Re:Critique Thread: Want Your Album Reviewed? - 2008/03/25 17:43mick wrote: And both views are equally important. I think the fact we did them simultaneously means we were listening to them together thousands of miles a part. Two different takes on the same music we listened to at the same time.
What could be better then that?
agreed. both very good critiques. and helpful.
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ajbrewer
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Re:Critique thread...want opinions on your music? - 2008/03/25 17:48jodiecurtis didn't get reviewed? Well I'll be you're right. Hmm...somewhere on this page I got confused, looked like there were dead ends, started looking through past pages. However, in all fairness, it does look like Melting Embers never got a deserved review anyway, so consider me...the exploder of logjams past....or something....nevermind. But, we're musicians who made an album in a month here...I'm sure we can be organized enough to get everything....reorganized. And now he has two reviews...well...
So a few more tracks on the Melting Embers page from the album now, so in addition to what I wrote yesterday...
Glad to see you cleared up "Love & Beauty," that's actually a good one. I think the first thing I listened to this morning...good one for that. A good voice, has kind of a Jewel-like quality to it. A good stong melodic guitar.
I like F Sharp...playing around some with the rhythm, a little rockier, although I could use jazzier I think too, the start-stop part is good too (the technical glossery inside my head just astounds me...lol, yea right, I claim to be a musician, in no way have I ever claimed to be technical, hopefully you'll get what I'm saying). Anway, kind of the type of stuff I play around with, so I was tapping my foot to that one...
Version 2 of "Bring You Down"-changed it up a little. Nothing major I noticed, the strumming was a little different. I think I liked the first version better. Nothing technically wrong with version 2 I think, just more a personal preference, the vocals are more up-front in the first one, (better to hear the "weaving" part I liked on there, referencing what you said about it yesterday, I would say keep it the way it is, just my opinion anyway). Guitar sounds a little brighter in the first one too.
Was "Cry Alone" there yesterday? I remember all the rest from yesterday, I don't know, I just turned 30 few months ago, my brain is probably starting to go out tha' window...mention that because it's one that jumps out at me today....a good haunting number, good voice.
Technically, the little transition-sounding glitches are still there, but the album is still quite listenable to me. As I've said before, I like, am well used to listening to, and play lo-fi stuff anyway, I think things would have to get much worse for me to really get to the point that I don't like listening to something because of technical reasons.
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ok, i'll review you...you suck...now will you review ours?
In order to receive a review of your work, dude, you gotta do one of your own. Find the next unreviewed person on the list, and expect a similarly thoughtful/extensive review for your record from the next person who chooses to have a listen.
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Plenty to choose from. If I'm not entirely mistaken, we have four reviewers presently awaiting their own reviews:
ajbrewer (Damage_ Damage- Control) The Triptones Sister Savage mick (Michelangelo)
Also, Kevin (Cville Ramblings) made another review but waived his turn in the review-queue since he's already had three. (But welcomed comments "as you please".)
If I left someone out, please correct me.
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The kids were a big part of this process and it was a lot of fun - we all spoke of how we wished someone had done this for us as kids. Of course, now I am unleashing to more musicians on the world - with the hunger... what was I thinking??? Jack (11) wrote and performed Cahebray and Broken Heart Blues - he has only been playing guitar 7 months. Amelia (13) did vocals on Sometimes and had no idea it was a rocker. Bill wrote it for her - and then had her lay down the vocals to an acoustic guitar - she thought it was folky - not really her thing - she is into Fallout Boy - so Bill snuck it out to the shed and rocked it out - she nearly croaked when she heard the final - big shit eating grin on her face!
You are all welcome to come for dinner - "and we can make music - if you know what I mean..."
Thanks again -
-jodie
PS - Mick, Bill loved the production comments -he played most of the instruments and did the production as well - so it was important to him to hear this stuff.
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ajbrewer
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Re:Critique thread...want opinions on your music? - 2008/03/25 19:24So this started about a week ago, and we're already on page 6....ok, granted, doing reviews can take up some space, but still...shows the interest is definitely there. And the thread isn't dead yet! As far as those still in the line...
Definitely me, definitely sister sav, I think triptones had a review in the past...as for mick, ???, strummin' could be right...just look back through the thread.
