We here at Quick Stop Entertainment are true lovers of music, in all its forms. We’re also quite keen on the spirit of competition, and of spurring creativity through said competition.
To that end, we launched a unique form of creative combat here at the Stop.
In this age of manufactured and painfully earnest talent contests, we’ve decided to instead shine a light on the quirky, quixotic underworld of musicians that don’t get nearly the attention they deserve.
Ah, but I did mention that there was a competition involved…
Like a songwriting version of Iron Chef, the competitors will be presented with a very specific songwriting challenge. They’ll be given one week to complete their songs – however they see fit, within the parameters set forth – after which time the entries will be uploaded to Quick Stop to be voted on by you, the audience.
Oh, and what do we call this competition?
MASTERS OF SONG FU
Let us not forget the very special Masters of MASTERS OF SONG FU. Think of them as the iron chefs of Song Fu – one of which will be revealed as your ultimate challenger in THE FINAL CHALLENGE. Past Masters have included Jonathan Coulton, Paul & Storm, Neil Innes, The RiffTones, and Garfunkel & Oates. Any one of them could be your final Challenge – or perhaps it could be a brand new Master. Only the Challenger who garners the most cumulative votes in all of the Challenges will move on to the Final and face that Master, mano a mano.
So what was the first Challenge?
ROUND 1 CHALLENGE
This is a bit of a fun one. Your first task is based upon the work of Friend-of-the-Stop John Hodgman – specifically, the “700 MOLE MEN” listed in his second book, More Information Than You Require. You’ll find the full list of “700 Mole Men” – and their descriptions – HERE. Your task is to choose one (1) and write a song about that Mole Man, based on the description provided by Hodgman. The title of your song will be the name of the Mole Man you’ve chosen, and its corresponding number on the list. You are free to write your song in any style that you choose.
That’s it. The only other directive is that your song must run no shorter than 1 minute.
THE CHALLENGERS
GOVERNING DYNAMICS
Governing Dynamics is the name of Travis Norris’s eternal sideproject, where all the stuff written by him goes when his current band (whatever it may be) refuses to play it. The music has been favorably compared to such bands as Eels, Radiohead, The White Stripes, and other bands that cool people like. It has been unfavorably compared to the tactics used by the FBI against the Branch Dividians at Waco. If he has to describe his music by genre (and refer to himself in third person) Travis calls it “alternative/shoegazer with a liberal dose of Midwestern rock”. Official Website: governingdynamics.bandcamp.com Twitter: twitter.com/travisnorris ROUND 1 SONG: “#288 Polly The Exhumer”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/governing_dynamics-288-polly_the_exhumer.mp3]
JASON MORRIS
I suppose I am what you could call a “Multi-Instrumentalist”. That is a nice way of saying “Jack-of-all-trades, Master-of-none”. I began playing drums as a teenager and spent a great deal of energy during my 20’s trying to “make it” in the music biz. As a drummer, I have had the opportunity to play with some pretty incredible musicians, garnering literally DOZENS of fans over the years. In 2004 I joined the band Celestial Static, and spent several years melting some face with good friends Jeremy and Julie Elzerman. Once that ran its course, I decided to spend more time locked away in my studio, writing my own songs and learning to play guitar, bass and sing. It doesn’t pay the bills, but I have a good time doing it. Official Website: www.jason-morris.net Twitter: twitter.com/JasonLMorris ROUND 1 SONG: “#019 Thomas Ashley Innersun”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/jason_morris-019-thomas_ashley_innersun.mp3]
EDRIC HALEEN
Edric is a returning veteran of the Masters of Song Fu competition. He has been writing music (off and on) since the early nineties. He wrote and directed a musical, The Pushcart War, based on Jean Merrill’s wonderful novel. He has written and/or arranged a number of songs for various friends – some commissioned, some as surprises. He loves acting in community theatre, and is inspired by the music of Stephen Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown, Adam Guettel, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Also – feel free to check out (and add to!) the “Happiness Board” on his web pages! Official Website: happinessboard.com/Edric_Haleen.html ROUND 1 SONG: “#138 Sir Isaac Quickmud”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/edric_haleen-138-sir_isaac_quickmud.mp3]
“BUCKETHAT” BOBBY MATHESON
I’m “BucketHat” Bobby Matheson. I used to make cartoons for the internet, and sometimes still do, but mostly focus on my music right now. I write and record my songs solo, in my little make-shift studio, and when I play live, I often get some help from friends. Some of my music is funny, and some isn’t. More often than not, the humour is unintentional. My Influences range from Klezmer to folk, to punk and back again, which ends up sounding more like Zydeco than anything else (who’d have guessed?). I’ve been described as a “Cajun Buddy Holly” and an “Optimistic Elvis Costello”. It’s been said that I sound like “That guy from the Barenaked Ladies” and a “Nasaly Bob Dylan”. One of these days, I hope to have a description that is accurate. Official Website: www.buckethatbobby.randomsociety.com Twitter: twitter.com/BucketHatBobby ROUND 1 SONG: “#139 Mr. Genuine Hissfurther”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/buckethat_bobby_matheson-139-mr_genuine_hissfurther.mp3]
TYLER MASSEY
Tyler Massey is an uncomplicated person. He likes to sip Cristal and polish his yacht collection. He enjoys the simple things in life, like stepping on snails barefoot and nude origami. He wishes that he had a proper Hobo Name, and is open to suggestions. Official Website: www.tylermassey.co.uk Twitter: twitter.com/tylermassey ROUND 1 SONG: “#429 Mr Roughfingers and his ‘Louse’-estra”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/tyler_massey-429-mr_roughfingers.mp3]
GODZ POODLZ
Legends foretell of a mighty duo, born in the frozen North. Two neighbors and friends will unite to form “Godz Poodlz” and battle the Mazters or Song Fu for glory and bragging rights! Godz Poodlz are Rüss Rogers and Rod Durre. Russ Rogers was once a member of “Kit and Kaboodle” (still available on iTunes) and currently performs in “Rusty’s Rocking Jamboree!” Rhod Durre was in the Goth Rock Band, “Sear!” Beware the Godz Poodlz Ear Worm! Godz Poodlz songs are bright, funny and tenaciously catchy. Come join Godz Poodlz Legionz of Fanz! Official Website: www.myspace.com/godzpoodlz ROUND 1 SONG: “#381 Captain Dane Frostline”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/godz_poodlz-381-captain_dane_frostline.mp3]
