So, is there anyone who wants/has time to review mine?

anyone who is interested in reviewing Mrk's mixtape should pm me!! I'll give you the link

I'll do it, Mrk. :smiley:

OR YANNO VIOLET DROP THE CONFIDENTIALITY OR SMTH WTVR

:snobby:

I've started working on my mixtape for the next one haha seems like it won't be a while until the next one though :P

I'll do this next time it comes around, but I'm a bit nervous as I've never done a mixtape before, listening to these to get an idea of how songs should flow together :surprised:

OR YANNO VIOLET DROP THE CONFIDENTIALITY OR SMTH WTVR

:snobby:

 

I'M SORRY OK :bigcry:

 

I've started working on my mixtape for the next one haha seems like it won't be a while until the next one though :P

 

Yeah, I've started working on a few themes myself. I think I know, though, that I'll end up doing what I always do: waiting until I get my partner, doing some Last.fm stalking, and compiling it at the last minute. :tongue:

 

I'll do this next time it comes around, but I'm a bit nervous as I've never done a mixtape before, listening to these to get an idea of how songs should flow together :surprised:

 

I'm surprised you haven't done one of these. There's nothing to be nervous about, as all you do is put a bunch of songs you like (and that you hope your partner likes) together in one place. The worst thing that could happen is that your partner doesn't quite get it because his/her taste is so different than yours. Generally, people who participate in this are very nice about such things and appreciate the time and effort you put into it. :nice:

Hopefully I'll be able to join the next mixtape. Last year, I had too much fun making the mixtape.. haha :)

We should do a mini jazz mixtape exchange at the same time as the next one.

The 2nd Mixtape exchange of 2012 has started:

http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95432

Mrk, I'm so so so sorry that I took this long to post a review of your tape. I'm usually much more prompt when it comes to these things, but it unexpectedly got put on the backburner somehow. If there is a next time, I'll do better.

 

Anyway, I know you've waited long enough to get a review, so I'll cut the chat and get straight into it.

 

1. The song has a nice groove mirrored by a bass line and a bit of piano, both of which I rather like. "She said, 'You're still just a boy. You've still got a lot to learn.' He said, 'You ain't no Helen of Troy, even if there wasn't another woman to burn.'" This is one of those songs that I can't help but bob my head to because it's that catchy. Nice choice for an opener.

 

2. This is a quiet electronic number. It reminds me of Jon Hopkins. After the intro, it sort of swells into this lush atmosphere that I enjoyed. This is one of those songs that continues to add layers as it goes on, which is something I value in a piece of music. This is particularly true for electronic music, as it can sometimes get repetitive to the point of me getting bored and/or annoyed. This song serves as a nice contrast to the one before it.

 

3. This song opens with guitar and some other outside noise, which I described as "whooshing" because I couldn't think of a better term. The "whooshing" is in there quite a bit, and it reminds me slightly of Animal Collective. "The dimming of the light makes the picture clearer. It's just an old picture." The singer's voice is slightly whiny, but it's not enough to annoy me to where I can't enjoy the song. The song is sort of an electronic/folk hybrid, or something like it. I liked the previous two tracks more, but this isn't too bad, either.

 

4. The very beginning reminded me of video game music. Then it goes into this keyboard stuff (most of which I believe to be synthetic). This song is quite cute, really. The vocals help a lot with that, as well the little doodly bit in the chorus. :blush: The song still retains that sort of arcade vibe to it. It's not like chiptune or anything, though, and I prefer music that way. I think I detected an accent in the vocals; is this a British artist?

 

5. OOOH YAY PIANO. :heart: OK, not gonna lie, I thought I was going to get a classical/jazz piano piece at first, but then the guitar and drums came in and sort of killed that dream. (Not your fault. I prematurely got my hopes up.) "Shine, shine, shine." I like the guitars, and I like the vibe of the song, but I feel that the background music overpowers the vocals. The vocalist's line is also a bit monotonous for me, especially given the cool music he has backing him. It's not a bad song by any means, but I think that it could be made better, given that certain adjustments are made.

 

6. I don't know what this is, but iTunes is telling me it's metal. (Not a problem.) I'm digging the inclusion of a bari sax, even if its part isn't exactly in the forefront. There's a LOT of guitar in this. (That's a given in metal, and like I said, that's not a problem at all.) It's an instrumental, too, which is even better. Given that, I'm thinking of this song as what And So I Watch You From Afar or *shels would sound if they decided to become a bit harder. There's a harmonic minor bit in certain places later in the song that I really like. The song reaches a climax within the last minute, then slowly but surely dies down. Yeah, I'm definitely a fan of this.