If you're going to look at my stuff... www.virb.com/andrewbrewer , I have the whole album up there now. Still a couple of things to do before I consider it 100% completely "done", the explanation for all that is on the virb page. But of course if you're looking for the "RPM version," it's pretty much there now.
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So i listened to what is posted on your profile. It's pure Shat, which i'm sure is exactly what you were going for. Quite amusing, indeed. Decent production and guitar playing. A couple of clever melodies and rhymes...most of it is throw away but some is catchy - i'll be humming Megatwat for the rest of the day.
Post edited by: The Triptones, at: 2008/03/25 19:32
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So i listened to what is posted on your profile. It's pure Shat, which i'm sure is exactly what you were going for. Quite amusing, indeed. Decent production and guitar playing. A couple of clever melodies and rhymes...most of it is throw away but some is catchy - i'll be humming Megatwat for the rest of the day.<br><br>Post edited by: The Triptones, at: 2008/03/25 19:32
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There is a weird glitchy thing with the demo player were it won't let me play the middle 2 songs - so I had to pretend I was in Las Vegas and push quick and hard while it scrolled by - but I got 'em! And boy am I glad I did!
First Breaking and Entering - Great song - love the idea of breaking and entering - so many fun double meanings! Once again nice changes - great melody. You had fun writing this one.
Volksmetal - HA! Love IT! This is so funny and so good. The sounds on here are perfect for this genre - and your vocals are perfect! Very German technometal-ish - industrial! You nailed this one.
Werewolf - again great writing. some of the lines killed me - "hairy back - now I'm on the rack". I love how you ended the song - lyrically - taking on the new persona. You did that seemlessly. Again, not to sound like a broken record, but your progression changes are spot on - musically and lyrically this is right on.
It was fun to hear your stuff and really listen hard. Great work!
-jodie
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Beckwith
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Re:Critique thread...want opinions on your music? - 2008/03/26 04:09Ok I got Damage Control II here. Kudos to AJ for completing the challenge, and I hope you find it helpful! If not, then well I'm just one guy with one set of opinions
Damage/Damage Control - II (ajbrewer) Short Days Your voice seems to remind me of early Tripping Daisy in this track. I like the rainy day feel of this one. It has kind of a start-stop feel to it, which at first made me think "why isn't he playing along with a metronome?" but as the song progressed, I liked it. Maybe add a second vocal track in there for some harmonies.
Always On This song begs for drums. I'm hearing a bit of Sonic Youth with the slight dissonance of the guitar. In the end, it seems like it could go places, but never quite takes off.
Chasing Ghosts I like the melody on this one, but I feel like you're concentrating too hard on playing the strings as hard as you can and not hitting the right ones. It's a good guitar cut with a good chorus, but the strong twang is a bit distracting. Here I would also try singing a bit during the chorus instead of the talking-style of singing. It could be really cool with some 'oohs' in the background too, but I am digging the guitar line. This one's a nice and melodic tune overall.
Catching Up For some reason I can't get into this one - something about how the lyrics don't quite mesh with the guitar line, or maybe it's the stop-start feel of the guitar. I think this one could be a lot better if you play along with a metronome.
Ghost Edit Even though there's two guitars playing I still feel like this track feels empty. If there was some sustain or something on the electric, that might fill it up. But it's a segue good tune that fits in the middle.
Here Again This one has a post-punk or feel to it. I think you could bring your vocals up a bit, both in level and the actual notes going a little higher. The multi-tracking adds quite a bit to the sound. I like this one, and would like it even more if your vox were up a bit.
Non-practical The closest to a singing chorus so far, and it sounds really good! I can totally picture you up on stage in a bar belting this one out with the spotlight on.
Stop Light Time to rock! Sounds good except you might be hitting those strings too hard again. I really think the drums help complete the tune.
Transitory Not sure on this one. The lyrics don't quite fit right. Using similar chords but different rhythms as before.
Long Days I like the guitar playing a lot. Both the verse and the chorus are really good. It really stands out from the rest of your tracks. Here the hard guitar playing definitely pays off, it's loud and clean!
Overall Your guitar playing is strong. Some songs have a real good feel to them, whether it's just you playing acoustic or some slight intentional dissonances. The quality of the sound is excellent, you can hear the guitar and vox (for the most part) on all of them. I think you need a band, man! You have some good songwriting abilities and when combined with drums and bass could really rock! Definitely an accomplishment putting it together in a month! Solid!Why are there two signatures?