BRAM TANT
Bram Tant is a Belgian coputer science student with a distinct love for music. Ever since going to music school as a kid, he’s enjoyed singing and playing the guitar, and has been writing songs for some years now. While he’s still learning to play the guitar, sing and write songs better, he improves with each attempt, and he makes up for it (and the lack of proper recording equipment) with his passion and enthusiasm. He would like to become a professional musician someday, but for now he’s satisfied with writing and performing for friends, family, and strangers on the internet. Official Website: studwww.ugent.be/~btant/
Hi, my name is Steve Chatterton, the quintessential one-man-band singer/songwriter net-based recording project. Mom always said I marched to the sound of a different drummer, but she never mentioned which one. Dad had a fondness for bagpipes. Fortunately, neither of them have any direct influence on my music. Specializing in quirky little guitar-oriented pop songs about bugs, the Scooby gang, pirates, palindromes, superheroes, old movies, infectious diseases, imaginary friends and sideshow freaks, I guess you could say I pretty much write love songs. I’m a cheesy bastard at heart. I’m a stay-at-home dad who’s looking to find more time in the studio when my youngest starts school in September. I have an ever-expanding back catalog (at least 3 albums worth & counting) I’m dying to share with the world one download at a time. Official Website: www.stevechatterton.com Twitter: twitter.com/SteveChatterton ROUND 1 SONG: “#042 Miss Claudia Inward Burrowdown”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/steve_chatteron-042-miss_claudia_inward_burrowdown.mp3]
MANTICESS
Manitcess are Susanne Wolff (Lupa) on vocals and Johannes Schult (Jutze) on guitar. The duo plays melodic song somewhere between pop, folk and rock. Melodies are more important than trends. The band has already played various gigs in Germany and Switzerland and is eager to entertain – or better to enchant their audience with their musical tales. Official Website: www.myspace.com/manticess Twitter: twitter.com/schult ROUND 1 SONG: “#423 Red”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/manticess-423-red.mp3]
JARRETT HEATHER
Although he has no formal training, Jarrett is an accomplished pianist who has been composing music for nearly twenty years. A relative newcomer to the world of online amateur competitive songwriting, he burst onto the scene earlier this year when he filled out an entry form just before the deadline. While earning his living as a graphic artist and website developer, Jarrett secretly dreams of leaving behind the glamor and prestige of internet publishing so he can focus on composing music for songwriting contests full-time. Official Website: www.spaceparanoids.net Twitter: twitter.com/SpaceParanoids ROUND 1 SONG: “#042 Miss Claudia Inward Burrowdown”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/jarrett_heather-042-miss_claudia_inward_burrowdown.mp3]
AUDIOMOHEL
Forged in the furnace of irony, molded with the hammer of satire, flattened on the anvil of righteousness, and cooled in the water of awesomeness, AudioMohel was thrust upon the world. Named from the lost audio transcripts of ’09, AudioMohel serves as a public-service backlash against the anti-circumcision trend sweeping the so-called “enlightened parents” crowd, AudioMohel urges their more devoted and impressionable fans to undergo the snip two or even three times. AudioMohel enjoys experimenting with new breakthrough genres like speed blues and death classical even though most of AudioMohel’s tunes reside firmly in the ethereal realm of vapor-ware. Official Website: www.AudioMohel.com Twitter: twitter.com/AudioMohel ROUND 1 SONG: “#471 Mr. Armskin”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/audiomohel-471-mr_armskin.mp3]
JALAPENO HABANEROS
In the far off land of Chandler, Arizona, where the rivers flow with sand and cacti, our leader and master, the Lord of Our Lady Gwynyth, guitar and microphone in hand, called for the greatest musicians in the land to assemble a rock and roll group like none other. Unfortunately, they were cut off on the road, and the Jalapeño Habañeros made it there first. With The Rogue Bohemian on saxophone and The Boxcar Bassist on bass and keyboards, the Lord was pleased. Now, they roam the streets of Chandler, playing epic songs and rocking faces, much like Bon Jovi. Unfortunately they are paid in change, and often get thrown into the street, also like Bon Jovi. Their lives have intertwined, and the era of the Jalapeño Habañeros has begun. Be prepared. Official Website: jalapenojabaneros.blogspot.com ROUND 1 SONG: “#604 Suction-Cupped Jonny”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/jalapeno_habaneros-604-suction-cupped_jonny.mp3]
TIMOTHY RUSH
Hi, my name is Timothy. I like me. I like my school, I like my friends. I like to play the music. I very much enjoy the peoples. Thank you. Official Website: www.myspace.com/tweed234 Twitter: twitter.com/TimmyVendetta ROUND 1 SONG: “#006 Sir Stinson Maggotwrangle”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/timothy_rush-006-sir_stinson_maggotwrangle.mp3]
JUBILEE JEWS
They are not some traveling country hillbilly act. They are celebrating the year of Jubilee in the form of ukulele based indie pop. They are Akiva Misto and Eliana Bartimeus and they are prepared to rock your yarmulkes! Official Website: NONE ROUND 1 SONG: “#487 Lady Antonia Oddpolyps”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/jubilee_jews-487-lady_antonia_oddpolyps.mp3]
GORBZILLA
Gorbzilla is a musician/band teacher in Mid-Michigan. He has been in a few bands over the years, most notably as the bass player/vocalist for the band “Satin Jones” and the guitarist/vocalist for the band “Jimmy Likes Pie”. The proud father of two future rock maniacs, Gorbzilla has been writing music for the past twenty years, and is currently working on his first musical Beer – Finally a Musical for Men based on the Haiku by Patrick “Horkmeister” Sweet entitled, “I Think I Threw Up”. He has been happily married for eight years, and is looking forward to this competition. Official Website: gorbzilla.blogspot.com ROUND 1 SONG: “#414 Nick Nolte”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/gorbzilla-414-nick_nolte.mp3]
PETER BENEDICT
