Something Completely Different

I know we did this back on MB and it had limited success, but wonder if anyone here is interested in resurrecting the idea?

Basically, for those who don't know, everyone submits ONE track for the mixtape - any artist, any genre - and the mixtape is compiled. Could have six tracks, could have ten, depends on who's interested. Over the course of two weeks/a month/whatever is decided everyone listens to all the tracks and then gives a brief review/impression of them.

Tracks used to be sent by PM to whomever was assembling the mixtape, so if anyone's interested I guess that would be me. I would imagine YouTube links would be fine, and it could be compiled into a YouTube playlist.

Anyway, if there's anyone thinks this might be a good idea, post here and let me know.
I won't hold my breath.

I'd be down if we get more buy in from others. Hopefully at least 6.

Yep, I'd be down for that too, if you don't mind doing the collating work TH. I remember contributing to a couple of the MB ones, and it was a nice excuse to chat about music.

I'm down! Maybe it would be a fun idea to give some kind of prompt for a consistent theme throughout the tracks. Just like a loose theme or mood, nothing super specific or genre-focused. Would certainly help me narrow things down more than just picking a song I like with no real direction. What do we all think?

In

Thanks guys. That's five of us, so just one more and we'll be on.
As for themes, I don't know: sometimes people don't like if it's restricted. What do people think? Perhaps a nice theme could be, um, music played on an instrument?
I'll go with majority opinion as usual, so let me know and we can start putting this together. I think even if we don't get our sixth, five is a decent number.

Maybe go for starting it at the beginning of next month, as we're halfway through this one? That would also give others time to join in if they want.

Any comments gratefully thrown in the bin and then into the incinerator I mean gratefully received.

And then thrown into the bin and then the incinerator.

Quote from: Lexi Darling on Jan 17, 2025, 03:18 AMI'm down! Maybe it would be a fun idea to give some kind of prompt for a consistent theme throughout the tracks. Just like a loose theme or mood, nothing super specific or genre-focused. Would certainly help me narrow things down more than just picking a song I like with no real direction. What do we all think?

Yep, I think a theme for each mixtape would be best - but with the genre wide open, so there's a variety of styles/interpretations of the theme. To give a couple of examples, the themes I remember from MB were Autumn, Minimal, and Down and Out.

Maybe in keeping with this being a new year, the theme could be "new"?
Or we could do cities/state/countries
Or animals
Or weather

There's four options there. Maybe I'll do a poll.
Hmm...

Okay done. You can now vote for your favourite theme, or suggest one of your own. The poll will close in a week, surely enough time to settle on one and then there'll be another week for people to select their song for the mixtape.

Recommending a theme of just share a track you like that others might like

Kind of what I said: don't restrict it by themes. But as ever, majority rules so whatever.

Malicious compliance, my dude

I voted for animals theme but will go along with whatever the consensus decides.

Like DJ, I'm happy to go with whatever is chosen. I think "animals" is a very fertile theme, but it has already been explored here:-

https://scd.community/index.php?topic=432.0

An SCD mixtape might not get much attention if it's just an old thread rebooted in a different format, so I'm voting for "new" as a theme: it seems appropriate for a scheme starting in the first month of a new year, no?

Neeeewww!!!!

I guess I'm in 👍

Looks like the people have spoken! We have 3 votes for "new", and as the poll closes tomorrow I can't see that being overturned, so start thinking about songs. New doesn't mean new to you or me, but the song should either be about new things ("Papa's Got a Brand New Bag", "New Song", "New Year's Day", that sort of thing) or the word new should be in the title of either the artist or the album (New Model Army, New Order, A New World Record, kind of thing), or something slightly more abstract ("Just Like Starting Over", Born Again and so on). There'll be plenty of latitude on what constitutes new, as in, what qualifies, but try to fit the theme as best you can. I would personally discourage titles with the likes of New York or New Jersey in them, as that doesn't really satisfy the criterion, but hey, if you want to, I guess go ahead.

You can either PM a YouTube link or just the details of your song, which I will then try to find a YouTube link for. If I can't, I'll get back to you and ask you to choose another.

Final date for receipt of entries will be this day week, Jan 30, to give me a chance to collate and post the playlist. More boring rules to follow, you know me by now.

You guys have three days left to get your songs in. I've only received one so far, so can you extract the digit and get with the computer routine process please? TVM.

