.

Time until sign-ups begin:

Monday, February 27, 2017

Round 3 LP & Deadline News

For now you should know:
- There are 17 official entries.
- There are 2 shadows.
- I think I responded to all e-mails (eventually).
- The listening party will be hosted by Tom on YouTube tonight at 9PM EST.
- There will be a new "Today's The Day" cover played during the LP.
- Remember...shadows are never late.  If you got a finished or near finished song...you can still send it in.

Listening Party Location:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dens6TA9PW8

Deadline Eliminations:
James Young - Dr. Lindyke - Megalodon - Sumner Wynn - Emperor Gum - Turtle Fence

Embed of the LP:  Go to the link above if you want to chat with us while you listen!

 
Lyrics

Sunday, February 19, 2017

SpinTunes #12: Round 3 Challenge

Something Old, Something Knant - Create a new word, and write a song using it prominently. It can't be a proper noun.  Your song must also use borrowed chords.  (2 minute minimum length) (your submission is due by Sunday, February 26th 11:59PM)

Submitting Entries: Entries must be received by the given deadline. Otherwise it'll be posted as a shadow. Received means that it has to appear in my e-mail inbox by the given deadline. I will be going by the time stamp on the e-mail in my inbox. PLEASE do not wait until the last hour to send me something. If there is a blackout in your area, your computer crashes, or your dog actually eats your thumb drive...I will not care. You are allowed to send in a draft of your song early just in case something horrible happens & you miss the deadline. Then you can add polish to your song & send in a better version closer to the deadline. 1 minute late is still late, people.




- Send your file in a format that Bandcamp accepts. (.aiff, .wav or .flac) (at least 16-bit/44.1kHz) You can find the specific requirements for Bandcamp files HERE.


- Name your file the song's title, but without spaces & punctuation.


- Title of the e-mail should be the title of the Challenge & your band's name.


- Include the song lyrics in the body of the e-mail. (If your song doesn't have lyrics...consider yourself eliminated. Instrumentals can be pretty, but SpinTunes does require lyrics.)


- Include information on anyone that needs credited if you collabed with someone.


- If you have a BandCamp account, you can just send me a link to your song on BandCamp if you include all the info I mentioned above. Make sure you have it set as a free download, and have it set so that I don't have to put in an e-mail to download it if you pick this option. THIS IS THE BEST FILE SHARING OPTION!


- Other file sharing options if you need them: Sound Cloud (set to download a format BandCamp is ok with) & Drop Box. Please send an e-mail as I already stated, but with the download link if you need one of these services. Please follow directions so your file doesn't wind up in my spam or trash folder accidentally.


Side Notes:


- Remember that you are allowed to send in a little background about your song. Some people don't like to do that, and you don't have to, but if you want to write a couple sentences about your song I'll post it on the BandCamp page for people to see. Some judges will look at the lyrics & this extra info, but they aren't required to.


- If you didn't sign-up in time to compete in SpinTunes #12, you can still complete the challenge & send in a song. It'll be uploaded with the other entries as a "Shadow Song". Check the FAQ if you don't know what that means. You can even complete past challenges from previous contests.


- The only other way to get your music played at the LP is to cover "Today's The Day" by Inverse T. Clown.


- Feel free to leave any questions in the comments.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

SpinTunes #12 Round 2 Reviews: Joe Lamb

Hello all...
Sorry... no rankings this time as I just ran out of time. (Long story!)
But I jotted down my thumbnail reviews (which I usually go over and then ‘place’).
Anyway.. here are my marks out of ten.
 
