Interactive Poll X: Cover Your Ears!

George:  Out of Competition, mashup Beyonce ft Kendrick Lamar “Freedom”  Begins with some Farfisa sounding organ then Beyonce sings with her diva-style vocals, a song of rebellion and a call for freedom.  Spoken part in the final third part.  Kinda liked it until then, not fond of speaking in music much, but could hear how this speaks to many.  Rage Against the Machine “Freedom”  Hard rock sound mixing it up with hip-hop.  Driving beat and speaking-style vocals.  I liked the guitar solo in the middle, even though in general, this is not my style.  Mashup:  Brass Agains ft Sophia Urista “Freedom”  Really have fun listening to these guys, they cover heavy music really well, and I like this lady’s voice, it’s more “natural,” sounding to me than Beyonce’s.  I much prefer this to either of the originals.  Brass Against Bonus of “Rusty Cage”, again with Sophia Urista.  I really like her vocals!  And this ensemble.  Creative way of switching up heavy rock. 

Logan:  Julee Cruise “Into the Night”  I actually remember this one from the show, being a big fan, fittingly eerie.  Ghostly female vocals over soft percussion and keyboards.  Deeper key sounds about halfway in.  Orchestral surprise near the end.  Cover by Xiu Xiu:  Sharper percussion opens and strong orchestral hits, with electric guitar lead and high bell sounds.  Much more forceful than the original in feel.  Makes me think of if Clannad were to do a tortured sort of song, with the layers and the slightly obscured vocals.  Deep “Twin Peaks,” underwater type guitar lead about halfway in.  I like this one a lot. 

Ronstein:  Genesis “For Absent Friends”  Of course very familiar with this classic.  Wistful, sweet song, that feels so very charmingly English to me.  Covered by Richard Sinclair  This one much more straight-forward, without the effects on the vocals.  Lovely piano joined by guitar and flute-y voices?  Or keys?  Not sure how they are doing the effect, but it’s very fitting for the piece. 

Cristi:  Spandau Ballet “Through the Barricades”  Synth and pretty plucked guitar begin the tune.  Wistful song, honouring sacrifices.  Soulful sax solo near the end of the tune.  Cover by Dida Drăgan şi Compact Născută sunt să cânt.  This time a woman takes the mic, to very good effect.  They go for a more dramatic midsection here.  Moving ballad, no matter which way it’s done.

Lorenzo:  Paolo Conte “Via Con Me”  This one feels a bit sarcastic, darkly bright, if that makes any sense.  Love the break with the vibes and the flutes (?).  Seems as though it could be part of a musical.  Covered by Negri per caso:  This is even bouncier and jazzier than the original, with a chorus of vocalists supporting the male lead vocalist.  It’s a fun piece.  Either way, I can see choreography involved, also.  It’s very catchy.