I hope people will do their reviews... it's a real shame for the compilers if you don't bother. :(

Mine should be done in the morning.... Although the person who has mine and the person who's I've got (99% sure) are both yet to post their reviews....

I know who's got mine and they really should pull their finger out and get down to reviewing it.

Don't care if they don't like it, just any review would be fine.

I'd at least like to see a sentence for each song for mine, just so I can see if people made any worthwhile discoveries. Regardless though, I'll post up the tracklisting after the deadline.

I'd at least like to see a sentence for each song for mine, just so I can see if people made any worthwhile discoveries. Regardless though, I'll post up the tracklisting after the deadline.

Same here. Although if anyone wants a go at reviewing it after the deadline has passed and it isn't reviewed then would I have any volunteers?

You'd know who it was from but you wouldn't know what the tracks are...

The deadline for this is next Thursday so I will have my review written up and posted hopefully over the weekend - maybe Monday evening.

Same here. Although if anyone wants a go at reviewing it after the deadline has passed and it isn't reviewed then would I have any volunteers?

You'd know who it was from but you wouldn't know what the tracks are...

I didn't take part so haven't done a review. I'll review yours if the recipient doesn't. However, I hope the actual recipient does review it as that is supposed to be the whole point of this.

However, I hope the actual recipient does review it as that is supposed to be the whole point of this.

I really hope this too.

^^

 

This was mine, thanks for the review! I think I posted in the other thread that whoever got mine may have a tough job reviewing it as I’d say this is probably the most difficult compilation I’ve submitted to date. The idea for this began when I was stood waiting for a friend in town and I started to look at the posters all over the opposite wall and the different layers of posters peeking through from behind the newer ones and the disjointed images that this resulted in... so I decided I was going to try and do a similar thing with the playlist and create something where the tracks have a certain layering to them with aspects peeking through but struggling to come to the fore (hence the cover). It didn’t quite work out though, it was FAR too bleak so I added in some more organic sounding tracks to balance it out, which in the end was probably a relief as I think they’re the ones you preferred. Anyway, enough waffle and background, these were the songs:

 

Fly Postings:

 

01: Smoke Fairies: Something New

One of the additions to at least give the whole thing a comparatively warm welcome. First discovered these on the Rough Trade compilation last year, seem like a promising group to me.

 

02: O’Death: Bugs

I love this and totally agree with you that it should be longer, this was a Pitchfork discovery and I can’t vouch for their other material... this one is wonderful though, especially the rhythmic sections between the vocals.

 

03: How To Dress Well: Decisions (feat. Yuksel Arslan)

This is the first survivor from the original playlist, I really love this track. Thought it may have been one you would have liked so it’s a shame it didn’t click for you.

 

04: Mus.sck: Happiness is the Best Face Lift

At the time of compiling I was listening to the Nihon Kizuna charity album for Japan quite a bit, a very abstract and electronic compilation. This seemed like a perfect track to use as a transition.

 

05: The Weeknd: High For This

One of the best albums of the year for me, it can be downloaded for free from their site too. This is the opening track and is pretty typical of the rest so you probably wouldn’t be interested if you didn’t like this.

 

06: Clams Casino: Real $h!t From a Real n****

This is one that was missing by the sounds of it. Similar in styling to the last track but without any vocals. Again their album/mixtape is a free download and this is one of the high points for me.

 

07: Hood: Any Hopeful Thoughts Arrive

This is one that is a few years old now. I can’t even remember now how I discovered it, I think someone may have recommended it on a forum. It’s gradually grown on me over the years and thought I’d try to pass it on to someone else. Another that I thought you may like as I think it’s quite 90s indie in spirit.

 

08: Björk: Vökuró

The vocal is indeed quite the giveaway! Often my favourite track of hers, this is from Medúlla which is often considered her most difficult studio album - I love the choral nature of this, I regard it as one of the most beautiful tracks I own.

 

09: Lauren Pritchard: Painkillers (Flotilla Remix)

I am quite a fan of Flotilla and I think they do wonders with this track. It’s a lazy comparison but I think they make it worthy of being akin to a Massive Attack track.

 

10: Rudi Zygadlo: Perdu

Another track from the Nihon Kizuna album. I agree it’s a bit weird but it stuck in my head quite a lot at the time. It seemed to fit the mood while being a tiny bit light hearted.

 

11: The Braids: Plath Heart

Awwww, shame you thought this was dull. I really enjoy this, one of my favourite songs of the year to date.

 

12: Holden: Quiet Drumming Interlude / Mus.sck: Happiness is the Best Face Lift

More interlude stuff really, the second half of the Mus.sck track but it didn’t flow from Plath Heart without tagging on another song before it, I opted for one of the interludes on Holden’s amazing The Idiots Are Winning album.

 

13: White Sea: Cannibal Love (School of Seven Bells Remix)

YAY! Glad you found at least a couple of things you enjoyed. I don’t know a lot about White Sea but I do love School of Seven Bells and discovered this while searching for them. It’s quite typical of them and I think their remix really suits the vocal styling of the original.

 

14: Fixers: Crystals

A track from their current EP, ‘Here Comes 2001 So Let's All Head For The Sun’. Glad you liked it, you’d probably approve of the whole EP I think.

 

15: Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson & Sigur Rós: Angels of the Universe

Quite the change in style! Oddly I could have actually made this about 3 minutes shorter as it’s a combination of three pieces from the Angels of the Universe soundtrack. I really love the music, it is obviously more classical in composition and probably does sound out of place here... I just liked the patch of calm halfway through the album, plus the bass and drums contrasting the strings fitted my original theme.

 

16: EMA: Claifornia

This is quite the grower for me, I’d recommend her album if you do find that you end up enjoying this track.

 

17: Forest Swords: Rattling Cage

More contrasting and jarring sounds. The original playlist was full of lots of things like this.

 

18: Son Lux: Rising

I’m rather liking the Sun Lux album. This is probably the most OTT track on it but the jarring styles are typical of the sound, I have a soft spot for this sort of thing... glad it all sort of came together for you by the end.

 

19: Melanie: Lay Down/Candles In The Rain

By far the oldest track here. Strangely, I received a track by her on my compilation too! This is my favourite track of hers (but it has to be this version which I think is live)... the gospel elements are just joyous.

