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Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 05:59 PM

We have a full house of voters, all votes are counted and we have a winner Let us visit the gallery of the surreal to find who that would be, show will start shortly and hopefully conclude within two hours for those who are interested in the seeing the BJSC semi reveal.

Feel free to speculate in the meantime, how will this eclectic selection of tracks go down and who's gonna win it? Be prepared for twists and turns x

Posted by: awardinary 17th February 2024, 06:01 PM

If that 26 minute song wins this whole thing…

Posted by: dandy* 17th February 2024, 06:02 PM

Will try to keep an eye on these results

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 06:05 PM

Not too sure what to expect from my song but hopefully can get at least my 2nd best result looking forward to finding out who was behind a few of these, some interesting choices!

Posted by: King Rollo 17th February 2024, 06:08 PM

I don't think there is an obvious winner here, I'd expect it to be a close finish.

Posted by: dandy* 17th February 2024, 06:11 PM

If I had to guess, I'd say either the song I gave 12 or 10 to would win but maybe it's just familiarity bias

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 06:11 PM

So tonight we will visit the gallery of the surreal and unmask them gradually and their points until we come to a winner, I normally try to jazz up the running order but I'm just goign straight order of receipt this time, mainly, you'll see why as we go through x

I will also attempt to give a few words on the entries as you were all asked to do in the confirmations, as a few of these are really quite interesting and have been very fun to get to know.

A reminder of your contenders:

01; Björk - Unravel
02; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver
03; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix)
04; Goldie - Inner City Life
05; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life
06; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
07; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet
08; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel
09; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile
10; The Jesus and Mary Chain - Upside Down
11; Thomas Newman - To The Shock of Miss Louise
12; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects
13; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
14; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
15; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover
16; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting
17; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
18; Negativland - Helter Stupid

Our first voter tonight was, fittingly, one of the earliest surrealist paintings and first of two by Rene Magritte, they sent Autechre, but what's their real identity...

Posted by: dandy* 17th February 2024, 06:13 PM

I'm guessing Jade

Posted by: Jester 17th February 2024, 06:15 PM

I think I’ll be last, but I hope to get at 1 point!

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 06:18 PM

Autechre – Second Bad Vilbel - Jade

12; Negativland - Helter Stupid
10; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects
08; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet
07; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover
06; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting
05; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
04; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
03; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life
02; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
01; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile

Jade sent one of the more modern dance entries, this Aphex-Twin esque song inspired by the German spa town which in her own words has that 'dissonant toaster in the bath electronic sound'. The duo were highly influenced by electro and hip hop of the 80s and went from melodic techno in style to more complex compositions and few stylistic conventions, even being called IDM (even if they themselves don't like that term x)

Her votes ensure that Negativland is the first leader of the night, as a few of the more out there entries have a good start, how similiar will this look at the end?

Next to vote, the vibrant colours of Container, who sent Th' Faith Healers?

Posted by: dandy* 17th February 2024, 06:21 PM

Ah I suspected so! I very nearly sent Autechre myself but decided to try something older. Great choice though

Posted by: Addy! 17th February 2024, 06:23 PM

Great choice Jade, I have a feeling that is the winner <3

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 06:24 PM

Well we are off to a great start there, I've always been aware of Autechre existing and being an act I'd probably stan but never really gone out of my way to listen to them, this song was predictably great though *.*

Both of the 18+ minute songs being in the initial top 3

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 06:25 PM

Th’ Faith Healers – Reptile Smile – AH Gold

14; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting
12; Negativland - Helter Stupid
12; Goldie – Inner City Life
11; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
10; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects
10; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix)
09; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
08; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet
08; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover
05; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down
04; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
04; Björk - Unravel
03; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life
03; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
02; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise
01; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)

AH Gold sent Th' Faith Healers, a short lived expierimental/noise rock band from the early 1990s. He describes this as 'Indie/Rock with a danceable beat with strange vocals and innovative lyrics'. It's certainly an intriguing distorted listen and I like to imagine the line at the end is 'I'm a duck' over and over again.

His votes get a few more songs off the mark and there's just two yet to come, Pet Shop Boys benefit from two sets of high points to take over the lead for now.

...And the sender of Pet Shop Boys is up next, under the guise of one of the more erotic artists I found...

Posted by: King Rollo 17th February 2024, 06:26 PM

I did think that would be Jade's entry (Autechre).

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 06:32 PM

Oh we're revealing all of my big faves right away #spoilers x Don't think I'd have ever placed Th' Faith Healers as an AH Gold entry but I absolutely loved it, very in line with the sound of a lot of current music that I'm stanning has to be one of my favourite songs you've sent to any contest!

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 06:33 PM

Pet Shop Boys – The Sound of the Atom Splitting - Popchartfreak

23; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
20; Goldie – Inner City Life
19; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
14; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
12; Negativland - Helter Stupid
11; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix)
11; Björk - Unravel
10; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects
10; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover
08; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet
08; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
08; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise
05; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down
05; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
04; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
03; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life
03; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)

There is no contest the Pet Shop Boys cannot be entered to it seems, however John's choice certainly fits it very well. Having 'no hook, no melody and no singing'. The Pet Shop Boys themselves need no introduction, but this strange number has become a bit of a cult favourite with fans. The track originated as a conscientiously experimental "jam" in which Tennant, Lowe, and Horn all played keyboards while Lipson "played the desk," manipulating the recording controls. The conversation is meant to emulate the conversation between a normal person and a fascist and the title is supposed to be an "atomic age" metaphor for the end of the world. Certainly not something I'd ever expect from PSBs but I'm very happy to be surprised!

