Well I'll start of the reviews then!

I got JessopJessopJessop's mix album 'First':

1) This sounds a bit like Sigur Ros? I only have one album by them though so I don't recognise this. A nice mellow start to the mix though.
2) Bloke singing, probably an American as he uses the word 'Railroad'. Quite a nice chilled out song, but not too memorable.
3) More drums and a woman singing, a bit more up-beat, kind of chillout club music. Quite nice to listen to and relax.
4) What a chilled out mix CD this is! Another nice track with a man singing through a vocoder. This one reminds me of being on holiday.
5) Very sleepy and nice song with a woman singing
6) Strange! Kind of chill-out hip-hop! Not heard anything like this before actually... not sure about it to be honest...
7) More up tempo and pretty cool, I like this one quite a bit. Very electronic
8) This is really nice. Nice sampled piano, cool vocals. All great really. Is it The Orb?
9) This is nice too, a good tune. I like the violins.
10) Another no-lyrics one (I like songs without lyrics by the way, despite being a singer!) and a really good one. The little riff in the first half reminds me a lot of a Lemon Jelly song from their forthcoming album (I think it's 'Make Things Right'). This is probably my favourite on the mix CD.
11) ...and a last little bit of music to let you drift off to sleep. Really nice.

Overall, a really good mix CD, all very laid back and atmospheric. Probably best listened to on a summers night, sitting on a balcony looking at the stars reflected in a lake, just as it's starting to get a bit more chilly and you go to get a fleece to put on over the t-shirt. I really do like this, and I don't want to post it on to the next person! I'll definitely make a copy and save it until next summer! Cheers Jessop, a real corker!

Mark

Cant wait to hear that CD^

Hey Mark - really glad you liked it. You made some REALLY good guesses at some of those tracks (I can explain why via PM, and let you know who the artists are).

And that summery vibe you talked about was very much what i was going for, along with playing tracks and artists that most people will never have heard of before.

Well, after that, I'm looking forward to getting more reviews! But I have no CD to review as yet!

Mixedcasesspaces - This Is Carbootmixobooto

Firstly, if all the compilations are going to be like this, we're in for a treat!

This is a deftly compiled, and fantastically mixed (yes, mixed!) CD - which is divided into two mixes, both of which are littered with great samples, and plays like two suites, rather than a collection of random tracks.

This whole compilation smacks of effort.

The first mix, is Spaced-Fan heaven, and is obviously heavily influenced by Spaced's music itself - sounds almost like you're listening to an unknown soundtrack to a lost episode. There are some welcome tracks in there, one piece being lifted from a certain Zombie Comedy. Another is by a well-known group of white rappers.

This is clearly going to be one of those CD's for when arriving home after a late night out. Stick this on, dim the lights and chill.

Mix One ends with a small piece of music which literally made me laugh out loud, you have wait 'til you hear it - needless to say, it was great to hear.

Mix Two is more straight songs, and strays away from a lot of the electronic music of Mix One, however, songs are mixed, or linked by samples which carry the listener through to the end very nicely. By the end you feel like you've been taken on a nice little journey, rather than listened to a bunch of songs.

I know I only got this today, but I'm enjoying this immensely, and therefore, couldn't wait to share my views on it.

Good work! 9/10

Thanks Melll! I'm genuinely chuffed at that review! Really glad you liked it, it makes it all worthwhile!

I'll PM you the track list - you got a load of them right already of course!

Mark

Sounds fab!

Thanks, I got the PM. I figured I was in the general ballpark of what some of the unknown tracks might've been.

Really enjoyed it. Can't say that enough. Glad you liked the review.

I'll hold onto it for another week before sending it on.

Okay, here's my review of Innercitysumo's CD, entitled 'Tape Loop'
- sorry if it seems a little long winded, so bear with me!

Much of this compilation is a mainstream one (not meant as a criticism, as I
enjoy mainstream stuff as much as the next person), and so I decided not to
do a track-by-track breakdown.....

Anyway - I’ll admit straight away that I was initially disappointed with the lack
of variety in terms of musical genres (as I have quite varied tastes), but also
for the fact that it is stuff I have heard before (and in many cases, own), with
the exception of three or four tracks. As a showcase of musical taste though,
it is all pretty darn good, if a little unadventurous (which isn’t totally fair, as
selections from firmly established rock institutions sit alongside some of the
genre’s recent, and rather less melodic alternative outfits) - the overall result
is still an enjoyably mixed selection of the (mostly) rock genre.

As I mentioned, this compilation contains no real surprises/unknown quantities
for me, although it does have several quite charming moments, and is dotted
with enough reminders for me to ferret out elements of my own record collection
that have been sadly neglected of late, and still managed to give me pause for
thought about one or two bands I haven’t really given the time of day. Since my
own musical tastes tend mainly towards electronica, it makes a nice change to
hear a selection of songs that are primarily guitar-led.

