Forced Listening - Alt & Indie Style

[pixiesfanyo]

TV on the Radio - Blind

I've heard that this band was great but this is disappointing in my opinion. The lyrics are subpar and the overall musical atmosphere isn't that creative. Still it was an interesting listen. I don't feel like going through it since I'd probably just get mad (Describing how it is.) But I don't think this is the song to get in to this band maybe?

4.2/10

My Songs:

Elf Tower, NM - Coheed and Cambria/Shabutie
Deus Ex Machina - Omar Rodriguez-Lopez

[Thevermiciousknid]

I call the Omar....

Omar Rodriguez-Deus Ex Machina

Okay, here goes:

starts off with some spoken spanish (I'm assuming) that is distorted with effects. Than some interesting verse guitar/spanish thing, then the spanish singing. I like Omar, I think he's great but I just find this song to be a tad repititive with a lack of progression. Part of this has to do with my lack of understanding Spanish, which takes away the lyrical movement from my perspective. Perhaps the Latin community could appreciate it better than I could. Despite the fact I don't mind this, I kind of hope the new Mars Volta stuff isn't along this line. I understand the need to express their Latin roots, but I hope they understand their alienating a lot of people (namely me)

So it wasn't so bad, the fushion of electronics and Spanish music is cool, but it lacked the progressive energy of ATDI or TMV, go Omar for suprising me

6.5/10

My songs:
Damien Rice-Older Chests
Sonic Youth-Cross the Breeze
The Notwist-Neon Golden

enjoy yourself :)

[moderaterock222]

It's about time someone bumped this.

The notwist-neon golden.
Im expecting good things since i like the other tracks a lot...

Starts off with picked acoustic guitar. So far it has a pretty lo-fi feel to it wich is nice. Some wind instruments come in, sounds really good. Then vocals and drums come in with 'neon golden', the vocals sound excellent.
There's a minmal breakdown, then some percussive instruments come in for this next 'verse'. That breakdown again, with more electronic sounding drums..but it's really subtle. Same guitar riff...and it kinda carries on for a while. The point at around 5 minutes sounds a bit like modern radiohead.
Those wind instruments come in again playing like they did in the start...and then things kinda gradually fade out. Ends with percussion and those instruments..very nicely done.

I liked it a lot, i'd certainly check more of their stuff out..maybe the middle was slightly too long, but that could be because i'm typing a review...8.5/10

My recommendations..
The album leaf- Streamside (instrumental bliss)
Super furry animals-hello sunshine (One of the most underrated lyricists of our generation)

[OrbDragon]

Dibs

[OrbDragon]

Super Furry Animals - Hello Sunshine

Starts with a nice tranquil acoustic intro...some nice soft female vocals come in. Some light melodies come, as there are slight backing vocals. The drummer builds up with some cymbal work. Wait! Suddenly the song becomes totally different than heard in the intro. Drums come in halfway after the male vocals start. It's a nice acoustic track with lush, male vocals suddenly. Some cool guitar piano and guitar licks. I like the 60's rock influenced backing vocals. This is one of those songs that sounds good on the road...or in a bar. A semi-guitar solo in the dying seconds of the song. Cool song...I especially liked what they did in the intro...totally twisting the song around. I didn't expect that...and I always like the unexpected. 7.8/10

My picks:

dEUS - The Magic Hour (alternative/indie)
Ani DiFranco - Marrow (acoustic folk)
Roger Waters - Late Home Tonight part I & II (two songs into one)

[bruise_pristine]

dibss

[ZEROthirtythree]

dibss

I suggest you get dEUS - The Magic Hour :thumb:

[The Ashtray Girl]

revoked

[The Ashtray Girl]

Ani DiFranco - Marrow

Well, I've become quite familiar with her recently thanks to the constant pushing of OrbDragon and others, but I haven't heard this song yet.


Some random noises and piano at the beginning. All sounds a little far away, may just be crappy download though. Think it may be judging by sound quality overall.

I really like her voice, it has to be said, and as always the lyrics seem good.

It's very mellow and melodic and flowing, which is all good. It's building up now though, I'm expecting a reasonably big change sometime soon. Backing vocals join in now.

Now an instrumental section, can't actually tell what instrument is playing, stupid thing. Key change now, hurray! Piano goes up as well and I'm sure if only I could hear it better it would be a good emotional climax. Am still enjoying it though.

Aha! I just heard a cheer - it's live! Suddenly much is explained. Still, the fact I didn't realise before goes to show how good a singer she is. And that is the end.

8/10 I shall definitely try to get hold of a better version of that.

My Songs:

Blur - Good Song (not their usual stuff, very mellow alternative sound)
Placebo - I'll Be Yours (quite an experimental song, but again very mellow)
Coldplay - See You Soon (arguably one of their best, but also least known songs)
The Zutons - Moons And Horror Shows (a very short, jaunty little number)

[bruise_pristine]

revoked

Slow download and only one source.

dEUS - The Magic Hour

A blunt opening, no intro just breaks into the verse followed by vocals about 30 seconds into the song, but doesn't last long and the vocals soon fade out. Around 1:18 the song stops, then starts again with vocals this time. The singer has a well-projected voice and the vocals are calm and soothing. I really like the timing with the violin and how it starts and then stops rather quickly and repeats.

The last half of The Magic Hour is the clincher for me, around 3:38 everything stops except the drums and the violin has a slow and bleak solo, soon other instruments join and it's like a totally new song. Different beat, the vocals are lower this time and the music is wonderful, the end of this song has a really dark sound, not like the rather light and upbeat beginning.

Overall it was a decent song, it did loose my interest at times, but nevertheless a good song. 8/10

[Well_Respected_Man]

songs?

[ZEROthirtythree]

songs?


Blur - Good Song (not their usual stuff, very mellow alternative sound)
Placebo - I'll Be Yours (quite an experimental song, but again very mellow)
Coldplay - See You Soon (arguably one of their best, but also least known songs)
The Zutons - Moons And Horror Shows (a very short, jaunty little number)

(theashtraygirl's songs)

[PaulR]

Dibs

[PaulR]

Placebo - I'll Be Yours

I've heard Placebo before and like them.
So I wanted to hear this song.
It starts off with just drums and then Brian comes in singing over the top.
The lyrics are good.
There are lots of different samples played through a keyboard and the song is different to most Placebo songs because there doesn't appear to be any guitar. Its got a kind of creepy vibe because of the lyrics and also the vauge lack of any major instruments.
It works well and its good to hear Placebo experiment.
9/10

My Recommendations
Biffy Clyro - 57
Feeder - High
Dogs Die in Hot Cars - Godhopping

[Well_Respected_Man]

dibs

[Well_Respected_Man]

Biffy Clyro - 57 3:21

Starts on an un distrorted little guitar part then goes right into a heavier kinda of Lo-Fi fuzz riff that I like. The singing is okay the chords in the background stand out while he is singing.

So far not much is chaning at 1:30 in except some backup vocals come in. Pretty normal song, not much to say about it. I will say it is catchy though and I didn't even notice a brigde. Overall it was okay, not my favorite type of music though. That verse is going to be stuck in my head for awhile.

7/10

Would I listen to more of the same band: maybe

My songs:
Olivia Tremor Control - Sleepy Company
Fugazi - Caustic Acrostic
The Fiery Furnaces - Straight Street

[Well_Respected_Man]

bah, this never gets anywhere.

*bump*

[The Ashtray Girl]

dibs then

[The Ashtray Girl]

Argh, gonna have to revoke, cannot get hold of any of those songs. :upset: sorry.

[PaulR]

Bump

I like this thread - help save it people.

[Tapeworm]

I'll dibs that.

[Tapeworm]

The Fiery Furnaces - Straight Street

I've been meaning to check out more tracks by these guys ....

Starts with crazy slide guitar and strange sounds. The piano comes in, and it's catchy as hell. Singing comes in, and everything drops out except clapping and piano. I love the vocals.

Woah, this bit is awesome. The song changes up completely, and it sounds like the soundtrack to a sexy lady walking towards you. Back to verse now. The lyrics are pretty radical. Back into the cool bit. Back to verse. It's flowing very well considering the differene between the sounds of the chorus and verse. Bridge comes in, and it's really freaking good. This is my favourite part. Cool instrumental section, then an organ comes in with a different verse sound and radical bass stuff. It has a building effect, which is cool. Chorus again. Another different sounding verse. Chorus, and it's the end.

One would have thought that with so many verses and choruses, that this song would be repetitive, but it is anything but.

Really really really good. I'ma buy the album. 10/10

My demands:
Missy Higgins - Casualty
Missy Higgins - All For Believing
Sia - Don't Bring Me Down

[gReeNieb]

I would like to do one

[gReeNieb]

SIA - DON'T BRING ME DOWN

I like the intro, how the guitar starts out with some synphany sound followed by a simple drum beat. Shortly into this the vocals come in and she has a good voice. Then piano kicks in pretty basic, but flows with the simplicity of the song. Everything exept the guitar stops and starts like the intro again. Follows into the chorus with the piano again. Now everything stops except synphany then changes nothing but vocals. Back to the chorus, but synphany is playing a more dominating sound I like it because it's builds up and then just stops. Coming to a close and nothing except that cool synphany soound and her are playing.

I liked the song overall 7/10 but it would build up and not play off that it just slowed back down


my songs:
the decemberists - California One Youth and Beauty Brigade
marcy playground - one more suicide
marcy playground - opium

[PaulR]

Dibs

[PaulR]

Gonna have to revoke - my computers being a bit funny.

[The Ashtray Girl]

Ok, I'll take it.

[The Ashtray Girl]

One More Suicide - Marcy Playground

Never heard of the band, but I see it's from the Cruel Intentions soundtrack so I may end up recognising it.

Ok, starts off all acoustiy. The singer begins, slightly strange voice but certainly not bad. He says words like 'there' weirdly though. Ah, now the title comes in, how cheerful. It's kinda like a folksy ballad.

Good tune, and nice guitar work. Sounds like it's stories of all these depressed people, although I'm not paying too much attention to the lyrics.

Hasn't been too much variation yet, I'm hoping for a bridge in a moment or two. I'm impressed that this isn't more dreary sounding.

I liked it, but it got a little repetitive after a while and didn't really change tempo or emotional feel. 6/10

My picks:

Eliza Gilkyson - Running Away or The Dark Side of Town, please someone take these because nobody on these forums seems to know who she is and I'd like to spread the word. It's basically folk music, but do not be alarmed, it's decent.

Sigur Ros - The Nothing Song (ambient alternative)

The Mooney Suzuki - Alive and Amplified (indie rock)

[Tapeworm]

I'll get it*



*(dibs)

[Tapeworm]

The Mooney Suzuki - Alive and Amplified

As the title suggests, this song is rockin. Starts out with a typical rock downscale, and then picks up with cool choir vocal type things. The lyrics are about playing guitar, which is ok. The chorus is catchy as hell, and saves the start of the song from being cheesy. Back to intro, and verse. "Slap my hand and amplify" is cool. Chorus comes in again, man that is gunna be stuck in my head. Cool variation on the intro, and then it goes into a build to a solo. It has a lot of effects on it. It's ok. Chorus again. And then you think it's over but the intro kicks back in and it's over.

I always wanna love the songs that people suggest, but this one wasn't THAT great. I really dug the chorus though. 6/10

My songs:
Missy Higgins - Casualty
Missy Higgins - All For Believing

It would be cool if someone who's never heard of her did this. ey, ey?

[Nra4ever_17]

Dibs

EDIT: Scratch that, I can't find it.

[gReeNieb]

Mary Higgins - All For Believing

Starts out a piano then she starts singing. She has very good voice, very good. It just goes back and forth between chorus and verse in which the piano is playing. It doesn't get very exciting. I like in the chorus when she hits those very bassie chords on the piano.

Not really my cup of tea but she does have a good voice so 5/10 (sorry)


my songs:
Jets to brazil - Sea Anemone
Sigur Ros - Staralfur
Morphine - thursday

[Nra4ever_17]

I'll do Staralfur.

