Dad3353 Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 (edited) [attachment=187600:_BC_Comp_Chal_2015_03_Web_Smal.jpg] [size=4]Plays of the Day...[/size] Feel free to 'follow' this topic to be alerted (warned..? ) when new posts arrive. I'll be using this same topic throughout for this month's Challenge. [size=4]Good day, all...[/size] [size=4]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size] [size=4][url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url][/size] [size=4]... and the first 'Play of the Day' here ...[/size] [size=4][b]CamdenRob[/b] [url="http://soundcloud.com/robhartley-1/ny-dittywav"]‘NY - Ditty’[/url][/size] [size=4]A slow rock tempo is announced, opening with a ‘50s guitar riff and ‘slashed speaker’ ‘disto’ chords. A melody riff joins in with a walking bass and swing-shuffle drums. A couple of times ‘around the block’ before another melody guitar adds its short contribution. The rhythm section stops, giving way to a solo discreet guitar outlining the melodic theme with variation, and then timidly comes back in, pared down to a minimum of kick and bass, and the melody riff. Heavy, accentuated strums interrupt the flow, with a ‘question-response’ interplay bringing us full circle, back to the opening riff and out.[/size] [size=4]A ‘laid-back’, lilting swing to this piece, taking us back to the origins of rock. Retro guitars, a dance-hall rhythm section; I can imagine the guitarists ‘stepping’ in synchronised alternate gestures, first to the left, then to the right. A rather pedestrian pace, slightly in contrast to the motorised bustle of the picture, as if observed from the pavement (sidewalk..?). Nicely constructed; the more sparse variation section and the ‘heavy chords’ break come at exactly the right moment. Well executed, with a very pleasant balance of tonalities. A Good Piece.[/size] [size=4]My next post in this topic will feature the next entry ...[/size] [size=4][b]the boy[/b] [url="http://soundcloud.com/theboysings/american-dreamer"]‘American Dreamer’[/url] [color=#ff0000][b][WARNING: explicit lyrics][/b][/color][/size] [size=4]Until then...[/size] [size=4]Have a nice day[/size] [size=4]Douglas[/size] Edited March 27, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 Many thanks Dad, your kind words are much appreciated. I reckon your writeups are the reason a lot of people end up listening to the entires in the compo comp. You are a gentleman and I hope your feeling better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 27, 2015 Author Share Posted March 27, 2015 [quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1427456963' post='2730571'] Many thanks Dad, your kind words are much appreciated. I reckon your writeups are the reason a lot of people end up listening to the entires in the compo comp. You are a gentleman and I hope your feeling better? [/quote] [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] Cheers, and thanks; better enough (for now...). Modesty forbids me from agreeing with you, but I suspect you're right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 27, 2015 Author Share Posted March 27, 2015 (edited) [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]the boy[/b] [url="http://soundcloud.com/theboysings/american-dreamer"]‘American Dreamer’[/url] [color=#ff0000][b][WARNING: explicit lyrics][/b][/color] A hi-hat hit, and straight in with a raunchy ‘funk’ drum’n’bass intro, punctuated with ‘heavy breathing’ gasps. A ‘rock’ guitar riff guides us into the groove, and the lyrics hit off. The guitar is reduced to chunking out sporadic rhythmic chords; the bass rises to the fore with a bubbling, slightly envelope-followed, melodic riff. The vocals are doubled (indeed; trebled...), with another, more distant, layer giving depth. Somewhat explicit (well, it won’t shock anyone who’s seen ‘Pulp Fiction’...), they descend in harmony in a Berlinesque, ‘Low’ fashion to announce the ‘hit’ line. Back to the guitar and gasping, ready for the vocals to resume; the principal vocal line is ‘rinsed and repeated’ up to the final refrain, another ‘Low’ and the finishing ‘hook’ line. No frills here, we’re into a solid, ‘funky’ beat, with thickened vocals, giving a somewhat explicit version of the ‘American Dream’. A more than competent bass line, solid drums and a very fitting guitar support the harmonies; we would have appreciated a touch more from the lyrics, which are a tiny bit repetitive. Not too wearing, though, as the piece is rather on the short side. Altogether a quality, bouncy number, quite catchy enough. Dream on. The next will feature ... [b]Dad3353 [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/dad3353/herd-through-open-taxi-windows"]‘Herd Through Open Taxi Windows’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Edited March 28, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share Posted March 28, 2015 (edited) [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] [size=4]Play of the Day...