John's votes put The Electric Prunes in the lead and Goldie and Yellow Magic Orchestra benefit from a generous haul to make up the top 3.

Next to unmask as we sail through the skies, who sent Meteor Seven?

Posted by: Jade 17th February 2024, 06:35 PM

oops how predictable of me then!

Trash Theory's YouTube documentary about Aphex Twin motivated me to check out Autechre after they were mentioned in it - I was clearly not disappointed *.*

Thanks for the points, AH Gold

Posted by: King Rollo 17th February 2024, 06:37 PM

The Pet Shop Boys song was one of the few that I knew already.

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 06:37 PM

Aside from mild groaning at the lack of creativity in sending Pet Shop Boys yet again it was a really good song from them and does fit the theme well enough so fair play John x

Posted by: JulianT 17th February 2024, 06:38 PM

Nice that everyone already has a few points. John sending PSB obviously not a shock but I do think the track fits.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 06:40 PM

Meteor Seven – Signs of Life - Dobbo

30; Goldie – Inner City Life
25; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
23; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
18; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover
17; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
16; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix)
15; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet
15; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
12; Negativland - Helter Stupid
11; Björk - Unravel
10; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects
08; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
08; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise
07; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
06; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
05; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down
03; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
03; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver

Dobbo sent an 'experimental hardcore rave/trance tune' from 1994, you can certainly hear the rave and trance influences as the genres were thriving at the time and it fits in wonderfully. It contains a sample of Mike Oldfield's Talk About Your Life.

Goldie receives yet another high score which keeps them in the lead, but Yellow Magic Orchestra and Electric Prunes are still close behind, Bul Bul Efendi lepas up following a 12 and Primus getting points ensures everyone's off the mark!

Surreal snowmen next, who sent The Jesus and Mary Chain?

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 06:44 PM

Meteor Seven sounding like an early Scooter influence, a bit of a banger x (didn't know about the Mike Oldfield sample though oh my)

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 06:47 PM

The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down - jimwatts

36; Goldie – Inner City Life
26; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
26; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover
25; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
22; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
18; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
16; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix)
15; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet
15; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
14; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects
14; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
13; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
12; Negativland - Helter Stupid
12; Björk - Unravel
10; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
08; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise
05; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)
03; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver

Jim sent the slightly less longer Jesus linked entry and has provided a handy commentary to boot, this track makes use of 'amp feedback as firestorm art' and it's certainly a hard, feedback-heavy listen that's intriguing and a great forerunner to the more experimental rock of the later decade. Sadly, it's only second last so far but there's still plenty of time to improve.

Goldie are really raking in the top 5 scores, a six sees them maintain their lead to a comfortable ten points, with Gina X joining the fray

A classic surrealist painting that puts a dark spin on Mozart, who sent Godley & Creme?

Posted by: jimwatts 17th February 2024, 06:50 PM

Wouldn't be surprised to add 16th to my 2nd/4th/6th/11th collection in this contest. Thanks AH for getting me off the mark anyway

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 06:52 PM

'Upside Down' was definitely one of the more challenging listens on here so quite a bold choice! Ngl I didn't think it quite hit the mark for me (even after being a fan of the similarly ear splitting Scotland 2 BJSC entry last month oop) but still an interesting one and not bad x

Godley & Creme will surely be Rollo.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 06:54 PM

Godley & Creme – I Pity Inanimate Objects – King Rollo

36; Goldie – Inner City Life
33; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
32; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
29; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover
27; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet
25; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
23; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
22; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
19; Negativland - Helter Stupid
18; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
16; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix)
14; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
13; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
12; Björk - Unravel
11; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
08; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise
07; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)
03; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver

It's probably not too surprising to see Rollo send the 10CC adjacent track but what a listen it was. He writes: 'The 1979 song uses a new piece of equipment called a harmoniser which is basically autotune almost 20 years before it was actually invented, there are also some crazy lyrics.' The harmoniser allowed notes on instruments or vocals possible that weren't initially. It was also inanimate which also partly inspired the title, it reads like an existential crisis by a sentient plant and is the sort of strange, unsettling listen I really love.

Rollo's votes don't shake up the top of the scoreboard a lot but the more out-there entries certainly get a boost up and it's closer up top. I cannot possibly comment on whether Gavin Bryars is me...

...But we'll find out next! Let's play the African Sonata x

Posted by: Jade 17th February 2024, 06:59 PM

Yay thanks Dobbo, Jim and Rollo for the points pretty decent start so far. 'I Pity Inanimate Objects' was a particularly brilliant discovery

Posted by: King Rollo 17th February 2024, 07:00 PM

I think most of you would have guessed that was me. Thanks to Jade and Jim for the points so far.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 07:07 PM

Gavin Bryars – Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet – Chez Wombat

36; Goldie – Inner City Life
35; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
35; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover
33; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
33; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
29; Negativland - Helter Stupid
27; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat)
26; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
25; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
25; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
22; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
18; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
16; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix)
15; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
13; Björk - Unravel
08; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise
07; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)
03; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver

So yes, it was me that is the public enemy of some of you now As Rollo alluded to, I discovered this in my 1001 Songs... book a few years back and it was one of the most striking and unique finds. It is based on a single improvised stanza based on an ancient hymn from an unnamed homeless man from a documentary, the footage was never used and Bryars kept it and finding it fit his piano loop better than expected, he set the loop to an orchestra that builds and builds with new instruments being added as the song progresses (so whoever said it had no progression at the listen through, think again x -_). He limited this to 25 minutes for the original, but for later releases expanded to 60 and 74 minutes with many other reworkings surfacing over the years. It was shortlisted for the 1993 Mercury nomination.

