Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post Reply
User avatar
Listyguy
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3012
Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:34 pm

Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Listyguy »

We have reached the penultimate week of round one. Only eight more songs can find a slot in the coveted second sound, and half of those spots will be determined this week.

So here's how the game works: You will be given four brackets with four songs each. Your job is to rank the songs in each bracket from 1-4. You #1 song will be given 4 points, #2 will be given 3, and so on. The winner of each bracket advances to the next round. In the event of tie, whichever song gets more first place votes will advance.

25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)
153. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
232. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)

13. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
116. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)
141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)

26. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
103. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
154. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)
231. New Order -Ceremony (1981)

27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
230. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
Last edited by Listyguy on Mon Nov 10, 2014 6:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
GucciLittlePiggy
Unquestionable Presence
Posts: 580
Joined: Wed Dec 04, 2013 10:04 pm
Location: Ohio

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by GucciLittlePiggy »

I just wanted to be one of those ghosts
You thought that you could forget
And then I haunt you via the rear view mirror
On a long drive from the back seat...
User avatar
whuntva
Keep On Movin'
Posts: 1839
Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2012 11:46 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by whuntva »

Zombie
Here Comes your Man
Jesus Walks
Juicy

"Jesus Walks" is one of those songs I just don't get. It's the worst written lyrically of all of West's songs. When he got much better later, this is kinda odd to see so high up. I don't hate it, I just think it's overrated.

"Zombie is so cathy. Muh like Kashiwa Daisuke's "Stella" it almost feels too short, even at twelve minutes.

Tiny Dancer
Like a Hurricane
Dancing on my Own
Then He Kissed Me

"Tiny Dancer" made my all time list, so no contest.

Atomic
Rolling in the Deep
Cry
Ceremony

This was actually pretty lose. Blondie has more energy, so I'm giving the point there.

Venus in Furs
Race for the Prize
Ne me Quitte Pas
Bonkers

Where did I put "Venus in Furs" on Rank the Tracks? Oh, yeah. Second only to "Sunday Morning" which already advanced! Good Bracket. "Bonkers" would win #3, but was outclassed here.
" Ah, yes! Our meager restitution"
User avatar
Romain
Happy Up Here
Posts: 5433
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:25 pm
Location: Lyon, France

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Romain »

153. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
232. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)

116. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)
141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
13. Robyn - Dancing on My Own (2010)
244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)

103. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
26. Adele - Rolling in the Deep (2010)
154. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)
231. New Order - Ceremony (1981)

155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
230. Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers (2009)
Ooch ! What a last bracket! The tree best songs of the week are here for me.
antonius
Movin' On Up
Posts: 977
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 7:47 pm
Location: Hoboken, Antwerp, Belgium

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by antonius »

25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
232. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
153. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)

13. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
116. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)
141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)

103. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
26. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
154. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)
231. New Order -Ceremony (1981)

155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
230. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
User avatar
Henrik
Site Admin
Posts: 6439
Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 10:09 am
Location: Älvsjö, Stockholm, Sweden
Contact:

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Henrik »

5. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
8. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
9. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
16. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)

3. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
6. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
7. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
10. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)

4. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
11. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)
14. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
15. New Order -Ceremony (1981)

1. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
2. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
12. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
13. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
Everyone you meet fights a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.
User avatar
Honorio
Higher Ground
Posts: 4482
Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2012 7:38 am
Location: L'Eliana, Valencia, Spain

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Honorio »

4. Fela Kuti - Zombie (1976)
6. Pixies - Here Comes Your Man (1989)
13. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
16. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)

1. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
7. Robyn - Dancing on My Own (2010)
8. The Crystals - Then He Kissed Me (1963)
12. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)

9. New Order - Ceremony (1981)
10. Adele - Rolling in the Deep (2010)
11. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
14. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)

2. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
3. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
5. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
15. Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers (2009)

Best bracket of the week in my opinion: #4
User avatar
Listyguy
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3012
Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:34 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Listyguy »

Juicy
Jesus Walks
Here Comes Your Man
Zombie
Wow, what a bracket. Biggie was an easy choice for me, as "Juicy" is my favorite rap song and hovers near my top ten all time.