[Nra4ever_17]

Ok, starts with some weird noises. Then this nice violin. Now the vocals. Which make no sense, and I really hope aren't in English (Sigur Ros is Icelandic, right?). The vocals pause for some more weird noise, then it stops and they start again. Continues with some variation. Later on, it stops and there's some strumming, but it starts with the violin bit again soon. Later yet, a cello kicks in for this cool sort of philharmonic bit.

I have to say, that song was f*ckin' beautiful. Not at all the sort of music I usually listen to, but none the less 8.5/10. I will now go download more Sigur Ros.

The Velvet Underground-Candy Says
Smashing Pumpkins-White Spyder
Sonic Youth-Little Trouble Girl

Plenty of variation, so no complaining.

[gReeNieb]

Ok, starts with some weird noises. Then this nice violin. Now the vocals. Which make no sense, and I really hope aren't in English (Sigur Ros is Icelandic, right?). The vocals pause for some more weird noise, then it stops and they start again. Continues with some variation. Later on, it stops and there's some strumming, but it starts with the violin bit again soon. Later yet, a cello kicks in for this cool sort of philharmonic bit.

I have to say, that song was f*ckin' beautiful. Not at all the sort of music I usually listen to, but none the less 8.5/10. I will now go download more Sigur Ros.

The Velvet Underground-Candy Says
Smashing Pumpkins-White Spyder
Sonic Youth-Little Trouble Girl




Plenty of variation, so no complaining.

If you like that, check out Mogwai

[Tangy zizzle]

Dibs.

[Nra4ever_17]

Bump

As soon as I post, everyone deserts the thread. Dammit!

[The Ashtray Girl]

Ok, I'll rescue it, as Tangy died or something.

[Nra4ever_17]

Thank you. I don't want to have listened to a good song, then listed 3 more for nothing.

[The Ashtray Girl]

The Velvet Underground - Candy Says

I actually know nothing about The Velvet Underground, apart from the fact Lou Reed was in it, so I'm not sure what to expect.

Mellow acoustic part with some quiet but nice vocals. Depressing lyrics though.. about hating your body :( Funnily enough, all about a girl called Candy.

This has a really nice feel to it though, this will probably be one of my going to sleep tracks tonight provided it says like this.

Falsetto note at the end of the verse, now he's back to singing 'candy says' again. I really really like the guitar, all ripply and almost harp-sounding. Some slight echo and backing vocals coming in now, no big change in tempo or melody.

There's not really a lot else to say because nothing new has really happened. In the case of this song that really isn't a bad thing.

Now there's an instrumental part with just some non-lyrical backing vocals. Still keeping it very calm, very nice, very easy to listen to. I'd like to look up the lyrics at some point, it's hard to listen to them properly when you're typing.

Ooh, a bit of vibrato on the guitar, yay!

Finishes off on a sung 'doo' and a chord.

That was a really lovely piece of music, I will definitely check out more of this band.

8/10

My Picks:

The Music - Freedom Fighters (alt. rock)
Drugstore & Thom Yorke - El Presidente (alternative)
Scissor Sisters - The Skins (electro-rock)

[Sonic_Reducer]

dibs

[Sonic_Reducer]

The Music- Freedom Fighters

well it started pretty intense. ahh, it's getting repetetive as hell, this is starting just to sound like plain old modern rock. the lyrics aren't that good, i don't know anyone who would enjoy this kind of stuff. it's pretty much.... this sucks. thats all i can say about it. it's horrible. i'll give it a pity score of 2/10 only because they're British.

my songs

Joy Division- Shadowplay
The Sonics- The Witch
Sloan- Underwhelmed

[Well_Respected_Man]

dibs

[Well_Respected_Man]

(Three days late, sorry)
The Sonics- The Witch 2:40

I've somewhat heard of this group from the nuggets collection. I thought they were okay but I've always wanted to listen to more.

It's a very low quality recording, this usually adds to a song like this but It hurts it here. The drum mixing is far too low, Some hiss from and clipping from the drums would be nice.

The ascending and descending line is cool. I guess has some sort of flange or chorus, It's really weird. I was surprised by the singing, It's very raspy and different then the last time I've heard them.

At 1:30 there is a guitar solo very similar to the one in Louie Louie by The Kingsman. I guess the guitar has the weird effect not the bass. After this solo it goes into the brigde, the quality gets worse as well (maybe it's my MP3). One more verse with added screaming and the song is over.

Rating 6/10 Didn't do it for me

My Songs:
Olivia Tremor Control - Do You Like Worms? (From a Brain Wilson tribute album)
http://www.elephant6.net/mp3/otc/OTC_DoYouLikeWorms.mp3

Magazine - Motorcade (Post Punk)
Fugazi - Small Pox Champion (Post Hardcore)

[Tapeworm]

All dibs'd up.

[Tapeworm]

Fugazi - Small Pox Champion

I'm just gunna say it. I've never heard Fugazi before. This should be interesting.

Starts out with some soft clean guitar. Gets crazy, and everything else comes in. I like the singers voice, but I think it'll take some getting used to. The little break things are cool, and the chorus is pretty rad. Second verse part is pretty similiar, but sounds fuller. It is kind of iffy in the chorus when he says "good", it seems off.

Woah, this bridge part is relaly cool. the song ended very well.

I loved the verses and the bridge, and I liked the chorus. I shall check more Fugazi stuff out soon.

8/10

My forced offerings:
Missy Higgins - Casualty
Missy Higgins - Dancing Dirt Into The Snow
Little Birdy - Relapse

[Well_Respected_Man]

dibs

[limemachine]

can i still take the little birdy song?

[limemachine]

nevermind ares isnt connecting

[Well_Respected_Man]

Missy Higgins - Casualty 4:11

I've actually heard this song from your picks a while ago, but dibs was already called so I couldn't review it. I haven't heard it since then so maybe it has grown on me.

I'm really feeling this horn and bass groove, I cranked it up a bit. The vocals are rather soothing. I get a strange vibe from them that I can't really pin point but overall she is a great great singer. The dramatic chord changes before the chorus is nicely pulled off.

The chorus part is really funky and catchy, almost radio freindly. I wonder how popular this group is because they have a slighty mainstream sound but still keeps things interesting. Actuallly most of my favorite bands are like this.

I really like the wind part after the solo. Don't know waht the instrument is though. The vocals continue and sound bit more sexual with the short phrases of raspy moans. She has great pitch and she adds so much to the verses with those cathcy melodies.

The chorus is repeated a buncht of times before the end of the song. I'm not getting tired of them at all. There are even short interludes of horns and singing that cool. The song ends on a fade out. Well I wasn't very impressed the first time a heard this, but I wasn't really paying attention. I can now say I'm a fan.

9.5/10 I'm impressed

Would I listen to more of the same band: I going to listen to more

My Choices:
http://www.elephant6.net/mp3/otc/OTC_DoYouLikeWorms.mp3
Oliva Tremor Control - Do You Like Worms (Beach Boys tribute album)
The Kinks - Victoria (Classic Rock)
Magazine - Motorcade (Post Punk)
Fugazi - I'm So Tired (Piano Ballad)

[Tapeworm]

Missy Higgins is a 21 year old chick from Melbourne. The EP that this track is on actually went to number one on the Australian charts. So yeah. That's freaking awesome that you dig it. She's my favvvourite.

[Well_Respected_Man]

Bump?

[Tapeworm]

Dibs then. OTC here I come!!!

EDIT: Wellrespected, I just realized we are the only freakig people doing these. Well I guess we're helping eachother anyway. :thumb:

[Tapeworm]

Oliva Tremor Control - Do You Like Worms

Starts off with some weird noises. Nothing like the only other song I've heard by these guys so far. Bass comes in, cool bassline. Everything stops andis replaces by a weird chime sound. The "ooga chaka ooga chaka" part comes in, with a mimicked trumpet sound. Some more weird noises.

Creaking, by a little bit of singing, this part is cool. Weird weird weird. Cuts out and goes back to chime part. Some strings playing a large part here, which is really cool too. Someweird noises again, and it just cut out. I'm not sure if it was incomplete or not.

7/10

It was pretty cool in parts but realllly weird. I was already planning on checking these guys out more, and I still plan to.

My songs:
Little Birdy - Relapse
My Red Cell - In A Cage (On Prozac)

[Iai]

Go on, dibs, for some user variety.

Edit: I've got a match for Relapse, but it's downloading from a modem, so I may be a while.

[Iai]

Revoked. Download crashed, and no more matches for either. Plus, Limewire's system-whoring my PC, and it's annoying me.

[The Ashtray Girl]

dibs

[The Ashtray Girl]

Relapse - Little Birdy

Chimy backing, then a very high voice, sounds quite childlike. Some trippy, slow rhythm guitar trips in, the voice deepens slightly, but still breathy. Like it so far.

Drums kick in. A guitar riff thing going on now. Generally the song is becoming a bit more conventional, but still good. Lyrics seem alright, nothing amazing from what I've picked out so far though.

Repetition of the same line a few times, then builds up to some singing to 'ooh'. Violins (I think?) kick in. Not much else to say, all much of the same sort of thing really.

Drumming seems very simple, guitar isn't incredible but works nicely, do like the singing however, and for that reason I will probably investigate this band more. It dies away, then finishes.

Rating - 7/10

My picks:

Gravity - Embrace (indie)
Here's To The Nights - Eve 6 (alternative, punky ballad)
Human Behaviour - Bjork (alternative)

[Iai]

Dibbed. I keep hearing people harking about that Embrace song, but I haven't heard it yet.

[Iai]

Ah, a song with 77 matches, downloaded in less than 2 minutes. That's what I like to see. :)

Embrace - Gravity

I understand this track was written by Chris Martin of Coldplay. I'm not a fan of Coldplay by any means, but I really liked the song he wrote for Jamelia.

The intro sounds a hell of a lot like Yellow, except with a piano replacing the guitars. The melody is incredibly Coldplay-esque, too. As are the lyrics. In fact, if the file didn't have Embrace in the name, I wouldn't believe you if you told me it was a different band.

It sounds like all Coldplay, basically - fairly pretty, but inconsequential and forgettable. A singer with a more powerful voice may well have been able to make the chorus something special, but here it sounds like a college band. The lyrics, especially, resemble fifth form poetry. 'Do you hear my heart beating?' 'I can't help crying.' 'Don't look down.' A little ambition would be nice. The song couldn't have been more crafted to be on a dopey chick-flick soundtrack if it had come out of a mould.

It wasn't a waste of my time, but I can think of better things to do with 5 minutes.

4/10.

It amuses me that Chris Martin said he gave this to Embrace because it suited them better. More likely, he gave it away because the rest of the band hated it.

My recommendations -

Jamelia - See It In A Boy's Eyes (also written by Chris Martin, but much, much better)
Afghan Whigs - Debonair, What Jail Is Like (soul-grunge)

[kayakdrum310]

Jamelia - See It In A Boy's Eyes

This song reminded me a lot of Alisha Keys. I didn't really like the song that much but I really liked the panio. The intro is pretty cool, and then the music is kinda weird when she starts singing. This is the kinda of music my dad listens and not generally what I listen to, sometimes it get annoying with the lalalala's and and repeating of see it in a boy's eyes. It was an ok song. I'm going to give it a 4/10.

[B]Recomendations

Deathray Davies - Evaporated
New End Original - Lukewarm
xbxrx - Hold on to Your Skulls Boys and Girls (crazy crazy crazy stuff)

[The Ashtray Girl]

Dearie me this needs bumping. I can't do it right now, but please someone take it.

[Well_Respected_Man]

Last time I tried to download this I had quite alot of trouble. I'll try again though.

[The Ashtray Girl]

This is getting ridiculous, I am over ruling previous suggestions and putting in my own, easy to get songs.

The Killers - All These Things I've Done (indie rock)
The 22-20s - I'm The One (sort of indie country rock)
Graham Coxon - Spectacular (Britpop)
Mercury Rev - All Is Dream (alternative)

Go!

[lilsolsman]

ok ashtray girl! i go! DIBS! YAY!

