. Damn.
Phil S All Quiet...
Very apt to take the desolation of the Somme and make it into a similar story about the American West (if I understood correctly). Nice atmospheric opening, the hook is very memorable, and as always, I enjoy your distorted guitar and the changes of musical mood using surges of sound. The organ is a welcome addition here, and the voices are getting even more daring - don't think I've heard a falsetto before. You've captured the melancholy of the original film and transferred it really well to a new location.
Time & Julie The Notebook
Excellent dirty guitar, as usual, maybe even dirtier than usual, truly Ronsoneque. Appropriately, the verses sound a bit like Lou Reed or Ian Hunter, so we're in one of my favourite musical periods, somewhere between 1972 and 73. I like it when everything breaks down and soars off into the break, before coming back more bass-heavy, with the voice sounding more threatening. There's an enjoyable humour about it all, too, especially at about two minutes when the guitars and bass seem to be too pissed off to carry on. Good one.
Tim & Glyn Mars Attacks
It reminds me of a blues song by Bessie Smith "I need a little sugar in my bowl, a little hot dog in my roll", though I think she was using it as a metaphor for something else. The concept of a Mars attack is great - I'm more of a Marathon man myself (or Snickers man as we now have to call ourselves). Great vocal, and all the guitars are excellent. The solo is very assured, sort of Roy Buchanan-like licks, and the slide is very nice too. All really sweet.
Christian D Big Sleep
Back to your big sound pop, I like the crisp guitar chords, jangly piano and harmonies, especially in the break. And it's another one of your long, distorted but carefully constructed, solos. The main difference this time seems to be the more raucous vocal which suits the theme of someone not getting enough kip, as do the drums thumping resignedly at the end. I like the concept of a refreshing "big" sleep as something the voice in the song is desperate for. Kind of "I want you baby", but about kip.
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Post by timwarner on Jan 12, 2017 12:49:02 GMT
Not fully taken all the songs in yet but, having read Stephen's comments, I'd mainly like to say 'ditto.' Well, all except to add something about Stephens song which I loved from the first time I heard it.
More later.
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Post by eddiecustard on Jan 17, 2017 10:31:06 GMT
Tim and Glynn – Mars Attacks
Beautiful stuff, a real winner. Standout out features are Tim’s shimmering guitar and Glynn’s jazzy, bluesy, sultry vocals. On some T&G songs Glynn’s words can be difficult to make out but that’s not the case here. The vocals are crystal clear and upfront, which makes a real difference – the whole song seems more confident. The guitar solo works a treat and is complemented superbly in that section by the swirling sounds of the organ.
Some tantalising lyrics: ‘Baby you can bake me anything you like..’ and ‘Feed me candy floss..’ Made me want to rush to the biscuit tin. (And then back to listen to this song again).
Stephen Clarke - The Real Rambo
Like Tim’s plot, this pitch would make a better film than the Rambo sequels; the CIA mistakenly hire French poet Rimbaud to take on the Viet Cong. It’s one of Stephen’s funniest and I like the twist at the end when Rimbaud realises that if he agrees to go on the mission he can get his hands on some morphine and become known as ‘the world’s most dangerous poet’.
Musically, it hits the targets through a neat section of ‘come on boys…’ and then another memorable chorus, which benefits from the alliteration of ‘real Rambo’ and a catchy melody. Stephen spices things up with a some effective guitar runs, and I like the poetry reading right at the end, which seems to be Rimbaud warning the Viet Cong of what’s to come. Translation for non-French speakers: ‘I’m gonna whup your candy asses, and make America great again you goddam punks…’
I really like the line: ‘The only thing I’m good for is thinking up a decadent metaphor.’ A triumph.
Tim and Julie - The Notebook
High quality drawling from Tim and some fine tremolo slurs on the guitar. It’s etched with a sense of menace to counterbalance the gooey sentiments of the original film. “I hate you all” is a brilliantly misanthropic/rebellious phrase for a rock song and works superbly as the mainstay of the chorus. So does the ominous: “You’re all going in the notebook.”
