Post by pegasuswarrior on Sept 21, 2010 17:52:08 GMT -5
Teaser: I've listened to one of these songs 8-10 times since getting the list on Saturday. It's a song I'd completely forgotten about until the list was sent to judges. Needless to say, I'm marking out even three days later for it. The only thing is that I'm not so sure I didn't score it lower than I should have. I'm sure of my Top 2, but this one could have (maybe *should* have) been number 3 easily. My 3-7 rankings could have gone *any* way honestly. Great bunch of songs, folks.
David Bowie - Life On Mars? www.youtube.com/watch?v=v--IqqusnNQ
Absolutely Brilliant Choice! I hate you for getting this song stuck in my mind, for the past 5 days. I think I was hypnotized or put into a trance after listening to this, together with the video. I haven’t heard/seen this in ages, and forgot all about it, but once it got in my mind again, it doesn’t leave. Just remembering the images from the video alone, can leave that melody stuck in the mind. And with a video like that, with David Bowie looking like that, it’s quite easy to. Pause at 2:53. David Bowie was definitely ahead of his time, dressing like an 80s singer, in the early 70s! I applaud you, like for the first contestant, for picking a choice unexpected for this round. Very original and unique pick. Just an effective choice at the right time.
It's stupid to quote yourself, I understand, but I thought it was terrific how Sudden Rush mirrored my exact thoughts on the song I referenced earlier. That song was "Life On Mars?" Tremendous. I just wanted to give major props.
Also interesting is how cultures vary in the judging panel. Bowie has (in my opinion) tons of more "overplayed" songs here in the U.S. than this, yet from our fellow U.K. judge, it sounds in his comments as if "Life On Mars?" gets tons of attention in his homeland.
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So, here were my running comments as I went through the songs. Thanks, contestants, I had a great time with a majority of these songs. If you're wondering why you were ranked low, look at my feedback before flying off the handle. It's not necessarily because I hate that song or anything (see comments below) ...
{Spoiler}Augustana - "Twenty Years"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0oTAivWGGk
There are a lot of little subtleties in this performances that make it special. In general, I’m pretty indifferent to Augustana, but if you were going to introduce them to someone, I think this video and performance would be one to do it with. So in that regard, very well done. You chose well.
David Bowie - Life On Mars?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v--IqqusnNQ
Ok, I have to share this first because it makes me laugh. Right beside this particular video is an ad for a website to “Zombie Yourself!” Just thought it was fitting (and funny). So it’s David Bowie … and it’s an original choice … so you just made me happy right here. This song is so good. It’s a great link between past and present. It has a Beatles type of influence, yet it’s David freaking Bowie! I’m not sure where I’m putting this yet in rankings, but this is quite a unique pick among a group of 18 contestants. I’m sure not going to forget it.
Dr. Dre - "Still D.R.E"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG_qcud1ShM
I’m glad you’re being true to your musical tastes here. This song always had a clever hook. I like the way the words roll off Dre’s tongue sometimes, but some of lines in this song miss a little for me. I’m not so sure it has the same effect now as it did then. I do want to do a nostalgia pop, but I’m not sure this one has the same fire for me.
George Strait - "I Hate Everything"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNEynVEe1Ns
Haha@polar opposite tunes back-to-back. Here’s the thing with this one: I can think of 20 George Strait songs I like more than this one. Since we’ve only had one George Strait selection in the game thus far, I think that says a lot about this particular choice for me. It’s not George Strait that doesn’t hit me just right; it’s just this song isn’t one of his that leaves a lasting impression for me. And yes, I’ve heard it before more than once, but it has never really settled in and risen to the top of my list of “best songs” by him. I was really glad this artist got chosen, but yeah, sorry that I’m not jumping for joy at the song.
Journey - "Faithfully"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMD8hBsA-RI&ob=av2n
Love it! Love it! Love it! I would type more, but I’d rather not waste time doing that and instead spend that time going back and clicking and re-clicking play for this song to be heard again and again.