[lilsolsman]

The Killers - All These Things I've Done

starts with some tinging.. for a few seconds not intresting then an organ comes in.. and vocals.. i'm confused.. i knew some the killers.. what's going on.. it's very different..

after a minute organ and piano music a drum comes in and one COOL bassline and guitar riff.. this song gets more The Killers style after the intro and is pretty **** cool, especially the bassline is cool.. nice verses..

The chorus is nice and pretty catchy vocally.. this song makes me feel like i should check out more from the killers then just the 2 songs i know.. i was meaning to check them out some more but now i'm sure i will

then at 2.30 the song breaks down completly and a gospel choir comes in..
very weird, and pretty cool too! the guitars got cooler now at this point.. the song is getting weird dimensions added to it..

The song gets a little boring at the end but it's a still a nice song..!

Catchy song! Very nice! 8/10



my picks:
Elliott Smith - Twilight (a VERY VERY VERY pretty acoustic song), listen here:
http://www.epitaph.com/bands/redirect.php?id=4544
or
Death cab for cutie - Tiny vessels (a nice indie song)
Franz Ferdinand - Auf Achse

[Happymeal]

Dibs

[Happymeal]

Elliott Smith - Twilight

I admit even with all of the raving Elliott gets in here, this is the first song I'll be hearing from him.

Starts off with soft strumming; the chords are used throughout the song. Whoah, reminds me so much of Filipino pop songs back home..

The verse continues, with Elliott's soft but convincing voice accompanied by background vocals. I find the tune very catchy indeed. The lyrics talk about well, a boy-girl relationship that can't be. I especially like "..you don't deserve to be lonely, but those drugs you got won't make you feel better". There isn't really much change happening but the tempo's very calm, good for just chilling out and daydreaming by yourself.

The lines with "somebody's baby" go on until about 2 minutes into the song, strings(?) enter and a faint sound can be heard in the background, I can hear some "mmmmmmmm"'s too. I'm really liking this.

Elliott sings again after a minute or so. The tune stays the same, but I didn't get tired of it. After a few more lines, the strings enter again along with the vocals, ending the song. Overall, a good song, though it wouldn't hurt to add some percussions and a few more lines. This kinda left me hanging. I'll check out more on this guy definitely:)

7.5/10


Denali - Gunner(dream poppy alt, Maura Davis rules)
Rush - Freeze(a more recent Rush song)
Arab Strap - Who Named The Days(slow Scottish indie, may be a bit depressing)

[CarnageFairy]

Dibs on Denali.

[CarnageFairy]

Denali -- Gunner

The beginning of the song suprised me, just with how quickly the song started and the fact that it was a woman singing. I just had pictured the band with a male lead for some reason. That's quite irrelevant, however, because said woman is a very good singer.
The song really maintains the same pace and rythm (vocals, strummed guitar) until towards the end when it slows down and then abruptly picks up again, complete with some keyboard/synth stuff and other crazyness.

Score: 4.7/5


My songs...
Cardinal -- Silver Machines (Indie Pop, might be hard to find.)
The Books -- S is for Evrysing (Experimental Pop)
Dismemberment Plan -- Back and Forth (Indie rock)

[lilsolsman]

to happy meal there...

the song isn't finished.. he died and that cd should still be in the making.. check out some of his albums Xo & Either/or to get his real sound.. you'll probably like it even more..

[CarnageFairy]

Bahump.

[the kittens are attacking]

fine in my opinoin

[the kittens are attacking]

how about dinosuar jr. -freak scene

[Tapeworm]

Gah! I'll do it.

Dibs.

[Tapeworm]

The Books - S is for Evrysing

I've been hearing stuff about these guys.

The song starts out really nicely, with pretty harmonics and acoustic guitar. There is some random talking in the background, and a cello or violin kicks in. The strings give it an interesting feel, and a really good one. The voices circle around you, and its cool. Some interrupting organ sounds, which change the mood again. Everything pulls back, and there is more focused talking, in some language that I don't know. The organ or whatever is now coming to show and it's really great, because there are proper vocals coming in. I guess it was worth it for this. There is a prayer at the end, which is cool effect.

I will get around to checking more of these guys out sometime soon.

7.5/10

The Faint - Take me to the Hospital
The Spill Canvas - The Tide
The John Butler Trio - Take

[Well_Respected_Man]

dibbums

[Well_Respected_Man]

The Faint - Take me to the Hospital 4:05

I've heard of the group but have no idea what type of music it is, it sounds like a hardcore band from the Dischord label.

Ironiclly it starts on loud electric hand claps, it's much too high up in the mix I actually turned my speakers down becuase it was bothering me. Next a sawed synth part comes in during all sorts of cheesy bends and dance effects. I will admit some of the keyboard parts are cool like at forty seconds in, but overall I'm not to keen on this song right now.

I'm getting used to the vocals, the way he sings is pretty catchy though. Yep the songs is getting better around the line "Take me the hospital". The sythns are doing some cool stuff too.

There doesn't appear to be brigde in this song, or even a chorus in that matter. It's kind of one long verse which is typical for Trip hop songs like these. I would say the length was just right too.

Rating: 7/10 I Llked it fo the most part.

My songs:
http://www.cloudrecordings.com/media/yw.mp3
Circualtory System - Yesterday's World

http://www.elephant6.net/mpeg/cloudreplace.mov
Circulatory System - Should a Cloud Replace a Compass? (Video)

http://www.elephant6.net/mpeg/beesmuseum.mov
Olivia Tremor Control - Another Set of Bees in the Mueseum. (Video)

[Iai]

Wanted to dib, but heard them all. :upset:

[CommieCanada]

dibs

[CommieCanada]

The Smiths - I Know Its Over

the song begins with an really easy drum beat under some sad acoustic strumming and Moressey's saddening vocals, which continues untill the chorus kicks in. the vocals at the begining dont flow too well, but it comes together. the song is basically the same all the way through, but the lyrics keep you from getting bored. all together a good song, but a bit repetative
7/10

Taking Back Sunday - New American Classic (dont worry its an acoustic song so people who arent even fans might like it)
Westbound Departure - Isis Anemic www.purevolume.com/westbounddeparture (this is my acoustic stuff)

[CommieCanada]

el bumpo

[Tapeworm]

I'll dibs it.

[pixiesfanyo]

Taking Back Sunday - New American Classic

Trite lyrics, trite sound, trite song. I don't even bless it with a lengthy review.

0.7/10

My Songs:

Frou Frou - Let Go
Trophy Scars - And That is Where they Found my Body (http://www.purevolume.com/trophyscars/)

[Well_Respected_Man]

You didn't call dibs, Tapeworm has it. :confused:

[pixiesfanyo]

Tapeworm told me to do it.. :(

[Happymeal]

Dibs on Frou Frou

[Happymeal]

Frou Frou - Let Go

Starts off with soft synths(?), then Frou Frou enters. I remember that chick from Texas whenever I listen to her. Her voice is breathy, but solid. Then some soft taps of percussions are added to the synths to continue the verse. The chorus is catchy enough, as she chants "so let go, so let go". So far so good. There's some subtle change in the flow of the song, but noticable nonetheless. More percs enter, then abruptly it gets quiet, producing sort of a calming effect. This repeats again until the end of the song, the sounds getting a little bit progressive with each repetition. I especially like the line "'cause there's beauty in breakdown". Violin synths end the song. Overall, a nice song.

7.5/10

Rival Schools - Undercovers On
Converge - You Fail Me
The Blood Brothers - Doctor Doctor
Two Ton Shoe - Believe

[Well_Respected_Man]

dibs

[Well_Respected_Man]

Converge - You Fail Me 5:47

I wasn't expecting a metal song like this in A&I FL, but I guess it still sounds alternative so it's no biggie, just try giving the genre of the songs you post in the future.

Starts on a low distorted pattern with an occasional hiss of feedback at the end of each measure. This continues for about thirty seconds and then things start to pick up and then the metal vocals I expected makes its inenvitable entrance. I can't help but think of a little kid having a temper tantrum when I hear these vocals. I would actually enjoy this song without them as the guitar player is playing some cool chords every now and then.

The scary guitar line at around 2:06 actually has me Impressed. I'm also noticing the drummer doing some nice drumrolls too.

Bah, this melody is being repeated too much, something else needs to be done. At arpund four minutes The little slides start, I like them, it's also nice something else is happening. Then the song ends and stuff.

Rating 5/10 Sorry, sounded like a big blob of screaming

Super Furry Animals - Hermann Loves Pauline (Neo Pysch)
Fugazi - Cashout (Post Hardcore)
Olivia Tremor Control - Sleepy Company (Neo-Pysch)
Magazine - Motorcade (Post Punk)

[The Ashtray Girl]

dibs

[The Ashtray Girl]

Fugazi - Cashout

Funky drum beat to start, I'm interested.

Simple guitar, then another one joins in. Quite melodic and easy to listen to.

Vocals come in now. Not blown away by the voice, but it's certainly passable. The guitar and vocals are doing the same melody, something I don't particularly like.

As a song overall it's pretty good, I'm waiting for something to happen now.

Aha, now it's a bit heavier, more energetic and interesting. Good, strong chorus, vocals have improved even though they are a bit shouty. Very simple tune, good and catchy.

Goes back to the original guitar riff with some more distortion.

Now another verse, which is the same as the other two. It's now gone very mellow, which I like, but then it jumps straight back into the heavier section with some very distant screaming going on.

Finis.

I liked that, it wasn't that great but I thought it was good. 6.5/10

My picks:

Kasabian - Club Foot (slightly electronic indie)
The Ordinary Boys - Seaside (alt/indie rock)
Elliott Smith - Say Yes (acoustic)
U2 - Vertigo (rock, not entirely typical U2 sound)
The Smiths - Girlfriend In A Coma (classic alternative)

[Happymeal]

dibbies

[Happymeal]

Elliott Smith - Say Yes

A pretty quiet intro for well, a pretty quiet song. After a few seconds of Elliott singing, the second guitars come in. Nice guitar work. Simple picking, but it works for me. It has a very country/folk feel to it, which I'm still appreciating.

Elliott's voice accompanied by the backup make the song sound so Beatles-ish, reminds me of the 60's.

The cozy guitars continue, there's very little change happening in the song(not surprisingly). The lyrics tell of heartbreak, I think. I thought I heard "situations get ****ed up" or something like that. Strumming and plucking continue with lazy sunday afternoon-ish vocals until the end of the song.

I love listening to stuff like this when I'm taking breaks off heavier stuff, but maybe it's a bit depressing if I listen to it regularly. It's really a nice, simple calm song with that subtle tinge of sadness. It didn't make a big impact on me, but it's an interesting listen nonetheless.

7/10



Denali - Hold Your Breath(indie soft rock, the vocals rule)
Arab Strap - Love Detective(Scottish slow indie)
The Blood Brothers - Doctor Doctor(pseudo-emo/screamo, quite artsy)
Rival Schools - Undercovers On(post-hardcore)
Pinback - Concrete Seconds(calm indie)

[Happymeal]

butt bump

[NickStahl33]

Smiths - Girlfriend in a Coma

The production did not seem to be very high. The guitar was rather jangly sounding with an infectious chorus. Def a precursor to the britpop movement.

The lyrics seemed very deep and rather pessimistic.

8.5/10

"Come Down in Time" - Elton John
"Demon Cleaner" - Kyuss
"Lullaby" - The Cure
"Kris Kraft" - Pavement

[Tapeworm]

How did you possibly do the wrong one? It was like a day apart.

[Well_Respected_Man]

Wrong songs and not a very good review sorry, Happymeal's songs are next

Denali - Hold Your Breath(indie soft rock, the vocals rule)
Arab Strap - Love Detective(Scottish slow indie)
The Blood Brothers - Doctor Doctor(pseudo-emo/screamo, quite artsy)
Rival Schools - Undercovers On(post-hardcore)
Pinback - Concrete Seconds(calm indie)

[Happymeal]

Anyone??

[Tapeworm]

I wanna do it, but everytime i'm about to I don't feel like downloading. :(
Or listening to new music. :(

[lilsolsman]

i couldn't find those songs..

[Happymeal]

Denali - Hold Your Breath (http://www.denalimusic.com/HTML/media.html)
Arab Strap - Love Detective (http://www.epitonic.com/artists/arabstrap.html)

The rest are on slsk.

