New Sloppy Foot Cowboys - Straitjacket

[Fridge]

Hey folks...our 9th and latest offering...as usual, feel free to listen and constructive feedback always welcome

 

 

https://sloppyfootcowboys.bandcamp.com/album/straitjacket

[1-0-0-1-0-0-1]

I'm writing this as I listen.

 

1. Edge of Life

Solid opener! My only gripe is in the solo section. That section is awesome, love how it goes into the double time feel, but all of those crash cymbals get in the way of a very good guitar solo. There are two bars where it's just ride cymbal and in that one spot the guitar is allowed to shine.

 

2. Invisible Hand

The very top of the intro reminded me of Aerosmith's Sweet Emotion, but not for long. That moody intro took its time, in fact the whole song took its time, and it worked. I didn't realize this song was over 8 minutes long until after it was over, which is always a good thing. Some nice surprise chord changes.

 

3. Ready Player One

Rush's post-synth era had it's share of bad songs, and also some good ones. This reminds me of the good ones. Nice arrangement, and the guitar sound under the vocals is perfect. Very nice solo at the end.

 

4. Shoulder

That intro is kinda creepy, love it. There's a sinister undertone going on throughout, very effective. My favorite track up till this point. If I had to gripe about something, the drum patterns didn't quite sell some of the time changes. Also, I thought the ending faded too soon -- that bass drum and guitar pattern sounded cool and could have been allowed to establish itself a little more with a few more bars and a slower fadeout. Just my opinion, it certainly isn't a mistake.

 

5. Hearts

Great guitar riff! The organ in the background is the perfect choice for this one. That first solo -- what am I hearing there? It's well played and melodic but it sounds a little out of tune, at least to my ears. The guitar solo makes up for it, though. It's an absolute banger.

 

6. Spades

Another good guitar riff, and tone for days too. Nice contrast to a cleaner tone for the verses. The bridge into the solo section was a very nice change of feel. The best drum programming so far. Second favorite track as of now.

 

7. Clubs.

I could be wrong, but I sense a theme in these last three song titles. I also sense that these three tunes have great guitar riffs. Coincidence? Probably not. That middle section is goddamn awesome.

 

8. Diamonds

Yep, I was right, another card title, another  cool riff. Sounds like you hired Les Claypool for the verse vocals, and it works! Nice breakdown after the middle section. And there's a cool bass bit towards the end -- Les would approve!

 

9. Sometimes it Does

Nice song, very melodic. Has a nice flow. The feel change for the middle section was very effective, but for me the edgy note choices in the beginning of the guitar solo don't quite fit the mood of the song. Just my opinion -- it just felt funny for that one bar. Once you're past that, however, that solo is on point and it rips. Perfect tone and playing. One minor point about the fadeout, and it's the same point made earlier -- the ending here was good and I thought it faded too early. Maybe let it go for at least four bars before starting the fade?

 

10. Variable, This is Knife

An 8-1/2-minute song with a title that references Clear And Present Danger? Cool! "Do we have a gig, over?" However, while there are some nice ideas here, and the bass work is excellent, it feels like a long buildup without a payoff. I know I sounded like music critic there, sorry about that. Just like that scene in the movie, I was waiting for the "impact with high-order detonation" and it never came.

 

11. Words that Hurt to Hear

The '80s! Nothing but smiles during this one. Good example of edgy note choices that work well and serve the song. The ending was maybe a little abrupt but this is a fun and well-executed track.

 

12. Sarajevo Rose

That transition at 1:55 is one that perks your ears up. This is right up there with Spades as my second/third favorite. Nice songwriting and arrangement, and a solid album closer.

 

 

 

[JARG]

Just finished listening, here are the notes I jotted down.

 

Edge Of Life - vocals and bass lost in the mix. Cool guitar parts, crashes are too loud, solo has elements of lifeson and thayil
Invisible Hand - love how it starts, but ok we're 1:28 minutes in and still noodling...vocals mixed well
Ready Player One - it's been forever since I've heard it, still a cool song...clearly I'm summoning the ghost of p/g-era Alex here
Shoulder - another cool intro, and super cool guitar parts throughout
Hearts - "oh hell yeah" at lone intro guitar, delightfully bizarre organ solo, killer guitar solo
Spades - "oh hell yeah" at lone intro guitar again!
Clubs - cool middle section, didn't see that coming - slight hint of Hocus Pocus
Diamonds - cool groove, really like how raw the guitar is here, sounds like single guitar tracks for most part
Sometimes It Does - sounds like a Carter composition, nice song, well-executed guitar solo
Variable, This is Knife  - like the bass level in the intro
Words that Hurt to Hear - very interesting, so Jeremy
Sarajevo Rose - interesting choice for a closer, nice guitar work

[custom55]

I love Hearts

[blueschica]

Thank you , Fridge!  Looking forward to listening!

[treeduck]

On 3/26/2024 at 8:01 PM, blueschica said:

Thank you , Fridge!  Looking forward to listening!

[Prime Mover and Shaker]

On 3/24/2024 at 9:48 AM, 1-0-0-1-0-0-1 said:

I'm writing this as I listen.