 

7. Interesting beginning, transitioning from pizzicato strings to bowed strings to something else completely different. The guitars in this instantly makes me think Kasabian. The vocals are rather screamy (not screaming, mind you) which, in a way, also remind me of Kasabian. It's not Kasabian, though, which is why I guess I'm a bit intrigued by this. Admittedly, I only listen to Kasabian when the mood strikes me, and I feel like I might treat the artist who does this song in a similar light. The vocals seem to get more screamy as the song goes on, and I'm not really a huge fan of that. It doesn't help that this song that I don't like all that much is over 7 minutes long. It's my least favorite thus far.

 

8. It begins with guitar (both acoustic and electronic) and settles into a beat. I think I heard the word "Fascists" in this song. This sounds like another one of those happy-go-lucky songs that you can't help but get into as you're listening. "Gravity keeps my head down, or is it maybe shame at being so young and being so vain?" I think the lyrics (from what bits I pick up) are a huge part of why I like this song. This is one of those songs that has (somewhat) depressing lyrics backed with happy music, so it's almost ironic. This is a nice ear cleanser after hearing the previous track.

 

9. This was the one song that still had its title and artist on it. It's a song called "Com Touch" by Clark, who I'm assuming is one person. This is more of a pure electronic track. It goes into this bit after the first minute where there's a clear melody, which is when I started to get really involved with the song. It sort of stalls for a bit, then goes into more electronic sound around the 2-minute mark, shorty followed by the addition of a beat (which, given by the sound of the rimshots, I'm going to guess is synthetic). This is then followed by the introduction of some vocal bits, which seem to be more of a textural element than anything else. This is one of those songs that gets better as it goes on, and I think the song in general will grow on a person with more listens. I like it.

 

10. "On the day the wall came down, they threw the lock onto the ground, and with glases high, we raised a cry that freedom had arrived." Alright then. It's a strong enough beginning, with those opening lyrics backed by piano, pretty much like a power ballad like would sound. The verses and the chorus sound vastly different, and admittedly, it's a bit confusing. I'm definitely a bigger fan of the verses. The guitar solo sounds very '80s power ballad to me as well, which I guess would now raise the question as to whether this is in fact an '80s power ballad.

 

11. Another track which opens with piano. Splendid. "Time is a fever, a crystal breeze, an iron flame. Time is a deceiver you think you own, and it turns away." This song is structurally simple, but lyrically, it's wonderful. It's made even better with the introduction of a full orchestra of strings in the second chorus, which add so much more to it. The vocals fit the song perfectly, too. I just...Mrk, I love this song. I need to know who this is. Now. Please.

 

12. Another electronic number. I figured I was due at least one more of these. :tongue: The synths in the background playing chords sort of remind of a jazz organ, for some odd reason. Speaking of synths, I'm not a huge fan of their tone in this song, for whatever reasong. This song is an example of what I meant earlier by some electronic music droning on to the point of boring me. By the halfway mark, I was just sitting there, waiting for something to grab my attention again. There's just nothing exciting about this to me. It's not the song's fault, so much as mine for my taste in music.

 

13. You chose an upbeat track for the closer. Good deal. This song nicely builds, adding bass and guitar at different intervals, among other things. This is more of what I like here, when people keep adding different elements. Nice vocal introduction with solid harmonies. OK, what is that whining thing in the song? "WHOOO WHEEE OOOOO WHEEE OOOOO WHOOOEE OOOOO." Honestly, that part is annoying. I'd like this song so much more without it. In fact, I didn't find much wrong with it until that came up. UGH GET IT AWAY. Dx That killed the song for me, literally to the point of me being unable to finish it. Sorry.

 

Generally speaking, I think your tape is a great reflection of what your tastes are, and you showcased them while also giving me the liberty of having variety as I listened. I think you took great care in alternating different styles and tempos, which is great. There were a couple of songs I didn't like, but you know, that's OK. Despite that, I heard a lot of things that I enjoyed. I know this tape wasn't meant for me, but thank you for participating in the exchange, making it, and allowing me to listen to it. :nice:

Mrk, I'm so so so sorry that I took this long to post a review of your tape. I'm usually much more prompt when it comes to these things, but it unexpectedly got put on the backburner somehow. If there is a next time, I'll do better.

