January 4, 20178 yr Author TBO IX Results We rounded off a pretty good BJSC 2016 with a spot in the TBO final for the first time with BLVCK CEILING's 'WVFFLIFE (CHVRN Remix)'. The results are now in and it was revealed that we came 19th place (out of a possible 30) with 42 points! We are more than happy with this placing as our entry originally 'only' came 6th in amongst a lot of medallists in this pool of entries. So to avoid bombing in the bottom 5 or so will do us good. Thanks to everyone who voted for us and helped to declare 'WVFFLIFE (CHVRN Remix)' as one of the top 20 entries of the year! Yehesi's 'Bonbon' by Era Istrefi came out on top. The song originally came 2nd in its contest but was hotly tipped to win this after accumulating quite the additional following since the contest. 'Bonbon' didn't quite make it into our votes, but it was a huge grower nevertheless. Ethanola's whacky winner 'Free Tibet (Vini Vici Remix)' by Hilight Tribe finished runner up here even despite a deduction! We gave the song 5 points and were thrilled to see it do so well all over again. Third place went to FSR Rontvia's gorgeous 'Ilumbarada' by Ortiga, which 'only' came 5th in its original contest! We gave the song 10 points as our second favourite of the available options (our best of the lot was Aeroche's 'Angel' by Polyna, which finished bang in the middle in 15th) so to see it storm this was wondrous. Thanks to the following for pointing us in this TBO final: Aeroche, Hushkanukia, Land of DW, N DNTN, Persephonia, Dobago, Séyetana, Terra Avium, Deandria, Bøtanikkä & Cor Lupus :heart: --- http://i.imgur.com/8t0xCyk.png 50. Paul Cronin - 'Now Bad Boy' (#00274E) 49. Plaitum - 'Jagwa' (N DNTN) 48. Oliver - 'Electrify (feat. Scott Mellis)' (Trifoski) 47. Apollo 440 - 'Blackbeat' (Usfland) 46. Sleigh Bells - 'A/B Machines' (Harmonica) 45. Christopher Tin - 'Temen Oblak (feat. Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares)' (Séyetana) 44. LSDXOXO - 'XXX ANGEL DUST XXX' (Desbuanda) 43. BOOTS - 'C.U.R.E.' (Persephonia) 42. Konstantin Sibold - 'Mutter' (Ethanola) 41. Billie Black - 'I Waited For You' (Ethanola) Kicking off the top half of this countdown is #00274E at #50! 'Now Bad Boy' is perhaps the most energetic entry of the year, or is at least up there. I suppose that's exactly what you'd expect from a rave entry though! This song is an addictive uplifting 'hands in the air' track from start to finish. The production is full speed ahead and is complimented by a few different quick repetitive vocal sections - the high-pitched vocals capturing me the most. The 90s was an absolutely amazing decade for dance and I just feel like I'm being transported to that era of music with 'Now Bad Boy'. Such a joyous throwback that we have enjoyed more than anything else that #00274E have sent this year. Our favourite from them last year was 'Paradigm' by Camelphat featuring A*M*E (in our BJSC top 10 of 2015!) so they are clearly doing something right with their dance offerings. Next up at #49 are #00274E's partners in crime N DNTN with Plaitum's 'Jagwa'! This entry from the London-based duo stormed its way into the top 3 of BJSC 85, showing that witchy-tinged entries can still smash it. The song builds up with some pretty dark muffled verses, but it is all about the chorus for me which simply SOARS. The production is amazing the whole way through but the vocals are suddenly kicked up a notch as they just grip you with passion. A striking piece of electronic pop that keeps me coming back for the stormer of a chorus and chilling synths. N DNTN still have multiple entries on the way so they really impressed us this year. Trifoski are back once again at #48, although just like N DNTN they still have multiple appearances even after this section! They have been so on form this year. Many of their entries have been underrated by the BJSC masses this year but thankfully 'Electrify' finished off 2016 as a surprise SMASH for the nation in 6th place! We were so incredibly pleased that this mechanical, synth-tastic banger got the appreciation that it deserved as it was a real highlight of BJSC 90. Hooray for the Trifoski agenda giving the nation a break. We were sold on the retro synths alone but the vocals are really charming as well. We had real entry envy with this one! We then have another pretty old school sounding track at #47, courtesy of Usfland! This nation really turned things around this year by bringing more success to their name. We were already familiar with Apollo 440's 'Stop The Rock' and 'Charlie's Angels 2000' so we were hoping for big things. Thankfully we were not disappointed in the slightest! The instrumental is such an action-packed throwback delight and the robotic vocals make it stand out even more. "Tune in, let's go ten out of ten, funky rebel music on the radio again" is such an addictive opener so I love that you are immediately drawn in by that being repeated multiple times. The first time I heard 'Blackbeat', I could really picture it soundtracking a game, so it was no surprise to learn shortly after hearing it that it was featured in EA Sports F1 2002! This entry just missed out on being top 30 in BJSC 86, but we were thrilled to see it in the final nevertheless. Harmonica are next up at #46. 