 

1. Edge of Life

Solid opener! My only gripe is in the solo section. That section is awesome, love how it goes into the double time feel, but all of those crash cymbals get in the way of a very good guitar solo. There are two bars where it's just ride cymbal and in that one spot the guitar is allowed to shine.

 

2. Invisible Hand

The very top of the intro reminded me of Aerosmith's Sweet Emotion, but not for long. That moody intro took its time, in fact the whole song took its time, and it worked. I didn't realize this song was over 8 minutes long until after it was over, which is always a good thing. Some nice surprise chord changes.

 

3. Ready Player One

Rush's post-synth era had it's share of bad songs, and also some good ones. This reminds me of the good ones. Nice arrangement, and the guitar sound under the vocals is perfect. Very nice solo at the end.

 

4. Shoulder

That intro is kinda creepy, love it. There's a sinister undertone going on throughout, very effective. My favorite track up till this point. If I had to gripe about something, the drum patterns didn't quite sell some of the time changes. Also, I thought the ending faded too soon -- that bass drum and guitar pattern sounded cool and could have been allowed to establish itself a little more with a few more bars and a slower fadeout. Just my opinion, it certainly isn't a mistake.

 

5. Hearts

Great guitar riff! The organ in the background is the perfect choice for this one. That first solo -- what am I hearing there? It's well played and melodic but it sounds a little out of tune, at least to my ears. The guitar solo makes up for it, though. It's an absolute banger.

 

6. Spades

Another good guitar riff, and tone for days too. Nice contrast to a cleaner tone for the verses. The bridge into the solo section was a very nice change of feel. The best drum programming so far. Second favorite track as of now.

 

7. Clubs.

I could be wrong, but I sense a theme in these last three song titles. I also sense that these three tunes have great guitar riffs. Coincidence? Probably not. That middle section is goddamn awesome.

 

8. Diamonds

Yep, I was right, another card title, another  cool riff. Sounds like you hired Les Claypool for the verse vocals, and it works! Nice breakdown after the middle section. And there's a cool bass bit towards the end -- Les would approve!

 

9. Sometimes it Does

Nice song, very melodic. Has a nice flow. The feel change for the middle section was very effective, but for me the edgy note choices in the beginning of the guitar solo don't quite fit the mood of the song. Just my opinion -- it just felt funny for that one bar. Once you're past that, however, that solo is on point and it rips. Perfect tone and playing. One minor point about the fadeout, and it's the same point made earlier -- the ending here was good and I thought it faded too early. Maybe let it go for at least four bars before starting the fade?

 

10. Variable, This is Knife

An 8-1/2-minute song with a title that references Clear And Present Danger? Cool! "Do we have a gig, over?" However, while there are some nice ideas here, and the bass work is excellent, it feels like a long buildup without a payoff. I know I sounded like music critic there, sorry about that. Just like that scene in the movie, I was waiting for the "impact with high-order detonation" and it never came.

 

11. Words that Hurt to Hear

The '80s! Nothing but smiles during this one. Good example of edgy note choices that work well and serve the song. The ending was maybe a little abrupt but this is a fun and well-executed track.

 

12. Sarajevo Rose

That transition at 1:55 is one that perks your ears up. This is right up there with Spades as my second/third favorite. Nice songwriting and arrangement, and a solid album closer.

 

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to dive in!  I really didn't think anyone would get the Clear and Present Danger reference!   Come to think of it, I first read about a Sarajevo Rose in a Clancy novel as well!

 

 

[Prime Mover and Shaker]

On 3/25/2024 at 1:47 PM, JARG said:

Just finished listening, here are the notes I jotted down.

 

Edge Of Life - vocals and bass lost in the mix. Cool guitar parts, crashes are too loud, solo has elements of lifeson and thayil
Invisible Hand - love how it starts, but ok we're 1:28 minutes in and still noodling...vocals mixed well
Ready Player One - it's been forever since I've heard it, still a cool song...clearly I'm summoning the ghost of p/g-era Alex here
Shoulder - another cool intro, and super cool guitar parts throughout
Hearts - "oh hell yeah" at lone intro guitar, delightfully bizarre organ solo, killer guitar solo
Spades - "oh hell yeah" at lone intro guitar again!
Clubs - cool middle section, didn't see that coming - slight hint of Hocus Pocus
Diamonds - cool groove, really like how raw the guitar is here, sounds like single guitar tracks for most part
Sometimes It Does - sounds like a Carter composition, nice song, well-executed guitar solo
Variable, This is Knife  - like the bass level in the intro
Words that Hurt to Hear - very interesting, so Jeremy
Sarajevo Rose - interesting choice for a closer, nice guitar work

 

 

WTTH is actually a Jack composition (Entre_Perpetuo here at TRF)!  He just ran out of time to sing it, so I finished it.

 

The "Lady Luck" series (Hearts, Spades, Clubs, Diamonds) all stemmed from a burst of creativity by Paul.

 

SID was indeed a Carter comp.

 

Thanks for taking the time!