[Tapeworm]

alright, that's cool cause those were the two I wanted to do.

DIBS!!!!!!!!!!

[Tapeworm]

Arab Strap - Love Detective

Happymeal promotes these guys a bit. :)

It starts off with catchy sounding piano (I guess) and drumming and then some talking vocals come in. He sounds very scottish. It is kinda cool. It stops, and you expect some high melody or something, but it stays the same. The lyrics seem really cool., and are obviously the focus point.

It breaks down into a drumbeat, with minimal piano, but the vocals remain pretty much the same. He has a really lazy voice, which sort of adds to the thing. It's kinda of cool. Ok, it goes back to the other bit, and it's getting a little bit repetitive. I'm hoping for some change. It doesn't change, and the song ends.

6.5/10

I liked it, but it did get kinda boring sorry.

Recommendations.
Something For Kate - Twenty Years
Eskimo Joe - A Song is a City
Cog - 101011010 (www.cog.com.au go to Cog music and there are downloads of pretty much all of their songs on the right of the page. You can't right click and save as, but you just have to click and wait)

Edit: you can find all of those songs on soulseek.

[Happymeal]

^if you're still interested Tape, dl Who Named The Days on their page on Epitonic. That one's better and really a moving song(imo).

dibs again!

[mattmars]

i'm new here, and i think what's going on here is pretty awesome looking. im not really sure what exactly IS going on here, though. could someone post a brief explanation?

wait, nevermind, i'm an idiot.

[Happymeal]

I'll really really try to do Something For Kate right now, sorry about that:(

[Tapeworm]

Geeeeeeeeez, you almost killed it Happy, but then you saved the day!

[Happymeal]

Yeah, I forgot to edit my last post to say that I couldn't find the Something For Kate song:upset:

[Happymeal]

long overdue..

Something For Kate - Twenty Years

Starts off with a piano sounding guitar on the lead that does a catchy riff and an acoustic strumming in the background, the drums go steadily enough. Sounds like a pretty mellow song from the beginning. The vocalist has a nice and gritty, somewhat low-pitched voice, which reminds me a bit of Gavin Rossdale. Song structure's predictable, kinda Jars of Clay-ish to me, but a bit edgier. And that's not saying a lot. The chorus is catchy, the guitar riff, and especially when he sings "say it like you mean it". The next verse and chorus goes by the same as the first, with little change in the flow.

This, however, doesn't make it any less likable. It's classic 90's acoustic alt rock-esque, it isn't in any way that complicated. It's great music to relax to, and to be reflective on things. I find it easy to get into, but it didn't rub off on me too much. Still a good listen though. It makes me reminisce stuff.

7/10


Animal Collective - Leaf House(Expermental Folk)
Explosions in the Sky - Die(Post-Rock)
Denali - Hold Your Breath(Alt Rock)
Rival Schools - Favorite Star(Post-Hardcore)
Straylight Run - A Slow Descent(Sentimental Pop)
The Secret - Fire Isn't Always Meant to Burn(frenzied metalcore, Converge-ish vocals)
http://www.goodfellowrecords.com/MAIN/main-frameset.html

[Well_Respected_Man]

I have been meaning to do this for the longest freaking time thanks for keeping this going.

Dibs, hopefully on Animal Collective.

[Happymeal]

Really really sorry for the delay:(

[Well_Respected_Man]

Animal Collective - Leaf House 2:42

Okay, I've been meaning to check out these guys a bit mor I have a few of there songs at the moment but I get a weird vibe from them. I'm gonna take that as a good thing for now so I thinking I willl start to like this soon.

Starts an electric hiren type sound that reminds me of "Song Against Sex" by Neutral Milk Hotel, then a folk rythmn with aaah vocals. The stereo effect of the vocals are really cool, I like his voice. Things start to speed up and the vocals continue to take the main focus. Man this is really weird and I'm really confused why it is. I can listen to Olivia Tremor Control or Of Montreal and think nothing is out the norm but man this is weird and diffently in a good way. Imagine if Brian Wilson sang like this on Smile :p

Some normal singing starts ar 2:10 and the song seems to have built a purpose. The toots made me smile, what a happy song. Meoooooooowww, yes this band is cool I will listen to more of this. :thumb:

8.5/10 I Like It

My Selections:
Olivia Tremor Control - Sleepy Company (neo-pysch)
Soft Machine - Why Are We Sleeping? (old pysch)
Fugazi - Place Position (post hardcore)

[kirkrock85]

dibs on oilivia tremor control...

[GongTaxi]

bump

[kirkrock85]

sorry... i've been busy... also couldn't find that song... though i did hear a lot of other olivia tremor control... it's very good. They've got the act together in my opinion. It's almost the cream of the beatles psych era with others influences of the time period, they've even got soft machine kind of sound too... the song i couldn't find is probably up to par with the others I heard.... i give the band a 8/10... I know this doesn't count really... SORRY!

[GongTaxi]

You can find these songs from me from slsk (WRM) or if you want AIM (Super Furry OMG)

Some extra choices

Broken Social Scene - Almost Crimes (Alternative)
Black Moth Super Rainbow - Primary Color Movement (Trip Hop
Magazine - Boredom (Post Punk) From the John Peel Sessions, way better than the Buzzcocks version, I have this on slsk.

*bump*

[Happymeal]

okay, dibs!

[Happymeal]

Broken Social Scene - Almost Crimes

This is the first song I'll be listening from them, surprisingly. Soft pianos begin the song, accompanied with some guitar feedback. The main driving beat comes in, it's headbang-inducing and kinda lighthearted, which is great to listen to when you get that wistful feeling coming on.

The two vocalists(a guy and a girl) are pretty good. The guy's lazy low-key groovy style matches well with the girl's shaky singing. Not the most memorable of voices, but theirs do match the music very well. Speaking of the sounds, the guitars are a lot garage-ey, but they don't overimpose like other bands do with theirs, this band flows the guitars nicely with the song.

In the middle of the song there's :eek: a sweet saxophone solo?

The drums stay almost the same throughout the song, with that foot-stomping beat. Near the end the two singers duet, which has a nice effect, plus the sax solo again. Cool.

8/10

double review!

Black Moth Super Rainbow - The Primary Color Movement

There's a weird synth that's reverberating at the start, then some space-esque keyboards. Nice jazzy drumming before the main beat comes in. Trip-hop that's 60's-ish.

My my, the space atmosphere's wonderful. It's like I'm floating or something(stoner?). The small effects give that quality, I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's the same as when I hear Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.

There's no vocals on this one, just nice, outer space soundtrack for the aspiring astronaut. My only gripe is that it's just a little more than 2 minutes long. I want more!

7.5/10


Songs:

The Coma Lilies - Peggy Sue (www.purevolume.com/thecomalilies)(post-rock)
Slowdive - When the Sun Hits(shoegazer)
Pinback - Offline PK(soft indie)
The Secret - Fire Isn't Always Meant to Burn(brutal metalcore) http://www.goodfellowrecords.com/MAIN/main-frameset.html

Sorry if it took too long.

[Iai]

Duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-dibs.

^Makes more sense if sung to tune of 'Karma Chameleon'.

[Iai]

The Coma Lilies - Peggy Sue

A guitar intro leads us in. It's absolutely drenched in effects (chorus, delay, reverb), and seems deceptively tricky to play. At a quick listen, it sounds like there's some irregular timings (tuplets, triplets, etc.)

The drums come in, and after some more psuedo-improvisation on the guitar, something that resembles a main riff comes in. It's got a very oriental feel to it.

Ooh, cellos. Bonus points. I'm loving this so far. It's beautiful. I don't see any vocals coming in any time soon, which seeing how good this song is already, I'm pretty much glad for.

The song's becoming progressively more and more layered. I can now hear two clean electric guitars, a cello, drums, an electric (possibly fretless) bass, and what sounds like a marimba. If the cello gets bonus points, then I've got no idea how to reward a marimba.

At around 5.00, the drums change completely and the song gets a whole new groove. I could imagine this soundtracking a dance scene in a French art-house movie. Which is a very, very good thing.

And at 6.00, the song begins to wind down. The guitar intro is repeated, with some extra lead fills.

****ing class.

10/10

No idea how to follow that, but I'll try....while listening to the other songs on this site.

Kinesis - ....And They Obey (Punk)
Kinesis - Everything Destroys Itself (Punk)
Manic Street Preachers - A Design For Life (Socio-Political Indie/Rock)
Manic Street Preachers - Little Baby Nothing (Socio-Political Indie/Rock)
Tom McRae - A Day Like Today (singer-songwriter, with exotic percussion)
Tom McRae - Kareoke Soul (singer-songwriter, with oriental strings)
UNKLE feat. Badly Drawn Boy - Nursery Rhyme (trip-hop with hard rock guitars)
Afghan Whigs - What Jail Is Like (soul-grunge)
Afghan Whigs - Blame Etc. (soul-grunge)

Hit me up on AIM (HereForTheSoup) or MSN (randomclaypeople@hotmail.com) and we'll work this shnizzle out.

[Iai]

Bumpizzle ma nizzle.

[The Ashtray Girl]

even though I should be doing biology and chemistry coursework, dibs.

[The Ashtray Girl]

Actually, undibs, sorry, really don't have time after all.

[blueyxd]

evolutionary and behavioural ecology exam next thursday...

and I dont care

Dib

[blueyxd]

Tom McRae - A Day Like Today

It starts off with that african metal picky instrument that was in encarta! Some polyrhytms on it, probably played all by one person. Sounds like a fun song will follow.

Some horn/choir/synth/something toots out, a bit too loud, cues the drums to start softly, it's a 6/8er and it sounds nice, and a bit sad. The african instrument continues.

The singer starts up, he's sort of speak-singing, his voice is pretty loud too. Loud and clear. It's the verse.

Bam! The drums harden up for the chorus, and they're very loud - especially that first hit. Maybe everything is loud because I had my speakers up more for the intro, so in that case, the intro is too quiet. Some strings in here too, they are nice. The strings and tambourine back off for the last line of the chorus, which makes the transition to the next verse.

Theres a quiet electric guitar(?), playing simple chords under this verse, another guitar with reverb is doing some bends up higher on the neck.

Then they go and it leaves just the african instrument and some pizzicatto strings carry the vocals, tribal sounding. Something about his voice is a bit weird, I don't know what though.
Bowed strings come back like jaws music and the next chorus starts up.

Loud drums again, its pretty much the same as the first one, except the end of the chorus signals the end of the song.

Mmmm, it was nice, not fun like expected, but anyway.. The mixing could have been better, those drums in the chorus were way too loud. Otherwise, it was pretty good song, a little simple, but the good instrumentation and music writing made that ok.

8/10

I will probably check out more of his stuff too.

_________________________

Susbtitute Inc. - The Chase - experimental electronic/rock.. both files make up one song.
The Chase: Scene 3 (http://members.ozemail.com.au/~caracarol/Substitute%20Inc.%20-%20Who%20Knows%20-%2003%20-%20The%20Chase%20(Scene%203).mp3)
The Chase: Scene 4 (http://members.ozemail.com.au/~caracarol/Substitute%20Inc.%20-%20Who%20Knows%20-%2004%20-%20The%20Chase%20(Scene%204).mp3)

[blueyxd]

buhump

[The Ashtray Girl]

dibs

[The Ashtray Girl]

ffkljdsk, it's not working, sorry! :(

[El Duderino]

dibs

[El Duderino]

Scene 3:

Well I'm not a huge electronica fan, but I didn't find Scene 3 to be all that interesting. The space noises, especially at the beginning, reminded me of Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine." The drumming was programmed and bland, like a typical electronica song, and the vocals were also robotic and cold, reminding me of some 80's synth-dance group. The entire song was also very repetitive, and I usually like a little variety in the music I listen to.

3/10

Scene 4:

Now this was a lot cooler. The music sort of picked up, the drumbeat changed and became quicker, although still repetitive. I'm not sure what the main melody line was played on, I'm guessing keyboards, but it sounds cool; especially how it mixes with some some other space effect in the background, this one probably made by a guitar. At about 1:45 in, the music changes into a psychedelic vintage Pink Floyd-style passage, like something right from the song "Wish You Were Here." The vocals even sound a bit like Floyd. This is probably the best part of the song, although it lasts only about a minute.

