MarsKid
Mitch Worden
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Last Active 01-01-70 12:00 am
Joined 01-01-70

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01.02.23 The Weekly Dive: Hip-Hop12.28.22 Build-an-Album II, GAME OVER: Adios, Am
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12.07.22 MarsBro's NFL Ranking: Week 1412.04.22 Build-an-Album II, R12(P3): Just One of
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Build-an-Album R4: Flannel Time

You know the drill, now let's get ready for a thrill! That's right, I can rhyme. Booyah.
1Pig Destroyer
Terrifyer

The genre was GRIND, the theme was FREIGHT TRAIN, and users had to craft albums of any track number that clocked in at 30 minutes or less. The dumb rule stipulated that one of these tunes had to actually be a "genre opposite" and still work well in the album's context. After some close-calls in the post-rock round, grind turned out to be a solid outing all across the board. But just how well did some people do, and who didn't quite make the cut?
2Macho Man Randy Savage
Be A Man

For starters, kalkwiese unfortunately missed the cut for the round. As such, he is ELIMINATED. Thanks for playing, my friend. It's important to still stick around!
3SeeYouSpaceCowboy...
Fashion Statements of the Socially Aware

Steak's Album: There was a lot of aggression packed into this album, but it felt like it went more for a chaotic route than a heavy one. Certainly, highlights were abound--that drop in track 7 was damn good and track 10 went straight for the throat. But, per the theme, I wanted/expected pure heaviness out of this and I don't think this fully delivered; the math aspects ended up hindering the ultimate sonic output here, despite the moments of success that could be heard. Plus, the "dumb track" fit too easily--could have been much more different. VERDICT: 3.65
4Melt-Banana
Fetch

Zombie's Album: The first half here was pretty dire--the opener's vocals were pure trash and the following entries were okay. Converge came to save the day, and from then on this album went in. Some stuff like track 8 was just filthy fuckin' heaviness, and there were instances like track 10 that incorporated some melody. Ergo, while this was off to a poor start, it went to great lengths to salvage the remains and succeeded. VERDICT: 4.1
5Pig Destroyer
Prowler in the Yard

Berry's Album: It was hard to describe the record here since it was just able to hit the mark with exemplary competence. There was nothing inherently poor or amazing, but it was an excellent release at its core. There was a great abrasive nature that prevailed throughout the runtime and it was quite effective. Overall, a textbook shot, but not a slam-dunk. VERDICT: 4.0
6GosT
Possessor

goblin's Album: I think the opener could have been much more creatively "out-there"--GosT complimented too easily. Unlike earlier releases discussed, this had a great first half (3-5 was a damn heavy run especially) and faltered in the second (ex. the Knocked Loose track was not noteworthy in any sense). This ended up hurting the product, but it held up in general. It's important to keep consistency in mind and keep a look out for where things might start to lag. VERDICT: 3.85
7Suffering Quota
Life In Disgust

bg's Album: Similarly to Berry, bg created an album that couldn't really be criticized too much or praised too highly. Using track 6 to bridge into 7 was a great compliment and integrated the "dumb track" very well. The closing numbers (the last one for sure) were definite cherries on top of the proverbial cake. It had a good flow and kept things heavy--can't complain there. VERDICT: 4.0
8The Haxan Cloak
Excavation

Sint's Album: Darkness and heaviness were abound here, making for a brief but very memorable listening experience. Some cuts off of here, like tracks 3 and 4, felt like fucking titans despite their short lengths. The Ghengis Tron closer absolutely went in on the eardrums and it all meshed together very well thanks to the included ambient additions. Not only did things stay real low and freight train-y, but it got wrapped up in a godlike flow and perfectly dark atmosphere. Awesome job! VERDICT: 4.4
9Phobia
Grind Your Fucking Head In

Nero's Album: Whereas certain previous entries were solid but to a positive degree, this felt very much like doing-it-by-the-numbers-and-it's-okay, if that makes sense. Track runs like 4-6 were heavy, sure, but they didn't really aspire for greatness. As the album went on, the flow fell apart and practically ceased to exist, a problem only slightly alleviated by the fact that the included tunes were serviceable. The closer especially felt rather anticlimactic. Gotta keep an eye on the whole, not just the parts. VERDICT: 3.6
10IDYLLS
Prayer for Terrene

Storm's Album: And here we have another case of an album lacking full consistency. From the sexy-as-fuck opener to track 6's unexpected-but-awesome clean vocals, this album was damn good. The System of a Down track wasn't nearly as dumb as it could have been and fit way too simply. Then, track 8 had just garbage-tier vocals and the closer's snare was an actual tin can. Solid overall, but I can't stress enough how critical it is (and will continue to be) to make sure an album holds up over its runtime regardless of its length. VERDICT: 3.9
11Pig Destroyer
Terrifyer