Edited March 30 by Prime Mover and Shaker

[Fridge]

On 3/24/2024 at 4:48 PM, 1-0-0-1-0-0-1 said:

I'm writing this as I listen.

 

1. Edge of Life

Solid opener! My only gripe is in the solo section. That section is awesome, love how it goes into the double time feel, but all of those crash cymbals get in the way of a very good guitar solo. There are two bars where it's just ride cymbal and in that one spot the guitar is allowed to shine.

 

2. Invisible Hand

The very top of the intro reminded me of Aerosmith's Sweet Emotion, but not for long. That moody intro took its time, in fact the whole song took its time, and it worked. I didn't realize this song was over 8 minutes long until after it was over, which is always a good thing. Some nice surprise chord changes.

 

3. Ready Player One

Rush's post-synth era had it's share of bad songs, and also some good ones. This reminds me of the good ones. Nice arrangement, and the guitar sound under the vocals is perfect. Very nice solo at the end.

 

4. Shoulder

That intro is kinda creepy, love it. There's a sinister undertone going on throughout, very effective. My favorite track up till this point. If I had to gripe about something, the drum patterns didn't quite sell some of the time changes. Also, I thought the ending faded too soon -- that bass drum and guitar pattern sounded cool and could have been allowed to establish itself a little more with a few more bars and a slower fadeout. Just my opinion, it certainly isn't a mistake.

 

5. Hearts

Great guitar riff! The organ in the background is the perfect choice for this one. That first solo -- what am I hearing there? It's well played and melodic but it sounds a little out of tune, at least to my ears. The guitar solo makes up for it, though. It's an absolute banger.

 

6. Spades

Another good guitar riff, and tone for days too. Nice contrast to a cleaner tone for the verses. The bridge into the solo section was a very nice change of feel. The best drum programming so far. Second favorite track as of now.

 

7. Clubs.

I could be wrong, but I sense a theme in these last three song titles. I also sense that these three tunes have great guitar riffs. Coincidence? Probably not. That middle section is goddamn awesome.

 

8. Diamonds

Yep, I was right, another card title, another  cool riff. Sounds like you hired Les Claypool for the verse vocals, and it works! Nice breakdown after the middle section. And there's a cool bass bit towards the end -- Les would approve!

 

9. Sometimes it Does

Nice song, very melodic. Has a nice flow. The feel change for the middle section was very effective, but for me the edgy note choices in the beginning of the guitar solo don't quite fit the mood of the song. Just my opinion -- it just felt funny for that one bar. Once you're past that, however, that solo is on point and it rips. Perfect tone and playing. One minor point about the fadeout, and it's the same point made earlier -- the ending here was good and I thought it faded too early. Maybe let it go for at least four bars before starting the fade?

 

10. Variable, This is Knife

An 8-1/2-minute song with a title that references Clear And Present Danger? Cool! "Do we have a gig, over?" However, while there are some nice ideas here, and the bass work is excellent, it feels like a long buildup without a payoff. I know I sounded like music critic there, sorry about that. Just like that scene in the movie, I was waiting for the "impact with high-order detonation" and it never came.

 

11. Words that Hurt to Hear

The '80s! Nothing but smiles during this one. Good example of edgy note choices that work well and serve the song. The ending was maybe a little abrupt but this is a fun and well-executed track.

 

12. Sarajevo Rose

That transition at 1:55 is one that perks your ears up. This is right up there with Spades as my second/third favorite. Nice songwriting and arrangement, and a solid album closer.

 

 

 

Sorry I haven't been around for a few days, so first time seeing this....Really appreciate your time here Jim in listening and commenting, and believe me, praise from such an accomplished player as yourself re guitar playing is very gratifying indeed....it's by no means a perfect album, but we're proud of it and it's great that there's something for everyone here.

[Fridge]

On 3/25/2024 at 8:47 PM, JARG said:

Just finished listening, here are the notes I jotted down.

 

Edge Of Life - vocals and bass lost in the mix. Cool guitar parts, crashes are too loud, solo has elements of lifeson and thayil
Invisible Hand - love how it starts, but ok we're 1:28 minutes in and still noodling...vocals mixed well
Ready Player One - it's been forever since I've heard it, still a cool song...clearly I'm summoning the ghost of p/g-era Alex here
Shoulder - another cool intro, and super cool guitar parts throughout
Hearts - "oh hell yeah" at lone intro guitar, delightfully bizarre organ solo, killer guitar solo
Spades - "oh hell yeah" at lone intro guitar again!
Clubs - cool middle section, didn't see that coming - slight hint of Hocus Pocus
Diamonds - cool groove, really like how raw the guitar is here, sounds like single guitar tracks for most part
Sometimes It Does - sounds like a Carter composition, nice song, well-executed guitar solo
Variable, This is Knife  - like the bass level in the intro
Words that Hurt to Hear - very interesting, so Jeremy
Sarajevo Rose - interesting choice for a closer, nice guitar work

Thanks for the feedback John and taking the time to listen, and believe me, any praise for my guitar playing from a player like yourself is very much appreciated!....I loved RP1 and enjoyed the Lifesonesque approach to the guitar work.