Imagine the Mathematical Possibilities (Twin Kiss Reviews)

[ken]

from Woody Allen's Annie Hall:

[Rob has bailed Alvy out of jail]
Rob: Imagine my surprise when I got your call, Max.
Alvy: Yeah. I had the feeling that I got you at a bad moment. You know, I heard high-pitched squealing.
Rob: Twins, Max! 16 years-old. Can you imagine the mathematical possibilities?
Alvy: [glum] You're an actor, Max. You should be doing Shakespeare in the Park.
Rob: Oh, I did Shakespeare in the Park, Max. I got mugged. I was playing Richard the Second and two guys with leather jackets stole my leotard.

[j$]

My rebviews - now! complete with extra irritating one-liners!

Birds Are Machines - oh no they're not. Lovely piano start. 20 seconds in I start to fear that it's not an intro, it's the song. Curiously appealing all the same. Like the off-kilter percussion. Bored by 1.30. Needs words or some relation to the title (that I can get at least)

Fighting Whitey - I think you would go down in the third round. Needs a chorus that adds instrumentation rather than reducing it in my opinion. The comedy posh accent and silly-pushing-annoying shopping list lyric drag this down; or rather make it work on a novelty value only - wouldn't want to hear an album of that voice. maybe if it had come later in the stream it would have been refreshing. As it is a curiosity for me nothing more.

Luke Henley - I wonder, without any malice at all, what it is about this that you think makes it better than all your other songs? I mean I like it, all the LH benchmarks are present and correct, but it's not blowing me away? Am I missing something? As always I enjoy your collision between experimentation and song and this is good, just not so much better than other ones to justify that pimping in the prefight thread

Motor Monkies - welcome to the 80s! That drum machine is very noticeably drum machine this week. I guess it fits the Sisters of Mercy feel .... can't make out the words very clearly but I can hear the bass, which makes a nice change The mix seems a bit odd actually - like everything based around the excellent melody is under the ambient music ... still that doesn't bury a very good by the numbers goth garage section. I don't think the fast spoken bit is neccessary mind, but it doesn't go on very long.

Rik Gerblick - Best production so far. Oh, for some reason, I see the video for Mr Mister's 'Kyrie' in my head - I don't mean it sounds like that - it's just sort of vibe. A good song but not my bag. Sorry I can't think of anything else to say ... except that guitar solo comes at just the right time, but should be louder, imo ....

Starfinger - This is incredibly incredibly awesome. Like Faith No More if Mike Patton had ben allowed to bring more of his fetish weirdness to the mix. For once not being able to hear the words all that well adds to the overall ambience. freakin' brilliant.

Wayward Sway - Painting Eyes - do not try this at home. How is it 'like twins kissing ... both their brains missing'? I am probably missing your meaning, but does that really make sense? Anyway I am just rambling because the tune is pretty but it's not really grabbing me, so my mind wanders. There are some really good lines in the lyric, that one just sounded like 'well it sounds cool, let's put it in' rather than really considered. Apologies if I am wrong.

I am voting for Starfinger. I heartily encourage everyone to listen to it. A great example of pop meets experimentation!

[jack]

i agree with johnny about starfinger. most tasty indeed.

[Rik]

I sat out a few weeks, as life had gotten busy. Things are still a bit hectic, but I found some time to get a song in for this week.

Reviews of the Twin Kiss songfight, in the order which the web-page listed them.

Motor Monkeys - This is a tight production, musically. I don’t care for over-processed vocals, they’re alright in short doses but the distorted vocals throughout the song wore on me a bit. On my second listen now, I am really liking the ‘keep fighting the demons...’ part (hook?). I’ll have to come back to this one, it’s in the running for my vote.

Starfinger - Not sure what to make of this. There is a lot going on here, but none of it’s really grabbing me. Second listen, still not getting it. I can’t understand but a few of the words. Sorry, just not my style I guess.

Birds are Machines - Bad haircuts, ice cream headaches, drum solos - these are things that seem to last forever. Alright, joking aside, I like what’s going on with the piano, throw in a woman singing some cool jazz over the top and you’d have it. The drums don’t do it for me, but hey I’m only jealous that I can’t hit the tubs for a damn.

Fighting Whitey - Blond Siamese twins, joined at the lips or the hips? It’s alright if the intent was for a novelty cut.

