Patiently waits~ Hopefully the apparently-approaching-hurricane doesn't knock out the power.

Partner: I've been having difficulties opening the mixtape.. :( and i don't think i'll be able to be on the forum this week. I'm overloaded with exams this week.

Oh my. Well the songs were sent to me as a list of individual files (as opposed to a zip), and I see that they are ordered by their original itunes album track number (the first songs of albums are at the top, and then organized alphabetically). I assume there was supposed to be some kind of order? I already know the names and artists of the songs, so if black rose could discreetly send me the correct ordering, I'd be grateful.

 

bump. If I don't hear back til around midnight (7 PM EST), I'll post the review as is.

I'm still waiting to get mine

I've finally downloaded mine. :blush: Now, time for listening.

Rumour has it that the first person to post a review gets a cookie.

i'm waiting to get my mixtape...! :dance:

I think we can be sure that it's a first that no reviews were posted the day after they were sent. Woah.

Reminders sent out to the 2 remaining people whom hasn't yet submitted.

OK, so I don't normally review my tapes this quickly, but I feel ready, so I'm just gonna go for it.

 

My tape has 12 tracks that don't quite get to 50 minutes, so it's more or less the size of your standard album. Fair enough. I also got some album art, which consisted of some rolling hills, a few trees, and a mountain range in the background. Having listened to the tape, I think the art reflects the overall tone of the tape quite well. Anyway, on to the music.

 

1. It starts with congos and strumming guitar. There's a sweet bass line entrance. It has an '80s sort of vibe. ...Wait, what? It's in French. :lol: It's not a problem; I was just surprised by it. The song has clean, male vocals which I'm rather fond of. This song is über cute and makes me want to dance. I have no idea what the guy is saying, but I imagine it's something very sweet. I want to also make the assumption that my mixtape maker is a native French speaker. This is a great opener; I love it. Thanks! :nice:

 

2. Belle & Sebastian! I knew what this was right from the beginning. This is their song, "Seeing Other People." Very nice choice. :D

 

3. God, I know this song, but I don't know this song. This is a song I used to hear a lot on the oldies station my mom listened to when I was a child. Nostalgia hit me square in the face, and I enjoy it. I'm almost certain this is an Elton John song. At the very least, it's a song from around that time period by a person with a similar style. I only wish I could remember the title. GOSH, I hate it when I can't remember. :bigcry:

 

4. This starts with drums, guitar, and chordal piano, and it's slightly more rhythm-driven than the stuff I've heard so far. The vocals are female, and they seem sharply sweet. I can't really tell what she's singing, though. The instruments kinda drown her out. :/ I didn't like this song as much as the first three initially, but it's a grower, and I like it alright now.

 

5. The song starts out with either a harpsichord or guitar. I can't tell. I'm leaning towards guitar because I think the sound is too strong and tinny to be harpsichord. Anyway, this is another French track. Despite the fact that I can't understand her, I like it because I can hear her (unlike the woman in the previous track), and she has sweet-sounding vocals, too. This song is quite harmonious. Is this what French folk rock typically sounds like? If so, I'd like to look into some more of this.

 

6. This sounds somewhat like a folk/jazz hybrid to me. The guitars and vocals are folkish, but the saxes and brass have that sort of big band vibe to it. (That's not even bringing the congos into consideration.) Based on the lyrics, I want to guess that the song is called "This Is How I Know" or something along those lines. This feels like an older track, but I want to say it's newer, just because it doesn't sound...old enough? I can't think of what I mean. Either way, I quite like the song. :D

 

7. This starts with strumming electric guitar, shortly followed with an addition of a bass drum beat. This is one of those songs you can easily get hooked into. I was dancing before it even got 1/4 of the way through. It stays instrumental for a bit, then adds these vocals that are somehow distorted. It reminded me of something Daft Punk would do. This song is very chill, and I can't help but feel happy when I listen to it. There's not a whole lot going on, but this is one of those songs that shows people that there doesn't have to be a lot going on in order for it to be enjoyable. :smiley:

 

8. It begins with accordion, or something like it. It reminded me of Beirut. "With beady black eyes, the bluebird." Awww, poor bird. :( This song is one of those songs where you don't know how to feel because it has this mixture of melancholy and hope, both lyrically and musically. "All of your days will be blessed, so put on a smile and get dressed." See what I mean? It kinda alternates. Perhaps I'd understand more if I read the lyrics. I like the song, though. Don't worry about that. :nice:

 

9. OMFG. "Chemo Limo" by Regina Spektor! I LOVE YOU. :dazzled: That is all.

 