Ryan - Meatloaf! Some great line sin this. The outro could eaily have been halved though. (8)
Sumner - Bowie! Would love to hear this with doubled up vocals. Very sudden ending though. (7)
James - Metallica! I get the idea, but it just didn;t grab me. (6)
Zoe - Freezepop! Well put together. Maybe tighten the lyric a bit? (7)
Brian - Garth Brooks! Liked the chorus. Not so much the spoken verses (6)
Megalodon - Early Rush! I liked this. But something was missing.. I just dunno what!? (7)
Rob - ..... ROB! :)  I *so* wish your lyrics were clearer. Unique as always! (And I like that!) (7)
Bryan - Indigo Girls! Nice song... also a bit Lou Reed-ish. (6)
Lucky - Early Floyd! Decent enough, but sitting through 1m12s of quiet noise made it hard to give it a chance...(6)
Steve - Status Quo! (1) A simple dirving tune. Not bad at all. (7)
Mick - Kraftwerk! (1)  The shift in speed spoiled this. Got the concept, didn't help the song. (5.5)
Emperor -  Shakespeare! Lyric a bit forced. (5)
Kyleen - Beatles! Well put together and well put over (7.5)
Shyfox - Rolling Stones! - Yep nicely done! (7.5)
GD - The Jam! Loved the hook line. Good song, but weak end. (8)
Jailhouse - Quo! (2) Muddy recording. All a bit rough. (6.5)
Boffo - Daft Punk! Brilliant lyric. Really liked this. (8.5)
Turtle - Sorry guys... Just didn’t like this at all. (4)
Ominous - Peter Gabriel! Dark. Driving. Ominous. My Winner. (9)
Dr Lindyke - Humblebums! All I can say about this is that I really liked it. (8.5)
Ross - Donavan! Solid number. liked it!
Army - Kraftwerk (2) Lyric could be better. (Liked the Da-da-das!) (6.5)
Adam - Sounded very rough, both lyric and music. (5.5)
 
(the) SHADOWS!
Adam - This one didn't do it for me at all.
Boffo - You chose the right song to enter! :)
Mariah - Excellent. Loved this. Such a pity it didn't make it as an entry. Potential winner.

SpinTunes #12: Round 2 Totals

Here are the links to your reviews:

Official Judges:

Guest Judges: N/A
Alternate Judge's Review: Spin

You can listen to all the wonderful songs from this round by checking out the free album HERE.

Just a note, Joe missed the deadline for reviews & rankings so I used mine. He'll be sending me reviews to post later though, so check back in to get more feedback.

Feel free to check for mistakes in the math...as always...Heather could have made a mistake.

Round 2 Results:
(Nick - Zarni - Ted - T.C. - Spin)
Ryan M. Brewer - 18 - 17 - 23 - 23 - 22 (103) (23)
Steve Stearns - 16 - 23 - 20 - 21 - 23 (103) (23)
Brian Gray - 23 - 21 - 19 - 18 - 20 (101) (21)
James Young - 13 - 19 - 15 - 22 - 19 (88) (20)
Bryan Schumann - 22 - 18 - 17 - 8 - 21 (86) (19)
Zoe Gray - 21 - 16 - 14 - 15 - 13 (79) (18)
Ominous Ride - 20 - 13 - 13 - 17 - 16 (79) (18)
Dr. Lindyke - 17 - 12 - 11 - 19 - 18 (77) (16)
Shyfox - 14 - 15 - 22 - 9 - 17 (77) (16)
Governing Dynamics - 15 - 20 - 9 - 20 - 12 (76) (14)
Ross Durand - 12 - 22 - 8 - 13 - 14 (69) (13)
Kyleen Downes - 19 - 14 - 6 - 14 - 15 (68) (12)
Megalodon - 10 - 8 - 16 - 16 - 11 (61) (11)
Sumner Wynn - 6 - 10 - 18 - 10 - 10 (54) (10)
Jailhouse Payback - 11 - 9 - 5 - 11 - 8 (44) (9)
Rob From Amersfoort - 8 - 7 - 10 - 12 - 5 (42) (8)
Adam Sakellarides - 9 - 11 - 7 - 4 - 7 (38) (7)
Lucky Witch And The Righteous Ghost - 7 - 3 - 21 - 1 - 6 (38) (7)
Boffo Yux Dudes - 5 - 6 - 4 - 7 - 4 (26) (5)
Mick Bordet - 2 - 4 - 12 - 2 - 2 (22) (4)
Emperor Gum - 3 - 5 - 1 - 3 - 9 (21) (3)
Turtle Fence - 4 - 1 - 3 - 6 - 3 (17) (2)
Army Defense - 1 - 1 - 2 - 5 - 1 (10) (1)

Place - Points
23 - 34
22 - 32.52
21 - 31.04
20 - 29.56
19 - 28.08
18 - 26.6
17 - 25.12
16 - 23.64
15 - 22.16
14 - 20.68
13 - 19.2
12 - 17.72
11 - 16.24
10 - 14.76
9 - 13.28
8 - 11.8
7 - 10.32
6 - 8.84
5 - 7.36
4 - 5.88
3 - 4.4
2 - 2.92
1 - 1.44