 

Anyway, I know you've waited long enough to get a review, so I'll cut the chat and get straight into it.

 

No problem :)

 

1. The song has a nice groove mirrored by a bass line and a bit of piano, both of which I rather like. "She said, 'You're still just a boy. You've still got a lot to learn.' He said, 'You ain't no Helen of Troy, even if there wasn't another woman to burn.'" This is one of those songs that I can't help but bob my head to because it's that catchy. Nice choice for an opener.

 

This song is by !!! (pronounced chk chk chk), an american electro-punk band. It's the opener of their last album and I really like the whole upbeat feel of this song.

 

2. This is a quiet electronic number. It reminds me of Jon Hopkins. After the intro, it sort of swells into this lush atmosphere that I enjoyed. This is one of those songs that continues to add layers as it goes on, which is something I value in a piece of music. This is particularly true for electronic music, as it can sometimes get repetitive to the point of me getting bored and/or annoyed. This song serves as a nice contrast to the one before it.

 

Yeah, I have a thing for these "progressive" ambient songs too :wacky:.

This is Below The Asteroids by Jon Hallur, an indipendent ambient musician. He's also scored some tv programs and documentaries.

 

3. This song opens with guitar and some other outside noise, which I described as "whooshing" because I couldn't think of a better term. The "whooshing" is in there quite a bit, and it reminds me slightly of Animal Collective. "The dimming of the light makes the picture clearer. It's just an old picture." The singer's voice is slightly whiny, but it's not enough to annoy me to where I can't enjoy the song. The song is sort of an electronic/folk hybrid, or something like it. I liked the previous two tracks more, but this isn't too bad, either.

 

Opening track from Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, David Byrne and Brian Eno's collaborative album released in 2008. It indeed has a folkish feel (Byrne himself described this album as "electronic gospel") I think that the imagery suggested the lyrics is beautiful and I really like Byrne's vocal performance too, but I see why you may find it quite whiny.

 

4. The very beginning reminded me of video game music. Then it goes into this keyboard stuff (most of which I believe to be synthetic). This song is quite cute, really. The vocals help a lot with that, as well the little doodly bit in the chorus. :blush: The song still retains that sort of arcade vibe to it. It's not like chiptune or anything, though, and I prefer music that way. I think I detected an accent in the vocals; is this a British artist?

 

One of the cutest and one of the best songs ever. St.Elmo's Fire from Brian Eno's classic album Another Green World. This was made way before video game music existed (1975) but yeah, it wouldn't be out of place hearing it in some classic arcade game. Also, Robert Fripp's solo towards the end is :heart:

 

5. OOOH YAY PIANO. :heart: OK, not gonna lie, I thought I was going to get a classical/jazz piano piece at first, but then the guitar and drums came in and sort of killed that dream. (Not your fault. I prematurely got my hopes up.) "Shine, shine, shine." I like the guitars, and I like the vibe of the song, but I feel that the background music overpowers the vocals. The vocalist's line is also a bit monotonous for me, especially given the cool music he has backing him. It's not a bad song by any means, but I think that it could be made better, given that certain adjustments are made.

 

Believe it or not, this is by David Bowie. I really like how the jazzy piano at the beginning, as you've noticed, is so misleading. :P

His voice here is very treated, that's why it's hard to recognize him.

 

6. I don't know what this is, but iTunes is telling me it's metal. (Not a problem.) I'm digging the inclusion of a bari sax, even if its part isn't exactly in the forefront. There's a LOT of guitar in this. (That's a given in metal, and like I said, that's not a problem at all.) It's an instrumental, too, which is even better. Given that, I'm thinking of this song as what And So I Watch You From Afar or *shels would sound if they decided to become a bit harder. There's a harmonic minor bit in certain places later in the song that I really like. The song reaches a climax within the last minute, then slowly but surely dies down. Yeah, I'm definitely a fan of this.

 

Experimental metal, actually. This is by one of the very few italian bands I like.

They're called Zu. Again, I like the progress of this song a lot too. I don't get why they're not famous at all here...

 

7. Interesting beginning, transitioning from pizzicato strings to bowed strings to something else completely different. The guitars in this instantly makes me think Kasabian. The vocals are rather screamy (not screaming, mind you) which, in a way, also remind me of Kasabian. It's not Kasabian, though, which is why I guess I'm a bit intrigued by this. Admittedly, I only listen to Kasabian when the mood strikes me, and I feel like I might treat the artist who does this song in a similar light. The vocals seem to get more screamy as the song goes on, and I'm not really a huge fan of that. It doesn't help that this song that I don't like all that much is over 7 minutes long. It's my least favorite thus far.