Peter is a person of sorts. Since his birth he has consistently occupied himself with a variety of time consuming and completely un-noteworthy activities. Despite this breadth of experience he remains untalented in the ways of writing all encompassing 600 word essays. He does, however, greatly enjoy the rare treat that is writing about oneself in the third person, especially when such a gift should be presented to him at the wonderful time of 4AM. Peter now supposes that since this a musical competition he is entering, he might want to include something about that in his bio. At the way too old age of 18, Peter first attempted to play music. His guitar teacher warned him that he was much to old to begin training, and that he would probably be an emotionally unstable musician that would eventually turn to the dark side. Peter took no heed to this warning, and indeed dropped out of guitar lessons fairly quickly, realizing that he enjoyed learning much more when done alone. In the year and a half since then, Peter has been on a steady rise and will no doubt be taking the musical world by storm in the coming year. Perhaps his greatest musical moment came in December of 2008, when his Christmas caroling band, The Sizzle, took his small hick town by storm with a door to door tour through the suburbs, melting the figurative face of listeners with a funk/rap cover of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. In 2009 Peter has become active in the youtube community, known not for his music but for his notorious use of stop-motion eating scenes and a DIY laugh track. Hoping to hone his barely existing musical skills through the pressure of competition, Peter joins Round 5 of Song Fu. He sincerely hopes that rewriting this bio at a later date will be an option. The Peter Is Competing. Official Website: www.youtube.com/user/thepeteris Twitter: twitter.com/thepeteris ROUND 1 SONG: “#315 Mr. Dennimore Evercrouch”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/peter_benedict-315-mr_dennimore_evercrouch.mp3]
CRAIG RICHIE
At the ripe age of 19, this strapping young lad has been song writing for two years now. With his mates Meredith and Cornelius (guitar and ukulele, respectively), Craig Richie is prepared to join the ranks of the Song Fu warriors. Finding strong influences from former masters JoCo and Molly Lewis, as well as pinches of Kimya Dawson and Elvis Costello, this boy’s got a perspective on the world to share. Official Website: www.youtube.com/user/craigtotherichie ROUND 1 SONG: “#275 Mr. Owen Daylight”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/craig_richie-275-mr_owen_daylight.mp3]
JOSH HOLOBER-WARD
Josh was born in Canada, which probably explains more about him than anything else he could put in a bio. He plays the accordion, is self-taught on the piano, and highly enjoys playing and writing for both – though he rarely finishes anything without a deadline. With this grueling contest, he hopes to push himself to unleash the best Fu he possibly can… and hell, maybe even some he impossibly can. YARRR! Official Website: www.youtube.com/user/PossessedRaccoon ROUND 1 SONG: “#422 Mokey”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/josh_holober-ward-422-mokey.mp3]
AARON Z
Many folks say that Aaron Z is a pretty cool guy. He plays too many instruments, but mostly piano & guitar. He wastes too much of his free time writing and performing music, which has been known to make people laugh, tough men cry, and ladies melt in his arms. His current projects include Orange Box: The Musical! and A Tribute to the Letter E. He likes food cooked with mushrooms and his favorite ice-creams are vanilla-based, not chocolate-based. Check out his music, including his previously-weekly but now faux-weekly music project on his website, plus his other cool music. Official Website: aaronz.bandcamp.com ROUND 1 SONG: “#590 Harvey Rupert Elder”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/aaron_z-590-harvey_rupert_elder.mp3]
SPENCER SOKOL
Spencer is trying to do things. Music is one of those things. It is painfully obvious to him, if not others, that he has absolutely no idea what he’s doing. In the past he has been musically inclined with a guitar and occasionally with a piano. He is trying to be musically active once again, but this time he is attempting to do so while on the Internets. Creating music is a large part of his 40×40 list and he thinks this competition seems like “a Super Mega Happy Fun way” to rekindle his musical desires. Official Website: www.spencersokol.com Twitter: twitter.com/spencersokol ROUND 1 SONG: “#298 Mr. Deadend”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/spencer_sokol-298-mr_deadend.mp3]
JOE “COVENANT” LAMB
I’m Joe Covenant. I’m Scottish. And never have enough time to do everything I wanna! Been singing and perfoming for over 40 years… (yes, I am 46.)… and I’ve nearly learned a 6th chord! Everything I do. I do for Song Fu. (If not for this ‘contest’ I would have never met and collaborated with so many talented people.) Official Website: joecovenant.bandcamp.com Twitter: twitter.com/JoeCovenant ROUND 1 SONG: “#297 Mr. Tom Furby”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/joe_covenant_lamb-297-mr_tom_furby.mp3]
LEX VADER
Lex Vader was born to a single mother who worked as silicon tycoon’s personal assistant. When she died of poor hygiene, Lex was sent to an orphanage where he showed interest in organizing races and laser fencing. After being recruited into a religious order, he spent the next few years between several of their private schools. In his final year, Lex lost his hand in an argument with a professor over Kryptochlorians. Despite this, Lex was able to achieve a successful business career and even a knighthood. Tragedy struck, however, when a former classmate’s arctic home caught fire during a business lunch, scarring half of Lex’s face. At this point, Lex’s behavior became erratic. When he managed to buy SithCo, the cult that schooled him, he was shunned by the corporate world. No longer taken seriously, Lex started an evil empire and now moonlights with his evil emotronic alternapop band. Official Website: lexvaderssecretjournal.wordpress.com Twitter: twitter.com/LexVader ROUND 1 SONG: “#153 Permanent Unsex”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/lex_vader-153-permanent_unsex.mp3]
CALEB HINES
Caleb became a software engineer instead of a musician because the type of music he likes best went out of style at the end of the 18th century. Self-taught in music theory, he is more comfortable writing a four-part instrumental fugue than he is writing a verse-chorus-bridge song. After discovering the likes of Weird Al, Dr. Horrible, and especially Jonathan Coulton, he realized that “modern music” can be fun too. Now he is on a quest to update, expand, and diversify his musical knowledge and experience. In addition to singing, he plays a whole family of recorders, baroque flute, ukulele, melodica, pretends to play keyboard, and most recently, guitar. He also uses virtual MIDI instruments because a real orchestra costs too much. Official Website: refactoringmybrain.blogspot.com Twitter: twitter.com/calebhines ROUND 1 SONG: “#490 Mr. Nehemiah Bloodwormer”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/caleb_hines-490-mr_nehemiah_bloodwormer.mp3]
IAN “TWO SHADES” JOHNSON
