Nur Ein VI Round Two "Blame It On Ginger

glennny · Post by **glennny** » Tue May 03, 2011 5:10 am

Frankie said:

As for the lyrical disclaimer--what can any of us possibly do when put in this impossible situation? An autobiographical song called "Blame it on Ginger" is a pretty tall order if you don't know anyone named Ginger and/or you haven't had any life-changing experiences with the root or the pop. So I just drew upon personal experiences, embellished a little, dramatized a lot and voilà. Thanks for the positive vibes.

I think you handled the challenge well. And what you did was the right thing to do. But I don't think you needed to tell us that in the lyrics.

dantes · Post by **dantes** » Tue May 03, 2011 5:23 am

glennny wrote: Bram Tant- Why are there no drums? This style does not lend itself to be drumless. The guitar line isn’t bad. The bass is okay. The whole song is undercooked. Sounds like you were pressed for time. The melody isn’t doing anything for me. I don’t like the guitar tone, and that’s the most interesting part. Sorry, I don’t like this, but you know this is underdeveloped.

Actually, I don't think drums are necessary, but that might just be because I'm used to working on music without drums. I guess maybe it could use some, but that's something to ponder later. This certainly wasn't a finished effort by any means, the guitar part was something I'd been working on for a little while but not yet complete and I just figured out a bass line to go with it when I was quickly recording on Sunday night. Guitar tone-wise, yeah, I wanted to record it on acoustic but couldn't, doesn't really fit clean electric as much.

As for the lyrical disclaimer--what can any of us possibly do when put in this impossible situation? An autobiographical song called "Blame it on Ginger" is a pretty tall order if you don't know anyone named Ginger and/or you haven't had any life-changing experiences with the root or the pop.

Exactly the same for me, which is why I couldn't put anything lyrically coherent together.

Ross · Post by **Ross** » Tue May 03, 2011 6:14 am

frankie big face wrote:
glennny wrote: Frankie Big Face- In all seriousness, I appreciate the large file. 11Mb file to me means you care what the drums sound like. I love hearing all of the nuances of the brushes across the snare, the cymbals that actually decay. I just love this track. It doesn’t work as well when I’m rockin down the highway, but middle of the night headphone listening, this is divine. I really like the cello line, but I do yearn slightly for a bass guitar. Probably in addition, not replacing. I like the bridge: Listening, History, Mystery rhymes. Unfortunately, you and Jon Eric both did the “some of the names have been changed” which decreases the value for both of you. (Saturated market). Anyway, that’s all nit pickin. Great track!
Thanks man. I thought about adding a bass and I recognize that the song lacks punch when it needs it. The drums are samples and I wonder if I could have pulled it off with a real drummer. I'm glad you think the cello is okay. I'm not a cellist and it took a long time to record even a passable track.

As for the lyrical disclaimer--what can any of us possibly do when put in this impossible situation? An autobiographical song called "Blame it on Ginger" is a pretty tall order if you don't know anyone named Ginger and/or you haven't had any life-changing experiences with the root or the pop. So I just drew upon personal experiences, embellished a little, dramatized a lot and voilà. Thanks for the positive vibes.

Well, said. And the problem there (forced by the title/challenge) is that once one turns that corner, there sort of IS no challenge, if you know what i mean. I think you feel similar to what i stated in my opening remarks.
Then those of us who can come up with some minor ginger event are kind of stuck with it if we commit to be faithful to the challenge as stated.

Ross · Post by **Ross** » Tue May 03, 2011 6:19 am

I only have the one small logical problem. Shouldn’t you blame it on alcohol? I don’t get why you’re blaming it on ginger.

Well, i guess i was hoping that was part of the lyrical "gag." the protagonist should be blaming on the alcohol, but instead he's blaming the ginger that got him in the sushi restaurant where he and his buddies proceed to down Sapporo Grande and cold saki, leaving them worthless in the morning. They seriously would not have had me out for sushi with them if i couldn't at least have nibbled on the ginger.

Thanka for the reviews, all!

Ross · Post by **Ross** » Tue May 03, 2011 6:41 am

Geoff WreckdoM wrote:
Ross wrote: am i really supposed to believe you broke up over the overuse of ginger in stew? I guess, like all of these, i will have to take you at your word.
The song describes the first reoccurring argument I had with a previous girlfriend after we moved in together. Years after we broke up I'm speculating if the patterns that emerged in that initial rift set the tone for subsequent disagreements and their resolutions. In real life, after several episodes, she made some fried rice so gingery neither of us could eat it, and never made the dish again afterwards. I still don't know why she took it so personal, but I really don't care for ginger.

Good answer.

Manhattan Glutton · Post by **Manhattan Glutton** » Tue May 03, 2011 7:35 am

glennny wrote:Anyway, this seems phoned in. It’s a back handed compliment, you can phone in some great stuff. I think you can do better. See you next round.

Man, if you think I'm getting better after this, you're going to be sadly disappointed. 8)

Post by **Lunkhead** » Tue May 03, 2011 7:56 am

Caravan Ray wrote:Does any one actually drink bourbon and ginger ale? And if they did - do you call ginger ale "ginger"? I like scotch and dry - I would never ask for scotch and ginger (I assume you also call it dry ginger ale over there?)