'A/B Machines' finally gave us the opportunity to point the nation! We were able to pay them back in a big way at last after they voted for us at the first opportunity that they could, back in BJSC 74. We simply could not resist the dirty distorted sound of Sleigh Bells (a big thumbs up to 'infinity Guitars' also that we have since discovered) and the ultimate earworm of "got my A machines on the table, got my B machines in the drawer" *.* So damn catchy. Also love the siren-esque guitars, the random scream that comes in and just the general chanty nature of the song. A brave effort that certainly paid off! Another pretty bold entry was courtesy of Séyetana in BJSC 89, which they appear here with at #45. 'Temen Oblak' had lots of hype around it from the word go, and it's easy to see why when it is so standout in a year where we have championed the weird but wonderful. It annoyingly finished in 11th, failing to *quite* replicate the success of silver medallist 'Baba Yetu', but still did well all the same. Christopher Tin really provided us with a 7 minute EPIC here, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked for the entirety of the duration. I mean, how could you not be gripped by Bulgarian folk choir?! The all-female choir Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares deliver these lyrics absolutely beautifully with just the right level of suspense throughout. This is an immensely powerful, exciting and eccentric world music entry that was a real triumph for Séyetana. At #44 we have Desbuanda with the absolute BANGER that is 'XXX ANGEL DUST XXX'! Naturally I was going to be drawn in by the Spanish lyrics in the sample of La Materialista's 'Chuleame' throughout! Who doesn't love hearing "bring out the milk" repetitively in Español? The high-pitched delivery is really sassy and easy to warm to. Away from the vocals/lyrics, the percussive production also really helps to ramp things up a bit! The drums are on point and the breaking glass sound is really effective too. Sooooo good. Not so much Spanish swag at #43 but still very swag nonetheless is Persephonia with 'C.U.R.E.' by BOOTS. He had a pretty brilliant producing repertoire prior to 'C.U.R.E.', being the man behind some songs for FKA Twigs and none other than queen Beyoncé herself. So no surprise to see absolutely top notch production on this song! This stood out in the 83 final for being hip-hop leaning alone which is always a brave move. I absolutely love the urgent and addictive production that commands your attention the whole way through. Then his fascinating stream-of-conciousness rapping is delivered to perfection. Bonus points for a super cool animated video as the icing on top of the cake. We have a double dose of Ethanola to finish off this section! Grab that impact. First up is 'Mutter' at #42. This entry was pretty divisive (and was apparently mauled on plug.dj) but managed to overcome the high level of vocal hatred to actually qualify! *.* It being 10+ minutes of instrumental that barely changes was bound to piss people off. I could see why people would find it monotonous or way too long but I personally really enjoyed it of course. This is a pretty intense, thumping piece of trance that is wonderfully produced and I am often a fan of #longsongbloc entries so the length is no issue to me. The switch-ups may be very minor but the production is so great that I am here for it being that way for such a long duration. At #41, Ethanola provided something far more accessible and less likely to induce a tirade of pitchforks. 'I Waited For You' was an absolutely brilliant move from them, a much softer side to the nation that I hadn't really seen before away from mounds of bangers. This is nothing short of LUSH and blissful and all the positive relaxing adjectives in the world. Billie Black originates from jazz and mixes these influences with some gorgeous underground electronic sounds. The lyrics show such devotion and purity; on the whole we have something incredibly soulful and tranquil.