Current Totals:
Ryan M. Brewer - 66
Brian Gray - 60.04
Steve Stearns - 58
Ominous Ride - 57.6
James Young - 57.56
Zoe Gray - 56.6
Governing Dynamics - 54.68
Bryan Schumann - 54.08
Kyleen Downes - 44.72
Dr. Lindyke - 43.64
Ross Durand - 42.2
Shyfox - 40.64
Mariah Mercedes - 33
Boffo Yux Dudes - 32.36
Jailhouse Payback - 28.28
Lucky Witch & The Righteous Ghost - 26.32
Megalodon - 24.24
Rob From Amersfoort - 22.8
Jerry Skids - 22
Heather Zink - 21
Adam Sakellarides - 20.32
27 Tikis - 20
Sumner Wynn - 18.76
DJ Ranger Den - 18
Caravan Ray - 15
Kevin Savino-Riker - 13
Emperor Gum - 12.4
Alex Forger - 12
Mick Bordet - 10.88
Army Defense - 10.44
Domingo - 6
Turtle Fence - 5.92
Edric Haleen - 0
The Crack Fox - 0

Nick:
Brian Gray - 23
Bryan Schumann - 22
Zoe Gray - 21
Ominous Ride - 20
Kyleen Downes - 19
Ryan M. Brewer - 18
Dr. Lindyke - 17
Steve Stearns - 16
Governing Dynamics - 15
Shyfox - 14
James Young - 13
Ross Durand - 12
Jailhouse Payback - 11
Megalodon - 10
Adam Sakellarides - 9
Rob From Amersfoort - 8
Lucky Witch And The Righteous Ghost - 7
Sumner Wynn - 6
Boffo Yux Dudes - 5
Turtle Fence - 4
Emperor Gum - 3
Mick Bordet - 2
Army Defense - 1

Zarni:
Steve Stearns - 23
Ross Durand - 22
Brian Gray - 21
Governing Dynamics - 20
James Young - 19
Bryan Schumann - 18
Ryan M. Brewer - 17
Zoe Gray - 16
Shyfox - 15
Kyleen Downes - 14
Ominous Ride - 13
Dr. Lindyke - 12
Adam Sakellarides - 11
Sumner Wynn - 10
Jailhouse Payback - 9
Megalodon - 8
Rob From Amersfoort - 7
Boffo Yux Dudes - 6
Emperor Gum - 5
Mick Bordet - 4
Lucky Witch And The Righteous Ghost - 3
Army Defense - 2
Turtle Fence - 1

Ted:
Ryan M. Brewer - 23
Shyfox - 22
Lucky Witch And The Righteous Ghost - 21
Steve Stearns - 20
Brian Gray - 19
Sumner Wynn - 18
Bryan Schumann - 17
Megalodon - 16
James Young - 15
Zoe Gray - 14
Ominous Ride - 13
Mick Bordet - 12
Dr. Lindyke - 11
Rob From Amersfoort - 10
Governing Dynamics - 9
Ross Durand - 8
Adam Sakellarides - 7
Kyleen Downes - 6
Jailhouse Payback - 5
Boffo Yux Dudes - 4
Turtle Fence - 3
Army Defense - 2
Emperor Gum - 1

T.C.:
Ryan M. Brewer - 23
James Young - 22
Steve Stearns - 21
Governing Dynamics - 20
Dr. Lindyke - 19
Brian Gray - 18
Ominous Ride - 17
Megalodon - 16
Zoe Gray - 15
Kyleen Downes - 14
Ross Durand - 13
Rob From Amersfoort - 12
Jailhouse Payback - 11
Sumner Wynn - 10
Shyfox - 9
Bryan Schumann - 8
Boffo Yux Dudes - 7
Turtle Fence - 6
Army Defense - 5
Adam Sakellarides - 4
Emperor Gum - 3
Mick Bordet - 2
Lucky Witch And The Righteous Ghost - 1

Spin:
Steve Stearns - 23
Ryan M. Brewer - 22
Bryan Schumann - 21
Brian Gray - 20
James Young - 19
Dr. Lindyke - 18
Shyfox - 17
Ominous Ride - 16
Kyleen Downes - 15
Ross Durand - 14
Zoe Gray - 13
Governing Dynamics - 12
Megalodon - 11
Sumner Wynn - 10
Emperor Gum - 9
Jailhouse Payback - 8
Adam Sakellarides - 7
Lucky Witch And The Righteous Ghost - 6
Rob From Amersfoort - 5
Boffo Yux Dudes - 4
Turtle Fence - 3
Mick Bordet - 2
Army Defense - 1

SpinTunes #12 Round 2 Reviews: T.C. Elliott

How likely am I to listen to this song again? You will rank higher on my list if the more I want to hear the song again as long as you meet the challenge. Here are my reviews:

23. Ryan M. Brewer featuring Raven Faith Brewer - Existentialism On Senior Spring Break - I like the title and the melody appealed to me right off.  The harmony vox are killer. You did an excellent job of incorporating "runnin' off the rails" and "running from momma's lies" in the lyric to bend it towards a driving song. Which it is, but essentially this is a faded youth song dressed up in a driving song. I, for one, like it. I expected a full band to kick in at some point and that would have been very welcome for me. But I would definitely listen to this song on my next road trip.