Ian Johnson was born atop Mount Everest, was attacked by a troop of ninjas on his way out of the womb, then rode a grizzly bear down the mountain and punched Hitler’s ghost on the way down. Then he ate some mashed peas. Seriously though. Ian played piano for about six years before taking a break in music. Then he decided to play guitar, because as we all know, piano don’t get chicks. He started playing guitar about a year and a half ago. His music has been described (by himself) as garage-punk ska-esque acoustic altern-rock with just a little ukulele thrown in for good measure. Official Website: ianjohnson.bandcamp.com ROUND 1 SONG: “#145 Mandibular-Jaw Johnny”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/ian_johnson-145-mandibular-jaw_johnny.mp3]
ZER0GUY
Sometimes two people get together who are destined to make history. Sometimes they are born into the same family. zer0guy is the musical/life-partnership of Jon and Dan Kelly, long time musicians looking forward to placing notes in your head. Official Website: www.myspace.com/zer0guyband ROUND 1 SONG: “#237 Dirtbag Dan”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/zer0guy-237-dirtbag_dan.mp3]
JONATHAN MANN
My current project is writing A Song a Day (Rock Cookie Bottom), and my former projects include The Last Nympho Leprechaun, a rock opera, The Mario Opera, a rock opera, GameJew, a web show, and The Mushroom Singdom, singing old school video game reviews. Official Website: www.rockcookiebottom.com ROUND 1 SONG: “#612 Mr. Barry Screwskull”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/jonathan_mann-612-mr_barry_screwskull.mp3]
SARA PARSONS
Sara Parsons is a twenty-year-old music composition student from northern California. She participated in Masters of Song Fu #4 and had a blast and met a ton of great people. She hopes she’s better at writing songs than she is at writing her own biography. Official Website: www.youtube.com/user/sargeantketchup ROUND 1 SONG: “#573 Miss Miriam Poisonblisters”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/sara_parsons-573-miss_miriam_poisonblisters.mp3]
CHAS LILLY
Chas Lilly is a man that needs introduction. He is geeky but hopefully without being boring. He has been known to write songs about Pluto, Tim Allen, funerals, and everything in between. People often describe his music as “music”. Official Website: www.youtube.com/friendswobenefits Twitter: twitter.com/foldsaholic ROUND 1 SONG: “#567 Mr. Angelo Openjaw”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/chas_lilly-567-mr_angelo_openjaw.mp3]
KYLIE PETTO
My name is Kylie, and I’m your everyday 17-year-old girl with a passion for music. I’ve been writing my own songs since I was ten years old, and nothing is more fun for me than to sit down with my guitar and unwind. I’d like to use Masters of Song Fu to really challenge myself, and hopefully grow as a musical artist. Official Website: NONE Twitter: twitter.com/KyliePetto ROUND 1 SONG: “#141 Devil Anse Doubledirt”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/kylie_petto-141-devil-anse-doubledirt.mp3]
JEFF FARDINK
Jeff began playing guitar in 2003. He wrote his first comedy song in early 2004, and later that year, he wrote a song that was actually funny and in key, unlike his earlier works. He began playing shows after accidentally opening for a local band while passing through a bar. He continues to play because nobody has told him to stop. Official Website: www.JeffFardink.com ROUND 1 SONG: “#623 Jenna Frogtalker”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/jeff_fardink-623-jenna_frogtalker.mp3]
ALEX TAYLOR
I am a young musician who plays trombone, guitar, ukulele, piano, melodica, and a little bit of harmonica. I play everything from rock songs with distortion pedals on ukulele, to rap medleys on piano, to sappy love songs and songs about the internet crashing on guitar. This is my first time in Song Fu. Official Website: NONE ROUND 1 SONG: “#604 Suction-Cupped Jonny”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/alex_taylor-604-suction-cupped_jonny.mp3]
GIFTED GEAR
I’m just a kid with a guitar. Sometimes I even play it. Official Website: NONE ROUND 1 SONG: “#580 Old Man Hades”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/gifted_gear-580-old_man_hades.mp3]
BOB WESTFALL
Bob Westfall (guitar, mandolin, vocals, songwriting) has studied and worked with some of the top acoustic players in the country – Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, John Hartford, and Alex DeGrassi. But, while these influences are certainly evident, Westfall’s songwriting and lyrics are uniquely his own. An award-winning mandolinist, Bob grew up in Texas and Minnesota, and his style incorporates the best elements of composing with a hybrid jazz/pop/worldbeat/bluegrass feel. Official Website: www.sonicbids.com/thebobwestfallband ROUND 1 SONG: “#023 Miss Annabelle Tunnelsmell”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/bobby_westfall-023-miss_annabelle_tunnelsmell.mp3]
JUSTIN VEGA
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to mix Ravishing Rick Rude and the Beatles together? Me too. Man that would be awesome. Justin Vega is a songwriter/sort of singer from Las Vegas, NV. Justin Vega thinks writing in third person is awesome. Official Website: NONE ROUND 1 SONG: “#077 Dr. Hieronymous Sandpuppy”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/justin_vega-077-dr_hieronymous_sandpuppy.mp3]
SIMMBIOSIS
Simmbiosis – three part band. Defies the usual type or brand. A combo bred, in this strange head. The obscene voice the unseen hand. Terpsichore and muse imbued. Perverse perhaps a little rude. Music composed, a life exposed. Giving you all I can exude. Studio C where I compose. Club Bed where I take my repose. Iniquity, safe haven for me. The rest you’ll just have to suppose. To be among this crowd, auspicious. An honor bordering on delicious. Thanks to View Askew, I’ll whip out my Song Fu. And work not to be repetitious, repetitious, repetitious. Official Website: www.myspace.com/simmbiosis ROUND 1 SONG: “#646 Hydrostatic Charlie”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/05song1/simmbiosis-646-hydrostatic_charlie.mp3]
To download a ZIP FILE containing all of the ROUND 1 songs, CLICK HERE.
ROUND 1 VOTING
And now, it’s time for that all important voting. For this round, you can choose your TOP 5 FAVORITE Challenger songs. Be sure to choose carefully. VOTING CLOSES AT 11:59pm EST on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd. If you are having trouble voting, CLEAR YOUR BROWSER’S CACHE and try again. PLEASE NOTE: This voting system bases voting eligibility on your IP Address. If there are other computers on a home or business network that share the same IP address through a router, it may say you’ve already voted. Unfortunately, there is no way around this, and still be able to prevent ballot stuffing. It’s just the nature of the online voting beast.