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTMe0L1ltimG0eK_nMjB9BuamUZfeOl6DTnYg&s)

Okay I think I have nearly everyone's song in now - @degrassi.knoll do I have yours, and if not can you send it on please? Oddly, I see we had six votes in the poll but I only count 5 people who said they'd be interested in taking part, so either someone voted for two different themes (I didn't vote) or someone is lurking out there who wants to join but did not declare themselves interested. If this is the case, make yourself known please and send on your song: deadline for receipt of songs for this first mixtape is midnight Irish time (it's now coming up to 1730 here) on Thursday night. So that's January 30 at midnight THT (Trollheart Time). Anyone who still wishes to take part and has not said so, you're welcome to, but please make sure your song is PM'd to me by the due date.

No list of rules, but I do ask that anyone who submitted a song and is included on the mixtape take the time to listen to ALL songs and then write a few lines about what you thought of each. You don't have to review them, though you can if you want, but a word or two about your impression of each song would be good. There's no time limit for responses, but ideally we should have them all in before the next mixtape (assuming there is one) is ready.

Oh shite my bad, haven't been checking the thread  :laughing: I'll get one to you asap

I've racked brains but I can't think of any "New" songs (apart from perhaps Sting's "Brand New Day" or the Brand New Heavies, so I'll sit this one out but will try to do the next one.

Well remember it doesn't have to have the word new in it. Just a reference to it. Things like fresh, revitalised, reborn, shiny, original, first, all those work. As long as it conveys a feeling of something new. Up to yourself, but there are plenty out there I think.

Ok Steph's on board too now. Anyone else wants to join, ya got 35 hours left!
(https://giftedapparelnyc.com/cdn/shop/files/MIXTAPE1.jpg?crop=center&height=430&v=1701046170&width=430)

All submissions have now been edited into a playlist, which I'll post tomorrow. I think if we give it two weeks that should be enough? We surely don't need a month, even if it's a short one? Let me know what you think anyway.

2 weeks is more than enough for me

Yeah I think it should be enough for everyone. I mean, how much waffle can you write about six songs? Well, unless you're me, of course.  :laughing:

These tiny mixtapes.. two weeks is more than enough 😄

Yes, if we attract more attention or interest then the time limit might need to be extended, but for what we have, I can't imagine two weeks isn't enough for even the most lazy/busy/forgetful of us. What was I saying? I forget... :laughing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUxFQ5QBiYk&list=PLkFFNTflRauo_QCSAsX-q_KSx4DrLvCmR

Okay here is the first (drum roll? No? Please yourself. Hmmph! I try to bring a bit of excitement and grandeur into your lives and this is the thanks I .. uh, where was I? Oh yeah)
SCD members' mixtape!

Theme: "New"

Track Listing

1. "New Rose" by The Damned, submitted by Guybrush

2. "Diggin' the New" by Joe Strummer, submitted by Lisnaholic

3. "Crickets" by The New Boys, submitted by LexiDarling

4. "Sic Transit Gloria" by Brand New, submitted by DJ Chameleon

5. "Them Changes" by Thundercat, submitted by Degrassi.Knoll

6. "Born Again" by Blutengel, submitted by some old fart nobody likes.

Enjoy!

Thanks, Trollheart ! :thumb: That'll make for some interesting listening, I'm sure; so far I've only half-listened to half the mixtape, but will give it the attention it deserves later today. My plan: listen to it all several times so that I don't unwittingly dismiss any tracks that turn out to be "sleepers," that only shine after you've heard them a couple of times.

We're a week in now, so could everyone try to make an effort and listen to the tape and if possible post your thoughts before next Sunday? That's February 16. Then we can get on to compiling the next one, and we have three alternative themes to choose from - animals, weather or countries/states/cities, so perhaps give us your thoughts there too. If you have another theme you'd like us to consider, let us know. TVM!

Fine, I'll go first.

"New Rose" (The Damned)
Not being the biggest fan of punk (but slowly getting a little bit more there) I do know of the Damned but know few of their songs. This one is new to me (how appropriate) though I do think I've heard of it. It's got a lot of energy and a good guitar riff driving it. Sort of reminds me of "Teenage Kicks" by The  Undertones in parts. Not bad, but probably would not be my thing personally.
:3stars:

"Diggin' the New" (Joe Strummer)
Another punk rock icon, I'd have to say this is as far from The Clash as it's possible to be - until it kicks up for the chorus. Kind of a punk blues track? I'd say elements of early Bowie about it too. Pretty cool.
:3stars:

"Cricketz" (New Boys)
Ah, love the sound of actual crickets as this starts - real or made on synth? Don't know, doesn't matter. Like the way it stomps along and it sort of reminds me of the Beastie Boys, who I don't like that much but this is pretty good.
:3stars:


