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[Hop]

The more I look at the cover art... the more I ask myself why they did that. I mean who actually thought that this would be a good "representation" of their music?

Is it also the same for you guys, that cover art somewhat shapes expectations? How does that influence your enjoyment of the music?

For example I had a guy earlier who just had himself on the cover and his muscles. I though okaaaaay, listened to it and couldnt imagine that guy singing that song. It was totally weird. It also didnt help that his second song had screechingly high shouted line "It feels so hot in my pants"

So, so awkward. At least use appropriate album covers people.

Yea, I've been thinking about that topic for a little since I'm starting to work on my own album. I mean, consider this album's artwork:

Ignoring the name, you'd probably expect some prog, some kind of heavy rock. Instead it's basic rock with a hint of blues, almost falling into adult contemporary at times.

I'm probably not one to talk though... I'm planning an REM-style alternative rock album with this as the cover. >_>

 

[gabbo]

The more I look at the cover art... the more I ask myself why they did that. I mean who actually thought that this would be a good "representation" of their music?

Is it also the same for you guys, that cover art somewhat shapes expectations? How does that influence your enjoyment of the music?

For example I had a guy earlier who just had himself on the cover and his muscles. I though okaaaaay, listened to it and couldnt imagine that guy singing that song. It was totally weird. It also didnt help that his second song had screechingly high shouted line "It feels so hot in my pants"

So, so awkward. At least use appropriate album covers people.

It doesn't make me want to listen to the album in the slightest. I would be slightly surprised if it wasnt a British rap/hip-hop album based solely on that cover. Usually though, cover art is meaningless to me and doesn't affect my enjoyment [or lack thereof] for the music

 

[Ostinatto]

i made this a couple of years ago for a short film project (cinema students) , but the film was not finished.

http://www.goear.com/listen/7f74703/test-rd-128-adrian-bevilacqua

 

[Toma]

Yea, I've been thinking about that topic for a little since I'm starting to work on my own album. I mean, consider this album's artwork:

Ignoring the name, you'd probably expect some prog, some kind of heavy rock. Instead it's basic rock with a hint of blues, almost falling into adult contemporary at times.

I'm probably not one to talk though... I'm planning an REM-style alternative rock album with this as the cover. >_>

I have no other qualification to talk about that topic than "I am looking at about 500 album/music combinations" per week, but I'd really think about that again. The crowd you might want to reach with an R.E.M. style music wouldn't look for a cover like that.

I mean its really shallow, but its simply the first thing you are going to look at when searching for music, especially in the free music segment where the album cover is your biggest means of visual advertisement. From my current experiences I'd totally smirk when seeing that cover, but probably expect some Instrumental/Electronica stuff. I mean, I dont know your music yet, and I dont want bad blood here, but such a cover makes it harder to take the music seriously.

It doesn't make me want to listen to the album in the slightest. I would be slightly surprised if it wasnt a British rap/hip-hop album based solely on that cover. Usually though, cover art is meaningless to me and doesn't affect my enjoyment [or lack thereof] for the music

I can understand that opinion and since I listen to all bands that are left over from my program it doesnt affect me as well, but people checking out my blog might not even click to listen to the music if they dont like the genre and/or the album cover, despite it being a 5/5. People are picky, and album covers are really important in my opinion to attract some attention. Even the album covers which stray from the usual norm are still somewhat in line with certain expectations. I had some great album cover choices on my blog so far, Ektoise or Rigoletto for example, but the last one... oh man, if they ever reply to me I might just tell them my concerns if they are interested.

 

[gabbo]

I can understand that opinion and since I listen to all bands that are left over from my program it doesnt affect me as well, but people checking out my blog might not even click to listen to the music if they dont like the genre and/or the album cover, despite it being a 5/5. People are picky, and album covers are really important in my opinion to attract some attention. Even the album covers which stray from the usual norm are still somewhat in line with certain expectations. I had some great album cover choices on my blog so far, Ektoise or Rigoletto for example, but the last one... oh man, if they ever reply to me I might just tell them my concerns if they are interested.