ROUND 1 VOTING – THE CHALLENGERS
Which Song Fu Challengers brought the most fu to Round 1? (CHOOSE 5)
Joe Covenant Lamb - "#297 Mr. Tom Furby" (12%, 191 Votes)
Sara Parsons - "#573 Miss Miriam Poisonblisters" (9%, 145 Votes)
Chas Lilly - "#567 Mr. Angelo Openjaw" (8%, 131 Votes)
Josh Holober-Ward - "#422 Mokey" (6%, 95 Votes)
Jason Morris - "#019 Thomas Ashley Innersun" (5%, 70 Votes)
If you triumph, not only will you win remarkable (and potentially off-putting) bragging rights and a clutch of fantastic mystery prizes, you will also become the proud owner of the magnificent, one-of-a-kind MASTER OF SONG FU TROPHY.
Thank you Tony and Mr Id (EOC) for your support. Guess it’s appropriate that for a mole song I started out in the hole. Your generosity and votes help me climb out. Thank you!
Thanks, Jutze. I was indeed considering a radio mix, but I figured since no one would hear the full version anywhere, this was the only place for it, and I didn’t want it to sound “edited.” I did fade it out before the 5 minute mark this time.
At least 50 of my friends have listened to Jeff Fardink’s song tonight and tried to vote for him. Only ONE could successfully vote…and the other vote cast went for Sara Parsons, whom they have no knowledge of–even though they clicked on Jeff Fardink.
What is going on? This is egregious. Please contact me immediately. I’m for healthy competition, but this is sounding more like it is being held in Florida that on the Internet.
I am not stupid–I have two Ph.D.s–but I can’t figure out how to vote. I have cleared my cache, kicked the dog, and cried injustice; but still nothing works–including no little box to click upon.
What is the secret, so I can instruct my friends–all lawyers, doctors, CEOs, consultants, writers, and rocket scientists…and alas, they cannot find a way to cast a vote either
Kevin will be furious about this–he is all about the little guy and propriety, not lies and scams and Nashaminy Hall politics…and I can get him entree to Marlee Matlin–he will NOT be happy!
Yes, you caught me–a smart, uber-educated woman who loves SMODCAST…but can’t click in a vote?
Please contact me about this flagrant violation of rights.
Anyway, I just kinda picked out any of the songs that stood out to me, and ended up with 8. Which I then ordered into the following.
1.Jonathan Mann(far and away the best to me, I have no idea why this isn’t getting more love)
2.Jason Morris
3.Lex Vader
4.Chas Lilly
5.Zer0guy
6.Ian “Two Shades” Johnson
7.Steve Chatterton
8.Jeff Fardink
Hey everyone! First of all, thanks to everyone for the comments and votes and such! It’s really exciting just to be participating in this 🙂
Now then, some of my favorites:
Joe Covenant Lamb, #297 Mr. Tom Furby- This song just plain makes me smile. The Irish tune combined with your accent and the horrid furby noises make this work. The “kill them all, kill them all” bit gets stuck in my head from time to time too, hahah.
Jason Morris, #019 Thomas Ashley Innersun- Something about this song is just… warm. It sounds very Jonathan Coulton-y, and yet original. The worm-milking lines make me smile too, and the production value’s great. A little short and simple, but good. The chorus to this gets stuck in my head, too.
Manticess, #423 Red- Something about the rawness and simplicity made me choose this. I listened to this one a bunch of times. The story is interesting, especially without much to go on other than “Red”, and the melody is fun and catchy.
Sara Parsons, #573 Miss Miriam Poisonblisters- Ahhh, what do I even say? Thoughtful lyrics, beautiful wandering melody, beautiful singing, lilting piano beneath it all… just very enjoyable and lovely overall. I was going to make a joke about the child in me saying “But Miriam’s a boy!!!”… but that doesn’t make sense 😛 hee hee
Chas Lilly, #567 Mr. Angelo Openjaw- Had me crack a smile from the first line.. always a good sign. Your vocal delivery could be a little more confident, but frankly it fits the story. Clever lyrics, fun story, I especially loved him becoming “Angelo Brokenjaw”. Fun little melody as well, very enjoyable to listen to all the way through.
Bobby Westfall — #023 Miss Annabelle Tunnelsmell — here’s a songwriter. It’s midwest, intimate, melodic, simple … real nice. Deserves a few listens — you’ll see what I mean.
BucketHatBobby – I think I said Guitar because of review fatigue… I listened to a the songs several times, and didn’t come across your video until later.
I did think the bass was another track of guitar – but I do hear the prominent mandolin kicking in on the 1st chorus. Loved the story progression and use of Mole ‘lore’.
Yeow! Flame off! It’s not a conspiracy to keep Jeff from getting votes (I did like his tune. Had a good hook and story)
If all your friends are networked to the same node, or your IT has the building configured to the same proxy (Most likely), then only 1 person from your building would be able to vote. It’s based on unique IPs to limit abuse.
Have them try to vote from home, and I bet you might have better luck.
Governing Dynamics is the name of Travis Norris’s eternal sideproject, where all the stuff written by him goes when his current band (whatever it may be) refuses to play it. The music has been favorably compared to such bands as Eels, Radiohead, The White Stripes, and other bands that cool people like. It has been unfavorably compared to the tactics used by the FBI against the Branch Dividians at Waco. If he has to describe his music by genre (and refer to himself in third person) Travis calls it “alternative/shoegazer with a liberal dose of Midwestern rock”.
I suppose I am what you could call a “Multi-Instrumentalist”. That is a nice way of saying “Jack-of-all-trades, Master-of-none”. I began playing drums as a teenager and spent a great deal of energy during my 20’s trying to “make it” in the music biz. As a drummer, I have had the opportunity to play with some pretty incredible musicians, garnering literally DOZENS of fans over the years. In 2004 I joined the band Celestial Static, and spent several years melting some face with good friends Jeremy and Julie Elzerman. Once that ran its course, I decided to spend more time locked away in my studio, writing my own songs and learning to play guitar, bass and sing. It doesn’t pay the bills, but I have a good time doing it.
Edric is a returning veteran of the Masters of Song Fu competition. He has been writing music (off and on) since the early nineties. He wrote and directed a musical, The Pushcart War, based on Jean Merrill’s wonderful novel. He has written and/or arranged a number of songs for various friends – some commissioned, some as surprises. He loves acting in community theatre, and is inspired by the music of Stephen Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown, Adam Guettel, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Also – feel free to check out (and add to!) the “Happiness Board” on his web pages!
