“Saving Us” / Serj Tankian. Reasonably effective blend of acoustic verses and heavy choruses. I dislike videos that put literal-seeming interpretations on songs that are open to multiple readings, and this video was pretty ham-handed, if well meant. But the track itself was all right. (Never heard of artist, can’t guess base artist.)
“Get the Message” / Electronic. Agreeable tune; fairly sexy, danceable beat, nice use of acoustic guitars, some fun drum fills. Ultimately a bit forgettable, though, I felt like, perhaps due to the vocals, which are on the bland and affectless side, subject matter notwithstanding. Don’t know the artist, can’t guess the base artist.
Serj Tankian – Saving Us
I like the production – some nice guitar touches and supporting vocals. However, the vocals are not doing it for me – it veers a little emo, or maybe even goth, for my taste.
Electronic – Get the Message
Very Thompson Twins’ “If You Were Here” (for me that’s a good thing). A little Lightning Seeds-ish as well (recently learned they’re out of Liverpool – Does that knock The Beatles down another notch?)
This track “does it” for me. The Alison Moyet-esque background vocals, nice, clean rhythm guitar, pumping bass – yes, please. The vocal wah-wah effect is fun as well. I remembered the band was an offshoot and loved there single “Getting Away With It.”
Serj-
I’m thinking that this is the vocalist from System of a Down which I occasionally confuse with Faith No More though I then remember that the guy from FNM looks like Terry Gilliam in the Holy Grail. The name also reminds me of Sib Hashian, the drummer from Boston. The band, not the city, though he may be from there all the same. I guess after growing up with a childhood friend named Arsen Kashkashian, I have a well-tuned synapse for Armenian names. I am writing to avoid saying something too critical about this song. Let’s just say it was not my cuppa tea. I did like the arpeggiated intro. I can also appreciate the sentiment and themes evident in the video which were alluded to through the lyrics. I found the background vocals unhelpfully produced—too raw and not low enough in the mix. As far as the lead vocal, I really struggled with the phrasing and the quote melody unquote. At times, I was reminded of Jerry Seinfeld’s voice when he gets angry. Not a good thing.
“Saving us” by Serj Tankian
Not one I would likely need to go back to because the voice tone was a bit grating to my ears but I did feel the passion behind the message.
Get the Message “by Electronic:
Enjoyed this one a lot. The electronic grid that holds it up against very organic grooves and rhythms . This hit the sweet spot for me .
“Saving Us” / Serj Tankian. Reasonably effective blend of acoustic verses and heavy choruses. I dislike videos that put literal-seeming interpretations on songs that are open to multiple readings, and this video was pretty ham-handed, if well meant. But the track itself was all right. (Never heard of artist, can’t guess base artist.)
“Get the Message” / Electronic. Agreeable tune; fairly sexy, danceable beat, nice use of acoustic guitars, some fun drum fills. Ultimately a bit forgettable, though, I felt like, perhaps due to the vocals, which are on the bland and affectless side, subject matter notwithstanding. Don’t know the artist, can’t guess the base artist.
Serj Tankian – Saving Us
I like the production – some nice guitar touches and supporting vocals. However, the vocals are not doing it for me – it veers a little emo, or maybe even goth, for my taste.
Electronic – Get the Message
Very Thompson Twins’ “If You Were Here” (for me that’s a good thing). A little Lightning Seeds-ish as well (recently learned they’re out of Liverpool – Does that knock The Beatles down another notch?)
This track “does it” for me. The Alison Moyet-esque background vocals, nice, clean rhythm guitar, pumping bass – yes, please. The vocal wah-wah effect is fun as well. I remembered the band was an offshoot and loved there single “Getting Away With It.”
Serj-
I’m thinking that this is the vocalist from System of a Down which I occasionally confuse with Faith No More though I then remember that the guy from FNM looks like Terry Gilliam in the Holy Grail. The name also reminds me of Sib Hashian, the drummer from Boston. The band, not the city, though he may be from there all the same. I guess after growing up with a childhood friend named Arsen Kashkashian, I have a well-tuned synapse for Armenian names. I am writing to avoid saying something too critical about this song. Let’s just say it was not my cuppa tea. I did like the arpeggiated intro. I can also appreciate the sentiment and themes evident in the video which were alluded to through the lyrics. I found the background vocals unhelpfully produced—too raw and not low enough in the mix. As far as the lead vocal, I really struggled with the phrasing and the quote melody unquote. At times, I was reminded of Jerry Seinfeld’s voice when he gets angry. Not a good thing.
“Saving us” by Serj Tankian
Not one I would likely need to go back to because the voice tone was a bit grating to my ears but I did feel the passion behind the message.
Get the Message “by Electronic:
Enjoyed this one a lot. The electronic grid that holds it up against very organic grooves and rhythms . This hit the sweet spot for me .
Serj Tankian – A funeral dirge crossed with cabaret and a touch of Opeth?
Electronic – Nice poppy tune from Barney and Johnny. I hear the reference points Ed mentions loud and clear. Sounds very of that time.