It is a slightly different case between promoting and listening to the music for the blog.
Still, I think people should look at the genre more than the cover.

 

[Toma]

It is a slightly different case between promoting and listening to the music for the blog.
Still, I think people should look at the genre more than the cover.

Of course thats what people SHOULD do, but not what I think people are doing in the first place.

 

[Toma]

Finally another Interview! Thanks Gabbo.

This time with the man behind Wing Dam, which we featured a few days ago.
http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/10/interview-with-wing-dam.html

 

[gabbo]

Finally another Interview! Thanks Gabbo.

This time with the man behind Wing Dam, which we featured a few days ago.
http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/10/interview-with-wing-dam.html

My pleasure, was fun to do and he was really receptive.

 

[Toma]

After a few pop entries, time for a bit of Jazz/Rock:

The Scarlet Phonebooth - Stories Telling Stories to Ourselves

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/10/scarlet-phonebooth-2011-stories-telling.html

 

[gabbo]

After a few pop entries, time for a bit of Jazz/Rock:

The Scarlet Phonebooth - Stories Telling Stories to Ourselves

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/10/scarlet-phonebooth-2011-stories-telling.html

It's weird, but it's got a groove to that you just can't shake.

 

[gabbo]

And now for something a little heavier [grindier] and in your face, wasfuersohr presents for your listening pleasure:

A Better Understanding of Nothing - Character is higher than intellect.

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/09/better-understanding-of-nothing-2011.html

This album fits nicely into the 'what were they thinking when they came up with that album cover?' discussion we had earlier. Like the album, but that lolcat picture doesn't really help anyone figure out what they're in for.
Which, is something much heavier and brutal than a stoned lolcat would imply.

 

[hunter7725]

I go to this site almost everyday http://www.killedincars.com/ It has really opened me up to different artists and styles.

 

[gabbo]

I go to this site almost everyday http://www.killedincars.com/ It has really opened me up to different artists and styles.

I don't know how I feel about that layout, but i'll dig through it, see if it piques my interest.

 

[Toma]

And new musician in the Singer Songwriter Folk genre:

Emily Henry

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/10/emily-henry-2011-demo-for-free.html

I swear I am going to write a review of my own again when I come back from my short trip, Gabbo! Hopefully you dont feel too exploited

 

[gabbo]

I swear I am going to write a review of my own again when I come back from my short trip, Gabbo! Hopefully you dont feel too exploited

No sir, of course not sir! *goes back to break rock with pick-axe*
I'm good, I'm writing a review again after a good break from doing so nearly every day.
I really do hope people give Emily Henry a shot as well. I hope to see good things from her in the future.

 

[Toma]

Woohoo, finally another review by me.

I am sitting on this particular EP for about 2 years, glad to finally get it out

Canadia - One Dog Clapping (Melancholic Indie Folk)

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/10/canadia-2008-one-dog-clapping-for-free.html

And yeah... I know... the cover again..

 

[gabbo]

Woohoo, finally another review by me.

I am sitting on this particular EP for about 2 years, glad to finally get it out

Canadia - One Dog Clapping (Melancholic Indie Folk)

And yeah... I know... the cover again..

He dedicated One Dog Clapping to his dead iBook named Pants. ...I'm going to listen for curiosities sake alone.

 

[Toma]

He dedicated One Dog Clapping to his dead iBook named Pants. ...I'm going to listen for curiosities sake alone.

Wth, that is one funny dedication. And where did you look that up?

New post, new genre! Hard Rock this time.

Town Portal - 2011 - Vacuum Horror

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/10/town-portal-vacuum-horror.html

 

[gabbo]

Wth, that is one funny dedication. And where did you look that up?

New post, new genre! Hard Rock this time.
]

It was on one of his bandcamp pages talking about that album.
I remember a GAF'fer mentioning their friends were in Town Portal. Hope this helps spread the word an extra little bit for them.