I’m “BucketHat” Bobby Matheson. I used to make cartoons for the internet, and sometimes still do, but mostly focus on my music right now. I write and record my songs solo, in my little make-shift studio, and when I play live, I often get some help from friends. Some of my music is funny, and some isn’t. More often than not, the humour is unintentional. My Influences range from Klezmer to folk, to punk and back again, which ends up sounding more like Zydeco than anything else (who’d have guessed?). I’ve been described as a “Cajun Buddy Holly” and an “Optimistic Elvis Costello”. It’s been said that I sound like “That guy from the Barenaked Ladies” and a “Nasaly Bob Dylan”. One of these days, I hope to have a description that is accurate.
Tyler Massey is an uncomplicated person. He likes to sip Cristal and polish his yacht collection. He enjoys the simple things in life, like stepping on snails barefoot and nude origami. He wishes that he had a proper Hobo Name, and is open to suggestions.
Legends foretell of a mighty duo, born in the frozen North. Two neighbors and friends will unite to form “Godz Poodlz” and battle the Mazters or Song Fu for glory and bragging rights! Godz Poodlz are Rüss Rogers and Rod Durre. Russ Rogers was once a member of “Kit and Kaboodle” (still available on iTunes) and currently performs in “Rusty’s Rocking Jamboree!” Rhod Durre was in the Goth Rock Band, “Sear!” Beware the Godz Poodlz Ear Worm! Godz Poodlz songs are bright, funny and tenaciously catchy. Come join Godz Poodlz Legionz of Fanz!
Bram Tant is a Belgian coputer science student with a distinct love for music. Ever since going to music school as a kid, he’s enjoyed singing and playing the guitar, and has been writing songs for some years now. While he’s still learning to play the guitar, sing and write songs better, he improves with each attempt, and he makes up for it (and the lack of proper recording equipment) with his passion and enthusiasm. He would like to become a professional musician someday, but for now he’s satisfied with writing and performing for friends, family, and strangers on the internet.
Hi, my name is Steve Chatterton, the quintessential one-man-band singer/songwriter net-based recording project. Mom always said I marched to the sound of a different drummer, but she never mentioned which one. Dad had a fondness for bagpipes. Fortunately, neither of them have any direct influence on my music. Specializing in quirky little guitar-oriented pop songs about bugs, the Scooby gang, pirates, palindromes, superheroes, old movies, infectious diseases, imaginary friends and sideshow freaks, I guess you could say I pretty much write love songs. I’m a cheesy bastard at heart. I’m a stay-at-home dad who’s looking to find more time in the studio when my youngest starts school in September. I have an ever-expanding back catalog (at least 3 albums worth & counting) I’m dying to share with the world one download at a time.
Manitcess are Susanne Wolff (Lupa) on vocals and Johannes Schult (Jutze) on guitar. The duo plays melodic song somewhere between pop, folk and rock. Melodies are more important than trends. The band has already played various gigs in Germany and Switzerland and is eager to entertain – or better to enchant their audience with their musical tales.
Although he has no formal training, Jarrett is an accomplished pianist who has been composing music for nearly twenty years. A relative newcomer to the world of online amateur competitive songwriting, he burst onto the scene earlier this year when he filled out an entry form just before the deadline. While earning his living as a graphic artist and website developer, Jarrett secretly dreams of leaving behind the glamor and prestige of internet publishing so he can focus on composing music for songwriting contests full-time.
Forged in the furnace of irony, molded with the hammer of satire, flattened on the anvil of righteousness, and cooled in the water of awesomeness, AudioMohel was thrust upon the world. Named from the lost audio transcripts of ’09, AudioMohel serves as a public-service backlash against the anti-circumcision trend sweeping the so-called “enlightened parents” crowd, AudioMohel urges their more devoted and impressionable fans to undergo the snip two or even three times. AudioMohel enjoys experimenting with new breakthrough genres like speed blues and death classical even though most of AudioMohel’s tunes reside firmly in the ethereal realm of vapor-ware.
In the far off land of Chandler, Arizona, where the rivers flow with sand and cacti, our leader and master, the Lord of Our Lady Gwynyth, guitar and microphone in hand, called for the greatest musicians in the land to assemble a rock and roll group like none other. Unfortunately, they were cut off on the road, and the Jalapeño Habañeros made it there first. With The Rogue Bohemian on saxophone and The Boxcar Bassist on bass and keyboards, the Lord was pleased. Now, they roam the streets of Chandler, playing epic songs and rocking faces, much like Bon Jovi. Unfortunately they are paid in change, and often get thrown into the street, also like Bon Jovi. Their lives have intertwined, and the era of the Jalapeño Habañeros has begun. Be prepared.
Hi, my name is Timothy. I like me. I like my school, I like my friends. I like to play the music. I very much enjoy the peoples. Thank you.
They are not some traveling country hillbilly act. They are celebrating the year of Jubilee in the form of ukulele based indie pop. They are Akiva Misto and Eliana Bartimeus and they are prepared to rock your yarmulkes!
Gorbzilla is a musician/band teacher in Mid-Michigan. He has been in a few bands over the years, most notably as the bass player/vocalist for the band “Satin Jones” and the guitarist/vocalist for the band “Jimmy Likes Pie”. The proud father of two future rock maniacs, Gorbzilla has been writing music for the past twenty years, and is currently working on his first musical Beer – Finally a Musical for Men based on the Haiku by Patrick “Horkmeister” Sweet entitled, “I Think I Threw Up”. He has been happily married for eight years, and is looking forward to this competition.
Peter is a person of sorts. Since his birth he has consistently occupied himself with a variety of time consuming and completely un-noteworthy activities. Despite this breadth of experience he remains untalented in the ways of writing all encompassing 600 word essays. He does, however, greatly enjoy the rare treat that is writing about oneself in the third person, especially when such a gift should be presented to him at the wonderful time of 4AM. Peter now supposes that since this a musical competition he is entering, he might want to include something about that in his bio. At the way too old age of 18, Peter first attempted to play music. His guitar teacher warned him that he was much to old to begin training, and that he would probably be an emotionally unstable musician that would eventually turn to the dark side. Peter took no heed to this warning, and indeed dropped out of guitar lessons fairly quickly, realizing that he enjoyed learning much more when done alone. In the year and a half since then, Peter has been on a steady rise and will no doubt be taking the musical world by storm in the coming year. Perhaps his greatest musical moment came in December of 2008, when his Christmas caroling band, The Sizzle, took his small hick town by storm with a door to door tour through the suburbs, melting the figurative face of listeners with a funk/rap cover of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. In 2009 Peter has become active in the youtube community, known not for his music but for his notorious use of stop-motion eating scenes and a DIY laugh track. Hoping to hone his barely existing musical skills through the pressure of competition, Peter joins Round 5 of Song Fu. He sincerely hopes that rewriting this bio at a later date will be an option. The Peter Is Competing.
