pegasuswarrior
El Dandy
Three Time FAN Idol Champion
@PulpPictionary
Posts: 8,748
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Post by pegasuswarrior on Jan 17, 2011 1:05:41 GMT -5
Just to get a teaser going, I'm going to say that I found the upper half of my rankings to be really impressive choices for the round, and I was really surprised and delighted with them. And without spoiling too much, the upper three or so among that top half of the choices was nothing short of STELLAR. Stay tuned for further comments following results . . .
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Post by Allison Reynolds on Jan 18, 2011 2:05:47 GMT -5
Waiting on one judge. Results for this Emotional Show will be on, when he gets his in. Results from previous round:
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Post by Allison Reynolds on Jan 19, 2011 0:51:35 GMT -5
This Edition of The X Factor Show is in tribute, for staff member Deadpool. Without further adieu the show must go on. Our theme this week, was strangely fitting: Emotional, Tear Jerker Songs.As a refresher here they are: Six are left after the BIG SAVE was used last week to keep El Hoochadore in. This is The X Factor Results show. We are LIVE. Widow's Peak"Tear Jerkers Advice: Don’t assume that I will be all sappy because I am a chick. Seriously, just find a song that resonates emotionally with you. If you feel it, chances are the judges will feel it too. Stay away from clichés and go with something that touches you in a very real way."{Spoiler}1. Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss - "Whiskey Lullaby": Very simple and sad. I maybe could have done without the melodramatics in the video, but the song itself was beautiful.
2. Jamey Johnson - "In Color”: For personal reasons, this song reduced me to a blubbering mess. I’m sure there are a lot of people who can identify with this.
3. Peter Gabriel - "The Book of Love": Just a sweet and pure love song. Very nice.
4. Trace Adkins - "Then They Do": Aww. Really sweet song.
5. Stan Rogers - "Barrett's Privateers": You took a risk with this one that really paid off. Not a traditional sappy song, but one that really makes you think.
6. Vera Lynn - "We'll Meet Again": Ah, one of the great sentimental torch songs. You get props for digging this far back.
7. Jewel - "Angel Standing By": Very dreamy and sweet, but I don’t get a huge emotional punch from this one.
8. Backstreet Boys - "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely": The video would have helped this one if the sync wasn’t so off. It’s a typical boy-band ballad.
9. Young Artists For Haiti - "Wavin' Flag": I was expecting to hate this, and I didn’t hate it. However, I think that it would have had more of an emotional punch without the “all star chorus” format. The sentiment is nice, though.
10. Trans Siberian Orchestra - "What Child Is This?": Didn’t really like this one. It might have been a bit too earnest and it ultimately just fell flat for me.
11. Johann Johannsson - "Sun's Gone Dim”: I just had a general sense of WTF with this one. IT sound pretty, I think, but I had no idea what was going on.
12. Terry Jacks - "Seasons in the Sun": Ugh. This is a horrible song. Just no. Pegasus Warrior"It would seem to be that you're going to have to tell a unique story with your song that no one else will touch. Either that, or you're going to have to pick the very best of the type of song you choose to pick if it does happen to spill over into another song's "field of vision," so to speak. Remember that "maudlin" is a word I'm fully prepared to use in a criticism of songs this round. You might be able to use some comments from previous judges in the "Love Songs" round from last game (I think it was last game) to get an idea of what seemed to work on an emotional level for two of us and what didn't."{Spoiler}1. Peter Gabriel - "The Book of Love" 2. Stan Rogers - "Barrett's Privateers" 3. Vera Lynn - "We'll Meet Again" 4. Young Artists For Haiti - "Wavin' Flag" 5. Jamey Johnson - "In Color" 6. Johann Johannsson - "The Sun's Gone Dim and The Sky's Turned Black" 7. Jewel - "Angel Standing By" 8. Terry Jacks - "Seasons in the Sun" 9. Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss - "Whiskey Lullaby" 10. Backstreet Boys - "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely" 11. Trans Siberian Orchestra - "What Child Is This?" 12. Trace Adkins - "Then They Do" Strykerdarksilence{Spoiler}Hey, here are my results, sorry for the delay.
Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss - "Whiskey Lullaby" Incredible, maybe my new favourite of the competition. Backstreet Boys - "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely" One of my favourite boyband ballads. Cracking pick. Stan Rogers - "Barrett's Privateers" Bold pick and a very good one at that. Really enjoyed that. Johann Johannsson - "Sun's Gone Dim" Intriguing pick, wasn't sure what to make of it at first but it grew on me. Peter Gabriel - "The Book of Love" Very nice, but pushed down by superior choices. Jewel - "Angel Standing By" Great voice but the song didn't do much for me. Terry Jacks - "Seasons in the Sun" Bit mundane compared to others, that hasn't aged well. Trace Adkins - "Then They Do" Too cheesy by half but it's well sung. Young Artists For Haiti - "Wavin' Flag" Boy do I feel like a scumbag rating a charity single so low, but I'm just not a fan. Vera Lynn - "We'll Meet Again" Never understood the appeal of Ol' Vera. Jamey Johnson - "In Color" Horrifically cheesy and I couldn't bear the guy's voice. Trans Siberian Orchestra - "What Child Is This?" Didn't like that one bit. PKSandman's Thoughts{Spoiler}1st: Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss- Whiskey Lullaby 2nd: Stan Rogers- Barrett's Privateers 3rd: Backstreet Boys- Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely 4th: Vera Lynn- Till We Meet Again 5th: Trace Adkins- Then They Do 6th: Terry Jacks- Seasons in the Sun 7th: Peter Gabriel- The Book of Love 8th: Trans-Siberian Orchestra- What Child is This 9th: Jamey Johnson- In Color 10th: Johann Johannson- Sun's Gone Dim 11th: Young Artists for Haiti- Wavin' Flag 12th: Jewel- Angel Standing By
This round was full of surprises and disappointments for me. The top 2 were my absolute favorites; after that, you start sliding down in quality. You had some decent songs in there that didn't resonate with me (not the participants' faults), and then you hit the bottom 4.
The bottom 4 were between odd and straight-up miserable. I couldn't get into any of them. The worst example is Jewel. A voice that's usually quite pretty just sounded way too airy, which put a giant damper on the song. Why did I single you out? Simple: there were a LOT better Jewel songs out there that you could have chosen. Special Guest Judge: UNTOUCHABLE is here! {Spoiler} 1) What Child Is This?- Superb. Just an excellent example of symphonic metal. However, it didn't really effect me personally, just that it is an awesome track. So I'm conflicted on how to rate it. However, it was still my favorite track.
2) Barrett's Privateers- Superb. Tells a story and is entirely vocal driven.
3)Book of Love- Love it. I love nearly anything by Peter Gabriel so it's certainly a thumbs up for me.
4) We'll Meet Again- Wonderful Track which really does get to me.
5) Then They Do- It does have the problem in that, since I'm listening to the songs in order that I'm quite over country. However, this works for me and it's probably the best of the country tracks used.
6) Seasons in the Sun- Works for me.
7) In Color- Quite touching.
8) Show me the meaning of being lonely- Always thought that BB were a solid band and this is one of their best.
9) Sun's Gone Dim- Very somber and a great video clip. I think it would have been better as an instrumental track though.
10) Whiskey Lullaby- Not exactly my genre but I think that it benefits from a very strong video.
11) Angel Standing By- Didn't dig it. Jewel is an amazing singer but this just kinda fell flat for me.
12) Wavin' Flag- Didn't like it. Just didn't dig it. I will be seperating the contestants into two separate groups Team Pegasus Has two people left. The Baldy Kendrick and Square. I can tell you this already, both of you will be in separate groups. TBK, you are in group 1. Square you are in Group 2. El Hoochadore and Gus Richlen, you were in the bottom 2 last week. El Hoochadore, you go to group 2, Gus Richlen, go to group 1. Demented go ahead and join group 1. Slightly Unshaven Group 2 for you. One Group is SAFE, the other group is our bottom 3. El Hoochadore, last week you were in the bottom 2, chopping block where it looked like you were going. Fortunately the Judges made the BIG SAVE on you. Well I'll tell you this much... The Group you are in right now is SAFE!!! Group 2, you are SAFE! With the top two highest scorers! {Spoiler}Square with 84 points was the high scorer! Slightly Unshaven with 71 points came in second... DEMENTED came in third place, with 69 points! So El Hoochadore, the group was safe, but you weren't. Switch places with Demented Please. Which means our Bottom 3 are... So who is SAFE??? I'll tell you this much, the bottom 2 last week are NOT the bottom 2 this week. {Spoiler}Gus Richlen you are SAFE! Have a Seat
So our Bottom 2 on the Chopping Block this week are:
Team Pegasus: The Baldy Kendrick Backstreet Boys - "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely" Johann Johannsson - "Sun's Gone Dim" Team Widow: El Hoochadore! Trans Siberian Orchestra - "What Child Is This?" Jewel - "Angel Standing By" So Judges time to go to your "Judge's House" for some thinking. Who are you going to keep? Who are you going to let go? PM me your decision. Will this week be our FIRST DEADLOCK? ==== Also there was a reason the judges have been making some cameo McMahon-erisms. The Next round is "The Family in Charge!" Each Judge will be posting a theme, one by one. As soon as all themes are up you can all start sending me your song choices. Advice will be going out too.