I didn't send this to troll, it is genuinely one of the most moving, innovative pieces of music I have ever heard and brings me on the brink of tears sometimes, it's such a shame the homeless man died long before his impact could be felt but it still stands as a timeless declaration of hope in a hopeless situation, I can't comment on my performance at the end but the fact even some of you have put it in your top 3 and it's not just me that's so affected by it means I've succeeded already

Anyway, sorry for the ramble, I don't do much to change the scoreboard with nothing to the leader but Electric Prunes and Gina X are within touching distance.

Cybotron are next to be unmasked, what will mother nature have in store for them

Posted by: Popchartfreak 17th February 2024, 07:08 PM

Ha, thanks Bre, I wanted expectations to be challenged rather than use it as an opportunity for PSB's to be in the competition. I was originally going with The Monkees' Porpoise Song for the same reason, but decided it wasn't quite out-there enough, though it was def experimental for 1968 and helped kill their career stone dead (along with the psychedelic movie it came from) x

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 07:12 PM

I actually surprisingly found myself enjoying the Gavin Bryars song more on second listen, it is quite entrancing (although sad backstory behind it). Haha at Rollo exposing you just before your own reveal x

Posted by: Jade 17th February 2024, 07:12 PM

The length of 'Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet' didn't bother me at all despite the looped vocal, was a very moving piece. Awesome pick Chez, was my bronze medal and I see my top two were also yours but the other way around *.* almost an exact point swap there with 7, thank you!

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 07:14 PM

Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) - awardinary

48; Goldie – Inner City Life
40; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
38; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
37; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
35; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover
29; Negativland - Helter Stupid
28; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
27; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat)
27; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
25; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
22; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
22; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
19; Björk - Unravel
18; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise
16; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) (awardinary)
15; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
11; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver
07; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)

Wardy's futuristic sounding entry was originally released in 1983 and, taken from Spotify, “processes dance music tropes spawned from its very own blueprint with a meta-tactical precision out of sync with our current rave new world.” I don't know how soon after the original this remix came, but it's Kraftwerk samples, synth loops and pitched vocals proved early precursors to detroit techno and the loop has gained fame in particular sampled by many rappers, most notably by Missy Elliott for Lose Control.

He's sadly not doing too well atm, but at least his top pointer gets another boost as Goldie now takes an eight point lead, and gives Thomas Newman a needed boost as well x

Now it really is time for the Electric Prunes (I hope none of you were quick to see my edit mistake )

Posted by: dandy* 17th February 2024, 07:14 PM

Surprised that Björk isn't doing better at this point, I know it's not one of her biggest hits or anything but it's from one of her albums that is solid throughout - plus the lady herself clearly loves it as she included it on her version of her best of that was realeased alongside the main one (Family Tree)

Posted by: King Rollo 17th February 2024, 07:15 PM

A twelve points swap with Chez. I'm glad you made a great discovery out of 'I Pity Inanimate Objects'.

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 07:16 PM

I think I spotted Wardy listening to that song on my Spotify sidebar before the contest went up so no surprise there interesting to learn the instrumental of 'Lose Control' was a sample, pretty good song x

Goldie leading at this stage is fine for the song but have to say it's probably one of the less fitting songs to the theme.

Posted by: dandy* 17th February 2024, 07:20 PM

I'd probably agree that Goldie is the one that fits the theme the least (no offence whoever sent it)


Enjoyed your choice Wardy, I too had no idea that Lose Control contained such an obvious sample in the production

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 07:24 PM

The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) - JulianT

48; Goldie – Inner City Life
46; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
42; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
39; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
37; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) (JulianT)
35; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover
35; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
29; Negativland - Helter Stupid
27; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat)
26; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) (awardinary)
25; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
25; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
23; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
22; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
20; Björk - Unravel
18; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise
16; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver
09; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)

The only 60s representation here comes from Julian, with this psychedelic rock song which makes particular use of weird guitar effects. The band themselves were very influential in the incorporating psychedelia and elements of electronic rock which were still developing, the band's sound was marked by innovative recording techniques with fuzz-toned guitars and oscillating sound effects and 'singer James Lowe's concept of "free-form garage music" provided the band with a richer sonic palette and exploratory lyrical structure than many of their contemporaries. This particular song wasn't too big a hit, only reaching 49, but it made steady progress in the US, eventually reaching 11 and granting them a gateway to have further success, even if sadly this was never fully realised as they split in 1968, being clearly too ahead of their time when recording some of their albums as they weren't able to record them to their fullest extent.

Julian has been doing very well here and deservedly so, he gives nothing to Goldie so YMO & PSBs are hot on their heels. Next to be revealed, Gina X Performance, remember it?

Posted by: Popchartfreak 17th February 2024, 07:24 PM

The JAMC just missed my points, I'm a fan of their feedback goth singles of the 80's/90's - in fact they (or just "he" these days?) just made my personal chart top 10 with the very fab JAMCOD and a ripping guitar riff, recommended.