January 5, 20178 yr This is such a good read Jade! Very detailed and descriptive and well-put (not that I expected anything less :P). Yay for the two Desbuanda tracks + the similarly-titled 'Feeling Electric' and 'Electrify' <3 The random scream is indeed the highlight of 'A/B Machines' *.* Here's to us hopefully pointing each other more in 2017 ^_^
January 6, 20178 yr Author This is such a good read Jade! Very detailed and descriptive and well-put (not that I expected anything less :P). Yay for the two Desbuanda tracks + the similarly-titled 'Feeling Electric' and 'Electrify' <3 The random scream is indeed the highlight of 'A/B Machines' *.* Here's to us hopefully pointing each other more in 2017 ^_^ Ahh thank you so much Jordan, it really means a lot to hear that. :wub: Glad you're enjoying! Haha I thought you may be appreciative of the Desbuanda appearances, one of the first things I noticed about this section was both you and them appearing in it :lol: Haha what an iconic element to the song *.* Yes let's hope so, our taste in general normally overlaps so much more so here's to it being more similar in BJSC this year. Electrify :wub: :wub: :wub: Trifoski going out with a bang this year *.*
January 6, 20178 yr I love the writeup you've done for Temen Oblak Jade (as with the others as well naturally, spent a long time looking through these). It really captures all the reasons I fell in love with and wanted to send the song, the choir, the drops, the tidal wave of sound, lovely. And very pleased to see C.U.R.E in here, have as much love for that beautifully-produced piece of hip-hop as the day I first heard it now.
January 7, 20178 yr Author Here for a surprise Beaver hit tbh! Mazoo & The Zoo actually occupied every spot because it was just that iconic. x I love the writeup you've done for Temen Oblak Jade (as with the others as well naturally, spent a long time looking through these). It really captures all the reasons I fell in love with and wanted to send the song, the choir, the drops, the tidal wave of sound, lovely. And very pleased to see C.U.R.E in here, have as much love for that beautifully-produced piece of hip-hop as the day I first heard it now. Aw I'm really pleased to hear that you enjoyed my write-up for 'Temen Oblak' Izzles, that was a pleasure to comment on (means a lot that you took some time to look through a lot of these too!). What a great song, such a fine moment from yourself this year. Glad that you hold 'C.U.R.E.' in such high regard too *.*
January 7, 20178 yr Author http://i.imgur.com/8t0xCyk.png 40. KEYS&CAGES - 'Invisible' (Summericia) 39. Kıtchen - 'Inception (Time)' (Terra Avium) 38. Where's The Beach - 'Tripping The Luv Fantastic' (Suedeonia) 37. Hanna Järver - 'Anekdoter' (Fljótavík) 36. Symphobia - 'I Do I Do' (Avalonia) 35. Hiatus - 'Precious Little' (Terra Avium) 34. Nhato - 'Way Of Life (feat. Sasi)' (Cor Lupus) 33. Dan Deacon - 'Change Your Life (You Can Do It)' (Cumulonimbia) 32. Atlas Genius - 'Stockholm' (Cor Lupus) 31. Kitten - 'Fall On Me' (Fljótavík) So here we are, the top 40 most popular songs in Jadakissnia this year! Summericia (neé Aeyundoré at the time of sending this entry) start off this section with the best song that they've ever sent! The nation joined just a few contests after us in 77 and it took exactly 10 editions until we voted for them! Well, in the semi-finals anyway as 'Invisible' cruelly DNQed and then was denied a spot in the Rejects final as well. But hey, it has nabbed a top 40 placing here so silver linings! This entry really stood out as a wonderful package. The production drew me in right from the beginning, as the rocky guitar and drum throughout sounds so great backed with the synthy parts. But what sealed the deal was the vocalist giving an amazing delivery and the chorus really packing a punch. The video is cool too, especially when the screen is black with the neon band members over it. Bravo Summericia, we look forward to seeing what you send to the contest in 2017. Next at #39 we have the first of two appearances from Terra Avium in this section. 'Inception (Time)' was their final offering in 2016 and wow, didn't they go out with a bang. This isn't your typical entry (this goes for artist name too! Not often that you're blocked by THAT filter), here we have just over 9 minutes of post rock instrumental. An absolutely stunning one at that. This wasn't the most instant song for me but when it hit, it truly hit. It originally 'just' got 7 points from me in the semi, but blew me away in the final plug.dj session and received 13 points in the final. This song is nothing short of epic and the guitars are just breathtaking. The 9 minute duration really doesn't feel that long which is a testament to how lost in it I get, it's over before I know it. Plus the cover art is also striking. We applaud Terra Avium for sending something so unique and qualifying with it! At #38 we have the sole appearance of Suedeonia, a debuting nation in 2016. I really wasn't expecting 'Tripping The Luv Fantastic' to end up anywhere near as high as this, as I only gave it 4 points in its contest, but there we go! It just grew and grew and now I would class it as being in my top 3 of BJSC 86. I took a while to completely get its charms but now I'm absolutely all the way there. This is a retro pick all the way from 1991 and it was a marvellous delve into the archives. 