 

This is my Nine Inch Nails favorite song, We Are In This Together. It has a very dark feel and Trent Reznor screams a lot in the last chorus. I agree that it might be a bit too long.

 

8. It begins with guitar (both acoustic and electronic) and settles into a beat. I think I heard the word "Fascists" in this song. This sounds like another one of those happy-go-lucky songs that you can't help but get into as you're listening. "Gravity keeps my head down, or is it maybe shame at being so young and being so vain?" I think the lyrics (from what bits I pick up) are a huge part of why I like this song. This is one of those songs that has (somewhat) depressing lyrics backed with happy music, so it's almost ironic. This is a nice ear cleanser after hearing the previous track.

 

Yeah, there's indeed the word "fascists" in this song beacause it was inspired by a slogan used during the Spanish Civil War and the music indeed has some kind of satyrical tone. Anyway, this is Manic Street Preacher's hit song If You Tolerate This, You're Children Will Be Next.

 

9. This was the one song that still had its title and artist on it. It's a song called "Com Touch" by Clark, who I'm assuming is one person. This is more of a pure electronic track. It goes into this bit after the first minute where there's a clear melody, which is when I started to get really involved with the song. It sort of stalls for a bit, then goes into more electronic sound around the 2-minute mark, shorty followed by the addition of a beat (which, given by the sound of the rimshots, I'm going to guess is synthetic). This is then followed by the introduction of some vocal bits, which seem to be more of a textural element than anything else. This is one of those songs that gets better as it goes on, and I think the song in general will grow on a person with more listens. I like it.

 

I forgot to remove the title :|. I think that the synth riff is very hypnotic and addicting. I discovered this song and via the Warp Records YT channel and I liked it immediately but it grew on me with more listens, then I downloaded the whole album, which I think it's one of the best of this year.

 

10. "On the day the wall came down, they threw the lock onto the ground, and with glases high, we raised a cry that freedom had arrived." Alright then. It's a strong enough beginning, with those opening lyrics backed by piano, pretty much like a power ballad like would sound. The verses and the chorus sound vastly different, and admittedly, it's a bit confusing. I'm definitely a bigger fan of the verses. The guitar solo sounds very '80s power ballad to me as well, which I guess would now raise the question as to whether this is in fact an '80s power ballad.

 

It's not :P. This is called A Great Day For Freedom and it's from Pink Floyd's final album. The contrast between the happier choruses and the darker verses is what makes the song for me.

 

11. Another track which opens with piano. Splendid. "Time is a fever, a crystal breeze, an iron flame. Time is a deceiver you think you own, and it turns away." This song is structurally simple, but lyrically, it's wonderful. It's made even better with the introduction of a full orchestra of strings in the second chorus, which add so much more to it. The vocals fit the song perfectly, too. I just...Mrk, I love this song. I need to know who this is. Now. Please.

 

Danger Bear by Kashmir, a danish band :). This song is very stripped down yet so heartfelt and with an amazing soundscape. I really love this too :heart:

 

12. Another electronic number. I figured I was due at least one more of these. :tongue: The synths in the background playing chords sort of remind of a jazz organ, for some odd reason. Speaking of synths, I'm not a huge fan of their tone in this song, for whatever reasong. This song is an example of what I meant earlier by some electronic music droning on to the point of boring me. By the halfway mark, I was just sitting there, waiting for something to grab my attention again. There's just nothing exciting about this to me. It's not the song's fault, so much as mine for my taste in music.

 

It's hard to believe, but this song dates back to 1974. The synths may sound a bit raw because they are all analogic with no treatments or something else. It was one of the first exmples of electronic music and it was very ahead for the times it was released.

 

13. You chose an upbeat track for the closer. Good deal. This song nicely builds, adding bass and guitar at different intervals, among other things. This is more of what I like here, when people keep adding different elements. Nice vocal introduction with solid harmonies. OK, what is that whining thing in the song? "WHOOO WHEEE OOOOO WHEEE OOOOO WHOOOEE OOOOO." Honestly, that part is annoying. I'd like this song so much more without it. In fact, I didn't find much wrong with it until that came up. UGH GET IT AWAY. Dx That killed the song for me, literally to the point of me being unable to finish it. Sorry.