 

20: Patrick Wolf: Paris

Another survivor from the original playlist... this is from his debut album and is more industrial than his later material. The sudden electro elements seemed to fit the idea of something more beautiful trying to push through to the fore.

 

21: Kiss Kiss Fantastic: Dancing and Disintegrating

I assume this one didn’t download either as you appear to have Patrick as your last track. A shame as I think you’d like this one! It’s a 2 minute sweet indie/folk track and would probably have made a better final track for you.

I had no idea whether you would enjoy this or not when I saw that you had received it (although to be fair, I’m not sure who exactly would aside from me!) but I’m really chuffed that you gave it a fair shot and found it interesting. I do accept that it was potentially quite a difficult listen, I hope it wasn’t too much of a trial to review and that you’ll at least keep the few that you enjoyed - even if you scrap the exceedingly bizarre ones!!! :D

 

Thanks for the track information Dandy. I'm surprised I didn't pick up on School of Seven Bells on track 13, given how much I loved their album from last year. If their other remixes are up to that standard, then I might be a very happy bunny.

 

I just found tracks 6 & 21 in the folder. They mustn't have transfered over to my iTunes for some reason :???: I've had a chance to listen to them. I didn't like track 6, but track 21 is glorious, it's very Nick Drake-y, which I like. I will begin adding the updated track info, but I think I will keep your artwork, given how glorious it is.

Whoever has Let's Pretend It's Sunday will get one! My laptop charger has BROKEN, so I can't access any MP3s, so I'm only listening to CDs right now. I have listened to the CD though, just not even started with the review yet (and can't for the time being)

Children's Party Time - The Ultimate Kids Party Album

 

With a title like that I wasn't really sure what to expect, however I would've been surprised if the music did match the description.....

 

 

01 - A female piano led ballad. She has a lovely voice, and the lyrics are great too. For a type of song I wouldn't normally listen to, I really like this! 8/10

 

02 - This one isn't too bad, it's a pleasant enough listen but it seems to go too close to country for me to like it a lot, I think it's her voice mainly. 4/10

 

03 - TV on the Radio 'Will Do' - It's a good song that I've known for a while but I managed to get bored of it reasonably quickly, there are better songs on the album. 7/10

 

04 - Another one I quite like, although at 5 minutes it could may be a bit shorter. I think the vocal is great, it suits the electronic music perfectly. 7/10

 

05 - Oh I really like this one. It's a bit folky and reminds me quite a bit of the few Stornoway songs I heard last year (maybe it's them), a very catchy chorus but definitely not one I could ever see grating. 9/10

 

06 - Oh Land 'White Nights' - I assume this is the original version of the remix that Dandy* sent to the last Unknown Pleasures, it's OK but I think the remix had a bit more edge to it, IIRC I gave it points but not many, 2-4? 6/10

 

07 - I'm liking this one too, a good acoustic song. I could see myself liking this artist quite a bit. 8/10

 

08 - I don't like his voice at all, it ruins what would be an alright song. 2/10

 

09 - This sounds like it could be from any point of the last 30 years such are the influences, it sounds ver electronic 80s in places but could also have been from the less guitar-led end of Britpop, I do quite like it though. 7/10

 

10 - The Sounds 'Better Off Dead' - This would be a much better song if Maja sung all of it, I don't like the male vocals. 6/10

 

11 - This is a great little pop song, just the right length and a decent voice, very good. 8/10

 

12 - Another song which I'm liking, a great instrumental with a lot going on, and lots of "oooh"s , unlike a lot of songs with lots of repetitive vocals this isn't grating at all. 8/10

 

13 - This sounds like typical rock band going a bit pop that I don't like much! 2/10

 

14 - The music on this is something that Feist would've put on 'The Reminder', I do like this, an uplifing pop song which is a releif after the rubbish that preceeded it.

 

15 - SX 'Black Video - I gave this 10 in the recent BJSC behind Bon Iver, I think this is a great song. 9/10

 

16 - Another pop song I really like - I wish this were the type of pop song that became successful, on that's got a decent amount going on and is clearly all the composers work, it reminds me of a more accessible Bat for Lashes. It's possibly European? 9/10

 

17 - The Vaselines 'Sex With An X' - I downloaded this last year when it was a single, it never really grew on me though, but it sounds better now, although that could be because this mp3 is much better quality. 7/10

 

18 - Acid House Kings 'Would You Say Stop?' - This was in the recent Haven version of Unknown Pleasures which is why I know it. I can't have paid much attention to it at the time as I didn't vote for it but I like it more than the majority of the songs I can remember! 8/10

 

19 - Another good song, I'm running out of things to say now without repeating myself.... :lol: Another one I'm liking quite a bit though. 7/10

 

20 - Best Coast 'Each and Every Day' - I adore Best Coast :wub: 9/10

 

With four songs from the recent Haven contest (including his own entry) as well as the recent Batidas BJSC song I'd be very surprised if this compilation wasn't made by Hitstastic! With a Hits compilation I don't think you ever know what to expect, it could be full of BSBSTCLUB 'Britney's (or whatever the terrible thing was called) but there was very few songs on it I didn't like, and it made for a very enjoyable listen. I did know a few, but not many!

You know, if Dandy wouldn't mind, I wouldn't say no to receiving his CD link (please?). It's about time I started attempting to do credible music.

I haven't forgotten about the review, it's just been a crayzaayy month. And i know it'd take me quite long to write it down. Will do it on monday or tuesday. Woo.

You know, if Dandy wouldn't mind, I wouldn't say no to receiving his CD link (please?). It's about time I started attempting to do credible music.

Of course you may... although I'm not sure it's the best starter!

Thanks for the track information Dandy. I'm surprised I didn't pick up on School of Seven Bells on track 13, given how much I loved their album from last year. If their other remixes are up to that standard, then I might be a very happy bunny.

 

I just found tracks 6 & 21 in the folder. They mustn't have transfered over to my iTunes for some reason :???: I've had a chance to listen to them. I didn't like track 6, but track 21 is glorious, it's very Nick Drake-y, which I like. I will begin adding the updated track info, but I think I will keep your artwork, given how glorious it is.