[/size] [size=4]All of them can be heard here...[/size] [size=4][url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url][/size] [size=4]... and this 'Play of the Day' here ...[/size] [size=4][b]Dad3353 [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/dad3353/herd-through-open-taxi-windows"]‘Herd Through Open Taxi Windows’[/url][/size] [size=4]A short dose of nostalgia for the older among us, with a resounding ‘Stop’ bringing the traffic to a halt. A laconic disembodied ladies voice doesn’t seem too impressed with who’s ‘in town tonight’; meanwhile an insistent beat is building up. There are background noises (are they voices..?) in all directions, but a stuttering, almost oriental lick takes our attention. The beat shifts, with more comments, giving way to a fuller, more urgent pulse, and a short chorus of klaxons. We shift again, to a steady ‘trip-hop’ and more ‘noises off’. What..? Is that the clucking of chickens I hear..? Surely not..? A pause, allowing yet another rhythm to establish itself, and a weaving in and out to take us through to the final, fatal shot.[/size] [size=4]A soundscape, rather than an instrumental piece; a patchwork of sounds and audio glimpses of the busy street. Patchy conversation extracts, incomprehensible chattering, the passing traffic all combine and drift in and out of our hearing. It’s not easy to focalise on any one aspect; (c...)luckily the chickens bring some light rural relief to this incessant, ever-changing drone.[/size] [size=4]The next will feature...[/size] [size=4][b]Pasco Jacorius [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/pasco-jacorius007/road-cage"]‘Road Cage’[/url][/size] [size=4]Until then...[/size] [size=4]Have a nice day[/size] [size=4]Douglas[/size] Edited March 28, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the boy Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 Thank you Dad. Hope you are feeling better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share Posted March 28, 2015 [quote name='the boy' timestamp='1427528992' post='2731401'] Thank you Dad. Hope you are feeling better. [/quote] [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] La Méthode Coué: "Tous les jours, et à tous points de vue, je vais de mieux en mieux. Tous les jours, et à tous points de vue, je vais de mieux en mieux. Tous les jours, et à tous points de vue, je vais de mieux en mieux. Tous les jours, et à tous points de vue, je vais de mieux en mieux...." If it works at all, it's bloomin' slow..! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share Posted March 28, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]Pasco Jacorius [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/pasco-jacorius007/road-cage"]‘Road Cage’[/url] Softly alternating, floating key chords introduce gently rising traffic noise, then we’re off. A trippy drum beat and gently stabbed chords back a sax riff at a medium tempo. ‘Once around the block’ and the bass joins in. Not for long, as the beat retains the tempo but reduces in intensity, along with the keys and bass, to leave the centre spot to a heavily flanged solo bass line. The sax returns, with the ‘bounce’ and the principal riff, but, once again, the treated bass steps forward. The beat moves into a more ‘funky’ mood, with almost reggae-like backbeat stabs from the keys, and a mobile bass’n’drums. Back to the main sax theme, which evolves into a motor-horn variant. A second harmony sax joins in, repeating this new theme up to closure, as the backing backs away, and the sax bids us farewell, leaving us alone in the traffic. An interesting joy-ride, using several ‘colours’ to give us different views, whilst maintaining a certain recurrence in the theme. Clever arrangement, using the instruments as individual players, each with its own importance in the construction, but blending them into a coherent ensemble at all times. Plenty of subtle variation from beginning to end; we’re not far short of ‘Weather Report’ territory. Calm, with an underlying sense of urgency just the same; excellent execution on all instruments. Good work. The next will feature... [b]xgsjx [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/xgsjx/peace-in-the-hustle"]‘Peace in the Hustle’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share Posted March 28, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]xgsjx [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/xgsjx/peace-in-the-hustle"]‘Peace in the Hustle’[/url] A car horn sets us off at a rapid pace with a very active string bass and a hard-panned minimal drum set tapping out a hip-hop beat. The pace settles down, and the honking car horns turn out to be saxes, now playing a melody in slightly discordant tight harmony. The