The Syndicate

10. Cathedral

Provide a piece that gave you an epiphany- a moment in which you attained a sudden understanding of something that had once eluded you. “It’s really something.”

12. Pawn LeLouch



Nickelback – “If Everyone Cared” (2005)

I’m not a Nickelback disparager nor am I a fan. They’re an okay rock band with a formulaic sound. There’s been plenty of those. I don’t mind this.

6

11. Sloonei



Flotation Toy Warning – “Even Fantastica” (2002)

Thin guitar, low accordion, a ubiquitous glissando, sputtering keys, a repeated voiceover provide a unique sonic experience. It’s a mostly pleasant, occasionally grating affair. The coda reminds greatly of Radiohead.

6

10. JaggedJimmyJay

Sigur Rós – “Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása” (1999)

Would you believe I’ve covered about sixteen Sigur Rós pieces as a commissioned project, vocals and all? It’s true. This one wasn’t one of them. I’m always glad I did that project, because before, I didn’t like Sigur Rós. I have a deeper appreciation and fondness for the music now. Elegant string arrangements there at the end.

7


9. MacDougall



Streetlight Manifesto – “We Will Fall Together” (2007)

Punk and ska were meant for each other. I love the energy. The bass work is especially excellent.

7

8. G-Man



Explosions in the Sky – “So Long, Lonesome” (2007)

This is a stunning, brief instrumental that builds a thundering crescendo over light guitars and airy piano. It’s quite a beautiful piece of music.

7

7. Lunalee



Kansas – “Going Through the Motions” (1983)

Unlike many critics, I liked Drastic Measures from the start, and it’s perhaps my favorite Kansas album from the 1980s (Audio-Visions doesn’t count because it came out in 1980). I had no idea Jon Elefante (the lead singer here) was a well-known Christian singer until I met Eloh and I tried to get her to understand the brilliance of Kansas (I’m still working on that).

7

6. nutella



Arcade Fire – “Modern Man” (2010)

First, I dig the odd time signature carrying this folky-rock song. I have not explored Arcade Fire much, but this piques my interest.

8

5. sprityo



Regina Spektor – “All the Rowboats” (2012)

Lyrics that appear to describe the cost of artistic brilliance paired with a frenetically paced piece of music with clear but rapid-fire vocals sum up the offering here. It’s a deep, meaningful piece. The denouement indeed sounds like lights out.

8

4. speedchuck



Kansas – “Desperate Times” (1995)

I bought Freaks of Nature from a discount bargain bin at a gas station on a road trip with my folks maybe when I was seventeen. I knew the song “Hope Once Again” from a compilation album and was mesmerized by the return to the violin and lead guitar interplay. With the passing of Neil Peart, Phil Ehart is now my favorite living drummer. He shines here brightly.

8

3. Turnip Head



CENTVRIES – “Time” (2016)

This is a good quality, thoughtful house music, my appreciation of which has grown gradually since my high school graduation. I really dig this.

8

2. iaafr



Tycho – “See” (2014)

Beautiful keyboard textures abound over a tasteful urban beat. On the one hand, there’s an intensity that demands attention. On the other, there’s a dreaminess begging you to erase your mind.

9

1. DharmaHelper



Cat Stevens – “Father and Son” (1970)

The first song I ever heard by Cat Stevens. The first song by Cat Stevens I ever learned to play. The same song I return to often now that I have stood on both sides of these poignant lyrics. The deeper voiced “verses” are the father giving advice to the higher pitched “choruses” of the son who insists on paving his own road. Listen to the counterpoint the second time around. The first time is the son. The second time is the father.

Joy, fear, sorrow, desperation, aspirations. All in this one simple, beautiful song.

10

9pm EST tonight.

Final round and the winner revealed.

9. A Prayer for Owen Meany

“O God—please bring him back! I shall keep asking You.” YOU ARE TO SUBMIT A SONG FROM A BAND NO LONGER WITH US THAT YOU WISH STILL WAS AROUND.


12. iaafr



1200 Micrograms – “Mescaline” (2002)

A blend of trance and heavy guitar work, I didn’t mind this once it got going. Trance music isn’t the first thing I reach for, of course.

5

11. MacDougall



Husker Du – “Don't Want to Know If you are Lonely” (1986)

This is a fine punk rock song from the mid-1980s. It doesn’t move me, but I like it still.

6


10. sprityo



“Michael Jackson” – “Leave Me Alone”

Damn I wish the original was submitted. “Leave Me Alone” is one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs. The double-time jazz feel and video game sounds don’t compare to the original.

6



9. Turnip Head



Linkin Park – “Waiting for the End” (2010)

The first of two Linkin Park songs. I often appreciate softer sections juxtaposed with heavier instrumentation, as that lends valuable dynamics to the sound. The lead vocalist sounds especially inspired here.

7

8. G-Man



George Harrison – “What is Life” (1970)

My favorite Beatles member. He has such a breadth of work with so many other musicians (rivals?). I always enjoyed this one. Great opening riff.

