Hxaro del Stinko
Berkely Social Scene -
Whale - Now, I know that Glennny is a fan of this song, so I'm sure he put the squeeze on you guys to do this. But wow, what a great bit of togetherness it ended up as. I have no idea how the first half is assembled, but love the almost percolating percussion of it, all mando'd out and sounding like a sitar. I almost thought that was my voice spliced in at the start, and know it's Glennny when it goes higher, still him down low? The rock part is great, showing how the drums should be played, and I love the lead trade offs, not being able to pick a fave of the bunch. Pacific coast whale showing me how it's done.
Brainpipe Family Singers -
Onomatopoeia - Originally, this is one of my least favorite songs, but you guys improved it to no end. Running with the goofiness, and the synth stuff taken to higher levels, Craig's voice is perfect to add cool to my dorkitude. Bill's is just right for the bridge and the doo-doo, while sounding like a guy doing house chores, is too cool. At first I thought the supporting vocals were Craig all sped up, but I am even more psyched that he got his family in there. Any other song of mine and I might have been frightened for them. But the synth work functions on so many levels, improving on the original in tone, timbre, and melodic/harmonic structure. Great work guys, and I love the crack-up at the end, glad you left it in.
Caravan Ray -
Convalescence - Man, so dark. I mentioned already that I found this chilling on first listen, and still after many more. Great deconstruction, loosening up my typical rigid format, and taking this to a more psychic level. I got some criticism on the boards for the storm and feeling better lines, but I think they work well here, inside some poor souls head as he tries to convince himself he's doing, or will be doing, OK. This version feels like the rains are stil to come and despite the darkness, things probably will be better. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but there ya go. Great work John, I mean it as a compliment when I say that I wouldn't recognize this tune right off tha bat as something that I had originally written. It's got your stamp all over it, and that's a wonderful thing. Thanks.
Jim Tyrrell -
Late For Babies - When I first did this, a couple of years ago now, I thought it was kind of cute, and a half decent near joke tune. But here you made it into a real song with it's graceful pace, sweet vocals by a real singer, and wonderful instrumentation. I write with a crayon in my fist. This is closer to a quill pen, just not all stuffy and foo-foo with extended pinky. I think you must have re-written the chords, because I'm sure I couldn't have done ones that nice. The tinkling key solo is great, a darkly humorous lullaby. I imagine some folks at the pubs you perform in would love this, some might run you out of the place with a broken bottle. No matter, this is absolutely great, and I can't believe that I had anything to do with it, as it's too good.
Jon Eric f/ Jan Krueger -
Gary -While the original had a cow-punk feel, hopefully, this is from the parlor and spilling out onto the front porch. I can't believe it's under three minutes, as so much happens in that time and it takes you to so many places. The Ramones lead-in is classic and the good time strum-along feel is irresistible. I love all of the solos and am duly impressed by your keyboard skills. The lead vocal captivates and you make it sound like you were having fun, even if you weren't. I hear some South in there, especially in the accordian solo, and that's great. It's all stepped up a notch when a hay-wagon full of overall wearing Germans show up to harmonize at the end. Jan's lead is great, I love the flatted sounding note in the melody, and his signature backing voices are delicious. Sounds like a big, slightly weird family having a party. Just don't invite Gary.
Prayformojo -
Stairway to the Moon - You made this song great. The lyrics are a bit cheesy, but you give such a good feel I don't hear them that way here. Nice. The instrumentation is sweet, and the gentle build by the end is a nice touch, versus a slamming door approach I would probably employ. But the vocal work is fantastic, both the lead and the supporting tracks, especially the moo-ooo-oon voice, and those higher harmonies that come in, they are warm and dreamy. The bridge is effective, with the sadder vocal lines nudging past the hooky and brighter music, it sets up the ending nicely. While the modulation took some slams on the review boards, and I very rarely attempt, I think it's a perfect fit here and is tasteful and smooth. The gentle ending sets it delicately into place, and bids you goodnight. Thank you sir, I am honored and impressed.
Ross Durand -
Outside Paradise - Unreal. I would swear that you could have written this, it fits right into your Dylan-esque commentary so well. I absolutely love the guy and guitar here, I would never have even considered trying it this way, but it feels as though it was born like this. While a brief arrangement, you've allowed to breathe, yet it's all the heavier despite its woody and organic tone. It makes you listen. While maybe not intentional, maybe, I love the lesson in vocal PHRASING that you give me here. Ha ha! Dramatic, and no where near hammy. After countless listens I am still not sure if I'm hearing one or more guitars. Doesn't matter, as your acoustic tone is probably my favorite around here. One, ten, I'll take them all. Great work Ross in both performance and lesson giving. I am grateful and appreciative.
Sockpuppet -
Sometimes It's Hard To Keep Yourself Moving - This is the dance song I wish I had written. No stock disco beat for you, thankfully, as I had tossed in there. The modern pulse and throb here is perfect. Ribbons of color stream out of this as it evolves through a tastefully arranged smorgasbord of textures and rubbery crotch busting synth tones. I totally dig the over-processed vocals here as well, they are a perfect fit and don't come close to annoying as they might elsewhere. I would have loved your 'regular' voice just as much, but am very excited and delighted by Mr. Electrofluff. This is fun and danceable and while it sticks to the verse/chorus/etc. arrangement pretty closely, it is totally new and a million miles away from what I could ever conjure up. That's good. I love it and thank you very much.
Well, I learned a lot here. I know I I'm not a good singer, and don't pretend to be. I use my voice because it keeps the same pace and schedule as I do. But all of you showed me how it's done. I feel like I've come a long way in many areas during my three and a half years at Songfight!, but you all patiently showed me how it's done right. Taking my work and grading my papers, so to speak. It may take another three and a half years to come half as close to you all on so many levels, but I'm willing to try. If you're all willing to keep me aboard. And remain patient! Thanks a ton, again, I love the love. And although it will take me a while, consider yourselves warned/threatened/promised: my insecurities about accepting gifts demand that I repay you all. Bwa-ha-ha-ha!
- Love, Paco