All present are a selection of genuine classics, and current acoustic & electric
indie/alternative rock, with an occasional, perhaps deliberate, sprinkling of
rock cheese to boot (nice to hear a full album version of said cheese, though)
There are also one or two dirge-like numbers, and a number of other down
tempo tracks, and a nice live track from the Floyd (I presume?). For a mainly
rock orientated compilation though, it does throw a curveball or two, a couple
of tracks seemingly out of place among the other guitar tracks, book-ending
as they do the latter half of the compilation.

I’ll admit now that I have never been a fan of (heavy) metal, and the metal
track included here was no exception when it started - its awkward time
signatures threw me right off. But a little perseverance, and to my surprise
there was a very melodic guitar sequence toward the end – I soon realised
I was really quite enjoying it by the time it had finished!

The early 80’s synth-pop classic that closes the compilation - and was great to
hear for the first time in years – seems totally out of sorts with the rest of the
tracks. I know I was bemoaning the slight lack of variety before, but it just feels
a little ‘tagged on’ as an afterthought. But that is a minor, minor quibble.

Track 15 though, is a superb, wistful number by probably the UK’s most
famous export, and a track I had never really heard properly before.
This would actually have made the perfect closer to this set, as the last
two tracks would have benefitted from being placed earlier in the tracklist.

On reflection, I may have done this compilation a disservice – when you
consider a handful numbers from two of the UK’s favourite miserablists,
a little summink from the Shaun soundtrack, a smattering of new UK bands
who are making names for themselves this year (including one by this year’s
significant award-winners), several retro staple rock/pop outfits (nay, institutions),
a joke-rock (very crude, but a damn fine tune), and an equally crude joke-rap
ditty (if a little misplaced amidst the rock stuff) – it’s actually a tad more varied
than I’ve given it credit for – I eventually found this to be a more than satisfactory
soundtrack to the last few days – Cheers!

Shady Ady Rating:

Iranspaced's Static In The City
It's hard to write a review when we're not allowed to mention the artists.
but here goes:...
The album is very good.
Will that do? .....
oh . 'more' you say?, ok. errm....

I say 'very good' on the whole because it's not 'excellent'.
This is, of course, my personal taste.
There are songs which i like, there are songs which I absolutely love, & there are ones that don't really do it for me.
You can't please all of the people, all of the time (as Henry's Cat once said). I think this will be true of most compilations.
Eclectic is the best word to describe this one.
Indie/pop, rock, metal, jazz (I think!), & dance (house?).

Highlights:
I love the 1st track. A Big epic instumental. It's fantastic, & I want to own the album with this on. (Please can you pm me with the artist.)
Track 6 is also pretty cool. A catchy indie rock song. I think I know who this is. (If I'm right, santa is getting me the album for xmas)
Track 8 suprised me. I don't usually like female vocalists, but this is a great song.
Almost reminds me of a soft Pixies track.
Track 9: A fantastic pacey dance track, you can't help but tap your foot to.
14: A really happy fast guitar rock song. (a bit punky too)

Lowlights (is that a word?!):
Track 3 is good music, it's a little too metalic for my liking.
If track 1 was totally my cup of tea, then track 4 is the total opposite to 'my cup of tea'. Track 4 is my cup of coffee. Not sure how to describe it though. What genre does 'drunk bloke & a piano' come under?
Track 7 music is good. The vocals sound a bit like ozzy osbourne to me. (though I'm sure it's not)

As for the rest of it: There are some really good tunes there.

Overall:
Enjoyable (mostly)
A very good album. 7/10

Cool, eclectic sounds good to me...

Looks like the Loop is shaping up to be a pretty decent mixture of everything, from everyone!
Any more reviews on the horizon, folks?! Lets 'ave 'em then!

Okay, I'll have a crack at reviewing MadFish's CD.

I was putting this review off because I found it quite difficult, concerning as it does, primarily the genre known as Metal. I usually listen to electronica, so being subjective or analytical about an unfamiliar genre is tough, but I used to like Iron Maiden, Metallica and so on before my electronic days, so I occasionally dip into the heavier rock stuff, and I'm always willing to be converted.

Overall, the vibe to the CD is what seems to be American Metal bands. There is enough material here for two albums at 18 tracks, and I haven't been able to listen all the way through in one sitting. The genre is similar most of the way through, and this can be quite an intense experience. I understand the appeal, but don't have the constitution personally, and prefer more variance in mood and genre.

Having said that, there were some excellent tracks on here, by bands I may wish to hear more from. I liked tracks 1, 2, 9 10, 11, and 13 particularly, but won't go into detail about each one. Suffice it to say that I think these were the most varied and melodic of the songs on the compilation, and woould have stood well together on a varied and interesting collection. Track 18 is the stand out track for me, and made an excellent end to the album, although the sound quality seemed poor - perhaps it was recorded from vinyl? I'd be interested to know who these artists were in particular, for something new and different to listen to. I'd like to see the track list by PM, Madfish - cheers!