"Sic Transit Gloria" (Brand New)
Very hypnotic bass line going through this, then the post-hardcore style of vocals is an interesting change. Love the guitar solo. Another great track. Might be my favourite so far.
Yup.
:4stars:

"Them Changes" (Thundercat)
I reviewed this album back in 2017 and I believe I liked it a lot. The squelchy bass (or synth) here is great, almost cartoonish, and I like his voice, very sort of seventies soul. I also like how it slows down into a very soul groove. Yes, I know it's a sample. But it's cool.
:3.5stars:

"Born Again" (Blutengel)
This isn't really usually my sort of music, but I really love Blutengel, and I really like this song. The keyboard line going through the song meshes so well with the percussion, and the vocals of Chris Pohl and Ulrike Goldmann are a great mix of dark and light. Sehr gut!

(Not gonna rate my own choice!)

I have a suggestion for theme. A little morbid perhaps, but I thought songs by confirmed or alleged murderers might be fun.

I have listened to the entirety of the mixtape 🙂 I will share some thoughts later on.

"New Rose" (The Damned)
First Damned song I've listened to and I really liked it: lots of energy, great bass riff, great guitar riff, and isn't there hidden in it a hint of some retro rockabilly song ? Or did I just imagine that because of the surprising intro, "Is she really going out with him?" lol.
4 stars.

"Diggin' the New" (Joe Strummer)
Happy to follow TH's lead by not grading my own choice. To me this a solid but not outstanding track from JS. As usual, his lyrics are open to interpretation, which is a polite way of saying  "don't make a lot of sense". But more and more, that's how I like lyrics to be, and JS's voice has a very pleasing tone to my ears. In this song I like the way the tempo shifts around too, but the song is a bit short and lacks the weird instrumentation that the Mescaleros throw in on some of their better songs.

"Cricketz" (New Boys)
I liked the kind of echoey glockenspiel sound dancing along through this song, I also liked the chorus (1 min in) when the backing singers are chanting and a strange female voice comments on tight jeans. For me,I think she was the star of the song. Unfortunately, I found lead-singer Tyga's contribution to be kind of irritating, like when a friend is talking too much and you just wish he would be quiet.
2 stars

"Sic Transit Gloria" (Brand New)
I kept getting distracted by the clever video and never really worked out what the guy was singing about, but I liked the powerful guitar interlude (too short ☹) and the anguish in the shout at the end. It has a decent beat all the way through, but to me this was a rather forgettable song.
3 stars

"Them Changes" (Thundercat)
My favourite of the playlist with that delicious funky riff running through it: in the YouTube comments they describe it as "golden syrup" and "funky, retro, nostalgic, sexy, disgusting, groovy, all at once". TH goes one better and calls it "squelchy" and I can't improve on that, apart from throwing in the word "cool".
Also a wonderfully intriguing opening line: "Nobody move, there's blood on the floor..."
4.5 stars

"Born Again" (Blutengel)
I really liked the intro, with its build-up of instruments, and of the 2 vocalists, I much preferred Ulrika, whose voice cuts through the mix so clearly. The lyrics themselves I thought were excessively doom-laden, and also a bit pedestrian as the rhyme plodded from one line to the next: "...say...stay / head...dead".  But then, at about 4 mins in, the guy sings "Day and night I will pray for your soul..." and I found myself really enjoying the song from then on.
3.5 stars 

Quote from: Guybrush on Feb 09, 2025, 11:28 AMI have a suggestion for theme. A little morbid perhaps, but I thought songs by confirmed or alleged murderers might be fun.

I have listened to the entirety of the mixtape 🙂 I will share some thoughts later on.

It's an interesting idea, but I just wonder is it a little limited? I mean, I can see maybe Boston Strangler, Jack the Ripper, but could you get a song for Ted Bundy? or Jeffrey Dahmer? Or is your idea to have sones that feature these people in the title or lyric? I'm not entirely sure what you're going for here. I'd also say, possibly, maybe not everyone knows enough about serial killers to be able to track down songs about or referring to them, but maybe I'm wrong. What does everyone else think, and/or have you any other ideas you want to throw into the mix?

Quote from: Trollheart on Feb 09, 2025, 07:59 PMIt's an interesting idea, but I just wonder is it a little limited? I mean, I can see maybe Boston Strangler, Jack the Ripper, but could you get a song for Ted Bundy? or Jeffrey Dahmer? Or is your idea to have sones that feature these people in the title or lyric? I'm not entirely sure what you're going for here. I'd also say, possibly, maybe not everyone knows enough about serial killers to be able to track down songs about or referring to them, but maybe I'm wrong. What does everyone else think, and/or have you any other ideas you want to throw into the mix?