Tiny Dancer
Then He Kissed Me
Like a Hurricane
Dancing on My Own
One of my favorites by Elton get the win here. 2 and 3 were close to a tossup for me, and I have to admit "Dancing on My Own' isn't terrible (but that Robyn song that "Money" beat was).

Atomic
Ceremony
Rolling in the Deep
Cry
This isn't a very exciting bracket, none of the songs are really good or really bad.

Venus in Furs
Race for the Prize
No me quitte pas
Bonkers
Keep 'em in the order they came. I believe Brel has the only non-english song in the tournament (someone can correct me if I'm wrong on that), but the shinny boots of leather and a Springsteen-esque track from the Lips beat it.
Henry
Into the Groove
Posts: 2349
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 9:39 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Henry »

153. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
232. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)

244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
116. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)
141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
13. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)

26. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
231. New Order -Ceremony (1981)
103. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
154. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)

102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
230. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
User avatar
Maschine_Man
Unquestionable Presence
Posts: 642
Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:42 am

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Maschine_Man »

232. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
153. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)

13. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
116. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)
141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)

-

27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
230. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
User avatar
Stephan
Site Admin
Posts: 913
Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 10:34 am
Contact:

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Stephan »

1. Fela Kuti - Zombie (1976)
2. Pixies - Here Comes Your Man (1989)
3. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
4. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)

1. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
2. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
3. The Crystals - Then He Kissed Me (1963)
4. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)

1. New Order - Ceremony (1981)
2. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
3. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
4. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)

1. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
2. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
3. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
4. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
User avatar
Listyguy
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3012
Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:34 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Listyguy »

Henry wrote: 102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
230. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
:scared-yipes:
DaveC
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3484
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:04 am

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by DaveC »

232. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
153. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)

141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
13. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
116. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)

103. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
26. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
231. New Order -Ceremony (1981)
154. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)

27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
230. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
sonofsamiam
Feeling Good
Posts: 1053
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:19 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by sonofsamiam »

This was by far the best overall week quality-wise...8 in my top 1000, and 6 additionally that would be around 1001-2500. Really strong.

1. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
5. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)
8. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
14. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)

4. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)
9. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
10. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
12. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)

3. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
6. New Order -Ceremony (1981)
11. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
15. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)

2. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
7. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
13. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
16. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
User avatar
Listyguy
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3012
Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:34 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Listyguy »

Image
Jeff
Different Class
Posts: 400
Joined: Fri Dec 07, 2012 12:46 am
Location: Washington, D.C.

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Jeff »

153. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)
25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
232. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)

Strong group. I'm not as keen on the Pixies as I used to be, but I still like them and "Here Comes Your Man." The other three are great. So great that I'm surprised to see "Jesus Walks" at #3, but Biggie's a better rapper than Kanye and Fela's Fela so. . .

13. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
116. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)
244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)

I like the Robyn song, am okay with the Crystals, indifferent to "Tiny Dancer," and despise Neil Young.

103. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
26. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
231. New Order -Ceremony (1981)
154. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)

"Atomic" is too cool to deny a #1 spot. I like Adele more than I think I do, meaning she beats out "Ceremony" which has always been a little too Joy Division for my taste. Ray's decent, but I wouldn't be upset if I never heard it again.

102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
230. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)

Another tough bracket! "Race for the Prize" edges out the VU's ode to masochism, with Dizzee Rascal offering up a reasonably strong #3. I've tried to get into Brel on a few occasions, but he has never really appealed to me. "Ne me quitte pas" is pleasant enough, it just doesn't strike me as memorable.
jamieW
Keep On Movin'
Posts: 1938
Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2012 9:19 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by jamieW »

Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976) 8
Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004) 7
The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994) 7
Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989) 7

Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977) 9
Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971) 9
Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010) 9
The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963) 8

Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951) 10
Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010) 9
Blondie - Atomic (1979) 8
New Order -Ceremony (1981) 7+

The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967) 10
The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999) 9
Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959) 9
Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009) 5

I really like or love every song this week (except for “Bonkers”). As much as I admire Fela Kuti, it’s odd to think that 8 songs from the other brackets would’ve won the first for me (and “Atomic” might have had a shot, as well).
slick
Movin' On Up
Posts: 836
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 9:58 pm
Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by slick »

232. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)
153. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)

244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
13. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
116. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)

231. New Order -Ceremony (1981)
103. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
26. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
154. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)

230. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
Nassim
Full of Fire
Posts: 2793
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:35 pm
Location: Lille (France)

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Nassim »

Fun to see Tiny Dancer and Juicy the same week since put together they make for one of the greatest mash-up ever
(start around 1:40)

Only 3 songs I'd consider for my top 500 of all time but probably the best #16 since the beginning of the game.

3. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
7. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
9. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
10. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)

1. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
4. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
11. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)
14. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
It's a bit surprising since I know my music better than my movies and since I loved lots of Elton John's songs as a kid (he was probably my favorite singer after Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury when I was 12), but I actually discovered Tiny Dancer through Almost Famous and always link the song to that wonderful bus scene.
Surprisingly the song isn't on The Very Best of Elton John which is the compilation album I had back then.

2. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
6. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
12. New Order -Ceremony (1981)
15. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)

5. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
8. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
13. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
16. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
Bonkers is kind of a guilty pleasure, it's not even remotely as witty or innovative as music from Dizzee first 3 albums, but it's still a blast... always surprised it's acclaimed though.
I do like Race for the Prize but there's nothing I don't like this week so... I never really got into The Soft Bulletin, Race for the Prize and Waiting for a Superman being the only songs I enjoy ; at least on this one I agree with the critics, unlike for Yoshimi which I enjoy much more but hate the acclaimed track
Harold
Into the Groove
Posts: 2331
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:56 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Harold »

1. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
2. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)
3. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
4. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)

A tough bracket, top-notch from top to bottom – “Zombie” is an SH2B4 track for me if there ever was one. “Here Comes Your Man” has never really been one of my favorite Doolittle tracks, so it’s hip-hop vs. itself for #1, with Kanye’s heartfelt statement of purpose edging out Biggie’s personal/genre history lesson (kudos for referencing the early novelty hit “Rappin’ Duke”).

1. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)
2. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
3. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
4. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)

Another great bracket, with Elton’s classic missing SH2B4 status only because of its overexposure. #2 is one of Neil’s finest, but #1 is one of the most perfect (and perfectly produced) pop singles ever made.

1. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
2. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
3. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)
4. New Order -Ceremony (1981)

An easy #1 in an uninspiring bracket. Not much more to say.

1. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
2. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
3. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
4. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)

Another easy #1 from our #1 album – the more I listen, the more Reed’s driving, droning paean to S&M might just be my favorite track – although every song here is more than worthwhile.
Brad
Higher Ground
Posts: 4719
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:38 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Brad »

232. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
153. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)

141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
116. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)
244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
13. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)

231. New Order -Ceremony (1981)
154. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)
103. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
26. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)

27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
230. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
User avatar
Sweepstakes Ron
Full of Fire
Posts: 2723
Joined: Sat May 18, 2013 3:32 pm
Location: Here, There, and Everywhere

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Sweepstakes Ron »

1. Kanye West - Jesus Walks
2. Fela Kuti - Zombie
3. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man
4. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy

1. Elton John - Tiny Dancer
2. Robyn - Dancing on My Own
3. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane
4. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me

Such a great bracket, there.

1. Blondie - Atomic
2. Adele - Rolling in the Deep
3. New Order - Ceremony
4. Johnnie Ray - Cry

1. Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers
2. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas
3. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs
4. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize
Splish splash, I was raking in the cash
User avatar
Rob
Die Mensch Maschine
Posts: 7351
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2012 3:53 pm
Location: Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Rob »

4. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
5. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
11. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
12. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)

Zombie is hard to defeat, but Jesus Walks is an interesting case. Musically it's amazing, still one of the best things West has done. Lyrically however, it's as easy to admire as to dislike. On the one hand I like that West tackles a sort of censorship for his religious believes on commercial radio. It's the type of censorship I usually wouldn't notice, but is significant. On the other hand, when I hear West say that he has as a goal to convert the atheists I'm suddenly remembering why I never am tempted to listen to religious radio channels. The anti-censorship person in me wants to celebrate this song, but the atheist in me doesn't like it. I'm funny like that. Anyway, the lyrics are never really the reason for Wests acclaim and musically this song stands tall.
The other two do little for me, but aren't bad either.

2. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
3. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
13. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)
15. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)

The first two here are deserving classics. It's odd that I always here people speak of Tiny Dancer as overplayed, because I don't think I've ever heard it on the radio. I thought it was maybe a regional thing, that it was a hit in most countries, but not in The Netherlands or something, but apparently it didn't really chart high anywhere and was only a minor hit in other countries. My situation is similar to Nassim, as I heard a lot of Elton John too as a little kid, but only came to know Tiny Dancer much later through indeed Almost Famous, still the only place outside of my own playlists I ever heard it.
The last two do little for me, but I'm becoming increasingly curious as to why Robyn is pretty much the only pop girl of her kind that you're allowed to like, while most of her similar sounding colleagues (excluding Godmother Madonna) are either scorned or simply ignored, or at the very best can only be appreciated ironically.

1. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
9. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
10. New Order -Ceremony (1981)
16. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)

Now, Adele delivered a hit I can fully get behind. A great stomping song of anger. Love it. New Order and Blondie are pretty good to, but Cry isn't my cup of tea.

6. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
7. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
8. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
14. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)

Very solid bracket, though not one that inspires any significant comments from me. I don't care about Bonkers much.
User avatar
Listyguy
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3012
Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:34 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Listyguy »

Rob wrote:The anti-censorship person in me wants to celebrate this song, but the atheist in me doesn't like it. I'm funny like that. Anyway, the lyrics are never really the reason for Wests acclaim and musically this song stands tall.
For the record, the actual lyrics is "I ain't here to talk about his facial features or convert atheists into believers". But I will agree Kanye's lyrics are generally pretty bad. Even some of his best lyrical songs like "New Slaves" manage to have a few really shitty lines hidden in there (see "I'd rather be a dick than a swallower").
User avatar
Listyguy
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3012
Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:34 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Listyguy »

You have slight more than 24 hours left to vote! You should do it! :music-rockon:
User avatar
PlasticRam
Into the Groove
Posts: 2202
Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:51 am

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by PlasticRam »

Listyguy wrote:But I will agree Kanye's lyrics are generally pretty bad. Even some of his best lyrical songs like "New Slaves" manage to have a few really shitty lines hidden in there (see "I'd rather be a dick than a swallower").
I think it's fine, cos it's "You see it's leaders and it's followers" so the leader is a dick and the follower is a swallower, so in my opinion cos it has that other level it's fine.

But I do agree to your point, and I have realised that the reason I like Kanye is cos I don't care about lyrics so much generally in music.
I feel like that
Nick
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3115
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 9:28 pm
Location: New York State

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Nick »

"Jesus Walks" is a song that is a pretty interesting case for me too. I'm an atheist, but it's a song that I really enjoy. The production is great, and the lyrics of the song don't really head into the religious territory until the last verse. And the lyric is-

"I ain't here to argue about his facial features/ or here to convert atheists into believers"

So generally, I see it as a song about censorship and identity, though my lack of religious beliefs probably prevent me from loving it more than I do.

As for West's lyrics as a whole, I don't really understand when people say that he is a bad lyricist. Yes, he has lyrical blunders here and there ("I just talked to Jesus/ he said 'what up Yeezus'"), but I think the reason he typically gets criticized for his lyrics is because he's a hip-hop artist. Hip-hop is a lyric based genre, and when you have people like Ghostface Killah or Nas out there creating some of the most incredible lyrics in the genre, West's lyrics may seem lackluster in comparison. But if you were to judge West as a rock artist when it came to lyrics, I don't really think anyone would be calling him a bad lyricist. Nobody thinks Daft Punk are bad lyricists, because the music they make is in a genre that isn't lyric based at all. And nobody says the same about, say, The Rolling Stones. But if you're a decent lyricist in a genre based on lyrics, like folk or hip-hop, you're going to be judged unfairly.