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Beckwith
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Re:Critique thread...want opinions on your music? - 2008/03/26 04:16I'm going to get Sister Savage next, if someone wouldn't mind being so kind as to add me in the queue, it would be greatly appreciated!
I know the Triptone's been reviewed, but they actually reviewed another album after they'd already been reviewed, so maybe they can clarify whether they're up for another review or not...?
So, with the Triptones in, we got (in chronological order):
The Triptones Sister Savage mick (Michelangelo) Beckwith
I'd like to do mick, please... I'd consider it an honour. I just need two or three days to get some stuff out of my way first.
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The Triptones
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Re:Critique thread...want opinions on your music? - 2008/03/26 04:37The Tones are all good - it's all about listening to as much of everyone as you can. I don't think anyone should be discouaged to comment on any of it - the more the better.
But thanks for asking
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Beckwith
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Re:Critique thread...want opinions on your music? - 2008/03/26 04:59Well Savage isn't so "Savage" after all! Her album has some good clear production, and even a "pop hit" in "Stick Around for Joy"!
Sister savage - Trashcan Chic
Flyer Wow, this sounds really nice and clean. The guitar level is a bit high on my speakers, and the 2nd guitar is a bit soft. Nice funky rhythm, and great playing.
Tiger Lovin' Thing Very smooth. This one could really take off but never quite gets there. Builds up, and then just gets quiet. I see a big crashing chorus. This tune reminds me of "Eve's Plum"
Frozen light/little England Very tight. I really like how you get to show off the low side of your voice on this track. You definitely have an excellent voice, and it really comes through. I love how you're starting to mix it up, where the guitar was the mainpoint on the first 2 tracks, the drums and hypnotic background effects drive this one.
Stick Around for Joy This one has a very produced sound to it. Very clean. I like this song a lot. You might want to sing out a bit more, your voice sounds really laid back, which could be good, but I think a more passionate sound on this one could sound really good. Here is the one time that I notice that the verse and chorus are different, that the buildup works. I can bop my head to the chorus.
Ode to myself Love the background vox here, it really creates a nice atmosphere. The guitar seems a bit much, I might change the effect on it for something a little less punchy.
Learn to Fly Building...building.... If you could only continue the buildup with a big crash, you would have a big hit! I like the addition of the violin.
Hairpin Nice driving feel. But this one doesn't do a whole lot for me, just kinda rolls along.
Jesus Calling A good last track; "room effect" on guitar is good, it help fill it up behind your vox.
Premonition This sounds just like "Nothing Else Matters," and definitely has the same haunting kind of affect.
Overall Who the heck is your producer? This album sounds really really polished for being put together in a month! Well done!Why are there two signatures?
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Sister Savage
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Re:Critique thread...want opinions on your music? - 2008/03/26 11:16Beckwith wrote: Overall Who the heck is your producer? This album sounds really really polished for being put together in a month! Well done!
Me...mostly... "Joy" sounds so polished because it's Michelangelo's backing track. He sent it to me a couple of days before the deadline because I was running out of guitar samples. I don't tend to bother with choruses (as you noticed), but that track forced me in to it as it was already laid out. So that's very interesting!
Premonition/Nothing Else Matters - I am crushed!
Thanks - some very good advice here. May reconstruct Tiger and Learn To Fly and go for a build-up towards the end. Food for thought...Mmm, food...
Tess
PS - "Evil Plum"???
Post edited by: sister_savage, at: 2008/03/26 12:00
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Triptones...yea, I agree things shouldn't be too constricted here, if more people want to comment...
Thanks Beckwith for the review...and it's probably good that many of the things that you noticed as far as shortcomings I've come up with myself too. I got Mick to come up with some drums to "Always On" and "Chasing Ghosts." And maybe Brantley Allen to come up with bass tracks, so as soon as I get those (at least Mick's drums), they're getting slapped in there, and the songs should sound a bit more full. Unfortuantly, it was originally one of those cases where in January and into February I actually had a couple of people I knew around my area here committed to do some drums and bass for me for a couple of songs, but they flaked out on me. And I've already done the "ack-" thing with the vocals to "Chasing Ghosts," I'm going to re-do those. Just one of those times when I was listening afterwards and started thinking, geez, I could do better than this.