I think your song is fantastic. But the word "ginger" sticks out like dogs balls.

Blame it on soda, a few rocks and bourbon - would be a big improvement Or boredom, or moonlight, or hormones - anything but ginger.

To answer your questions: Yes, one does actually drink bourbon and ginger ale (though preferably it would be ginger beer, but most bars don't have that). Yes, when they do drink it, they do call ginger ale "ginger", as in "I'd like a ginger and bourbon please". We do not call ginger ale "dry ginger ale" if that's what that next question is.

I'm sorry you feel like we put dog balls in your ears, Ray, but while you may have preferred any other word, the song would not then have been autobiographical and it would not have fit the title. It was not shoehorned in, this usage was what immediately came to mind for both of us from the title and the challenge.

ken · Post by **ken** » Tue May 03, 2011 7:57 am

Caravan Ray wrote:
Lunkhead wrote:
Ross wrote:ps, do you mean ginger ale or is there a drink ingredient i am missing?
Yes, ginger ale.
Does any one actually drink bourbon and ginger ale? And if they did - do you call ginger ale "ginger"? I like scotch and dry - I would never ask for scotch and ginger (I assume you also call it dry ginger ale over there?)

I think your song is fantastic. But the word "ginger" sticks out like dogs balls.

Blame it on soda, a few rocks and bourbon - would be a big improvement Or boredom, or moonlight, or hormones - anything but ginger.

Oh yeah. That was the drink of choice for many an afternoon/evening spent at the bar. Makers and ginger to be exact.

Ken

Paco Del Stinko · Post by **Paco Del Stinko** » Tue May 03, 2011 8:33 am

Quick comments, I'll be glad to elaborate if you'd like. NUR EIN!!!!!!

Abbott and Hines - Cute, but not enough to keep you in the fray. Sorry we didn't get to hear the original.

Billy's Little Trip - Backyard barbecue party fun! People can't clap along because they have a drink in one hand. Catchy and I always love your rubber bass.

Boffo Yux Dudes - I might like this creepy midnight movie voice if it were both more understandable and mixed in with a more fitting backing track. Half assed, which is too bad.

Bram Tant - Great scratch-pad for the song you wanted to do later. Guitar and bass lines are sweet. I see you did this last minute and also see how time might've made this excellent.

DJ Ranger Den - Dreamy, perhaps day-dreamy, and intimate feeling. I'm pretty sure this is not literally about cake, but I'm also not that bright. Odd ending, but a pleasant experience.

Frankie Big Face - Stately and mature. I agree with others that the chorus could use a little supportive beef under the vocals, but still strong. Nice and dark, mostly.

Glen Raphael - Nice selection of loops but could change up a bit. Not all hectic, but something besides drop out. This percolates but still feels hollow to me. Good vocal work.

John Kloberdanz - Good fun rocker. Some supporting vocals would add some pow. Love the scruffy guitar tone. Is there no bass? Give me a call any time you need a bass line. (After NUR EIN, that is!)

Jon Eric - I'd love to hear a choir type chorus under your voice. Maybe it's the organ building but still think it a neat idea. Regardless, this is cheery and energetic, well constructed and performed.

Luke Henley - This, and near all of your songs, set up so nicely for a band but carry themselves this way as well. Strong lyrics and story with guitar support as just that, support. Great song, best case for "who needs production?".

Manhattan Glutton - Good radio friendly power pop. If it were on the radio I'd probably publicy deny liking it, but enjoy it secretly. Sounds great, and not too deep content-wise, which is fine by me. Should place well, I think.

Merisan - Sweet and well constructed. Great vocals both lead and supportive. Chord progressions are delicious. I like the simple percussion kind of tickling my temporal lobe. I'd challenge you to a slide solo contest if I didn't mind getting my ass kicked. Well, I don't, but ya know?

Paco del Stinko - Glad I tossed the one I was working on but agree with criticisms here: Lame (keyboard) drums, suckful lyrics. But for a days work I'm reasonably satisfied. Based on childhood fantasies of being torn between the Gilligan's gals. Sorry, Lovey.

Ross Durand - Always my favorite acoustic guitar sound. With capo, yes? Good song and the theme is cute if a delicate balance to pull off successfully, which I think you did. Snare drum with brush would've fit in here when it needs to step it up.

The Worldly Self Assurance - Just heady enough to cause a light swoon, a gentle pull on the heart. Sounds at times like some kooky orchestra (Melvin as conductor). The end drifts off a bit oddly, but the song is wonderful. Would battle with Merisan, FBF, Luke and the Glutton for top spot.

WreckdoM - Scruffy Halloween party. The vocals could be tightened up but the just loose instrumentation is great. Love the amped bass, guitar leads and Theremin, of course. You guys can do anything and this is like a (mostly) mature version of one of Songfight!'s greatest gifts. A jazzy bass and vocal bridge might've been fun here.