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Gus Richlen Was Wrong
Patti Mayonnaise
Metal Maestro: Co-winner of the FAN Idol Throwdown!
Fun while it lasted
Posts: 38,509
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Post by Gus Richlen Was Wrong on Jan 19, 2011 0:58:49 GMT -5
WHEW. i narrowly match my mark from last season. final five.
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Square
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Official Ambassador
Grand Poobah of Scavenger Hunts 2011
Square-Because he looks good at all the right angles.
Posts: 18,700
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Post by Square on Jan 19, 2011 10:50:38 GMT -5
Hey can someone pass me that bag, I think I've got this competition in there
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Post by Gopher Mod on Jan 19, 2011 11:09:35 GMT -5
Hey can someone pass me that bag, I think I've got this competition in there Sorry, but the bag's locked up until the competition's over.
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pegasuswarrior
El Dandy
Three Time FAN Idol Champion
@PulpPictionary
Posts: 8,748
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Post by pegasuswarrior on Jan 19, 2011 19:52:29 GMT -5
Hey can someone pass me that bag, I think I've got this competition in there I lol'ed. And I also have a definitive favorite now. Haha.
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Post by Allison Reynolds on Jan 19, 2011 23:15:16 GMT -5
Time For the Final Results.Judge #1 - Name of the act you are sending home today? {Spoiler}I've got to vote to save El Hoochadore here, TBK to go. 1 - 0 Vote Judge #2 - Same Question. "I always think the best contestant should stay regardless of affiliation, so I'll ponder on this for a bit."The Time to Ponder is over, decision is needed now, please. {Spoiler}"Who keeping consistency? Who's in it for the long haul? There is a bit of a bad taste left in my mouth from someone who said they don't really know any current songs at all to choose from. Was two weeks of back-to-back bottom two's a sign? I don't know, but I'm going to vote to release El Hoochadore and let fate and the signs determine this as well." 1-1 Vote. Stay Tuned for more results.
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Post by strykerdarksilence on Jan 20, 2011 9:25:25 GMT -5
Do you feel pretty? Think you can defy gravity? Going for one song glory? Well maybe this time you'll win! The theme is SONGS FROM MUSICALS! The only criteria is that they must have been performed at least once on Broadway.
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Post by Widow's Peak on Jan 20, 2011 14:19:49 GMT -5
For my theme this round I decided to give some attention to a genre of music that isn’t often represented in popular music. Too often, artists are forced into certain conventions… [Disembodied PA voice]“Everyone please rise for the Russian National Anthem…” What the Hell? Anyway as I was saying, this genre of music… ”Rossia - sviashennaia nasha derzhava, Rossia - lubimaia nasha strana! Moguchaia volia, velikaia slava - Tvoio dostoianie na vse vremena!” “Russia, Number 1! Iran Number 1! USA and any other English speaking country, Ha-Pooey!” Thank goodness that’s over. Anyway the musical depth of this genre can best be represented by… [Dramatic music plays] “Excuse moi. Excuse moi!” La Resistance? What are you doing here? “I am sawry. I did not mean to interrupt your show. But I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you all about the beautiful province of Quebec. C’est vrai, non Rene?” “O Canada! Terre de nos aïeux, Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!” Good grief, that was awful. If I can continue without any other interruptions, the genre of music for this round is… AIIIYAAA AAAIYAAAA!!!Oh I give up! Since I keep getting interrupted by the United Nations of Wrestling, I have no choice but to change my theme to… Foreign Language (other than English) Very simply, your assignment is to pick any song that you want, as long as it is in a language other than English.