Rik Gerblick (me) - Alright, so multiple personality disorders are nothing to make fun of, but it makes good song writing material. This bit was done on a Boss digital multitrack ‘studio’ (a first for me), not a bad piece of equipment. The effects are kind of crappy, the interface is not very intuitive, but the mastering toolkit makes it all worthwhile. The learning curve took a bit too long and I ran out of time, so I wasn’t able to find any good harmonies for the chorus. I used my scratch tracks and turned them way down. I wish I would have bumped the tempo up about 10bpm, but otherwise I am alright with the results.

Luke Henley - I have to say, I like the simple guitar bit and the concept of the vocal harmonies. The execution of the vocals don’t do it for me, you sound like a damn good singer just goofing off. The various sounds throughout are cool, although the when the stick clicks come back in where ‘she sleeps with Cherokees’ it’s a bit overpowering. The mellow ending with the piano and more subdued vocals is great.

Wayward Sway - This is good stuff. I’m not sure when this song grabbed me, I think around 10 seconds in. I like the simple acoustic, great melody, only wish it was a bit longer. More song, less ‘nothing breeds nothing’ at the end. Nevertheless, this one gets my vote.

[WeaselSlayer]

Birds Are Machines just really grabbed me. I'm so fucking into it, you can't even believe.

[Thornberry]

Alright, This is my first try at reviewing.

Rik Gerblick- Nice Pop-Rockish intro. Oo I like your voice. Im only catching about half the words on the verses. Nice Chorus. Good Harmonies on the pre-chorus and chorus. I was hopin' for a little more from that guitar solo. Over-all nice job. Could very well catch my vote.

Motor Monkeys- Intro sounds like something a 14 year old might write when first learning the guitar. As the other instruments come in, it becomes a little more mature. Oh man, after you starting singing a bit higher, this song stepped into hyper-drive. The vocals with its distorted effect are very Neil Youngish. The man talking at 2:10 is perfect for this song, What is he saying? I dont particularly like the low verses, but the Chorus Hook is so Damn, and your voice is incredible. Oh, didnt like the way it vut out at the end there, doesn't leave me with a good taste, but you as well have a good chance for my vote.

Luke Henley Ok....so you have some interesting beats going on here. If the song continues like it is so far, this will not be my bag. Very experimental and...weird. But I draw the line at experimental if I cannot tell if this person is actually musically talented, and just having some fun, or just trying to cover up the lack there-of. Next

Wayward Sway -Ok a nice releif from the last one. A Nice acoustic ballad. Careful, your voice is growing on me. Some pitch problems, but overall your tone is awesome, very honest. Ok got it, nothing breeds nothing. A bit overused. Good, you should get a few votes, just not from me.

Fighting Whitey- Fighting Whitey, who isnt? Diggin this so far. Ok Focus at :58 shifts to bass, but is the most boring bass in the whole song, as it is overall good bassing. Great words, but without a great musical backing, lowers it below the rest. Still very enjoyable to listen to.

Starfinger- Fun. Mix of rock and maybe experimental techno. Not really my bag of butterfingers, but good for what it is. Not the strongest melody, good music though.

Birds are Machines- Ok Im a sucker for pianos, lets see how you do. Ok drums doin a bit of free stylin'. Hopefully you'll come out of this into something fantastic. 1:00 in, nothing has yet happened except I feel caught in between the keyboard room and the drum room at Guitar Center. Only :30 left, any words to this one? Hum, instrumental, and not all that instrumental at that. What was the twin kiss? Piano and drums maybe being twins, making out? Just doesn't seem to fit.

Ok Motor Monkeys getting this vote, although Rik Gerblick probably would have got it any other day..

[hedidnt]

J$ wrote: Wayward Sway - Painting Eyes - do not try this at home. How is it 'like twins kissing ... both their brains missing'? I am probably missing your meaning, but does that really make sense?

Check out the lyrics in the archive. The tune may make a bit more sense.

[j$]

It does, thanks. I'm still not sure the extended metaphor of that part works, but the lyric is pretty fine. Nice.

j$

[Rik]

Im only catching about half the words on the verses.

I posted the lyrics in the archive. I really had to when a buddy misunderstood what I was singing'. It's bad girl damn it, BAD girl. Oh well, enjoy.