Here are some of my favorite West lyrics, from "Gorgeous"-

"Penitentiary chances, the devil dances
And eventually answers to the call of Autumn
All of them fallin’ for the love of ballin’
Got caught with 30 rocks, the cop look like Alec Baldwin
Inter century anthems based off inner city tantrums
Based off the way we was branded
Face it, Jerome get more time than Brandon
And at the airport they check all through my bag
And tell me that it’s random"
Last edited by Nick on Sun Nov 16, 2014 5:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Sweepstakes Ron
Full of Fire
Posts: 2723
Joined: Sat May 18, 2013 3:32 pm
Location: Here, There, and Everywhere

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Sweepstakes Ron »

If I recall correctly, I first heard "Jesus Walks" when I was going through my "angsty atheist" phase, and the lyrics didn't bother me in the slightest.

And to me, stuff like "I'd rather be a dick than a swallower" feels so much like on of those "so bad it's good" metaphors that make you think "only Kanye!" He's a got a lot of them. I'm ashamed to admit that I only found out today exactly what "I put the pussy in the sarcophagus" is referring to.
Splish splash, I was raking in the cash
User avatar
Listyguy
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3012
Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:34 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Listyguy »

I mean if you take his songs as whole, Kanye has good lyrical quality. But there's usually at least two or three lines that are abysmal in any of his songs. I must admit as awful the "I put the pussy in a sarcophagus" section of "Monster" is, I can't help but like it.
User avatar
GucciLittlePiggy
Unquestionable Presence
Posts: 580
Joined: Wed Dec 04, 2013 10:04 pm
Location: Ohio

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by GucciLittlePiggy »

1. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
3. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)
4. Pixies - Here Comes Your Man (1989)
6. Fela Kuti - Zombie (1976)
A bracket like this comes around only once in a blue moon. And for what it's worth (spoiler alert: it's not worth anything), I think "I'd rather be a dick than a swallower" is one of the best lyrics on a lyrically great album. To be honest, the reputation Kanye has gotten as a poor lyricist baffles me. I don't believe I've ever heard a poor lyric from him. "I put the pussy in a sarcophagus" is a classic line to me; I loved it the first time I heard it. And also, for what it's worth (spoiler alert: this is also worth nothing), I'm agnostic and the religious aspects of the song don't bother me in the slightest. I suppose I understand if they offend some, but this song has just never given me the impression of a religious song. "Praise" songs bother me incredibly, but I would hardly say this is one of them.

5. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
9. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
10. Robyn - Dancing on My Own (2010)
14. The Crystals - Then He Kissed Me (1963)

7. Adele - Rolling in the Deep (2010)
8. New Order - Ceremony (1981)
15. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
16. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)

2. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
11. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
12. Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers (2009)
13. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
When Listyguy referred to "Race for the Prize" as "Springsteenesque" I wondered if we were thinking of the same song, but listening to it this time around, I realized it actually does sound similar to Springsteen. I never thought of the Flaming Lips and Springsteen together before.
I just wanted to be one of those ghosts
You thought that you could forget
And then I haunt you via the rear view mirror
On a long drive from the back seat...
User avatar
Krurze
Movin' On Up
Posts: 877
Joined: Tue Aug 12, 2014 10:10 pm
Location: Hamburg

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Krurze »

153. Fela Kuti -Zombie (1976)
104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)
232. Pixies -Here Comes Your Man (1989)
25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)

Definitely my favourite bracket yet! Almost impossible to rank. But, while re-listening to these, Zombie was the most fun to me. Still, these are all interchangeable.

244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)
116. The Crystals -Then He Kissed Me (1963)
13. Robyn -Dancing on My Own (2010)

This bracket, on the other hand, was not made for me. Dancing on My Own starts off great, but digresses into generic radio dance-pop during the chorus. Then He Kissed Me seems to be a nice 60's pop song, but nothing more. So in the end Elton John's tearjerker gets the win over Neil Young's rocker.