6/10

I guess taking both parts into context, I'd give this something like a 5/10...It's not really something I'd be found listening to, but it was an interesting listen either way.

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

Catherine Wheel - Crank
Ride - Seagull
The Verve - History

[El Duderino]

bah...double post

[RIPJoeStrummer]

dobs

[RIPJoeStrummer]

Catherine Wheel - Crank

Okay, so it opens up with some pretty standard rock guitars, which I like. I really like the way the vocals are recorded, lots of echo and resounding notes. The verse and chorus both have pretty cool melodies. The whole song is heavy but really ambient and "floaty", its hard to describe. They remind me a lot of a band called Memory Bank. Even though the song is nearly 4 minutes long, it really didn't seem that long. It most definitely did not drag on, which is a really good thing concidering it's the type of music that could get very boring if it was played too long. Overall, I thought it was quite good, definitely worth the listen and I'll have to check out more. :thumb:

8/10

____________________________________

Suggestions:

The Weakerthans - Watermark
The Super Friendz - Karate Man
Sloan - She Says What She Means

[Well_Respected_Man]

Your royal dibness.

[Well_Respected_Man]

bah, my soulseek is dead and it's late sorry.

[Bartender]

I'll take dibs. I need to check out The Weakerthans, after that FA.

[Bartender]

I've got something of an idea of what to expect, thanks to that FA, but I still haven't heard them.
The Weakerthans - Watermark - 2:38

Starts off, right-in, with a fairly catchy riff. The guys got a pretty good voice, too. It's not my favourite style of vocals, but a big point in his favour (in my eyes) is that he isn't whining into the mic. He's also got a good mind for how to follow the rhythm of the lyrics he's singing, i.e. there are no bits which stand out as awkward. These are all good things.

The lyrics themselves are okay, but not really what I was expecting. I guess I had something more politically/socially conscious in mind. Not bad though.

Hmm. Song's finished already; it's only 2:38 long, after all. You'll notice I've written this a lot more as an overall review, rather than the play-by-play I usually do. That's because, good though it was, the song did't have any particular part that made me go "hey, cool" and listen to it intently. Also, for all his positive points, the vocalist ended up annoying me a little (the accent, maybe).

So, the song structure itself came across as fairly simple, but at the same time, the music itself wasn't bland, but interesting enough.

A strange mix :) Not bad though. Not amazing, but it hasn't put me off checking them out further.

7.5/10

Songs;
Bjork - Pleasure is All Mine (from Medulla)
The Beta Band - The House Song (a big, British, Beck-like mix of genres)
Frank Klepacki - Just Do It Up (insanely good computer game music)
The Levellers - Dog Train (folky pop-rock)
Richard Cheese - Down With the Sickness (lounge jazz cover of the Disturbed song)

All available from me;
Soulseek: Soultender
AIM: Aimtender
MSN: eruantien@gmail.com

[El Duderino]

dibs on Richard Cheese

[El Duderino]

I've heard a few songs by this guy so I kinda knew what to expect, but this is still hilarious. It's a Disturbed cover (who are one of the worst bands I've ever heard) and he actually makes the song listenable. It's done in a very laid back, 1930's lounge style, which makes the crappy nu-metal lyrics all the more laughable. The "wah-ah-ah-ah" in the beginning is especially cool. The quiet interlude 1 minute in and then the return back into the the rest of the song is awesome, and so is the end where Cheese sings something like "**** you I don't need this **** I'm down with the sickness."

this gets a 7/10 and a laughing smiley :lol:
-----------------------

Ride - Leave Them All Behind
Cave In - Joy Opposites
Hum - Stars

[El Duderino]

bump

[Happymeal]

I wanted to dibs, but I couldn't find the songs, and it's taking forever to DL Joy Opposites.

[Happymeal]

okee, dibbies

[Happymeal]

Cave In - Joy Opposites

I have never heard a Cave In song before, but I gathered they became much much mellower with their recent releases.

A weird sound comes floating in with dreamy cymbal action. Nice. Ballad, and a spacey metal-ish ballad at that. I love spacey songs. The guitars are very jangly but stable, the bass very deep without drowning the rhythym too much.


The whole song has this epic feeling to it, which is nice. The sung vocals aren't all that special, but it does fit the music. What it sorely lacks, is a bit of creativity and originality to make things a lot more interesting. Even the solos and riffs doesn't save this from mediocrity if you hate slow, formulaic, rather poppy rock. Oh well, it's not the best spacey song ever but I still like it. Some more interesting bits on it wouldn't hurt to raise the replay value though.

7/10

Songs:

Desert City Soundtrack - Foglifter (www.purevolume.com/desertcitysoundtrack)(post-emo with nice piano parts)

Pinback - Offline PK (http://www.espew.com/cgi-bin/spew/95886/Pinback-OfflinePk.mp3)(groovy indie? just "save target as")

Arab Strap - Who Named the Days? (http://www.epitonic.com/files/reg/songs/mp3/Arab_Strap-Who_Named_The_Days.mp3)("slo-core", save target as)

The Secret - Fire Isn't Always Meant to Burn (http://www.goodfellowrecords.com/MAIN/main-frameset.html)(brutal metalcore)

[Tapeworm]

Dibs.

[Tapeworm]

Pinback - Offline PK

Starts with a funky sort of drum beat and some cool guitar and bass work. The guitar and bass riffs are both very awesome. The vocals come in, and just seem to be swirling, and mood orientated. The chorus type thing is nice and stuff.

Second verse comes up, I think it may be the same as the first. Same chorus again, with backingvocals this time, which make it rather awesome actually. Then a bridge type thing with some cool guitarring. Nice clean guitar work the whole way through. Some "woah ohh ohh ohh" stuff, with some more vocals coming in. Rather nice, and verging on funky again. The song fades out.

9/10

I really liked it, and I shall check out more soonish.

Demanded song:
Kashmir - Melpomene

[Tapeworm]

Bumpy bumpy pineapples.

[Tapeworm]

Bumped again. Keep it going you bunch of wussy jacket wearers.

[Well_Respected_Man]

im at school boi I'll call dibs in like 7 hours.

[Bartender]

I would do it, but I can't find the song.

[Tomahawk]

ok then, I dibs it.

[Tomahawk]

Kashmir - Melpomene

This took me ages to download, and now I'm tired so this review thing is gonna suck. But I've heard good things about these guys.

Ok... it starts off sounding a bit Radiohead-ish, like the song Kid A, with the xylophone or whatever it is. But in a good way, not an "omg what a ripoff" way. Singer-man starts singing, and hey, he sounds a bit like Thom Yorke. I bet these dudes get a lot Radiohead comparisons.

It's a nice song, slow and subtle. OK it's started on what I think is the chorus... "killing me with her sunshine". It's a bit catchy. Now this new verse is faster. Hey and now they've started rocking out a bit. Wow, this is pretty good.

I really liked that. I'm gonna check out more of these dudes. Recommended to fans of Radiohead. 9/10


Songs to download - the Australian singer/songwriter edition!:

Carus & the True Believers - Thrown (live)
http://www.carus.com.au/mp3/CornishArms/Carus_-_Cornish_Arms_-_Sat_17th_Aug_2002_-_11_-_Thrown.mp3

Ash Grunwald - Whispering Voice
http://www.ashgrunwald.com/mp3/AshGrunwald_WhisperingVoice.mp3

Holly Throsby - Country Radio
http://madmin.joint.net.au/files/Holly_Throsby_2_Country_Radio.mp3

They're all very good, and if you like them I can hook you up with a few more songs from each artist.

[Tomahawk]

MmmBump

[The Ashtray Girl]

Will take it when I get home if no one else wants it. But bump all the same.

[talk show host]

dibs

[Tapeworm]

Yay Kashmir love!!!

[talk show host]

Ash Grunwald - Whispering Voice

Let's see what these crazy Aussies have to offer...

Ok, it starts out with some basic percussion and slide guitar. It's a good sound, very rootsy and bluesy. His voice reminds me of a mix between Nick Cave and someone else (some unspecified blues singer probably :o ). I can't make out all the lyrics, something about 'nothing stronger than that whispering voice in my head'.

Now it's going into a slide guitar solo section which is quite nice. It works well to give it that country/southern american acoustic sound (to me at least). The vocals come back in at about the 2.00 mark with the same blues riff. It's actually quite hypnotic and I like the higher vocal range, he's got a good voice.

That was a good song. Quite basic but very rhythmic and it got me tapping my feet and nodding my head to it. This has found a home on my computer. 7.5/10


EDIT: Forgot to add my picks :o

Four Tet - My Angel Rocks Back and Forth (organic electronica...((oxymoronic?)) )
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Loverman (alternative)
Bjork - Verandi (world influenced icelandic pop?)
Fridge - Cutup (post-rock, ambient)
DJ Shadow - Fixed Income (Live from In Tune & On Time) (Hip-hop, sampling)


My msn is sw200184@hotmail.com if anyone has difficulty.

[Tapeworm]

Hey you gotta request some songs.

By the way Tomahawk, I had been meaning to hear some Carus for a while, and I downloaded that song and only got like a minute, but what I heard was awesome. Thanks, I'm gunna get some more. I'll probably check out the rest of those ones you suggested too.

[Tomahawk]

You can download that whole Carus concert here: http://www.carus.com.au/audio.htm#mp3
It's a pretty good set too, except for him asking the crowd to buy his CD in between every song.

[Tapeworm]

Hahah, that's weird. I thought he was like some kind of hippyish type of guy...

I will get that when I have more time, thanks.

[Well_Respected_Man]

Dibs

[Well_Respected_Man]

(My computer died half way through the review sorry if this is brief)
Four Tet - My Angel Rocks 5:15

The first time I start the song I think my musicmatch is skipping like it often does when my computer is slow. I start it again only to realize the bursts of air are just unryhmic and sound like they skip. Soon a big bass sound with alot of reverb joins the mix. As of now this sounds familier to DJ Shadow, it's okay.

Next the harps come in and at first they sound kind of ackward, they settle in after a bit though. This groove continues for another minute and the song appears to start over again, I want it to go on to another part.

I like how the drums at 2:30 just randomly appear, it's makes it feel like the song could fall apart at any second. The harps also sound better, they must have grown on me. I enjoy the last minute, it is very relaxing but it makes me want more which is common for me with trip hop and electronic music. I shall check out more.

8/10 It grew on me the second time I heard it. :)

My Songs:
Magazine - Motorcade (Post Punk)
Faust - The Sad Skinhead (Noise Rock)
Olivia Tremor Control - Mystery (Neo- Pyschadelic)

You can find these from one of "My Music" folders on soulseek, I'm WRM.

[Tangy zizzle]

Faust are teh krautrock.

[Well_Respected_Man]

Yeah I know, Sad Skinhead is on the same album.

[Sonic_Reducer]

dibs

[Well_Respected_Man]

Okay, I'm on soulseek.

[Sonic_Reducer]

ya. sorry, undibs. i only have kazaa and i'm too lazy to get soulseek. someone else can do this one

[Bartender]

I'll take dibs then, seeing as I've just downloaded Mystery anyway.

[Bartender]

I've heard OTC before, from you, in a Pit Forced Listening. I think the song was A Sunshine Fix, and I remember liking it quite a bit.
Olivia Tremor Control - Mystery - 3:25

starts off very briefly with what sounds like old ('40s-era music) being played through a gramophone. At least, that's what it reminded me of. That hardly takes precedent though, it's just for half a second or so, before some very trippy sounding sounds begin. Almost echoing vocals, some piano, and simple acoustic guitar, all with a lo-fi feel, and with a multitude of odd/creepy tones in the background.

It's a bit of a strange track actually; it's veering between the almost eerie style it started on, and jaunty, poppy, happy bits.

Around 2:40, the song as we know it stops, and there's a lot of messing around with scratching and rewinding. I wasn't expecting this little touch of electronica, I'll admit.