[starfinger]

birds are machines: i like the piano.. the drums are a bit too
distracting. but regardless, what does it have to do with the title!

fighting whitey: some of the lyrics are almost funny. the accent is
annoying. the music is not much to talk about. the un-chorus is
kind of an interesting idea in a zen way, but not in a musical way.

luke henley: i love it. it's like someone too depressed to leave
his house, even though it's being torn down around him. really
cool.

motor monkeys: yow this is great. very 90's. that melody is really
familiar. it's going to drive me crazy trying to place it, but
regardless this song is awesome. the ending is a bit abrupt.

rik gerblick: i really like your voice. this song is very good.
this sounds like a wedding band in an 80's movie. that is a
compliment.

wayward sway: this is a pretty song. i don't get the lyrics, but
that's ok. everytime i hear it, i think you are saying something
about Chuck E Cheese at the beginning.

[thehipcola]

<b>Birds Are Machines</b>
This is a pretty strong opener for this fight...love that piano, but the jumbly feel starts to get distracting in that I want it to resolve/solidify into a "thing". Crescendo at 1:20 is cool. This could be great film music... Just an impression but I wonder if the drums a little too dreamy/ambient...just a smidge more defined structure would really be great. I'm not generally a fan of instrumentals for SF, but this one kept my attention all the way through. It's obviously missing the connection to the title for the listener, so points lost there. That said, it's a keeper for me.

<b>Fighting Whitey</b>
shaker is too loud. This reminds me of something heard before, can't say what. Like the chill vocal delivery, quirky accent. Good job at making me want to stop and listen to hear what your saying. Like the title use. Personally, I'd like the vocal to sound better recorded, but you did a fine job as it is. This could be a fun remix project. I like it's simplicity. Keeper as well.

<b>Luke Henley</b>
I'm smiling and shaking my head, cuz I can't dismiss this out of hand. Obvious effort went into some production. I'm not sure it all worked, but I'm pretty sure that what you and I consider "to work" would be different. That's cool. So weird I stuck it out twice through. The water glasses stuff (or whatever it is) is pretty nice. Pretty mishmashy, but strangely appealing. I might have to keep this on weird value alone. Nice work, I think. Suffice it to say I didn't grab a title connection at all. Ok..go to bed already.

<b>Motor Monkeys</b>
I like the mix on my pc speakers. This grooves pretty good. Oh man..pan that chorus guitar out a bit..I want to hear it! I think the singing in the verses is a smidge too showtun-ish..like the bad guy's song. I like the chorus. I like the spacey talky stuff in the middle. And the verse following is perfect. I like the keyboard stuff in this tune. I think it should fade a bit back in the mix during the chorus. Good tune.

<b>Rik Gerblick</b>
This sounds like April Wine a bit. I like April Wine. I'm a sucker for 80's style metal. I think the guitar sounds crappy mono up the middle like that. Double that shit up and spread it a bit. Or just put it off to one side more to balance with the acoustic. The tone of the electric is pretty good on these speakers...maybe the guitar tone should be a bit more growly and not so metal smooth..more of a rock sound. Just a thought. Good mix, nice punchy drums, though maybe a bit more dirt in the drum sounds? They're really dry sounding. Good work though.


<b>Starfinger</b>
Right on Starfinger!!!!
Your vocals always blow me away. Great job. Kinda Mike Patton-ish... Do you like Fantomas or Mr. Bungle...I hear some of that here. This is fucking great. Great mix. Awesome vocal delivery. Those horns are awesome!!! That squelchy synth needs a smidge more uncomfortable squelch, imo. There seems to be a bit of a midrange scoop in the mix...but that could be my pc speakers. Dude...you are awesome. Great job. I'm always left satisfied after a Starfinger session. Probable Vote.

<b>Wayward Sway</b>
Tough act to follow Wayward... Just kdding. Nice voice. Great lyrics and take on the title. I'm not too keen on the mix..I'd like to hear a bit of stereo spread. Acoustic off to the side a bit, and a nice sublt room reverb for voice and guitar... Just nitpicking really. Very enjoyable tune for GandG. Keeper. No vote though.

Starfinger takes the vote in this great fight. I enjoyed this one alot. Thanks all!

[Southwest_Statistic]

The way I feel about Luke Henleys song is in my sig.

[WeaselSlayer]

You want in my pants so bad.

Love,
Luke

[Caravan Ray]

<b>Birds Are Machines</b> Pretty good stuff. A little like The Dirty Three - but with drums and piano. I like it, but I won't vote for it because it doesn't say "Twin Kiss" to me.


<b>Fighting Whitey</b> I quite like this - especially the bass "chorus" bit. Accent is more annoying than a New Zealander pretending to be a South African with a cold (apologies if it's real)


<b>Luke Henley</b> You really are quite mad aren't you Luke. I love this. The second vocal could be toned down a bit - it's distracting and doesn't add anything. The opening guitar and melody is great. Percussion could be a little tighter. Finall bit with piano is wonderful


<b>Motor Monkeys</b> Seems to have a real early 80's new wave feel - Cure? Echo & Bunnymen? I like it a lot. Great vox in the chorus.


