Wednesday, October 24, 2012

November Song Announcement!

I had asked for suggestions of what kind of song to do next.  There were a lot of genres thrown out that I would really enjoy, but I doubt I could get many people into writing a Gansta Rap (sorry, Eric).  But in those ideas, I found one that I think will be a lot of fun.

Genre: Sea Shanty!
Subject(s): The Sea, or Drinking!

Traditionally, Sea Shanties are maritime work songs, sung with no musical accompaniment.  It would be cool to have some a capella songs, but I am definitely not going to go in that direction.  I think this genre really strives in simplicity, and an acoustic guitar is enough to make a great sounding song.  A few other instruments to consider, a fiddle, mandolin or accordion.  With the instruments, it is really more of a "Sea Song" but that doesn't sound as cool.  WE'RE CALLING THEN SHANTIES!  The lyrics are what really shines here.  You could think of your song as a story, or a simple "call and response" song full of nonsense.  Just make sure it has to do with drinking or the sea, or drinking the sea or whatever.

This picture is definitely a Pirate Jug Band, but you get the idea.  

Here are a few resources for the style of music and some traditional examples.

With the subjects being as broad as "the sea" or "drinking" it leaves a lot of room for creativity.  I definitely expect at least one person to write a song about being swallowed by a whale, though.

Monday, October 15, 2012

September's Metalest Song!

When it all comes down to it for September's voting, I kinda feel like it was rigged.  Jon Baker really had the best song, but wasn't able to be in the voting.  Kayce's song was pretty kick ass, but I think the lack of vocals really turned against him.  And my song, being a sequel to a very famous song from college, got the attention of a lot of people who otherwise probably wouldn't have listened to the songs or voted.  Oh well, it's not like winning this really matter to anyone, does it?  Maybe.  Hmmm...

ANYWAYS!  The winning song was Stumblin' Nate, Part TWO!
What's the prize?  In memory of college, and when Nate used to stumble, the prize is a delicious can of OLD GERMAN BEER!  The world knows no finer!  It says so on the can, so it must be true, right?  Right?


Is there a part three on the horizon?  Probably.  It will surely come out when I cant think of anything else to write a song about.  In fact, I already have one verse to a Stumblin' Nate rap written.  The world knows no finer.





Just a reminder that the songs for October are REGGAE with an optional subject of CTHULHU!  I already have one submission (it was turned in before the end of September, actually) and I am really excited for the songs this month!


Also, whenever I figure it out, we will have an announcement for the November song!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

September METAL songs!



It seemed like a lot of people were into the genre of metal for September, but at the end of the month I still only ended up with two songs.  Actually there was a third, but it was a cover so I am going to have to not include it in the voting.  It's a pretty cool cover, too!

Anyways, here are the songs!  Vote for your favorite below!





Jon Baker - Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin Cover)
My comments: I think Jon did a pretty awesome cover here, but I can only accept covers when the month dictates it. I still wanted to post the song though, he did a good job!  This is one of my favorite Zeppelin songs and if it was covers this month, I think he would do really well.  But alas, I cannot include it in the voting...

Kayce Kelly - Metal Up Your Ass, Parts 1 & 2
My comments: Kayce did this song entirely with GarageBand on his iPhone.  Even though I don't like the use of samples, I think he did a good job piecing it all together, making a rocking metal song.  Actually, my favorite part is the lead that I know he did by himself.  I only wish there were vocals, since I think Kayce sings really well.

Brian Salapek - Stumbling Nate, Part 2
My comments: Probably about ten years ago I wrote the original song so I felt a sequel was in order.  I always end up doing something like this with songs about Nate.  Part of the lyrics are based in reality while the rest make Nate out to be some sort of mythical being.  He kind of is, though.  Also, I cannot figure out what I (unconsciously) stole the main guitar riff from.  Does anyone recognize it?


Vote for your favorite Song!


Also, don't forget that October will feature Reggae Songs!  I already have one submission, in case you're not feeling lazy.