7


7. DharmaHelper



Prince – “Purple Rain” (1984)

Prince is an underrated guitarist. His fashion and flair might detract from it, but Mr. Nelson had chops. While not my favorite song of his, this is a classic with a searing solo.

8

6. JaggedJimmyJay



David Bowie – “Starman” (1972)

I will admit that I’m not the biggest Bowie fan, but this is one of my favorite songs of his. Yes, it temporarily borrows from “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” but I like that.

8

5. Lunalee



The Cranberries – “Dreams”

For me, The Cranberries will always be a band I heavily associate with my youth, and I didn’t even listen to them much. But Dolores O'Riordan’s voice was so enchanting.
8


4. Sloonei



Leonard Cohen – “Happens to the Heart” (2019)

I’ve always considered Cohen a poet first and a singer second, but his gravelly bass gives this work gravity and a sense of aged and decided resignation. This is a haunting, remarkable piece.

8

3. speedchuck



Weather Report – “Teen Town” (1977)

Jaco Pastorius was a crazy son of a bitch, no doubt. He was also a crazy bassist. Listen to this one if you don’t believe me.

9

2. nutella



Frightened Rabbit – “Still Want to Be Here”

Warm layers of sound envelop this well-constructed song with poignant lyrics. I love this.

9

1. Pawn Lelouch



Linkin Park – “One More Light” (2017)

Very touching song. The delayed guitar solo is tasteful and suits the rhythm. Excellent submission given the category.

10

8. The Waste Land

A monumental work dizzying in its depth, this multi-faceted poem displays the breadth of the author’s literary and historical awareness. Supply something musically complex. Interpret this however you like (unusual orchestration or instrumentation, key or time signature changes, odd rhythmic structures, studio effect trickery or anything else).


12. MacDougall



Dillinger Escape Plan – “Lurch” (2007)

I won’t mince words. I like very little extreme metal, especially that with shouted vocals.

2

11. Turnip Head



Bloc Party – “Mercury” (2008)

I’m not sure how this is musically complex. It sounds like one of those obnoxious Apple commercials they play during football games.

2

10. Sloonei

https://vimeo.com/171634946

Radiohead – “Deck’s Dark” (2016)

While pleasant, I have a hard time characterizing this as musically complex (very little Radiohead is). A decent song, nonetheless.

4

9 iaafr



Out Hud – “Dad, There’s a Little Phrase Called Too Much Information” (2002)

Overall, this is an interesting exploration in electronic experimentation. The overly distorted builds and interruptions that kill the flow and lead nowhere could have been safely disregarded.

4

8. Pawn Lelouch



The White Stripes – “Seven Nation Army” (2003)

I’m not a huge fan, but I have always liked the main riff and the how the vocals bounce off of it. It’s a solid rock song with a memorable riff.

5


7. G-Man



Frank Zappa – “The Black Page Drum Solo/Black Page #1” (1977)
As drum solos go, I didn’t find this particularly engaging. I guess I’ve just heard too many from the likes of Phil Ehart and Neal Peart. Once the other musicians enter, we’re on the right track.
6


6. Lunalee



Celtic Woman – “Butterfly” (2005)

I enjoy Celtic music a great deal. And if anything, I can tell you firsthand that this stuff is not easy to play.

7

5. sprityo



Porter Robinson – “Goodbye to a World” (2014)

The synthetic opening is appealing and brings to mind a faux 1980s (think Stranger Things) vibe. The sudden, lullaby-like vocal transition was pleasantly jolting. The diversity in electronic tones provides balance.

7


4. JaggedJimmyJay



Bach – “Fantasia & Fugue in G Minor” (c. 1720)
The organ is one of my favorite instruments. This is a domineering, discordant piece of music.
8

3. speedchuck



Thomas Dolby – “Dissidents” (1984)

For those who don’t know, Thomas Dolby is the professor who gave us “She Blinded Me with Science.” While the 80s kitsch of his music is undeniable (Dolby really wore it on his sleeve), there’s an underlying complexity in his work I find impressive.

8


2. nutella



Bobby McFerrin – “Circlesong Three” (1997)

If you don’t know Bobby McFerrin, you’ve probably heard “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” While this is still acapella, this is a great deal more complex. The piece is in 15/4 from what I can tell. Such talent, and I love powerful unaccompanied pieces.

8


1. DharmaHelper



Sweeney Todd – “Epiphany”

Not my favorite song from my favorite musical, but my second favorite song from my favorite musical. Incredible.

10

7. Snow Falling on Cedars

The path of moral responsibility is often cold and lonely. Provide something that depicts that frigidity and isolation.

12. sprityo



Imogen Heap – “Hide and Seek” (2005)

I happened to catch someone in the comments section mention “me singing into a fan when I was a kid.” I had the same thought. There’s plenty of talent and good ideas here, but they’re drowned in an abundance of jarring studio effects.

4

11. Pawn Lelouch



Ashes Remain – “On My Own” (2011)

A less interesting version of “My Own Prison” by Creed, I suppose. The musicianship is tight and does everything “right,” but the cliché factor is a little too high for my liking.