Uzumaki's Album: This opened with one of the best dumb tracks by far, and it worked out so well. Nearly everything here was a prime slice of heavy grind to enjoy, with the lone exception being the closer, which was rather repetitive and dull. I can't deny that stuff like track 2 fuckin' fucked, man; hard to go wrong with Discordance Axis. Track 10 as well was a fearsome monster to reckon with--so was the album in its entirety. Nailed the heaviness and had a great outing with the included songs. VERDICT: 4.2
12Cave State
Cave State

Butch's Album: After last round, butch vowed to win, and he came with that attitude. A lot of the songs here mixed grind with a sort of sludgy aspect (ex. tracks 3 and 4, heavy as fuk), which made this truly hit really hard in the ears. The closer was straight-up demonic and you even made Brain Drill work well. Some stuff like track 7's wailed vox were great additions. The songs here felt top-tier and they complimented each other superbly. The theme was nailed and the genre was done proper justice. VERDICT: 4.45
13Napalm Death
Scum

neek's Album: Even though he knew nothing about grind and faced near-elimination twice in a row, neek put together something pretty incredible. The fifth track fucking ripped my face off, as did the closing run of tracks; they fit together so well in a genuinely well-crafted flow. What was truly amazing, however, was how you made the damn bleep-bloop Bon Iver work like a charm. THAT is some impressive work and was the most creative usage of the "dumb track" this round. Give yourself a pat on the back. VERDICT: 4.3
14Today Is the Day
Temple of the Morning Star

Phero's Album: Coming in a little late, this album ended up feeling a bit rushed. The "dumb track" was not integrated well at all and the quality of the songs ranged from great/good to plain average. I suppose it gets by sufficiently, but it was dangerously close to losing its grip on the round's standards. Best to keep an eye out, or an ear I guess. VERDICT: 3.65
15Pig Destroyer
Terrifyer

Give yourselves a round of applause--there wasn't a single BAD album out of this batch! That being said, this is still a competition, meaning we've got winners and losers. Here are those that climbed to the top!
FIRST PLACE: Butcherboy (4.45)
SECOND PLACE: Sinternet (4.4)
THIRD PLACE: neekafat (4.3)
The hardest choice, as usual, was picking the user kicked off the wagon. It was a close contest, but choices had to be made.
Nero (3.6) is ELIMINATED. Three people were all down on the chopping block and it took multiple listens to determine the final result. Thanks for playing, and stick around! Never know what the future holds.
16Macho Man Randy Savage
Be A Man

I couldn't hold in the laughter when I saw what this genre happened to be. The randomness of the wheel dictates that each genre is just one number--it has no other chance of being picked. Despite the low chances of any given category getting picked, this one particular one somehow made it, undoubtedly pleasing a few specific users.
17Bon Iver
For Emma, Forever Ago

Pack up your acoustic guitars and slap on some flannel, because we're about to go to FOLK. All of the songs that you include on your albums this round will have to be connected to that specific genre. Maybe grow a nice woodsy beard, if you are capable.
18Macho Man Randy Savage
Be A Man

The theme is set as Tearjerker. Folk can be all nice and cozy, sure. But I'm not up for that this go-around. Using folk, select your tunes such that your album will make me bawl my eyes out. Relationship failure, death of a loved one, and so on. Eviscerate my emotional stability with pure sadness--bonus points if I actually do get a little weepy.
19Macho Man Randy Savage
Be A Man

Like last round, there will be no limit on the amount of tracks. However, there max limit for the album is set to 50 minutes this time, giving much more room to maneuver within. Bring in some epics or a slew of short-but-incredibly-sad tunes. Feel free to run wild inside that duration. HOWEVER, YOU CAN NO LONGER REPEAT TRACKS. As soon as a user finalizes their choice on a song, it is TAKEN. First come, first serve, y'all. Get to it!
20Macho Man Randy Savage
Be A Man

Another fun "dumb rule" for your consideration: get unconventional. By that I mean at least half of your album should utilize instruments outside of your typical guitars and drums. Roll in a grand piano, bring in the orchestra--however you want to, get out there. I'd certainly appreciate anyone that manages to get pretty out-there in their choices.
21Macho Man Randy Savage
Be A Man

SUMMARY:
Genre = Folk
Theme = Tearjerker
Requirement = album is 50 min. or less; no repeated tracks
"Dumb Rule" = half or more of the album includes "unconventional" instrument(s)
22Macho Man Randy Savage
Be A Man

Contestants:
ZombieToyDuck | Storm | Pheromone | Uzumaki | Sinternet | bgellesp | butherboy | goblinilbog | BerryGarlicia | SteakByrnes | neekafat
23David Crosby
If I Could Only Remember My Name

Butch:
1. Fabrizio De Andre - La Ballate Dell'Eroe
2. Them - Baby Blue
3. Townes Van Zandt - Nothin'
4. Dillard and Clark - Polly
5. Karen Dalton - Something on Your Mind
6. Tom Verlaine - The Hawk
7. Songs Ohia - Two Blue Lights
8. Donovan - Teen Angel
9. Mark Lanegan - Come to Me
10. Sharon Van Etten - Tarifa
11. Tom Waits - Blue Valentines
12. Tim Buckley - Driftin'
24Tomberlin
At Weddings