'Tripping The Luv Fantastic' is such a joyous song that's just perfect for the summer, so the July contest was an ideal time to unleash it to us all. I love the choppy vocal portions with the cutesy vocals and sweet lyrics. Then the production turns it into a full-on banger! The intro is pretty cool as well and sounds quintessentially 90s which is most definitely a good thing. Suedeonia qualifying after multiple DNQs with such a good song was a real moment - much like Singerpurear overcoming a similar hurdle with 'Love Mera Mera Hit Hit' last year. We do love to root for the underdog. Next at #37 was a song that we awarded 11 more points to than 'Tripping The Luv Fantastic' in the same contest! Showing the growing power of Where's The Beach but also the strength of this song that we thought it worthy enough of a silver medal. This is the first of two appearances in this section for Fljótavík, a country who always tend to send something a bit different. We have a foreign language song here from Swedish artist Hanna Järver. 'Anekdoter' swept me up from the word go. I needn't be aware of the meaning of a single word that is sang, I can feel the breathy emotion of the song and the synths are just marvellous. Not being in English makes it that bit more standout. Plus... there are CATS in the video!! You simply could not want any more. Next at #36 we have Avalonia! Much like last year, they have one standout entry of the year that we were obsessed with. Last year it was 'Mars' by Wrathschild and now we have 'I Do I Do' by Symphobia, a 'classical meets pop' project. What makes this so interesting is said fusion of the genres! The song is immediately intriguing with its delicate classical production, but soon the bridge and chorus come around and it becomes a real explosion with the dubsteppy part of the production! This gentle to giant sound transition is thankfully not jarring in the slightest, it totally works. The lyrics of the chorus make for an ultimate earworm as well! Mix them together and we have something really special as the production really makes it stand out more. No surprise to see me loving the production when there are a lot of strings to be found! A shame that the nation shall be departing us but at least they had a successful year in BJSC before leaving, this song in particular coming 6th. We then have the second appearance in this section (but by no means their last in this countdown!) from Terra Avium at #35. 'Precious Little' was actually a brief potential for us, but we soon filed it away and just completely forgot about it. So it was lovely for Terra Avium to resurrect this for us. We instantly fell in love with 'Precious Little' for the same reason that we fell in love with Terra Avium entry 'Miracles' last year - it's an instrumental that tugs on the heart strings. This is the kind of thing that can make me weep without any vocals being present, as the piano and strings are such a beautiful combination on their own. The simple but effect music video was filmed in Iran on a phone and is also rather touching, matching the melancholic feel of the song. We were so pleased to see this scrape a top 10 placing earlier in the year. Up next at #34 is the first of another double appearance for a country! Three of those in this section. This time it's Cor Lupus with 'Way Of Life'. Let's just start by saying that this was SO underrated in the final of BJSC 88! 38th people, 38th?! That simply was not good enough! Good thing it has appeared higher here than its final placing. This was a great choice of auto-qualifier from our fellow BJSC 74 debutants following their win with 'Higher' in 87. 'Way Of Life' relates to the Japanese shooter games Touhou. I was already somewhat familiar with Touhou related music way before BJSC, due to an internet friend from way back who lived in Taiwan introducing to me years ago. I really liked that and was pleased that 'Way Of Life' was even better! The production is fab and I enjoy the delivery of the German words, the way they are delightfully elongated during the chorus in particular. BJSC was sleeping on this beauty for sure. At #33 we then have Cumulonimbia with their highest (yup soz the BBC News remix didn't quite make it </3) entry in our countdown. This entry was double-confirmed in the Jadaphonia hosted contest 89, so the demand made me intriuged for this already. I was not disappointed in the slightest of course, instead hooked from the very first listen *.