5

10. DharmaHelper



Set it Off – “Bad Guy” (2014)

Lyrically, I suppose it fits. Pop-punk songs have to have certain qualities for me to fall in love with them.

5

9. Sloonei



Electric President – “Grand Machine No. 12” (2006)

The opening felt very bleak and cold to me. The song itself took the shape of a quirky Napoleon Dynamite ditty. It’s okay. For what it’s worth, Eloh said she really liked it.

5

8. iaafr



Miike Snow – “In Search Of” (2009)

Though the more open passages with the airy reverberating vocals do give a slightly haunting feeling, the musical vibe overall reminds of dance clubs and friendly company. At times it reminds of 1980s video games. I do like the synthesizer solos squawking in and out here and there.

5

7. MacDougall



Redgum – “I Was Only Nineteen”

A Vietnam War song from the 1980s, this lays out the experiences of a young man who figuratively speaking lost his life before he could experience a mundane adulthood.

6

6. speedchuck



Persona 5 OST- “Beneath the Mask” (2017)

It’s intriguing how different people experience different things of course. To my ear, this sounds warm and inviting. It generates feelings of a quiet nightclub of which I am privileged to hold a secret membership. Thematically, this may work by isolating the lyrics (for me). I enjoyed it still.

7


5. Lunalee



Enya – “May it Be” (2001)

Enya is capable of painting an array of emotional sonic landscapes. This speaks words of encouragement in dark and mournful circumstances.

7

4. nutella



of Montreal – “Obsidian Currents”

There’s something vaguely Beatles-like here. Here, “cold and lonely” refers to doctrinal standoffishness- the inability (or unwillingness) to join humanity due to rigid, principled self-restraints. Quite an interesting choice, I think. Good song.

8

3. Turnip Head



The Barr Brothers – “You Would Have to Lose Your Mind” (2017)

An excellent submission- the allusions to grand gestures gone wrong, specifically Icarus (buried in a cold ground because he flew to close to the heat) lend weight to the feeling of hopeless isolation here.

8


2. G-Man



Ben Folds – “Still Fighting It” (2001)

This past Tuesday, my parents treated all of our kids to a movie. As much as my wife and I love each other, the house was quiet and felt cold and empty. That’s all I’ll say in relation to this one.

10

1. JaggedJimmyJay



Camel – “Ice” (1979)

Were I to choose a Camel piece to fit this category, it would be a selection from The Snow Goose, but one can’t go wrong with this beautiful piece, which I have not heard in many years. Mesmerizing and chilling instrumentation abound. Latimer is a highly underrated guitarist.

10

Tuesday evening.

Same time if that's all right for everyone.

TH's score was 8 that round.

JaggedJimmyJay wrote: ↑Mon Jan 06, 2020 2:15 pm I may add up all the points tonight if I get a moment.

If you wish.

speedchuck wrote: ↑Mon Jan 06, 2020 12:17 pm Next round when?

Tomorrow, same time?

Reminder:

Rounds 7 and 8 tonight at 9pm EST.

Hope to see you there.

I can do Thursday at 9pm EST. That suits me finely.

Thursdays are good for me too (very little basketball action).

If more people can't do NYE, that's fine. I'm on break until the 6th. You all talk among yourselves and decide when we be best for the most folk. I can make a poll if anybody thinks that's a good idea.

If a New Year's Eve thing is wanted, I can do that.

However, I would need to begin earlier (7pm EST).

Let's hear from others first.

House of Sand and Fog

Conflict seems inevitable when cultures clash, especially where real estate is concerned. Show that such differences can coexist harmoniously- at least musically. Choose a piece that highlights elements of two or more ethnicities at the same time.

12. sprityo



Undertale – “Empty House” (2015)

I don’t know what two cultures I’m hearing. Ghosts and rappers? It’s okay. But given the strength of many of the other submissions, piano and hip hop isn’t going to quite cut it.

4

11. Pawn LeLouche



Bob Marley – “Buffalo Soldier” (1984)

Great song. But this is reggae. There isn’t much of a musical blend.

5

10. iaafr



Gorillaz – “White Flag” (2010)

Largely, this song blends island music and rap with some Eastern European (almost Russian) orchestral bits (it’s reminiscent of Tchaikovsky). It’s a good submission for the category though it doesn’t do much for my taste.

6

9. DharmaHelper



The Hamilton Mixtape: Immigrants (We Get the Job Done) (2016)

Mexican & American rap. This is a political piece that places all immigrants on an equal pedestal. I won’t comment on that. What I will say is that having a rap song in two languages requires the listener to realize he or she is limited in that linguistic capacity and therefore cannot fully appreciate the song.

6

8. Sloonei



“Emily Wells - Symphony 2 & the Click Boom Boom” (2008)

American pop music meets Eastern European symphonic music, I suppose. While I enjoyed what I heard, it didn’t grab my attention. It sounded like an amalgamation for the sake of an amalgamation.