22. James Young - Drive-Thru! - I really like the idea of a highway song about the drive through. I think the lyric is solid. I liked the shimmering guitar, the rhythm guitar and the vocal is  pretty solid, too. I think this is solid, but it suffers or benefits in comparison to other songs instead of on standing on its own.  I'd probably listen to this song on my next trip down the highway.

21. Steve Stearns - The Ride - The arrangement, structure, vocal phrasing, guitar tones and playing all are perfect for a road song. That 70's rock sound and the hand claps all work beautifully for the challenge. The song itself is solid and I like it.  I would bring this song on the next jaunt to St. Louis.

20. Governing Dynamics - Three Places (I-80) - I like the guitars, arrangement and performance. The melody is solid. The vocal tone and phrasing is pretty good, but there is something just slightly off in the performance for me. Maybe it's mixed a hair too high for my liking or just a bit too muddy in the lower part? Still, the energy is good and the "driving" rhythm works very well.  I would listen to this song out on the road.

19. Dr. Lindyke - On My Way - There is a hint of "7 bridges road" in the melody that is a cool connection to make on a road song.  I like the arrangement/genre.  It's a bit hard to hear the bass in the mix, but the vocals are mixed very well. I like the lyric well enough and the vocal performance is solid. This is pretty good. I'd listen to this song if I were to take a road trip soon.

18. Brian Gray - Code Red - What a great angle for a driving song. And the style suits it as well. The combination technology and bluegrass instrumentation looks like it would be a major traffic pile up, but somehow it corners on rails and arrives just on time.  I absolutely loved listening to this and would definitely include it on my road trip play list.

17. Ominous Ride  - Colipsis - I'm surprised at how many slower tempo songs were entered into a road trip song. I like the melody and arrangement and here the vocal performance is pretty darn solid.  Your mix has a cool depth to it, and this brings up images of travelling through a mostly deserted major city thoroughfare in the dead of night. But I'm afraid it might put me to sleep if I were to listen to it while driving. I'd listen to this song on a trip down the highway (Assuming I don't crash due to the relaxed state it'd put me in.)

16. Megalodon - Accelerator - I like the guitars, and that's what I think of as a typical road song.  I like the title a lot, but I was expecting a typical take. The lyric works well enough and I like that it isn't a cliché take on the challenge.  I like the melody on the pre-chorus a lot, but the rest fails to stand out for me. I like the guitar solo, good tone and playing and suits the song. I'd probably listen to this song on my next road trip.

15. Zoe Gray - Drive To California - Oh, this reminds me, very, very slightly of "cars" by Gary somebody…  I like the nearly spoken verses, your phrasing and delivery are nearly perfect. And honestly, it saves the song for me. It isn't a poorly written song and there are no major faults, but it doesn't do a lot for me. I do like that it isn't a guitar driven road song, but it's a little bit of a risk. I think you pulled it off, but I wish I liked it more.  I'd probably listen again if the road trip were long enough.

14. Kyleen Downes - Taking Daisy For A Drive -  Your first line made me think a little harder than I like (which is not at all) but you had a good twist and I thought you crafted the lyric pretty well. I like the melody. This song is well written enough that I can hear a full band playing it as well as this more stripped down version. I like that you included the rhythm (such that it is) which helps. I think this idea goes up against the idea of a high energy road song .This ain't it. And it's not quintessential, but it's solid from a writing stand point and you performed it solidly. All in all I like the idea of the song better than the song itself, but it definitely isn't a poor entry. I'd  probably listen to this song out on the highway.

13. Ross Durand - Til I Get There - I like your vocal performance and that's a cool commentary angle on travelling. Not sure this is really a road trip song, though.  It's definitely a travel song. Is there a difference?  But I can hear myself listening to this on the road so I think it counts, right?  And the message in the song is ultimately a good one. I like this more than I thought I would. By the end you had won me over. I'd probably listen to this song on the road.