26. Adele -Rolling in the Deep (2010)
103. Blondie - Atomic (1979)
231. New Order -Ceremony (1981)
154. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)

And another weak bracket. I don't care much for Rolling in the Deep, but it still gets the win here over some jolly New Wave, borderline self-parody and a cheesy 50's love song. (Ok, I might be exaggerating here, but I really didn't like this bracket.)

230. Dizzee Rascal -Bonkers (2009)
27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)

This one is better. Bonkers is actually a nice party track, Venus in Furs got its amazing viola, Ne me quitte pas seems heartfelt and Race for the Prize is a nice little indie pop ditty. Pretty close bracket
User avatar
Luke JR68
Unquestionable Presence
Posts: 566
Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2013 4:21 pm
Location: Virginia

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Luke JR68 »

104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (1994)
25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (2004)
153. Fela Kuti - Zombie (1976)
232. Pixies - Here Comes Your Man (1989)

116. The Crystals - Then He Kissed Me (1963)
13. Robyn - Dancing on My Own (2010)
244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (1971)
141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (1977)

154. Johnnie Ray - Cry (1951)
26. Adele - Rolling in the Deep (2010)
231. New Order - Ceremony (1981)
103. Blondie - Atomic (1979)

230. Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers (2009)
155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (1959)
102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (1999)
27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (1967)
User avatar
Listyguy
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3012
Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:34 pm

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Listyguy »

153. Fela Kuti - Zombie (65, 11)
25. Kanye West - Jesus Walks (61, 5)
232. Pixies - Here Comes Your Man (54, 4)
104. The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (40, 2)
Fela took a dominant lead early, and Kanye played catchup all week, but still came up a few points short. In the next round “Zombie” faces “New Slang”, “Staring At the Sun”, and “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall”.

141. Neil Young - Like a Hurricane (58, 5)
244. Elton John - Tiny Dancer (56, 8)
13. Robyn - Dancing on My Own (56, 5)
116. The Crystals - Then He Kissed Me (50, 4)
In the most even bracket top to bottom, Neil Young bests Robyn and Elton John (who got more first place votes) to advance a second song in two weeks. Next round the song will face “Jesus, Etc.”, “Neighborhood #1”, and “Time of the Season”.

26. Adele - Rolling in the Deep (64, 6)
103. Blondie - Atomic (63, 9)
231. New Order - Ceremony (48, 4)
154. Johnnie Ray - Cry (35, 2)
In the closest match of the week, Blondie falls to Adele by a single point, despite having three more firsts. Next round “Rolling in the Deep” will roll with “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”, “Atlantic City”, and “In the Air Tonight”.

27. The Velvet Underground - Venus in Furs (69, 9)
102. The Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize (58, 4)
155. Jacques Brel - Ne me quitte pas (54, 5)
230. Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers (39, 4)
The only runaway of the week of course comes from The Velvet Underground, getting a second song through to the next round. The song faces some stiff competition with “Reflektor”, “Someone Great” and “White Winter Hymnal” the next time we see it.
User avatar
Rob
Die Mensch Maschine
Posts: 7351
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2012 3:53 pm
Location: Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Re: Bracketology 3: Round 1, Week 15

Post by Rob »

Listyguy wrote:
Rob wrote:The anti-censorship person in me wants to celebrate this song, but the atheist in me doesn't like it. I'm funny like that. Anyway, the lyrics are never really the reason for Wests acclaim and musically this song stands tall.
For the record, the actual lyrics is "I ain't here to talk about his facial features or convert atheists into believers".
Really? I've always heard "I ain't here to talk about his facial features but convert atheists into believers".
But like I said, West main point of interest for me is his music, his production. Usually his lyrics aren't really bad, but also not something to write home about. It probably doesn't help that he rarely raps about something I can relate to in any way, but that's my problem, not his. He is, however, one of those artists that really can get away with lackluster lyrics with me most of the time.

I don't really agree with the comparison that Nick makes with Daft Punk and The Rolling Stones, simply because they work in genres that implement lyrics differently. It's not just that hip hop is more known for lyrics, but also that it's a genre that from a musical perspective puts the lyrics (or rather, the rapping) front and center, whereas rock or dance genres usually use the singing many times more as part of the music, especially in case of a band like Daft Punk.
Post Reply

Return to “Music, Music, Music...”