<b>Rik Gerblick</b> Hey! Toto have entered a song on Songfight! I really hate Toto.


<b>Starfinger</b> Not unpleasant at all - but not really turning me on a lot.


<b>Wayward Sway</b> Voice is good, guitar sounds fine, tune is pleasant though predictable. Lyrics really suck.


Vote for Luke H - flawed but magnificent

[starfinger]

Do you like Fantomas or Mr. Bungle..

i love them (especially bungle) more than words. thank you for the flattering review.

-craig

[Me$$iah]

Reviews to come.

But I had to jump in to say that I think Luke Henley prefight thread boasting about this being the greatest song hed ever recorded was totally justified
It truly is amazing

Luke:
Dude that is one damn fine tune you cranked out this week. Keep it up

Me$$iah

[Stevie Windsor]

Wayward Sway A pleasant if minimalist song, nice flowing melody. Not much more to say on it except that the only flaw is that the “nothing breeds nothing” end section goes on too long.

Fighting Whitey Sorry, but I dislike the voice too much to appreciate the often clever and funny lyrics.

Luke Henley Again I can’t get past the weird vocals and the rhythm jumping all over the place. It did sound a lot better and more interesting over the piano section towards the end. Its one I’m sure I might like with repeated hearings but I don’t think I’m going to give it the chance.

Motor Monkeys (us) Our take on insanity and scizophrenia. Kicking myself for not paying closer attention to the mix. Should have panned some of the instruments better and we seem to have lost a guitar line on the verse. Kudos to the singer for his, off the top of the head, improvised lyrics.

Rik Gerblick The playing is solid and the production’s good, although it would be better being a bit louder and dirtier. It feels a bit too digitally clean to me. The vocals don’t hold up as well as the instrumentation. Good catchy chorus, would have liked a longer louder guitar solo.

Birds Are Machines I’m always a sucker for piano driven atmospheric mood music, and this rolls along nicely enough. However the drums could have been used to better effect, as they continually bash away rather then rise and fall with the piano rhythms.

Starfinger Well I may be a sucker for piano driven atmospheric mood music, but I’m much more a sucker for direct, riff based, loud, jump up and down music. Can’t think of anything to critique here. Just enjoyed it a bit more then any of the other tracks, so I guess it’ll get the vote.

1 Starfinger
2 Bird Are Machines
3 Rik Gerblick

[HeuristicsInc]

i have to admit that someone is vacuuming here so my hearing may be compromised in these reviews.

fighting - this song has cool music, but the vocals aren't up to scratch. the bass is a bit overwhelming on my system. the vox are too low in the mix, and i can't understand a bit of it. it ends without me really knowing what the point was, but it was reasonably enjoyable.

motor - i don't really know what you're saying either, but i care less and enjoy it more in this context. nice ozzy-vox. i like the tone and feel of the instrumentation and vox a lot... they mesh well.

birds - this is interesting, a little unfocused. the drums are too bass-and-no-middle so they sound all not really there. the drums and piano don't feel together.

rik - not bad! it's missing a bit in the punch department, i think that's perhaps a matter of fx/eq/mix/master that might give it that little extra oomph. but altogether very enjoyable. good lyrics.

luke - cool opening. i think this song has a lot of promise, but i don't like the sound of the vocal here. the strummed guitar or whatever is cool in an experimental sort of way. i'd like to hear this covered by somebody.

starfinger - i love the lyrical concept. awesome organ. this is classic starfinger. great vox. i don't really get the "impossibly broken" line but you knew that already. that horn sound is awesome there. you know, this reminds me of foetus's old stuff a bit (probably because of the horns used in this style of music), a bit of faith no more... i love it.

wayward - i think the chorus lines should be smooshed together more, leave less space between them. interesting concept there. i want more than the g&g i'm hearing, but this is enjoyable enough. not bad.

1: motor, rik, starfinger
2: fighting, luke, wayward

and my vote is obvious, it's starfinger all the way!
-bill

[HeuristicsInc]

i should say also that my enjoyment of luke henley's song was increased on second listen over my first impression.
-bill

[WeaselSlayer]

Aw. Thanks!

[tonetripper]

I voted starfinger.

[joe w]

Starfinger, how'd you get that organ sound?