12. Rob From Amersfoort - Still On The Road - I like your guitars, the staccato off strums work really well. The arrangement and structure works well for me. But this just seems a bit slow for a road song. Either the delivery or the breaks hold it back for me. The lyric is just odd enough to catch my attention and I like that you are have a deeper message than a typical driving song.  Still, it this song doesn't stand out from the crowd a whole lot for me. I might listen if the road trip were long enough.

11. Jailhouse Playback - Wall - The beat/rhythm works well with the guitars (Reminds me of a slowed down version  of "the breeze".)  The mix is just a bit muddy, but I like the arrangement well enough. In fact, the more I think about it the more it reminds me of the other song. I guess that's a good template for a road song, though.  Doubling the vocal seems to work pretty well.  I think this is a good effort at trying to nail the challenge. I'd probably listen to this song while driving.

10. Sumner Wynn -  Singing My Heart Out -  The melody works fine, but it seems to be a bit wandering in the verses and comes together better in the chorus sections. I like the Oh woah parts, except that I was perfectly happy after one line of them.  The lyric could have been a little tighter, imo. But I didn't dislike it. All in all, I don't dislike the song but it didn't really do a lot for me. I might listen to this if I were to travel soon.

9. Shyfox - Are We There Yet? - I probably wouldn't have made the association unless I'd made the connection with another song, but I hear an element of "Cars" by Gary… somebody. Numan!  In the repeated guitar line (as in the ending bit) and in one little phrase of the melody, "she wants to know." Which I think is cool, but I have to wonder is it on purpose (probably not and it might be partly my imagination at this point.)  So this is a solid entry into the road song challenge. But again, it doesn't do a whole lot to make me remember it.  I might listen to this song if I were driving later today.

8. Bryan Schumann - Open Road - Slow tempo, ballad-like songs don't often enter my consciousness when it comes to road songs. But you've managed to make this seem like an easy ride down the highway without a care in the world.  And I think this song stands out for it. And I like the chorus which, in comparison, has a bit more energy and lends itself to the road song challenge. I'd probably include this song on the next mix for the road.

7. Boffo Yux Dudes - The Last Road Trip - The beat/rhythm keeps the energy high which is needed with the relaxed vocal phrasing and delivery. I like that you tried to get some depth to the road trip lyric, and I like it well enough, I wonder if it holds up to the weight of the message.  The more I listen the more I liked the sound of the song.  I'm not sure I can picture listening to this on a road trip. I might queue this song up when next I head to K.C.

6. Turtle Fence - Best Man - I like the lead line tone/sound. It's retro but not too dated. The rhythm pushes the song forward nicely. I like the perspective, the reason for the road trip. The vocal melody, phrasing and inflection doesn't quite live up to the potential in the song, though. I might listen to this on my next long drive.

5. Army Defense - Autoreise - The vocal doesn't do a lot for me, although I like the creative vocal effects. The lyric is road worthy and I like the dystopian element. Honestly, this is another one that grew on me the more I listened to it. But it's still not something I'm likely to play on the road.

4. Adam Sakellarides - I Need A Break -  The guitars are just a hair too mushy to mesh with the organ sound. The melody is fairly derivative and I'm not a huge fan of this particular vocal performance, although you aren't singing poorly.  I feel like Sha-na-na should be singing in the background and that this song should be about heading to the hop.  I do like some of the lines in the lyric, how you keep the verses consistent.  The throwback feel should have worked, but it just didn't for me.  I'm not likely to listen to this song on my next road trip.

3. Emporer Gum - Singalong -  The vocal phrasing and performance is just off enough to be distracting in places and while I like the rhythm a lot, I'm not sure it works for a "road trip song."  This is undeniably a travel song, but a road trip song?  Yeah, I'm not sure it really hits the challenge head on, but giving you the benefit of the doubt and some credit for a unique angle on the challenge, the song still doesn't excite me much.  I probably wouldn't listen to this song on a roadtrip.

2. Mick Bordet - Autobahn Hype -  I like that brief vocoder bit and the more distant vocal lines which suit the rhythm and synth sound. And reducing the tempo is a cool twist that can help this song stand out. I'm not convinced in the vocal performance and the melody is all right at best. The musical arrangement is appropriate to the idea. But ultimately I'm not likely to include this song on my next road trip mix.