Those who favour this type of music may revel in the sheer volume and intensity of this compilation but despite the standout tracks, I find myself retreating to my Underworld CDs.

Thanks jon for the positive review, I purposly made it varied cause I wanted to reach out to all tastes of music, tracks you may not enjoy others will and vise versa.

Right, my review of Melll "Songs in the key of S" mix: I do know alot of these tracks, but I'll try and cover it so to keep the suprise going, stuff I dont know I'll be guessing at.

Track 1) This is a remix of a track by an old band which I think is done by a certain german industrial band, I'm told the original is better, but I do like this version.

Track 2) Another remix of a track by Addidas wearing, Babpipe loving American band, this band were at the forfront of the whole nu-metal thing, i.e. it was their fault. I did used to like this track when I was a kid and hearing it again was nice but this version doesnt have the power of the original.

Track 3) This is the latest single from that same german band, very typical style of theirs, I liked the older stuff better, again something for when I was younger. Definitly a moshing classic of the future though.

Track 4) Oooh, nice slice of old 80s meeeeetal...possibly Judas Priest? Iron Maiden style vocals kind of, old Metallica style riffage. Metal was the music that got me into music full stop, but metal guitar solos annoy me now, they might as well just get their d*cks out and w*nk over the audience. *calms down*

Track 5) The first track off the debut album from one of the biggest indie bands this year. I love the bass line of this track but Ive heard the album at work so much it annoys me now, AND their rereleasing the single that made them well known, this is their SECOND rerelease! This is WRONG. This would have made a excellent single. Anyway, nice bit of variety which I like, and good track.

Track 6) *sings* I wait I wait I wait. Absolute classic from the ultimate straight edge/anti-money band. Excellent choice Melll!!

Track 7) Im not sure but I think this is 36 Crazyfists, this I also like, nice bit of faux hardcore. Im not sure if I'd get this album but it is great, I love that bit with the vocals were it fades into the background.

Track 8) Another classic choice from mr melll, I love this band and the the album this track comes from, more faux hardcore but with a metal edge, I kinda think of them as my generations metallica, but more modern era. I love how they shout when they need to and sing when they need to, not just shout all the time, nice violin ending.

Track 9) I have NO idea what this is, its punk rock with a hint of ska (I HATE ska-punk, bands like Less than Jake, Mighty Mighty Bosstons etc) I didnt like that track.

Track 10) A track from my faviourite band as a teenager, from their first album which looking back was their best, I love this track althought its not the best on the album (that would be 'exhausted'), nice feedback guitars and fuzzy vocals, very rock out track. *dances around room*

Track 11) A solo track from a certain Ash guitarist, I love this album and this is a great track but again its not the best on the album, but it is still amazing, i saw this person at the local venue in leicester, which has the same name as this person. (if that makes any sense to anyone ) Excellent choice.

Track12) This one is a slice of emo-punk that would probably turn up on an american pie soundtrack, it sounds like jimmy eat world but i dont think it is. its not as annoying as most emo-punk tracks but still...I wouldnt go furthur and check these out. Interesting guitar solo though.

Track 13) I think this is Incubus, and I hate Incubus, I like the piano riff, but they mean nothing to me, they dont do anything new and alot of their fanbase seem to be pre-pubesant girls who think Brendon Boyd is a hunk. Like with HIM. Even if this isnt incubus it was still a very boring track.

Track 14) Right I think this is a Team Sleep track, if it is your forgiven on the previous track Melll as I dont have this track and I'm waiting for their album with baited breath, I know the album is around on the net but I'd prefer to wait. If this isnt them then its still a brilliant track and i cant wait to find out who it is, very mellow but has enough to keep you hooked, almost like an Explosions in the Sky track with vocals. Beautiful.

If the aim of these cds were to expand musical tastes then this one didnt do very well as I knew most of the tracks on the album, although someone else might not. It was slightly varied as a mix but all mainly guitar based music, even the remixes were originally guitar heavy. (not that theirs anything wrong with guitars, I'm just making a point.) There were many tracks on here I love but as I already have them it was slightly pointless from a personal point of view.

If I'da had this cd two or three years ago I would have loved it. I have a friend who says she she used to listen to 'heavy' stuff but doesnt anymore, she talks as if it was some kind of bad habbit or drug she recovered from so I'd hate to sound like that, forgive me if i do.

Done, Done on to the next one.

im glad you found it kinda intense as thats what i kind of hoped for (although could of made it even more intense ) at least to make it intense for a newcomer to the genres anyways

currently undecided on whether to do something more varied next time or do an album full of covers.

anyways, going to listen to the cd i have again and then should have a review ready to post either later tonight or tomorrow evening.

Thanks Iran for the review. I'm chuffed with that, I think Vol II will be less "safe" choices. You got most of them, I've PM'ed you the tracklisting.

Got the PM, cheers.



Steal my idea and die

Right, sorry for making you guys wait, here is my review of Ade’s tape loop CD.