Godley & Creme also faves just missing points, I remember when this one was new and fresh and yes Rollo was never in doubt for that one. It sort of puzzled me at the time, but I generally liked their singles with or without 10CC, and some I worshipped the ground they walked on. Still do, Kev Godley had a collab with Graham Gouldman on Iain Hornal's Say The Word in 2019 which is good, and Godley/Gouldman had a 10CC career review track Son Of Man back in 2006 that was fab. I'm off to see 10CC in a couple of months on their (sob!) "farewell tour" (sob!).

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 07:26 PM

The Electric Prunes was one of the ones I was most curious to see who was behind it - I actually thought it might have been Jade's as I wasn't sure who else would send a 60s song, very nice choice though Julian and glad to see it doing well so far! (And I feel like I've not often been too big a fan of your song contest entries so far as well so hooray)

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 07:30 PM

Gina X Performance – Nice Mover - Ansel

54; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
52; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
48; Goldie – Inner City Life
41; Negativland - Helter Stupid
39; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
39; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) (JulianT)
35; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover (Ansel)
35; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
30; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
30; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
29; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) (awardinary)
27; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat)
26; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
26; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
26; Björk - Unravel
18; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise
16; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver
09; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)

Ansel sent this number from the German dance rock/electropop project formed in the late 70s, he said of it 'The lyrics don't have any clear meaning but talk about having lots of different identities, and the vocal delivery varies from heavily electronically filtered to a slightly deadpan sort of vibe.' The song was described as robotic soul and you can certainly hear that, it combined disco with colder and more experimental sounds, thanks to Held's choice of keyboards, such as the Minimoog, the ARP 2600 and the use of vocoder, unusual for the time x

Ansel started out well, but has had a bit of a drought. He does ensure we have a new leader though with Yellow Magic Orchestra taking the lead and Pet Shop Boys not far behind, still only four points separating the top 3 though.

Next up, Bjork...the artist but is there more than one person that could apply to?

Posted by: Popchartfreak 17th February 2024, 07:30 PM

And the Electric Prunes was a retro 60's American hit I discovered in the 80's or 90's so very happy to see that in the contest. Think I have it on a US "here's some 60's obscure psychedelia tracks" CD I picked up in Florida. I prob should have gone through it for options now I think about it...!

Posted by: Jade 17th February 2024, 07:32 PM

Yay thanks for the points boost, Ansel your entry was lush and also really liked Julian's - I'm more often than not a sucker for 60s psychedelia.

Posted by: King Rollo 17th February 2024, 07:32 PM

Another 12! Thanks, Julian.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 07:38 PM

Björk – Unravel - björk

59; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
56; Goldie – Inner City Life
52; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
46; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) (JulianT)
41; Negativland - Helter Stupid
39; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
39; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
39; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat)
37; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover (Ansel)
35; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) (awardinary)
33; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
30; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
27; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
26; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
26; Björk – Unravel (björk)
19; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)
18; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise
16; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver

Bjork sent Bjork! I wondered if we could ever use that pun x (sorry the umlaut's annoying to get on the fly, it's in the scoreboard at least). The most recent track here from 1997 but coming from one of the landmark experimental albums of the 1990s with Homogenic, he has said of it: 'With Homogenic, Björk dug deep into London’s underground electronic scene, the sounds of which she absorbed, processed, and transformed into her most experimental work ever.' It is the third song on the album and features a prominent example of Björk's use of a half-singing, half-speaking technique which, according to folklorist Njáll Sigurðsson, is comparable to that of Old Icelandic choirmen. Though it was not a single, it still had a video made for it and featured on her Greatest Hits tour.

Points to YMO and Goldie keeps them in a two horse race and a bit of a gap is starting to form, I ofc. am very grateful for the 12 to Gavin Bryars, which does nicely counterract the 12 to Negativland in the votes prior to ensure both longer entries remain on a similar footing.

Not long to go now, Thomas Newman next to be revealed, a shot in the dark...

Posted by: Jade 17th February 2024, 07:40 PM

Thanks for the points, Bjork the other Björk only just missed out on my votes in 11th, a reliably great artist

Posted by: King Rollo 17th February 2024, 07:41 PM

It looks like I was right in predicting a close finish to this.

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 07:42 PM

Fair enough at Bjork [sic] entering his namesake Can't really go wrong with a Björk pick, good stuff as usual from her

Posted by: jimwatts 17th February 2024, 07:42 PM

Thank you Bjork for the 10 points!

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 07:46 PM

Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise - Jester

68; Goldie – Inner City Life
67; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
52; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
46; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) (JulianT)
42; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover (Ansel)
42; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) (awardinary)
41; Negativland - Helter Stupid
41; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat)
40; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
39; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
36; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
36; Björk – Unravel (björk)
33; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
30; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
26; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
20; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver
19; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)
18; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise (Jester)

By far our shortest entry now at just 1:24, Jester sent this cut from cult 1980s film, The Lost Boys soundtrack, 'a fairground organ track...very unusual but it works' which does paint a classic sinister fairground vibe, I've never seen the movie myself but I do want to. Sadly, the song isn't shocking the scoreboard much and he inadvertantly knocks himself to last oops x

But hello, yet another 12 to Goldie, PSBs snubs have now opened up a 15 point gap between the top 2 as we enter the last six votes, next to come a fellow languisher, with one of the most well known suurealism pieces here, Primus

Posted by: Jester 17th February 2024, 07:48 PM

Oops last now

On the plus side, I have points!