6

7. nutella



“Keola & Kapono Beamer” - Mr. Sun Cho Lee (1975)

Musically, there’s a blend of Mexican / Tejano stylings, country & western, and Hawaiian sensibilities. I’m burying the lede, of course. This is a song about Hawaiian stereotypes. Just enjoy it. The line about the cocktail waitress had me crying.

7

6. G-Man



Paul Simon – “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” (1986)

Fusing Paul Simons’ downy voice and pairing with South African musicianship isn’t a bad thing. Fretless bass and the choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo are highlights. Great pick.

7

5. MacDougall



Yothu Yindi – “Treaty” (1991)

Aboriginal new wave. Never thought of that, but here we are. I dig it.

7

4. JaggedJimmyJay



CunninLynguists – “The Gates” (2006)

Trip-hop, acoustic guitar solos, and rap that sounds like a middle-class white guy offers. I don’t get it, but I love it.

7

3. speedchuck



The Hu – “Yuve Yuve Yu” (2018)

Not to be confused with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend and company, The Hu fuses hard rock and Mongolian traditional instrumentation and throat singing. I didn’t think I was going to like this.

But I did.

8

2. Lunalee



Ed Sheeran – “Galway Girl” (2017)

Irish hip hop? I’ll have a pint and an ounce. Great craic.

8

1. Turnip Head



Mumford & Sons, Baaba Maal - There Will Be Time (2016)

I loved this. I have no idea what that man is saying, but I am amazed at his delivery, energy, and conviction.

10

Thanatopsis

We should not fear death, as we return to that from whence we came and by which we were sustained. Find the inner Romanticist within and select a piece that highlights the importance or role of nature.

12. Pawn LeLouche



5 Seconds of Summer – Youngblood (2018)

I’m not sure if this wasn’t the right submission or if the category was misunderstood. It isn’t a terrible pop-rock song, but I don’t know what it has to do with nature.

2

11. Turnip Head



Miley Cyrus – “1 Sun” (2015)

While I appreciate the sentiment contained in the lyrics, the grainy production quality combined with the sluggish vocal delivery (and clipped vocal tracks) makes me want to look for the nearest shuttle heading for the sun.

That’s exaggeration. It isn’t the worst thing I’ve heard, but just be advised that you’re being brave if you give me Miley Cyrus.

3

10. Sloonei



Gorillaz – “Fire Coming Out of a Monkey’s Head” (2005)

I appreciate the creativity behind this one, but it seems to carry on about international relationships, imperialism, and so forth without focusing on nature (except for a bitching volcanic eruption). Not a bad song or story though.

4

9. DharmaHelper



Florence + the Machine – “Jenny of Oldstones” (2019)

Though I am somewhat familiar with the lore of the title character, and though Game of Thrones is enough to evoke the cold harshness of winter on its own, this charming yet haunting piece does just enough to do the same.

5


8. MacDougall



Ball Park Music – “It’s Nice to Be Alive” (2011)

Be glad you’re here because you’re here. You’re a part of nature, after all. The optimistic enthusiasm is catchy, though the requisite themes are not overt.

5

7. nutella



Blackbird Raum – “Silent Spring” (2008)

A jaunty selection bemoaning the industrial takeover of natural beauty (a more raucous version of Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi”), the lyrics fit the category just fine, though I find the vocal delivery grating.

Is it wrong of me that I picture Greta Thunberg clogging to this?

6


6. Lunalee



Nants' Ingonyama – “Circle of Life” (2019)

While this is on the nose, I can’t fault the submission. It’s a strong pick for obvious reasons. I still remember being a kid and seeing Simba being lifted off that cliff by Rafiki and thinking, “If that baboon isn’t careful, that cub is grass for the antelopes.”

7

5. G-Man



Incubus – “Wish You Were Here” (2001)

I am fan of Incubus’ sound, though it may be true that I am more of a fan of the album Make Yourself, as some of their other albums failed to capture me as that one did. That said, this is a track I always liked. The lyrics describe a vivid beach scene and a longing for someone to share it with.

7

4. sprityo



Emancipator – “First Snow” (2006)

Unlike another submission from this same artist for this very category, I find the effects to be intrusive, offering a more electronic, inorganic substance (particularly the vocal intrusions). That aside, this is a groovy trip-hop piece that I enjoyed tremendously.

8

3. JaggedJimmyJay



Joanna Newsome – “Baby Birch” (2010)

I’ve read that this song is an ode to an unborn / unwanted / unaccepted baby. I don’t know enough about the harpist songwriter to comment on that, but regardless, this is a haunting, ambiguous piece that could easily be interpreted to mean a whole mess of things, and given the explicit mention of a tree, mankind’s relationship to nature is well within that realm. With verses starting as though they are a recitation of “Amazing Grace,” the sudden minor chord shudders.

8

2. speedchuck



The Devin Townsend Project – “Winter” (2009)

Few songs can squeeze so much nuance out of a single lyric. A similar song that springs (ha!) to mind is “Winter Time” by The Steve Miller Band, which might be my favorite song he ever recorded. For what it’s worth, I don’t own any DTP albums, and have only heard a few songs of his (and this wasn’t one). The swirling sadness evoked by the guitars drives me into the solitude and quietness that winter evokes.

