January's Challenge - Joseph's reviews

[icystorm]

Okay, it's finally February 1 in the USA! I enjoyed participating in Dave's December and January challenges (both phases).

Some cool songs were submitted and I enjoyed listening to them all. Here are my reviews...

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Seven Tears Ago – Frankie Rage

A unique, alternative country song from Frankie in the UK.

Seven Tears Ago is delivered in a way that expresses the angst a man feels about a former relationship with his ex and the first house they shared together.

As a demo, the vocals and production are good. I think it would sound even better if a few more instruments were selectively added in later versions, beyond the demo stage, but the simplicity of it sounds just fine as it is.

A good, unique song, Frankie. I enjoyed hearing it!

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My First Car – Up-fiddler (Dave)

A very fun track from the orchestrator of the December/January challenges, Up-fiddler!

Dave delivers My First Car in a very engaging, spirited way. He takes the listener back to the better days of yesteryear, to a time when he owned his first car; a 1959 Chevy Bel Aire (I gleaned that insight from your blog!)

A fellow listener , SEDStar, termed the song “plain, folksy, novelty, ‘fun’.” I think that properly describes this enjoyable song quite well. Ray Stevens would be proud!

The vocals are good, and the production and music are excellent, as usual.

“Come on… Let’s get this thing started!” Good stuff!

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Somewhere – Gecko Zzed

A charming song with a rustic feel from the man down under!

In the short time I’ve enjoyed listening to Gecko Zzed’s music, he has never disappointed. Somewhere is certainly no exception.

The song takes the listener on a journey back in time with the story of a man and his treasured first car. The track is delivered with a lot of originality and well-placed poignancy that helps the listener reflect back fondly to his own first car and youth.

Gecko’s pleasantly-gruff vocals are delivered with the usual style and impact that is well-suited to him and well received. The music, vocals, production, and atmosphere of the song are all excellent.

The entire song is very enjoyable. This number is not far from the best of the challenge entries.

…and do not forget to check out Gecko’s video for the song!

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And, finally, saving the best for last…

B4 U were Born - WhatMySay

Burt’s song, B4 U were Born, is extremely hard to top for this challenge entry! I really, really enjoyed it. The way he performed the song is very compelling, fresh, and original.

The intro section immediately captured my interest, and the energetic, pop-feel of the song held my attention the remainder of the way through. The guitar work is excellent. The percussion, keyboards, and synths are great. The vocals are delivered in good form and style. The production is outstanding (…man, I’m green with envy)! Music is obviously more than just a hobby to Burt.

The song has great atmosphere all around and could easily be an AC radio hit, in my view.

B4 U were Born earns my vote as the best of the challenge entries!

Well, I think that covers all of the entries. I hope I did not miss anyone's contribution.

Cheers,
Joseph

[Whatmysay]

Thank you very much for your kind endorsement Joseph

I am also very pleased with it as I also used new mic and a/c guitar. And it was my first mix on Logic.

Cheers

Burt

[gecko zzed]

Thanks for your comments, Joseph.

I'm pleased about the "well-placed poignancy", because that was my very specific intention with the song. Something seems to have worked!

mike