And that's it. It's only a short, three minute song, and it finishes on what I guess could be called background noise - no one's playing, but there occasional sounds, electronic or otherwise. Like the other song I've heard by them, I got a very lo-fi Beatles feel from them. Which can only be good.

8/10

Songs;
Bjork - Pleasure is All Mine (from Medulla)
The Beta Band - The House Song (a big, British, Beck-like mix of genres)
Frank Klepacki - Just Do It Up or C&C Thang (insanely good computer game music)
The Levellers - Dog Train (folky pop-rock)
Saetia - The Sweetness and the Light (emo)

All available from me;
Soulseek: Soultender
AIM: Aimtender
MSN: eruantien@gmail.com

[Happymeal]

dibs

[Well_Respected_Man]

I reccomend the Beta Band song. :thumb:

[Happymeal]

It has a terribly long line in slsk:(

If I can't find one, I'll do Saetia.

[Happymeal]

I feel like doing a

DOUBLE REVIEW


The Beta Band - The House Song

Some quiet hum-like singing to start the song. I can't understand what he's saying, but I don't really mind that much. At about :30, backup vox enter along with some synths(?). Shortly after, soft scratching sounds and a stomping bass drum jumps in. Some tribal percs are added in too. It's progressing very nicely.

Nearing 3 minutes the flow changes to a more hiphop oriented beat. The vocals starts rapping Latino-sounding lyrics with clapping sounds in the background. The drums join in the melee as well. Very cool indeed.

So that continues with some weird sounds and complementary turntable scratches until about 5 minutes. Hollow effects go hand in hand with a drum solo. It ends as the beat slowly dies down and some spacey noises floating around.

This song is very fun.

8.5/10


Saetia - The Sweetness and the Light

It's the first tune I'll be hearing from them.

Clean strumming for the intro with the singer wailing some words that again, I can't understand. This, I guess, is the premise of emo bands. Anyways, the chorus is heavily melodic and well, emotional due to the melancholy guitars.

A mellow break cuts in before the expected chaotic part. It somehow reminds me of 90's alt rock and Thursday's earlier work. Weird. Now the vocalist's screaming his throat out. That's more like it.

At the second half the quiet parts and screaming ones alternate, which makes for good headbanging action. It goes all out frantic in the final seconds, bringing some catharsis and a feeling of resolution to the listener. A very good song. I must check out a lot more stuff from them.

8/10

Songs:

Apostle of Hustle - Sleepwalking Ballad(indie w/Jeff Buckley-ish vocals)

Arab Strap - Who Named the Days?("slo-core")

Denali - Gunner(indie with sexy female vocals)

[blueyxd]

iDIB

[blueyxd]

Denali - Gunner

Raw sounding guitar minor chord strummings, female vocals straight away... nothing really sexy sounding, here anyway. Everything is hazy/reverby, and the drums come in soon after. The reverb goes after a little bit and things are much clearer.

One guitar is strumming, and it's way back in the mix, the bass is probably louder than this. There's also some higher guitar notes, which are louder. Simple sounding drums, pretty straight forward. This may be comparable to Coldplay, with a bit more speed and a female singer. She has a soft voice in the verse bits, and it's very powerful when she tries.

It goes through a verse-chorus x2, then the bridge is fairly quiet, no drums, some guitar picks, then it builds up again. Some lead guitar and some low guitar too, it has a bit more power than the parts with singing, which has now stopped. It goes on for a little bit and then finishes on a final chord and that fades out.


Well.. nothing too special about the song for me. I chose it for the sexy vocals (that and I already knew the Arab Strap song), they were nice, but I didn't really think they were all that sexy.

The music didn't catch my interest too much, nothing bad about it, it seems kind of stripped back... maybe that's just how indie is... it fits together well and has good flow though.
7/10 - yeah, it was alright.

__________________________________________
Curse Ov Dialect - Uzbeki Westerns (http://members.ozemail.com.au/~caracarol/Curse%20Ov%20Dialect%20-%20Lost%20In%20The%20Real%20Sky%20-%2016%20-%20Uzbeki%20Westerns.mp3)

Portishead - Numb - Trip hop, with my idea sexy female vocals

[El Duderino]

dibs

[El Duderino]

I've been meaning to check out Portishead for a while but I already heard a few songs before so I kinda knew what to expect...the whole song is typical trip hop, very mellow and groovy but also more accessible than stuff like Tricky...there's a repetitive drum beat and some interesting textures like DJ scratching and what sounds like either a keyboard or a guitar with lots of processed effects...the singing matches the music perfectly, its delicate but at the same time retains a playful, almost seductive sound...the entire song is dark but not in an overbearing way...while as far as trip hop goes, I found this not to be as interesting as the songs on Tricky's Maxinquaye, this was still a pretty cool listen

6.5/10
------------------

Ride - Seagull
Catherine Wheel - The Nude
the Verve - History

[surfkauai]

nvm, i cant find any of the songs on Ares. someone else can have it

[El Duderino]

bump

[El Duderino]

bump

[El Duderino]

I'll keep bumping this until someone replies

[Master Arkam Kannon]

*replies*

[JillyBo]

I've been meaning to check out Portishead for a while but I already heard a few songs before so I kinda knew what to expect...the whole song is typical trip hop, very mellow and groovy but also more accessible than stuff like Tricky...there's a repetitive drum beat and some interesting textures like DJ scratching and what sounds like either a keyboard or a guitar with lots of processed effects...the singing matches the music perfectly, its delicate but at the same time retains a playful, almost seductive sound...the entire song is dark but not in an overbearing way...while as far as trip hop goes, I found this not to be as interesting as the songs on Tricky's Maxinquaye, this was still a pretty cool listen

6.5/10
------------------

Ride - Seagull
Catherine Wheel - The Nude
the Verve - History

I'll take this, give me ten minutes.

[JillyBo]

Well, none of the files on kazaa work for The Verve - History, and I'm not interested in the other songs, sorry.

[EonBlueApcolyps]

Ride - Seagull

I really like the intro and it flows nicly into the verse. Overall the song is kind of boring but still pretty good none the less
5/10

The Nude - Catherine Wheel

Just plain old bad
2/10
----------------------------------------
The Mars Volta - Concertina
Saves the Day - Cars and Calories
Nirvana - Oh, the Guilt

[Phunphone]

dibs

[Phunphone]

Sorry, the soulseek is down for me somehow, I'll bid on another one, later.

[Scott Herren]

Ride - Seagull (because the previous reviewer did like a 5 word review)

The song opens with cymbals and a distorted guitar. Soon after a nice funky bass riff comes in and the distorted guitars get louder and build up. The bass riff repeats as the guitar goes into different variations, but it is so distorted you can't really make out particular notes, rather just a wave of sound.

British vocals come in and are chanted rather low. They fit rather nicely with the jingly distortorted guitar. The first couple verses have come and gone, and the highlight of the song is definately the music, not the vocals.

The third verse (maybe a chorus) comes in and it is a bit better. At the end of it the drums really get into it and the distorted guitar goes crazy for a long solo. This is the highlight of the song so far. The bass riff has been repeating the same thing the entire time and it begins to grate after a while.

Another verse comes in very similar to the first verse, again the vocals are chanted. At the end of the verse there is some actual "singing". Then there is another pretty nice, rather long, guitar solo. The guitar solo's are the best part of the song.

There are no more vocals, just the drums get faster and faster and faster and faster, and finally there is a sustained distorted guitar lick to take the song out.

Rating: 8/10

New Songs
Communique - "Perfect Weapon"
The Avalanches - "Since I Left You"
Phoenix - "Everything Is Everything"
Elvis Costello - "Watching the Detectives"

[blueyxd]

Elvis Costello - Watching The Detectives


Ohh yes, I like reggae, this reggae is raw sounding and the production isn't great, and it doesn't matter one bit.

A quick James Bond guitar bit, then the singer starts, his voice is a little bit whiny, but it does sound good for this music.

The chorus is more major key style and with more echo. Organ and some loud (too loud) cymbals close the chorus. It goes back to the verse with a high note on the keyboard and a dropping of a beat.

The 2nd verse has some additional keyboard sounds to spice up the music, sounds good. Voice still sounds whiny, a bit like The Gathering singer from On A Wave. I'm not really listening to his vocals because the music is making me feel relaxed. Back to the chorus, same loud bits and keyboard stuff.

Another verse and chorus the same as that. After a bit he gets into repeating "Watching the detectives" over the verse chords, then the James Bond guitar returns for a short while but it fades out pretty soon after that.

Nice, that song just suited my mood right now, it was good. One criticism - while trying to relax, those loud cymbals in the chorus were not wanted. Song was fairly simple, including the structure, but who wants to be teched around by laid back music, it suited it. I would have liked some more of that James Bond guitar throughout the song

8.6/10


________________________________

Curse Ov Dialect - Uzbeki Westerns (http://members.ozemail.com.au/~caracarol/Curse%20Ov%20Dialect%20-%20Lost%20In%20The%20Real%20Sky%20-%2016%20-%20Uzbeki%20Westerns.mp3) - dark experimental trip-hop

[blueyxd]

snatched from the waiting jaws of page 3

[Iai]

Dark experimental trip-hop? I'll take it!

[Iai]

Curse Ov Dialect - Uzbecki Westerns

A spoken word intro leads into some acoustic guitar, and a kinda gimmicky vocal. The music overall sounds like it's trying to be like a soundtrack to a 70s cowboy movie.

Later, some more obscure instruments gets thrown into the mix (it sounds like a bassoon is used, and possible a theremin). There's a recurring backing vocal, probably a sample from a b-movie. In any case, it's a laugh that's meant to be threatening. It's actually just annoying.

I don't actually hear any trip-hop in this song at all.

The song tends to stutter and change tact a lot. It doesn't really serve any purpose except to make the song seem intelligent, progressive, whatever. The lyrics also throw out long words that aren't lyrical at all.

2/10. Not impressed at all.

[Iai]

I'll just go fetch my picks.

[Iai]

Asian Dub Foundation feat. Sinead O' Conner - 1000 Mirrors
(A song about domestic violence in the Asian community, dedicated to Zoorah Shah. Variety of genres.)
McFly - That Girl
(50s rock'n'roll welded to 00's British pop.)
Spice Girls - Viva Forever
(Some beautiful flamenco guitar. Listen without prejudice.)
Public Enemy - Fear Of A Black Planet
(Hip-hop. About the white community's fear of inter-gender relationships.)
Genius/GZA - Duel Of The Iron Mic
(Early Wu-Tang hip-hop. Features the recently departed ODB, and Method Man.)
Fleetwood Mac - Songbird
(Piano-led 70s pop-rock ballad.)
Love - Alone Again Or
(60's proggy psychedelic folk.)
The Twilight Singers - Strange Fruit
(Billie Holiday cover, done in a doomy, hard rock style.)
The Twilight Singers - Fat City (Slight Return)
(Dark, twinkling, rocky soul, as done by the former Afghan Whigs frontman.)
Tori Amos - 97 Bonnie & Clyde
(Eminem cover version, in typical Amos style.)

[Well_Respected_Man]

I actually thought that song was pretty cool, I just didn't have time to review it. :-/

[The Ashtray Girl]

I'll have it, seeing as you're on slsk.

[The Ashtray Girl]

The Twilight Singers - Fat City (Slight Return)

Starts off very interestingly, good beat. Singing kicks in promptly, easy to listen to and the lyrics sound interesting. More of a driving rhythm now, which I like.

Then some distorted guitar kicks in, which builds it up even more. I really like the structure of this song.

Goes back down to the more toned down part, which is really good I have to say. I can see this being a really good walking/driving song. I'm liking the vocals more and more, they've got feeling without being overbearing or anything.

Then a female or very high male voice comes in for a little bit of backing vocals, which is always good. The song is getting ever so slightly trance-like, it's the kind of thing you could really get into whilst you're listening to it, and I probably will next time when I'm not having to type about it.

It finishes suddenly, but not in a bad way.

Final Rating: 8.5/10, highly enjoyed that and will check out this band more.

My Picks:

Kasabian - Club Foot (electronica-influenced Britrock)
Graham Coxon - Spectacular (Britpop retrospective)
Mercury Rev - The Dark Is Rising (alt. rock with sweeping violins)
U2 - One Step Closer (rock)
Air - Alpha Beta Gaga (dance, I suppose)

[<3<3<3]

Mercury Rev - The Dark Is Rising

I like the intro, it's "enchanting".