1. Lucky Witch And The Righteous Ghost - Hey Mister - A horror story turned driving song. Reading through the lyric as the intro sets the mood and I like the angle before hearing the first lyric. I'm not sure that you really needed a 1:11 intro, though. And while I like the melody well enough, it doesn't stand out that much and the vocal delivery is just too relaxed for a driving song and not creepy enough for a fearful song. This is too relaxed to be saved by the really cool idea. I probably wouldn't listen to this song out on the highway

Andy Glover - Highway Memories - SHADOW - It's hard to pull off a relaxed road trip song but your melody and vocal performance makes this one work well for me. I enjoyed listening to this quite a bit.

Boffo Yux Dudes - Roadside Attraction - SHADOW - I like this title a lot, it seems to fit the challenge very well.  I like the doubled vox lines.  And the fun you had recording this is infectious.

Mariah Mercedes - Runnin' Free - SHADOW - Another solid vocal performance. I want you to sing one of my songs one day.  This works really well for a Girl and Guitar arrangement. The clapping rhythm track and energetic chorus combine to make this hit the challenge head one and work really well.

SpinTunes #12 Round 2 Reviews: Ted Kiper

Intro:

Here is the challenge:

Car-aoke - Write a quintessential road trip song. (2 minute minimum length) (they had 8 days)


Not gonna lie, I was a huge advocate for this challenge. After all, the best time for me to listen to SpinTunes happen to be during my daily commute. This round was brilliantly designed to make judging easy.

And yet, it appears that it was not as easy to complete. When I thought round 1 was filled to the brim with entries, I suppose round 2 looks quite a bit meager. A bit of a shame too, as there could have been many creative routes to reach the destination of this challenge.


And really, what makes a song best heard on the road? No, I didn't think the genre matters, or the words or droning rhythms. My wife and I were talking about it, and I wondered if it might be more about memorable experiences reinforcing each other.

For example: when I was growing up, my father would often take my family in a long drives across the state, and he would plug in a CD and play the whole album of "Chicago - Greatest Hits". As a result, everytime I take a long road trip, I feel compelled to hear "Hard To Say I'm Sorry". And strangely enough, I wouldn't ever want to listen to it unless I happen to be on the road.

Or perhaps I'm wrong. Perhaps road trip songs have their own sense of style, developing since the time the radio became the hottest thing to have in a vehicle. Is that why classic rock and country sound so prominantly in this round? Perhaps the sprawling of roads and the popularity of rock reached their peak together, thus starting a connection that one cannot be enjoyed so well without the other.


Who knows. It's 2 AM now and I need to get cracking into my ranks and reviews.


-----

1. Ryan M. Brewer - Existentialism On Senior Spring Break
Interesting: are these college seniors ("wasted youth" and "teenage wasteland"? Singing about mature themes ("borrowed times" and "point of no return"? I guess life is a journey.
Gorgeous vocal harmonies, all the way to the trippy end.
My largest complaint is that the music is all build up, like energy is ready to burst forth into full force, but it never quite does. With just guitar, no drums or additional production, I'm surprised how emotional it is. But where is the climax, the point of the song? Or is the point of the song that there is no point?...
        Underneath it all, I find it very clever and well-crafted, which I believe deserves top spot.

2. Shyfox - Are We There Yet?
When I first heard this song, I found myself singing the chorus "Are we there yet?", stuck in repeat in my head. First time. Success. And that is why this is my favorite submission of the round. Congrats!
Yes, the performance can be improved, which could help the song be taken more seriously. But you've hooked me good, and that's an improvement from last round. Excellent job.

3. Lucky Witch And The Righteous Ghost - Hey Mister
What amazing mood. Although the intro is rather long, the atmosphere is important. Perhaps a better transition from intro to song would be nice, but this song is very, very interesting.
This is really hitting me with memories of Radiohead's OK Computer.
How nightmarish, in a good way. Like that Twilight Zone episode about the "hitchhiker". I'm not sure how quintessential this is, but I absolutely love the concept, the background ambience, and the many many many unexpected chords that twist back and forth from the minor dimension.
Your past submission was instantly accessable and catchy, but this one had to grow on me. This requires patience, and I'm pleased to enjoy it very much.
And no, I don't care how the production and performance turned out. The compositions are worth recording. I don't think I can come up with things this brilliant. It's truly inspiring.

4. Steve Stearns - The Ride
Oh golly, back to the classics! Yes sir, I think I will enjoy the ride, thank you...

...

Really, there's nothing more to comment here, everything worked so smoothly.
Okay fine, I'll just note I'm impressed with how you can handle such different genres with such mastery. 
 