 

I wanted to close the tape in the same way I opened it, with an upbeat track. I agree, those whoowee synths get quite annoying as the song progresses.

 

Generally speaking, I think your tape is a great reflection of what your tastes are, and you showcased them while also giving me the liberty of having variety as I listened. I think you took great care in alternating different styles and tempos, which is great. There were a couple of songs I didn't like, but you know, that's OK. Despite that, I heard a lot of things that I enjoyed. I know this tape wasn't meant for me, but thank you for participating in the exchange, making it, and allowing me to listen to it. :nice:

 

Thanks for reviewing my mixtape, it was very kind of you :)

I hope my next one will be better.

 

Tracklist:

 

1. AM/FM - !!!

2. Below The Asteroids - Jon Hallur

3. Home - David Byrne

4. St. Elmo's Fire - Brian Eno

5. Bleed Like A Craze, Dad - David Bowie

6. Obsidian - Zu

7. We're In This Toghether - Nine Inch Nails

8. If You Tolerate This, Your Children Will Be Next - Manic Street Preachers

9. Com Touch - Clark

10. A Great Day For Freedom - Pink Floyd

11. Danger Bear - Kashmir

12. Kometenmelodie 2 - Kraftwerk

13. On Dancefloors - Metronomy

Surprisingly, I've heard of a lot of these people. I'm just not familiar with their music. It's nice to know how much of a taster this really is. I feel stupid for not recognizing David Byrne. (I'm excusing myself, only because I only know him through his collab with St. Vincent.) Some of this was surprising to me. I've heard a track or two of Metronomy that I liked, and it's a shame that the whining bit annoyed me so much. I'm definitely going to look into more Kashmir after hearing that song. It was truly my favorite of the mix. :heart: I also think some Eno, Zu, and MSP is in order, if not a few other things as well.

 

Thank you so much! I'm sure your tape for MTE 13 will be just fine. :hug:

I’m so glad all mixtapes got reviewing :D

 

Aw, I love David Byrne’s singing :} (but I like whiningish singing in general :S) Cute song!

Kashmir! Seriously Violet, get Trespassers. No. Get all their CD’s. (:sneaky: I can help you with that) They have a bad-ass song together with David Bowie as well :}

And my favourite song by the Manic Street Preachers :D I’d say you have a good taste of the music, Mrk (though these things are always very personal/subjective :P)

Very nice mixtape :) I would ask for the link to that mixtape if I hadn’t already listened to all songs on youtube :evil: ... now I am so looking forward to the next mixtape episode!

:dance:

I’m so glad all mixtapes got reviewing :D

 

Aw, I love David Byrne’s singing :} (but I like whiningish singing in general :S) Cute song!

Kashmir! Seriously Violet, get Trespassers. No. Get all their CD’s. (:sneaky: I can help you with that) They have a bad-ass song together with David Bowie as well :}

And my favourite song by the Manic Street Preachers :D I’d say you have a good taste of the music, Mrk (though these things are always very personal/subjective :P)

Very nice mixtape :) I would ask for the link to that mixtape if I hadn’t already listened to all songs on youtube :evil: ... now I am so looking forward to the next mixtape episode!

:dance:

 

Thanks :blush: :nice:

 

Here's the link:

http://www.mediafire.com/?k5h5mrry4b12923

Kashmir! Seriously Violet, get Trespassers. No. Get all their CD’s. (:sneaky: I can help you with that)

 

Could you really? :cheesy:

I'll PM you.

 

By the way, I've updated my posts on page 18 with all the reviews and tracklists and links to the mictapes (where available)

I’m so glad all mixtapes got reviewing :D

Aw, I love David Byrne’s singing :} (but I like whiningish singing in general :S) Cute song!

Kashmir! Seriously Violet, get Trespassers. No. Get all their CD’s. (:sneaky: I can help you with that) They have a bad-ass song together with David Bowie as well :}

And my favourite song by the Manic Street Preachers :D I’d say you have a good taste of the music, Mrk (though these things are always very personal/subjective :P)

Very nice mixtape :) I would ask for the link to that mixtape if I hadn’t already listened to all songs on youtube :evil: ... now I am so looking forward to the next mixtape episode!

:dance:

Me too, yay :D

 

I'll PM you.

By the way, I've updated my posts on page 18 with all the reviews and tracklists and links to the mictapes (where available)

Thanks :nice: