Oh yes, I remember you were a (or should I say the) big fan *. You have one more to come x

 

-x-

 

Terra Avium entries 61-70

 

One of my shameless recycles, but this time it did do it's bit to get them a higher finishing position. Absolutely crazy use of distortion with a video that's out of this world, a classic crazy entry x

 

The entry right after my first big BJSC landmark was always gonna be a bit of a struggle, I guess I was struggling at the time as this Western-esque acoustic number does seem a bit out of place, saying that, it's still great and puts me in the mind of a Wild West movie. To date, this was my last entry from MrSuicideSheep, a source of music that really dried up after a while.

 

The end of 2020 could not have been more appropriate to send this absolutely bonkers symphonic metal cover of the classic Mozart symphony. Actually, it was kind of a troll entry due to my last entry finishing last in the semi with three points, but it fit well as FalKKonE's symphonic metal covers were a big discovery of 2020 for me and it's still epic x

 

While I won't spoil the other countdown, the first Jutro entry is still to come on the other countdown and was quite a treat so when this wonderful witch house-esque Rihanna-sampling number popped up on my new music playlist, I felt I had to. While I do still like it, comparison is natural and it's not aged as well compared to the other entry.

 

In all truth, I'm not that proud of this one looking back - it was on the Radio 1 playlist at the time and had already been sent to Unknown Pleasures (unbeknownst to me tbf) where it did quite well, but that's what a DNQ streak. The DNQ was unexpected at the time and probably wouldn't happen today but maybe it was fate telling me to stop being so cheap x While they're best known for Shut Up and Dance today, I still love this one, very runny and vibrant, like a rainbow in a song.

 

To this day, I still can't believe I found a song that incorporated Bhangra and Celtic music, what a wonderful find that was. It's still an entry where I admire it more for what it is rather than properly connecting it as a song, but it's still a bop so no complaints x

 

After my trip to South Africa, I felt obliged to send an artist from there and thankfully this had popped up a few months prior. It wasn't a huge success, but it's still a lovely song and one that reminds me of a great experience in my life.

 

This has an absolutely genius video, do give it a glance, so cute <3 This is still upper tier of my 2012 flops, it's got a great synthline and catchy chorus.

 

This artist is actually kind of making waves now (or at least I heard it on 6Music) so...kind of bragging rights B-) Every time I forget about this, that glorious synthline and production always pulls me back. A wonderful piece of world music that deserved to do better x

 

One of two times I have self-recycled (three if you count Two Steps and Thomas Bergersen), my main reason being the first time I sent them was in 2014 and I wanted to introduce them to a new audience and...it actually finished quite a bit lower than I'd hoped oops x Time has allowed me to reconsider that lightning doesn't strike twice and while does have all thje glorious atmosphere and build as my last entry (still to come), it can't quite match it by any means.

Terra Avium 12s/18s 61-70

 

(I love all of these going forward so if you're ranked lowly, don't see it badly x)

 

Runners up: Ramin Djawadi – Light of the Seven (Altyr Muunilinst), Grouplove – Good Morning (Mulgracia)

I'm pretty sure I remember Bre telling me he was aiming for my 18 with this so no surprises I guess x A lovely piano instrumental piece of emotional art-core (I think?) that is pretty much everything I love in a BJSC entry, granted there are others that do it better x

 

Runners up: Right Hand Left Hand - Chacabuco (feat. Taliesyn Källström) (Utopia), Cerrone – Supernature (Singerpurear)

First of three for Rolloland (though they have many more 2nds and 3rds for me), This is another rather lovely synthy rock instrumental that was always gonna get my 18, granted again, not the best of its type.

 

Runners up: Yoko Kanno – Cyberbird (Deandria), Nouvelle Phénomène -- Cruel Game (Vanzetti & Sacco Remix) (Espen)

I've heard a new song from this group recently and it just reinforces how incredible they're building, atmospheric sound is, this is awesome BUT slightly painful as I so wish I'd give my 18 to Cyberbird, easily much better than the other Deandria 18s in my countdown.

 

Runners up: Tina Guo – Super Mario Bros. (FSR Rontvia), Fang Island – Daisy (Fljotavik)

We are just going through the 'custom-made for Terra' entries in this section. 93 was a fantastic contest even through I DNQ'd for it to which I made a lot of good discoveries and this fast-paced, synthwave number is certainly one of them.

 

Runners up: Passion Pit – Take a Walk (PRoJ), Pictureplane – Real is a Feeling (Usfland)

Ten years on, that intro is still one of the most epic. I hadn't come back to this a lot until recently and did rank it lower before this, but it's still an exhilarating listen and fully deserved my 12 (even against Passion Pit).

 

Runners up: Kyla La Grange – Walk Through Walls (Kylienips), Sarah West – If Pain Could Talk (Greenfroze)

My runner up here was the entry that I initially wanted to send but was beaten to it ( <_< ), still I was deducting it so it's to the strength of this entry that it took my 12 over it. This has such a euphoric feel and strange, almost other-worldly vocals.

 

Runners up: Sandra – (I’ll Never Be) Maria Magdalena (Singerpurear), Woolf and the Wondershadow – Cloaked (Quintessa)

Now this is one of Ethanola's best long, repeating entries. The vocals and escalating piano add a sense of uplift and the main hook serves as inviting as it builds, Heaven Sent indeed x (2nd and 3rd wonderful too x)

 

Runners up: Ágy – Arvedávgi (Lotunia), Me & My - Dub-I-Dub (Aeroche)

It saddens me I didn't 18 Agy here as that would probably rank as one of my favourite discoveries, but given it was Two Steps from Hell that beat them, I can't be too mad x This packs a hell of a lot of epicness into it's short run time and is all the better for it.

 

Runners up: Kai Tracid – Trance & Acid (Botanikka), Caravan Palace – Lone Digger (Kluminican Republic)

This was the contest of my first ever medallist (Owsey et al.) and so I do have some positive memories of this contest and the music from it, all of the top 3 are wonderful and this (as it turns out one of main opponents for the win) was a simple yet great dubstep song with a glorious video feat. the classic Microsoft clip x

 

Runners up: Dead Can Dance – Kiko (Rolloland), KAS:ST – Hell of Earth (Summericia)

This is one of the 2020 entries which had held up better, a very nice and euphoric dance track with a great build. I do seem to remember KAS:ST but that maybe because it was in TBO.

 

'September' and 'Happy End Of The World' are still among my top BJSC entries of all time.

 

forgot it was you responsible for that incredible FalKKone track in my library, one I regularly play even now (as I do with any cover that he's done that I recognise)

Thank you! He has so many great covers, including a lot of anime themes I'm sure you'd be more familiar with x

 

-x-

 

Terra Avium entries 51-60

 

Recycling a past winner isn't usually something I'd do, but in this case, it was almost a complete sound transformation I couldn't resist. A choral, drum-led nine-minute track with spoken word interludes from none other than actress Jennifer Connelly, it's one of the weirdest things I've ever sent, but still stands out a lot.

 

I've been particularly bad at sending Hip Hop and R'n'B and I am trying to change that, this one probably gets the closest. A blogpop fave with some great production. Sent in the infamous contest where both of the final hosts went AWOL so qualified by default x

 

A beautifully produced duet featuring an equally beautiful lyrical theme about how language is no barrier to knowing true love, fittingly sang by a French and Japanese artist and...an alien in the video x One of the entries I had hoped would perform slightly better than it did.

 

Illenium is quite a big name in dance music now but back in 2016, he was still mainly big in the world of Mr SuicideSheep, and I had several of his entries I could've gone for, but I settled with this rather lovely melodic dubstep/electronic song. As lovely as it is, I have found I have come back to the other potentials - Afterlife and Reverie - a bit more.

 

Perhaps a little low for one of my biggest hits, the fact it hasn't been on streaming services until recently sadly hasn't helped in me coming back to it that much. Saying that, this French quirky D'n'B type thing (eloquent x) is one of the hits I'm most proud of as it's one of the few that isn't from a very well known artist and wasn't at all cheap, I really wasn't expecting it to take off so much, but very pleased it did.

 

Time will tell if this sticks with me, but listening to their back catalogue so far, I'm pretty sold. It was a hell of a fun trip to Tescos when this French-Arabic danceable concoction popped up on my new music mix x

 

Music recorded specifically for trailers can be the best kind, and this (which I believe I discovered through a trailer to the new series of The Handmaid's Tale) reframes the original - Seal's Crazy - in a new, innovative way which I always love to see in covers.

 

Of all my wooden spoons, this one kinda hurts the most. I actually had quite high hopes for this rather lovely electronic track that brings to mind a more 80s-esque Haim, and it really deserved better x

 

Not an unexpected DNQ but a sad one, this darkwave, Kraftwerk-esque song was a haunting and spiralling journey. As above, deserved better x

 

This entry was very nearly not to be as a Terra Avium entry - as I first discovered it a couple of contests prior and was beaten to sending the artist and I almost forgot about it for a few months until a month when I was really short on entries and I thought I'd give it another shot x 21st may not seem like much (especially out of 30 as it was back then) but my God, that was such a huge step up for me at the time! I really was quite the flop x Anyway, the song itself is a great garage throwback and still sounds rather wonderful almost a decade on.

 

Terra Avium 12s/18s 51-60

 

Runners up: Robert DeLong – Global Concepts (Trifoski), Flume feat. Moon Holiday – Insane (Danaelanda)

To top up a rather Persephonia heavy section, This was I believe the first time I ever gave them 12! I don't regret it to this day, even ahead of that excellent top 3, it's a beautifully dreamy dubstep-esque track that really does feel like cruising through the ever-changing waves.

 

Runners up: Shadeux – Roo (Eledan), Autoheart – Agoraphobia (Trifoski)

...And here they are again, this time with a still massive sounding dark-synthwave sounding song. Quite typical of the sound I'd come to love them for, and they did better it, but it's still a tune, we don't talk about that runner up x

 

Runners up: Sir Sly – Ghost (Usfland), Novaday – Beautiful Lies (Espen)

A bit of a cheap one (I believe coming from a contest where the veto was totally relaxed), but a wonderful introduction to myself to Phoenix which I still wasn't aware of still being in my top 40 phase. Only thing that could've been better if it would've been Listzomania x

 

Runners up: Blanck Mass – D7-D5 (Rolloland), Dan Deacon – Snookered (Fljotavik)

I think this is the first entry with just numbers in the title I've pointed but I'll need to check that x This recent 18 has stuck with me very well with its Darkwave, Depeche Mode-esque sound and is a worthy one in the Jadakissnia repertoire.

 

Runners Up: Transa – Timeless (Zanmatony), ascendent vierge – Influenceur (Dobago)

Another recent one, but it has so far stuck with me despite this contest, in general, being a big write-off for me. It combines classical instruments and a throbbing beat which is the ideal combination that make me emotional.

 

Runners up: Nora En Pure – Wetlands (Land of DW), Das Mortal – It Comes (Cumulonombia)

Speaking of classical music combined with Dance, this one does so masterfully with its violin and drop combination. I think the other two in the top 3 have stuck with me a bit better though.

 

Runners up: ishi vu – This is Your Life (FSR Rontvia), Kid Francescoli - Moon (And It Went Like) (Rolloland)

Utopia have had an impressive amount of 18s in such a short time, I've always really liked Boards of Canada entries when they were entered and this slowly building entry is no exception, I really should check them out more.

 

Runners up: Laibach – Vor Sonnen Aufgang (Lotunia), Ben Frost – Venter (Jadakissnia)

A beautifully building post rock song (although it slips a few vocals in there) that I was always going to be really into. There have been better examples of the genre though and I really wish I'd given 18 to Laibach now with that gorgeously medieval song.

 

Runners up: Ortiga – Illumbarada (FSR Rontvia), FM 84 – Arcade Summer (Jadakissnia)

Another case of the 18 not aging as well as the rest of the top 3 (FSR Rontvia are certainly the Sash! of my votes, They've ranked 2nd in my votes seven times and never been first!), but I still really like this slowly building, beautifully produced track, brings to mind Linkin Park a bit.

 

Runners up: De Staat – Kitty Kitty (Alteria), White Lies – Tokyo (FARC)

Ooh De Staat and White Lies were big tunes, but so was this. Cowtermont were really on the top of the game the short time they did participate and this dark, classically-inspired song was a highlight. Worakls will feature a bit later on x

 

-x-

 

Halfway through whew x

Huge yass obviously for 'Turbo Killer' and 'Minor Cause'. Amazing to see the latter in this already and it is an stunning piece. TK robbed off a top 20 at least in the contest back then too after all those top 10 predictions :(

Edited April 17, 20223 yr by Roba.

Didn’t realise I’ve been the bridesmaid of your votes seven times :o maybe one day!

Huge yass obviously for 'Turbo Killer' and 'Minor Cause'. Amazing to see the latter in this already and it is an stunning piece. TK robbed off a top 20 at least in the contest back then too after all those top 10 predictions :(

 

I forgot that Turbo Killer missed the top 20, robbed x

 

Didn’t realise I’ve been the bridesmaid of your votes seven times :o maybe one day!

 

Now that I'm aware of it, I'll try and make it happen! Illumbarada and This is Your Life I think should've got there in retrospect x

 

-x-

 

Terra Avium entries 41-50

 

I suppose I could've picked something with a bit more oomph for the landmark 100th, but I had two big hits already that year so maybe I didn't worry (or in truth, I just wasn't prepared for how big the contest was, oops), maybe for the 150th this year x Anyway, it doesn't hamper my opinion of this song, one of many wonderful new age songs from Cusco that I really got into around this time and they still sound wonderful. I really need to go back to this genre at some point.

 

A rare pop moment for Terra Avium post-30th contest, the 80s synths and super catchy chorus really just caught me by surprise and it was nice to confound expectations briefly and hey I got a top 10 out of it. I would've done the same this month had I not been beaten to mxmtoon last contest x

 

I'm pleased I got to enter this if anything as it brought some long-awaited to the singer's other project, Daughter when Youth inexplicably DNQ'd originally. This song is a very stripped back and intimately personal experience and it still hits so hard.

 

Definitely one I should've waited a few months to send, not only as the 18-point system/20 qualifier system was brought in then but also as the make-up of the contest got a lot more alternative. This one did nonetheless inadvertently start my 'moody, dark January flops' more of which we'll see later. Now known as O Future, this song is still very standout with the tense, atmospheric strings and accompanying the creepy vocals to make an altogether arresting experience.

 

...another of the Dark January entries! This one entirely came to me when watching Black Mirror's Hated in the Nation episode, perhaps in context, it makes a bit more sense, but it's still wonderfully dark with her vocals and orchestral backing complementing the feeling of dread perfectly.

 

I guess I'm ranking a lot of these dark, atmospheric songs with female vocals near each other as they do all give me a similar feeling of immersion. This one ranks as one of my shortest entries, but packs a whole lot of mystery, drama, and intensity into that time and has some glorious lyrics. It pleasantly surpassed my expectations despite the low finishing position.

 

Sadly seems to not be on streaming anymore, but I almost felt I had to enter this to reclaim Kids of the Apocalypse after Persephonia got the big hit soon after I entered them to Unknown Pleasures, although I'd really wanted the opportunity to anyway when I saw they'd returned from obscurity. I've always loved the mysterious yet instantly attention-grabbing, apocalyptic manner of this group and Better Life is slower and more atmospheric than their other efforts but is no less effective.

 

An ecstatic and lively drum and bass/orchestral instrumental that performed fairly mediocre, but it's stuck with me well. Not a whole lot I can say about it, but just listen and have a fun bop x

 

We're back to the Digital Spy selections, but this one is the one that actually got me a decent hit (which resulted in the first time I had two consecutive top 20s coming after Feelsolow, my first top 10 hit, again huge for me at the time x). Phoenix and MGMT would be some close comparisons, but it's still a very euphoric-sounding song that truly throws everything at that chorus.

 

Essentially in style, this is a close cousin to Power Glove's Crypt, still to come, but more synthwave and with a creepy video rather than horror film excerpts. However, it's not like that's ever a bad thing, a fixture on my running playlist x

Terra Avium 12s/18s 41-50

 

Runners up: Phil Lober – Alive (Aelandor), Grandbrothers – What We See (Danaeviia)

A proper standout moment when I first heard this, a totally stripped back, slowly building melancholy eulogy over nine minutes, accompanied beautifully with natural imagery. It's one that peaked on first listen, so it isn't quite the highest Rolloland entry here, but it's still a hell of a listen.

 

Runners up: K?d – Creator’s Flower (Thelonia), Hybrid – Finished Symphony (Tartford)

I AQ'd this contest so am quite well associated with all of these, but as good as the runners up are, you can't beat the top pointer. Part epic LOTR style orchestral, part Avicii tribute, it melds together as most of Bergersen's compositions do, that is wonderfully. One of the few times my 18 has won and what a wonderful moment it was (not at all bitter, that I still can't do that with the same artist xx)

 

Runners up: Stupeflip – Stupeflip Vite !!! (Skall), Firefox AK – Heart of Mine (Syndare)

Even though I did love exploring La Femme's material last year, it doesn't come close to this, a wonderfully psychedelic trip visually and audially with so many layers.

 

Runners up: Propaganda - Das Testaments Des Mabuse (Rolloland), Set and Setting – Coping (Persephonia)

A masterclass in slowly building atmosphere, this was always gonna score quite well for me. What a shame it came in the same contest as Propaganda though which proved to be a great discovery that has stuck with me.

 

Runners up: W O L F C L U B – Rebels (Ojnoj), Boston Manor – Welcome to the Neighbourhood (LeBrock Remix) (Niceland)

While a lot of 2020's BJSC clearly went a bit over my head going by this countdown, this contest I do really enjoy all of that top 3 so there's some progress. The 18 itself is Dobago's best for me, a frantic, impactful rock-dance instrumental full of head-banging moments.

 

Runners up: Telepopmusik – Breathe (Deandria), Fenech-Soler – All I Know (N DNTN)

A classic one now, I still hold this in quite high regard ten years on, I especially love it's transformation from slow and contemplative to a disco-esque groove mid-song.

 

Runners up: The Flavor – Shosholoza (Vulkyria), Salt Ashes – Save It (FARC)

Speaking of throwbacks, this one was wonderfully 80s with some great instrumental breaks and duet. Shoutout to the glorious African vibes of Shosholoza as well

 

Runners Up: Wind Rose – Diggy Diggy Hole (FARC), Explosions in the Sky – Did You Pass Through This Night? (Pagasa)

Aelandor again (and one more still to come), this was a wonderful, synth-drenched darkwave song that built on the already great sounds of Draumadis. I was recommended her album a few months back, need to make good on that x

 

Runners up: Blackmill – Evil Beauty (Utopia), Italove – Strangers in the Night (Numayania)

A lot of the reason I stuck around BJSC at first throughout my flop era was the great discoveries and this was no exception. An intense and unfolding indie track that goes in many places but always keeps your attention.

 

Runners up: Hoàng Thùy Linh - Bánh Trôi Nước (Lotunia), IC3PEAK - Grustnaya Suka (Persephonia)

At the midpoint is this very brief, yet beautiful orchestral electro-song that evolves gradually with some equally haunting visuals until you're left wanting a lot more (can't believe the video still has so few views!) It was enough to beat the song that I had planned as an entry (naturally by Persephonia, IC3PEAK)

Have enjoyed following this so far! Maybe I would feel similar about 'the nature of dying' if I'd known the Max Richter original before sending this, alas :lol: cool to see '0' only recently dropping out, the reception to that one felt a bit muted following a winner so it's great to see you holding it in high regard too, amongst a couple of others <3

 

'Le Port du Masque un Rigeur' DNQing still hurts -_-

The best Terra Avium entry landing smack dab in the middle, perfectly balanced as all things should be :heart:

I love that Cusco track :heart:

Thanks for all the comments guys, sorry I fell off the wall with this a bit after going back to work, but I do still aim to finish this within the next few weeks x

 

Go vote for my 101st entry, Hope is the Last Thing, in the mean time. Great apocalyptic, electronic track with a trippy and fantastic video

 

-x-

 

Terra Avium entries 31-40

 

An entry of almost other-worldly beauty with its shimmering synths and ethereal operatic vocals. It was one of the many fantastic discoveries from the New Retro Wave 80s synthwave channel.

 

Before they broke the mainstream all the way back in 2014, this very sunny and optimistic pop-rock single was an entry for me. I still come back to this a lot, it's a really uplifting listen. It's a shame the main version you can get from this is the 2016 re-recording which is much worse in my view. I haven't really got into a lot else from them sadly (although In Real Life was great).

 

Yes, most of you have probably forgotten this, but for me, this darkwave, chaotically produced song still really hits the spot with that chorus and the harsh Dalek vocal is a wonderful mix and so was his album, you all didn't know what you were missing x

 

I often am inspired for BJSC entries by the films and TV I watch and this one is no exception, the somber and damning opening from the German Sci-Fi series, DARK (which I would highly recommend to everyone as one of the programmes that stays incredible and intriguing throughout its run) was a surefire entry for me even though it sadly didn't catch on. Inadvertantly, this was the second time I've recycled a past Unknown Pleasures entry, despite being in that contest, I really had no knowledge of that at all!

 

Fitting in this DNQ heavy section to get to my very first one! This one I feel was unlucky and did gain something of a following after and did well in the Reject competition that year, I still hold this one up in high regard, it's house-esque production moves along at a steady pace allowing you to be pulled in.

 

The one time (and probably only time) I sent an entire EP to BJSC, when will your faves etc. Not that the songs themselves would've been substantial enough length, and you really get the whole immersive experience of this lockdown project here. Sampling the Japanaese folk artist, Kyooo's melodies and combining them with his own emotional and dreamy style is a winning result, fu all etc.

 

At the time, I was genuinely quite shocked and dismayed at this DNQ as it felt out of nowhere and it did seem a hyped song, my first of many lessons to not listen to the BJSC Odds thread x This is still a wonderfully cosmic and atmospheric experience with the slowly building synths complementing the desolate vocals perfectly.

 

I recall selecting this entry as it just randomly popped up with the title 'Bulgarian Futurepop' and I was kind of sold with its mix of Bulgarian folk chanting with modern electronic production and strings, one of my quirkier entries and it's charm has held up with time.

 

From my browsing of the old mod threads (if you had my powers, you would too x), this was actually one of the nearest I've got to being vetoed in my time here. Not surprising as I do think it charted on the Billboard hot 100 briefly, but it had been a long enough time that I figured it would be OK. The main attraction of this is the viral video which captures the moment performance artist Marina Abramovic reunites with her long lost lover Frank Uwe Laysiepen (Ulay) at an event and while it's beautiful to watch with the music, the song remains powerful on its own as an emotional and building synthpop song.

 

One of my recent big hits (yet you still all forgot about it for TBO -__), perhaps a little cheap as Rein did come top 5 a few years prior but this rather wonderful industrial-inspired track is urgent, dark and danceable at the same time, I was hopeful it could become a hit and was pleased to see that happen (and it wasn't 2nd thank God x)

Terra Avium 12s/18s 31-40

 

Runners up: Uun – One Occult Vision (Cowtermont), Shogun – Skyfire (Dobago)

Fljotavik's highest entry here is this rather enormous banger of an entry that beats you round the head and doesn't let up. Simple, but massively effective. One Occult Vision was also wonderful with its documentary observings and throbbing beats, but I think I chose wisely here.