5. Brian Gray - Code Red
Now, this is a funny one, in all sorts of ways. These spoken worded parts played beautifully, accent and all. It sounds rushed and calculated, especially the slide instrument's parts, and I happen to agree with this direction too. Very convincing and nicely produced. Quality work.

6. Sumner Wynn - Singing My Heart Out
I happen to really love this song, and I'm appalled to admit this. 
I don't appreciate hearing words like "beer" and "shit" and "farts". When I listen to a song titled "Singing My Heart Out", I want to go "awww!", not "ewww!" And I would have never thought to put ice cream and Vietnamese together.
But gosh, I really like how catchy it is, and amazingly enough, this is my favorite submission from you. I especially love your very vulnerable falsetto; but if you're "singing very loudly", why go falsetto? Why not try to reach those high notes and sing your freakin' heart out? And those small transitions between verses, with the low hey-ahs, seem to linger so awkwardly.
But, ugh, I really like this song! Like I can really see myself suffering and enjoying all those experiences as described in your usual narrative style. I really REALLY wanted to rank this higher, but seriously, "pre-beer-shit-farts" then "ice cream"?
        But I love it, thanks for submitting!

7. Bryan Schumann - Open Road
Very calming, and this is not a bad thing. Really, road trips aren't going to be eventful most of time, so this is absolutely representative of most long car trips. 
And if you are like me and like to be lazy, this song is incredibly brilliant. This is when very open, simple lyrics with very flowing, simple chords shine clearest for your take on the challenge. Execution and production was subtle and good, excellent job!

8. Megalodon - Accelerator
Tamborines. And now we have two differently produced tamborines. I sense addiction.
The distortion may be a bit heavier than I'd like, but I understand why you needed it. It's balanced with the altered, hollow-out vocals.
I rather like the "crash" ending, including that tooting-pipes motif.

9. James Young - Drive-Thru!
Although it was rather light, I actually enjoyed the humor. Yes, I guess this would be a typical road trip for many people. 
The song is solid in structure, but maybe not so much in substance, particularly in the limited lyrics. Those verses are kind of hiding behind the comfort of the good but nearly repetitive choruses, which makes this submission seem easier to tune out faster. Honestly, it's not bad, but kindly, you've done better.

10. Zoe Gray - Drive To California
Now, you know I love my electronic sounds. But as hard as this is to admit, I find the instrumentation rather one-dimensional. The dynamics is lost. But maybe that's not too bad; after all, roads are one-dimensional too, aren't they? 
This feels very feminized, and that makes this really stand out in the crowd of rockin', folksy tunes. Kudos to your creative direction, even if it doesn't feel like it ever changes course to any new adventure.
There must be a way for clean-cut transitionings of words during the verses. I'm impressed how you managed to sing those 1-3 melody notes so rapidly.
Reminds me of Rebecca Black trying to be La Roux. But yes, ma'am, I happen to like both artists.

11. Ominous Ride - Colipsis
Ooh, a 7/4 time sig. Not often do I get to enjoy such arrangements.
Thanks for the additional info about colipsis. It was definitely helpful and enlightning.
Yes, the echos are quite appropriate. Disorienting, but still very much in control of the song. I appreciate your direction here. 

12. Mick Bordet - Autobahn Hype
Kudos to you on creating a concept song. It's pretty straighforward. Very well produced. I'm not sure if my peers are going to enjoy this as much as I did. Alas, for the sake of art!

(13.) Andy Glover - Highway Memories [Shadow]
Nice and calming, a great way to recall the subtleties of traveling. Quite heavenly. Especially on the delivery for "Highway Memories", even the ending. Good job!
13. Dr. Lyndike - On My Way
Brian Gray's submission may have edged you out in production, but I definitely appreciate the organic feel, much more appropriate.
The harmonica is quite a delight.
This is something that my country Virginian in-laws would enjoy. As for me, I wouldn't mind a tiny bit more energy. Honestly, it's a good and safe song to meet the challenge.

14. Rob From Amersfoort - Still On The Road
Well, I like how different it sounds from the last submission. These sudden tasty transitions within the structure of the song is exactly what I like from you. Pretty production, successful creativity.
(15.) Mariah Mercedes - Runnin' Free [Shadow]
You silly, it sounds amazing. You do such a good job.
Nice and free-flowing. Exactly what we needed. Thanks for the shadow, really!