Incredible.

9

1. iaafr



Emancipator – “Safe in the Steep Cliffs” (2010)

As a multi-instrumentalist myself, I was greatly impressed here. Thematically, the music whisks me away to distant, mist-ridden mountains. It’s adventurous without being busy. I also appreciate that the artist lets the composition breathe organically, sparingly using technological effects to enhance the natural beauty of the instrumentation.

And I now have an album I must explore in full.

10

Of Mice and Men

Our best-laid plans oft gang awry. Choose a piece that reflects a personal failure in your own life, or, if you prefer, one that reflects on failure in general.

12. Lunalee



Clean Bandit – “Rockabye” (2016)

Truth be told, this would have worked in the Elmer Gantry category. Electronic reggaeton surrounding lyrics about a single mother trying to raise a child? Lyrically, I find perseverance in this rather than failure.

4

11. iaafr



Wavves – “Green Eyes” (2010)

Full of self-loathing and protestations that the singer doesn’t care about what people think about him (when clearly that isn’t the case), this is an apropos 21st century submission. I was never the biggest punk rock / skater music fan, but this isn’t that bad.

6

10. sprityo



I Fight Dragons – “The Faster the Treadmill”

I enjoy the bass input in this punk rocker. As with other submissions, there’s an element of determination and optimism here rather than failure. Not bad.

6


9. MacDougall

Thrice – “The Melting Point of Wax” (2003)



This metal song alludes to the story of Icarus, a myth I always liked as a child (and a subject of not just one but two great Kansas songs). Failure is considered here, but the attitude of the song is one in which I hear more determination than dejection.

6


8. nutella



Cold Weather Company – “Reflection” (2016)

Great submission both musically and lyrically. The instrumentation and progression of musical ideas are wonderful. I’m just not wild about the lead vocalist, who sounds like a theatrical Eric Bloom (Blue Oyster Cult).

7

7. Sloonei

Cat Power – “The Greatest” (2006)



There’s a sure sense of disillusionment with one’s own aspirations here, make no mistake. There’s a folky slackness I appreciate here. Lovely. Beautiful tremolo on the guitar.

7

6. speedchuck



Versus Them – “Impossible Dreams” (2016)

I had not ever heard of Versus Them before, but there’s a tinge of jazz in this otherwise straightforward rock fare. I dig the riffs, drumming, and vocal harmonies here. And God bless them, a guitar solo with dual lead harmonies in there.

7

5. Turnip Head



Sarah Jeff – “Clementine” (2010)

The song beautifully conveys the concept of doing everything and still not finding fulfillment in any of it.

7

4. DharmaHelper



Ed Sheeran – “Bloodstream” (2014)

I only know Ed Sheeran’s cover of “Let’s Get it On.” For that reason it’s nice to hear something that sounds remotely original. Were I to compare this to someone else for the sake of doing it, I would say this is firmly in Peter Gabriel territory, and it sounds very pleasant and despite staying upbeat musically, it rubs some salt into some emotional wounds.

8

3. JaggedJimmyJay

The National – “I Should Live in Salt” (2013)



Something tells me there a very deep personal link to this one. The repeated line paired with the offbeat drum patter deepens the emptiness of the line.

8

2. Pawn LeLouch



Anna Clendening – “To My Parents” (2016)

The lyrics and the music here exude youthful regret. There is absolutely nothing self-serving in this recording. It sounds sincere and takes responsibility for youthful indiscretions. Beautifully done.

9

1. G-Man



Johnny Cash – “Hurt” (2002)

I hope I never reach the end of my life and record this.

I hope that never happens.

There was a stretch in my life when this version of this song made me really think about some of the choices I was making.

I’m glad I gave up building that empire of dirt.

10

Elmer Gantry

A silver-tongued evangelist who leads a secret life of indulgence? Unheard of! Find something with a musical mood that is belied by its lyrical content (or the other way around).

12. sprityo



Mystery Skulls – “Money” (2011)

The heavy electronic backing and lyrics about money don’t grant the impression of a contrast here. Beyond that, it’s not something I’d find myself listening to for my own enjoyment.

3

11. JaggedJimmyJay



PJ Harvey - “The Words that Maketh Murder” (2011)

The music is dark but so are the lyrics. While I’m not wild about the intermittent vocal glissando, the coda is a cool allusion to “Summertime Blues.”

4

10. DharmaHelper



Carly Rae Jepson – “Cry” (2016)

I’m not sure how the music differs much from the lyrics here. It sounds like a girl ruing her man’s dedication to masculinity. As a pop song, I don’t mind it.

5



9. Sloonei



Oscar Isaac & Marcus Mumford – “Fare Thee Well (Dink’s Song)” (2013)

I like this. Overall though the music closely matches the lyrical content to my ear. I adore the mandolin here.