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pegasuswarrior
El Dandy
Three Time FAN Idol Champion
@PulpPictionary
Posts: 8,748
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Post by pegasuswarrior on Jan 20, 2011 16:17:51 GMT -5
Pegasus Warrior: "So, judges, you all want to come over and play some Rock Band?" Judge 1: "Sure." Judge 2: "Why not?" Judge 3: "I'm game." Pegasus Warrior: *with a suspicious stare* "That sounded so scripted. *breaks the fourth wall and stares at the readers with a cheesy smile that features a single sparkling tooth* *A few minutes later . . .* Judge 1: "Geez." Judge 2: "What the heck is this?" Judge 3: "Are you joking?" Pegasus Warrior: "It's no joke, folks. What's there to joke about?" *Pegasus Warrior pulls out an array of "instruments" to demonstrate just before hooking them into the video game console* Judge 1: "The vuvuzela? Really?" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- [glow=pink,2,300]Is That All You Got? . . .[/glow]In this round, contestants must choose a song that features the use of an instrument other than just guitar, drums, or piano. Any or all of those three instruments can be in the song, but there must be at least one other instrument that is part of the composition as well. The instrument doesn't have to be featured the entire song, but it must be noticably present, at least in part.
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THE Baldy Kendrick
Dennis Stamp
may be an ursaring, may not.
I hear dem shoutin'.
Posts: 3,895
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Post by THE Baldy Kendrick on Jan 20, 2011 20:04:50 GMT -5
I'm going to ask a question that's only useful to me if I don't get eliminated...
For Category #2, are songs that are mostly non-English OK?
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Post by Widow's Peak on Jan 20, 2011 20:16:46 GMT -5
I'm going to ask a question that's only useful to me if I don't get eliminated... For Category #2, are songs that are mostly non-English OK? The odd word or two would be acceptable. Let's say that 85-90% of the song has to be in a foreign language.
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Post by Gopher Mod on Jan 20, 2011 23:20:29 GMT -5
We turn our attention to the Judge's HQ in scenic Ypsilanti. Seen are Stryker, Widow's Peak, and Pegasus waiting for the 4th judge. After a few minutes.... *No Chance... NO CHANCE! THAT'S WHAT YOU'VE GOT!* PhilKenSandman walks in wearing a power suit, oddly strutting like a certain old geezer that runs a wrestling company.Sandman: Now, judges, you know I brought you all here. We're here to determine what the next category is supposed to be for this little sideshow known as The X Factor. At this time, I open the floor to suggestions. Stryker: How about songs from musicals? Widow's Peak: Foreign language music! Pegasuswarrior: Music with non-traditional instruments? PKSandman starts to contort his face, as if he's not happy with ANY of these ideas.Sandman: WHAT? ARE YOU ALL INSANE!? These are all HORRIBLE ideas! Stryker: What's your idea then, pops? Sandman: Simple: my idea is all about the artwork. The blood, sweat, and tears that they put into their videos. That's right, the category will be MUSIC + VIDEOS! Everything then starts to devolve into nothing more than a bickering match between the four judges... until a certain person comes in who swings a sledgehammer through the table silencing everyone. The person wielding the sledge? None other than the host of The X Factor, Sudden Rush.Rush: SHUT UP! All you guys do is nothing but gripe. Sandman: WHY ARE YOU HERE!? Rush: I've been listening in on what you all have been saying, and you all made valid points. Therefore, the next round will have all 4 categories that you discussed. All the judges seem at least mildly pleased upon hearing this news.Rush: Now, if you'll excuse me, I got to get back to that pool party... Rush leaves the room, and the judges all seem to calm down... expect for PKSandman.Sandman: Good. Now, excuse me, because I'M SUPPOSED TO BE AT THAT POOL PARTY, DAMMIT! Sandman then gets up and leaves the room.Seriously, though: my category is MUSIC + VIDEOS.This category doesn't just focus on the music itself; it focuses on both the song and video that accompanies it. For instance, an iconic video could be considered something grand and extravagant; to some it could be simple and effective (hence why I put a previous video, OK Go's "Here It Goes Again" as the picture).