The piano is simple yet nice.

The vocals are a bit, wimpy, but they're managable. At least they aren't the "emoish vocals".

I like the taste of the violin.

I like this chorus I guess you'd call it it. The thing played in the beginning.

I don't like this weird synth effect (synth vocals) it seems, though, that's playing with the main part on the third time, I think.

A wimpy ending.


Overall, I liked the subtle taste of different instruments, such as the violins, and flute, and guitar.

I'll say it's a 6.5/10


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

Ataxia - The Sides (go to www.johnfrusciante.com and click any link, then click the cloud on top, and it should be on there)

Múm - K/half noise (a post-rockish type band. It's uses electrics though.)

Michael Rother - Sonnenrad (cool new-age spacey like guitar and stuff)

John Cale - Magritte (I can't really describe it. It's just good.)

[Iai]

The Twilight Singers - Fat City (Slight Return)

Final Rating: 8.5/10, highly enjoyed that and will check out this band more.
You should check them out some more. It's the Afghan Whigs' Greg Dulli's new band. :lol:

Oh yeah, and dib.

[Iai]

Ataxia - The Sides

Begins with very skippy percussion, and simple bass. John's vocals come in after a while, and he ain't exactly the best singer I've ever heard. His voice has a nice resonance at times, sounded fairly grungym but overall, it ain't hard to see why Anthony Keidis is still employed.

The guitars are kinda airy, and they don't take a prominent role for most of the song, which is surprising, seeing that Frusciante is seen as one of the best in the world at his craft.

The song is quite nice overall, and has a really good melody. The only problem is, it drags on for a little too long. The rhythm section remains constant for the whole song, which is annoying but understandable. John mixes up the guitar enough to keep things interesting - he mixes up his tone more than many guitarists would, which is quite a skill. His voice gets better as the song goes on, too.

7/10. Not bad, but not quite good enough for me to make it a priority to seek out more.

My picks -
Asian Dub Foundation feat. Sinead O' Conner - 1000 Mirrors
(A song about domestic violence in the Asian community, dedicated to Zoorah Shah. Variety of genres.)
McFly - That Girl
(50s rock'n'roll welded to 00's British pop. Disposable, but hella fun.)
Spice Girls - Viva Forever
(Some beautiful flamenco guitar. Listen without prejudice.)
Public Enemy - Fear Of A Black Planet
(Hip-hop. About the white community's fear of inter-gender relationships. Go check my review I just posted!!!)
Genius/GZA - Duel Of The Iron Mic
(Early Wu-Tang hip-hop. Features the recently departed ODB, and Method Man.)
Fleetwood Mac - Songbird
(Piano-led 70s pop-rock ballad.)
Love - Alone Again Or
(60's proggy psychedelic folk.)
The Twilight Singers - Strange Fruit
(Billie Holiday cover, done in a doomy, hard rock style.)
Tori Amos - 97 Bonnie & Clyde
(Eminem cover version, in typical Amos style.)
The Afghan Whigs - Blame Etc.
(Funky, Stevie Wonder-esque grunge by the best band ever to grace my user title.)

[Well_Respected_Man]

dibs

[crazyGUITARnDRUMgal]

Spice Girls - Viva Forever
(Some beautiful flamenco guitar. Listen without prejudice.)
:lol:

[Well_Respected_Man]

Love - Alone Again Or

I've heard Forever Changes but strangley enough I don't remember this song at all. So I'll just continue blabbling and making irrelevant comments. Bravo!

Starts on some very mellow acoustic guitar and then goes into some mexican style tune. The singing of this era is of course always wonderful, so far I'm really liking the vibe. The dynamics are quite strong and catchy.

Ha, just before two minutes there's an enjoyable horn solo. Sometimes they sound like they are a string accompiant, but it's hard to tell. The song ends with more acoustic guitar and something else I don't remember. Bravo! for short catchy songs!

Rating: 8/10 I think I'll give Forever Changes another chance.

My Choices:
Faust - Sad Skinhead (Noise Rock)
Magazine - Motorcade - (Post Punk)
Of Montreal - Penelope (Neo Pysch)

I have these all on slsk (WRM).

[Happymeal]

dibs

[Happymeal]

Of Montreal - Penelope


I'm a n00b to this so-called psych(I've only heard some OTC) so just bear with me.

So, a piano that sounds like from the late 1800's cheerfully starts this one off, as the flow changes a bit. The singer looks like he just came out of the 60's or 70's(I think he was OTC's vocals??), which isn't bad, the "classic" feel he gives actually amuses me.

If there's ont thing I notice a lot about this song, it has loads of tempo changes. About every 10-30 seconds or so it's like a different song is overlapped over it. Cool. Very cool. One part has a very blissful and trippy feeling, which the jangly guitars and the piano are responsible for.

So the whole song goes on like that, thriving with change and happy happy feeling tunes. I guess this was kind of an abstract listen for me. I could not pinpoint a part of the song that struck me, but these parts are blended well together that I like the song as a whole. I just have to get used to this kind of music first. Overall though, it's very good.

8/10

Songs:

Incubus - Psychopsilocybin(funk rock with cool solos, recommended)

Two Ton Shoe - Believe(poppy funk, groovy bass)

311 - Life's Not a Race(Alternative, reggae-ish with white boy rapping)

Dub Narcotic Sound System meets The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Fudgy the Whale (http://www.epitonic.com/files/reg/songs/mp3/Dub_Narcotic_Sound_System_Meets_The_Jon_Spencer_Bl ues_Explosion-Fudgy_The_Whale.mp3) (funky bluesy rock, 9 minutes)

[Well_Respected_Man]

nOOb to pysch :lol:

[moderaterock222]

I might as well dibs whilst i'm here.

[The Ashtray Girl]

wahey! so good of you to join us

[moderaterock222]

Fudgy the whale. Couldn't find the others.

Imediately into the music with vocals and funky beat. Kinda carries on and they have a brand new dance, wow. Small drum breakdown. Not much happening in terms of dynamics. This is pretty boring really.
'DANCE'!!!!!!!!!!!
Vocals are improving, seems like they're getting into it a bit more now. Still it's nothing great. ****, i'm half way....not much has changed. I can imagine this being pretty good live but it's not my thing to just sit down and listen.
It just carries on in the same vein and slowly dismantles.
6/10. Not my thing to be honest.

My songs.
Adem-ringing in my ear*
Kepler-Box 3, reel 5
Sufjan Stevens-seven swans
Xinlisupreme-kyoro

[Happymeal]

dibs again

[Happymeal]

Adem - Ringing in My Ear

I have absolutely no clue as to who this artist/s is/are or what he/she/they play. Somehow that asterisk had struck my curiosity.

For some odd reason I thought this song is electronica, maybe because the name Adem sounds trance-like. So I notice a shaking tambourine and a monotonous guitar note being repeated for the first few seconds. The lead immediately enters with soft plucking that almost gives it a snowy Christmas feeling.

The guy's voice isn't amazing, but fits in the category of one of those solo songwriters' signature quite-charismatic quality. I especially like the way he sings the line "..filling with envy, [ooooooohh] who will you turn to now?" There's a kind of wistful mood there that makes me reminisce stuff.

The whole of the song doesn't feature much change in the tempo, this is pretty much straightforwardly relaxing folk-ish alternative guitars with the soft pulsating percs. That's not to say that this is boring though. I actually like the simplicity, and how it the structure doesn't complicate things. It's a good good song.

8/10

Candyaudioline - An Empty You (http://www.soundclick.com/util/DownloadSong.cfm?ID=741102)(shoegaze-ish indie rock, a bit edgy)

Weedisneys - Reef (http://www.soundclick.com/util/DownloadSong.cfm?ID=821109)(shoegaze-ish indie rock, dreamier-sounding)

Daydream Cycle - My Luscious Star (http://www.soundclick.com/util/DownloadSong.cfm?ID=914826)(shoegaze-ish indie rock, with electronica bits)

All are Filipino bands.

[Happymeal]

vvvump

[El_Goodo]

An Empty You - Candyaudioline

Sounds like death in the beginning as its a bunch of distorted noises that sound like someone screaming BLAH! Then it gets a little better in the verse when its clean, simple drum beat...simple guitar...simple singing. I cant really make out any of her words but its pretty soothing. Seems like a nice relaxing song. Then we get to the chorus which sounds like the beginning crap....BLAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. The verses's are decent and the singing has grown on me in the last minute you could just chill out to this song. Then I think theres a part thats suposed to be a solo but I cant really tell...cause its really messy. Its a decent song may be better if it had better recording quality.

3/10 The only good parts are the verses's.

My recomendation:
All My Friends by Counting Crows

[moderaterock222]

dibs

[moderaterock222]

Bit late like...but here goes

Counting Crows.
Starts with a coventional bass line and vocals with drums. Strings in what i take is the bridge...or maybe this the chorus. It's back to the verse. The vocals are typically American but they're not bad. The best thing about it is the lead guitar breaks. I quite like the quieter part with the jazzy style piano, kinda reminds me of pink floyd in a way. And it changes, organ being the main instrument here. Feels rather unproduced but it's good.
Quiet again now, then back to the verse. Chorus. Dynamics are good. It's just carrying on in the same way. Outro is good with the 2 chord changing and soloing. It fades out.
All in all it was pretty good, and better than any other counting crows song i've heard. 7/10.

My songs
-Sufjan Stevens-seven swans
-Adem-everything you need
-James-Tomorrow

[Wanker]

dibsss

[Wanker]

Sufjan Stevens - Seven Swans --- 2:33

The songs starts off with a soft acoustic line. Very mellow. The singer comes in; very nice voice. The guitar continues with Sufjan singing along with it.

This feels like a bridge (it might not be). Some slow guitar work followed by more singing. The way he sings makes it feel really personal (if that makes any sense).

The song ends with a few 'ahhs' and 'ohhs'

Very quiet, mellow song. Not particularly my bag, but it was still good.

7.5/10

Choices:
Porcupine Tree - Nine Cats
Dishwalla - Charlie Brown's Parents
Smashing Pumpkins - Slunk
Explosions in the Sky - 6 Days at the Bottom of the Ocean

[Wanker]

bump'd

[Happymeal]

dibbies

[Wanker]

dibbies

:).

[Happymeal]

:)

so if i dl'ed the right song..

Porcupine Tree - Nine Cats

I'm gonna be honest with you and say that this is the first Porcupine Tree song I'll be listening to. I've heard a lot of good things about them so this might be the right time to check them out.

I can hear a soft hollow-sounding strumming in the first few seconds before the vocalist comes in. The guy's soft voice isn't that terribly unique; I swear I've heard his before in a brit rock song..

Everything's pretty much quiet with bluesy high pitched riffs(by keyboards??) complementing the chords. It livens up a bit around 1:20, though that's not saying a LOT, the drums, almost machine-like, don't sound very organic as well(but that's ok). The atmosphere is very reminiscent of classic rock; 2 minutes into the song the guitarist dishes out an 80's hair metal-ish solo. It adds a splash of color to the otherwise lonely-man mood. Then as it approaches the 4-minute mark, the song abruptly stops.

I kinda like it, maybe if I can appreciate the classics more I'd love this.

7/10




Songs:

Two Ton Shoe

Far From Blue (http://www.garageband.com/mp3/Two_Ton_Shoe-Far_From_Blue.mp3?|pe1|S8LTM0LdsaSnaVS2Y2s)(easy funk rock)

Shadows (http://www.garageband.com/mp3/Two_Ton_Shoe-Shadows.mp3?|pe1|S8LTM0LdsaSnaVS2Y2w)(funk ballad)

Paper Bag (http://www.garageband.com/mp3/Two_Ton_Shoe-Paper_Bag.mp3?|pe1|S8LTM0LdsaSnYVS-Yw)(pop funk)

Sippin' Down and Slippin' Away (http://www.garageband.com/mp3/Two_Ton_Shoe-Sippin__Down_and_Slippin__Away.mp3?|pe1|S8LTM0Ldsa SnaVS3am8)(acoustic)

Troopy's Blues (http://www.twotonshoe.com/TroopysBlues.mp3)(funk rock)

[Scott Herren]

dibs

[Wanker]

Hmmm, I don't think that's the right song. It's supposed to be completely acoustic.