* This is another contender for 'most energetic energy of the year' along with 'Now Bad Boy' last section for sure. It is a high-octane banger that repetitively urges that "you can do it" and "change your life". Motivational or what?! A must when I need to push myself to do assignments tbh. I'm a sucker for well produced loopy dance so this was always going to be a thumbs up from me. Quickly back to Cor Lupus again for #32, as my favourite 2016 entry of theirs is revealed as 'Stockholm'. This was sent to me as a potential way back when potential-sharing was a thing, and it was easily the standout of the lot for me. So thank goodness that it got sent! Unfortunately it DNQed in a string of bad luck for Cor Lupus earlier in the year, but got some justice with a solid finish in Rejects this year. I am yet to send a rocky entry myself (watch this space in the not too distant future though!!) but there are some that come along in the contest that really tickle my fancy. I absolutely love the instrumentation here for starters - the song opens with a slightly chilling piano on its own, and then we are soon introduced to some huuuge bass as well. The vocals are the best part for me though as they're so passionate. The delivery of the chorus in particular is spectacular. A slightly dark (with the angry guitar riffs and piano) but anthemic song from Atlas Genius. Now, to round off this section we return to Fljótavík for some more cats! This time due to their artist Kitten occupying the #31 spot. When first hearing this song, it reminded me of 80s hit 'They Don't Know' by Tracy Ullman - perhaps due to the wedding bell-esque production that they share. But then I saw some 'Trash' by Suede comparisons so I checked that out, and it became alarmingly obvious that this was an homage to that! Even the first word of this song is "trash". Anyway, alternative-rock song 'Fall On Me' is an absolute stormer. The vocals are incredibly longing and powerful and there are some pretty haunting backing vocals in places as well. An emotive beauty.
January 7, 20178 yr Yasssssss *.* it's also my favourite ever entry too. So happy with 40th in your eoy Jade ^_^ (also getting massive justice coming 3rd in my personal eoy of the year too *.*) Bring on them fab discoveries this year too :cheer: Fall On Me is glorious & Dan Deacon was a tune too. Great stuff!
January 8, 20178 yr Your medal position during Rejects will not go unappreciated!!! :heart: :heart: :heart: "Fall On Me" is absolutely BRILLIANT. Just the retro-sounding Lana Del Rey surf rock sound really got to me.
January 8, 20178 yr Woop woop at BOOTS making the top 50 <3 almost wall-to-wall brilliance in the 41-50 section *.* most of those featuring v highly in my EOY as well. Much love for Kitchen, Where's The Beach (seemingly you stan this even more than I do now ;o), Hanna Järver, Nhato and Dan Deacon in this section too. A belated yay for 'WVFFLIFE' coming top 20 in TBO too, TBO 2017 will be yours for the taking surely xx Lovely commentaries (yas at the shoutout for 'Infinity Guitars' *.* x), keep it up. (I reckon you're gonna finish your EOY before me this time lol)
January 8, 20178 yr *.* so many brilliant paragraphs about my entries <3 #JadAvium was definitely very strong last year, let's hope 2017 is the same! (I may have another heart-string tugging instrumental a'la Miracles/Precious Little lined up soon ;o) Very pleased you were a fan of Travelling Light, Time & Precious Little, I was so glad that sending unconventional instrumentals like these wasn't the wrong move and they found a wider fanbase. Same can't be said for Woman's Work it seemd (and another DNQ I assume is still to come ;o), but thrilled to see that here too! A lot of great songs so far, though I'm more enjoying the commentaries than anything, so wonderfully articulate, do keep them up! (and don't leave it ten months later again :P) Edited January 8, 20178 yr by Chez Wombat
January 8, 20178 yr Author Yasssssss *.* it's also my favourite ever entry too. So happy with 40th in your eoy Jade ^_^ (also getting massive justice coming 3rd in my personal eoy of the year too *.*) Bring on them fab discoveries this year too :cheer: Fall On Me is glorious & Dan Deacon was a tune too. Great stuff! Hooray for you also thinking that 'Invisible' is your best entry! 'Alga', 'Parade' and 'The Glittering Gutter' are also strong of course. Yessss grab that top 40 impact here and top 3 impact for yourself *.* Thank youuuuuuu, glad you liked this section <3 Your medal position during Rejects will not go unappreciated!!! :heart: :heart: :heart: "Fall On Me" is absolutely BRILLIANT. Just the retro-sounding Lana Del Rey surf rock sound really got to me. Haha yay :heart: Really pleased that 'Stockholm' did so well in Rejects. Great to see some 'Fall On Me' appreciation also <3 Woop woop at BOOTS making the top 50 <3 almost wall-to-wall brilliance in the 41-50 section *.