 

[Cosmic Bus]

Chris Kiehne, formerly of the National Lights, has a new album of Hank Williams covers available for free on Bandcamp; you can choose to pay for it or he provided a Mediafire link in the description.

His previous album, Pray for Daylight, is also available for free via the same type of arrangement. This was a truly excellent release, criminally unknown and almost lost entirely when a hard drive crash took most of his work with it. Thankfully, he went back some time afterwards and completed the album.

 

[gabbo]

Chris Kiehne, formerly of the National Lights, has a new album of Hank Williams covers available for free on Bandcamp; you can choose to pay for it or he provided a Mediafire link in the description.

Hank Williams you say? I know a few people who may enjoy that.

 

[Toma]

Cute little Folk Pop project:

2 People - Hymns

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/11/2-people-2011-hymns-for-free-folk-pop.html

I was really torn how to rate this, since its actually quite adorable and I really love the first song (Bright Eyes/Bob Dylan duet-mashup)...

 

[Toma]

One Eyed Doll - 2010 - Break (Rock)

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/11/one-eyed-doll-break.html

Woah, Gabbo. Great find. Lots of thanks Really liking it. Did it came up in your normal search despite being released in 2010?

 

[gabbo]

One Eyed Doll - 2010 - Break (Rock)

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/11/one-eyed-doll-break.html

Woah, Gabbo. Great find. Lots of thanks Really liking it. Did it came up in your normal search despite being released in 2010?

Glad you're enjoying it. And yeah, I get a lot of results from 2003-2011 every time. I tend to ignore stuff older than 2010, just to keep things fresh

 

[Toma]

Ah shoot, the band I was preparing for today seemingly decided to pull away the free download option. Well that was time well wasted! Fortunately, they were nice to listen to.

Sort of mini update:

Harmonic Jazz Piano Pop:
http://anagog.bandcamp.com/

Worth the listen Especially song 2 and 4, no download though.

 

[D.Lo]

This seems like an appropriate place to pimp my band...

www.throughaglassdarklymusic.com

First track of the EP is free to download, the rest can stream.

Folky/classic rock

R.E.M./The Mountain Goats/Bright Eyes/The White Stripes influenced.

 

[Movement]

My friends just released their first 5-track album http://shekinah.bandcamp.com/track/the-flood-redux, free or name your own price.
Ambient, intrumental, in the same vein as EITS.

 

[Toma]

Thanks for the replies guys, will take a look tonight

 

[gabbo]

My friends just released their first 5-track album http://shekinah.bandcamp.com/track/the-flood-redux, free or name your own price.
Ambient, intrumental, in the same vein as EITS.

Ambient, instrumental and EITS-like? will be checking this out for sure.

 

[Toma]

My friends just released their first 5-track album http://shekinah.bandcamp.com/track/the-flood-redux, free or name your own price.
Ambient, intrumental, in the same vein as EITS.

Dude. That is super great stuff. Will definitely land on the blog. Gabbo, do you want to? You are better with describing these mood settings than I am, but I'll do it if you dont want to

Tell your friends to keep at it, lots of promise there.

This seems like an appropriate place to pimp my band...

www.throughaglassdarklymusic.com

That is also nice, you got some nice flow going. First song might be the best and most catchy. And if some criticism is allowed.. I think the faster songs suit your style of music way better, especially song 4 seems to be a bit out of place. I agree that its good to loosen up the feeling a bit, but the 5th song does a better job at that while still fitting with your overall style of music.

Hopefully, I didnt stir up bad blood with that comment

 

[SumGamer]

http://thunderandlightning.bandcamp.com/
http://sophiemadeleine.bandcamp.com/

Not sure if fit criteria but these guys should get more exposure. Really like them since I stumbled upon them. Bought them both for listening on the go.

 

[gabbo]

Dude. That is super great stuff. Will definitely land on the blog. Gabbo, do you want to? You are better with describing these mood settings than I am, but I'll do it if you dont want to

Tell your friends to keep at it, lots of promise there.