5


8. speedchuck



Da Vinci’s Notebook - “Another Irish Drinking Song” (2002)

I can appreciate a litany of stereotypes. There’s an Irish bar not far from where I grew up (and have been to at least once), this sounds like something I would hear there. It’s amusing, but there’s not much dissonance between the music and the lyrical content. Still fun.

5

7. G-Man

The Clash – “Hitsville UK” (1981)

There’s an upbeat Motown rhythm underlying this tune decrying traditional labels and celebrating the emergence of the British indie scene, which makes sense given the nickname of Motown’s first headquarters.

6

6. MacDougall



The Smith Street Band – “Passiona” (2017)

Hearkening to 1990s happy pop rock, the lyrics here delve into the singer’s insecurities, anxiety, thoughts of self-harm and sorrow. While not something I’d listen to for my own pleasure, it’s a great choice for this category.

7


5. Pawn LeLouch

Hollywood Undead – “Bullet” (2011)

Beastie Boys meets bright pop rock. Lyrics about suicide and abandonment. Capped off by a child’s singing. Yep.

8

4. iaafr



Metric – “Soft Rock Star” (2007)

Highly pleasant semi-bubble gum pop rock paired with lyrics about youthful angst certainly fits the bill.

8

3. nutella



The Mountain Goats – “No Children”

A jaunty little cynical folk number, the music has a barroom singalong feel. There’s a forced smile that comes with these lyrics. Let’s find the joy in our most miserable relationships.

8

2. Turnip Head



Everything Everything – “Duet” (2013)

Chamber pop and airy vocals about witnessing the end of the world with a loved one (apparently)- that will do. To my mind, a duet (the title) involves two people creating something beautiful. In this case, it’s two people beholding something horrific.

9


1. Lunalee



That Handsome Devil – “Charlie’s Inferno” (2011)

The juxtaposition of happy-go-lucky showtune-like elevator music next to the story of a guy who thought he did everything right and went to Hell anyway is not even the best part of this submission although it was what was required. The flawless flow of lyrics and clever rhyming that keeps the listener on the toes is brilliant. I’ve never heard of this group before, but this was a triumph. The double entendre about “what they wanted” (regarding the angels and the demons) makes me smile.

10

Next session: Saturday, Sunday, Monday or Tuesday?

Time is a bit more flexible but I'd like to keep it close to 9pm EST for the West coast folk (nutella).

Same time same place then.

I'm much more flexible this week than I was. I'll accept votes for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday of this week at 9pm EST. Let me know what works and I'll try to be more accommodating.

[mention]sprityo[/mention], [mention]nutella[/mention], [mention]DharmaHelper[/mention], [mention]Lunalee[/mention], [mention]speedchuck[/mention], [mention]Turnip Head[/mention], [mention]JaggedJimmyJay[/mention], [mention]G-Man[/mention], [mention]Sloonei[/mention], [mention]birdwithteeth11[/mention], [mention]iaafr[/mention], [mention]MacDougall[/mention], [mention]Pawn Lelouch[/mention]

See you all in 30 minutes in discord if you are keen.

9pm EST for Round II.

Good Country People

Find me a good country song. That’s all, y’all. Be good country people.

12. Turnip Head



Kip Moore – “Somethin' 'Bout A Truck” (2012)

I understand simple country songs meant to appeal to young horny people and their popularity, but I’d never heard this one before. My only rebuttal is that I got plenty of action off of a two-toned Chevy Cavalier with no AC and no front bumper.

6

12. sprityo



Blake Shelton – “Honey Bee” (2011)

I don’t mind Blake Shelton, but this is about as cliché as it gets. Not bad, but it’s more something I’d be willing to play for a drunken party than I would listen to. Good guitar solo (as expected).

6

10. iaafr



The Black Keys – “Busted” (2002)

Offering a blues-laden gospel approach that basically built The Allman Brothers Band, I appreciate this a great deal. I don’t really consider this country music though. It’s rooted in the tradition of bands like Cream or Derek and the Dominoes.

6

9. Sloonei



Purple Mountains – “Darkness and Cold” (2019)

To me, this is dark comedy Ray Stevens kind of stuff. It looks like it’s meant to be taken seriously, but the listener really has to wonder.

6

8. speedchuck



Garth Brooks – “Rodeo” (1991)

Grew up with this one (grew up with all of Garth for that matter). Truth be told, a number of Brooks songs could have done the job for me here. “Rodeo” was always one I liked but was never a huge favorite compared to others. Note though the rapid-fire vocal delivery that mirrors the subtle marriage of blossoming rap music and traditional country music sensibilities. Great submission.

7

7. G-Man



Loretta Lynn – “Van Lear Rose” (2004)

Loretta Lynn is a country legend. Folks, she’s Kentucky-born, 82-years-old, and has like fifty albums to her name. What’s noteworthy here is that this blends early country songwriting styles with heavier instrumentation. If I had a criticism, it’s the main guitar is unnecessarily dirty. Dial back on that distortion, and this submission doesn’t lose a point.

7

6. nutella



I love the harmonies and Gordon Lightfoot-like guitar pacing and acoustic guitar here. This is not an obvious country submission, but it has those ingredients.