Excellent, I thought you may enjoy Kiss Kiss Fantastic. Plus the single chime is a far better ending that Patrick, I agree!

 

I really must investigate their other material actually...

Children's Party Time - The Ultimate Kids Party Album

 

With a title like that I wasn't really sure what to expect, however I would've been surprised if the music did match the description.....

01 - A female piano led ballad. She has a lovely voice, and the lyrics are great too. For a type of song I wouldn't normally listen to, I really like this! 8/10

 

02 - This one isn't too bad, it's a pleasant enough listen but it seems to go too close to country for me to like it a lot, I think it's her voice mainly. 4/10

 

03 - TV on the Radio 'Will Do' - It's a good song that I've known for a while but I managed to get bored of it reasonably quickly, there are better songs on the album. 7/10

 

04 - Another one I quite like, although at 5 minutes it could may be a bit shorter. I think the vocal is great, it suits the electronic music perfectly. 7/10

 

05 - Oh I really like this one. It's a bit folky and reminds me quite a bit of the few Stornoway songs I heard last year (maybe it's them), a very catchy chorus but definitely not one I could ever see grating. 9/10

 

06 - Oh Land 'White Nights' - I assume this is the original version of the remix that Dandy* sent to the last Unknown Pleasures, it's OK but I think the remix had a bit more edge to it, IIRC I gave it points but not many, 2-4? 6/10

 

07 - I'm liking this one too, a good acoustic song. I could see myself liking this artist quite a bit. 8/10

 

08 - I don't like his voice at all, it ruins what would be an alright song. 2/10

 

09 - This sounds like it could be from any point of the last 30 years such are the influences, it sounds ver electronic 80s in places but could also have been from the less guitar-led end of Britpop, I do quite like it though. 7/10

 

10 - The Sounds 'Better Off Dead' - This would be a much better song if Maja sung all of it, I don't like the male vocals. 6/10

 

11 - This is a great little pop song, just the right length and a decent voice, very good. 8/10

 

12 - Another song which I'm liking, a great instrumental with a lot going on, and lots of "oooh"s , unlike a lot of songs with lots of repetitive vocals this isn't grating at all. 8/10

 

13 - This sounds like typical rock band going a bit pop that I don't like much! 2/10

 

14 - The music on this is something that Feist would've put on 'The Reminder', I do like this, an uplifing pop song which is a releif after the rubbish that preceeded it.

 

15 - SX 'Black Video - I gave this 10 in the recent BJSC behind Bon Iver, I think this is a great song. 9/10

 

16 - Another pop song I really like - I wish this were the type of pop song that became successful, on that's got a decent amount going on and is clearly all the composers work, it reminds me of a more accessible Bat for Lashes. It's possibly European? 9/10

 

17 - The Vaselines 'Sex With An X' - I downloaded this last year when it was a single, it never really grew on me though, but it sounds better now, although that could be because this mp3 is much better quality. 7/10

 

18 - Acid House Kings 'Would You Say Stop?' - This was in the recent Haven version of Unknown Pleasures which is why I know it. I can't have paid much attention to it at the time as I didn't vote for it but I like it more than the majority of the songs I can remember! 8/10

 

19 - Another good song, I'm running out of things to say now without repeating myself.... :lol: Another one I'm liking quite a bit though. 7/10

 

20 - Best Coast 'Each and Every Day' - I adore Best Coast :wub: 9/10

 

With four songs from the recent Haven contest (including his own entry) as well as the recent Batidas BJSC song I'd be very surprised if this compilation wasn't made by Hitstastic! With a Hits compilation I don't think you ever know what to expect, it could be full of BSBSTCLUB 'Britney's (or whatever the terrible thing was called) but there was very few songs on it I didn't like, and it made for a very enjoyable listen. I did know a few, but not many!

 

With four songs from the recent Haven contest (including his own entry) as well as the recent Batidas BJSC song I'd be very surprised if this compilation wasn't made by Hitstastic!

 

You would be 100% correct Mark. :D As soon as you announced which album you'd received, I pretty much knew then that you would know exactly who compiled this album. Here is the tracklisting:

 

 

01. Agnes Obel - Riverside

 

I absolutely adore this song and discovered this song via the Danish singles chart. It was also the song I chose to use in my very first BJSC contest and 'Riverside' was the winning entry. :wub:

 

02. Hooverphonic - Anger Never Dies

 

Hooverphonic were used in Havenvision but with a different song. This track is their most recent hit in Belguim. I've never associated Hooverphonic with country music but perhaps the style of this song makes you think that?

 

03. TV On The Radio - Will Do

 

Spot on. :D I was looking at hits from across Europe as the basis for this album. 'Will Do' caught my attention having seen the track peak at #4 in Portugal of all countries.

 

04. Arsenal - Mervin

 

Arsenal hail from Belguim and considering how long ago I compiled this, 'Melvin' finally made it into the top 10 in Flanders (Belguim) last week.

 

05. Avalanche City - Love Love Love

 

Avalanche City are a folk rock band from Auckland, New Zealand. This song went straight into the New Zealand singles at #1 a few months back.

 

06. Oh Land - White Nights

 

This is indeed the original version of 'White Nights' that Dandy* entered into UP. It made an appearance in Denmark's chart and upon checking out the track on YouTube I personally prefered this version to the remix even though I gave the remixed version some small points. :D

 

07. The Singing Adams - Bird On A Wing

 

My mate at work became a massive fan of The Broken Family Band after another lady who used to work at our company introduced us to this band. The lead singer, Steven Adams, formed The Singing Adams after TBFB split up last year. So to cut a long story short, my mate bought their debut album when it was released back in April and did me a copy. This is one of my fave tracks from the album.

 

08. Go Back To The Zoo - Electric

 

A track I discovered via The Netherlands chart. Not really much more I can add - it was one of my last minute additions just to make up the numbers. For anybody interested, "Go Back to the Zoo, also known as GBTTZ is a Dutch indie rock band, formed in Nijmegen by the two brothers Cas (vocals) and Teun Hieltjes (guitar), and Bram Kniest (drum)". Thank you Wikipedia. :D

 

09. Moke - Grace Of God

 

Another dutch band as you summed up perfectly well are influenced by probably every band in existence. :lol: This again has only just been released in The Netherlands.