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pegasuswarrior
El Dandy
Three Time FAN Idol Champion
@PulpPictionary
Posts: 8,748
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Post by pegasuswarrior on Jan 21, 2011 0:02:36 GMT -5
Please, for the love of Ryan Seacrest, get those song submissions in to Sudden Rush ASAP. I'd love to have these picks ready to judge when I wake up Saturday now that everyone has an opportunity to see what the next categories are.
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Post by Allison Reynolds on Jan 21, 2011 8:12:57 GMT -5
Judge # 3 - Name of the act you are sending home tonight? {Spoiler}I am going with keep El Hoochadore this time as well. I just liked his choices a bit better this round. And that Johann Johannsson video is still giving me nightmares.
So I am sending TBK Home. Score 2-1 Judge #4 we go to you... Your vote will decide who stays or goes. If you vote on one contestant, you send him home. If you vote for the other, than for the first time EVER, we will be going into DEADLOCK. So What is your decision? "He had a chance for redemption, and it's fairly clear to me that he completely failed on that regard."{Spoiler}I'm going with El Hoochadore as well.
Score 2-2. Which means...
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Post by Allison Reynolds on Jan 22, 2011 8:02:58 GMT -5
K. Sorry, Busy, Busy Busy! I thought I had the day off tomorrow/today, but well, things didn't go as planned. So Yea, I have the results, but since this moment is unique, I'm holding off on that, until I can get a proper presentation. Unless any of the judges volunteer to do it, to keep the game going. I hate asking Pegasus all the time. (Sorry Peggy! For making you pick up during my absence all the darn time) So I'm still ready to present it myself still. But still putting that out, if I'm taking too long. (Just PM me judges, if you are willing to do the Deadlock Presentation. If someone other than Pegasus offers to do it, I'll let you, over Peg, to give Peg a break for once. LOL. ) Send me your songs (EVERYONE FOR EVERY THEME, NOT JUST ONE THEME. Please) Soon. So I can have the songs ready to send to the judges at the same time, I post the elimination. I got 3/6 in and a single song submission for one theme from one contestant. Will Edit this post when everythings ready.
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Square
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Official Ambassador
Grand Poobah of Scavenger Hunts 2011
Square-Because he looks good at all the right angles.
Posts: 18,700
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Post by Square on Jan 22, 2011 8:05:31 GMT -5
Sorry I'm really struggling to get songs for all 4
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Post by Allison Reynolds on Jan 22, 2011 8:12:02 GMT -5
Sorry I'm really struggling to get songs for all 4 No worries. I'm not ready to send them in yet, so if you need time to think things through, don't Rush.(Have not written the Elimination yet) I've edited in, in the above post that I'm still missing half of the entire song list.
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pegasuswarrior
El Dandy
Three Time FAN Idol Champion
@PulpPictionary
Posts: 8,748
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Post by pegasuswarrior on Jan 22, 2011 18:14:28 GMT -5
Comments from the EMOTIONAL songs round: {Spoiler}Backstreet Boys - "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely" www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lPaNdGlG7QI’ll be honest, I always took this as an excessively maudlin break-up song. I don’t mind the Backstreet Boys, but I’ve never really liked this song. It was the beginning of their downhill swing for me. I got the feeling that they’d thrown so much stuff at us that this was a song that just coasted off their already solidified popularity. I find it generally weak. And yes, I watched the video, but that doesn’t do anything to help improve the maudlin factor; in fact, it does a little bit to reinforce that idea for me. But for the record, I’m not downplaying it because it doesn’t fit the theme, because it certainly does. It’s just not a song I would rank that highly on its own merits. Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss - "Whiskey Lullaby" www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZbN_nmxAGkAlison Krauss in this song (or pretty much any song) … AWESOME. Brad Paisley’s got good vocal control too, I think. However, in general, the song doesn’t stand out as much as either act’s previous works. Both songs I’ve seen thus far are a bit overstated, as if reaching or trying too hard. The lyrics here and the general delivery are like the listener is getting beat over the head with “the obvious stick.” Again, this isn’t a knock on a song for not fitting into the category as much as it’s a remark about the song itself not having the effect it needs for me. Jamey Johnson - "In Color" www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYGwxf1gCC4&ob=av2nmI don’t care who you are, those are some undeniably good lyrics. Jamey Johnson’s vocals sometimes don’t settle in just right on some songs, but this song really