15. Governing Dynamics - Three Places (I-80)
May I call this pop-punk? I didn't expect this, and I like it.
So is this about a bad relationship during a car trip? How depressing, but I guess it happens.
Guitar solo, works. Falsetto notes, not so much. Admirable, nonetheless.

(16.) Boffo Yux Dudes - Roadside Attraction [Shadow]
Wow, we have these many cool places I can spend my money? I'm sold!
Personally, I've been to the Mystery Spot, it was pretty cool. Too bad their gift ship seemed larger than their attraction.
16. Ross Durand - Till I Get There
I would figure this challenge would fit very well with you, and you did not disappoint.
Despite not having a car, the narrator is pretty brisk and optimistic with his situation. Pleasant.
Pretty safe submission from you, but you faced a competition eager for 
attention with more interesting compositions and storylines. Again, sounds good, all in all.
17. Adam Sakellarides - I Need A Break
I can always count on you to keep the comedy going!
Oh yes, this is very relevent. Who doesn't have this problem in these trips?
Nice beat. Feels perfect for an era where driving was well enjoyed, 50's maybe. In fact, now that I think about it, did they have rest areas back then? Interstate highways, even?
Whatever, an appropriate song for modern times. Thanks for bringing pee awareness back on the table.

18. Kyleen Downes - Taking Daisy For A Drive
Not bad for production on the submission, thank you. Miss Daisy doesn't seem very reliable, does she?
Oddly enough, I find myself embarrassed to explain: I think the only reason why you aren't ranked higher in my list is possibly because a lot of the other entries really stood out. This is a road trip that doesn't seem so memorable to me. Perhaps a couple of interesting and specific events can grab my attention better.

19. Jailhouse Payback - Wall
I see shadows of the past challenge still lingering about?
Somehow, the melody line and the background story is what I care most about this submission. And at least the end hits a wall, of course!
The lyrics seem rather lacking, maybe on purpose. Not much thought other than nouns and images. And as such, besides the ultimate event at the end, it really wasn't all that eventful.

20. Boffo Yux Dudes - The Last Road Trip
Very dancy! Um. Why?
Whatever, I'll forgive you. This time.
I like it. I guess. I kinda wanted fun adventure. This feels like slow death.
Stay cool, guys!

21. Turtle Fence - Best Man
Very nice. Way to go adding some instruments to lighten up the song. And surfer rock is nice direction.
Now, more direction to the melody would be a nicer improvement.
But I have to say, you're heading in the right direction for true competition. Thanks for the submission!

22. Army Defense - Autoreise
Wow, this was not quite I expected from you guys.
Interesting concept. Sounds like you really relied on the production to carry the song through.
I sense The Flaming Lips, Pink Robot-style. Carefree. Maybe a bit too carefree. I would think robots would have more directive and purpose within their programming.

23. Emperor Gum - Singalong
So... when I first heard this, I was very lost indeed. Thank you for writing a song bio, I'm afraid it was very much needed. I'm sorry, but the melody makes very little sense to me. And... neither does the harmonies, despite understanding the implementation of an ethnic key structure. My way to excuse this is by believing that this child is the singer, and these dysfunctional notes are the child's traumatized view of her world. Yes, I think that would work for me.
But I do like the lyrics, you have quite a knack for story-telling. Quintessential? I'm not sure. But this is one heck of a trip!

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Conclusion:

Not a bad round, you guys. Thanks for the fun! I can't wait to hear more for the next round.

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Ranks:

1. Ryan M. Brewer - Existentialism On Senior Spring Break
2. Shyfox - Are We There Yet?
3. Lucky Witch And The Righteous Ghost - Hey Mister
4. Steve Stearns - The Ride
5. Brian Gray - Code Red
6. Sumner Wynn - Singing My Heart Out
7. Bryan Schumann - Open Road
8. Megalodon - Accelerator
9. James Young - Drive-Thru!
10. Zoe Gray - Drive To California
11. Ominous Ride - Colipsis
12. Mick Bordet - Autobahn Hype
13. Dr. Lyndike - On My Way
14. Rob From Amersfoort - Still On The Road
15. Governing Dynamics - Three Places (I-80)
16. Ross Durand - Till I Get There
17. Adam Sakellarides - I Need A Break
18. Kyleen Downes - Taking Daisy For A Drive
19. Jailhouse Payback - Wall
20. Boffo Yux Dudes - The Last Road Trip
21. Turtle Fence - Best Man
22. Army Defense - Autoreise
23. Emperor Gum - Singalong