* most of those featuring v highly in my EOY as well. Much love for Kitchen, Where's The Beach (seemingly you stan this even more than I do now ;o), Hanna Järver, Nhato and Dan Deacon in this section too. A belated yay for 'WVFFLIFE' coming top 20 in TBO too, TBO 2017 will be yours for the taking surely xx Lovely commentaries (yas at the shoutout for 'Infinity Guitars' *.* x), keep it up. (I reckon you're gonna finish your EOY before me this time lol) I simply could not resist the swag of BOOTS *.* that section was indeed a very you-friendly one haha. It does seem like Where's The Beach has risen in my affections so much that I like it even more that you now ;o Wish I gave it double figure points like you did in its contest. Thank you regarding TBO <3 haha hopefully 2017 will be a good BJSC year for the both of us xx Gracias :wub: 'Infinity Guitars' was so great when played on plug, perhaps I need to check out more Sleigh Bells songs. Shall try my best to keep this up because I really do want to complete it. Best of luck finishing off yours a lot quicker this year too! *.* so many brilliant paragraphs about my entries <3 #JadAvium was definitely very strong last year, let's hope 2017 is the same! (I may have another heart-string tugging instrumental a'la Miracles/Precious Little lined up soon ;o) Very pleased you were a fan of Travelling Light, Time & Precious Little, I was so glad that sending unconventional instrumentals like these wasn't the wrong move and they found a wider fanbase. Same can't be said for Woman's Work it seemd (and another DNQ I assume is still to come ;o), but thrilled to see that here too! A lot of great songs so far, though I'm more enjoying the commentaries than anything, so wonderfully articulate, do keep them up! (and don't leave it ten months later again :P) Happy that you're pleased with what I have written about your entries <3 We really were so musically aligned in BJSC this year, so more of the same in 2017 please as you say! Consider me hyped at another heart-string tugging instrumental, as you do them so well! Yes they were all amazing songs and definitely not a wrong move in the slightest, keep on sending such standout songs *.* Woman's Work DNQing was a travesty but at least it has a good showing in Rejects. Aww thank you so much, that's such a lovely thing to read! <3 Shall try my best to keep this up as I am adamant to finish it in January this year rather than 10 months down the line :lol: Waiting for Stanga to show up here :cheer: Slay at it being somewhere in the top 30 *.*
January 8, 20178 yr Author http://i.imgur.com/8t0xCyk.png 30. Melt Yourself Down - 'Fix My Life' (Trifoski) 29. Bicep - 'Just' (Skall) 28. KING - 'The Greatest' (Pagasa) 27. Wardruna - 'Odal' (Tinnmark) 26. Angels & Airwaves - 'Chasing Shadows' (Mulgracia) 25. Hilight Tribe - 'Free Tibet (Vini Vici Remix)' (Ethanola) 24. Fraunhofer Diffraction - 'Fate' (Aeroche) 23. David Lyme - 'Bye Bye Mi Amor' (Skall) 22. TWRR - 'Water Frozen' (Persephonia) 21. Nightcall - 'Dead V (feat. Dreamhour)' (Yehesi) We dive straight into the top 30 with some madness courtesy of Trifoski. 'Fix My Life' unfortunately DNQed back in BJSC 83 (that was an incredible contest for DNQs, my favourite DNQ from that contest is still to come!) where I was unable to help it due to being in the opposite semi. Perhaps it was the Trifoski agenda or people being put off by the mental strobe lights of the video. Either way, we were not impressed as it was a brilliant tune. The sax in this song makes it for me as it's so standout and crazy. We love a bit of crazy. Away from this brilliant and daring instrumental, there is a random splattering of vocals (are they actual words or just noises? who knows) throughout just to throw in some further weirdness. It builds up really well to the defiant "Gonna fix my life today!" repetition at the end. Everything about this is superb, save for the video that is unwatchable to my eyes. Down with strobe lights. But... up with more good songs! #29 is 'Just' by Bicep, one of Skall's plethora of #longsongbloc entries and the first of two appearances from them in this section. This positioning doesn't quite live up to the accolade of 'DJ Mag's Best Of British 2015' (yup, this song actually won whatever that is) but a top 30 scrape is not too shabby at all. This 6 minute dance track is a treat to the ears with all of its bleeps and bloops. It's almost fully instrumental, but not quite as "I'm just the same" is repeated throughout. This little vocal part was a simple but effective touch. 