tempo heats up again to the introductory level until interrupted by a blast from a fog horn. Echoing stabs take over, with an ethereal ‘pad’ synth and keys lead line. The calm engendered is not long established before the arrival of a renewed pulse, evolving into a trip-beat and pushing repetitive bass line. We are hustled along by the synth line, which forks out into a doubled riff, only to be cut off short by another blast from the fog horn. An apt intro with the car horns (sounded like a Humber Super Snipe to me, but that’s unlikely...) which find themselves integrated ably into the composition in a very convincing manner. The imposition of a calm moment in the hectic world that’s sonically portrayed is welcome, and we accept the transition that follows with no qualms. Just as we’re settled down into the flow, however, we realise that there’s a massive 40-ton articulated truck giving warning that he’s bearing down on us. Better give way, methinks. The next will feature... [b]lurksalot[/b] [url="http://soundcloud.com/lurksalot/jungle"]‘Jungle’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 Dad your a hero... There is more time and effort gone into your reviews than any of us put in to the actual compositions... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]lurksalot[/b] [url="http://soundcloud.com/lurksalot/jungle"]‘Jungle’[/url] A rubber-burning, screeching start, as a low throbbing ‘jungle’ beat creeps up through the ululating sirens and voices. There’s an underlying primitive melody struggling to be heard behind the din of revving motors and argumentative autochthones, but it does win through; the haunting lilt brings nature to the fore. The strident tyres become confused with simian cries, the throaty roar of a Harley morphs into the low feline growl, all to a backdrop of chimp’s chatter. The howling of baboons and the emergency sirens combine; in which jungle are we..? The insistent pedestrian rhythm re-establishes its presence, and the tribal melody returns, walking us through the somewhat belligerent neighbourhood to a screaming, tortured, exit. An astute and finely chiselled parallel drawn (or rather, heard; even more difficult to realise...) between the daily hum-drum of this civilisation and the not-so-distant harsh conditions in the tropical forests and savannas. Both have their perils, emphasised by the constant barrage of threatening signals and alerts from all quarters. Apparently the natives are restless; best let them alone and move on with caution... The next will feature... [b]Bleat[/b] [url="http://soundcloud.com/chris-j-clarke/high-riser"]‘High Riser’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 [quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1427588278' post='2732138'] Dad your a hero... There is more time and effort gone into your reviews than any of us put in to the actual compositions... [/quote] Now now, let's not exaggerate too much, eh..? Besides, I've still not received your cheque, so this flattery is to no avail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurksalot Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 Cheers Dad , you got it , that's brilliant ,it really is . [quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1427588278' post='2732138'] Dad your a hero... There is more time and effort gone into your reviews than any of us put in to the actual compositions... [/quote] I will concur absolutely Rob , it's a bit special Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 (edited) [quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1427588955' post='2732148'] Cheers Dad , you got it , that's brilliant ,it really is ... [/quote] [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] Edited March 29, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]Bleat[/b] [url="http://soundcloud.com/chris-j-clarke/high-riser"]‘High Riser’[/url] Traffic and distant sirens. A weak ‘toot’ signals the start of a gentle arpeggio over low-key drums, joined by a slap-back melody lick. This turns into lush swelling string chords, which in turn fade into a fuller version of the melody riff. Stabbed keys break in, and a short guitar makes space for a synth harmonica to take the fore, building up a gentle crescendo. All change, as everything stops to allow a soaring choral to radically alter the mood; a brief interlude, however, as the full orchestration comes back in, steel band et al, taking us to the edge, but leaving us just as suddenly to a lone piano, the distant traffic and a weak ‘toot’. We are offered several differing impressions over the duration of the piece, varying from excited bustle to stillness and calm, no one ambience completely dominating for long. All is change; no sooner established than swept aside by its successor. There remains a certain sense of ellipsis; there is an underlying current hinted at by the introductory and final traffic sounds. Altogether a rich tapestry, drawing upon many sonic sources to infer a teeming shoal of sensations. The next will feature... [b]Lord Sausage[/b] [url="http://soundcloud.com/dreaded-ted/new-yoik"]‘New Yoik!’