Michael Jackson - "Man in the Mirror" www.youtube.com/watch?v=PivWY9wn5ps
Here’s where I know I get boo’ed. Believe it not, even as a HUGE MJ fan, “Man in the Mirror” is one of my least favorite songs of his. I know, I know. That’s EVERYONE’s favorite song by him. One thing about it (well ok, two things): the power of montage is sure at work in this video and, well, it’s MJ, so even though I don’t count this among my favorites of his, there is no way this will end up at the bottom.
Oasis - "Don't Look Back in Anger"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8OipmKFDeM
Before I even clicked the link, I was shouting the opening line to this song at the top of my lungs. Pardon me for not watching the video too closely; the song itself far outweighs the annoying Beatles comparison vibe I get every time I see them. But yes, this is a hit with me; one of my favorite Oasis songs for sure. (Oh, and it’s not quite over yet, and I’m still singing along.)
Oasis - "Wonderwall" www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hzrDeceEKc
And the unfortunate cross-comparison begins. I can tell you one thing: the previous song is going to score higher for me. I wish this song wasn’t so overplayed, I really do. I was hooked the first time I heard this, but overexposure unfortunately has taken a bit of edge off of this one for me. I know I should be tougher than that, and overexposure doesn’t always do that to me, but sometimes, it just does—there is no further explanation than just that. Still, no doubt about it, a great song.
Prince - "Sometimes It Snows In April" www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbZCpOr8hW8
I did not see this one coming: surprise, surprise. But yeah, I like this song, but I never really *loved* it. Maybe that’s my bad, maybe it’s not. I won’t call it a bad pick (because it’s not), but comparatively, it doesn’t hold up for me personally against a lot of the other songs I have listened to thus far in the round. I’ll leave it to my fellow judges to bail you out on this one.
Queen - "Flash"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS4_Z84-rRE
Ahhh! Speaking of “overexposure” earlier, if there is one band/artist that has suffered from overexposure in this game, it’s DEFINITELY Queen for me. This game has taken me from being a big supporter to Queen to almost indifferent. That’s my Queen backlash comment of the game (it’s below my average, sure, seeing as how it seems we have 3 or 4 Queen songs per game—argh!).
R.E.M - "Orange Crush"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf79lOZ7inw
If “orange crush” is code for “my support,” then yes, you’ve got your orange crush, you’ve got your orange crush. It’s becoming apparent that the top half of my rankings are going to be just as hard to split up as last round. Good work on putting the pressure on me.
Ray Charles - "Night Time is the Right Time" www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4rG4GRTVB4
Margie Hendricks has some pipes, that’s for sure. But this song gets on my nerves. There, I said it. Repetition for effect is one thing. But I’ve never gotten/understood the “hook” to this song. Sorry.
Sesame Street's Ernie (feat. Shawn Colvin) - "I Don't Want to Live on the Moon" www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zzL3N7HE0s
I don’t know where to start with my remarks about this. I’m marking out for so many things going on here in this selection! First of all, this is a great in-game strategy for this round, the best use of “originality” that I’ve seen thus far. You took that “Sesame Street Characters” theme and twisted it as such to give us exposure to Shawn Colvin’s first Wrestlecrap Idol appearance. That’s brilliant. Shawn Colvin’s brilliant. The directing and editing for this video is also worth marking out for; I mean, it’s perfectly executed. This song is such a gem, and it’s off the charts on my “unexpectedly pleased”-o-meter. I mark for the nostalgia. I mark for the lyrics. Call me whatever you want to call me, but this song choice touched me. And I’ll show you on the frisbee where it touched me if you want.
Tears For Fears - "Mad World"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZfv2tk1RFU
What the heck? This song’s already been used. I used this song. I’m sorry, but if we’re going to be lazy with song selection, I’m going to be lazy and brief with my comments on this one. Last place.
The Beatles - "Helter Skelter"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWuXmfgXVxY
So, just how far ahead of their time were The Beatles? I mean, seriously. Was there nothing these guys couldn’t do? It’s a song like this from them that prompts such questions. Good pick. Not really in my top 10 or 20 Beatles songs ever, but in terms of originality from them, it’s a good pick.