Not songs about murderers, but by confirmed or alleged murderers. You know, people like Jerry Lee Lewis, Sid Vicious or Varg Vikernes.

^ Yep, that might generate some interesting material. I imagine that for the next mixtape TH can reset the poll with that category included:

Hmm. Again, I would not be that familiar, though I guess Phil Spector would be one, would he? And there's a whole album of so-called "music" by some little-known guy called Manson..

Can I edit a poll? Or can I remove it and add another? Not entirely sure. Will check. If not, perhaps I'll have to start a thread for the next mixtape separately?

I bet Guybrush has the answers to those questions, TH. But perhaps, on reflection, a new thread for each mixtape is the way to go: that's how some album clubs have operated and it has the advantage that people aren't scrolling around, trying to find the most recent info while at the same time tripping over posts that've come in late regarding the previous mixtape. I think we all know how these things can play out...

I listened to them all at the gym yesterday morning. Later tonight I'll rate them

Quote from: Trollheart on Feb 10, 2025, 02:24 AMHmm. Again, I would not be that familiar, though I guess Phil Spector would be one, would he? And there's a whole album of so-called "music" by some little-known guy called Manson..

Can I edit a poll? Or can I remove it and add another? Not entirely sure. Will check. If not, perhaps I'll have to start a thread for the next mixtape separately?

Not so sure about Manson (he got his cultists to actually commit the murders), but definitely Phil Spector 🙂

If the theme seems too narrow, then perhaps songs about or featuring murder could be more fun 🤔

Sorry for being morbid!

Yeah, murders and murderers (and victims, perhaps) sounds like it might give more scope. Again, I'll go with the majority.

"New Rose" (The Damned)

First time hearing this band but it wasn't bad and I found myself listening to it a few times in the days after my initial listen. Also timely song with Vday around the corner.
:4stars:

"Diggin' the New" (Joe Strummer)

I wanted more from this song. It is pretty average and dare I say forgettable. I can't quite put my finger on the missing component but I definitely wanted more from this track. I might have to listen to some other tracks from JS to see if this is par for the course.
:2stars:


"Cricketz" (New Boys)

This song had an interesting beat. At first I was annoyed by the cricket sounds but I got used to it by the end. This song definitely sounds like they were trying to repeat the success of their other song "The Jerk". Tyga's verse stands out obviously but in the comments of the video people were saying he was dissing them on their own track. I didn't hear that.
:3stars:

"Sic Transit Gloria" (Brand New)

I won't rate my own track but I love the harmonizing vocals. It reminds me of a Taking Back Sunday song. The driving bassline throughout the song is super pleasing to my ears as well.

"Them Changes" (Thundercat)
I'm a big Thundercat fan. I got into him during the pandemic with his DragonBall durag song. I then went back through his discography. Love this funky tune that describes how you feel after a break-up.
:4stars:

"Born Again" (Blutengel)
I could hear this song in a vampire flick's soundtrack during the part when the vampire is hunting it's prey that's also mesmerized and not trying too hard to escape. I really enjoyed it and would listen to it again.
:4stars:

Thanks for your considered comments, DJ!
And to anyone else who has posted their views (think that's just me and Lisna, yes?)
I'm not pushing anyone, and will probably in fact do as suggested (no, not kill myself) and make a separate thread for the next tape, but if we follow the two-week limit for responses then it's time to prepare the new tape. I think a week to get tracks in and a week to respond seems fair?

So I'll put up the next thread later and see what sort of themes people want to look into. If you have any suggestions, you know what to do. Or, you could post or PM them, either is good.

^ That all sounds good, and yes, thanks for your reviews,TH and DJ; I enjoyed reading them and comparing them with my own assessments of the mixtape selections.

I'm sorry you were disappointed by the Joe Strummer one, DJ, and Diggin' The New is a bit of a throw-away really. If you're Joe Strummer curious, here are a couple of tracks I'd recommend:-

Spoiler

Seven minutes of the cool, ramshackle genius that is JS and the Mescaleros at their best:-

A nice touch of throbbing electronics, and JS's rather hit and miss lyrics, in which some lines don't add up to much, but then a gem will shine out:

"So long, Liberty, let's forget you didn't show."

And finally, a track that shows how the Mescaleros could deliver tight, fast rock:

[close]

I'll have a lot of tomorrow free to type up my reviews, I'll have them posted before the 16th. :)

Quote from: Lisnaholic on Feb 14, 2025, 02:33 PM^ That all sounds good, and yes, thanks for your reviews,TH and DJ; I enjoyed reading them and comparing them with my own assessments of the mixtape selections.