Posted by: Popchartfreak 17th February 2024, 07:48 PM

Curious to see who entered YMO - I actually never knew that song was theirs! I went mad on a Greg Philinganes synth-dance cover of it in 1984/5 with added lyrics (and then got annoyed by a mundane hit cover by Eric Clapton a couple of years later). Fab tune.

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 07:49 PM

Quite liked the sound of the Thomas Newman track but alas far too short to really leave that strong of an impression oops!

(Autechre are way too low in the scoreboard now btw but still all quite close so could change a lot with just a few votes ofc)

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 07:52 PM

Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver – WhoOdyssey

68; Goldie – Inner City Life
67; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
52; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
48; Negativland - Helter Stupid
47; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat)
47; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
46; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) (JulianT)
44; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover (Ansel)
42; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) (awardinary)
42; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
40; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
40; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
36; Björk – Unravel (björk)
36; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
31; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi
29; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)
20; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver (WhoOdyssey)
19; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise (Jester)

First time in the contest, Whoddy sent this experimental rock song from 1991. The song tells the stories of two characters, Jerry, an ill-fated race car driver who collides with a telephone pole while driving intoxicated (hence the use of "was", in the title) and Captain Pearce, a retired fireman. It's unorthodox delivery, instrumentation and backing is memorable and helped to establish the band as one of the more irreverent and quirky acts out there, critics frequently find their music touch to categorise, with 'funk metal' coming closest but not being embraced by the band. They are probably best known in some circles for doing the theme to South Park.

Primus sadly hasn't took off as much, but his votes do make the middle of the top 10 look very, very close, yet it remains a two horse race at the top, though none benefit from points here. Let's see if the sender of Benyamin S in the Inn of the Dawn House changes that.

Posted by: jimwatts 17th February 2024, 07:56 PM

ooh another silver, thanks Whoddy!

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 07:56 PM

First time I've heard an actual song from Primus, I only knew them from doing the South Park theme, interesting to discover their vocals do in fact always sound like that (song was pretty good though, grew on me on second listen).

Wonder who could possibly have sent the Indonesian song

Posted by: Jade 17th February 2024, 07:57 PM

Thanks Whoddy (oops at being in the bottom 5 though *_*)

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 08:00 PM

Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi – Cow P

79; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
78; Goldie – Inner City Life
53; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) (JulianT)
52; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
50; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
48; Negativland - Helter Stupid
47; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat)
47; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
46; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
44; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover (Ansel)
42; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) (awardinary)
41; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
41; Björk – Unravel (björk)
38; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
31; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi (Cow P)
29; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)
24; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver (WhoOdyssey)
22; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise (Jester)

Cow P sent the Indonesian entry, shocker right x An intriguing entry indeed though, he has wrote eloquently of it 'lyrics sound just a little bit nonsensical: It talks about Efendi who was eating smokey rice with anchovies, the rhymes are mostly A-A-A-A; it didn't sound like the typical '70 Indonesian pop/rock hits at all'. It is actually fairly relevant in online discussions as possibly being the inspiration to ABBA'S Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight), released one year after this in 1979 and sounding pretty similar indeed, but this is disputed and yet to be confirmed.

Cow makes things interesting though as the top 2 are both given a boost up to make them near uncatchable by Electric Prunes or PSBs, he also ensures everyone makes the 20 point barrier at least x

Time to unmask the true craziness in this edition though, who sent Negativland?

Posted by: Jade 17th February 2024, 08:03 PM

Thanks for the points, Cow P

I came 3rd with Yellow Magic Orchestra in Club Bizarre before so would be cool if they got another medal!

Posted by: King Rollo 17th February 2024, 08:04 PM

It seems to be a two horse race now. I'm rooting for Yellow Magic Orchestra.

Posted by: Jester 17th February 2024, 08:07 PM

I’d be happy with either winner now.

And to not be last, please.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 08:08 PM

Negativland - Helter Stupid - !!!

79; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
78; Goldie – Inner City Life
57; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
55; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat)
54; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
53; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) (JulianT)
53; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams
50; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
50; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
48; Negativland - Helter Stupid (!!!)
44; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover (Ansel)
42; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) (awardinary)
42; Björk – Unravel (björk)
41; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
36; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi (Cow P)
35; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)
31; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver (WhoOdyssey)
22; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise (Jester)

I am ever so pleased !!! decided to grace us with her presence here as I figured she would have something that would fit in nicely if her BJSC entries are anything to go by x She didn't write a lot about it, but it is possibly the most standout and striking entry here, the 18 minute long cut from the 1989 album of the same name, which is a concept album focused on the media coverage of a hoax formulated by the band claiming that "Christianity Is Stupid" from their previous album, Escape from Noise, had inspired David Brom to murder his family in Rochester, Minnesota, as well as other moral panics related to popular music. The track is almost entirely made up of news clippings from a San Francisco news program, as well as Rev. Estus Pirkle (further samples from If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do?, as used in "Christianity Is Stupid"), an interview with Charles Manson, and "Helter Skelter" by The Beatles (in reference to the Helter Skelter theory of the Tate–LaBianca murders). Made entirely of sound collages and plunderphonics, it is one of the most distinctive pieces of music I've heard and deservedly doing very well here x

!!! does not trouble the top 2, but 3rd is up for grabs as Gavin Bryars and Godley and Creme benefit the most with just seven points separating the top 9. We are running a tad late (sorry x) but let's go now to the most recent 12 receipients, Thinking Fellers Union Local 282

Posted by: Jade 17th February 2024, 08:10 PM

Oh so it was !!! behind my favourite, really standout piece thanks for the points!

