Kenny Clark "Average Man"- First thing that catches my attention is the guitar progression, which reminds me of that song with "Ahhooooo, werewolves of London!" The doubled vocals don't really do it for me. I would prefer harmonies. It just makes it seem like there were mistakes in the first vocal take, and instead of getting it right, you smeared another layer on top to try to fill in the gaps. I like lyrics except for the part were you're "..looking for a good wife. Nothing too great, nothing too grand." Having a good wife is nothing too great? You might want to reconsider what the average man really does have. Otherwise, quality is great and the song structure works well.
Chris Backstrom "Blind Fold"- First thing that catches me is the reverb on the vocals. The vocals sound pushed, and the reverb is possibly a way of trying to smooth out the harshness(?). Maybe try cutting out the higher end of the vocals. You're high notes remind me of Adam Duritz from Counting Crows. The guitar drones on a bit for my taste, but I imagine that's an equipment issue (I would go for a more acoustic sound with the rhythm guitar and then use electric for the lead). You should try to give each instrument it's own frequency range (during the guitar solo) so they don't mush together. Overall, I think the song's scaffolding is good, but a better recording is key.
Tom Cadaret "Coldest Night of the Year"- What makes a song truely good is if I can't think of anything else that sounds like it. This song, along with all your music, creates an expansion of the aural realm. Even though simplicity is this song's angle, the recording could really use a backing orchestra...or even just a string quartet if an orchestra is too hard to find. : ) But yea, this is a good song, and I do appreciate your KISS approach.
Nick "Forceful Grip"- This instruments in this song mix really well together. The intro lick is very nice, and the panning is top notch. There is a "pop" at 22 seconds in (in case you didn't notice). The vocal recording quality is also great, but I have issue with the singing style. The trembling voice and the loud breaths at the beginning and grunts at the ends of phrases are too much for my taste. I know that you're conveying emotion, but to me it comes off as bad technique. You need to be able to control your breath better. I do like your voice besides that, and the falsettos are smooth. The modulations are a nice touch to the end of the song. The structure keeps the song from becoming repetative. This is quality.
Mitch "Dignity"- arggg YSI expired....sorry it took so long for me to get to. I'll definately critique it if you re-up it.
Micah "Tomorrows Yesterdays"- First thing that catches me is the very full guitar in the intro. I think it reminds me of Goo Goo Dolls. The next thing is the vocals. They sound like their good quality, but they're right in the same frequency range and space as the guitar, and as a result become drowned out by the guitar. The reverb on the vocals is also a bit much and adds to the lack of definition. It's hard to tell what's going on. I do like the guitar part and I think that a clean recording of the vocals will greatly improve this song. There may be a bit much improvised solo guitar going on toward the end. You might want to work it out a little better and make the solo more distinct. Lots of potential!
Jonathan Bietz "Empty Room"- It seems that the drums drag just a tiny bit in the beginning, which is a bit jolting. I like it once the guitar joins in. The verse vocals are pretty damn smooth, and the echo/panning effect at the end of phrases is cool. There seem to be some vocal problems during the chorus. The low note may be too low for you, and after that low note, you have trouble staying in key. I like the shaker transition. Wait, did you rhyme "out" and "without"? mmm I guess that's ok. : ) Chill song overall. I get a visual of a diamond back rattlesnake tripping on peyote.
Mitch "New Year's Eve"- The beginning of this song reminds me of a christmas song...perhaps "Feliz Navidad". Fitting for the title. I like the shaker for percussion, and I like the harmonics, which add a bright touch for the happy new year. Of course, if this were a song about my New Years Eve, I would include more throwing up sounds and random screaming. I prefer yours. Nice instrumental.
Sam Marusich "No Other Way"- I know I've heard this before. Was this posted on ants, ufck, or dmbtabs in the past? I really like the instruments on this song. The cello and guitar tones match very well and set a dramatic mood. The vocal reverb is a bit much for my taste. It sounds like you have a good voice, why mask it? Also, the vocal volume is a bit loud when they first enter....it's a bit jolting. The chorus really reminds me of Howie Day. The falsetto and high notes (scream) don't quite reach the pitch I think you were aiming for. Overall, this is a beautifully emotional piece, and it reminds me of Europe, even though I've never been there.
Elliot "A Little More"- I like the guitar riff, but it seems like you could have gotten a more steady, percussive take. I like the way the vocals were recorded and minimally processed, but there seem to be tenny tiny timing issues. Some phrases get really rushed and I think practice will solve that. The falsettos are a little bit weak, and seem to throw off the following phrase..once again, practice is the key. I like this song. It reminds me of Jack Johnson.
What a fun contest! Sorry if my comments are too critical, but I am trying to be honest and helpful because that's what I want to hear about my songs. Take what you want, leave what you don't.