10. This serves as a stark contrast to "Chemo Limo," which is great, because I don't think it'd have been right to put two songs like that next together. This song reminds me of Belle & Sebastian because it has that same sort of new old-skool vibe that Belle & Sebastian are known for. This also sounds slightly surf rock, in a way. I think it's the guitars. Anyway, it's refreshing. The vocals are, once again, sweet female vocals. "Slip, let it slip." This song is just too cute. :wacky:

 

11. Ohhh, here we go. I was wondering if I was going to get another French track. This track is the closest thing to an electronic track on the tape. Not that it's particularly as such, but it has synths in certain places, and there's not a whole lot of that otherwise. I have to tell you, all this French music makes me want to try to teach myself French (again) so I can maybe understand what they're trying to say. They all sound so nice when they sing, but I feel like I'm not getting the full impact because I can't understand it. :bigcry: There's something slightly haunting about the spoken vocals that I like. Man, this French music is so cool.

 

12. More piano. YES. :awesome: And bells! How cute. :blush: "Oooh, ahhh, oooh, ahhh." Those bits sounds slightly gaspy, but I think that was the whole point. The vocals are in English, but I detect a foreign accent, so I'm guessing this is an English artist, rather than an American one. "Never stop living here 'til it eats the heart from your soul..." I like that bit lots. Actually, I like this song. I feel like I should thank you especially for this one. I've listened to several tapes where the tape overall is nice, but the closer is a buzzkill. It doesn't affect my opinion overall, but it can be a tad annoying. Thanks for picking a suitable closing track. :nice:

 

Overall, you kept a similar vibe throughout the tape without putting too much of the same thing on it, therefore making it pleasantly cohesive. There's not a single track on here that I dislike. I really enjoy this mixtape you've made for me. Thank you so much, and I can't to figure out who you (and the artists) are! :hug:

 

ETA: Oh gosh, I'm the first to post a review. That has NEVER happened before. :surprised:

Okay, so for starters it turns out that I had the song order right to begin with, meaning the mix just happens to begin with songs from the beginning of their respective albums and gradually moving backward throughout the tracklist. Does this mean my partner didn’t bother to reorganize at all, or is it just a coincidence? Either way, it runs fairly smoothly.

 

1. Oh my, this is already too much. Sustained, rythmic piano chords, an (enya feel with the cello) leads into a pretty saccharine keane/one republic vibe radio ballad. I already see swooning teenage girls, and it hasn’t hit the chorus yet. Ahh, there it goes. Well produced, car-ride singalong fare. But in all honestly, it does nothing for me. Pretty much a song I’ve heard everyday for years through different singers on my soft-pop/alternative radio station at home. I find that I take exception to virtually any song in which the singer glorifies himself. “You’re gonna have all of me, cause you’re worth every falling tear, you’re worth facing any fear…let me wrecklessly love you...you’re gonna know all my love… etc etc”

 

2. Glistening, chiming fading in…oh god. Sorry, but every part of me wants to skip this track. I was really hoping there were numerous songs with the title ‘all the angels’. Absurdly overplayed and kitschy imho. Sorry if I’m being mean, but just being honest. It’s kind of like putting ‘closing time’ by semi-sonic, or wonderwall on a playlist.

 

3. Haha, okay. Dance tonight by Paul Mccartney. Even after the ipod ad, I took a bizarre liking to this song, even listened through the album a few times some years ago. I’m genuinely nodding and enjoying it, actually. Nice pick.

 

4. Similar beginning to the first track. Smoltsy chiming piano, and a bland keane-esque voice. Wait a minute…is this keane? Yes? No? maybe not. Probably not. Has a hopes and fears vibe at times. The chorus melody is nice, but also many of the same things I disliked about the first song. Hate the lyrics…they’re like Chris Martin at his worst (haha, as I type this he sings about Christmas lights). If I don’t get hung up on the details, it’s well produced and would sound lovely on a piano.

 

5. Voices saying ‘Santa maria, Santa Teresa…’ sounds a bit like Eno’s Apollo in the background. Pops of classical guitar and a light rythm. Strings now. Interesting. Female voice enters. Sort of Disney-ish or new-agey, but I’m enjoying the atmosphere. Calling all angels. Interesting title given the train song of before. Interest dwindles toward the end with the chorus repeating, but still enjoyable enough.

 

6. Arpeggiated clean guitar. Maybe it’s my experience at a Christian college, but the whole close to the mic, radio singer-songwriter, male taylor-swift vibe is just something I don’t care for. I have a feeling this doesn’t bode well for the rest of the tape. Just by the sound of it, I’m guessing its Christian rock (yeah, caught a glimpse of the artist). Not your fault that I’ve been at war with the stuff for four years.