At the ripe age of 19, this strapping young lad has been song writing for two years now. With his mates Meredith and Cornelius (guitar and ukulele, respectively), Craig Richie is prepared to join the ranks of the Song Fu warriors. Finding strong influences from former masters JoCo and Molly Lewis, as well as pinches of Kimya Dawson and Elvis Costello, this boy’s got a perspective on the world to share.
Josh was born in Canada, which probably explains more about him than anything else he could put in a bio. He plays the accordion, is self-taught on the piano, and highly enjoys playing and writing for both – though he rarely finishes anything without a deadline. With this grueling contest, he hopes to push himself to unleash the best Fu he possibly can… and hell, maybe even some he impossibly can. YARRR!
Many folks say that Aaron Z is a pretty cool guy. He plays too many instruments, but mostly piano & guitar. He wastes too much of his free time writing and performing music, which has been known to make people laugh, tough men cry, and ladies melt in his arms. His current projects include Orange Box: The Musical! and A Tribute to the Letter E. He likes food cooked with mushrooms and his favorite ice-creams are vanilla-based, not chocolate-based. Check out his music, including his previously-weekly but now faux-weekly music project on his website, plus his other cool music.
Spencer is trying to do things. Music is one of those things. It is painfully obvious to him, if not others, that he has absolutely no idea what he’s doing. In the past he has been musically inclined with a guitar and occasionally with a piano. He is trying to be musically active once again, but this time he is attempting to do so while on the Internets. Creating music is a large part of his 40×40 list and he thinks this competition seems like “a Super Mega Happy Fun way” to rekindle his musical desires.
I’m Joe Covenant. I’m Scottish. And never have enough time to do everything I wanna! Been singing and perfoming for over 40 years… (yes, I am 46.)… and I’ve nearly learned a 6th chord! Everything I do. I do for Song Fu. (If not for this ‘contest’ I would have never met and collaborated with so many talented people.)
Lex Vader was born to a single mother who worked as silicon tycoon’s personal assistant. When she died of poor hygiene, Lex was sent to an orphanage where he showed interest in organizing races and laser fencing. After being recruited into a religious order, he spent the next few years between several of their private schools. In his final year, Lex lost his hand in an argument with a professor over Kryptochlorians. Despite this, Lex was able to achieve a successful business career and even a knighthood. Tragedy struck, however, when a former classmate’s arctic home caught fire during a business lunch, scarring half of Lex’s face. At this point, Lex’s behavior became erratic. When he managed to buy SithCo, the cult that schooled him, he was shunned by the corporate world. No longer taken seriously, Lex started an evil empire and now moonlights with his evil emotronic alternapop band.
Caleb became a software engineer instead of a musician because the type of music he likes best went out of style at the end of the 18th century. Self-taught in music theory, he is more comfortable writing a four-part instrumental fugue than he is writing a verse-chorus-bridge song. After discovering the likes of Weird Al, Dr. Horrible, and especially Jonathan Coulton, he realized that “modern music” can be fun too. Now he is on a quest to update, expand, and diversify his musical knowledge and experience. In addition to singing, he plays a whole family of recorders, baroque flute, ukulele, melodica, pretends to play keyboard, and most recently, guitar. He also uses virtual MIDI instruments because a real orchestra costs too much.
Ian Johnson was born atop Mount Everest, was attacked by a troop of ninjas on his way out of the womb, then rode a grizzly bear down the mountain and punched Hitler’s ghost on the way down. Then he ate some mashed peas. Seriously though. Ian played piano for about six years before taking a break in music. Then he decided to play guitar, because as we all know, piano don’t get chicks. He started playing guitar about a year and a half ago. His music has been described (by himself) as garage-punk ska-esque acoustic altern-rock with just a little ukulele thrown in for good measure.
Sometimes two people get together who are destined to make history. Sometimes they are born into the same family. zer0guy is the musical/life-partnership of Jon and Dan Kelly, long time musicians looking forward to placing notes in your head.
My current project is writing A Song a Day (Rock Cookie Bottom), and my former projects include The Last Nympho Leprechaun, a rock opera, The Mario Opera, a rock opera, GameJew, a web show, and The Mushroom Singdom, singing old school video game reviews.
Sara Parsons is a twenty-year-old music composition student from northern California. She participated in Masters of Song Fu #4 and had a blast and met a ton of great people. She hopes she’s better at writing songs than she is at writing her own biography.
Chas Lilly is a man that needs introduction. He is geeky but hopefully without being boring. He has been known to write songs about Pluto, Tim Allen, funerals, and everything in between. People often describe his music as “music”.
My name is Kylie, and I’m your everyday 17-year-old girl with a passion for music. I’ve been writing my own songs since I was ten years old, and nothing is more fun for me than to sit down with my guitar and unwind. I’d like to use Masters of Song Fu to really challenge myself, and hopefully grow as a musical artist.
Jeff began playing guitar in 2003. He wrote his first comedy song in early 2004, and later that year, he wrote a song that was actually funny and in key, unlike his earlier works. He began playing shows after accidentally opening for a local band while passing through a bar. He continues to play because nobody has told him to stop.
I am a young musician who plays trombone, guitar, ukulele, piano, melodica, and a little bit of harmonica. I play everything from rock songs with distortion pedals on ukulele, to rap medleys on piano, to sappy love songs and songs about the internet crashing on guitar. This is my first time in Song Fu.
I’m just a kid with a guitar. Sometimes I even play it.
Bob Westfall (guitar, mandolin, vocals, songwriting) has studied and worked with some of the top acoustic players in the country – Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, John Hartford, and Alex DeGrassi. But, while these influences are certainly evident, Westfall’s songwriting and lyrics are uniquely his own. An award-winning mandolinist, Bob grew up in Texas and Minnesota, and his style incorporates the best elements of composing with a hybrid jazz/pop/worldbeat/bluegrass feel.
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to mix Ravishing Rick Rude and the Beatles together? Me too. Man that would be awesome. Justin Vega is a songwriter/sort of singer from Las Vegas, NV. Justin Vega thinks writing in third person is awesome.