'Just' is a bold dance song but not in a massive 'in your face' way at all, in fact the instrumental and vocals are quite calming. So that's a pretty cool thing about it. Keep bringing us more goods in 2017 please Skall! So glad that they caught more of a break with their longer songs in 2016 compared to the year before. We have a song fit for royalty next with KING's 'The Greatest' at #28. This was the debut entry from Pagasa (a brand new country in 2016) so they made a pretty strong first impression on me! Popjustice Song Contest thought this was 'the greatest' of them all as it took their crown, but sadly could only reach 30th in BJSC. Still, Pagasa's further entries have both DNQed so at least this was a qualifier for them. 'The Greatest' is a pleasure to listen to ~ here we have something incredibly ambient and dreamy. The tight soulful harmonies are so strong and there is a wonderful groove to the production. The song pays tribute to the now late Muhammad Ali, with the lyrics namedropping him, asking "who wants a run with the number 1?" and speaking of a "champion heavyweight" so that's pretty cool and inspiring subject matter as well. A lovely retro-sounding song that manages to be fresh at the same time. Next, it is BJSC long-timers Tinnmark who take the #27 spot. I went SO long without giving them a single point, but then they went and finally blew me away with this one. A song I awarded 13 points to was certainly how to grab my attention for the first time in style. In BJSC 87 we saw world music entry 'Ilumbarada' smash and pave way for more unique world music entries, as this came along a contest later and defied the odds by qualifying. Thank god it did because it's absolutely glorious. The thumping percussion sounds timeless and impressive, and it only gets better as the vocals are absolutely spine-tingling. It's lovely to hear both the vocals of adults and children matched together here, as if to signify unity. Although the founder of the band's children actually supply vocals for this, so it is also beautiful that there are family connections here singing so passionately with one and other. A stroke of genius for Tinnmark. At #26 we have Mulgracia with 'Chasing Shadows' by Angels & Airwaves. This song draws some parallels to Atlas Genius' 'Stockholm' that was in the past section, in that it's a rocky DNQ that was sent to us as a potential and our favourite of the lot. Plus they're both our favourite entries of the year for the respective nations. Perhaps this is a sign that my opinion is not the one you necessarily want for success, or at least sometimes, as Cor Lupus did well with 'Push' and Mulgracia with 'Dance Like Hell' which were also sent to us as potentials that were our favourite of the options. Anyway, it was a huge shame to see this one not make it to the final. Angels & Airwaves is a project that features Tom DeLonge of Blink-182 fame. So that'll be why the vocals sound familiar. The difference between Blink-182's general sound and this song is that the sound here has a far more 'dreamy' vibe rather than the often bold and brash rock/pop-punk sound of some Blink-182 hits (I'm a commercial hoe so can't compare to their album tracks here) ~ the genre of 'Chasing Shadows' being space rock. Tom's voice is wonderfully distinct and the production is heavenly alongside. Thematically and lyrically interesting also as the whole project is inspired by Tom's interest in the extra terrestrial. A shame this one didn't catch on more! On the other hand, #25 somehow caught on a LOT more. Ethanola struck gold in BJSC 82 with 'Free Tibet' as it scooped the crown and also came 2nd in TBO this year. This song is truly like nothing else I have ever heard. It's just absolutely insane. I was quite shocked that BJSC were taking to something so OUT THERE and bonkers, but so pleased all the same. I really think this song has opened doors for pretty much anything to win. Here we have an almost-8 minute psy-trance rollercoaster ride that you just never want to end, as the switch-ups are so incredible. Really I just want them to keep going as the whole experience is so electric. Up with outlandish foreign language bangers. It was a pleasure knowing this was about to win as my votes were the last to be announced! Bravo BJSC voters, I'm so pleased this did so well. At #24 we have my favourite winner of the year, just pipping 'Free Tibet' to the post. Aeroche almost went the WHOLE year without winning, but then managed to get there in the final contest of the year, also clinching yet another consecutive YTD first place for them. 'Fate' was described as a cross between a Jadakissnia and Terra Avium entry, so we were on board before we had even heard the song from that description alone. It of course didn't disappoint, and I totally get that comparison as it's a pretty spooky song, and both of us tend to dip into that kind of thing once in a while. Aeroche are spectacular with witchy songs, first the amazing 'Exhume' and now this *.