Posted by: jimwatts 17th February 2024, 08:13 PM

Thanks !!!

Posted by: King Rollo 17th February 2024, 08:15 PM

Thanks to WhoOdyssey and !!! for getting me up to third place.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 08:17 PM

Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams - Brer

81; Goldie – Inner City Life
80; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask
62; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
61; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
59; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) (JulianT)
57; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
57; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat)
56; Negativland - Helter Stupid (!!!)
54; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
53; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams (Brer)
51; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
47; Björk – Unravel (björk)
44; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover (Ansel)
42; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) (awardinary)
36; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi (Cow P)
35; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)
31; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver (WhoOdyssey)
22; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise (Jester)

This very long named band were active in 1986 and have a small cult following to this day, they are said to 'combine lo-fi noise rock and ambient sounds (referred to as "Feller filler") with tightly constructed rock and pop songs.' Cup of Dreams is an array of sounds and whirling guitars and is a wonderful fit for this edition.

Brer is one of many in the fray for a possible good position at the end in the mid top 10, he gives small points to both of the top 2 though and crucially puts Goldie ahead with one point separating them with two votes left. You can probably see what I'm doing now but they will now both be revealed as the scoreboard freezes to see who comes out on top and I can reveal they both pointed each other

Which cat's getting the cream? Goldie's sender coming in the next post.

Posted by: Jade 17th February 2024, 08:18 PM

Bré saving the day with a big boost thank you, 10 points is the most I've had all night *.* really liked your entry too!

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 08:24 PM

Goldie – Inner City Life – Addy!

So yes, it was Addy that somehow got away with sent one of the most distinctive dance tracks of the 1990s, he has described it as 'the song fuses the breakbeats and basslines common in jungle with orchestral textures and soul vocals.' Inner City Life, despite only peaking at 39 in the UK, was an early precursor and innovator of it's genre and remains a very well thought of track of the 1990s that may not sound experimental now, but was a huge influence on the genre's developing. Indeed with both this and A Guy Called Gerald being entered, Buzzjack clearly needs jungle *.* (I hope someone gets that reference, you'll be my friend x)

Alas, Addy will probably be sad to see he has moved YMO ahead of him but just by three points, if dandy* gives it four or more, it has won, it's a nailbiting finish as we look at who is (ahem) Behind the Mask of our last entry...

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 08:24 PM

(oops I've lost everyone x)

Posted by: Jade 17th February 2024, 08:27 PM

The BJSC session has 18 participants so I think people are failing to multi-task

...however, not me Addy thanks for top marks!! I did hope you'd be a fan after the winner prediction

Posted by: dandy* 17th February 2024, 08:29 PM

dandy* decides!

or ????

Posted by: King Rollo 17th February 2024, 08:30 PM

I think Dandy will give more than three points to Goldie.

Posted by: Popchartfreak 17th February 2024, 08:31 PM

I make it 3 on equal 64 points in 3rd, so dandy gets to decide quite a lot right now...!

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 08:36 PM

Yellow Magic Orchestra – Behind the Mask – dandy*



One of the key electronic innovators of the 1970s who were 'really pushing boundaries for what music could sound like in the 1970s.' Indeed the second time they've been entered to a contest I'm hosting following Club Bizarre last year and I've thoroughly enjoyed getting more acquainted with them. Behind the Mask was written by Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto for a 1978 television commercial for Seiko watches, and in the 1980s Michael Jackson recorded a version with further lyrics and melodies added, though no royalty arrangement could be agreed so it was left off Thriller, though other artists have since tried recording it and an updated remix was used on the 2010 posthumous album.

84; Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask (dandy*)
82; Goldie – Inner City Life (Addy!)
75; Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade)
67; The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) (JulianT)
67; Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo)
64; Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak)
64; Negativland - Helter Stupid (!!!)
64; Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo)
62; Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold)
61; Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat)
58; Gina X Performance - Nice Mover (Ansel)
55; Björk – Unravel (björk)
54; Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) (awardinary)
53; Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams (Brer)
42; Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi (Cow P)
37; The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts)
33; Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver (WhoOdyssey)
22; Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise (Jester)

Just a point to Goldie means that by the narrowest of margins, YMO are your winners Congrats on your first gold medal, D* and a great song to boot even if it didn't quite make my votes. Dandy's votes ensures there is still quite a stacked closeness in the top 10 and the scoreboard will be revealed in the next post, and Autechre just casually vaulting up to 3rd after 24 points in two votes

Posted by: Popchartfreak 17th February 2024, 08:44 PM

Thanks for organising and fab hosting Chez! Well done dandy* a worthy winner and a worthy 2nd for Goldie too, and my other fave at 4th pretty good for a 60's entry. PSB's exceeded expectations so thanks for the points, and thanks all for entering a varied bunch!

Posted by: Jade 17th February 2024, 08:44 PM

OMG not all three of my biggest fans showing up right at the end and catapulting me to 3rd?! Incredible scenes I did think this had the potential to do well but lost all hope when languishing down low for so long absolutely chuffed with that, especially as my last entry performed quite poorly so yay for improving a lot this time!

Congrats Dandy I already knew this one pre-contest (see: my comment in the song thread about randomly getting it on shuffle the night before the entries were revealed x) - you can never really go wrong with a bit of Yellow Magic Orchestra <3 like I said earlier, 'RYDEEN' took me all the way to 3rd in the past too so I'm glad the forum appreciates them.