The Doors - "Peace Frog"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRJKOtM-onM
Honestly, I’ve only heard this song a handful of times. Nice job of catching me with my guard down. Way to bring the funk and free love sound of a crazy good song here.
The Who - "I Can't Explain"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rtfvbNJfP0
How much I love this … can’t explain. Feeling like complimenting you … can’t explain. What else can I say … can’t explain. Marking out quite a bit, so much that I … can’t explain. Well done, well done!
Weird Al Yankovic - "Albuquerque" www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/albuquerque
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Need I say more?? You’ve got guts … and taste. Let’s reward that, shall we? Great job!
EDIT: GNR -- “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”
His penalty is to be scored last by me. It's not fair to those who turned the song in on time and waiting so long for this round. We're technically four (and today makes five) days into judging before results are posted since everyone had theirs turned in a day earlier than necessary, so that four day total to judge is at least two more days longer that it should ever take. Waiting on people to turn in songs is one thing, but we've all been on the contestant side when it comes to results and waiting five days for results is an altogether different story. I can't justify rewarding someone for that with a ranking for the round. I'm just thinking of it from a contestant's perspective.
My Rankings and One-Liners:
1. Sesame Street's Ernie (feat. Shawn Colvin) - "I Don't Want to Live on the Moon"
I will hire you to DJ/sing at my party anytime. Seriously, I need your contact info.
2. R.E.M - "Orange Crush"
I missed when I gave you a high five after this one, but that's the only thing that missed here.
3. Journey - "Faithfully"
Ummm ... epic anyone?
4. David Bowie - Life On Mars?
Bowie makes me go "yowie!"
5. Oasis - "Don't Look Back in Anger"
Well, when I "look back," all I see is a standing ovation, not anger.
6. Weird Al Yankovic - "Albuquerque"
Can't .. haha .. comment .. haha .. laughing ..
7. The Who - "I Can't Explain"
Well, let me explain for you: you're awesome!
8. Oasis - "Wonderwall"
A little predictable, yet a lot good.
9. Prince - "Sometimes It Snows In April"
Pretty touching. And pretty.
10. The Beatles - "Helter Skelter"
Unexpected and welcomed.
11. Michael Jackson - "Man in the Mirror"
I hate to say I knew this was coming, but ... I knew this was coming.
12. Augustana - "Twenty Years"
An Augustana performance I like; that's a good sign.
13. Queen - "Flash"
Hooray, another WC Idol Queen song. Hooray, another lobotomy.
14. The Doors - "Peace Frog"
A song about peace AND frogs? Dude.
15. Dr. Dre - "Still D.R.E"
Thanks. Now I'll have that melody in my head all night.
16. George Strait - "I Hate Everything"
Great artist selection, not-so-great song selection.
17. Ray Charles - "Night Time is the Right Time"
The only thing more repetitive is Sportscenter late night through early a.m.
18. Tears For Fears - "Mad World"
Lazy choice. Lazy.
19. I am very disappointed. See comments.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0oTAivWGGk
There are a lot of little subtleties in this performances that make it special. In general, I’m pretty indifferent to Augustana, but if you were going to introduce them to someone, I think this video and performance would be one to do it with. So in that regard, very well done. You chose well.
David Bowie - Life On Mars?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v--IqqusnNQ
Ok, I have to share this first because it makes me laugh. Right beside this particular video is an ad for a website to “Zombie Yourself!” Just thought it was fitting (and funny). So it’s David Bowie … and it’s an original choice … so you just made me happy right here. This song is so good. It’s a great link between past and present. It has a Beatles type of influence, yet it’s David freaking Bowie! I’m not sure where I’m putting this yet in rankings, but this is quite a unique pick among a group of 18 contestants. I’m sure not going to forget it.
Dr. Dre - "Still D.R.E"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG_qcud1ShM
I’m glad you’re being true to your musical tastes here. This song always had a clever hook. I like the way the words roll off Dre’s tongue sometimes, but some of lines in this song miss a little for me. I’m not so sure it has the same effect now as it did then. I do want to do a nostalgia pop, but I’m not sure this one has the same fire for me.