 

7. Soft guitar and singing in the yusef islam style. Voice is a bit over-stressed and dramatic, but not bad so far. Ah, and here comes the big emotional weepy chorus with rising violins. At the same time I recognize a point in time when I would’ve submitted to the pull of these types of songs with head bowed. There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with this song, just too cloying for me now.

 

8. Rushes straight into some type of chorus. Feels like a pretty decent recent-era ‘the killers’ imitation. Brandon Flowers would love this. Okay so far, curious where this could possibly go, seeing how the high point seems to have passed. Entertaining fade out. Cool beans.

 

9. TINGLY PIANO :D

And some 80s crunchy guitar. Whiny male voice per usual. “If I had two hands doing the same thing. Lifting high, lifting high…” :shrug: As usual, I take exception to such predictable songs. This one keeps the same formula as pretty much everything before it. There are other ways to write songs. I know nothing in this song will impress or surprise me as I keep listening.

 

10. Back to clean, reverberated arpeggiated 4-chord guitar riffs. Similar voice to

several others on this mix. A female voice somewhere there as well. Ooh, synthy chorus. I like this melody. ‘You will never walk alone’ (no, a different one). Could do without some frills. The high-pitched echoing male voice is particularly irking. One of the better songs on the mix, though. I would probably enjoy this more if I didn’t have contemporary Christian kicked out of my system. Nice song though, a comfortable listen.

 

11. Harpish capoed guitar, or maybe a mandolin or ukulele or something. Leads into a high-pitched voice, and a warm arpeggiated riff. Don’t mind it so far, good singer. And here comes the big radio chorus again. I quite like the instrumentals. Very nicely produced, the verse percussion and strings are great.

 

12. Acoustic guitar, another 4-chord progression, but a bit more relaxed. Decent voice. Some curious atmospherics. “Amie, come sit on my wall…” Chords get a bit more complicated, a little more interesting as it goes along. Many of these songs are bit overdone, with all the strings arrangements in the choruses. But this one is used effectively. The fade out is beautiful.

 

13. Another acoustic guitar, and another close-up douche-bag (excuse the term, you’ll understand in college) guitarist musing on love. Yeah, can’t take this seriously on any level. Sorry.

 

14. Cool synths fade-in. Oh yes, MLK by U2. Kudos. I love this album to death.

 

15. Violins. Chiming piano. Enter softly strummed high-capo guitar and emotional whiny male singer, but he has a decent voice, and fits in nicely with the elaborate arrangement and tinkly frills. For chorus description, see above. Enjoyable though.

 

16. Warm reverb guitar and synths. I like the intro. Pulsing beat, some glockenspiel and background noise. I would hate for a whiny male singer to ent…oh shit. Voice is actually pretty good, he can handle high notes. Song far from ruined. On a certain level I’m really really enjoying this. Less ostentatious than some other tracks. Nicely done.

 

17. Ooh, Harold Budd style piano chords. Shimmering violins and light percussion. Really nice instrumental so far. Easily one of my favorites on the mix. Ending on a pretty positive stretch.

 

18. Whoops, there’s more. Piano again, a slow waltz rythm and some backwards loops. High, nice female voice. Blending in with the plink of celeste and piano. Smooth major chord progressions. No complaints here. Nice closer.

 

 

After the final listen, I’m guessing the order was deliberate, as it flows quite nicely. Obviously some trouble dealing with particular brands of songs. These mixes often force me into a retroactive mindset, to where I’m forced to tap into an older teenage me, to appreciate what are by no means bad songs. That is to say, I don’t mean to be a snob, and if anything this tape reminded me of a musical perspective I had quite forgotten since early college. In that regard, this was definitely a successful tape, and I seriously enjoyed several songs. Altogether, I’m grateful for the work you put into it. Thanks again!

My Review

 

Ok then, I've listened to the tape 4 and a half times so I think I'm ready to review this bad ass tape. The folder was titled Mixtape For Jack, me being slow and forgetting about the links in my signature was surprised you knew my name…… *Facepalm*. And the album was titled The Pedlar Sings (mixtape) which was built up of 16 tracks and divided into two parts: "Part 1 (Fairytales)" and "Part 2 (Horror Stories)". I was already liking where this was going and with the interesting artwork I already had vivid image in my mind of what to expect.

 

To the music-mobile!