Simmbiosis – three part band. Defies the usual type or brand. A combo bred, in this strange head. The obscene voice the unseen hand. Terpsichore and muse imbued. Perverse perhaps a little rude. Music composed, a life exposed. Giving you all I can exude. Studio C where I compose. Club Bed where I take my repose. Iniquity, safe haven for me. The rest you’ll just have to suppose. To be among this crowd, auspicious. An honor bordering on delicious. Thanks to View Askew, I’ll whip out my Song Fu. And work not to be repetitious, repetitious, repetitious.
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November 18th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Thank you Tony and Mr Id (EOC) for your support. Guess it’s appropriate that for a mole song I started out in the hole. Your generosity and votes help me climb out. Thank you!
November 18th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Thanks, Jutze. I was indeed considering a radio mix, but I figured since no one would hear the full version anywhere, this was the only place for it, and I didn’t want it to sound “edited.” I did fade it out before the 5 minute mark this time.
November 18th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I must say that this has been quite interesting and you all are a great group of people. I’m glad to be a part of this.
Jutze, thanks for the feedback. The reason the vocals ‘hover’ over the guitar is because I have no clue how to master a track. 😀
I’m now (im)patiently awaiting the next challenge!
November 18th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
At least 50 of my friends have listened to Jeff Fardink’s song tonight and tried to vote for him. Only ONE could successfully vote…and the other vote cast went for Sara Parsons, whom they have no knowledge of–even though they clicked on Jeff Fardink.
What is going on? This is egregious. Please contact me immediately. I’m for healthy competition, but this is sounding more like it is being held in Florida that on the Internet.
November 19th, 2009 at 12:11 am
HA! Jutze, I love that comment. Zach Braff, eat your heart out!
November 19th, 2009 at 12:16 am
I am not stupid–I have two Ph.D.s–but I can’t figure out how to vote. I have cleared my cache, kicked the dog, and cried injustice; but still nothing works–including no little box to click upon.
What is the secret, so I can instruct my friends–all lawyers, doctors, CEOs, consultants, writers, and rocket scientists…and alas, they cannot find a way to cast a vote either
Kevin will be furious about this–he is all about the little guy and propriety, not lies and scams and Nashaminy Hall politics…and I can get him entree to Marlee Matlin–he will NOT be happy!
Yes, you caught me–a smart, uber-educated woman who loves SMODCAST…but can’t click in a vote?
Please contact me about this flagrant violation of rights.
November 19th, 2009 at 1:26 am
Thanks a lot, Jutze. The constructive criticism is really helpful. I’ve still got a lot of work to do as a song writer.
November 19th, 2009 at 3:17 am
Mr Tommy G. I’m confused why you merely described mine as “guitar” when the bass and mandolin are so prominent.
Just curious as to why.
November 19th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I just now finally got around to voting…sheesh.
Anyway, I just kinda picked out any of the songs that stood out to me, and ended up with 8. Which I then ordered into the following.
1.Jonathan Mann(far and away the best to me, I have no idea why this isn’t getting more love)
2.Jason Morris
3.Lex Vader
4.Chas Lilly
5.Zer0guy
6.Ian “Two Shades” Johnson
7.Steve Chatterton
8.Jeff Fardink
Good job to everyone. Thanks for the feedback.
November 19th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Jason Morris FTW.
November 19th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Joe Covenant Lamb – “#297 Mr. Tom Furby. 🙂
November 20th, 2009 at 11:53 am
Edric: Just wanted to mention that I *love* the little sniffs you had your teacher character do. That’s a delightful touch.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Thanks, Wilson!
🙂
November 21st, 2009 at 4:32 am
Hey everyone! First of all, thanks to everyone for the comments and votes and such! It’s really exciting just to be participating in this 🙂
Now then, some of my favorites:
Joe Covenant Lamb, #297 Mr. Tom Furby- This song just plain makes me smile. The Irish tune combined with your accent and the horrid furby noises make this work. The “kill them all, kill them all” bit gets stuck in my head from time to time too, hahah.
Jason Morris, #019 Thomas Ashley Innersun- Something about this song is just… warm. It sounds very Jonathan Coulton-y, and yet original. The worm-milking lines make me smile too, and the production value’s great. A little short and simple, but good. The chorus to this gets stuck in my head, too.
Manticess, #423 Red- Something about the rawness and simplicity made me choose this. I listened to this one a bunch of times. The story is interesting, especially without much to go on other than “Red”, and the melody is fun and catchy.
Sara Parsons, #573 Miss Miriam Poisonblisters- Ahhh, what do I even say? Thoughtful lyrics, beautiful wandering melody, beautiful singing, lilting piano beneath it all… just very enjoyable and lovely overall. I was going to make a joke about the child in me saying “But Miriam’s a boy!!!”… but that doesn’t make sense 😛 hee hee
Chas Lilly, #567 Mr. Angelo Openjaw- Had me crack a smile from the first line.. always a good sign. Your vocal delivery could be a little more confident, but frankly it fits the story. Clever lyrics, fun story, I especially loved him becoming “Angelo Brokenjaw”. Fun little melody as well, very enjoyable to listen to all the way through.
November 21st, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Bobby Westfall — #023 Miss Annabelle Tunnelsmell — here’s a songwriter. It’s midwest, intimate, melodic, simple … real nice. Deserves a few listens — you’ll see what I mean.
November 21st, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Josh Holober-Ward – #275
i really like the way it flows, and the ending is great
November 22nd, 2009 at 1:00 am
Very odd. I seem to have voted already, but I don’t remember having done so. Maybe I accidentally voted while scrolling on my iPhone?
I think I’ll try voting again for real from a different IP address. 😛
November 24th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
BucketHatBobby – I think I said Guitar because of review fatigue… I listened to a the songs several times, and didn’t come across your video until later.
I did think the bass was another track of guitar – but I do hear the prominent mandolin kicking in on the 1st chorus. Loved the story progression and use of Mole ‘lore’.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:08 am
Dr. Cheryl Roberts –
Yeow! Flame off! It’s not a conspiracy to keep Jeff from getting votes (I did like his tune. Had a good hook and story)
If all your friends are networked to the same node, or your IT has the building configured to the same proxy (Most likely), then only 1 person from your building would be able to vote. It’s based on unique IPs to limit abuse.
Have them try to vote from home, and I bet you might have better luck.
December 29th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
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