I'll take a shot at it later in the week or next.

http://thunderandlightning.bandcamp.com/
http://sophiemadeleine.bandcamp.com/

Not sure if fit criteria but these guys should get more exposure. Really like them since I stumbled upon them. Bought them both for listening on the go.

Thunder and Lightning fits our criteria, and Ill be checking that out later. Not sure about Sophie Madeleine, eill have to look through her main site to see if her album is free.

 

[jeremy70583]

Great thread guys, can't believe this is the first time I see it. Starting my way from the OP and listening through =)

 

[D.Lo]

That is also nice, you got some nice flow going. First song might be the best and most catchy. And if some criticism is allowed.. I think the faster songs suit your style of music way better, especially song 4 seems to be a bit out of place. I agree that its good to loosen up the feeling a bit, but the 5th song does a better job at that while still fitting with your overall style of music.

Hopefully, I didnt stir up bad blood with that comment

Of course not! I welcome any criticism, and that's pretty damn mild lol.

Yeah it's a bit diferrent, definitely something you wouldn't usually include on such a short release but maybe as an album track. But the ladies seem to love it haha! But yes, a very slow and long piano ballad in an otherwise fairly agressive guitar album is maybe pushing it.

 

[Toma]

Of course not! I welcome any criticism, and that's pretty damn mild lol.

Yeah it's a bit diferrent, definitely something you wouldn't usually include on such a short release but maybe as an album track. But the ladies seem to love it haha! But yes, a very slow and long piano ballad in an otherwise fairly agressive guitar album is maybe pushing it.

Well, there are things that people shouldnt criticize as far as style goes. I try not to be too harsh on such criticisms as I dont want to make every band sound the same. Its nice that you got your own, not perfect style. And music in general would be pretty poor off if everyone was at the same level, playing the same style of music, which is why I appreciate your music for what it is

I already might have guessed that the ladies might love that song, but it struck me as not really your target audience with the EP Anyway, thanks for posting. Never bad to get to listen to a new band and I wish you guys lots of success going forward! Btw, your music definitely was in the top 10% of all the music I am listening to. You aren't bad, there is definitely some potential.

 

[Toma]

http://thunderandlightning.bandcamp.com/
http://sophiemadeleine.bandcamp.com/

Not sure if fit criteria but these guys should get more exposure. Really like them since I stumbled upon them. Bought them both for listening on the go.

Second one isnt free music unfortuately, or at least I wasnt able to find a free download. Thanks for the links, though! The first one seems like a nice pick.

Great thread guys, can't believe this is the first time I see it. Starting my way from the OP and listening through =)

Have fun! Lots of great stuff already posted here. And hopefully more to come.

 

[gabbo]

My friends just released their first 5-track album http://shekinah.bandcamp.com/track/the-flood-redux, free or name your own price.
Ambient, intrumental, in the same vein as EITS.

It's like your friends had me in mind when they put this album together. This is my kind of music through and through.

 

[Toma]

It's like your friends had me in mind when they put this album together. This is my kind of music through and through.

Was sure you'd like it. Its really surprisingly good. Huge appreciation wave of Gabbo incoming I'll appreciate alongside him.

And review for today(Check out the song "Dawn"):

Gatsbys - 2011 - The Boy & The Mountain (Indie/Folk)

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/11/gatsbys-2011-boy-mountain-for-free.html

 

[D.Lo]

Well, there are things that people shouldnt criticize as far as style goes. I try not to be too harsh on such criticisms as I dont want to make every band sound the same. Its nice that you got your own, not perfect style. And music in general would be pretty poor off if everyone was at the same level, playing the same style of music, which is why I appreciate your music for what it is

I already might have guessed that the ladies might love that song, but it struck me as not really your target audience with the EP Anyway, thanks for posting. Never bad to get to listen to a new band and I wish you guys lots of success going forward! Btw, your music definitely was in the top 10% of all the music I am listening to. You aren't bad, there is definitely some potential.

Thanks again, you can have a copy for free if you like

I guess I'm a bit of a Jack White fan and he gets away with doing tracks like that.