Edit: oh yes, "Ghost Edit," that !@#$. One of those cases where I put more stuff on top of it, and nothing sounded quite right. I had another electric guitar on top, maybe I'll re-introduce it and people can figure out what they think. I'm pretty sure it's still in the comp...just a case of un-muting that particular track and creating another mp3.
Overall though, thanks for the pretty favorable review...the ones you really liked are pretty close to in line with the ones I personal liked on my album too.
Post edited by: ajbrewer, at: 2008/03/26 15:41
Post edited by: ajbrewer, at: 2008/03/26 15:52
Post edited by: ajbrewer, at: 2008/03/26 15:55
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Raleigh
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Re:Critique thread...want opinions on your music? - 2008/03/26 16:02Just as a point of reference, I reviewed Mick's cd awhile ago. That should not stop anyone from posting their own review, but Michelangelo can be taken out of the queue.
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Well, just the guitar part. Not the vox or anything else.
PS - "Evil Plum"???
It's actually "Eve's Plum." They were a 90's band that I got into briefly. Not a bad thing. I only have their first album as a reference, so if their later stuff stinks, I didn't mean that (It's also only when the lead singer is singing and not yelling) Check out "blue" on http://www.myspace.com/evesplumrockWhy are there two signatures?
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Well, just the guitar part. Not the vox or anything else.
PS - "Evil Plum"???
It's actually "Eve's Plum." They were a 90's band that I got into briefly. Not a bad thing. I only have their first album as a reference, so if their later stuff stinks, I didn't mean that (It's also only when the lead singer is singing and not yelling) Check out "blue" on http://www.myspace.com/evesplumrock
Cheers!
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OK! This is a kind of eclectic GaragePop album that catches you by surprise with every tune. Kind of like M Ward (or that first Jonathon Richman album that sounded like the Velvets) at times but it doesn't wait around for a genre citation :~D The production is basic and this shows mostly in the way the sounds seem to be recorded in different places. It doesn't detract from the songs but forewarned is for'armed.
Late> this is a quirky instrumental that has lovely odd melodies layered over each other. A nice choice for the opening track. This album could go anywhere. Yum!
Questions> again an interesting sound pulls me in. A drag on the latin beat is nice, and the space accordian, and distorted guitar. Then the vocal. Hypnotic. Too short LOL
Drum 'n' Bass Tune> The bass is solid, the drums are steady, though the cymbals are a bit up close - a melodica solo? excellent. and I was hoping for the vocal to come back in before the solo finished but it's got that fresh approach that keeps me interested.
Wasabi> I didn't want to like this track, Dammit. That punk/grunge guitar isn't where I wanted to be right now, but the it's too late, now. Catchy.
Mad At You> Not the sort of song you want to record while the baby is asleep! This song fights with itself and wins. Great guitar at the end and the punk/velvets approach is just right for the lyrics
Number One> sounds unfinished to me in the vocal dept, though I'm not sure about that. It has it's own panache and is very free structurally
My Baby> Rockabilly with some great "mumbling Elvis" echo work and the lyrics are cool. There's no solo which is a shame as this might have gone to another level of surrealism, but I'm not complaining.
Mr Kirkpatrick> 80s electronica. Joy Division maybe? The vocals need to come up for this to work in my ears.
The Edge Of The Universe> deep trippy guitar and lovely simple upper fret work to set it off. Spaceman3 territory and good with it. A standout for me. And the bells end it perfectly.
Thank Something> great sound on the 'glockenspiel' it's like the thing is huge and the bars are the size of bricks. Love it.
From Drum'n'Bass Tune just a little tune just like the other ones that you're hearing now cause it's that golden month musical mayhem insanity of february put on your music hats put on your production hats get it all down on tape we're all a little crazy
Love it. A quirky album with a sense of the sublime and the ridiculous
Four stars (of five). i'd like to hear more attention to the vocals and the harmonies so they are a little more defined (melodically) and clearer (production-wise).
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These are the submitted songs, which are currently undergoing prep for mastering so I'm interested to hear what they sound like to you. (whoever you turn out to be LOL)
Post edited by: Gumbo, at: 2008/03/26 18:04
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Late Ok tune, for what it is, I guess it's a good way to start your album. After listening to it a few times I like it more. Is it called 'late' because some of the notes are late, especially late in the song?