Firstly, I’ll say that the music on this CD is not what I would normally listen to, but overall I did enjoy the compilation. I guess hearing something different through this is the aim, so in that respect, this collection was great.

This compilation is quite mellow and chilled out, it’d be great to listen to on a summers evening or something like that id imagine. There are a few songs on here that I have heard before but apart from two, I couldn’t think of who performed them (a track list by pm would be great ade!) aside from a remix of an American indie band (I think this is a remix anyways) and a welsh band whose best days are far behind them. Although I do dislike said welsh bands most recent album, the track lifted from it for this compilation does fit in well.

This is perhaps the strongest point of this compilation in my eyes, it all flows together very well I thought.

Down points? I’m not a fan of the more dancey/electronic tracks featured but again, they do fit in well on this compilation, there just not something I would normally listen to.

Overall though, this is a very well put together compilation that it would be quite easy to drift away with if the setting was right

Track list via pm please ade!

Cool, cheers man, glad you enjoyed it overall - I wanted to put an interesting variation
together, but I realised it wouldn't be a 100% success rate for everyone's tastes!

I will PM you the tracklist once I remember which track I left out...

First off, I was very impressed with this compilation.  A good mix of tracks that on the whole flows pretty well.

1.  Don't know who this is.  It's a catchy indie pop to sing along to and a decent one at that.

2. One of only 2 songs on the compilation i already own.  A band i should really listen to more often as it frustrated the hell out of me trying to remember who this was.  It's again fairly catchy, this time with a mixture of guitars and electronics.

3. Sounds to me like a certain indie band from Liverpool to me.  Jangly guitars etc.  Not my favourite track on the album to be honest.  I preferred the REALLY famous one.

4. Don't know this one.  Rather generic rock and could be a one of any number of bands. A little forgettable but by no means a bad track.

5. Well this is fairly unmistakeably a band which appear on a certain films soundtrack.  I'm not familiar with this particular song but it's a good one and shows they have quality songs beyond the ones played everywhere.

6. 2nd track i already own and i absolutely love it.  Lots of sampling to create a genuine masterpiece.  the video is a corker too if anyone's seen it

7. Easily recognisable voice but i don't recognise the track.  I think i'm right in saying this is an early song. An extra long intro makes me think it's also not the original version. Perfect for a dance in a dingy indie club.

8. Another instantly recognisable voice. A collaberation between 2 people from 2 very famous 80s bands. Really good stuff with an electronic (hehe) sound.

9. Possibly my favourite track on the compilation and i don't even know who it is. Please enlighten me Jon. It sounds familiar but i dunno if that's just coz i've played it a lot now.
Very mellow.

10. Acoustic guitars. Spanish (i think) lyrics. No idea who it is. Pleasant enough but nothing to set the world alight.

11. Great song that everyone knows from someone who nearly everyone would agree is immensly talented. I have no idea why but i don't have any albums. After hearing this a few times i think it's about time i did.

12. Rock'n'Roll instrumental. Not all that keen on it to be honest.

13. Is this Underworld? I've never really gotten into them beyond a few songs but i like this. If it is them. Quite a chilled out track which makes you tap our feet at the same time.

14. Some frantic piano playing to start, Another chilled track to play after a night out. At a wild stab in the dark i'd say this sounds like Everything but the Girl.

15. A nice little bonus but i don't wanna ruin the suprise for anyone

Overall i'd give this a rather impressive 8/10
i hope i enjoy the rest of the compilations this much.

I hope this one doesn't fall on it's arse like the last one did, because I made quite possibly the best tape ever, and it's vanished into the depths of the postal service.
Which is a shame, really

Cheers for the review Lazlo.
It 's great when you show someone else music that they end up liking.
Even if they only really like one track on the album, it makes it all seem worthwhile.
I can see what kept John Peel going. It really is very rewarding.

Excellent! Can we expect a review of Lazlo's CD from Innercitysumo today?
Chop chop! Mailing day today!



Like I said before, we are not solely relying on Mr Postie,
but on everybody taking part as well to keep things going

I liked 8 tracks enough to steal, plus the 2 i already had = 10 out of a possible 14 (not including the last one) so that's not a bad hit ratio
Hope you enjoy mine as much when it eventually gets around to you in however many months.

I know that feeling - spent ages compiling the disc - did some editing and mixing to give the thing a more coherent feel - took ages with the cover (well apart from getting the track listing the wrong way round - soon fixed) and lo and behold it was lost after three rounds.

You know some where some one is enjoying my Music For Hangovers disc..... I think Postman Pat has it on heavy rotation in his van's CD player....

He really shouldn't be driving so early in the morning with a hangover. the alcohol is still gonna be in his system.

Jessop's Review - Ade's "Chills, Thrills, Spills n Frills".

I feel quite able to submit a review so early, given that some of the songs were familiar to me, and the record is very accessible.