 

Part 1 (Fairytales)

Track 1: The intro has a really nice piano introduction. A soft male voice is followed shortly and you can tell this is a sad song almost straight away. I really like it, suits the mood I've been in for the last couple of weeks and it's soothing to me. I love how it's just him and the piano throughout and at times when the lighter keys are played there's a sense of hope/optimism. Great start to the mix. 8/10

 

Track 2 This song was stook in my head the other day before I got the tape. I loves it I do! "It's oh so quiet… Sshhh… Ssshhh…" Is it me though or does the intro before she sings sound like the music from the movie "Up"? I don't know who sings this but she sounds like the woman who sings "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Tom Jones. Great, quick change of mood from track 1, it was a gamble if you ask me but it's paid off :) 7.5/10

 

Track 3 This song sounds familiar but I can't place where I've heard it before if at all. I love the guitar intro with what I think are rattling piano keys in the background. Love how it gets a bit heavier on the bridge/chorus. I'm guessing it's called "I Don't Want Love"? He's got a nice voice, seems very fragile at times. Now he''s ooohing quiet loudly, it normally annoys me but this time I like it. Good track 7/10

 

Track 4 Another good intro with violins and soft drum beat with a keyboard too. His voice is slightly rugged, I like the line he says on the bridge or chorus (it's hard to tell). "Don't cry, you can rely on me honey", I find it quite romantic. It's a nice song, a good love story told throughout. 6.5/10

 

Track 5 Loudest song so far, bit of a deep voice from the start with a static guitar in the background. It's more upbeat than the others apart from "It's Oh So Quiet". I like the rolling drum beat throughout, pretty cool. This song gives a California summers day feel to me. Not my favourite on the mixtape but I do like it's funky-ness. 5/10

 

Track 6 I like this orchestral instrumental. Love how it starts out like a rainy day with chellos and other instruments and gradually gets darker and more intense as it turns into a thunderstorm. Shame it's only 28 seconds long. 8/10

 

Track 7 Is this Arcade Fire? I don't have any of their albums or songs but it sounds like them. Love the coolness of it, the intro with a woman wooing with a jagged guitar breaking in. The bridge is pretty cool too, love the drums in it too, then again I'm a sucker for drums ha. In fact I'm 100% sure it's Arcade Fire cos he's just said a line about The Suburbs and if I remember rightly that's the name of their latest album. But this song is pretty awesome and if it is Arcade Fire then it's about time I finally checked them out! My favourite so far. 9/10

 

Track 8 The final track of Part 1 (Fairytales). Begins with repetitive chords and then a guy gradually oohing for awhile with heavy piano keys accompanying him. The guy sounds similar to the man on the opening track too. Ah them drums again, I love them, cool beat in it now. Sounds like he's reminiscing as he prepares for darker days coming (which is appropriate considering part two is called Horror Stories). Bit of an instrumental going on with a cool piano, drum beat and guitar going. I'm looking forward to seeing who this is. Another favourite of the tape. 9/10

 

Part 2 (Horror Stories)

Track 1 Y'know I got my link to download this of Black Rose at like 2am and gave it a listen straight away. I was tired but after this track it wasn't like I wanted to go to sleep anyway -_- It's kicking off Horror Stories in suitable style with howlings, screaming and evil laughs with thunder too. It was a game changer (and a pants changer too). 0/10 for having me look over my shoulder 9/10 for creativity and overall 7/10

 

Track 2 I've heard this before, maybe for a car advert? It's cool, love the heavy bass line in it. Like I said it's cool, good for the theme being portrayed. 8/10

 

Track 3 Another spooky intro. Thanks -_- But it actually turns into a cool drum beat and it gradually begins to form into a bit of an emotional one. I actually really like this, it's quite haunting. Not a good recording though as the voice sounds a bit distorted at times. I'm a sucker for these kind of songs though, if it's emotional or quiet then I'll more than likely like it. "Is there no one left to break you… Down" For me that's very sad since that's how it's ended. 9/10

 

Track 4 A nice acoustic guitar accompanied by violins. The voice is a bit husky and I love the line "this might be the coldest winter since records began". I dunno why but it appeals to me. The chorus is nice and then a new life is breathed into the song when the electric guitar kicks in. A lovely song and I look forward to seeing who this guy is. 9/10

 

Track 5 Another orchestral track with what I want to say is a harp but I know I'm wrong cos I know nothing about instruments. A very distinct voice comes in, if this were based on a horror story then I imagine this girl as a ghost leading the dead either to heaven or hell. Very interesting choice of song as it's quite melancholic to me. 7/10

 

Track 6 This is quite upbeat to me, nothing horrory about it at all. The guys voice reminds me of Jack Steadman from Bombay Bicycle Club and slightly of Ian Brown from The Stone Roses. It's a nice song, makes me think of autumn time and leaves falling in a park. I love the repetitive guitar in it, very cheery and uplifting. 7/10

 

