Lurker > Seanchan

FoolFantastic posted...

I, uh, think I'm going to sit the ranking out this week

Not a fan of the album?

Goldeneye
Skater

The 12th track is Looking Back on "Today" not "Tuesday".

I've listened to this album dozens of times over the years. I'm not going to pretend it's an all-time classic or anything like that, because I don't think it is. But I keep coming back to it. Best I can tell, it's two reasons: 1) there's a certain karaoke singalong quality to a lot of these songs that just puts me in a good mood, 2) it's produces a hammer blow of nostalgia for places, times, and experiences I've never had. I recognize there's a certain dichotomy between those two things, and yet it just works for me. It's just a wonderful work that manages to be both catchy and down to earth at the same time.

Zelda

Mario
Diablo

SHAKE SHAKE!

FoolFantastic posted...

First, can anyone familiar with this album tell me if the hidden tracks are considered part of the album proper? These things go back and forth depending on the album - one of them is an acoustic version of another song on the album, while the other appears to be a distinct track? So I don't know if these should be ranked by everyone

The version of this I downloaded back in the day included both of those tracks, so I didn't even know they were considered "hidden".

I'm a fan of "I Won't Spend Another Night Alone", so I'd hope that one would get ranked.

I'm not too high on either version of "The Saddest Song", so I don't care too much about that one. But if it was ranked I cannot imagine there'd be a significant spread between the two versions.

1. Wake Up
2. Killing in the Name
3. Know Your Enemy
4. Bullet in the Head
5. Bombtrack
6. Fistful of Steel
7. Take the Power Back
8. Township Rebellion
9. Freedom
10. Settle for Nothing

There's some pretty good stuff here, though I can't say that overall it's really a favorite of mine. I guess my general thoughts haven't evolved much from my first listen, so I'll just point back to that again.

Leonhart4 posted...

Watched the I Am Groot shorts

Groot's Pursuit > The Little Guy > Magnum Opus > Groot Takes a Bath > Groot's First Steps

They're all silly but still cute and enjoyable.

Bath > Little Guy > Opus > Steps > Pursuit

Its hard to overstate my satisfaction at this selection.

Im in for Dead Cells. Thats been on the backlog for a while.

Into the Breach beated?

Two island victory on Normal. Im satisfied. This is a good game but its just not for me, as I get analysis paralysis.

Nominate:
A Plague Tale: Innocence

Gaby

Marys had a good run but its time for someone else.

Island 2 down for Breach I think Im just going to go after the final mission tonight. My overly analytical style is kind of making this game a hassle.

If a contest was held today, whos the biggest meme threat character? I cant think of any off the top of my head, so maybe some random Pokmon?

Yep, didn't Costco used to sell a Sausage Sandwich at their Food Court?

Thats a pretty good argument for a hot dog also being a sandwich, despite the fact that we tend to drop that word when referring to one.

I also started Into The Breach. Finished the first island without too much difficulty (on Normal).

Not sure if Im feeling it though. Its a lot of staring at the screen trying to find the perfect combination of moves. That first island took me over 2 hours!

I guess Ill push on through this run but not sure Ill have it in me to try multiple times.

Nominate:
The Pathless
Hellblade: Senuas Sacrifice

It sound like the type of protein has a lot to do with the sandwich determination.

...Also The Sandwich Determination would be an amazing band name...

Random thought that crossed my mind today, is Lady D from RE: Village capable of winning a contest? I'd imagine she's not worth much normally but add the memes and...maybe she's capable of some shenanigans?

UGHHH! First listen done. I'm mean... FIRST LISTEN DOOOOOOOONE!

I thought I only knew one song here but it turns out I know two, as Wake Up was the fitting end credits song for The Matrix.

I feel like RATM is an artist I shouldn't like, and yet I never find that to be the case. I've usually enjoyed their radio hits and I generally enjoyed this initial listen. There's just some magical combination of Zach's vocals and the cool bass lines that just works.

I'd predict that at least one regular might really, really hate the screaming and lyrical repetition, but then again, maybe not?

Its also a bit of a chicken and egg thing. Low tier character means lower budget means worse effects means bad reviews, especially when people think superhero = amazing CGI.

Doesnt one of the fast food places sell a burger on Texas toast?

LinkMarioSamus posted...

I did follow up in that very post, mostly by pointing out that audiences won't just go to see any comic book movies no matter how crap they are like say Batman & Robin or Morbius, and how the previous closest attempts at making massive crossover events in the vein of The Avengers like The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Van Helsing weren't anywhere near as big. I also specifically pointed out that there is artistry in realizing comic book characters like Batman, Iron Man, and Captain America on the big screen and properly characterizing them.

Half my concern is how are Marvel movies any less cinema than, say, Jurassic Park?

Back then people only showed up for the big iconic superheroes. No one gave/gives a fuck about League or Van Helsing or Morbius. Batman and Robin didnt do amazing at the box office but it was still top 10 for that year because its Batman.

Its really only with (or maybe within) the MCU that the non-A list heroes have found success. And a lot of that has to do with the good will and great narrative interweaving of the Infinity War saga. We shall see how long Marvel is able to continue that forward.

BlueCrystalTear posted...

Voters don't translate to listeners, I've found. It's just the usual people. I'd presume some people voting in the poll don't care to actually participate.

Perhaps you should vote with your ranking instead of in the poll. And the most active people can always vote, even if they can't rank for a week. Just listening to the album of the week should be enough to warrant a vote for the one a few weeks out.

I had same of the same thoughts too. The only time we get higher participation is when its an album people dont have to (re)listen to to rank.

Maybe give an extra vote to those who submit a list? Im not sure its worth the extra hassle considering most of the regulars will listen to whatever. Also Id worry about this becoming too insular and pushing people away from even participating in random weeks.

Aren't Oreos considered sandwich cookies?

Birthdays are overrated. We're all adults now. Who gives a shit. (Not aimed at you btw, just my general feeling on "cake" days.)

1. Bennie and the Jets
2. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
3. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
4. Candle in the Wind
5. Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
6. Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock'n'Roll)
7. Sweet Painted Lady
8. Social Disease
9. Harmony
10. I've Seen That Movie Too
11. Grey Seal
12. Jamaica Jerk-Off
13. All the Girls Love Alice
14. The Ballad of Danny Bailey (1909-1934)
15. This Song Has No Title
16. Dirty Little Girl
17. Roy Rogers

For an album that's too long, there's still an impressively long list of good to great songs. It's really only the last 2 songs that I'm kind of "eh" on. And yes, I agree that Jamaica Jerk-Off is stupid catchy. With that said, I'm not sure I'll be playing this album in full too much in the future; I could listen to the first 4 songs and feel pretty satisfied.

BlueCrystalTear posted...

Happy to see you're becoming a Sunspot fan! The themes definitely feel more mature than half of Singularity - Weirdest Hits has many good songs, including two fan favorites, "Arthuriana" and "Saturday Night Gospel." It's probably their "most definitive" album, in terms of how many songs they still play from it.

If you're really liking Weirdest Hits, also check out Wonders of the Invisible World and The Strangest Frequency (which just came out),which were also produced by Eric LaBrosse. He definitely evolved their sound from something raw to the mid-80s cusp of classic arena rock and glam metal. Since you liked "Uncanny Valley" quite a bit, I'll also recommend The Slingshot Effect, since that album's in the same vein as that song.

Also, I'm sure you understand why I didn't nominate Weirdest Hits, which is very similar in length to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Too intimidating to rank, let alone listen to more than twice. But I'm prattling so I'll stop.

I only got to the first half of Weirdest Hits on my drive, so yeah, especially with an unknown artist it's better to keep it short and sweet. I did listen to those 2 particular songs after the fact though after you mentioned them. Saturday Night Gospel didn't grab me but Arthuriana was pretty great. I went back to listen to my top 2 from Singularity after that and the difference in production/sound quality is shocking!

At some point I'll need to find the time to listen to all those post-Singularity albums at least once. I've heard enough from them at this point that it's probably worth the deep dive.

I have to ask, is Sunspot a full time band? That is to say, is it their career or just a weekend/moonlighting kind of thing? They've got a ridiculously low Spotify playrate, and yet they've put out quite a few albums.

Rayman
Half

Alright, 2nd listen finally done. Should be good for one more tomorrow.

I keep procrastinating on this because I really need to carve out the time for 80 minutes

On the other hand, I was listening a bit to Weirdest Hits and was enjoying it. The songs I heard were more mature lyrically than Singularity. Also it just sounds better production-wise.

UltimaterializerX posted...

Peggy Carter has a picture frame with her kids. Confirmed Caps.

I am assuming from Infinity War or Endgame? Was this in the real timeline or the one where he went back in time to be with her? Thats a relatively small detail that could be easy to overlook or forget.

Regardless, while WE may know about that, theres no reason for Hulks cousin to. The virginity question isnt idiotic as much as it is absurd. And thats what makes it funny. The guys a superhero who saved the world and shes obsessed with his sex life.

Also, THAT line has got to be the next topic title.

WaitMCU Cap has kids? I must have missed that, so Im totally fine with the joke.

I thought it was an amusing first episode. Of course, Ms Marvel started well too

FoolFantastic posted...

Been running an all-time artist poll on another site, which turns out is a lot of work. 60 people have submitted lists for it with 50-250 artists ranked.

Good god! I hope you found a way to automate the win/lose matchup concept.