Zombie:
1. Tomberlin- I'm Not Scared
2. Stella Donnelly- A Poem
3. Jeff Buckley- Hallelujah
4. Counting Crows- Color Blind
5. Simon and Garfunkel- Old Friends
6. The Wonder Years- Flowers Where Your Face Should Be
7. Radiohead- No Surprises
8. Frightened Rabbit- Good Arms vs Bad Arms
10. Phoebe Bridgers- Smoke Signals
11. Mount Eerie- Real Death
12. Johnny Cash- Hurt
25Mount Eerie
Clear Moon

Sint:
1. Mount Eerie - Yawning Sky
2. Ben Howard - Small Things
3. Damien Rice - 9 Crimes
4. Regina Spektor - Hero
5. Sufjan Stevens - John Wayne Gacy Jr.
6. The Antlers - Kettering
7. Laura Veirs - Sadako Folding Cranes
8. Drive-By Truckers - Little Bonnie
9. Dear's Den - Above The Clouds of Pompeii
10. Keaton Henson - You Don't Know How Lucky You Are
11. Margot & The Nuclear So and So's - Broadripple is Burning
12. Julien Baker - Something
26Typhoon (USA-OR)
Offerings

bg:
1. Mount Eerie- Crow
2. Typhoon- Unusual
3. soccer mommy- scorpio rising
4. Ben Howard- To Be Alone
5. Linda Perhaps- Hey, Who Really Cares?
6. Townes Van Zandt- Dead Flowers (banjo) (Road Songs Version)
7. Carissa's Wierd- It Was Probably Green
8. The Tiger Lillies- Cold Night in Soho
27Sparklehorse
It's a Wonderful Life

Steak:
1. Sparklehorse - It's A Wonderful Life
2. The Avett Brothers - If It's The Beaches
3. Phil Ochs - Rehearsals For Retirement
4. Townes Van Zandt - Marie
5. Bill Callahan - Ride My Arrow
6. The Mountain Goats - Pale Green Things
7. Red House Painters - Katy Song
8. Current 93 - A Sadness Song
9. Daughter - Youth (from The Wild Youth EP)
28Phil Ochs
Pleasures of the Harbor

Uzumaki:
1) Phil Ochs - The Crucifixion
2) Tom Paxton - The Last Thing On My Mind
3) Townes Van Zandt - Waitin’ Around To Die
4) John Prine - Six O’Clock News
5) John Fullbright - High Road
6) Joni Mitchell - A Case Of You
7) The Avett Brothers - The Lowering
8) Jason Isbell - Elephant
9) Dan Mangan and Shane Koyczan - Tragic Turn Of Events/Move Pen Move
29Joan Baez
Diamonds and Rust

Berry:
1. Joan Baez - Diamonds and Rust
2. Cher - Gypsies Tramps and Thieves
3. Crooked Still - Pretty Bird
4. Metallica - Low Man's Lyric
5. Neil Young - Heart of Gold
6. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Tuesday's Gone
7. Grateful Dead - Unbroken Chain
8. I Am Stretched Out on Your Grave (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHaeNfzvz7o)
30Phoebe Bridgers
Killer

neek:
Prologue: Phoebe Bridgers - “Georgia” (EP Version)
1. Ben Howard - “Nica Libres at Dusk”
2. S. Carey - “Emery”
3. Rosalia - “De Plata”
4. Damien Rice - “It Takes a Lot to Know a Man”
5. Juliana Daugherty - “Player”
6. The Swell Season - “The Moon”
7. Shawn Colvin - “Trouble”
8. Julien Baker - “Claws in Your Back”
Epilogue: Phoebe Bridgers - “Georgia” (Stranger in the Alps version)
31Woods of Ypres
Woods V: Grey Skies and Electric Light

Storm:
1. "Boots" by The Killers
2. "Epilogue" by The Antlers
3. "Touching II" by iamthemourning (self-titled album version)
4. "Wicked Game" by Phillip Phillips
5. "Tiny Sparrow" by Peter, Paul, and Mary
6. "Never Coming Home" by Pat the Bunny
7. "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac
8. "Golden Wake" by Mutual Benefit
9. "Bear" by The Antlers
10. "Fireworks" by First Aid Kit
11. "Finality" by Woods of Ypres
12. "August 1980 (June, 2011 Version) by Trophy Scars
32Elliott Smith
Either/Or

Phero:
1. Elliott Smith - Between the Bars
2. Sufjan Stevens - Mystery of Love
3. Matt Elliott - The Kursk
4. Songs: Ohia - The Lioness
5. Leonard Cohen - Famous Blue Raincoat
6. Jackson C. Frank - I Want To Be Alone
7. Joni Mitchell - The Last Time I Saw Richard
8. Closer - Blue Pussy
9. Okkervil River - So Come Back, I Am Waiting
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