Post by **Lunkhead** » Tue May 03, 2011 8:44 am

Paco Del Stinko wrote:... I'd challenge you to a slide solo contest ...

Sounds like fun! (After Nur Ein, that is.)

dantes · Post by **dantes** » Tue May 03, 2011 8:56 am

Paco Del Stinko wrote: Bram Tant - Great scratch-pad for the song you wanted to do later. Guitar and bass lines are sweet. I see you did this last minute and also see how time might've made this excellent.

I'm glad you think so, I agree.

If the challenge had been different it could've been a lot better, since I lost a lot of time just trying to come up with *something* I could do for this challenge... Had no idea until a few hours before the deadline, late at night. :/

Billy's Little Trip · Tue May 03, 2011 10:17 am

Ross wrote: Blt - i like the bass-vocals unison line. The delivery seems a bit tentative or halfhearted for some reason. I love that you include the phrase, "the girls can't help it" - one of the great rock n roll movies. Nice break down. Nice to hear one of your more tonal vocals here even there is still that anything-could-happen feel to them. Solid entry. 8

I would have liked to work on the vocals more to get the pitchiness resolved on the harmonies, but yeah, I'm trying to add more tonal effort and less cuss words to get my feeling across, lol. Thanks, Ross.

WeaselSlayer wrote:Billy's Little Trip - It's pretty good, everything is very tight and bounces along at a toe-tapping rate. I don't have much else to say.

It would have sounded better with you doing the lyrics here. But not a lot to say is a good thing here. Thanks, Luke'ster.

glennny wrote: Billy’s Little Trip- Wow! I’ve been listening all day in the truck. Writing reviews I have the headphones on. This really pops with headphones. I’m loving the bass line and bass playing! Killer riffs! Wonderful grooves. “girl can’t help it” reminds me of Journey: “Girl can’t Help it”, only because of the words. This is great, I think the chorus could be catchier, but this is at the top of the bunch. My favorite part is the vocal doubling the bass on “ ….stick together we could make it far. You’ve heard “the Jazz Discharge Party Hats” off of Man from Utopia? This is a keeper. Well done!

I haven't heard “the Jazz Discharge Party Hats”, but I will Google Man from Utopia now. It's always fun to hear similar sounds that jog the memory juice and check out something new. Ross also mentioned the vocal doubling on the bass. There must be something to it. Funny how those last minute thoughts turn out good "sometimes, lol. Thanks, G.
edit: Duh. Zappa.

Paco Del Stinko wrote: Billy's Little Trip - Backyard barbecue party fun! People can't clap along because they have a drink in one hand. Catchy and I always love your rubber bass.

I swear, my bass is made of wood and red paint and wires and metal parts and rum that I spill on it.
Thanks, Chuckles

Paco Del Stinko · Post by **Paco Del Stinko** » Tue May 03, 2011 10:27 am

Lunk: Your lap steel against my Secret Weapon.

Chrispy: Maybe you're made of rubber, then!

Back to the mission at hand. Good round, it'll only get tougher and tougher. Nice. 8) NUR EIN!!!!!!

Billy's Little Trip · Tue May 03, 2011 10:46 am

Paco Del Stinko wrote: Chrispy: Maybe you're made of rubber, then!

Well, I am pretty flexible and tend to bounce back every time I hit rock bottom. Eff Yeah!

NUR EIN!!!!!!

WeaselSlayer · Post by **WeaselSlayer** » Tue May 03, 2011 12:02 pm

glennny wrote:How do we get you to do a good recording?

Believe me, I would love nothing more. Unfortunately, poverty makes for a very bare-bones recording set-up. Thanks for the kind words though, and once I get a "real" job, I expect my songs will start to sound a lot better.

Manhattan Glutton · Post by **Manhattan Glutton** » Tue May 03, 2011 3:54 pm

Paco Del Stinko wrote:Sounds great, and not too deep content-wise, which is fine by me.

Thanks Paco! This is about as personal and revealing as I get.

roymond · Post by **roymond** » Tue May 03, 2011 5:52 pm

I gave someone a perfect score and another an almost perfect one. There are some great tunes here!

Calliopeva · Post by **Calliopeva** » Tue May 03, 2011 6:04 pm

When do we find out we are really out and where will it be posted? Had to find stuff around here at times...

JonPorobil · Post by **JonPorobil** » Tue May 03, 2011 6:07 pm

Calliopeva wrote:When do we find out we are really out and where will it be posted? Had to find stuff around here at times...

I don't think we've heard from all the judges yet.

BenKrieger · Post by **BenKrieger** » Tue May 03, 2011 8:05 pm

No reviews yet, but as a rule, if you want to get to the bottom of my list, no matter what the excuse...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehs4k5EDUJE

RangerDenni · Post by **RangerDenni** » Tue May 03, 2011 8:49 pm

reviews from me up by tomorrow. I've had a hell of a week/weekend.
Also hoping I do make next round as well since I'm asking many questions and dabbing at lyrics.

Calliopeva · Post by **Calliopeva** » Tue May 03, 2011 9:22 pm

Ben Kreiger- good one, I like it!

Nur Ein VI Round Two "Blame It On Ginger

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