Was there any distortion? It might've been Lightbulb Sun, but it's hard to tell.

edit: ohhh, wait, it might've been Open Mind. People should mark their songs more clearly :angry:

Thanks for reviewing it though, I'm glad you somewhat liked it.

[Scott Herren]

Troopy's Blues

There is a synth noise fading in and out, and some children playing with a bassline and drums only for a few seconds. Now a clean lead guitar comes in.

The guitar lick is pretty funky (hence the funk pop label). The vocals stylings are pretty nicely dones. They are funky. Man, that guitar lick is nasty.

The chorus is pretty nice, sounds like background vocals come in singing "gonna miss that kid". In this verse there is a sample of a kid talking, but I can't make out what exactly he is saying. It seems to fit with the song pretty well though.

Song calms down a bit at the 2:15 mark, and there is a short guitar solo. Now the vocals mimic the guitar as he goes to scat singing. Not bad, this song is awfully happy at this point.

Another round of "gonna miss that kid" lines come in, and the guitar with the wah wah effect is playing. I love that guitar lick. Yeah, so it ends about like I expected with a guitar riff and then the music stops and you can hear the kids again.

A pretty good song.

8.5/10

Moby - "Porcelain"
Phoenix - "If I Ever Feel Better"
Spiritualized - "Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space"
Erlend Øye - "Poor Leno/There is a Light that Never Goes Out"

[Happymeal]

??? I checked on songmeanings.net and the lyrics matched. Weird. Maybe I just got another version or something. I'll try to find another one..

edit: to Wanker

(not a dibs)

[Wanker]

dibs

[Wanker]

??? I checked on songmeanings.net and the lyrics matched. Weird. Maybe I just got another version or something. I'll try to find another one..

Hmmm, you're probably right actually. I just realized that the file I have specifically says '(acoustic)' so the other version might be somewhat different.

[Wanker]

Moby - Porcelain 4:01

I've heard this song before, but I haven't actually sat down to listen to it.

It starts off with a synth (?) and a then a drum beat enters. I love this freaking beat right here. A voice comes in along with a quiet piano. I can't really make out the lyrics for the chorus.

Verse comes in with Moby singing but the beat persists. There's some more piano.

"This is goodbye." I love it.

The chorus comes back along with the piano. The next verse, the synth goes away and I'm left with just the beat. There's a bridge with some variations on the piano.

Very interesting voice effects on this verse. The choruse comes back, then the beat stops and theres only synth and piano until the song ends.

I like Moby and this song :thumb: 9.5/10

Dishwalla - Charlie Brown's Parents
Smashing Pumpkins - Slunk
Explosions in the Sky - 6 Days at the Bottom of the Ocean
Explosions in the Sky - With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept (only the first 8 minutes should be sufficient)
Simon and Garfunkel - Mrs. Robinson

[Wanker]

teh bump'd

[The Ashtray Girl]

Dibs.

[The Ashtray Girl]

Explosions In The Sky - Six Days At The Bottom Of The Ocean

Starts off very calmly, slow, rippling guitar music which is nice. Some chiming chords, it's all very pretty. It's gradually getting louder, but it's still very calm and peaceful. More and more layers are adding on, with nothing being rushed nor sounding out of place.

A silence, then the drums kick in and everything steps up to match. A driving guitar riff gives the track much more pace and you feel like you've hit the main body of the song.

Everything dies away again, with just some high guitar. A riff starts building up, with many guitar parts beginning to be played.

Utter silence once again, then the guitar begins to get more trippy, as if we're descending beneath the waves.

We then move into almost another movement. Very flowing melodies, nice sounding instruments. The guitar shimmers over the top, and the simple beauty returns. It starts to build up again to the main refrain, and it's still amazing, even though it's been going for 6 minutes already. The drumming gets gradually more insistent, and more complex layers are piled on again.

More delicate riffs play, really creating the sound of the sea. I'm loving this so much, as you can probably tell. The music keeps coming up then fading away, like the waves. This is a very intelligent piece of music. It's the kind of thing I never want to stop, but it's drawing towards the end and getting faster and more intense. A few last drum beats, a little guitar and it's gone.

I absolutely adored that, it was incredibly gorgeous. 10/10

My Picks:

John Frusciante - This Cold (catchy indie rock)
Kasabian - Club Foot (dance-influenced Britrock)
Sigur Ros - Untitled 3 (experimental ambient post-rock)
The Postal Service - Weather Sensitive (alt. rock)

[Wanker]

OMG, you're the first person who reviewed that song after months of Forced Listening.

This made my day :)

[leiferikson]

Beautiful description ashtray girl! I just had to put the song on after reading that. Why did they end this song so abruptly?! I could listen to it forever

(not a dibs)

[Wanker]

Beautiful description ashtray girl! I just had to put the song on after reading that. Why did they end this song so abruptly?! I could listen to it forever

(not a dibs)

I put it right on after I read this too :p

Great song.

[leiferikson]

ok then, dibs on the postal service

[leiferikson]

EDIT: Grr i was slightly suspicious of this song being Ben Gibberd. Its actually by a band called Postal BLUE! So please ignore references to the postal service, deathcab and Gibberd.

I havent really heard The Postal Service properly yet even though i probably should have by now being a deathcab fan and all.

This song gets straight down to business with a pleasant bassline, breezy guitars and cute organs. Its very summery. It reminds of Belle and Sebastian thus far, which is a good thing! Nice intro

Whoa is this Ben Gibberd singing?! (turns out it wasnt) He sounds like a young Morrissey! :) The summery feel of the song continues throughout. Its high-tempo but kinda laid-back at the same time. I'm liking this.

Theres a break with some electrical beeps and whistles (or a strange guitar effect) which adds to the lightness and happy-vibe of the song. Stops then starts again back into the lovely chorus. Oooh some brass comes in towards the end making it feel even more uplifting. The track ends and i'm left with happy feelings glowing inside me.

Wow, what a lovely, summery song. Perfect to put on a girlfriend's mixtape methinks. I may also learn it to play to girls, they'll love it.

Great song overall. Sure to put a smile on your face. 9/10

Secret Machines - The Road Leads Where Its Led (darkish-electro-kinda-rock)
Cinematic Orchestra - Man With The Movie Camera (cinematic-orchestral-jazz)
Steel Train - Blown Away (pleasant folksy easy guitar music, i guess)
Cooper Temple Clause - Who Needs Enemies? (snarling-britrock)
Mae - Summertime (Summery emo with pianos. Its good, honest)

P.S Now to download some REAL postal service. And some postal blue too, theyre pretty good!

[moderaterock222]

You're the first person on this board that i've ever seen mention the band Mae. 'Destination:Beautiful' is a pretty good record, reminds me of 'photo album' Death Cab.

[leiferikson]

Actually somneone suggested This Time is the Last Time on page 3 of this thread I think. But yeah destination:beautiful is a pretty good album, I'm surprised not many people recognise them, I dont think I've met anyone else who knows them

[Bartender]

Dibs.

[Bartender]

Sorry, revoked. I'd gotten a source for Summertime, but it's slowed to a crawl.

[Scott Herren]

dibs

[Scott Herren]

Is the Cinematic Orchestra song called "Work It" by any chance? Because it seems that there is no song called "Man With a Movie Camera", but "Work It" comes up in Soulseek.

[Scott Herren]

Steel Train - Blown Away - 4:04

The song starts off with vocals and an acoustic guitar only. The vocals are soft, and not bad, but they don't do a whole lot for me.

After a little bit, bass guitar, electric guitar, and drums come in and the song becomes a bit fuller. There is a nice little change of a pace with the "you got a ways to go, crawling your way back home" part.

Then the song goes to lo-fi vocals which I don't really understand as they don't fit with the rest of the song. They aren't there for long, and before long there is a short piano part with bass guitar. The instrumental doesn't last for too long before another full verse comes in.

Lo-fi vocals come in one more time, followed by an instrumental part featuring a piano again, and dreamy choir-like background vocals it sounds like. The song has a different feel every minute it feels like.

The dreamy part quits abruptly and there is a piano solo that takes the song out.

Not bad, I liked it a bit.

7.5/10

Phoenix - "Love For Granted", "Victim of the Crime", "If I Ever Feel Better", or "Everything Is Everything"

[PaulR]

I'll do it.

[PaulR]

It wasn't what I was expecting. The music is uplifting in a way, but the lyrics are kinda sad.

Theres an acoustic guitar over a vocal track, with some drums and bass.

The chorus is good, it sticks and you remember the song. The vocals are good, clean and he sings good.

It ends about where it should, although you still feel like you want more.

Worth a listen if you haven't already.

8/10

The Depature - all mapped out
Poison the Well - today (smashing pumpkins cover)
The Music - Freedom Fighters
Palaxy Tracks - Up My Sleeve

[leiferikson]

Is the Cinematic Orchestra song called "Work It" by any chance? Because it seems that there is no song called "Man With a Movie Camera", but "Work It" comes up in Soulseek.

This is a bit of a late reply but yes you were right, on the soundtrack album "Man With a Movie Camera" the song is called "Work It!", but thats a different version of the song. The version I was talking about is a newer mix and is called "Man With THE Movie Camera" and is from the album Everyday. Tis a bit confusing and im not totally sure why they changed the name, probably to make things less confusing. This post is a bit pointless cos you already reviewed the Steel Train song but I thought I'd just clarify anyway.

FYI: "Man with a Movie Camera" is a kinda documentary montage thing about life in the Soviet Union made in 1929. I saw it at Shepherds Bush Empire with Cinematic Orchestra playing their own soundtrack to it live on stage behind a translucent screen onto which the film was projected, it was quite simply brilliant. This info probably belongs on the Jazz boards but I mention it here because sometimes, for fleeting moments, Cinematic O remind me of GY!BE and I think their fanbase shouldnt soley be made up of Jazz and/or trip-hop enthusiasts

[Sonic_Reducer]

dibs

[Sonic_Reducer]

Poison The Well- Today

At first i thought it was actually the smashing pumpkins song, but then the guys voice comes in. he usually does the screamo thing(to my knowledge) but in the verse he tries to be really soft, but just ends up being boring and making me wish i was listening to billy sing it instead. then once we get to the big chorus he does his scream, which in no way suits the song. the instrumentation is almost identical, and the vocals are pretty boring.

5/10

my songs:

Can- Mushroom
Sebadoh- Together or Alone
Nick Drake- Northern Sky

[Happymeal]

bump

I wanna do the Sebadoh song but it has a long queue. If anyone wants to dibs go ahead;)

edit: okay, dibs

[Happymeal]

Sebadoh - Together or Alone

So this is the first song I'm hearing from them.

The bass and guitar go in harmony with the opening riff. It's very easy and calm sounding. Soft drumming accompanies it until the vocalist comes in. I like how his voice fits in the song, though not like it's that unique; kinda reminds me of The Doves'.

Anyways, this song is a fairly straightforward, forumulaic soft indie rock song. There's not a lot of stuff going on here, just pure musings on romance. It's simple, and that's how it appeals to me. But then, there's not much that stands out in the song, other than the nice little solo in the end. Hopefully I'll get to listen to better Sebadoh songs, this interested me quite a bit.

6.5/10


Songs:

National Skyline - October(upbeat indie pop-rock, Phoenix-ish) http://www.epitonic.com/artists/nationalskyline.html

Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - Hypocrite(jazz enzemble)http://www.epitonic.com/artists/antibalasafrobeatorchestra.html

Miho Hatori - The Color of Sky (http://www.espew.com/cgi-bin/spew/188473/IncredibleMosesLeroy-TheColorOfSky.mp3)(electronic indie j-pop)

Pele - Black Socks(alt-rocky post rock) http://www.epitonic.com/artists/pele.html

Adrian Belew - Side One Teaser (http://www.murple.com/media/adrianbelew-sideoneteaser.mp3)(funk rock weird mix)