 

10. The Sounds - Better Off Dead

 

My entry into Havenvision and almost my debut entry into BJSC (before settling with Agnes Obel). The band hail from Sweden but have proven to be a popular in Finland where I discovered this track via the Finnish singles chart.

 

11. Playmen & Claydee feat. Tamta - Together

 

Already been a big club hit in Greece, this is pretty decent. The music video to 'Together' is quite interesting to watch.

 

12. Goose - Synrise

 

If I'm not mistaken Goose won one of the original Unknown Pleasures on ChC. This is their most recent single that was released in Belguim.

 

13. Sunrise Avenue - Hollywood Hills

 

Currently a very popular track around Europe. They are very much "pop rock" but I couldn't compare their brand of "pop rock" to such greats (or should that be "grates"?) as Busted, Ultra and The Dum Dums who made rock music for teenyboppers. :lol:

 

14. Puggy - When You Know

 

I'm glad you enjoyed this as this was my last resort - the one track that I only included just to make a nice round 20 and didn't have a clue where the place the song in the tracklist. So I placed it here with no reasoning!!! :D

 

15. SX - Black Video

 

:wub: Discovered once again in the Flemmish Belguim singles chart, I checked out this track on YouTube and listening to 'Black Video', I really was quite captivated by the track. I ended up watching it about 3 times - hypnotic music. As you rightly pointed out, I entered this into BJSC expecting people to hate it purely because of the female vocals. I also think it's brilliant.

 

16. Fallulah - Out Of It

 

I believe grebo entered this into BJSC earlier this year. Fallulah actually hit #1 in her native Denmark with this track towards the beginning of the year. It is a brilliantly unique slice of pop music.

 

17. The Vaselines - Sex With An X

18. Acid House Kings - Would You Say Stop?

 

Both tracks taken from Havenvision and both tracks I really enjoyed. I guess when I compiled this, it was more intended to go to someone who didn't participate in either Havenvision or BJSC as these songs would already be well known. Oh well, it doesn't really matter as you enjoyed these tracks.

 

19. Ewert & The Two Dragons - (In The End) There's Only Love (183 bpm)

 

Of all countries' charts, I discovered this track in Latvia. Upon doing a little research, I've just discovered Ewert & The Two Dragons hail from Estonia. Now imagine these guys representing Estonia at Eurovision 2012. Then imagine Tyron's melodramatic uproar when they do well in the final. :D

 

20. Best Coast - Each And Everyday

 

Another track I quite liked from Havenvision and obviously therefore a track you already recognised.

 

With a Hits compilation I don't think you ever know what to expect, it could be full of BSBSTCLUB 'Britney's (or whatever the terrible thing was called) but there was very few songs on it I didn't like, and it made for a very enjoyable listen. I did know a few, but not many!

 

I'm glad you enjoyed this. I guess in your case, the worst case scenario would be a tracklist a load of songs that sounded like 'Britney' by BSBTRGDCLUB. Well, Notso Hampson liked it...in 2008. I bet even Ryan hates it now!!! :lol:

 

Oh, and in case you're wondering why the hell I called it "Children's Party Time" I was on the verge of falling asleep late one night and I just quickly came up with the silly title and did the artwork in about 3 minutes.

 

Finally, to whoever compiled "Half Arsed $h!te", your review will be posted Monday night. I'm gonna writ up my review over the weekend and give it another listen tomorrow afternoon.

does anyone need links to cds? i remember some requests a bit ago but i can't remember if i filled them or not

 

also, please post reviews people!! especially if someone has been kind enough to review yours. 200 words is not huge, most of the ones posted before have been much longer. this post itself is like 50 words already.

Half Arsed $h!te (Review)

01. The first track starts with some guitar feedback type effect before the drums kick in. This sounds like Ash? I actually like some of Ash’s hits but don’t think I’ve heard this before unless it’s not Ash but a band who sound similar. Loving the breakdown at 2:55 in the song. A great opening track to this compilation. 8/10

02. This track starts off with a male vocalist with what sounds like a pleasant folk rock type song. Then it suddenly picks up pace around 0:32 and synths and acoustic guitar get the song going. The track is interesting to listen to but his vocals grate slightly. I haven’t a clue who the singer is. The track being 6:01 means it seems to outstay its welcome. If the length of the track was somewhere between 3:30 and 4:00 then this would probably be a more tolerable listen. Just as I feel like I’m losing interest, the song suddenly reverts back to the style of the intro. Not as good as the opening track but ok. 5/10

03. Another acoustic guitar intro with a female vocalist this time. Reminds me of Natalie Imbruglia for some reason (maybe it is Natalie :D ). The style of the song is very uplifting and for some reason makes me think of Kate Bush material from the 80s. The chorus is a bit of a non event and passed me by without even noticing. Is the track called ‘Lukas’? Lyrically, this isn’t a million miles off ‘Luca’ by Susanne Vega. 8/10

04. Eerie sounding pop music next. I’m guessing this track is called ‘Twisted’? Can’t identify the female vocalist but it’s got an indie style about the song. It does get a bit samey towards the end and I found myself losing interest slightly. Still a good song overall. 7/10

05. A sutble piano opens the track leading to a choir. Oh, this is ‘Creep’ by Radiohead only done in a piano ballad style. I’m not sure if I’m liking this. :lol: I still have nightmares of hearing G4 performing ‘Creep’ on The X Factor – it just didn’t work. I can understand people trying to be different but it doesn’t always work successfully. Actually, this version is quite haunting as it’s progressing. The whole sound getting louder as it continues. Interesting, but in this case not in a bad way. 6/10

06. Now a completely different change of pace. This is much more uptempo pop rock sounding. Male vocals and definitely not in English. I’m guessing this is a Scandinavian rock group? Musically this track is pretty decent. Gotta love a “la la la laa” chorus – at least that’s what it sounds like to me anyways. Another good addition to this album. 7/10