Track 7 The intro's enchanting with a xylophone being played. I like how rapidly it turns dark, it reminds me of the Studio Ghibli film "Spirited Away". A good instrumental, gives me a wintery vibe when there's snow everywhere and it's night time with nothing but orange street lights to guide you home. The choir ahing and the beginning of a man talking does add a sinister touch to it but I like it. 10/10

 

Track 8 The final track of the tape now. She has a voice like the girl from Bat For Lashes or Bjork. I like the guitar in this, very cool, sounds like it should be in action movie where the hero goes in for the final showdown with the bad guy for the ultimate battle. It's an intense song cos I can feel it building up and there it is as it explodes with noise. You've picked a good end song. I reckon this is my favourite of the whole tape. 10/10

 

Overall Result 9.5/10

 

It was the kind of tape I expected and more, really enjoyed it and will be listening to it many times in the future. For the mood I've been in lately this tape suited it down to the ground which is what I needed to be honest. I look forward to seeing who made this and of course the track list. Thanks again, I've done the exchange 3 times now and I've yet to receive a bad tape!

^ I think I may have a hunch as to who made yours, Jack.

If I'm being honest, at first I thought it might have been you who made it

Wow, really? I wish I were that creative. Sorry to have disappointed you. :tongue:

You haven't disappointed me at all, it just means I have to keep on waiting. The reason I thought it was you is cos you're the only one who's asked me my name on this site so when I saw the folder I thought it was you. :)

Oh, I see. Heh. Well, if the person who made yours is who I think it is, your tape has been made in good hands. :nice:

Stop teasing me! I hate waiting so I hope the person comes online tonight… Or in a few minutes preferably haha

Well, I'm waiting on mine, too, so it's not like you're waiting by yourself.

Well it sounds like you've been waiting longer. I've only posted the review 2 hours ago and I'm being impatient and want it NOW!

Could whoever made mine reupload it and in a .zip or .rar file instead of separately? Two of the songs I can't download because of copyright

Sorry!! :bigcry: I should have posted this yesterday but university was being a bitch so I hadn't time and felt like crap and couldn't concentrate on the mixtape and I'll stop rambling now :wacky:

 

OKAY so, here's my review:

 

My mixtape maker has made a folder named „Tree Burst in Snow“ with all the tracks in it :cheesy: And even put a folder picture in it woo! Which is totally cool and fitting since I'm kinda freezing my ass of right now cuz it's rather cold in Germany.

 

 

Anyways, first track, here we go!

 

TRACK 01

Wow I already like the first seconds of this song. Strings and guitar and soft male voice singing. Very dreamy and light. Then a little choir and there's an instrument going „bem bem bem bem“ in the background which I can't identify, but it's cute. AND OMG A CLARINET, there's a fookin clarinet playing and this song feels like a fairytale! Fantastic! And now drums are coming in and add some more power to the song. I love the singer's voice, it's so soothing...

Man the clarinet really makes this song so heartwarming together with the strings, this song totally fits to the winter :wacky:

 

TRACK 02

Funky drums! And electronic beats! Nice genre change! Dreamy disorted male voice accompanying the strong beat. And wooooaaah some very strange but cool echo effecs. And holy shit THAT BASS :drunk: Sounds bloody ace with sony headphones mdr xb700 on your head :wideeyed: This song is catchy and powerful, and inbetween has little breaks with only this wicked bass playing.

Towards the end some crazy spacey synthesizer sounds start playing and my mind begins to wander.

THIS IS FREAKING GREAT!

 

TRACK 03

Drums, crazy drums! And a male voice going „Aaaaaaaah, aaaaahaaaaaaaaa“ in a rather trance-y way. Holy crap and now some crazy ass noises are playing, something that sounds like a metal hinge opening and closing, and something else sounding like a transformator exploding :lol: Oh man this is amazing, it sounds like you're standing in a scrapyard and make music with the electronical stuff laying around. And all these noises are intensified by a strong bass playing in the background. The singer's voice also has some crazy effects on it, and everything ficts perfectly together. If I had to explaing this song with one word, I'd say it's „sharp“ :lol:

 

TRACK 04

Dreamy guitar :wacko: And a strong male voice for a change lol (not that this is a bad thing really!)

Nice beat going on, very happy and bright. First I thought this song is a little bit boring because it's rather repetitive, but towards the end it goes all dreamy and doesn't sound as carefree anymore but melancholy and more atmospheric and it's all brilliant and sweet :wacko:

 

TRACK 05

Interesting calm beeping noise, and after 15 seconds SHAZAM strong beat and singing in yo face. Fascinating echo-ish and delaying effetcs on the singer's voice. And there are rattles! And crazy sounds again, maybe guitars? Lol I dunno :awesome: But this song is strong and quite motivating, I want to jump around!