 

Runners up: Porter Robinson – Sea of Voices (Altyr Muunilinst), Daniel Avery – Drone Logic (Trifoski)

We are really getting to the entries I absolutely love now, this feels too low but it's just the sheer competition. I have wonderful memories of all of this top 3, but Henry Saiz's emotional and intensive dance track still gives me the shivers and is one of Aeroche's finest moments.

 

Runners up: Ólafur Arnalds - re:member (Quintessa), Jean-Michel Blais & CFCF – Hypocrite (Fljotavik)

Cowtermont's peak was this epic, building dance song aided by a choir that really just sounded like such a euphoric and triumphant moment, I have to remind myself it didn't actually win (though the actual winner also in my top 3 is no less gorgeous), still wonderful to come back to.

 

Runners up: World's End Girlfriend - Les Enfants du Paradis (Deandria), Burial – Archangel (Kluminican Republic)

I have a real liking for Ave Maria used in electronic music and it was used to certainly quirky effect in this bleepy, bloopy witch house song. I always love Jadakissnia's witch house and this one didn't disappoint, saying that, I have really come to love the World's End Girlfriend a lot more, but that is testament to the quality of this top 3.

 

Runners up: VNV Nation – When is the Future? (Summericia), Trudge – strast’ (Jadakissnia)

The highest for Danaelanda/Danaeviia and one of the few countries to have two winners that I've given 18 points too. Storm is pretty much Terra Avium 18 all over, with beautiful strings, atmospheric, intense dance beat and a slow but immersive build. This was the icing on the cake to one of my favourite contests of recent times due to the discoveries made and the only time I've given the top 2 my 18 and 15 respectively!

 

Runners up: Celtic Woman feat. Oonagh – Tír na nóg (New Lexico), BICEP – JUST (Skall)

Another scary-spooky Jadakissnia entry (my favourite kind) and this is a similar style of classical sampling, atmospheric and synth-heavy instrumental that is right up my alley, it moves in many directions throughout it's runtime and is always engaging. Although a shame it denied the unlikely occurrence of a New Lexico feature in this countdown x

 

Runners Up: Carpenter Brut feat. David Eugene Edwards – Fab Tool (Rolloland), Dilemma – In Spirit (1991 Techno Mix) (Cumulonimbia)

It may be a little premature and by all accounts I should be furious at this for keeping me from an overdue winner, I can't be mad when this is one of the mosy creative and craziest dance tracks I have seen in recent times, whether it's the morose choir, french whisper, screeching beats or throbbing bass, it never lost my attention.

 

Runners up: Ison – Isae (Jadakissnia), Sidewalks and Skeletons – Cybercrimes (Aeroche)

One of Persephonia's most striking and distinctive recent dance tracks, I admittedly sometimes forget about it, only for it to surround me with its intensive beats and angrily atmospheric edge that I'm left in awe at the end of the listen. Should've won x

 

Runners up: Ulf Nilsson – Little By Little (Lulleaux & George Whyman remix) (FSR Rontvia), Vicetone feat. Kat Nestel – No Way Out (Llewandia)

Apparently quite an indie favourite even at the time it was entered, but I had no prior knowledge of it. It was a fantastic discovery with a timeless feel and catchy hook, the sort of song that I'd wish would get airplay to have commercial appeal as I'm sure it could (allow me to dream x).

 

Runners up: Tol & Tol – Eleni (FSR Rontvia), Max Cooper & Tom Hodge – In Pursuit of Ghosts (Persephonia)

The highest of Utopia's entries here, if I had to have a comparison point, it would be the Editors and that's a big compliment. The murky and atmospheric indie track was a real breath of fresh air at the time, albeit at the expense of yet another beautiful FSR Rontvia world music runner up.

Signatune is one of my all time favourite dance tracks - so happy to see it so high :wub:

Hey, remember this was a thing, I haven't forgotten, aiming to get it finished in the gap between contests, let's see how true that turns out to be x

 

-x-

 

Terra Avium Entries 21-30

 

21. Goblin – Suspiria (68th entry, BJSC 110, DNQ)

Sadly one of my biggest failures here, maybe it would've been better in the Halloween spin-off. Suspiria is one of my favourite films and the unsettling, whirling, immersive soundtrack by Goblin all throughout it certainly adds to its unique aesthetic. The deep, gravelly vocals, lullaby-like melody, sudden 'Witch' guitar breakdown, and furious synths create an atmosphere like no other, you all don't know what you're thinking x

 

I went through a bit of a phase with Brony music at one point, I really quite admired not only the melancholic, classical-house-inspired sound but also the depth of storytelling and moods they create. This epic string-led song feels like the perfect song for the last dance as the end of the world happens around them, it's really stuck with me.