highlights his style and there’s lyrical poetry at work in this song. I give the guy major credit on his song construction here. It hits on all cylinders, despite my own personal issue with some of his vocals at times in other songs. This song is one big nostalgia pop. Jewel - "Angel Standing By" www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXxFIQV0y8QI honestly giggled a little bit with glee to see Jewel’s name on the list, as she makes her first appearance at any stage in the game to date. It seems all of Jewel’s songs have the same cycle of interest with me. Upon first listen, they’re mostly pretty thick with overly dramatic effect that I don’t care much for. But, her little vocal tricks very soon make her catchy and one of the easiest artists I’ve ever heard to pick up the lyrics and *ahem* “attempt” to sing along to. I seriously can’t think of a single Jewel song (of the ones that I know) that I wasn’t able to pick up every single lyric and starting singing along to by the third (and in some case, the second) listen. THEN, finally, that gets old after a while and songs sort of fold into mediocrity, with the exception of two or three. Fortunately for you, I haven’t heard this song long enough to say that it’s in that final stage yet for me. No doubt that I’ll regret even halfway liking this song at some stage in my listening cycle, but for now, it’s just another Jewel song I’m learning to love to sing along with. I’m telling you, it’s those unique vocal tricks. And they’re not even all that impressive; they’re just … different. Johann Johannsson - "The Sun's Gone Dim and The Sky's Turned Black" www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv4CuIIspdECertainly a haunting and chilling effect, I give you that. I picture this as a perfect track to a million different Sci-Fi script ideas. The first time I ever heard this, I wanted very much NOT to like it. However, it’s a song that can grow on you in the proper context, and I can’t help but appreciate the aura it gives off. Not the song you want to listen to on a Monday commute to work, but then again, that’s not the name of this round’s category now, is it? I can see where some won’t like it because it’s so unusual and not so melodic or pleasing in its lyrical construction in particular. BUT, what I appreciate much is how the lyrics almost work secondarily at around the 4:30 mark when the haunting voice has led in to the brilliant instrumental takeoff that completely reinforce the tone of the piece. Johannsson doesn’t even have to say or sing anything at that point, and the residue of his miserable revelation just seeps into the music from that point forward. Altogether, it’s a pretty brilliant exchange of music construction with the subdued vocal and lyrics. Peter Gabriel - "The Book of Love" www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmnDXRJ7btEI’m going to be perfectly honest with these opening back-to-back comments here. 1) I’ve never heard this song before. I’m serious. 2) I darn near teared up through the first verse. (“Darn near” may or may not be a cover-up for what actually did happen.) This is beautiful music-making here. I’m serious, this song really touches me, and it has just vaulted into the top slot so far for me. I’ve been fighting issues in each of the songs thus far that somewhat hold them back, but this song rips me apart. And yes, I’m alone right now. This is the kind of piece that could push a guy darn near over-the-edge. I can’t say enough about it upon this first playthrough. I’m sad and happy at the same time. (Edit: And upon a second listen on Day Two—and this is a huge statement coming from me—I think this just may be the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard.) Stan Rogers - "Barrett's Privateers" www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIwzRkjn86wFantastic! Wow. Speechless with this pick. You’re a better player than I, sir. Good job digging up this one from your musical library. It’s the kind of song I expect from a ‘Crap Idol champion in the clutch. I don’t think you could get by with a gameful of these choices, BUT the point is that this is the first song of its type thus far in the entire game, and its sure as heck sets you apart from others and distinguishes you. Perfect timing on unleashing this one. I love this pick! If I had a portable music player of some type, this one would be an insta-download for me. I’m predicting that I’ll listen to this one several several times in the coming weeks. Terry Jacks - "Seasons in the Sun" www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd_Fdly3rX8Doesn’t really have much impact on me these days, especially the chorus. It’s not your fault; it’s just a song I’ve personally heard so much that it loses a bit of its intended edge. The lyrics really are well done, and I’m not knocking the song itself. I think my own overexposure to the song is its only hindrance, regrettably. I don’t think the song itself gets overplayed; I’ve just personally heard it a lot for various reasons. I hope it fares better with the other judges. Trace Adkins - "Then They Do" www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYkzRYhlw_U&ob=av2elI’m sorry. I have to come