07. This track follows on nicely from the previous track. For me, this isn’t as strong a song as track 6 was. I notice this is 5:45 in length and at nearly two minutes into the track, I’m a bit underwhelmed by this song. Again, I think this song would be better if it was shorter. Or it’d probably work better if the song built up over the first two minutes then had all the instrumental layers playing together for the last half of the song. Awkward ending but that’s probably down to how the cd was ripped. Least fave song so far. 4/10

08. Continuing with the uptempo indie/synth music with this track judging from the intro. Already liking this more than track 7 with its punchy female vocals. Reminds me of Republica but not sure if it’s actually them. At 2:55 it’s the shortest song so far but it also means it doesn’t seem to drag on forever. Good track but there’s been better already. 6/10

09. This sounds very Lily Allen/Lady Sovereign. “don’t worry if I don’t write rhymes, I write cheques”. :D Is this the song title? The track isn’t that bad actually. It just doesn’t really build much, just remains the same throughout the song. Ok though. 5/10

10. Now the compilation is moving more into dance territory. Decent club track with whispered female vocals and it’s a great song whatever it is. Some nice layered sounds in this track too. Listening to the lyrics I’m guessing it’s called ‘The Spirit Of It All’? Good addition. 8/10

11. Nalin & Kane – Beachball The first song I recognised once the track got going. An Ibiza anthem with its breezy sweeps and synth pads playing throughout. There are other well known Ibiza anthems I prefer to this but ‘Beachball’ is nonetheless a good dance track. 7/10

12. From Ibiza to chill out dance. Oh, this is ‘Silence’ by Sarah McLachlin? I loved the Delirium remix of ‘Silence’ that was a big hit back in 2000. I’m not liking this version anywhere as much though. :( 3/10

13. Moving on and this track sounds like a cross between RnB and country. Oh, this is Seal singing. Can’t mistake his vocals as they are so unique. Don’t know this song though. Interesting change to the song around 2:30 sounding like it’s going into a different song. Ah, and indeed it does. Hmm, this part of the song does actually sounds quite dated. In fact it sounds like ‘Crazy’ so I’m guessing this is a Seal track from the early 90s? A nice addition to this compilation and certainly not the type of artist I was expecting to hear after the previous few tracks. It was alright but I’ve preferred other songs from earlier on more than this. 6/10

14. From Seal to what sounds like a US rock band? The song is playing along but I’m not really getting any impact from the song itself. Nothing is grabbing my attention here. Well, the track finished but it just seemed all a bit limp and lifeless. I’ve forgotten how it went already. 2/10

15. The Corrs – Forgiven Not Forgotton An interesting choice of song following the borefest that preceded it. :lol: Also the second song I’ve recognised from the start. Personally, there are other song by The Corrs I prefer more compared to this but this is again a nice albeit surprising addition to the album. 7/10

16. Ah, this is definitely Kate Bush. Odd as I’d only been thinking of Kate Bush after I listened to track 3. Maybe this should’ve been track 4 instead. :D You can always rely on Kate Bush for some interesting and unique sounding pieces of music. I feel like I should know what this song is but I don’t. :o It’s very cool and quirky though. I suspect this is one of, if not the oldest tracks on this album? Even at 5:25 in length I find this song slightly captivating to listen to. It’s really quite wonderfully odd which can be a good thing. 7/10

17. From one quirky song to another. Bongo drums, dreamy female vocals and police sirens. It’s all happening in this track. :D The only downside is that the song doesn’t seem to be going anywhere even though it’s just 2 minutes long. Bizarrely this is the first song that I’ve felt should’ve been longer to really get into the song more. After one listen I’m unsure what I think of the song so I’ll give it nice 5/10 (I don’t love it, I don’t hate it)

18. Maybe I’m being far too harsh but this song is seriously depressing me. The style of song, the chord sequence, the whiney male vocals. It just sounds like a song full of woefulness. Especially after the uplifting pop from the beginning of the album then the Euphoric highs halfway through. I’m now being subjected to this? :lol: This really is woeful stuff but I’m going on the assumption that this really is meant to be verging on mournful. Personally I’m finding it a bit too mournful for its own good. 1/10

To conclude, the vast majority of this album has been very good and I’ve discovered some great tracks along the way. The highlights for me being tracks 1, 3 and 10. The less said about the closing track, the better. :P Other than that, it’s been an enjoyable listen covering all different genres successfully. I’m going to guess that Shoat created this compilation album.

I got the nicele titled "Diamonds in the Rough." Sorry for taking a while.

 

1. Kind of longish but I really learned to like this J-Pop song. It features quite an epic chorus. The vocalist is actually quite good. She has a real distinct tone to her voice that really shines through in the English portions of this song. It does sound a bit dated late 90s/early 00s? But given my music tastes this soooo isn't a problem. Quite an opener I have to say.

8.5/10

 

2. This is a nice poppy song. This is Lenka I believe yes? It's quite a simple song with a catchy chorus. I'd like more singing out of the singer especially since she does seem to have a good voice. Really love the chorus as its quite addicting.

8/10

 

3. This track opens with a short instrumental and an extremely distinct voice. I feel like i should know who this is but for some reason I just can't find it. I love how the vocals are extremely folksy and almost country in a way but the music is a bit more alternative/pop imo. the wooooohoooo's at the end are quite epic and and the end really reminds me a bit of Shakira.

9/10

 

4. This track has a very familiar sounding guitar and violin intro but I can't place it and the rest of the song isn't familiar at all to me. Really like the lyrics to this one. reminds me of a more upbeat Mumford and Sons. Folksy/rock/indie music isn't really my usual taste but i really should give it more of a chance haha I really enjoyed this short and sweet track.

9/10

 

5. This one starts with a peaceful sound of rain and then a low guitar and piano start a pretty forgettable voice starts the verse and moves into very James Morrison-ish chorus that cuts short into verse 2. I love that it builds the anticipation for the 2nd chorus which is full and goes into a lovely bridge. This song is quite epic once that second chorus hits

8/10

 

6. This I believe is an eastern European language track. It has a nice acoustic feel to it. I really like the verses but am left wanting more from the chorus. It's a nice enough track though.