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]Lord Sausage[/b] [url="http://soundcloud.com/dreaded-ted/new-yoik"]‘New Yoik!’[/url] A seemingly false start from an electric piano, repeated, but we’ve been tricked; the beat is already established, as witnessed by the heavy, muted bass riff, accentuated and definitively sealed by the pulsing, kick-laden drums. An assertive brass section kicks in with a solid riff, to which is added an exuberant Hammond (B3..?) stabbing out a fine display of R&B, jazz, Blue Flames, Leslied licks. A brief intermission in the form of ‘question-answers’ between a solitary flute and a concert grand on steroids inject a breath of fresh air until the brass and keys impose once again their domination, only to concede the space in turn to a hot sax. The rhythm section continues to provide a solid background to this soloist whilst fading away joyously into the distance. Faultless execution from all instruments, a strong arrangement of a solid, seemingly simple composition and a certain sense of humour lend authenticity to this excellent work. The overall timbre matches the picture very well, despite there being no direct reference; merely the sounds evoke the scene in a convincing manner. Top job. Respect. The next will feature... [b]bobbass4k [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/bobbass4k/anisotropic"]‘Anisotropic’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Sausage Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1427634989' post='2732490'] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]Lord Sausage[/b] [url="http://soundcloud.com/dreaded-ted/new-yoik"]‘New Yoik!’[/url] A seemingly false start from an electric piano, repeated, but we’ve been tricked; the beat is already established, as witnessed by the heavy, muted bass riff, accentuated and definitively sealed by the pulsing, kick-laden drums. An assertive brass section kicks in with a solid riff, to which is added an exuberant Hammond (B3..?) stabbing out a fine display of R&B, jazz, Blue Flames, Leslied licks. A brief intermission in the form of ‘question-answers’ between a solitary flute and a concert grand on steroids inject a breath of fresh air until the brass and keys impose once again their domination, only to concede the space in turn to a hot sax. The rhythm section continues to provide a solid background to this soloist whilst fading away joyously into the distance. Faultless execution from all instruments, a strong arrangement of a solid, seemingly simple composition and a certain sense of humour lend authenticity to this excellent work. The overall timbre matches the picture very well, despite there being no direct reference; merely the sounds evoke the scene in a convincing manner. Top job. Respect. The next will feature... [b]bobbass4k [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/bobbass4k/anisotropic"]‘Anisotropic’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas [/quote] Why thank you very much. In terms of Top Job and respect that should be aimed at you for your constant spot on analysis of everyone's work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 [quote name='Lord Sausage' timestamp='1427637057' post='2732519'] Why thank you very much... [/quote] [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]bobbass4k [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/bobbass4k/anisotropic"]‘Anisotropic’[/url] Double-kick and ‘flap...’; we’re dunked head first into the deep end of the hard-rock, heavy metal pool. Unison deep bass and somewhat artificial full-stack guitar chords are driven by a more convincing flamboyant drum kit, making full use of the liberty offered by the open 7/8 rhythm adopted. Very dense chords, very noisy ‘shred’ overdrive, punctuated by squealing harmonics; the works. A hiatus, a more calm, posed section ending in a complaining solo guitar lick bringing back the intense pressure. The hammering continues, with variation on the general theme, pushing further. Long sustaining chords bring in another semblance of peace and we settle into a less frantic 7/4, but the intensity is built up once more, with layers accumulating, each vying for our attention. We are pulled in all directions as the climax builds, the drums becoming ever more urgent until the bubble dissolves, and the edifice crumbles apart. As usual, the guitarist is last to know. A concentration of hard-hitting, murky tones instils a pressurised atmosphere, with rare spaces for respiration. We are propelled forward with little choice but to go with the torrent, carried pell-mell in seemingly