It reflects the seriously eclectic taste of the compiler, although overall there is a penchant for slightly quirky songwriting, regardless of genre. I am not too keen on the first half of the compilation, and wouldn't be inspired to listen to these artists again, but the second half makes up for it.

1. A great track from my favourite band ever. Opening the compilation with it was something I wouldn’t have thought of, and made me enjoy it all over again.
2. Familiar 80s track, but I don’t know who it is. Listenable, but not exceptional.
3. Strange rap-rock hybrid, with Mercury Rev-sounding vocals – I don’t dislike it, but it doesn’t do anything for me.
4. Squeeze-esque, 80s era pop, with a funky electronic bass. Again, not too keen, but keeps the eclectic vibe alive.
5. I recognised the band – I’d never choose to listen to them, but this track is okay.
6. Another quirky cultish pop song – with a strangely Labyrinth soundtrack synth sound!
7. Kind of American soft metal. Not me I’m afraid!
8. Emotive piano and gentle lyrics like Aimee Mann. I liked this, and it marks a turning point in the compilation I think.
9. Immediately recognisable soundtrack for recent and extremely popular trilogy. It’s a great score, and quite a chilled piece overall, and tied in with emotions from the film viewing experience.
10. Back to quirky songwriting – an American band I’m sure, but I don’t hear the appeal.
11. Short and lighthearted, with distorted guitar. Quite entertaining.
12. Awesome choice – another from my favourite band, and one of their best tracks of the last few years. Destined to become a canon classic.
13. Another instantly recognisable piece - Images of red wine poured liberally into glasses and flaming pans of exotic foods. I like it.
14. Dedicated listeners of On the Hour will know this one - maybe that was why it was chosen?. Short and sweet.
15. Beautiful soundtrack piece from one of my favourite films of recent years. I MUST go and buy the entire soundtrack.
16. Definitely my bag – It’s like I *should* know who this is, but don't. A cross between Transglobal Underground and FSOL. Who is this please?!
17. Muy bien – The Senor with another quality cover – inspired!
18. Sounds like the Travelling Wilburys or something – I quite like it.
19. Pompous and brilliant instrumental prog-rock. An epic and fantastic end to the compilation. No idea who it could be, although I want to find out.

I found the compilation exciting to listen to, despite a handful of songs having little appeal, but the variance kept the tracklist interesting and surprising. A PM'd tracklist would be very helpful, please. Ade has succeeded admirably in creating a huge melting pot of music, which I imagine was his main intention, so there's something for everyone.

Jessop Gambaccini.

Incidentally, Mark - what did you use to mix your compilation?

Nice one Jessops! Really chuffed you enjoyed the CD -
I will send you a full tracklist via PM this evening when I get home!

The CD says, it was mixed with Soundforge.

...I did indeed use Soundforge, but I also did some of it live too using my DJing stuff and Korg Kaoss pad for extra effects and things, especially for the tracks that are from vinyl and where I did a bit of the old scratching!

All the sample-intense parts were done on soundforge though, I don't have enough arms (or skill!) to do that live!

I also went through the whole thing on Soundforge at the end too, to make sure all the volume levels were consistent and things, and chop it into individual tracks for the CD.

Mark

Cool. I'll have to get hold of that - i'm really into making compilations, but to mix them too would be great fun.

Jessop - First

I'm not gonna hazard any guesses at the tracks, some are very familiar, so I'll review the CD as a whole.

Very chilled out selection of fantastic electronica. A CD to lie back in the sun and just watch the day go by. I used to be into alternative dance and electronica a while ago and have kinda lost touch with the genre. This compilation makes me want to go back and see what I have been missing.

It's like the soundtrack to a million montages, or a nighttime drive through the middle of nowhere.

Kinda what it reminds me of.

Cool, very very cool. 9/10

^ ....................... ^ ....................... ^
gotta get me a listen to some o' dat!

Here's my review for DJ Melll's Songs In The Key of S:

As I write this I'm listening to each track again.
1. Love it. Really nice remix of an 80's classic. Very nearly as good as the original. (though it can't be better!)
2. Nah. didn't really this like.

At this point, I have to admit I'm using iranspaced's review as a reference to who the artists might be. ...& what the genre's were.... I have trouble classifying music I like into genres. let alone music I don't.

Anyhoo. Track...
3. Slightly too german sounding for my liking
4. Don't know who. Again this sound like an 80s rock track. - the sort you'd see beavis & butthead headbanging to, singing 'nah nah nahh!'
5. Oooh, one I know. I love this track. Instantly recognisable indie rock('n roll?) song. (I have the album )
6. Nice intro. Not sure who it is. It's not bad though.
7. This song is a beautifully produced peice of rock/metal. .... And then the vocals start. Eeeuughh! Skip to the end!
8. Didn't I just hear this track? Actually, It is a lot better than the last track, but still not really my thing.
9. This one's quite a catchy punk(?) song. Possibly new(Nu?) punk. ... whatever, lets call it heavy rock. I like it.
10. Another heavy rock/metal one. Fast guitar/drums & muffled vocals.
11. A happy sounding indie tune. Not sure who. Some good female vocals on it & a nice hook in the verse.
12. Cool mellow rock tune. Again don't know who. It's not bad, but I don't think I'd rush out & buy it.
13. Sounds like an indie rock ballad. Some very good singing on it.
& finally...
14. Another slow one. Very mellow. The music sounds like Sting, & the vocals... well.... don't. Don't know what else to say. ... but I like it.


So, to sum up...
I liked about half the tracks on the album. Not great IMO, but not too bad either,
6.5/10

Ooh - another positive review! Really glad you liked it Melll. Let me know if you want a tracklist, and any recommendations on new electronica. I'd be happy to help.

Adam

Ooh, yes please, can you PM me the tracklisting?

Melll - did you get the tracklist okay? I've PM'd a couple of people recently and had no response, so I'm just checking it's worked...

Yup, got it. No problem.

OK, here's my review of MADFISH's compilation 'TAPE LOOP':

1) Woah there, it's going to be a loud one. Lots of shouting men
2) OK, this one makes the first one sound like an ambient chill out track... Hmmm, I'm afraid that this might not be a cd I'm going to enjoy, but I'll persevere as this is a genere of music that I haven't really listened to properly before.
3) A bit more melodic and less noisy this one. I like the guitars at instrumental. Actually, this whole song is OK.
4) Woman singer. This is more melodic too and not bad.
5) This one is a bit better
6) More American sounding this one, I find this sort of American accent quite annoying I'm afraid, sorry!
7) Rooooaaaaarrrrrr!!!!!
8) He doesn't sound very pleased with someone on this song, but he seems to be quite pleased with himself.
9) I'm listening to this at work on my headphones, and I'm actually finding myself getting more stressed due to this music!
10) Now I just was rude to someone in an email when I shouldn't've been... rooaaarrr!
11) That's it I can't take it any longer, it's making me feel too stressed!

(It's Friday now, the next day, and I feel calm enough to continue with the review)
12) Ah, a nice calm relaxing intro. Gets louder though, but after my break I can take it!
13) Back to the ROAR stuff! This is a cover of a Nirvana song, Negative Creep. I like the Nirvana version a lot more I'm afraid.
14) A very loud one, starting to get in an angry mood again now I think. Whooaah there.
15) A bit of a strange one this, different styles mixed up at different points. This one isn't so bad.
16) Yikes! Not saying very nice things about my Mum, seems to be promoting domestic voilence. He's killed everyone and he'll be put away forever, but he's feeling better. Actually, the end of this the way it speeds up is kinda cool.
17) I properly recognise this one! I actually used to have this one and listen to it loads... I won't give away what it is to everyone else, but it's quality! This is better than all the previous songs as it's not taking itself seriously, and it's more stadium and not all angry. It's uplifting rather than making you want to kill things.
18) Bit of an epic end. This one is OK too. Good end to the compilation anywho.

I really did try hard with this and listen to every song, but I have to say that I just don't really like this sort of music. There were bits that were OK, but on the whole... just not a genere of music that I enjoy listening to!

LOL at your review, Mark. Hope you've calmed down a bit since...

Right, seeing as this is a mix cd, at least for the first half of the cd i'm not going to be giving a track by track report of this mix cd. Firstly its a very good mix, it suceeds were the last one I listened to does as a good percentage of the tracks are new to my ears. Althought, from a personal point of view I prefere the separate track styling of a mix cd, songs that fit together but are separate from one another, i.e. not mixed.

The first half of the cd is very heavily electronically based, lots of beats and samples used to very good effect, quite simular to the type of music you find on the Spaced soundtrack, I will be making a copy of this if I can get it to play on my computer as it is definetly a warm weather cd and will give me much more enjoyment in the summertime. This thought relates to my only quam about the first half of the cd in that it is almost too chilled out for my personal taste, thought track 5 is quite 'meaty' it chills out again after that, it did need something to get you going in the middle of the first half of the cd..possibly.

Second half of the cd starts of in the same way the first one continued, more samples before leading on to, probably, the onlt track I recognised, bit of a classic too, great track, great band...I want to go home.... I think I can start giving a track by track review:

Track 12 - Very interesting track, sounds like something from the early 90s brit-pop era but heavily influenced by a band like the Beach Boys, nice....I would recomend 'mixedcasesspaces' listen to the 'Earlies' if you already havnt, they are a nice mix of the two genres you seem to enjoy.

Track 13 - Another track which I recognise (I think) something nice and funky from the two-tone era, I'm guessing the Specials but I might be wrong. Mixes nicely with the next track.

Track 14 - Which is awsome, this is more like it, an excellent postrock track, quite simular to 'godspeed! you black emperor' but more direct, very interesting, I liked that track and I'll definetly be interested to hear who it was when we finally get around to all that stuff.