George Strait - "I Hate Everything"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNEynVEe1Ns
Haha@polar opposite tunes back-to-back. Here’s the thing with this one: I can think of 20 George Strait songs I like more than this one. Since we’ve only had one George Strait selection in the game thus far, I think that says a lot about this particular choice for me. It’s not George Strait that doesn’t hit me just right; it’s just this song isn’t one of his that leaves a lasting impression for me. And yes, I’ve heard it before more than once, but it has never really settled in and risen to the top of my list of “best songs” by him. I was really glad this artist got chosen, but yeah, sorry that I’m not jumping for joy at the song.
Journey - "Faithfully"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMD8hBsA-RI&ob=av2n
Love it! Love it! Love it! I would type more, but I’d rather not waste time doing that and instead spend that time going back and clicking and re-clicking play for this song to be heard again and again.
Michael Jackson - "Man in the Mirror" www.youtube.com/watch?v=PivWY9wn5ps
Here’s where I know I get boo’ed. Believe it not, even as a HUGE MJ fan, “Man in the Mirror” is one of my least favorite songs of his. I know, I know. That’s EVERYONE’s favorite song by him. One thing about it (well ok, two things): the power of montage is sure at work in this video and, well, it’s MJ, so even though I don’t count this among my favorites of his, there is no way this will end up at the bottom.
Oasis - "Don't Look Back in Anger"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8OipmKFDeM
Before I even clicked the link, I was shouting the opening line to this song at the top of my lungs. Pardon me for not watching the video too closely; the song itself far outweighs the annoying Beatles comparison vibe I get every time I see them. But yes, this is a hit with me; one of my favorite Oasis songs for sure. (Oh, and it’s not quite over yet, and I’m still singing along.)
Oasis - "Wonderwall" www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hzrDeceEKc
And the unfortunate cross-comparison begins. I can tell you one thing: the previous song is going to score higher for me. I wish this song wasn’t so overplayed, I really do. I was hooked the first time I heard this, but overexposure unfortunately has taken a bit of edge off of this one for me. I know I should be tougher than that, and overexposure doesn’t always do that to me, but sometimes, it just does—there is no further explanation than just that. Still, no doubt about it, a great song.
Prince - "Sometimes It Snows In April" www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbZCpOr8hW8
I did not see this one coming: surprise, surprise. But yeah, I like this song, but I never really *loved* it. Maybe that’s my bad, maybe it’s not. I won’t call it a bad pick (because it’s not), but comparatively, it doesn’t hold up for me personally against a lot of the other songs I have listened to thus far in the round. I’ll leave it to my fellow judges to bail you out on this one.
Queen - "Flash"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS4_Z84-rRE
Ahhh! Speaking of “overexposure” earlier, if there is one band/artist that has suffered from overexposure in this game, it’s DEFINITELY Queen for me. This game has taken me from being a big supporter to Queen to almost indifferent. That’s my Queen backlash comment of the game (it’s below my average, sure, seeing as how it seems we have 3 or 4 Queen songs per game—argh!).
R.E.M - "Orange Crush"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf79lOZ7inw
If “orange crush” is code for “my support,” then yes, you’ve got your orange crush, you’ve got your orange crush. It’s becoming apparent that the top half of my rankings are going to be just as hard to split up as last round. Good work on putting the pressure on me.
Ray Charles - "Night Time is the Right Time" www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4rG4GRTVB4
Margie Hendricks has some pipes, that’s for sure. But this song gets on my nerves. There, I said it. Repetition for effect is one thing. But I’ve never gotten/understood the “hook” to this song. Sorry.
Sesame Street's Ernie (feat. Shawn Colvin) - "I Don't Want to Live on the Moon" www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zzL3N7HE0s
I don’t know where to start with my remarks about this. I’m marking out for so many things going on here in this selection! First of all, this is a great in-game strategy for this round, the best use of “originality” that I’ve seen thus far. You took that “Sesame Street Characters” theme and twisted it as such to give us exposure to Shawn Colvin’s first Wrestlecrap Idol appearance. That’s brilliant. Shawn Colvin’s brilliant. The directing and editing for this video is also worth marking out for; I mean, it’s perfectly executed. This song is such a gem, and it’s off the charts on my “unexpectedly pleased”-o-meter. I mark for the nostalgia. I mark for the lyrics. Call me whatever you want to call me, but this song choice touched me. And I’ll show you on the frisbee where it touched me if you want.
