Okay, so I have a confession.
You may have noticed that my reviews for Spintunes 19 have been rather light. This is in contrast to my previous reviews as a judge, where I would have a lot more to say. I would categorize every aspect of my rank, a comment for lyrics, a comment for arrangement, a comment for everything, for somewhere around 4 to 40 songs. The process was exhausting, but more importantly, the reaction was exhausting. And after offending some contestants, who although they may not believe it I admire and deeply respect, I decided that if I was ever invited back to judge, I would very mindfully resist saying anything negative, including what we would call “constructive criticism”. And believe me, I am very critical.
Unfortunately, this “Pollyanna” method did not work as well as I had hoped for this round. Firstly, I can apparently still get harangued for positive comments that I was hoping would be taken as respectful. Secondly, I didn’t have much comment for many of the songs here. (No, I don’t believe any of the songs were bad. I just wasn’t all that excited or inspired, sorry.) So now I’m left with very little to say because my criticisms this round outweighed my intrigues.
But I’m going to stick with my method. I would sooner defend the contestants than provoke them. If you are truly interested to know my constructive criticism, refer to this post and ask Micah for my email address. Of course, who am I among such amazing artists? I really am honored to listen to such fine works and then to have given a platform for my not-quite-educated-or-
But I do personally wonder and ask myself these questions: which ends up being louder in a contestant’s mind — the reviews or the ranks? Which will end up being more remembered over time? And will people care at all about the nice things I say, when ranks weigh heavier with more immediate consequences?
Anyway, when I think about the challenge, I realize this may have been a rather simple round. So all you needed to do was match the first two lines with the last two lines? That’s not so bad! I guess I would rank songs higher based on how creative the contestants reinforced the cycling concept in their music.
Challenge - Let's Circle Back to That: Write a circular song, in which the lyrics follow a progression that ends up where it began.
———————————————————————
Melody Klein - Too Long
Objectively, I think the atmosphere does set up well for the seething and unapologetic attitude. And does it meet the challenge? Yes, lyrically, it does. (I’m sorry, it’s a bit difficult to judge a song that judges me. I would rather let the song have the final word.)
Favorite Part: Topic - Pretty relatable, honestly, and probably with a good number of other contestants.
See-Man-Ski - Get Back (to where you came from)
Oh yes, Pixies is what I taste and what I like. I very much like the energy and delivery.
Favorite Part: Arrangement - I am fond of the genre and unapologetic repetitiveness. Really drills the matter of the situation.
Firefly - Firephyte
First, the concept is quite smart for the challenge. It blends culture and environment pretty well, and I agree with the musical direction for composition. Building, crushing, rising, burning — and yet, to me, it doesn’t sound too busy.
Favorite Part: Arrangement - The rhythm really resonates with me.
Phlub - Eternal Return
Your bio was very interesting and descriptive, thank you. “Nothing new under the sun”? From Revelations to Ecclesiastes, you touch my favorite topics.
Favorite Part: Composition - Such creative ways to mesh pitches together, but this time in the melody. And the intense buildup in the [?chorus-line] is much welcome dynamics for otherwise consistent and admittedly circular percussion.
Star Bear - Chapters
I rather admire your heart-warming directions. Like adding a piano for life-learning lessons. And musical pauses between lines. And the amplifying transition before the end certainly indicates the growth of stress.
Favorite Part: Topic - Nothing says cycle like generations of lives. A safe option.
Chewmeupspitmeout - Ad Homonym
The soft guitar play already arrests me. And it reminds me of a song I love, “Decades” by Joy Division. But your selection is more adventurous.
Favorite Part: Performance - The vocals were oddly emotional and wide-ranging, and it honestly was the most effective to keeping my attention.
Hot Pink Halo - Hexaflexagon
Absolutely fascinating background! I cannot believe how easily you mix the concepts of geometry into an avant-garde sounding set of music. Very creative. I’m glad you provided demostration vids. It was crucial to understanding the depth of your take in the challenge.
Favorite Part: Composition - To construct your music around the crazy music box play-through takes some mastery and confidence.
Sober - It’ll Be Ok
Am I crazy, or do I hear… reggae? I did not expect this rhythm, and I welcome it. Interesting choice to end the song as if it should be on repeat. Way to encourage the listener into the cycle!
Favorite Part: Songcrafting - Well produced, to deliver a light-hearted sound and surprising delivery.
Also In Blue - Howling At The Moon
So, 70s much? Love it! Is that the decade that embraced the excesses of partying? I pick Option One, btw. Less cheesy for my taste, but I really enjoyed having the option in the first place.
Favorite Part: Arrangement - Some funky instrumentation adds so much fun! The howling comes a close second.
Mandibles - Home Sweet Home At Last
This might be my favorite selection that I heard from you. Some may criticize the flaws, but the flaws were what sold me to a certain realism I enjoyed. I felt like I was in someone’s home and listening to their drama. An interesting blend of sweetness and tragedy.
Favorite Part: Songcrafting - There is a good deal I like of this song. I may be the only one that feels this way, but I can’t help it, I really enjoy the sudden and bold shifts of rhythms between the verse and chorus. I think, for some reason, the obvious flipping makes it easier to see the cycling in an emotional fashion.
Night Sky - Leave it on the TMB
The simplicity allows consistency, and the consistency shows off the cycling features very well. Honestly, this is very cute and makes for easy listening that I wouldn’t mind putting on repeat. But I think a bit of the magic is feeling like I’m having an adventure through the lyrics, but musically I feel like I’m in familiar ground. Excellent design, in my opinion.
Favorite Part: Songcrafting - Yes, I would like to put this song on repeat if I ever went casual bicycling anywhere.
Governing Dynamics - No Matter Who
Female voice! How refreshing! I wonder what the song is about, but I don’t mind the unspecific nature, it lets me label it as a thoughtful song rather than a political song. (I know that doesn’t sound right; I don’t know how else to explain it.) Your chord progressions are like comfort food to me, I just don’t get tired of it.
Favorite Part: Performance - Please tell Miss Beka thank you and invite her vocals again soon.
The Dutch Widows - Rejection Is Hard When You’re Young and In Love, But Wait Till You Get Old, Son (Shadow)
Ah, heartbreak. Not much to say for it, is there? And I think that’s what’s happening here. A sad speechlessness, a quiet despair. I find it quite effective. Did I mention I really liked your last song?
Favorite Part: Arrangement - That violin piece is particularly poignant.
Micah Sommersmith - Ordinary Time (Shadow)
Church musician, yup, I live it. Know that I absolutely appreciate this song. It is my personal favorite this round. And there is much I would like to say about it, but I’d rather talk to you myself. I hope I can do a nice cover for it, but it would be hard to build on your humble vocal-piano foundation.
Favorite Part: Songcrafting - “I’m still waiting” — simple but lovely musical passage. I could see myself playing this alone in my church.
No comments:
Post a Comment