7/10

 

7. This is a much more electronic sounding track, especially compared with everything thats come before it. I like this track and it reminds me a lot of Robyn. I don't know if I'd be able to pick out the voice out of all the singers doing this kind of sound atm. Love the lyrics to the chorus though.

7/10

 

8. This is kind of a funky electronic intro that just comes alive once the singer repeats get up get up. Quite an epic moment I must say! Not a huge fan of the rap/sung verses but I f***ing love that get up intro/prechorus that I'm willing to forget them haha.

8.5/10

 

9. this is where this already impressive album builds up towards it's peak. This is such a gorgeous electro ballad. It begins extremely simple with a lovely voice lamenting being alone. There is something so ethereal and dreamy about the verses and yet it just feels so natural. I love the understated chorus and the pretty humming part. The only thing I don't love about this song is the end which is quite jarring as it just ends. Please tell me this is a radio edit and that its proper version ends with a gorgeous drawn out instrumental?

9.5/10

 

10. Now I don't think I've previously heard this song but I'm pretty sure I must have heard of it because the chorus lyrics sound so familiar. It starts with a jessie j sounding voice (but less annoying) over soft electro ballad music. I felt like it should have exploded into a much more epic, big sounding chorus but in hindsight I like the way it progresses. I also really like the short instrumental section that takes us towards the end.

9/10

 

11. Unlike the previous two more subtle understated tracks. This one is definitely more in your face, but I like it just fine. This pretty much typical eurodance track but theres nothing wring with that.

7/10

 

12. Another dance track but this one has a more airy aspect to it. As it progresses it reveals itself to be an instrumental song. I really like the softness of it between 0:20-0:45 then it builds up but come right back down and up again. I like the varying intensity to this song. The instrumental acts as a nice bridge between the first part of this compilation and the second part which definitely proves to be quite different from what comes before it.

6/10

 

13. This track starts with a quite androgynous voice singing and goes into a rap-sung verse with kind of trashy lyrics. The intro which is repeated as part of the chorus is the only redeeming part of the song. The voice isn't for me and I'm not a fan of the lyrics at all. But there is something really lovely about the chorus and how it's sung.

6/10

 

14. This is kind of a disco sounding track. It's cute and funky. Not a huge fan of the chorus-sung chorus but the verses are good. Sounds like something that would have inspired Gabriella Cilmi's Ten album.

7/10

 

15. This is kind of a more experimental track with an interesting sound to it. I repeats a short verse twice and continues with its experimental instrumental. It has quite a calming effect though. It actually achieves the effect that it's repeated vocal says "don't think about all those things you fear" Really interesting track with a nice calming effect 8/10

 

16. Starts like a lot of rap songs with some random babyfied voice. Unlike most rap songs though, the rapping accompanied by just piano. The piano is nice enough but with rap probably more than other forms of music imo its crucial to understand what is being sung because it is so lyric based. a non babyfied voice comes in to sing a sort of chorus. I really like the singer's voice. I find myself really wanting to know what the song it about. The piano is really nice throughout the song.

6.5

 

17. This is a simple country song with just a female singer and guitars. I like the lyrics but I found it quite boring tbh. I kind of had to force myself to pay attention but once I did I found I could really relate to the song unfortunately haha. "Your green eyes make me blue" is such a nice line. I feel like I want a little more emotion out of the singer though.

7.5/10

 

18. This is another country song. Reminds a lot like that country song Wonderland keep covering mixed a little with the dixie chicks' cover of landslide. the chorus really hooks you in and has really nice lyrics. I like this singer more than the one that sang the previous song.

8/10

 

19. Starts with a rap over a guitar. the rapping is quite jarring during a few sections. It's hard to follow the story that the rapper is telling Its about a prostitute that gets abused and beat up. It's a sad story but idk I can't really get into it haha. The sung part isn't much better I'm afraid. It isn't really much of a chorus. And it just seems completely separate from the rap sections. It goes on a bit long as well. really sad ending though. but the chorus doesn't really fit with what happens in the plot.

4/10

 

20. This track starts off with piano and slowly the strings come in. This is a nice instrumental that concludes the album. I like how it contrasts with the first instrumental. The first being completely electronic and dance and this one being so organic and almost classical. A nice representation of the albums two sections and a nice way to conclude it.

 

7.5/10

 

Overall I really enjoyed this album and I almost feel as it's perfect for me since it's very pop but at the same time it kind of goes outside those boundaries into other sounds while still remaining within my tastes. Thanks to whoever did this :)

I got the nicele titled "Diamonds in the Rough." Sorry for taking a while.

 

1. Kind of longish but I really learned to like this J-Pop song. It features quite an epic chorus. The vocalist is actually quite good. She has a real distinct tone to her voice that really shines through in the English portions of this song. It does sound a bit dated late 90s/early 00s? But given my music tastes this soooo isn't a problem. Quite an opener I have to say.

8.5/10

 

2. This is a nice poppy song. This is Lenka I believe yes? It's quite a simple song with a catchy chorus. I'd like more singing out of the singer especially since she does seem to have a good voice. Really love the chorus as its quite addicting.

8/10

 

3. This track opens with a short instrumental and an extremely distinct voice. I feel like i should know who this is but for some reason I just can't find it. I love how the vocals are extremely folksy and almost country in a way but the music is a bit more alternative/pop imo. the wooooohoooo's at the end are quite epic and and the end really reminds me a bit of Shakira.

9/10

 

4. This track has a very familiar sounding guitar and violin intro but I can't place it and the rest of the song isn't familiar at all to me. Really like the lyrics to this one. reminds me of a more upbeat Mumford and Sons. Folksy/rock/indie music isn't really my usual taste but i really should give it more of a chance haha I really enjoyed this short and sweet track.

9/10

 

5. This one starts with a peaceful sound of rain and then a low guitar and piano start a pretty forgettable voice starts the verse and moves into very James Morrison-ish chorus that cuts short into verse 2. I love that it builds the anticipation for the 2nd chorus which is full and goes into a lovely bridge. This song is quite epic once that second chorus hits

8/10

 

6. This I believe is an eastern European language track. It has a nice acoustic feel to it. I really like the verses but am left wanting more from the chorus. It's a nice enough track though.