8

5. Lunalee



This is the obvious Keith Urban tune. Good banjo and good refrain. I like this song. And as always, great guitar work.

8

4. DharmaHelper



Johnny Cash – “Wayfaring Stranger” (2000)

Almost any Johnny Cash song is going to rate high here. I can’t lie about that. The songs Cash recorded toward the end of his life well up within me a sense of sadness that I have no right of understanding yet. This is one of those.

8

3. JaggedJimmyJay



Kacey Musgraves - Slow Burn

The line “Grandma cried when I pierced my nose” sounds flippant, but I get it. As I get older, newer generations make less sense to me. I understand. I have heard of this artist but never heard her. This makes me want to dive deeper. Excellent submission.

8

2. Pawn Lelouch



Brad Paisley - Whiskey Lullaby (2003)

Beautiful country song. I like Paisley as a guitarist, but I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know this one. Great song. Thank you.

9


1. MacDougall



Jenny Lewis And The Watson Twins – “Rise Up (With Fists!!)” (2006)

My late great-grandmother watched “Hee-Haw” and therefore so did we. Yes, I play guitar. Yes, I play banjo. Yes, I play slide. Yes, I embrace my country heritage musically. Yes, I’m religious. Look at the lyrics. Folks, this is the Flannery O’Connor of country music. Brilliant.

10

The Great Gatsby

Take me to Gatsby’s mansion today, old sport. What might I hear in a contemporary setting? I’m looking for something in the 21st century that would fit right in a party at East Egg.

12. MacDougall

Midlake – “Roscoe” (2006)



While I like this folk-rock song, it doesn’t invite me to 1920s indulgence. It is quite an enjoyable tune, but to me it doesn’t fit the description. Maybe this is a better fit for the Valley of Ashes.

4

11. sprityo

Caravan Palace – “Wonderland” (2015)



French electronic group Caravan Palace (whom I had not heard of before) fuses heavy electronic pop with 1920s-1930s jazz, which fits the category very well. There’s too much stuttering in the second half of the track for my liking, though, and overall there’s an overreliance on audio effects and a general quality of busyness.

5

10. Turnip Head

Adele – Rumor Has It



Given how much I like Stevie Nicks, one would think I’d like Adele’s smoky, sultry vocals, but I never became a fan. This particular song gives me the sense of the party winding down, with people complaining about it being time to go home, sobbing, accusing, and yes, obviously, spreading rumors. Not a bad pick.

6


9. G-Man

Gnarls Barkley – “Smiley Faces” (2006)



Upbeat and catchy, this number certainly invites dance and a festive atmosphere. There’s more of a Motown / 1960s feel in this one though, which is why I don’t think it matches the category as well as some of the other submissions.

6

8. iaafr

Wolfgang Lohr – “Upside Down” (2018)



Fusing electronic and salsa music and featuring a brilliant, albeit brief piano solo, this fits the category well. The scat ending is a lovely touch.

7


7. nutella

Parov Stelar – “Ragtime Cat” (2009)



Providing a salsa vibe from time to time, the heavy emphasis is on the electronics. I can visualize a crowd of well-to-do drinkers grooving while others attempt speculation about their host in spite of the abandon around them. This is a very strong submission.

7

6. JaggedJimmyJay

Alice Francis – “St James Ballroom” (2005)



Alice Francis is a German singer I’d not heard of before. This selection is an on-the-nose take on the category, as one can hear. It exudes 21st century flapper sensibilities adding in a bit of Andrews Sisters style vocal harmonies.

8

5. Pawn Lelouch



Emeli Sandé & The Bryan Ferry Orchestra – “Crazy in Love” (2013)

This is on the verge of cheating. Shame, shame. Can’t fault it! Good play old sport. I do enjoy modern music performed in an antique style (Bioshock Infinite’s soundtrack made a point of doing just this).

8

4. Sloonei

Janelle Monáe – “Tightrope” (2009)



There’s a great degree of energy here, and the backing groove is reminiscent of Pharrell’s “Happy.” Big Boi makes an appearance. What I appreciate about this song is that it doesn’t sit in one place, and the second, quieter half succeeds in grabbing my attention even more so than the frenetic first half did.

8

3. Lunalee

Caravan Palace – “Lone Digger” (2015)



We have a second tune from the same album. I much prefer this one. The brass is terrifically interspersed throughout. The primary emphasis is on the electronics rather than on the jazz however, which takes things down one notch. This is a brilliant submission to this category.

8

2. DharmaHelper

Flo Rider – “My House” (2015)



Eschewing any jazz sensibilities I may have invited, this submission takes a more lyrical embracing of the theme. The faux brass is subtly present (and given the novel in question, faux is perfectly fine). The artist invites debauchery and recklessness in his own abode. It doesn’t get much more Gatsby than that, does it?