 

TRACK 06

Starts with a strong bass drum. Gets a little bit repetitive after a while, but changes just like track 04 into something epic and builds itself up towards the end of the song, I like songs like this a lot!

TRACK 07

Mix spheric ambient sounds, a strong beat, dreamy singing voices and cool guitars together and you get this gem. I close my eyes and my heads bobs forward involuntarily everytime one of the main drums is hit. The song gets more wild towards the end and it's all magnificent.

 

TRACK 08

I know this song :awesome: It's Wolf Gang's Stay And Defend and it fits perfectly into this mix! And I really like this song so I totally don't mind listening to it for the 349050 time.

TRACK 09 already OMG

Guitars, „oooooOOOoooh“'s, and a voice that I believe have heared before but I don't know where! D:

Powerful song! With a great chorus and a sound in the background that's often used in old movies when they're showing UFOs :lol: Do you even know what I mean? :laugh3:

Anyway, this song is very nice, and has little quiet breaks and awesome loud parts.

 

TRACK 10

Same here, I know this voice!! But who is it, ugh! Loud and strong song again, with groovy electric guitars and a singer going crazy in the chorus „AAAAAHH- OH OH OH OHH“ LOL this is funny

TRACK 11 (Last track nooooo! :bigcry:)

The song starts with rather creepy but also cool „ooouuuooouuuooouuhhh“s and little vinyl crackle sounds

Okay, the singer is actually starting with „Don't fuck with me don't fuck with me“ Alright dude, I won't, promised :nod:

 

 

:lol:

 

 

And JEEZ that is some epic bass/electric beat right there, this is a combination I LOVE. Soft and fragile singing voices, and a bass that makes your brain melt :drunk: Duuuuuuude what the hell is going on in this song, I feel like I'm getting high from listening to this! AWESOME. My head totally bobs lazily throughout the whole song, and I can't stop it. There are even trumpets in it.

I love this, this is going straight into my playlist!

 

And.... and now it's all over :bigcry:

 

But holy shit mixtape maker, reveal yourself! I want to know who secretly scanned my brain and picked out only songs I like!! This is the best mixtape I got so far, and so many cool songs on it! :wacky::bomb: I MUST KNOW THE ARTISTS!!

 

Okay so, you're awesome, you know that? Like, awesomely awesome, in an awesome way, you know? 20000 INTERNET HUGS FOR YA! :dazzled:

 

 

:heart:

^ I think I may have a hunch as to who made yours, Jack.

Do you? :P

 

***

 

Hi Jack! :cheesy: I was your tape-maker. I'll leave my comments in orange:

 

My Review

 

Ok then, I've listened to the tape 4 and a half times so I think I'm ready to review this bad ass tape. The folder was titled Mixtape For Jack, me being slow and forgetting about the links in my signature was surprised you knew my name…… *Facepalm*. And the album was titled The Pedlar Sings (mixtape) which was built up of 16 tracks and divided into two parts: "Part 1 (Fairytales)" and "Part 2 (Horror Stories)". I was already liking where this was going and with the interesting artwork I already had vivid image in my mind of what to expect.

 

Haha, yes, I stalked you a bit :p (hope you don't mind)

I like your blog!

My name is Fran btw

 

To the music-mobile!

 

Part 1 (Fairytales)

Track 1: The intro has a really nice piano introduction. A soft male voice is followed shortly and you can tell this is a sad song almost straight away. I really like it, suits the mood I've been in for the last couple of weeks and it's soothing to me. I love how it's just him and the piano throughout and at times when the lighter keys are played there's a sense of hope/optimism. Great start to the mix. 8/10

 

There, you said it all! Also, the title of the tape, "The Pedlar Sings", is a lyric from this song. This is a song off Mark Hollis' solo album. You might have heard of his other work with his new wave band Talk Talk.

 

[/b]Track 2[/b] This song was stook in my head the other day before I got the tape. I loves it I do! "It's oh so quiet… Sshhh… Ssshhh…" Is it me though or does the intro before she sings sound like the music from the movie "Up"? I don't know who sings this but she sounds like the woman who sings "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Tom Jones. Great, quick change of mood from track 1, it was a gamble if you ask me but it's paid off :) 7.5/10

 

Haha, it's quite a catchy song, I guess. I wanted this on the tape because, like you said, it sounds like the music from some movie. And my first idea was to make a tape with a theme of old movies. My idea changed over the time, but this song remained on the tape. :) I don't know who sings with Tom Jones, but this is Bjork - "It's Oh So Quiet". You have probably heard of her :P

 

Track 3 This song sounds familiar but I can't place where I've heard it before if at all. I love the guitar intro with what I think are rattling piano keys in the background. Love how it gets a bit heavier on the bridge/chorus. I'm guessing it's called "I Don't Want Love"? He's got a nice voice, seems very fragile at times. Now he''s ooohing quiet loudly, it normally annoys me but this time I like it. Good track 7/10

 

Its title really is "I Don't Want Love". I really like his voice too. It's what makes The Antlers' music special.