Thanks Chez for your wonderful hosting flair and a brilliant theme, so many keepers from this edition

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 08:45 PM

Final Scoreboard (hopefully this is the right method for breaking ties lol x)



01. Yellow Magic Orchestra - Behind the Mask (dandy*) - 84 Points
02. Goldie – Inner City Life (Addy!) - 82 Points
03. Autechre - Second Bad Vilbel (Jade) - 75 Points
04. The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) (JulianT) - 67 Points (13 voters)
05. Godley & Creme - I Pity Inanimate Objects (King Rollo) - 67 Points (8 Voters)
06. Meteor Seven - Signs Of Life (Dobbo) - 64 Points (12 Voters)
07. Pet Shop Boys - The Sound of the Atom Splitting (Popchartfreak) - 64 Points (11 Voters)
08. Negativland - Helter Stupid (!!!) - 64 Points (7 Voters)
09. Th' Faith Healers - Reptile Smile (AH Gold) - 62 Points
10. Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet (Chez Wombat) - 61 Points

11. Gina X Performance - Nice Mover (Ansel) - 58 Points
12. Björk – Unravel (björk) - 55 Points
13. Cybotron – Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix) (awardinary) - 54 Points
14. Thinking Fellers Union Local 282 - Cup Of Dreams (Brer) - 53 Points
15. Benyamin S ft. Ida Royani - Bul Bul Efendi (Cow P) - 42 Points
16. The Jesus & Mary Chain – Upside Down (jimwatts) - 37 Points
17. Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver (WhoOdyssey) - 33 Points
18. Thomas Newman – To The Shock of Miss Louise (Jester) - 22 Points

Posted by: dandy* 17th February 2024, 08:47 PM

Obviously I worked that out before the last post but YAY none-the-less... I love YMO, the album with Behind the Mask (and indeed Rydeen) is particularly wonderful

Sorry Addy! I do really like Inner City Life!

Posted by: Jester 17th February 2024, 08:50 PM

Last again (2 out of 4 contests I’ve entered).

I’ll take the hint!

Great winner though Dandy, well deserved.

Posted by: King Rollo 17th February 2024, 08:51 PM

Thanks dandy* for the 10 points and congratulations for winning the contest with a wonderful song by Yellow Magic Orchestra.

I Pity Inanimate Objects got mainly big scores or nothing at all so thanks to all those who appreciated its oddness. I'm very pleased with a top 5 place.

Thanks Chez for hosting, this was a great theme that produced some very interesting entries.

Posted by: Addy! 17th February 2024, 09:00 PM

Omg that was amazing reveal.

Congrats Dandy, much deserved winner than Goldie (I was aware of being borderline cheap lol), but in all seriousness so happy with 2nd placement…also for keeping Top 10 placement for all 5 contests so far <3

So happy Jade managed to jump Top 3 as well, that was amazing discovery.

And Chez, amazing job hosting and wonderful theme <3

Posted by: jimwatts 17th February 2024, 09:30 PM

The first winner of these retro contests not to have spent at least 4 weeks in the Top 75 congrats dandy*

Hard luck Addy for coming so close - 'Inner City Life' is a classic, I had to debate how many points to give it alongside new discoveries and halfway between 0-12 felt about right, though the winning song didn't quite make my votes, so my vote as a whole didn't change the outcome.

My prediction was correct - so my 2nd/4th/6th/11th/16th place finishes in retro contests collection is complete. Nothing unlucky about this though, I only have myself to blame for not properly thinking through whether enough people would want to vote for my entry. Hope it hasn't put anyone off JAMC, I did consider instead sending 'The Hardest Walk' which has a toned-down sound but would probably still pass as experimental, and is my favourite track from Psychocandy - though as I mentioned that album in this forum recently I thought I'd better not send it, but guess I wouldn't have been the most identifiable entrant... so in summary I flopped quite badly here, but I'll come back.

Thank you Chez for the enjoyable hosting! (and apols for my lack of enthusiasm for your entry, all those 20+ minute BJSC entries have not done wonders for my patience it seems )

Posted by: Chez Wombat 17th February 2024, 11:02 PM

Thank you all very much for following and the kind words! I'm sorry my timing went a bit over at the end, but these things always dominate my evenings (or maybe I'm a perfectionist idk x)

I didn't vote for either of the top 2, but there wasn't a single song I didn't enjoy here to some extent so I just liked them a bit less than the songs in my votes. I did want to reward those that really sounded off the wall and odd as they fit the theme the most, and I'm really pleased to see the likes of Godley and Creme (forgot to acknowledge that 12 swap *.) and Negativland finish in the top half as they were great discoveries.

I'm very happy with 10th for myself (and only a few points away from 6th!), I'm just really glad I got to share this song somehow and it went down so much better than I hoped. I would highly recommend the 1001 songs... book/playlist on Spotify if you don't already know it and are interested in exploring further experimental music, it partly inspired this theme (there's an additional 48 minute song for you to enjoy )

Looking forward to whatever the next theme is here x

Posted by: Brer 17th February 2024, 11:12 PM

Sorry I went silent at the end, I am indeed incapable of multitasking xx

Stopped reading just before getting my only 12 thanks very much !!! and that's an especially proud gold to get based on your comment at the end of your votes! Also loved your entry of course, that was another one I was very much looking forward to seeing who was behind it although in retrospect I definitely should have known it was yours immediately lmao. Alas snubbed by the rest of the votes after that and collapsed back to the bottom 5 but still my 2nd most successful entry (by points and jointly by position relative to last lol, I've been bottom 5 in 4 out of 5 contests but 5th from last in two of those x), so could be worse. Thanks also to Julian for the bronze medal and Ansel, Jester, Chez, Jade, John, Whoddy, Jim, Cow and Rollo for the other points (was a bit of a 4 magnet x).