Tim unfolds his misanthropy in darkly comic tones throughout. The harmony guitars are neat round the two-minute mark and I was taken aback at the quality of the vibrant instrumental section that follows. It’s a triumph in wild psychadelia and could make a chorus in itself in a future song. Good harmony vocals in the closing section to round off a lowdown and dirty masterclass.
Phil Sanderson - All Quiet on the Western Front
Nice dreamy opening from Phil with some little plinks from the piano. It’s clever stuff - he shuffles the chords around skilfully and the shift into the chorus is a neat melodic manoeuvre.
The line ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ is the perfect fit for Phil’s whispery vocals. I’m assuming that the use of the word ‘western’ and the mention of cowboys and reservations mean that it’s a critique of consumerism in America or else the taking over of Native Americans’ land, but I can’t be sure. The way Phil fades out the electric guitar round 3.30 and segues back into the verse is one of my favourite bits. Like it, Phil – a great start to 2017.
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Post by philsanderson on Jan 26, 2017 0:11:28 GMT
Who’s the Real Rambo
Less ‘skifflepunk’ this month…but we’re treated to another Stephen Clarke lyric masterpiece. I’ve been Googling Rimbaud and he does seem to have had quite a ( short) ‘varied’ and dramatic life way back then. The prize for best use of a megaphone in a song undoubtedly won here. I once wrote a play in which the Mayor of Clacton and Upper Class Frinton used a megaphone throughout to emphasise his/her importance in relation to the lower class society which is Harwich, Dovercourt and Parkeston. Seemed a good idea at the time, and the parents of the child playing the mayor were delighted to hear every single word their girl said. The rest of the audience didn’t really get the in-joke. I haven’t been asked to do the Year 6 leaver’s play since then
The percussion, though subdued at times is nicely judged and keeps the song chugging along foot tappingly.
Notebook
Great, almost decadent guitar opening, and the usual immaculately played guitar throughout. I always like the backing vocals on your tracks : the notes, mix and production, and I think here you have nailed them totally. There’s a slightly retro feel to parts of this soundwise, which is fine by old-fashioned me. The notebook compiler seems to lack the drive to actually take action at any point in his life-thank goodness. I think you should compile more rants about people, life etc and apply to become a ‘grumpy old man’ (if they ever bring back that show. If they don’t then you can add the BBC programme planning dept to the notebook) I hope any slightly unfavourable reviews haven’t landed me onto any lists.
Mars Attacks
Worryingly guilt inducing song. Coming just after excesses of Christmas, a reminder to us all to pretend in public that we are looking after our health. Having said that, I haven’t eaten (milk) chocolate for such a long time, that I have completely lost the desire to indulge. ( Vegan ). I was thinking we could do a month where another member of our families has to provide a meaningful musical contribution…. But you have a completely unfair advantage here.( Admiration etc!) The best I could offer would be to gather my dogs around a microphone and eat toast in front of them- it’s a sure fire way of getting them to emit a pitched whine, and I could base an entire song around their efforts. I digress, as usual. This is a great song, and so well recorded. I’d like to mention the organ sound and the great drum sounds. The vocals are brilliantly recorded.
The Big Sleep
Haven’t had more than a couple of ‘big’ sleeps in the past many months, so I’m right there, appreciating the sentiment. My problem is usually actually getting to bed on time – I’m sure days are getting progressively shorter as I get older, and I can’t seem to fit everything into a day. The lead vocals are spot on, sounding hopeful, yet desperate and without hope. Piano sound behind the guitar and vocal parts worth focusing on and following through song. ( Just a thought, a piano only version of the song would be equally as good, but then we would miss out on the excellent guitar work. ) The chord sequence masterclass continues with this song. I don’t know if others play along to all the music we upload…working out your chords and notes is always an educating treat.
All Quiet….
This song actually started life as a follow up the the incredibly unsuccessful 'Catches a bandit good' effort. It then morphed through a heavy metal song phase before turning into this.