out pretty strong against Trace Adkins here. I think he’s one of the acts in country that totally comes across as an “act” through and through. I don’t get a single sense of genuineness to any of his work; he should go all out true outlaw. I don’t get someone who tries to have it both ways. I always through his strength would be in outlaw country, and this song—along with others of his of this type—are for the birds, as far as I’m concerned. It simply does – not – fit – him. It’s like a bulldog trying to look good in a tutu. I have a tough time believing a word of it, AND his voice is totally not suited for this type of song in my opinion. It’s the standard bandwagon overly sentimental song attempt that so many rough n’ ready country stars attempt just so they can sucker so many of the country fanbase who easily fall for it. For some reason, they all feel like they have to show a soft side these days. Trace Adkins is probably my leading candidate for most despised male country act these days. So unfortunately, you just hit a raw nerve with me on this particular artist choice. Can’t stand the guy. Trans Siberian Orchestra - "What Child Is This?" www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivlv4J5uiagI never really got Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Their delivery is always so contradictory to their songs’ messages. You’re not supposed to scare the holidays into me. I think A LOT is lost in translation of the lyrics of the songs they choose to sing when they butcher the delivery. Now, if they choose some lyrics and songs more fitting with their style, then I could get behind them MUCH more. Cover a Meatloaf song, cover “Holy Diver,” cover The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. But when these “nouveau metal”/symphonic rock bands sing songs with such faux passion, it gets one gigantic eye roll out of me. I made an analogy with Trace Adkins earlier, but one I’d make for acts like Trans-Siberian Orchestra is that it’s like a guy going out on a loose dinner get-together/night on the town with some buddies but instead of being cool and going with the flow, he dresses in an outrageous, loud, oddly-colored three piece suit that’s going to get attention, sure, but probably not the attention I want to attract on such an occasion. They’re like a comedic sketch/parody that SNL would pull off, except the scary thing is that they’re for real. Vera Lynn - "We'll Meet Again" www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHcunREYzNYAh, this song takes me back . . . well, ok, maybe not personally, but it’s songs like this from that era that have such a genuine snapshot of the age that I can’t help but feel a part of it. There is a sense of pride in what my country has gone through, and doggone it if I don’t get a little nationalist when I hear this. (And no, I’m not one that goes goo-goo and ga-ga over every little patriot song.) This song touches a heartstring with me in a way that others attempt, but this is just effortless and genuinely a capturing of an emotion of a time period altogether. And then, of course, there is the funny AND haunting use of the song in one of the Top 5 greatest films ever made, and certainly the greatest satire ever to hit a film reel. Young Artists For Haiti - "Wavin' Flag" www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB7L1BIDELcTo me, I always thought there is one and only one of these types of celebrity all-star relief songs. I don’t think I need to mention what it is. HOWEVER, out of the many attempts to duplicate the emotion of the all-star get-togethers, I find this example as being fresh and pretty impactful. I think, in large part, it’s due to the fact that it’s something Canada can call their own that doesn’t reek of complete imitation like some American attempts to do the same thing over and over again or some thrown-together group that’s put together for the Olympics every 4 years. There are a lot of fresh faces in the song, and I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something that just moves me with this song. I’m a sucker for global unification themes, and I think this is just one of those instances. I truly felt it. With that being said, it totally borders or what some could consider over-the-top (dare I say out-of-context, even cheesy?), and I fully acknowledge that. This song probably fits more into a “guilty pleasure” type of theme for me, but as I’m typing this and saying that it’s awesome, I feel like I ought to look over my shoulder because it really probably isn’t. Like I said, I felt this particular one. 1. Peter Gabriel - "The Book of Love" 2. Stan Rogers - "Barrett's Privateers" 3. Vera Lynn - "We'll Meet Again" 4. Young Artists For Haiti - "Wavin' Flag" 5. Jamey Johnson - "In Color" 6. Johann Johannsson - "The Sun's Gone Dim and The Sky's Turned Black" 7. Jewel - "Angel Standing By" 8. Terry Jacks - "Seasons in the Sun" 9. Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss - "Whiskey Lullaby" 10. Backstreet Boys - "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely" 11. Trans Siberian Orchestra - "What Child Is This?" 12. Trace Adkins - "Then They Do"
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