anarchic tacks, drenched with the over-bearing depth and thickness of the wash. Wrenched hither and thither, engulfed by the waves pouring forth, we are left gasping at journey’s end, with quickened heartbeat and short of breath. Not for the weak and feeble. Special mention for the drumming, which is more than adequate and totally authentic. Worth the listen for that alone. The next will feature... [b]Bilbo [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/lucky-bastard"]‘Lucky Bastard’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]Bilbo [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/lucky-bastard"]‘Lucky Bastard’[/url] A pair of jazz chords vamped for a few bars set the candle-lit mood for the quartet to embellish. Drums and bass provide the essentials of the pulse; the guitar spells out the chord structure in syncopated stabs, which a tenor sax uses with ability to define the principal melody of the piece. Twice around, to key the tune into our ears and a solo guitar takes over the spotlight. Hesitant at first, but increasingly fluid, the improvised lines do credit to the player for their appropriate tone, timing and ‘feel’. The sax comes back in to take back the central role, bringing us back to the melody for another pair of verses. The solo guitar butts in jarringly at the very end, just in time to be faded out with the return of the introductory vamp. A very different choice here; the initial inspiration from the picture becomes obscured, although the general theme can be construed as being American. Nicely ‘laid-back’, the rough edges prevent this from falling into the trap of ‘easy listening’; our interest is held throughout. It would be disingenuous to pretend to not have heard similar sequences before, but how many songs are there using the 3 ‘Dylan’ chords, I ask..? The originality is in the treatment, and this piece needs no defence on that score. A refreshing ‘take’, aptly played (+1 for the drums and bass; very polished...). A good listen. The next will feature... [b]lowdown [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/garrycribb/7th-avenue-hustle"]‘7th Avenue Hustle’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 (edited) [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]lowdown [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/garrycribb/7th-avenue-hustle"]‘7th Avenue Hustle’[/url] We are immediately hustled onto the dance-floor, greeted by big-beat drums and claps, a solid funky soul bass, a ‘Chic’ rhythm guitar partnered by a riff lead guitar, and piano chords. The welcome is extended, as a swoop of rising disco strings takes off, with their associated brass ‘hits’. The strings flesh out the ‘hook’ melody, to which a synth retorts defiantly. The backing is busy; very busy, allowing first one, then another of the elements to make its presence felt. The bulk of the front of stage is hogged by the strings, however, whenever they make their (frequent...) appearance. A lull in proceedings, although the percussion carries on stoically; inevitably the strings and synth can’t resist maintaining their omnipresence. The soaring is finally transformed into a highly-strained note, maintained as tension until, with a flourish, all is resolved at a stroke. Welcome to the ‘70s, please adjust your pendants, chains and shades. A return to another era with an entry choc- full of clichés and period pieces deftly spun into a genuine museum-class retro air. Does it fit the picture..? Inasmuch as ‘disco’ is timeless, I suppose it does; after all, we’re not far from Time Square itself. In fact, come to think of it, ‘Time Square’ seems very appropriate. The next will feature... [b]Leonard Smalls [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/dredd-and-the-badass-weed/turn-to-the-left"]’Turn To The Left’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Edited March 29, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 30, 2015 Author Share Posted March 30, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]Leonard Smalls [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/dredd-and-the-badass-weed/turn-to-the-left"]’Turn To The Left’[/url] Two seconds of ‘jabber’ lead the way into a solid beat, with bass on the ‘one’. Not for long, as the bass becomes suddenly acrobatic, accompanied by a funky ‘wah’ and brass ‘hits’. The scene is set for the spoken vocals, quite heavily treated such that the exact lyrics are indistinct, although the general tone comes across well enough (could be my duff ears not helping, of course..! ). The rhythm section steps away for a few seconds to allow a quick quip, but resumes with a guitar solo riff replacing the ‘chuck-a-luck’ ‘wah’. A brief kick drum solo blast brings in the second ‘verse’, the bass and drums continuing their chundering exhibition. The vocals become simplified, giving semblance