* 'Fate' takes a sample of Kelly Clarkson's 'Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)' and twists it into something almost unrecognisable. While that song is supposed to be uplifting, here we have something haunting and it works so well. The production is also amazing, it's absolutely massive and pulsating. Also I would recommend 'Mitt Land' by the same artist, it came on Spotify once after 'Fate' and is also incredible. More witchy smashes in 2017 please! Next we have the second appearance from Skall at #23. 'Bye Bye Mi Amor' pipped 'Fate' to my 18 points, meaning that it is my first 18 pointer to drop out. But it hasn't really had time to hold up yet like a lot of other favourites, as it was from the most recent contest. Anyway, it's pretty obvious why this one was going to appeal to me! It is absolutely dripping in synths and there is some Español impact as well! Also known as the perfect combination. This was a pretty retro pick, dating back to the 1980s, but Skall totally pulled off sending something so old. It's such a charming and fun-filled record, I can't help but get swept up in the joy of the camp male vocals and female backing vocals in the chorus. Bloody brilliant. Persephonia land at #22 in our countdown with TWRR, the second capitalised four-letter artist in this section. Goals. The nation wanted feedback about potentials in their thread for BJSC 87, and this was my favourite of them so I was so happy that it ended up getting sent! Here we have an absolutely lush chilled electronic offering from our favourite country. The way this builds is magical, it reminds me of ONUKA's 'Time' in a way as it is so subtle and builds up slow, but then saves the best until last with the build-up to the lovely final chorus. The vocalist has such a relaxing tone and the twinkly production helps to heighten things. Absolutely beautiful video as well, perfect imagery for the lyrics that are being sung. Last but not least, Yehesi JUST manage to miss out on a top 20 placing. But this is a brilliant finish nevertheless for a song that I 'only' gave 10 points to in its contest. It has grown on me even more since the contest though, and would get 15 points from me now if I were to vote in BJSC 85 again. Yehesi had a very successful year, but this stood head and shoulders above their big hitters for me. I mean, this did well to only just fall short of the top 10, but if I had my way then it would've been Yehesi's winner this year. Anyway, this song is beautifully breathtaking. Much like 'Water Frozen', it's all about the build-up. The vocalist has such a chilling voice that matches up just right to the subtle piano production of the verses, but then OH MY GOD the way it switches up towards the end *.* Suddenly the subtlety is no more, the vocals are now crying out and the production gets huge and electronic. Every single time that part gives me the chills. Just relistened to it and the goosebumps were there once again. Not entirely sure of the meaning behind this song, but to me it feels like someone who has messed up a great opportunity or two and feels a bit hopeless. I just get that feeling from the "what have I done?" and the desperation in the vocals near the end. But who knows. Absolutely incredible song.
January 8, 20178 yr omg *.* I been following this thread and sawthe chances of Nightcall appearing slim down and I wasn;t expecting it anymore :lol: Lovely writeup. I still love the song to death. 2016 really was the year where I loved and still love every song I sent
January 8, 20178 yr Jade's taste <3 Looking forward to seeing anything Deandria-related here of course :kink:
January 8, 20178 yr Author omg *.* I been following this thread and sawthe chances of Nightcall appearing slim down and I wasn;t expecting it anymore :lol: Lovely writeup. I still love the song to death. 2016 really was the year where I loved and still love every song I sent Haha I can definitely see why you wouldn't be expecting it to feature so high when I 'only' gave it 10 points in the contest, but there you go *.* It slays me so hard, so pleased that you ended up going for it. Thank you, was effortless to write for it <3 sending what you love certainly worked in your favour last year so keep it up! Looking forward to seeing what you send this year~ Jade's taste <3 Looking forward to seeing anything Deandria-related here of course :kink: Yasssss Mattias <3 There might be one... or two... or three... Deandria songs on the way :kink: (WD on being the 500th reply in this thread x)
January 10, 20178 yr Mazoo & The Zoo actually occupied every spot because it was just that iconic. x Aw I'm really pleased to hear that you enjoyed my write-up for 'Temen Oblak' Izzles, that was a pleasure to comment on (means a lot that you took some time to look through a lot of these too!). What a great song, such a fine moment from yourself this year. Glad that you hold 'C.U.R.E.' in such high regard too *.* I will accept that.
January 10, 20178 yr Waiting for Stanga to show up here :cheer: !!! My woulda been second Beaverdonia top 10!!!
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