 

Track 4 Another good intro with violins and soft drum beat with a keyboard too. His voice is slightly rugged, I like the line he says on the bridge or chorus (it's hard to tell). "Don't cry, you can rely on me honey", I find it quite romantic. It's a nice song, a good love story told throughout. 6.5/10

 

I've been into this one a lot recently. I think that its lyrics are amazing. This is a Wilco song called "Jesus, Etc."

 

Track 5 Loudest song so far, bit of a deep voice from the start with a static guitar in the background. It's more upbeat than the others apart from "It's Oh So Quiet". I like the rolling drum beat throughout, pretty cool. This song gives a California summers day feel to me. Not my favourite on the mixtape but I do like it's funky-ness. 5/10

 

To be honest, I wasn't sure if I should put this one on the tape. But in the end - I decided to :lol: This is The Shins' song called "Phantom Limb".

 

Track 6 I like this orchestral instrumental. Love how it starts out like a rainy day with chellos and other instruments and gradually gets darker and more intense as it turns into a thunderstorm. Shame it's only 28 seconds long. 8/10

 

It's really minimalistic, yet wonderful. Oh and this track is actually a minute and 12 seconds long. Track 9 (Horror stories intro) is 28 seconds long. :P

 

Track 7 Is this Arcade Fire? I don't have any of their albums or songs but it sounds like them. Love the coolness of it, the intro with a woman wooing with a jagged guitar breaking in. The bridge is pretty cool too, love the drums in it too, then again I'm a sucker for drums ha. In fact I'm 100% sure it's Arcade Fire cos he's just said a line about The Suburbs and if I remember rightly that's the name of their latest album. But this song is pretty awesome and if it is Arcade Fire then it's about time I finally checked them out! My favourite so far. 9/10

 

No, this isn't The Suburbs. But, it really is Arcade Fire. It's a song called "Headlights Look Like Diamonds" and it's off their debut EP, released 7 years before The Suburbs. :P And you really, really, really have to check them out. I was quite surprised that you didn't have them on your last.fm! You'll find one more great reason why you have to check them out later... :P

 

Track 8 The final track of Part 1 (Fairytales). Begins with repetitive chords and then a guy gradually oohing for awhile with heavy piano keys accompanying him. The guy sounds similar to the man on the opening track too. Ah them drums again, I love them, cool beat in it now. Sounds like he's reminiscing as he prepares for darker days coming (which is appropriate considering part two is called Horror Stories). Bit of an instrumental going on with a cool piano, drum beat and guitar going. I'm looking forward to seeing who this is. Another favourite of the tape. 9/10

 

Nothing more to add. That really is the reason why I wanted this track here. I wanted the mixtape to get this sort of feel like it has a certain story that flows through it. This is my favourite track off Wild Beasts' most recent album. It's called "End Comes Too Soon".

 

 

Part 2 (Horror Stories)

Track 1 Y'know I got my link to download this of Black Rose at like 2am and gave it a listen straight away. I was tired but after this track it wasn't like I wanted to go to sleep anyway -_- It's kicking off Horror Stories in suitable style with howlings, screaming and evil laughs with thunder too. It was a game changer (and a pants changer too). 0/10 for having me look over my shoulder 9/10 for creativity and overall 7/10

 

As I stated before, first I wanted to make a mixtape inspired by old movies. This one isn't from a movie, but from a cartoon instead. It's a short audio sampe of one Scooby Doo episode. My other idea was to rename each track into a Scooby Doo quote. I wish I really did that. :P

This track is a slightly edited version of this:

 

 

ALSO HAPPY HALLOWEEN! :lol:

 

Track 2 I've heard this before, maybe for a car advert? It's cool, love the heavy bass line in it. Like I said it's cool, good for the theme being portrayed. 8/10

 

I haven't heard it in an advert. :p This is called "Elephant" and it's on Tame Impala's most recent album, Lonerism, that was released less than a month ago. Therefore, I don't really think it has been in an advert already :P I might be wrong though

 

Track 3 Another spooky intro. Thanks -_- But it actually turns into a cool drum beat and it gradually begins to form into a bit of an emotional one. I actually really like this, it's quite haunting. Not a good recording though as the voice sounds a bit distorted at times. I'm a sucker for these kind of songs though, if it's emotional or quiet then I'll more than likely like it. "Is there no one left to break you… Down" For me that's very sad since that's how it's ended. 9/10

 

Yeah, all said! This is a song by Son Lux. I think he is an amazing artist and therfore I put one of his songs on each of my mixtapes. This one is called "Break".