7/10

 

7. This is a much more electronic sounding track, especially compared with everything thats come before it. I like this track and it reminds me a lot of Robyn. I don't know if I'd be able to pick out the voice out of all the singers doing this kind of sound atm. Love the lyrics to the chorus though.

7/10

 

8. This is kind of a funky electronic intro that just comes alive once the singer repeats get up get up. Quite an epic moment I must say! Not a huge fan of the rap/sung verses but I f***ing love that get up intro/prechorus that I'm willing to forget them haha.

8.5/10

 

9. this is where this already impressive album builds up towards it's peak. This is such a gorgeous electro ballad. It begins extremely simple with a lovely voice lamenting being alone. There is something so ethereal and dreamy about the verses and yet it just feels so natural. I love the understated chorus and the pretty humming part. The only thing I don't love about this song is the end which is quite jarring as it just ends. Please tell me this is a radio edit and that its proper version ends with a gorgeous drawn out instrumental?

9.5/10

 

10. Now I don't think I've previously heard this song but I'm pretty sure I must have heard of it because the chorus lyrics sound so familiar. It starts with a jessie j sounding voice (but less annoying) over soft electro ballad music. I felt like it should have exploded into a much more epic, big sounding chorus but in hindsight I like the way it progresses. I also really like the short instrumental section that takes us towards the end.

9/10

 

11. Unlike the previous two more subtle understated tracks. This one is definitely more in your face, but I like it just fine. This pretty much typical eurodance track but theres nothing wring with that.

7/10

 

12. Another dance track but this one has a more airy aspect to it. As it progresses it reveals itself to be an instrumental song. I really like the softness of it between 0:20-0:45 then it builds up but come right back down and up again. I like the varying intensity to this song. The instrumental acts as a nice bridge between the first part of this compilation and the second part which definitely proves to be quite different from what comes before it.

6/10

 

13. This track starts with a quite androgynous voice singing and goes into a rap-sung verse with kind of trashy lyrics. The intro which is repeated as part of the chorus is the only redeeming part of the song. The voice isn't for me and I'm not a fan of the lyrics at all. But there is something really lovely about the chorus and how it's sung.

6/10

 

14. This is kind of a disco sounding track. It's cute and funky. Not a huge fan of the chorus-sung chorus but the verses are good. Sounds like something that would have inspired Gabriella Cilmi's Ten album.

7/10

 

15. This is kind of a more experimental track with an interesting sound to it. I repeats a short verse twice and continues with its experimental instrumental. It has quite a calming effect though. It actually achieves the effect that it's repeated vocal says "don't think about all those things you fear" Really interesting track with a nice calming effect 8/10

 

16. Starts like a lot of rap songs with some random babyfied voice. Unlike most rap songs though, the rapping accompanied by just piano. The piano is nice enough but with rap probably more than other forms of music imo its crucial to understand what is being sung because it is so lyric based. a non babyfied voice comes in to sing a sort of chorus. I really like the singer's voice. I find myself really wanting to know what the song it about. The piano is really nice throughout the song.

6.5

 

17. This is a simple country song with just a female singer and guitars. I like the lyrics but I found it quite boring tbh. I kind of had to force myself to pay attention but once I did I found I could really relate to the song unfortunately haha. "Your green eyes make me blue" is such a nice line. I feel like I want a little more emotion out of the singer though.

7.5/10

 

18. This is another country song. Reminds a lot like that country song Wonderland keep covering mixed a little with the dixie chicks' cover of landslide. the chorus really hooks you in and has really nice lyrics. I like this singer more than the one that sang the previous song.

8/10

 

19. Starts with a rap over a guitar. the rapping is quite jarring during a few sections. It's hard to follow the story that the rapper is telling Its about a prostitute that gets abused and beat up. It's a sad story but idk I can't really get into it haha. The sung part isn't much better I'm afraid. It isn't really much of a chorus. And it just seems completely separate from the rap sections. It goes on a bit long as well. really sad ending though. but the chorus doesn't really fit with what happens in the plot.

4/10

 

20. This track starts off with piano and slowly the strings come in. This is a nice instrumental that concludes the album. I like how it contrasts with the first instrumental. The first being completely electronic and dance and this one being so organic and almost classical. A nice representation of the albums two sections and a nice way to conclude it.

 

7.5/10

 

Overall I really enjoyed this album and I almost feel as it's perfect for me since it's very pop but at the same time it kind of goes outside those boundaries into other sounds while still remaining within my tastes. Thanks to whoever did this :)

 

Thanks Shakilover, this was my compilation - really pleased that you got it seeing as it's your sort of music for the most part and hopefully you made some good discoveries. Here are the track names and my reasoning behind each one;

 

1. JUJU feat Delta Goodrem - Live! Together

 

Obviously I was going to shove Delta on here somehwere! Although it's not a typical Delta song - indeed it's a J-Pop collaboration, and therefore sounds nothing like any of her other material. It's really fun and unique and I love it, thought it would make a good opener but also something identifiably 'me'! It's from 2006/7 I think so not too dated.

 

2. Lenka - Heart Skips A Beat

 

Correct, it's Lenka - this is a song from her new album - very twee and catchy, thought it contrasted quite well with the previous song. It's a surprisingly good second album actually.

 

3. Charlotte Martin - Dancing on Needles

 

This is somebody who I discovered last year although she's apparently been around for ages, she has a touch of Tori Amos to her voice and music and this song best displays that I think.

 

4. Noah And The Whale - Waiting For My Chance To Come

 

My favourite album track from one of my favourite albums of the year, this was featured in its entireity at the beginning of an episode of Skins not long ago, it was at some point during that that I realised what a brilliant, summery and uplifting song it is. Needs to be a single.

 

5. Tom Dice - Always and Forever

 

This guy came 6th for Belgium in Eurovision last year with Me & My Guitar. His album was actually shockingly great and this was one of my highlights, it's a very mature/accomplished singer/songwriter song with a great melody and seemed to fit nicely next to Noah & The Whale.

 

6. Sara Varga - Spring For Livet

 

One that was also on Pavel's compilation - it reached the final of Melodifestivalen this year and is one of my favourite songs of the year thus far. Really charming folky song albeit with dark lyrics about domestic violence - it's Swedish although I actually get yours/Shoat's Eastern European comparisons.