I did give low points to both of the top 2 there, ranked Goldie slightly higher of the two but I do actually prefer to see YMO winning for feeling a bit more fitting to the theme (although I didn't like this song quite as much as 'Rydeen', still good though), many congrats to Dandy for a first win. Very pleased that there was a big last minute surge to the top 3 for Autechre though *.* and great to see The Electric Prunes in the top 5 as well, plus Pet Shop Boys, Negativland and Th' Faith Healers all lining up just inside the top half!

I didn't really put too much effort into finding my own entry, was just a case of searching the word 'experimental' on /r/listentothis and listening to the first few results but yeah, I found one I was happy to send pretty quickly from that search, a somewhat unorthodox structure feat. ear candy guitars + 2 different nice vocal sections, what's not to love x

Thanks Chez for hosting, was a very fun edition

Posted by: Bjork 18th February 2024, 07:49 AM

oh thought the reveal was gonna be next week

really liked the winner, was one nice discovery

Posted by: Bjork 18th February 2024, 09:46 AM

very sad Unravel didn't do better
might not be Bjork are her most experimental
but it's one of her most beautiful songs
actually Thom Yorke from Radiohead I think he said it's his favourite song ever

love how the second verse is exactly same lyrics as the first verse, not many songs can pull that (Mr Brightside, Ben Howard-Oats in the water)
also love how she pronounces "heart" in the 2nd verse, rolling the r so strong

The lyrics are beyond incredible also about how distance causes heartbreak because you miss the person

Posted by: JulianT 18th February 2024, 10:11 AM

Just caught up… woopI’ve been pretty terrible at these contests so far so delighted with 4th! Pleased to have been the 60s psychedelic representation in this. Thanks for all the votes and especially John for the maximum. That’s my first Top 10 despite there having been fewer than 20 participants in most of them.

Thanks to Chez for the brilliant hosting, and sorry I didn’t point Gavin. I thought it would be incredibly moving as part of an art installation but not so much one to listen to at home.

Many congratulations dandy*. The Yellow Magic Orchestra track was a stonkerand my favourite of the top 3, though Godley & Crème was my favourite of all!

Posted by: dandy* 18th February 2024, 10:44 AM

I know I don’t really host things any longer but I think I will actually try to do so for the next round of this. It’s comparatively low in participation so should be more feasible for me to do it

Posted by: King Rollo 18th February 2024, 12:20 PM

This is the updated league table after five contests. Addy extends his lead from four to five points.

1 34 Addy!
2 29 dandy*
3 23 King Rollo
3 23 Jade
5 21 jimwatts
6 20 Dobbo
7 17 Bjork
7 17 AH Gold
9 15 Popcharfreak
10 12 Jester
10 12 Chez Wombat
12 9 Ansel
13 8 awardinary
14 7 danG
14 7 JulianT
16 6 ClaudiaKinkleman
17 4 fiesta
17 4 Roba
19 3 !!!
20 2 gooddelta
20 2 Brer

Posted by: AH Gold 18th February 2024, 03:29 PM

Finally catching up - congrats dandy! I was never that keen on the Eric Clapton version but hearing the YMO version was a nice surprise.

Very happy with 9th place. I did think some would be surprised it was me who sent Th' Faith Healers. And a 12 from Bre! Which I'm certain is the first time this has ever happened!

Looking forward to the next one

Posted by: awardinary 18th February 2024, 05:14 PM

This contest theme was not the most suited for me. I appreciate being able to take part and I hope my entry by Cybotron was not deemed cheap (based on a popular sample that came AFTER this original release) or not experimental enough, but most of the songs just weren’t for me I’m afraid. I applaud those who really thought outside the box, especially the winner from dandy, but I hope maybe the next theme will be a little more interesting.

Thank you Chez for hosting too.

Posted by: JulianT 19th February 2024, 04:46 PM

LOL I love you Wardy but you can really be very scathing without meaning to be sometimes! x

It was a brilliant and inspired theme choice - it just didn’t generate music that was to everyone’s taste. But that’s much better than us all sending different variations on 90s dance every time. Long may the challenging themes continue I say!

Posted by: Dobbo 20th February 2024, 11:49 AM

Congrats dandy, really nice entry that grew after a few listens and had it in my head a fair bit post-voting. A more fitting winner than Goldie perhaps despite my slight preference for the latter, I assume that just landed on the right side of the veto line unlike my first attempt of Voodoo Ray (a fair enough veto which I didn't even think to check whether it had charted before). Can't at all complain about the performance of my eventual entry however, one I had tucked away in my potentials playlist for a little while now.

Would have liked to see Gina X & Benyamin a bit higher, the latter especially was clear highlight to me

Always enjoy a Chez hosted contest, a fine job once again!

Posted by: awardinary 26th March 2024, 10:17 PM

When does the next one of these come around again?

Posted by: King Rollo 27th March 2024, 12:10 AM

It's likely to be in May.

Posted by: King Rollo 1st May 2024, 04:20 PM

I've just been listening to a programme about one of the songs from this contest on BBC Sounds. If anyone wants to hear the full story behind Chez's entry, Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet by Gavin Bryars, the link is here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001y2j5