Questions The guitar noise in the beginning gave me a good feeling. Aha! I was right! Guitar totally makes the song. Drums fit well, too. What are you using? Sounds like metal cans. Lyrics are a liiitle... shall we say, 'questionable,' but good, succinct song. After listening to the whole album, this one is my favorite.
D&B Song Mmm.... dubby. I like that. Seems to me the lyrics are about RPM (what else?). It would be cool if you had some fills in the drum track, the synths kinda sound a little gwonky until 2:09 and after 2:30, (I like that 'chorus' I say) a different instrument for half the improv section would have made it sound better or something.
Wasabi I'm trying to figure out if there is some kind of hidden meaning behind this song. The guitar sounds weezer-y with the vocals, but It's kinda cheesy as a whole (might be what you're going for though)
Mad at Me Vocals are very held-back. What's with the whispering? You should be singing at full volume, then mix. The song kind of chugs along, too. The melody is ok but there are some rough spots.
Number One I can relate to this song on a personal level. Besides that, I think this is a pretty good cut. The volume level kinda wobbles around during the song.
My Baby Seems like this song goes along with the previous one. A lotta echo on the vocals but it makes the song what it is, I guess. I like the 'bluh bluh bluh' part. This one could definitely stand better mixing and maybe a 2nd guitar part.
Mr Kirpatrick Kickin' melody. Vocals are too low. I can't hear what you're saying and there is too much low rumble and echo noise there.
The Edge of the Universe Very ambient yet empty, but that's what the title suggests, I suppose. Kinda reminds me of the theme from Twin Peaks.
Thank Somethin Best lyrics yet, but a lot of vocal rumble and the harmonies kinda aren't cutting it. Gotta love the twee melody, though.
Overall I like and practice the lo-fi sound myself, and to be honest, it's hard to perfect and make it sound good. With that said, I think every song on your album could be made better just with some more mixing/mastering and possibly a re-record here and there. I do give you a lot of credit for making the album quite eclectic in its musical ranges and styles. I know it's hard to A ) do this all in a month while still having a life and B ) play every instrument and track on the album and also sing, but it seems that on about half the songs you kinda gave up (that or whatever you used to record your album was analog or your software isn't great).
Post edited by: underscore1134, at: 2008/03/26 18:10
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I listened to the first 5 tracks on your profile. The ideas are pretty good. The one thing i would say for critisism, is i was kinda waiting for the songs to go somewhere, and they never really did. The first song would have been cool to have other instruments, as well as the second. I think if you were to add some other instruments to the songs, they would be much better. I liked what the guitar was doing on the second track a lot though. Keep it up!
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underscore1134
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Re:Critique thread...want opinions on your music? - 2008/03/26 18:37That's cool and all, but the tracks on my profile are out of order and the album is meant to be listened to from start to finish. It makes a lot more sense that way. Svalbard Nook is supposed to end the album (re: the 'doomsday' seed bank in Svalbard in the arctic) and Tea Party is supposed to break up more punky songs and is in a Daniel Higgs-y style. It's interesting that you think that they don't go anywhere, though. I think The Wall Within me is one of the most interesting and sonically rich songs I've ever extruded from my subconscious (with Mick's help, of course).
That being said, if you review my album you should probably listen to it in the correct order. First fifteen songs here: At Reverbnation
I listened to the songs you had on your profile, Eric. I really liked what I heard, and you are VERY talented as a vocalist, drummer and guitarist. The songs are very rich and well-put together.
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Sister Savage
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Re:Critique thread...want opinions on your music? - 2008/03/26 20:27Gumbo wrote: These are the submitted songs, which are currently undergoing prep for mastering so I'm interested to hear what they sound like to you. (whoever you turn out to be LOL)
El Stu...Damn, I peaked too soon!
Post edited by: sister_savage, at: 2008/03/26 20:27
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Me...mostly... "Joy" sounds so polished because it's Michelangelo's backing track. He sent it to me a couple of days before the deadline because I was running out of guitar samples. 
I don't tend to bother with choruses (as you noticed), but that track forced me in to it as it was already laid out. So that's very interesting!
Cheers!