 

[Toma]

Thanks again, you can have a copy for free if you like

I guess I'm a bit of a Jack White fan and he gets away with doing tracks like that.

Ha, I guess having a blog like this sure has its advantages. I sure wont object to that. But write me a pm if you need my email address or something We dont need to clutter up the thread with the advantages I get

 

[Movement]

I'm glad you guys like it! I'll let them know, they'll definitely appreciate it.

 

[Toma]

I'm glad you guys like it! I'll let them know, they'll definitely appreciate it.

There'll probably be a review about them in a week or something. We'll link it here as well.

 

[Myriadis]

Thanks for the recommendations, found some great stuff there.

I personally spent hours on Jamendo finding some great music for me. And it doesn't disappoint.
So far,I recommend these:

Fresh Body Shop: Started rather industrial, a bit like Nine Inch Nails (the singer,especially), but the became more acoustic. Still sounds great, with wonderful melodies and songs.
Recommendations:
(More towards Industrial)Can't get enough, The Hunt
(More towards Indie,Acoustic) Aeromind,Next Home (Bring Me Down-Version), Nice Day

Flat People: Psychedelic Indie-Pop/Rock. A great variation of songs and they aren't afaraid to go over 6 minutes.
Recommendations:Retool,Soon and especially Jay Borsky. One of my favorite Songs of all time, I just love that stuff.

Elvis Deluxe is a great Polish Stoner rock band.
Recommendations:Superorfeo, and especially Sleep Brings No Relief

Nude is great Progressive Rock mixed with Noise. Sounds a bit like Tool on the first song.Somehow.
Recommendations:Gender Hacking, 16 minutes of awesomeness.

The Shark Bubbles, Spacerock/ Psychedelic Indierock (I'm very bad at labeling music, after all). I listened through the whole album multiple times, I just love it.
Recommendations: Casual Career, Heaven's Gate (I always get a "Riders on the Storm"-Vibe from this song)

All for free, obviously. There are more, but these five should be enough for now.

 

[gabbo]

Was sure you'd like it. Its really surprisingly good. Huge appreciation wave of Gabbo incoming I'll appreciate alongside him.

I'll 1/5 it just for you

 

[Toma]

The Sky does not care about me - 2010 - any speed any direction (Ambient/Industrial)

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/11/sky-does-not-care-about-me-2010-any.html

Great review Gabbo. Really liked the angle and the closing sentences.

 

[gabbo]

The Sky does not care about me - 2010 - any speed any direction (Ambient/Industrial)

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/11/sky-does-not-care-about-me-2010-any.html

Great review Gabbo. Really liked the angle and the closing sentences.

Thanks. I just wish that album would have been a more recommendable listen. It's good music, but not something I can see a lot of people listening to for extended periods of time.

 

[Toma]

Thanks. I just wish that album would have been a more recommendable listen. It's good music, but not something I can see a lot of people listening to for extended periods of time.

Yeeeeeeah, welllll... thats another issue entirely

 

[Toma]

A really, really, really, really highly recommended EP from me today:

well done, jackson pollock - s/t

http://wasfuersohr.blogspot.com/2011/12/well-done-jackson-pollock-1970-st-for.html

I'd pay good money for a full release here and now (while possibly keeping the EP for free). More please.

Edit: And regarding the cover topic, THIS cover is a really good one as it catches imagination and is not too overboard with symbols. Also: The font. Like it.

 

[Toma]

And from germany :-o which was super surprising. Most of the german stuff I heard so far was pretty mediocre. Need to ask those guys for their inspiration and contacts, maybe they know some other good german bands.

 

[Toma]

<- Appreciation bump for "well done, jackson pollock" before going to bed, also so that any new comment by anyone else doesnt get buried on the last post of the last page.

I managed to listen to about ... 150-200 album/EP's today. I think I may have somewhat perfected my track skipping technique to see whats worthwhile and I STILL only got like 5 new good bands out of 5 hours searching. Somewhat depressing.