Dad3353 Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 (edited) 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. [attachment=192815:_BC_Comp_Chal_2015_05.jpg] Good day, all... 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... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/262763-may-composition-challenge-voting/"]May Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the first 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/dredd-and-the-badass-weed/tombstone-dub"]Leonard Smalls: ‘Tombstone Dub’[/url] A mournful reverb slide, and a ‘dub’ introductory shout give way to a very heavy dub drum’n’bass, with appropriate key stabs and various fx which weave in and out, along with brief vocal inserts. A series of gunshots ring out, upon which the bass leaves space for a percu/stab break. The deep beat returns, the keys maintain their variants, swirling around in stereo frenzy. A keys riff takes us into another brief respite, but the bass insists on making its presence felt. A short lull and we feel an increase in pressure as we come t the climax, ending in an echoing ‘whelp..!’ Dub indeed, and with a certain ‘tombstone’ weight; this is heavy, very heavy. Moments of lighter relief render the oppression very supportable, and the cries, shouts and other vocal animations lend humanity to the work. Excellent production and execution, with subtle variations throughout; the ending comes as a surprise through the hypnotic pulse. Very nice work, related very indirectly to the picture, and all the better for it. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/wrong-key-serenade"]Bilbo: ‘Wrong Key Serenade’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Edited May 26, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 (edited) [sharedmedia=core:attachments:192815] Good day, all... 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... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/262763-may-composition-challenge-voting/"]May Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the next 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/wrong-key-serenade"]Bilbo: ‘Wrong Key Serenade’[/url] A lilting ‘clip-clop’, punctuated ‘reggae-style’ by an off-beat bass drum sets the rhythm. A rocking guitar (no, think rocking-chair, not rocking out..!) strums out the chords and alternating bass, setting out a quite laid-back ambience. This is accentuated by a nonchalant whistled melody which picks up over the chords and staggers through with aplomb. The melody is taken up and taken over by a gentle saxophone, the bass is reinforced by a tuba or sousaphone, the ‘clip-clop’ beat continues unabated. Third time through, this time it’s a whole brass ensemble that take up the melody, suitably harmonised. Back to the whistling, given a ‘solo’ spot, then the brass and whistling are brought together to take us through to the outro, where the final ‘word’ is from the trill. Very much in tune with the picture, one can easily imagine the long dusty trail negotiated calmly but surely by this team of asses and driver. The music oozes peace, harmony and contentment, and hides with apparent simplicity a keen sense of harmony, form and balance. Class, despite the rustic nature of the theme. Unfortunately there is a downside (there is always a downside, isn’t there..?). The melody is infectious, and, once listened to, sticks in the ear for a very long time. No problem for the first few days, but beware of excess exposure, or take the consequences. You have been warned..! My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/nigel-jewell/derek-the-deaf-donkey-goes-too-far-west"]fingers211: Derek The Deaf Donkey Goes Too Far West[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Edited May 26, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 26, 2015 Author Share Posted May 26, 2015 (edited) [sharedmedia=core:attachments:192815] Good day, all... 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... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/262763-may-composition-challenge-voting/"]May Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the next 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/nigel-jewell/derek-the-deaf-donkey-goes-too-far-west"]fingers211: ‘Derek The Deaf Donkey Goes Too Far West’[/url] Voices, chattering in the background. A strummed acoustic guitar is joined by the vocal line, wistfully regretting an understandable mix-up between ‘Western’ and ‘Weston’. A slow bass lends a funeral march tone to the proceedings. Shots ring out, and the pace quickens over a solo guitar line. The vocals come to the fore, heavily flanged, then give way to the melodic guitar line. We slow down again as a lonely guitar escorts the departing wagon, along with vocal protestation from Derek. Dark humour pervades this piece, with its bitter-sweet story line, entirely compatible with the picture and (almost...) credible. Clean, simple execution on a clean, simple canvas; very effective. The vocals are, surprisingly, clear, too, despite their treatment; just as well, as the narrative is more than worth listening to. Altogether a gem of a piece, nicely tailored, bringing an original twist to a well-worn cowboy theme. Bravo, Derek, and thanks for sharing your [s]tail[/s] tale.. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/robotrobotrobotmusic/song-for-wilhelm"]paul h: ‘Song For Wilhelm’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Edited May 26, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 26, 2015 Author Share Posted May 26, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:192815] Good day, all... 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... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/262763-may-composition-challenge-voting/"]May Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the next 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/robotrobotrobotmusic/song-for-wilhelm"]paul h: ‘Song For Wilhelm’[/url] An abrupt start from a gently rocking ‘Southern’ ‘bender’ guitar melody and bass give us the main theme immediately, before being joined by the drums and an arpeggio banjo. A fiddle comes in to add its counter-melody, then gives the spotlight back to the guitar. Another counter-melody creeps in, as a variant, from behind; it’s then the turn of the bass to pause, leaving space to appreciate the drums. We get back to the original full theme before a slow fade out, riding out into the setting sun. A short but full composition, taking an excellent riff melody, very much in keeping with the picture, and providing several variations. The arrangements are slick and perfectly executed, the production is equally of a high standard. Polished, musically coherent; a very pleasant listen. Could have supported a ‘middle eight’, but stands ‘as is’; no problem. Well done, sir, my Stetson is duly doffed. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/jaedry/old-guns"]Birch Tree: ‘Old Guns’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 26, 2015 Author Share Posted May 26, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:192815] Good day, all... 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... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/262763-may-composition-challenge-voting/"]May Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the next 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/jaedry/old-guns"]Birch Tree: ‘Old Guns’[/url] The guitar chords, with an ‘open-tuning’ drone to them, are ornamented by the same guitar weaving a melody line over the top. There is a hypnotic element which incites us to ‘go with the flow’ and absorb the meanderings in peace and tranquillity. The chord construction is somewhat irregular; this helps maintain interest, being unfamiliar without discomfort. A relaxed composition in two parts; firstly the chords, then the soloing guitar superimposed. Not too long, but could, I feel, have benefited from extension, with a bridge section, to instil some dynamic, or movement ‘from’ and ‘to’. Cleanly executed, interesting harmonic choices and quite in tune with the calm, posed nature of the picture. An oasis in a hectic world; nice work. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/dad3353/gold-rush-we-dont-need-no-stinkin-gold-rush"]Dad3353: ‘Gold Rush..? We don't need no stinkin' gold rush..!’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 26, 2015 Author Share Posted May 26, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:192815] Good day, all... 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... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/262763-may-composition-challenge-voting/"]May Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the next 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/dad3353/gold-rush-we-dont-need-no-stinkin-gold-rush"]Dad3353: ‘Gold Rush..? We don't need no stinkin' gold rush..!’[/url] Rolling, splashy drums fade in, and a bass walks up to bring in thick guitars, a riff/melody with a Tex-Mex flavour and a peaceful atmosphere. This seems to bring a reaction from the donkeys in the picture, though; they’re not impressed, and express their dissatisfaction with some force..! A second time through, and once again a protest from the animals. One could find the transition to a lilting banjo lick an improvement, but the asses don’t seem to agree, as their incessant braying distracts from the finess. The banjo finishes off with a flourish, leaving only the drums, quickly consolidated with the guitars, then bass. A suspension point repeats throughout the slow fade-out, with continuing asinine complaint until the very end. Not a masterpiece from a production point of view, the playing and mixing are quite rough and ready, not helped by the uncoordinated interjections from the beasts. Still, the Wild West was not so very polished, either; a feeble excuse, but allowable, perhaps..? The multiple guitars cancel out most of the errors in execution; there is usually at least one which works..! A simple bass line over slightly fussy drums carry the piece forward, and the suspended ending works quite well. Could do with tidying up, though; maybe that was the main remonstrance from the mokes..! My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/lurksalot/the-ballad-of-ed-schieffelin"]Lurksalot: ‘The Ballad Of Ed Schieffelin’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 27, 2015 Author Share Posted May 27, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:192815] Good day, all... 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... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/262763-may-composition-challenge-voting/"]May Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the next 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/lurksalot/the-ballad-of-ed-schieffelin"]Lurksalot: ‘The Ballad Of Ed Schieffelin’[/url] Ah... Honky-tonk..! We’re invited to participate in a saloon party, animated by an excellent, authentic joanna instilling an appropriate ‘shuffling’ beat. A rough, drawling singer recounts the beginnings of the Tombstone foundation, built around the ore mines in the late 19[sup]th[/sup] century. A catchy chorus, with a ‘hook’ harmony line, aptly plays on the homophonic coincidence of ‘shovelling’, ‘shuffling’ and Scheiffelin’; one can’t be sure which is which. A laconic banjo joins in briefly, and the recital continues to expound the qualities of the neighbourhood. Comes another chorus, with a return of the banjo. A last verse before the final chorus (we’re all singing along, now, as invited from the start...), and a short piano ‘solo’ spot before finishing off with a flourish. We are left to imagine the thunderous applause, amply merited, as the musicians bow and curtsy and the curtain is drawn. Almost as much a history lesson as a euphonious work, this has been finely researched, and combines erudition, musicality and humour in equal parts. A simple construction in its composition, but superbly arranged and executed, and chocked full of intricate detail. Dangerously contagious; one has the chorus line in one’s head for a considerable time afterwards; the descending note in the harmony line is particularly catchy, almost to the point of irritation (but not quite...). Altogether a brilliant piece. I pause to allow another salve of applause to ripple and roar; with much stamping of feet and table banging an ‘encore’ is called for... My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/jaedry/the-dusty-road"]Birch Tree: ‘The Dusty Road’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 27, 2015 Author Share Posted May 27, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:192815] Good day, all... 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... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/262763-may-composition-challenge-voting/"]May Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the next 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/jaedry/the-dusty-road"]Birch Tree: ‘The Dusty Road’[/url] A slow acoustic guitar arpeggio and a metronomic click are quickly accompanied by an insistent whistled riff, then a wandering acoustic guitar, playing out a free-form melody. The constant backing gives all liberty to inspire many variants, using a ‘drone’ string often to good effect. The gently swaying has an agreeably soporific influence, but all too soon the guitar falls silent, the arpeggio fades out, leaving simply the solitary whistle to bid us farewell. Completely in phase with the indolent nature of the picture, this dream-like soundscape captures well the notion of heat, of the slow passage of time, of patience... More than a nod to Morricone, and a fitting enough tribute, nicely played and (probably..?) improvised with competence. Not so long as to have the whistle grate, long enough to expand the variations with discernment. A very pleasant listen. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/rootin-tootin"]Skol303: ‘Rootin-Tootin’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurksalot Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Many thanks Dad , you are in fine form with your superb reviews , you do offer superb and insightful observation , brilliant work . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 27, 2015 Author Share Posted May 27, 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 27, 2015 Author Share Posted May 27, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:192815] Good day, all... 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... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/262763-may-composition-challenge-voting/"]May Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the next 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/rootin-tootin"]Skol303: ‘Rootin-Tootin’[/url] An ethereal solo synth offers up a jaunty melody riff, over which is grafted an extract of dialogue from a cowboy film, à la John Wayne. Tough guy talk. The synth repeats, harmonised; the dialogue continues and (seemingly...) a fight breaks out. A menacing mention of dynamite is enough to trigger... A deep, deep bass, a thudding bass drum and chippy hi-hat and claps. The dialogue punctuates the big beat, and the cheery synth plays over it all. All stand back to give pride of place to the conversation, excepting the percussion which continues unabated, allowing full concentration on the text, building up the suspense. The bass drum, then a (side-chained..?) bass re-establish the insistent rhythm, and a harmonica flourish heralds a resumption of hero’s talk, along with the synth riff. The beat carries us through to the final statement and... Fin... It’s not necessary, nor, it would seem, possible, to reconstruct the precise scenes from the film; the spoke vocals are simply to establish an ambiance, and in this they are successful. The coming and going of the various elements gives enough dynamic to the piece, which is quite short. This is just as well, as the synth riff would become aggravating over a longer time. Clean production, well balanced, but, just the same, I can’t see this staying for long as material to listen to in the car. I think I prefer BBC R4. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/theboysings/run-ike-run-clanton-boys"]the boy: ‘Run Ike Run, Clanton Boys Lament.’[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 27, 2015 Author Share Posted May 27, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:192815] Good day, all... 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... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/262763-may-composition-challenge-voting/"]May Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the last 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/theboysings/run-ike-run-clanton-boys"]the boy: ‘Run Ike Run, Clanton Boys Lament.’[/url] A very posed acoustic guitar meters out calm arpeggios; nothing prepares us for the explosion of powerful vocals and solid backdrop of bass and drums. We’re firmly in ‘The Doors, Jim Morrison at his best’ territory; the vocals take complete command of the sound stage and compel attention with mastery. A sense of catastrophe, of cataclysm, tragedy, and despair permeate the proceedings. The rhetorical question in the lyrics remains, of course, unanswered as the music fades away. The ghostly reproach remains, echoing between our ears. A brilliant work for which I can find absolutely nothing to say that’s not praise and congratulation. Perfect execution of all instruments, beautifully arranged and mixed, effective composition. The vocals take me aback with their authority, power, majesty. Awesome. Not much to add; we have had very many tracks over the course of this Challenge; this one is, to me, the most striking. That is all. Full marks is not enough. The boy sings. Thanks for reading this, that’s all for now. More, I hope, next month. Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the boy Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1432760572' post='2784788'] A very posed acoustic guitar meters out calm arpeggios; nothing prepares us for the explosion of powerful vocals and solid backdrop of bass and drums. We’re firmly in ‘The Doors, Jim Morrison at his best’ territory; the vocals take complete command of the sound stage and compel attention with mastery. A sense of catastrophe, of cataclysm, tragedy, and despair permeate the proceedings. The rhetorical question in the lyrics remains, of course, unanswered as the music fades away. The ghostly reproach remains, echoing between our ears. A brilliant work for which I can find absolutely nothing to say that’s not praise and congratulation. Perfect execution of all instruments, beautifully arranged and mixed, effective composition. The vocals take me aback with their authority, power, majesty. Awesome. Not much to add; we have had very many tracks over the course of this Challenge; this one is, to me, the most striking. That is all. Full marks is not enough. The boy sings. [/quote] Thank you Douglas, I have a lump in my throat. What kind words. I've been on a short break with the clan. No phones or computers so I've been out of the loop. I've yet to vote but I will tonight. Two had caught my attention before I went away so hopefully picking three shouldn't be too much of a challenge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 28, 2015 Author Share Posted May 28, 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Smalls Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 Excellent reviews, as always! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted May 28, 2015 Author Share Posted May 28, 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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