9

1. speedchuck

Swingrowers – “That’s Right” (2015)



This is scratching the itch right out of the gate. Described as “electro swing,” the walking electronic bass and effects juxtaposed with jazzy guitar and a raunchy sax solo is something I have not heard done in quite this way before. If the music wasn’t enough, that sultry voice belting rapid-fire lyrics is East Egg gravy. Not bad for a guy who “didn’t get the category.”

10

Here there be Gambler's Fallacy.

I'll post them when I get a chance.

9pm EST tonight! Hope to see you all in discord.

I can.

On each instrument.

Turnip Head wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 9:34 pm The second half of the week works better for me since I work nights Monday - Wednesday at my second job. But I don't mind catching up after you're done

I've got concerts to play the latter half of the next two weeks.

Actually scratch all of that. I'm dumb.

Tuesday is the ONLY day I can do this.

Tuesday at 9pm EST it is.

speedchuck wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 8:27 pm

Epignosis wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 6:43 pm How's Monday, 9pm EST looking for everyone?

Probably a no-go for me. But if most people can make it, go ahead!

I'm not married to it. Tuesday better?

I'm through round 1. I'll be starting round 2 maybe tomorrow.

How's Monday, 9pm EST looking for everyone?

[mention]Turnip Head[/mention]

Just a reminder to get your stuff in by tomorrow.

JaggedJimmyJay wrote: ↑Sun Nov 24, 2019 10:48 pm If I haven't sent something by Tuesday night, kick me in the ass. I'll get on it.

Do you need more time than that? I don't mind accommodating.

Hard deadline is Wednesday, November 27, 2019. That gives me the bulk of Thanksgiving break to process submissions.

That's fine. I'll come up with another date later.

I can extend the deadline if need be. I'm not married to this Sunday. Just let me know anyone.

G-Man wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 10:28 pm Do we have to send our list in via the sock account or can we send it to you directly?

Directly is fine.

JaggedJimmyJay wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 7:51 pm I ain't done shit yet.

That's the spirit.

[mention]sprityo[/mention]
[mention]nutella[/mention]
[mention]Lunalee[/mention]
[mention]Turnip Head[/mention]
[mention]JaggedJimmyJay[/mention]
[mention]G-Man[/mention]
[mention]Sloonei[/mention]

See the clarification here. I apologize for any inconvenience.

speedchuck wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 7:20 pm

Epignosis wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 7:17 pm I worded something incorrectly.

The point of #9 is to be a musician no longer with us (i.e., a dead person).

Nobody has sent anything yet, so I'm going to update it to reflect my original intention.

Well darn and also EXCUUUUUSE you, I already sent all of the things. Even #1 which I'm not entirely sure about.

Are you sure? My inbox doesn't have anything from anybody regarding this. The last PM I have is dated November 16, and I posted the original post here the day after.

I thought you were joking about #1. Sorry about that.

For #1, I'm looking for something that could go with any of these images for example, but was produced in the 21st century:

I worded something incorrectly.

The point of #9 is to be a musician no longer with us (i.e., a dead person).

Nobody has sent anything yet, so I'm going to update it to reflect my original intention.

If you have a specific question, feel free to ask though.

I'd rather not.

Let's shoot for a week. So Sunday next.

No due date yet. Let's see how things go. I'm very busy with rehearsals right now. I'm not in a hurry.

See the syllabus here.

Grading scale: 1-10 (whole numbers only).

1. The Great Gatsby

Take me to Gatsby’s mansion today, old sport. What might I hear in a contemporary setting? I’m looking for something in the 21st century that would fit right in a party at East Egg.

2. Good Country People

Find me a good country song. That’s all, y’all. Be good country people.

3. Elmer Gantry

A silver-tongued evangelist who leads a secret life of indulgence? Unheard of! Find something with a musical mood that is belied by its lyrical content (or the other way around).

4. Of Mice and Men

Our best-laid plans oft gang awry. Choose a piece that reflects a personal failure in your own life, or, if you prefer, one that reflects on failure in general.

5. Thanatopsis

We should not fear death, as we return to that from whence we came and by which we were sustained. Find the inner Romanticist within and select a piece that highlights the importance or role of nature.

6. House of Sand and Fog

Conflict seems inevitable when cultures clash, especially where real estate is concerned. Show that such differences can coexist harmoniously- at least musically. Choose a piece that highlights elements of two or more ethnicities at the same time.

7. Snow Falling on Cedars

The path of moral responsibility is often cold and lonely. Provide something that depicts that frigidity and isolation.

8. The Waste Land

A monumental work dizzying in its depth, this multi-faceted poem displays the breadth of the author’s literary and historical awareness. Supply something musically complex. Interpret this however you like (unusual orchestration or instrumentation, key or time signature changes, odd rhythmic structures, studio effect trickery or anything else).

9. A Prayer for Owen Meany

“O God—please bring him back! I shall keep asking You.” YOU ARE TO SUBMIT A SONG FROM A MUSICIAN NO LONGER WITH US THAT YOU WISH STILL WAS AROUND.

10. Cathedral

Provide a piece that gave you an epiphany- a moment in which you attained a sudden understanding of something that had once eluded you. “It’s really something.”