Track 15 - Another great track of the post-rock styling. A bit more melodic this one, could be Explosions in the Sky or at least something very simular, this is a very beautiful track, quite epic in places, bits of distortion here and there, pointing to something like Animation possibly. Excellent.

Track 16 - This one is more electronic again, sounds really good, very Apex Twin possibly or maybe Leftfield. Its quite chilled out and has a great beat going behind it. Whats makes it great is that there all these other sounds going on around the beat, keeping the listener...erm...listening.

Track 17 - I have to say I didnt like this track that much, sounds like a grunge era band (possibly Pearl Jam) doing a slow accoustic track, some strings going on in the back ground but it doesnt really have the depth behind it to make it a great accoustic track.

Track 18 - Definetly another track from that 90s brit-pop era, cant really place this down to one style, but it seems quite Stone Roses influenced. Interesting guitar solo. A good track, I liked this one.

Track 19 - I like this track, its influenced by the blues but has a style of its own too, i like this guys voice, very strong and loud, I like the keys being played in the background. Something that could have very easily been on the High Fidelity soundtrack.

Track 20 - Im almost certain this is Ian Brown, very simular to the style his solo stuff takes, I like this too, nice ender to a cd that held its chilled out stylings all the way throught, lots of work has been put into this cd and it deserves to be heard by more people.

Very good stuff

Interesting and all as this is (people reviewing music that no-one outside the tape loop has heard or indeed can recognise as no-one has supplied the names of the tracks) wouldn't the tape loop be better served in a separate section of the forum??

I should have a word with Baz, mate... he pinned it.

REVIEW: Lazlo Woodbine's Version 1.1

I too am not all that familiar with all the indie-pop-rock-nu-metal-grunge-punk
classifications, so my apologies if this review sounds a tad, well, samey.

Track 1 - Good opener! Nicely (not overly) distorted guitar kicks this track
into life (an ironic turn of phrase, considering the lyrical, or rather narrative
content) I’ve not heard this track very often, and not for a long time either;
enjoyed hearing it again. Good, driving beat to it, really gets the album of
to a very eager start.

Track 2 - Highly energetic, minor key, punky-rock. Has a rather interesting
waltzy middle eight kinda thing, before it launches back into the hi-energy
punky stuff.

Track 3 - A much slower, though no less angsty affair this, the delayed
guitar effects remind me of something from Radiohead’s The Bends album,
although it quite obviously isn’t. Eerily echoed and mostly indistinguishable
lyrics switch occasionally from English to Spanish (I think?)

Track 4 - Wow! I love this one!! Who it be? Who it be? Tracklist via PM please!!!
Another slow tempo track, but with a gorgeous melody, lyric, the works!
Very nice guitar work, reminds me of some of John Lennon’s finest solo material.
Interesting vocoder effect on the intro vox too. This is my probably my favourite
track of the whole disc! A sweet little melody among the louder, heavier, angsty
rock, as is the next track:

Track 5 - I know this one! I own the album, and I am ashamed to say it never
gets played any where near as often as it should! A very chipper, piano-led song
dedicated to a girl of the opposite sex. Really got me foot a tappin’, this one!

Track 6 - Mid tempo, and a rather forlorn sounding lyric, which is okay,
not my usual cuppa tea… but the guitars kinda make up for it.

Track 7 – I believe this might be by a newish brother and sister indie rock outfit.
Another slightly dour toned song this, but the lyrics made me smile, despite the
slightly off-key singing (rather endearing in its own way). I likes it.

Track 8 - Sounds like a vocally distorted Iggy Pop, fronting someone like
The Von Bondies, although I am not really very familiar with bands of that ilk.
I quite like the energy of the track, although distorted lyrics do tend to put me off
this kind of music. Still, a track-list would prove most useful.

Track 9 – A bit of a acoustic country(?) rock tune next, with a pinch of banjo-
plucking going on during the intro and chorus sections. This is certainly much
more my cup of tea. Very nicely sung, and I can hear da lyrics, yo! Kind of
sounds a little like the Eels, but with a better singer. Who is this please, Lazlo?

Track 10 - Wow, what a U-Turn, man! Not the kind of music I would have
expected to hear after the preceding nine tracks, but it so totally fits with
everything else; same kind of mood and tempo, with a chilled but funky driving
beat and nice echoed, delayed guitar plucking. Really caught me off guard,
despite the fact I know the piece VERY well, taken as it is from one of my
favourite electronica albums of the last four years! Nice touch!!

Flows well into Track 11, with its various bizarre skittering sound effects. Another
slow to mid-tempo groove kicks in, with shimmering guitar – kind of sounds like
Oasis, but really stoned and a damn sight better for it. I can just picture chilling
out to this one in a darkened smoky room….another highlight for me, this one.

Track 12 - A dark, grimy sounding song in comparison to the previous track, with
a good, sprightly beat, but no lyrics. Switches temp midway, ending on quite an
eerie note…I quite like it actually. Wouldn’t have the first clue who it is by though.
This darker mood carries on throughout the remaining three tracks.