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Post by timwarner on Jan 28, 2017 12:11:27 GMT
Not sure how many of these have been written with tongue firmly in cheek but, as I don't absorb the lyrics very easily, I don't always realise. I hated studying poetry at school and haven't read a poem since. Having said all that, there are occasions when the lyrics seep into my consciousness.
Stephen Clarke - Who’s the real Rambo
This is a triumph. It has the usual smart lyrics, catchy hooks and delivers a 3 minute, skiffle based punch. I can’t think what makes this so appealing, thus adding to it’s appeal. It really works very, very well.
On top of the excellent song, I've learned something new.
Phil Sanderson - All quite on the western front
It’s a delicate mix of sounds that you weave here. Often, on your stuff, I’d like fewer, more up-front parts and I find myself thinking that here, too. I can see why it is so dense, so much of it is good and interesting, but it can be obscured by all the other interesting stuff that’s going on.
After picking out all the lovely, interweaving parts I still can’t get to grips with listening to the lyrics, too (I don’t take on any lyrics very easily).
Me - The Notebook
Thanks to Joe for the bass playing this.
Tim and Glyn - Mars Attacks
Anyone who’s watched ‘Bake Off’ will know: if you’re going to do something simple, you’ve got to do it very well. Crumbs, this is very good. Further elevated by Simon’s excellent guitar playing making the final result very, very pleasing. The song writing is probably not particularly imaginative but, if the result is as good as this, who cares? The vocal sound really fits well, it’s as if Glyn is playing the part of a care-worn club singer. Overall, a really compelling sound.
Christian Duffin - The Big Sleep
This is really very squeeze-like (going to see them later in the year). Lovely guitar sound for the intro. The chords are very pleasing and, somehow, I absorb you’re lyrics more easily than almost any other songs I hear. It all fits the so well, I’m never sure if it’s chords or melody first. Lovely harmonies and solo, I’m not sure anyone talks about your guitar playing enough but I really like it.
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tandg
Junior Member
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Post by tandg on Jan 28, 2017 18:08:15 GMT
Stephen Clarke – Who’s The Real Rambo
“The most violent thing that I’m good for is thinking up a decadent metaphor” is a line that makes the song worth voting for all on its own. This is really well put together, as always with Stephen’s songs, there is much more to it than is immediately apparent. Harmonies, double tracked vocals and duelling guitars give it a texture that is really rich. I’d love to hear it with higher bass & drums in the mix but that’s probably just me. This is nicely judged balance between cutting comment and wry comedy.
Phil Sanderson – All Quiet on the Western Front
A beautifully flowing piece from Phil. The distorted/slide guitar parts are brilliant. More please! Translating the WW1 classic to an American setting is striking and highly evocative – we immediately have pictures in our minds to complement the music. Good strong vocals and a great fluid feel to the instrumentation reward repeat listenings and the chorus really sticks in your mind. Great stuff.
Tim & Julie – The Notebook
First striking thing is the great guitar sound that thankfully is used throughout the song. Uncomfortable chords, bitter topic and sharp delivery. I loved the slow section (which is really unexpected) I love the unconventional vocal delivery as half-spoken deep vocals are interspersed with cracking harmonies. Above all, this is a menacingly enjoyable song.
Christian Duffin – The Big Sleep
By far the most complex song this month, with a wonderfully big sound – the piano and guitar parts are so good. The chord structure is unpredictable without sounding forced, with minor to major swaps that you make sound so natural and the vocal parts are so cleverly put together. I love the harmonies on ‘a big sleep’ and the whole song sounds so complete. There are Beatles meets Steely Dan overtones to the song and that’s high praise indeed. A tour de force from Christian!
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Post by timwarner on Jan 30, 2017 7:46:51 GMT
Congratulations to Tim and Glyn. A worthy winner.
In my head, I had this down as a two horse race so, I'm quite surprised to be equal with the other horse.
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Post by eddiecustard on Jan 30, 2017 12:12:16 GMT
Well done, Tim and Glynn - a fine confectionery.
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tandg
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by tandg on Feb 5, 2017 11:05:45 GMT
Thanks so much for your kind comments.
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