of sense to the title, as a synth sax (..?) mournfully drones higher and higher, driving wild the dogs in the vicinity. We have reached (and passed...) the musical high spot of the piece, as the lead instrument steals the limelight and drags us with bleeding ears to the very end. The rhythm section continues, oblivious to all. We are grateful for the final cymbal splash. We wander in innocence into the surrealist realms of the avant-garde here, where few known remits hold sway. One has to accept the flow, listen to a first, then a second, probably a third degree as virtuosity is twisted and abused giving a convincing appearance of absence. Aha..! That’s part of the trickery, though as, like Tommy Cooper at his best, one is fooled into thinking that this bloke’s a fool. [i]Que nenni[/i], I say. It takes vision, courage and spicy cigarettes to do this well. This is a fine example of such prowess. Slight disappointment that the chickens were a bit too cooped up; otherwise... top drawer. Well done, lad, the tablets seem to be having a positive effect. The next will feature... [b]Skol303 [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/high-rise"]‘High Rise’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Smalls Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Excellent review, Douglas, as ever! Cheers! And there's been no spicy ciggies, or funny tablets for a long time! Surprised you didn't get the Grateful Dead reference - though instead of Buffalo we were truckin' up 7th Avenue, and the Doodah man became a bass-wah man to bring in the final bit of racket... And there was a hint of Bowie, to hammer home the "Fashion" references... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 30, 2015 Author Share Posted March 30, 2015 (edited) [quote name='Leonard Smalls' timestamp='1427722290' post='2733418'] Excellent review, Douglas, as ever! Cheers! And there's been no spicy ciggies, or funny tablets for a long time! Surprised you didn't get the Grateful Dead reference - though instead of Buffalo we were truckin' up 7th Avenue, and the Doodah man became a bass-wah man to bring in the final bit of racket... And there was a hint of Bowie, to hammer home the "Fashion" references... [/quote] Cheers, Len, and thanks for giving me yet another set of reasons for listening through it all again. It even becomes 'catchy' after a (long...) while. I'm not now much good at 'getting' things (if ever I was... ); we'll discuss that in another thirty years or so when your own turn comes. I'd recommend that you [i]do [/i]take the pills that nice young man gave you, though. No, not the pink 'happy' ones, the grey-blue ones they give to horses. Yes, it's better to drink some water with them, then lie down in a shaded room. Edited March 30, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 30, 2015 Author Share Posted March 30, 2015 (edited) [sharedmedia=core:attachments:187600] Play of the Day... All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258557-march-composition-challenge-voting/"]March Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [b]Skol303 [/b][url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/high-rise"]‘High Rise’[/url] A relaxed, medium-slow tempo is stabbed out by a heavily-reverberating key synth. A sharp snare picks up the rhythm, along with hand claps, and then we’re away. The kick kicks in, and a busy fretless has a field day of free expression. Things calm down somewhat, a modicum of sobriety from the bass over a synth pad prepares the ground for the processed vocals to exhort us to enjoy the open skies and party. The invitation is not lost on the bass, which takes off again, unleashing effervescent bubbling from backing synths and ‘noises off’. With a shriek, we return to the opening stabs, over which an octave vocoder repeats the injunction to appreciate the environment and party (is there a theme here, somewhere..?). The full orchestration comes back in, but then leaves simply the kick, the claps and a subsonic bass behind the last vocal line. I’m not very up to speed with the various definitions of genre; the nuances between ‘hip-hop’ and ‘rap’, ‘acid’ and ‘house’, ‘jungle’ and ‘break-beat’ are rather lost on me. I would therefore probably show both my age and ignorance in classing this close to ‘trance’, with its pedestrian pace and clubbing kick drum (that’s ‘clubbing’ as ‘baby seals’, not night-clubbing...). Maybe ‘shoe-gaze’..? Whatever the style, it’s perfectly put together, aptly illustrates the subject picture, and is a good listen. I didn’t dance much to it, though. Is that a compliment..? Hmm... Phew..! That’s all of ‘em looked over..! The next will be... Next month..! Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Edited March 30, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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