Track 13 - Probably my least favourite (due to the partly audible, partly shouty
vocals). The ‘big’ guitar and drum sound is also back with a vengeance!

Track 14 - Sounds like Franz Ferdinand meets Green Day to me, although I know
it isn’t either of them. Love the drumming, reminded me of my favourite early
stuff by Adam & The Ants (yes, I am an old fart). Of the heavier, grungy rock
tracks included here, this is probably the one I’ve grown most interested in.

Track 15 - Very distorted bass guitar intro, and a rather angry sounding,
mainly spoken vocal, with a very shouty closing few seconds. Didn’t like
it at all after the first few listens…. I actually quite like it now, although in
truth I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it.


I have given Lazlo’s Version 1.1 CD about five listens over this last few days,
and I have thoroughly enjoyed it, with the exception of probably only two songs.
Overall, it is a well organised compilation, switching tempo fairly regularly, and
never really failing to lose my attention. I was very surprised, as I don’t normally
listen to many guitar focussed bands, especially those with quite a dark overall
tone to their material, but I really got into this CD – I sense an imminent
investment or two!
Good work Lazlo!

I gives it a healthy Shady Ady Rating of

Cheers Ade I'm really pleased with that review. Glad you liked it so much. A track listing is on the way in a PM.

My review of Iranspaced's cd will be done tonight after i've watched Jess who is just coming on now

Review of Iranspaced's 'Static in the City'

1- Excellent start. Guitar, drum and violin instumental. Like Jon i'm interested in finding out who this is.
2- Another track i really enjoyed. Distortion on guitars and vocals but still sounding failry relaxed.
3- Still haven't made my mind up about this. I like the style of the music but not so sure about the vocals or lyrics.
4- Doesn't seem to fit very well after the previous or next song. Piano with deep male vocals and some interesting lyrics Not the sort of thing i often listen to but enjoyable if in the right mood.
5- Punky sounding. Almost like early Idlewild in places. I like this track apart from when the female vocals kick in at the end.
6- Really like this one. No idea who it is but sounds familiar. Almost impossible to stop your feet tapping.l
7- I like the build up to this track. It has a good beat to it and vocas that fit suprisingly well.
8- Female vocals. Kinda Elastica sounding for lack of a better comparison.
9- Change of pace here. Would this be classed as Drum and Bass? I'm not very good at the whole classification thing. I don't own much music like this but in the right situation i can quite happily listen to this sort of thing.
10- Some decent slow rock. Sounding slightly Doves like in places with loud guitars kicking in for the chorus.
11- I love this band. Instrumental with fairly heavy guitars. Full of energy.
I saw them in Manchester last friday night and they sound even better live. They really deserve some recognition.
12- Mellow opening that follows on well and gets louder towards the end mixing keyboard and screeching guitars.
13- Again not something i'd often listen to. Not my favourite track on the album but I like the sampled chinese sounding female vocals.
14- Kinda punky sounding with more loud guitars.
15- Shouty, indy punk rock. I like both these last two tracks but probably not enough to hunt out the albums.
16- Quite a long track but doesn't outstay it's welcome due to variation involved. In fact it gets better as it goes along. One of my favourite tracks on the album.
17- I'm not very good at picking out what instruments are involved on tracks (as you've probably guessed) nut this has an interesting inclusion of a wind instrument or 2 and a deep bass sound.
18- Nice mellow electronic track with some gentle vocals.
19- A good ending with an acoustic sing a long track with decent lyrics.

Overall a fairly eclectic compilation with something for everyone.
Some excellent choices (especially the 2 instrumental tracks) and i don't think there was a track that i didn't at least partially enjoy.
a track listing would be nice
7 1/2 out of 10

Excellent, I dont know the track listing of by heart, in fact Im wondering what track your talking about although I can guess a few...

I'll pm you a tracklisting soon....

Yay! Cheers iranspaced for your review!
You were sooo close with some of them, and way off with other guesses (It wasn't Ian Brown at the end)! I'm especially glad you're a Post Rock fan - I am too, but I limited the amount of post rock on the mix so that I could get some other classics (in my opinion!) on there too, and also because I wanted to give mixing the dancier stuff a go on the first half of the CD. Mostly at home I just listen to post rock at the moment though! (If you want, have a look at my web site and download the mp3 'The Difference Engine' and let me know what you think!)

I'll PM you the track list for my mix CD so you can see how close you got on some of them!

Mark

Oooh! I just got my first pint!

Cheers I really wanna know who some of those tracks are by.
I think the fact that i know bollocks all about music is what makes it difficult to tell which tracks i'm talking about. I don't have the vocabulary to describe it accurately.

I know what you mean*, I have the same trouble dude.

We could really do with a detailed, musical-genre-family-tree-type-thing for reference.



Edit:
* - that wasn't supposed to sound like i agreed that you know bollocks all about music, by the way.

Damn, this writing lark is difficult, isn't it?