Tears For Fears - "Mad World"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZfv2tk1RFU
What the heck? This song’s already been used. I used this song. I’m sorry, but if we’re going to be lazy with song selection, I’m going to be lazy and brief with my comments on this one. Last place.
The Beatles - "Helter Skelter"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWuXmfgXVxY
So, just how far ahead of their time were The Beatles? I mean, seriously. Was there nothing these guys couldn’t do? It’s a song like this from them that prompts such questions. Good pick. Not really in my top 10 or 20 Beatles songs ever, but in terms of originality from them, it’s a good pick.
The Doors - "Peace Frog"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRJKOtM-onM
Honestly, I’ve only heard this song a handful of times. Nice job of catching me with my guard down. Way to bring the funk and free love sound of a crazy good song here.
The Who - "I Can't Explain"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rtfvbNJfP0
How much I love this … can’t explain. Feeling like complimenting you … can’t explain. What else can I say … can’t explain. Marking out quite a bit, so much that I … can’t explain. Well done, well done!
Weird Al Yankovic - "Albuquerque" www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/albuquerque
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Need I say more?? You’ve got guts … and taste. Let’s reward that, shall we? Great job!
EDIT: GNR -- “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”
His penalty is to be scored last by me. It's not fair to those who turned the song in on time and waiting so long for this round. We're technically four (and today makes five) days into judging before results are posted since everyone had theirs turned in a day earlier than necessary, so that four day total to judge is at least two more days longer that it should ever take. Waiting on people to turn in songs is one thing, but we've all been on the contestant side when it comes to results and waiting five days for results is an altogether different story. I can't justify rewarding someone for that with a ranking for the round. I'm just thinking of it from a contestant's perspective.
My Rankings and One-Liners:
1. Sesame Street's Ernie (feat. Shawn Colvin) - "I Don't Want to Live on the Moon"
I will hire you to DJ/sing at my party anytime. Seriously, I need your contact info.
2. R.E.M - "Orange Crush"
I missed when I gave you a high five after this one, but that's the only thing that missed here.
3. Journey - "Faithfully"
Ummm ... epic anyone?
4. David Bowie - Life On Mars?
Bowie makes me go "yowie!"
5. Oasis - "Don't Look Back in Anger"
Well, when I "look back," all I see is a standing ovation, not anger.
6. Weird Al Yankovic - "Albuquerque"
Can't .. haha .. comment .. haha .. laughing ..
7. The Who - "I Can't Explain"
Well, let me explain for you: you're awesome!
8. Oasis - "Wonderwall"
A little predictable, yet a lot good.
9. Prince - "Sometimes It Snows In April"
Pretty touching. And pretty.
10. The Beatles - "Helter Skelter"
Unexpected and welcomed.
11. Michael Jackson - "Man in the Mirror"
I hate to say I knew this was coming, but ... I knew this was coming.
12. Augustana - "Twenty Years"
An Augustana performance I like; that's a good sign.
13. Queen - "Flash"
Hooray, another WC Idol Queen song. Hooray, another lobotomy.
14. The Doors - "Peace Frog"
A song about peace AND frogs? Dude.
15. Dr. Dre - "Still D.R.E"
Thanks. Now I'll have that melody in my head all night.
16. George Strait - "I Hate Everything"
Great artist selection, not-so-great song selection.
17. Ray Charles - "Night Time is the Right Time"
The only thing more repetitive is Sportscenter late night through early a.m.
18. Tears For Fears - "Mad World"
Lazy choice. Lazy.
19. I am very disappointed. See comments.
Now onto the live stage! I'm pulling for the folks in my house and I'm very pleased with my "team." Represent! Let's do this thing!