 

Track 4 A nice acoustic guitar accompanied by violins. The voice is a bit husky and I love the line "this might be the coldest winter since records began". I dunno why but it appeals to me. The chorus is nice and then a new life is breathed into the song when the electric guitar kicks in. A lovely song and I look forward to seeing who this guy is. 9/10

 

This is "Bible Belt" and it's a song off Dry The River's debut album, released earlier this year. Definetely worth checking out!

 

Track 5 Another orchestral track with what I want to say is a harp but I know I'm wrong cos I know nothing about instruments. A very distinct voice comes in, if this were based on a horror story then I imagine this girl as a ghost leading the dead either to heaven or hell. Very interesting choice of song as it's quite melancholic to me. 7/10

 

I suck at telling instruments too. :p Her voice is very haunting, imo. This is by a Norwegian artist Susanne Sundfor and the song's called "Father Father".

 

Track 6 This is quite upbeat to me, nothing horrory about it at all. The guys voice reminds me of Jack Steadman from Bombay Bicycle Club and slightly of Ian Brown from The Stone Roses. It's a nice song, makes me think of autumn time and leaves falling in a park. I love the repetitive guitar in it, very cheery and uplifting. 7/10

 

I really thought that this one was the horroriest (is that a word? :p) on the tape :P Possibly because the album that it's on is quite spooky. This is The Rumour Said Fire - "Voyager", off their most recent album, "Dead Ends". It was released only a couple of weeks ago and in my opinion it's one of the best albums released this year.

 

Track 7 The intro's enchanting with a xylophone being played. I like how rapidly it turns dark, it reminds me of the Studio Ghibli film "Spirited Away". A good instrumental, gives me a wintery vibe when there's snow everywhere and it's night time with nothing but orange street lights to guide you home. The choir ahing and the beginning of a man talking does add a sinister touch to it but I like it. 10/10

 

This is by the same artist as the song number 6. They're both songs feautured on These New Puritans' album "Hidden". They definetely deserve a bigger fanbase. P.S. Violet likes them too! :awesome:

 

Track 8 The final track of the tape now. She has a voice like the girl from Bat For Lashes or Bjork. I like the guitar in this, very cool, sounds like it should be in action movie where the hero goes in for the final showdown with the bad guy for the ultimate battle. It's an intense song cos I can feel it building up and there it is as it explodes with noise. You've picked a good end song. I reckon this is my favourite of the whole tape. 10/10

 

You know what's funny? Everyone I know said that her voice sounds like Bjork. And then everyone was shocked when they found out that it's actually Arcade Fire. Yes, you really have to check them out. This is called "In The Backseat" and it's off their amazing debut album, "Funeral".

 

Overall Result 9.5/10

 

It was the kind of tape I expected and more, really enjoyed it and will be listening to it many times in the future. For the mood I've been in lately this tape suited it down to the ground which is what I needed to be honest. I look forward to seeing who made this and of course the track list. Thanks again, I've done the exchange 3 times now and I've yet to receive a bad tape!

 

9.5/10? :stunned: Thank you so much! I'm really glad that you liked it. :nice: Thank you for a great review too!

Here's the tracklist:

 

"The Pedlar Sings"

EDIT:

 

 

Part 1 ("Fairytales"):

1. Mark Hollis - The Colour of Spring
   
2. Björk - It's Oh So Quiet
   
3. The Antlers - I Don't Want Love
   
4. Wilco - Jesus, Etc.
   
5. The Shins - Phantom Limb
   
6. These New Puritans - Canticle
   
7. Arcade Fire - Headlights Look Like Diamonds
   
8. Wild Beasts - End Come Too Soon
   
   

 

Part 2 ("Horror stories"):

• Scooby Doo audio sample (Halloween TFs)
  
• Tame Impala - Elephant
  
• Son Lux - Break
  
• Dry The River - Bible Belt
  
• Susanne Sundfør - Father Father
  
• The Rumour Said Fire - Voyager
  
• These New Puritans - 5
  
• Arcade Fire - In The Backseat
  

 

Here's a link to download it: http://www.mediafire.com/?7fdtgtp5kc5g122

^yum

Only 1 person left to submit their tape, but that person hasn't been on since the 15th of the month.

 

If they don't appear online or submit a tape by Friday, then I will take the tape meant for them to give to the person they were meant to give a tape to.