 

7. Tove Styrke - White Light Moment

 

I absolutely love this, one of my favourite songs of the past year, it's indeed very Robyn but unpopular opinion alert: I like this more than anything from the Body Talk series, for an electropop song, I find it beautiful. Tove came out of Swedish Idol, just like all of the best Swedish popstars!

 

8. Florrie - You Wanna Start Something

 

One of those popstars that's never going to hit the big time, this song sort of reminds me of something Girls Aloud would do crossed with anything from the last Annie album. Xenomania production I would assume.

 

9. Camilla Blom Polfeldt - Gone

 

Earlier in the year, a boxset of demos for Melodifestivalen entries of days gone by leaked. BWO sent the song Gone in 2005 and as it turns out, this was the demo to it by some anonymous female singer who nobody's ever heard of (not even me!). It was the instant highlight of that boxset for me, she really brings a melancholy quality to the track, one for fans of emotional electro pop definitely. No longer version exists sadly, it cuts off at the 3 minute mark because of Eurovision purposes - which is one of my only criticisms of the contest.

 

10. Elin Lanto - Funeral

 

Swedish again! Elin Lanto is a sort of middling popstar over there, not a superstar but she's had a few hits and appeared in Melodifestivalen a few times over the years. This song is from her GREAT last album which I couldn't recommend more to any pop fan - one of my favourites of last year and Funeral was the absolute highlight, such a big pop chorus.

 

11. Karizma - When Life is Grey

 

Moldova criminally decided not to send this to Eurovision this year - more fool them!

 

12. Basto - Gregory's Theme

 

This is very much like Tim Berg's Bromance from last year except imo it's got a far more interesting melody - one for dance fans!

 

13. Studio Killers - Ode To The Bouncer

 

Definitely my most risky inclusion - I've resisted the temptation to send this to BJSC as I know it would be ridiculously love/hate, possibly leaning more on the hate side! It's got a great melody/chorus but the vocals are definitely an acquired taste. Glad you found some merit to it at least!

 

14. French Horn Rebellion Vs. Database - Beaches & Friends (The Twelves Radio Edit)

 

I noticed this funky track at #1 in Brett-Butler's End of Year chart last year. I do make an effort to listen to anybody's EOY #1's that I'm not already familiar with and this definitely didn't disappoint me. It's definitely got a very 'French dance' sound to it, the sort of thing Daft Punk and Cassius excel at.

 

15. FC Kahuna feat Hafdis Huld - Hayling

 

I absolutely adore Icelandic singer Hafdis Huld - this is a chillout track that she did almost 10 years ago and it's very similar in sound to a lot of ambient trip-hop type bands in the late 90s/early 00s. I wanted it on the compilation but wasn't sure where it would fit. Here seemed as appropriate a place as any other.

 

16. Petter feat Veronica Maggio - Längesen

 

Petter is a famous Swedish rapper and it's fair to say that Veronica Maggio is their Adele - her recently released album saw EVERY track reach the singles chart and stay in there for weeks - they're all still in there almost two months later. Now I do love this song but I'm aware that it could be so much more - Petter's bits are a bit jarring and Veronica's chipmunk chorus is potentially annoying BUT the piano backing track is absolutely gorgeous and about 2 and a half minutes when Veronica's pure voice comes in, it's absolute heaven - I wish there was a full solo version of this by her at a regular pitch, it could be something very special indeed.

 

17. The Dead Cool Dropouts - Green Eyes Make Me Blue

 

The female half of this male/female duo is Lisa from The Veronicas. I think it's just a side project of hers and this is the only songs of theirs that I've heard. I really like The Veronicas' slower songs such as Speechless and In Another Life and this is even more chilled than that. It has a very beautiful quality to it and fit nicely after the last two songs.

 

18. The Band Perry - If I Die Young

 

This has been a rather huge hit in the US over the past year or so. It's a sad song lyrically but it instantly connected with me when I was going through a country phase late last summer.

 

19. Ed Sheeran feat Mikill Pane - Little Lady

 

The chorus to this is taken from Ed's song The A Team (incidentally heading for the top five in the UK this week shockingly :o). The verses are obviously a lot more hard hitting than the original, it's sort of like a British version of Eminem's Stan to me. Although I can appreciate your criticisms of the song, in hindsight perhaps it is better off suited to the original version! But I wanted to put an Ed track on here and this seemed like one of his more interesting moments.

 

20. Simon May - Peggy's Theme (Variation of Julia's Theme from Eastenders)

 

Anyone from the UK receiving this playlist would have ridiculed my inclusion of this, there is NOBODY in the country that doesn't know the melody. It's a piano/classical version of the theme tune of what is probably the most recognisable TV show/soap opera in the UK. They use this version when something sad/of note happens in the show as it's very emotionally stirring. I saw it on iTunes last year and I had to have it, I'm a sucker for this sort of grand classical piano music.

 

Really glad you liked it and made quite a few nice discoveries, thanks for the great/detailed review, it's much appreciated, and here's the tracklist again in one block;

 

1. JUJU feat Delta Goodrem - Live! Together

2. Lenka - Heart Skips A Beat

3. Charlotte Martin - Dancing on Needles

4. Noah And The Whale - Waiting For My Chance To Come

5. Tom Dice - Always and Forever

6. Sara Varga - Spring For Livet

7. Tove Styrke - White Light Moment

8. Florrie - You Wanna Start Something

9. Camilla Blom Polfeldt - Gone

10. Elin Lanto - Funeral

11. Karizma - When Life is Grey

12. Basto - Gregory's Theme

13. Studio Killers - Ode To The Bouncer

14. French Horn Rebellion Vs. Database - Beaches & Friends (The Twelves Radio Edit)

15. FC Kahuna feat Hafdis Huld - Hayling

16. Petter feat Veronica Maggio - Längesen

17. The Dead Cool Dropouts - Green Eyes Make Me Blue

18. The Band Perry - If I Die Young

19. Ed Sheeran feat Mikill Pane - Little Lady

20. Simon May - Peggy's Theme (Variation of Julia's Theme from Eastenders)