Fun, interesting game. Sucks that you can lock yourself out of an ending because it immediately goes to NG+.

Honestly, who gives a fuck about cable tv.

Did a first listen yesterday. I knew 3 songs going in and then immediately realized Id heard the title track before. Theres some good stuff here. Lots of variety and Elton is obviously a good vocalist.

My big issue is just that its a long album. I couldnt listen to the whole thing in one go, which really broke up the flow.

My question, is this considered his best album or is it more of a Beatles situation where theres multiple contenders?

Only once that I can recall. Saw Avatar in 2d. Thought it was great and went to see it a week or two later in 3d.

Doesnt Avatar 2 come out late enough that a lot of its gross will come in 2023?

Spyro
Skater

I was low deviation AGAIN!

This weeks noms are a big unknown to me. Id assume metal of some sort but who knows.

1. Square Root of All Evil
2. Uncanny Valley
3. Tunguska
4. More Than My Degree
5. No Place Like Home
6. Path of Most Resistance
7. Hypnogogic
8. Grand Guignol
9. 2012
10. Trashy Hot
11. Alive Day
12. Dig Your Grave
13. Sweet Relief

There's this expression I really hate: "it was better than it had any right to be". It always strikes me as condescending, and revealing more about the person saying it than about the media/art being discussed. I know the intention isn't usually bad but still...

That stupid preamble isn't to say Singularity is better than I expected; it was MUCH better! I won't echo my first listen thoughts again, but suffice to say that they still apply. I was worried this was going to be too indie but that's not the case. Yes, some of the backup singing isn't great (mostly I'm thinking about 2012), and maybe the audio mix sounds a little muddy at points (mostly thinking about Path of Most Resistance) but I can overlook that when the rest is otherwise so strong.

I did a bonus listen this week, which is always a good sign of my enjoyment. This album goes pretty deep for me. There's some really great stuff in the top half of my ranking. I had to put Square Root of All Evil at #1 because I feel like that's the one I'm going to remember the most. I really loved how distinct all the songs sound, which made the ranking very easy. It's not until the last few songs I ranked that my enjoyment starts to fall off, but even those it's more the case of being good/fine rather than "I hate this".

So yeah, I liked this quite a bit and it was a nice way to end Ranking Cycle #3. This is one I will definitely come back to again.

Street
Mana

foolm0r0n posted...

Yeah but I doubt those shows are better than a 2nd BB watch

The Sopranos, The Wire, a bunch of other HBO series, Handmaidens Tale, etc.

Ape
Metal

Tooie is such a disappointing game. It really shouldnt win.

foolm0r0n posted...

You haven't watched BB a 2nd time yet? It's magical. Basically every scene & character feels different.

Theres only so much time in life! The list of shows I havent watched at all would drive you crazy.

FZero
Evil

Someone on Reddit mentioned that it was a little odd that Kim didnt tell Howards wife that Jimmy is alive.

There are just so many little details/references/callbacks in BB and BCS that end up paying off. At some point I really need to binge both shows just to see what I missed the first time.

I'll never understand this board's undying love of Chrono Trigger.

Not going through every match, but in the later rounds the biggest surprises were Zelda: LA beating Mario RPG (no way that happens on a sitewide GFAQs poll) and Pokemon surviving Kirby by a single vote (again, no way that's close in a wider poll).

BlueCrystalTear posted...

Glad you liked it, Sean! (I can tell you truly listened because you said "gobsmacked" - a word noticeably used in "Tunguska")

HA! I'd like to say that's the reason I used that word, but maybe it did worm its way into my head via the song. One listen isn't really enough for me to distinguish all the tracks in my mind. The one I specifically remember is about having "F U" money.

FoolFantastic posted...

Are people wanting to do another Rank the Albums for albums 51-75? I think with the new formula I used last time, I can be clearer in the intro that you don't have to have listened to everything (as your votes only compare the albums you have heard) which might help increase participation

HECK YES! I think I might enjoy the albums rankings more than the track rankings...

First listen done.

Worst album we've covered.

LOL, NO just kidding. I came into this with pretty low expectations, but I come away a little gobsmacked. I listen to this and I think, this could absolutely be commercially successful, instead of only having 260 monthly Spotify listeners.

There's a strong pop-punk vibe that's absolutely in my wheelhouse, though there's definitely some songs that go a little harder or a little more acoustic. Lots of catchy riffs and choruses. Instrumentation is good, singing is good.

I was trying to get some other stuff done while doing my initial listen, and I kept having to stop as something about this demanded my attention!

Looking forward to giving this a few more listens. I sure hope that we get some good participation this week, even though it's a "no name" band.

Im starting to get a little concerned with being the low deviant so dang often!

Nice to see So Long, Astoria get a 2nd shot. Probably wont win but thats okay.