I'm sorry you were disappointed by the Joe Strummer one, DJ, and Diggin' The New is a bit of a throw-away really. If you're Joe Strummer curious, here are a couple of tracks I'd recommend:-

Spoiler

Seven minutes of the cool, ramshackle genius that is JS and the Mescaleros at their best:-

A nice touch of throbbing electronics, and JS's rather hit and miss lyrics, in which some lines don't add up to much, but then a gem will shine out:

"So long, Liberty, let's forget you didn't show."

And finally, a track that shows how the Mescaleros could deliver tight, fast rock:

[close]

Yeah I wouldn't write off an artist I don't know based off of one track so I will give the others you posted a chance.

The Damned - New Rose
Was already familiar with this track, definitely an old school punk banger. I love the guitar tone, it feels reminiscent of glam rock but a lot dirtier.
4

Joe Strummer - Diggin' the New
The verses feel a bit bland to my ears, but the chorus is very cool and I think it definitely finds a good groove once it gets going.
3

New Boyz - Cricketz
OH MY GOD WHY THEY JEANS SO TIGHT
N/A

Brand New - Sic Transit Gloria
Known this track for 20 years as a once and future emo kid, haha. It's a good track, though the lyrics have not aged very well in my esteem.
4

Thundercat - Them Changes
That juicy funky bass is pure joy. I also really like the little new agey bit that starts around 1:15 in, gives a nice little breather between the funky parts.
4.5

Blutengel - Born Again
This was alright, reminds me of some kind of hybrid of goth and eurodance which is kind of novel.
3

Thanks to everyone for the submissions!

Can anyone who hasn't already done so please jot down your thoughts on this mixtape so we can move on with the new one? I think, if I'm looking at it right, we need to hear from @Guybrush and @degrassi.knoll thanks.

The reason I'm so slow is I didn't want to come across as the grinch, but.. if you're pushing me, TH 😅 Fine!


Diggin' the New - Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros

It's a decent song midway, but I'm kinda tired of it by the time it ends. A reason is I prefer the verses over the slightly annoying refrain.

:3stars:


Cricketz - New Boyz

This is not for me. To my ears, it lacks musicality, charm, anything I can relate to, an interesting attitude or theme and some of the sounds are vaguely annoying. I'm sorry 😅

:2stars:


Sic Transit Gloria - Brand New

I feel like a very old man now, but this genre was never something that appealed to me. If I wanna listen to quiet/loud contrasting music, they did it better closer to 1990. Overall I find it off-putting 😬

:2stars:


Them Changes - Thundercat

This is kinda fun! Groovy, some fun sounds and quirky. An easy favorite from this selection 👍

:3.5stars:


Born Again - Blutengel

I like gothy vibes, but not mixed with trance like this. It's a bit cheesy, so might be fun for a cybergothy theme party, but not for regular consumption.

:2.5stars:


See? I'm bad at this 😬

Doesn't matter, as long as you're honest. No point pretending to like tracks you hate. Everyone seems to love Steph's pick though. Including me. Just herself left then.

So sorry, I will post asap.

"New Rose" by The Damned, submitted by Guybrush
:2.5stars:

A familiar one, though not quite what I'd call a classic. I was actually just talking to a coworker about the Damned, as they'll be playing somewhat locally in May. Not a band I'd shell out a lot of cash to see, but it'd be cool to say you saw them.


"Diggin' the New" by Joe Strummer, submitted by Lisnaholic
:2.5stars:

Started out strong, and is interesting to dissect instrumentally, but unfortunately I found it to be lackluster overall.


"Crickets" by The New Boys, submitted by LexiDarling
:1stars:

Really hated this track to be honest lmao, I'm sorry. For real though that's the most interesting verse I've ever heard from Tyga so at least there's that.


"Sic Transit Gloria" by Brand New, submitted by DJ Chameleon
:1.5stars:

Never like Brand New. This reminds me why.


"Them Changes" by Thundercat, submitted by Degrassi.Knoll

I'll recuse myself but it's an undeniable banger.


"Born Again" by Blutengel, submitted Trollheart
:3stars:

I was listening while in another tab and mistook a St. Jude's Children's Hospital ad for your track submission. I liked your track better! This is actually pretty fun and will certainly fit well into a couple living playlists I keep in the rotation.

Hey, if my track can be said to be better than an ad for a kids' hospital, that's progress!  :laughing: I'll take it.