 

Fractal Dreamers have been one of my favourite small corner of the internet discoveries and the Kingdom of Silence EP genuinely ranks as one of my favourite listens. Their sound isn't easy to categorise, but there are a lot of epic classical influences and when I saw they'd released something in early 2020, I had to send it. It's not quite their best work but still a wonderful synth and string combination that moves at a breathtaking pace.

 

It may be too early, but I got quite caught up in the euphoria of discovering this in the dark days of January this year and though the artist is a fairly cheap choice, the song is unlike anything I've heard from them before, starting off fairly standard but with a pulsating and aggressive beat n the background with some quite forlorn desperate vocals, it keeps your attention before it completely changes track halfway through and becomes a hypnotic and beautifully building trance-like track. I'll talk about it more in my EOY probably but it's one of my favourites of the year, I'm really happy it went down so well, it was not to be a winner but I can hardly complain given I gave the winner an 18. Just give it justice in TBO and we'll be even x

 

One of the greatest examples of a journey in a song is this one. It follows one pulsating synth line as it escalates and descends across seven minutes and takes surprising turns, from fierce grinding to solemn piano, it's a real ride accompanied by some great visuals. I discovered it via MrSuicideSheep's Experimental week and I was really pleased to see it connect with so many. The whole EP is rather lovely, I would also recommend Skyscrapers, which has always been a potential if I wasn't hesitant about recycling my own artists.

 

Another very nice MrSuicideSheep discovery and a fitting one for a round numbered contest as it does reflect my sound quite well. A video-game-style epic synth-drenched run that's quite a wild ride and doesn't let up until the final moments.

 

Given how much I love post-rock, it's kinda surprising I've only sent two entries with the sound but then I don't like repeating genres too often and I do like to reserve it for the very best. I will be honest the name of the artist and the spam filter on this website as well as the length did kind of make me want to send it as a troll entry, but thankfully it's much more than that. This post-rock cover of Hans Zimmer's wonderful Time from the film Inception has a beautiful build and strings mixed in that makes every use of its nine minutes. I wonder if I'd sent it now if it would do a little better, as there does seem to be more of an audience for this sort of thing now. There have been other covers of this in the contest, but mine is still the best x

 

I've pretty much put all the epic instrumentals in this section, haven't I? Similar to above, Witch house is a genre I pretty much always stan, though I've only sent this once, time for a change x Part of a series of long, galaxy-inspired tracks posted by this obscure Russian artist, they're pretty much all explosions in sound that throw everything in there - this is a great example of that with its entrancing choral section breaking up the pulsating synths.

 

Possibly patient zero of the spooky scary instrumentals that I've become so fond of. This was recommended to me on Soundcloud I think and it captivated me instantly with its horror film sound effects, crashing guitars and pulsating beat that doesn't let you up. It's another one I feel it would have a lot more of an audience had I sent it now rather than when I did, listen if you're unfamiliar, you won't regret it x

 

30. Varien - Lilith (52nd entry, BJSC 94, DNQ)

And another spooky scary instrumental to round us out! A controversial one, one that should've qualified if not for a clerical error and one that saddened me as I really had high hopes for this, but it performed fairly lukewarm in TBO and I did get to send him again so I suppose it all worked out. The song itself is still great, a hypnotic and creepy piano line that pulls you in instantly and some serious hard drops accompanied with that fricking terrifying image gives you quite the experience to take away.

Terra Avium 12s/18s 21-30

 

Runners up: Henrik B, Niklas Gustavsson, Peter Johansson – Echoes (Yehesi), Crystal Fighters – Wave (Isconia)

From almost nine (!) years ago, this one has really held up well. It's creepy synths and brilliant vocals in the chorus combine to create a brilliantly atmospheric yet danceable synthpop song, still my favourite discovery from this country.

 

Runners up: Apocalypse Orchestra - The Garden of Earthly Delights (Dobago), Rob Dougan – Furious Angels (Fljotavik)

Persephonia again, the real question is which one will be the highest and will Bre ever get round to commenting on this thread? :thinking: This has a sort of medieval folk style but makes use of that awesome building, chanted chorus and an iconic throat singing outro. It's one of their most distinctive songs and still sounds wonderful, needs to be on the soundtrack to The Northman x

 

Runners up: Houseshaker feat. Amanda Blush – Light the Sky (Bellamia), Gabrielle – Sitterher (Caerfyrddia)

This one had like a re-release in recent years I think? I was pleased to see it pop up again as it reminded me of that real power I felt when I first heard it, the synths and hushed yet emotional vocals give it a real emotional punch especially with the psychedelic-esque video. I also never knew this was Imogen Heap on vocals! (Yes, I gave as much as ten points to TARO Bellamia in the past! :o)

 

Runners up: Faun – Gaia (Lotunia), Burial – Space Cadet (Skall)

It was only from last year, but I feel confident to rank this as my favourite of the Trifoski top pointers I've given out. It's a glorious euphoric ride that throws just about everything into the mix, yet still sounding wonderful and uplifting in its various vocal samples, sax solo and melodic instrumental. There's one similar euphoric, packed almost-instrumental still to come from the very same year coming up.

