Dad3353 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 [attachment=194923:_BC_Comp_Chal_2015_06.jpg] Good day, all... 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. 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/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the first 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/lurksalot/lawyer"]‘Lawyer’, from lurksalot[/url] We start with a flourish on the drums introducing a ‘squashed’ bass riff, soon joined by an even more ‘squashed’ guitar, panned right with a panned-left delay. Effective; there seem to be 2 guitars..! The drums have settled down to a moderately slow tempo break beat shuffle. In comes the voice, reciting as a poem rather than singing as such. This eminently suits the narrative. The text has been finely chiselled and contrived with deftly rhyming phrases and apt rhythmic delivery, recounting the woes of a domestic split; an excellent interpretation of the picture. There is dreary cynicism throughout, and more than a touch of dark humour. Little praise for the legal profession, though..! The ‘hook’ phrase repeats towards the end, to finish with a ‘damp squib’ cymbal stroke. The pedestrian pace and somewhat hypnotic voice help to establish a disabused, laconic ambiance, entirely in keeping with the subject. Much torsion of the spirit has evidently gone into the creation of the rhymes, with clever use of meter to help out on occasions, just like real poets..! The bitter-sweet lyrics would not easily lend themselves to singing, but this is not really ‘rap’, either, although the wordplay has suitably borrowed from the genre. We’re in the ‘slam’ region, and this is a fine example. The musical backing has, quite rightly, reserved the centre stage for the spoken word, but has high merit, too. Excellent work, from all points of view. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/dredd-and-the-badass-weed/its-not-me-its-you"]‘It's Not Me, It's You’, from Leonard Smalls[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 24, 2015 Author Share Posted June 24, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:194923] Good day, all... All of the compositions can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/dredd-and-the-badass-weed/its-not-me-its-you"]'It's Not Me, It's You', from Leonard Smalls[/url] Low-level, frantic, drums are almost immediately drowned out by an equally fast-paced bass; not walking, but running. Little in the way of harmonic coherence, and not helped by the incessant background ‘noises off’ adding diverse random contributions to the general cacophony. Completely tuneless, the separate elements continue their parallel jive until the bass stops with a jar, and the hubbub fades sharply away. In itself incoherent, there is nevertheless a certain correspondence between this phonic chaos and the picture, suggesting, perhaps, the mental state of the belligerents. The swift tempo to the fore belies the more posed undercurrent, with its extraneous whistlings and rustlings. I’m reminded of that crazy night that I accidently put on a Charlie Mingus LP, in error, at 78 rpm whilst watching a repeat of the first Telstar signals received. Oh, how we laughed. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/dredd-and-the-badass-weed/say-aaah"]'Say Aaah', from Leonard Smalls[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurksalot Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1435159004' post='2806067'] [attachment=194923:_BC_Comp_Chal_2015_06.jpg] ... and the first 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/lurksalot/lawyer"]‘Lawyer’, from lurksalot[/url] [/quote] Many thanks Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 24, 2015 Author Share Posted June 24, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 24, 2015 Author Share Posted June 24, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:194923] Good day, all... All of the compositions can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/dredd-and-the-badass-weed/say-aaah"]'Say Aaah', from Leonard Smalls[/url] A couple of bars of distant disto guitars, then the drum’n’bass is launched; a solid, rather heavy riff with flamboyant, dizzy slides to the upper register from time to time. A plaintiff wail echoes across the backing, a solitary guitar, treated to a heavy dose of tremolo and reverb accentuates the solitary moans and complaints. Unable to formulate spoken words, the sounds express a certain anguish; no need of language. The bass takes a step or two back, allowing the rich percussion to shine, whilst maintain a more discreet grumbling i the background. The howling is back, in time for the releasing of the horses as the bass wakes up in earnest, pounding out a massive overdriven riff with the guitars; a brief respite for more percussive effects and off we go again, all stops pulled. The various elements give way, to leave a solitary bass to finish with a cheeky flourish. A completely ‘left-field’ interpretation of the picture here, with none of the domestic quarrel influence. Instead, we’re given the sonic information to imagine the thoughts and mind-set of individuals suffering in the care of their dentist, mouth wide open, unable to utter coherent phrases, condemned to grunts and moaning sounds. The result is convincing; some may flinch at certain points if sensitive nerves are touched. An interesting take, then, well arranged and executed with dexterity. Uncomfortable, but not excruciating. Good work. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/nigel-jewell/shouting-heads-to-bed"]'Shouting Heads To Bed', from fingers211[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Smalls Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 Cheers Douglas - great reviews as ever... And I see a slight softening toward freeform funky stylings, or tuneless racket as others might call it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 25, 2015 Author Share Posted June 25, 2015 [quote name='Leonard Smalls' timestamp='1435217030' post='2806509'] Cheers Douglas - great reviews as ever... [/quote] [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] [quote name='Leonard Smalls' timestamp='1435217030' post='2806509']... And I see a slight softening toward freeform funky stylings, or tuneless racket as others might call it! [/quote] ...or maybe you're getting better at it..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 25, 2015 Author Share Posted June 25, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:194923] Good day, all... All of the compositions can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/nigel-jewell/shouting-heads-to-bed"]'Shouting Heads To Bed', from fingers211[/url] Droned, picked acoustic guitar fades in, the singing quickly chimes in, suitably harmonised with another voice an octave below. A certain calm reigns; there is an atmosphere of lullaby in the arrangement and the propos of the lyrics. A rising cymbal announces a radical change; a heavily-overdriven guitar riff comes crashing in, with equally ‘solid as a rock’ bass and drums. An aggressive vocal scream, and the pounding continues, alternating between belligerent solo guitar and ringing chords, brought to an end with the breaking of porcelain, maybe part of a dinner service, but possibly an ugly vase offered by a distant relative. The tension resolves, with the return of the acoustic, the vocals reappear, this time with a higher register bringing balance and concord. The storm has passed; peace reigns. A multi-part drama is enacted out here, as we swing from the atmosphere of ‘Grantchester Meadows’ into ‘Jack White’ territory, also reminiscent of some parts of ‘The Wall’, to finally achieve reconciliation (over a glass or two..?). A fine composition, deftly arranged and solidly executed, the result is impressive, and entirely in the spirit of the picture. All of this in just under 3 minutes makes this a masterpiece of concision; top marks for efficiency. A clever take, great lyrics; it is evident that real pleasure was taken in the creating of this, which adds even more to the pleasure of listening to it. Close to brilliance; well done. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/jaedry/thrash"]'Family Discourse', from Birch Tree[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 Voted... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fingers211 Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1435247269' post='2806970'] Good day, all... All of the compositions can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/nigel-jewell/shouting-heads-to-bed"]'Shouting Heads To Bed', from fingers211[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas [/quote] Thank you for the kind words, sir Can I take it in to "show and tell " ? !!! Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 25, 2015 Author Share Posted June 25, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] [quote name='fingers211' timestamp='1435260670' post='2807145']... Can I take it in to "show and tell " ? !!!... [/quote] Indeed, the contribution of Mrs J is for a non-negligible part of the kudos due, so tell away, lad; tell away... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 25, 2015 Author Share Posted June 25, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:194923] Good day, all... All of the compositions can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/jaedry/thrash"]'Family Discourse', from Birch Tree[/url] A solo acoustic guitar, open tuning, and ‘noises off’ percussive effect from the guitar table. A melody is sketched out, with variants and ad-lib passages interspersed over rather urgent ostinato strumming. There is a ‘leitmotiv’ theme recurring in the short space of the piece, which gives the composition a form, bringing the free elements back into focus, but all too soon the pace accelerates and we’re ejected. There is little transmitted from the picture, despite a certain sense of anguish; little dialogue. The whole work has an unfinished feel, and could well have supported further development. Nicely played, and well recorded; credit must be given to the positive aspects, and the composition has merit, but the end result is more that of a promising start, with some deception; a pity. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/robotrobotrobotmusic/to-and-fro"]'To And Fro', from paul h[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 25, 2015 Author Share Posted June 25, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:194923] Good day, all... All of the compositions can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/robotrobotrobotmusic/to-and-fro"]'To And Fro', from paul h[/url] Straight in with solid rock drums and an equally sturdy bass riff, twice through as if to affirm the authority of the beat. Once more, but this time joined by a ‘scratch’ guitar with its own crunchy riff. Things warm up next time through, as there is a response from another guitar, giving a counterpoint to the initial bass riff. Things start to go badly awry with the following iteration as a caterwauling lead ‘wah’ guitar imposes its melody across the whole scene, drawing all attention. Not for long, the ‘wah’ desists as the basic riff continues unabated, chunky guitar and all for another round. It couldn’t last, though; back come the all-invasive lead melody, which continues throughout the fade-out to blessed silence. A sweet composition in layered form, initially rather sparse, but building up successive thicknesses, and establishing a ‘question and answer’ between the instruments, entirely in tune with the subject. The tones set can easily be transposed onto the antagonists of the picture (each will choose his/her own match...), and in any case reflect the difficulty in reconciling such extremes. There is, however, harmony in the discord; the whole edifice stands up very well. Well played, well arranged; a success. Bravo. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/dad3353/pachelbel-passion"]'Pachelbel Passion', from Dad3353[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 26, 2015 Author Share Posted June 26, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:194923] Good day, all... All of the compositions can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/dad3353/pachelbel-passion"]'Pachelbel Passion', from Dad3353[/url] An orchestral trombone section fades in to the pattering of drums and ‘dirty’ percussion. The low end is leisurely assured by a string bass; the chords are established with a classical guitar. The trombones fall silent, replaced by a sax ensemble, reinforced with a hefty low horn section and a roll of thunder from kettle drums. Once again the trombones take the fore, once again the saxes reply. This alternation repeats, but the length shortens steadily, until the two adversaries are playing together, albeit to differing interpretations of the song sheets. The percussion drops out, allowing the guitar arpeggios more sonic space; the bass continues unperturbed. The woodwind comes back in, along with the pattering, only to be progressively overtaken by the trombones. All come together again, still unable to concert; this time the underlying horns and timpani seem to be favouring the trombones. The battle rolls on, and fades away, ending on a solitary trombone ‘parp’, less in triumph than in despair. An argument in sound, a ‘musical’ representation of the two persons in the picture, both with lots to say, neither able to hear, still less listen, to the other. The balance of power sways from side to side; there can be no clear winner; indeed, no winner at all as long as the same old tunes are reiterated, each time twisted to another level, never repeated, always the same. Complicated, maybe overly so. Long, perhaps a bit [i]too[/i] long. Isn’t that always the way of these squabbles..? My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/torturedsaints/and-so-it-comes-to-this"]'And So It Comes To This', from RalphDWilson[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 26, 2015 Author Share Posted June 26, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:194923] Good day, all... All of the compositions can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/torturedsaints/and-so-it-comes-to-this"]'And So It Comes To This', from RalphDWilson[/url] Indistinct murmurings rapidly fade into a slow, gentle rocking beat, with lethargic drums, piano chords and a modestly laid-back bass. The vocals come straight in with the chorus, which will repeat after each verse. Melancholic, cynical, disillusioned, the message is limpid and clear. The key is maybe a touch too high; there is some vocal strain in places, but this perhaps renders the lyrics more authenticity. The backing continues throughout in the same register, carrying the voice effortlessly until close to the end, when there is a subtle change of pace before the instruments drop out in turn, leaving only the singer, now harmonised, to close the piece. There are three basic approaches to this... The instrumental aspect, composition, arrangement and execution are pretty well faultless; meagre, but in keeping with the intended tone. No exuberance, nothing superfluous, sober, and destined to simply support the vocal line. This is perfectly achieved. The singing is less technically successful, but in keeping with the sentiments expressed; entirely compatible with the rather personal, even intimate sense of the lyrics. The text is plain, direct, with little subterfuge, expressing in no uncertain terms the disenchantment inspired by the picture. This, too, is eminently effective, leaving no door open for anything but the perceived pain of the situation. Full marks, then, although, by the nature of this treatment the subject, I’ll not be playing this much in the car. Good work. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/the-daughter-didnt-oughta"]'The Daughter Didn't Oughta', from Bilbo[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TorturedSaints Posted June 26, 2015 Share Posted June 26, 2015 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1435342952' post='2807986'] Good day, all... All of the compositions can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/torturedsaints/and-so-it-comes-to-this"]'And So It Comes To This', from RalphDWilson[/url] [/quote] I don't think I've ever had such a comprehensive and sympathetic review, Douglas. Your reviews of the compositions have such literary merit that perhaps BassChat should be running a Literature Challenge as well, you would get my vote! Seriously though, thanks for the encouragement. Ralph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 26, 2015 Author Share Posted June 26, 2015 (edited) [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] Dunno 'bart litrury merit, though; I've a synonym dico, that's all, innit..? Edited June 26, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 26, 2015 Author Share Posted June 26, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:194923] Good day, all... All of the compositions can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/the-daughter-didnt-oughta"]'The Daughter Didn't Oughta', from Bilbo[/url] A lilting melody chimes out on a merry marimba, using an odd meter (can be counted as alternating 6/8,7/8, or 6/8, 6/8 and 1, or directly as 13/8; more permutations are available...). There’s a fresh, happy-go-lucky, dancy-trippy ambience. Discreet drums start up, rolling softly around the toms with an insistent ‘chip chip chip’ on the hats. A low, slow bass grumbles away almost tonelessly underneath. A brief modulation, only to bob back up and lose the marimba. The bass finds its voice, and barks out a gruff melody, whilst the jungle rhythm maintains the unrelenting medium pace. A softer-spoken marimba joins in with its own counter-melody; this is soon reinforced with a flute accomplice, filling out the hitherto understated air, adding ‘weight’ to the tonal percussion. The bass resumes its original less voluble role, allowing the now united flute and marimba to merrily rejoice with no opposition. The drumming seems to come forward slightly, although never obtrusively. Another lowering in tonality, again giving springboard to a return of the expressive bass, this time with more opposition from flute and marimba, either separately or in harmony. A final utterance from the pair, but the bass has the last word. A very refreshing listen. I took sly pleasure in counting out loud (well, whispering...) the timing; try it, it’s good fun. It’s difficult, however, to criticise the work; all is so delicately poised and rounded, with fine choice of timbre for the percussion and a very divergent bass, playing a dual part. The melodies are all interesting, and play well against and with each other, darting to and fro, teasing, almost. A sublime rendering of the picture, although with somewhat less aggression (no bad thing..?). Altogether delightful. Top marks are awarded, a very worthy offering. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/work-it-out"]'Work It Out', from Skol303[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted June 27, 2015 Author Share Posted June 27, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:194923] Good day, all... All of the compositions can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/264655-june-composition-challenge-voting/"]June Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/work-it-out"]'Work It Out', from Skol303[/url] Low feedback, a hammered note on the piano and guitar, a glissando and we’re off..! Straight in with the sung melody, almost doubled by the piano, occasionally doubled with a second voice. The bass weaves its own line beneath the changes, softly expanding on the cliché root/fifth, with added hand percussion (darbuka..?) quietly pulsating in the background . Two short verses before the ‘hook’ line announces an instrumental chorus featuring a rising keyboard over grunge guitars and medium-rock drums. The pressure is released as we revert to the lighter touch of the opening verses, until once again the ‘hook’ brings in the intense guitars and the piano ascension. An instant’s pause and the crescendo repeats, to resolve into a pitch-bent chord and a cheeky run-down from guitar and bass. An atypical blend of instruments, married against their will to serve the subject, illustrating a less-than-perfect cohabitation which nevertheless can be made to work. The lyrics reflect a similar sentiment, giving some hope to a seemingly blocked situation, prising open a doorway to peace. Very fitting, giving a pleasantly positive spin on the proceedings. An attention to detail in the writing is apparent, without being laboured. If there is a weak spot, it would be the rather bare treatment of the main vocals, but that’s nit-picking. It all works out very well. Good stuff. That’s all until the next time; until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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