 

Runners up: pg.lost – Terrain (Arcodesia), Animal Collective – Banshee Beat (Skall)

This is a strange one as I'd known this for some time when it was entered and had considered sending this myself, but always assumed it would be vetoed given how well the Midnight do in this contest. I suppose my bad for not trying, but it was one of my favourite discoveries of the past decade so it was always gonna be high, and I was totally disengaged from this contest after my DNQ for Suspiria so I didn't care enough to penalise it for familiarity. It's the Midnight's 80s fever as its very best - beautiful sax solos, guitars, an anthemic chorus, it deserves to be the go-to anthem symbolising 'a new day' ala One Day Like This x

 

Runners up: The Very Best – Yoshua Alikuti (Skall), Neon Indian – Annie (PRoJ)

A wonderfully quirky instrumental with what I think are some Middle-Eastern influences peppered in, but those huge synths really take a lot of the focus and it's undeniable. I hold this contest to quite good memories as it was the same one as when I sent Miracles and this top 3 and many more are still very close to my heart.

 

Runners up: Erkka – Plastic Flamingoes (#00274E), Paradis – Garde Le Pour Toi (Utopia)

I don't know a lot about this potty-mouthed band but this was a great introduction and one of Cumulonimbia's early entries. Its computer malfunctioning synth-style builds to a massive swirling breakdown in what is still a wonderful listen, shoutout to Plastic Flamingoes too with similar quirky instrumental power.

 

Runners up: John De Sohn feat. Kristin Amparo - Dance Our Tears Away (Sandeborg), Truls – Out of Yourself (Persephonia)

One of the most uplifting and feel-good songs entered here, it's impossible not to feel totally filled with whimsy and optimism after hearing that whistling hook so many times (and I did as it was snapped up by a lot of adverts at the same time x), another contest in which I hold quite good uni memories of and Dance Our Tears Away got unlucky as that is one of my favourite dance-pop songs.

 

Runners up: Fraunhofer Diffraction – Fate (Aeroche), Ratty – Sunrise (Here I Am) (Botanikka)

The highest of Jadakissnia's entries here, I do love their spooky scary, witchy entries, but this quite trip-hop-esque one hit a lot different and the slow build, swirling strings and dramatic vocals really give this an epic, standout feel that is reminiscent of Massive Attack a little bit.

 

Runners up: Wim Mertens – Close Cover (FSR Rontvia), Boards of Canada – 1969 (Ambienta)

Sleeping at Last first came to my attention when they were sent to BJSC Instrumentals spin-off with the beautiful Hearing. Saturn isn't entirely instrumental but has a lot of the same power in it's strings and piano combined with his soft vocals to make something very soothing and beautiful, like a modern-day lullaby or stress reliever. It's something Keane would've killed for back in the day.

 

-x-

 

Next section should come next week hopefully, hopefully before this list becomes three entries out of date :kink: (speaking of, apocalyptic dance didn't quite work out but Scottish post-punk was a step in the right direction whoop *.), in the meantime, go listen to my Pride entry x

'Pumpin Blood' is a banger. Also major love to DJ Sabrina and Sleeping At Last. Both wonderful entries!

Fantastic to see three of my entries showing up in your top 40! Admittedly I don't revisit 'Ave Plague' that much but I still adore 'Toccata' and 'Earth Not Above' as much as when I sent them back in 2016, great picks. Who knew binge-watching 'Catfish' one night would introduce me to what would become your favourite entry of mine :kink:

 

'Time' is up there with your very best for me :wub: I pointed it generously at the time but it was still a post-contest grower, to the extent of wishing I'd given it 18. So intense <3

Runners up: Erkka – Plastic Flamingoes (#00274E), Paradis – Garde Le Pour Toi (Utopia)

I don't know a lot about this potty-mouthed band but this was a great introduction and one of Cumulonimbia's early entries. Its computer malfunctioning synth-style builds to a massive swirling breakdown in what is still a wonderful listen, shoutout to Plastic Flamingoes too with similar quirky instrumental power.

 

“Surf Solar” is one of my favourite Cumulonimbia entries - the video (Penguins), the bass, the pacing. It also iconically led for one of the leaderboard updates IIRC!

 

 

Clams Casino – I’m God (Skall, BJSC 58) - this is god tier, how this didn't win!