The votes are in and the results have been tallied….let Round 2 begin! The Groove is out enjoying the life of the Caribbean, so I’m going to do my best to put up both sides of the bracket. New match-ups are below. Be sure to get your votes in, and as always, spread the word. To leave your vote, simply click here. Or, if you prefer, just get ahold of one of us by clicking here.
The Needle, Round 2:
(8) “Julian Of Norwich” – Bombadil
Clearly the upset of the bracket, Bombadil’s “Julian Of Norwich” knocked off the heavily favored, synth-heavy sounds of Animal Collective. Spurred on by local support and what I can only assume to be a universal love for minstrel music, the former Dukies put up a strong first round showing. With their impressive lyrics and catchy sounds, Bombadil has already become the Cinderella story as they enter Round 2.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
(4) “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
In one of the closest matches of the Round 1, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros pulled out the last minute victory over the upstart Generationals. This is going to make an interesting matchup for round two. Both Edward Sharpe and Bombadil combine folk lyrics and toe-tapping music. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros definitely have the advantage in media exposure, however. With recent appearances on late shows and the appearance of this song in a newly released movie trailer, they definitely have the momentum on their side.
(5) “A Mighty Leviathan Of Old” – Vandaveer
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
In what was by far the biggest blowout of Round 1, Vandaveer absolutely crushed Yeasayer’s recently released “Ambling Alp.” The Roanoke crowd definitely came out in force, but there is just no denying that “A Might Leviathan Of Old” is an absolutely brilliant song. And in a contest between traditional folk and experimental pop, the folk music has clearly won out.
(2) “Harold T. Wilkins, Or How To Wait For A Very Long Time” – Fanfarlo
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Fanfarlo’s “Harold T. Wilkins” still remains the most listened to track I have ever posted, and it is clear that their music has maintained its popularity among our listeners. Their clear victory once again leaves me with that unspeakable joy that even a bunch of nerdy kids can can make great rock music. We will see if they can compete with the powerhouse that Vandaveer has apparently become.
The Groove, Round 2:
(1) “Empire State Of Mind” – Jay-Z (ft. Alicia Keys)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Probably no surprise here. Jay-Z’s “Empire State Of Mind” was the heavy favorite. Not only does the song have immense commercial appeal, it’s also just a great song. Surprisingly though, it barely won. Bobby Ray’s “I’ll Be In The Sky” was a strong 8 seed, but in the end it could just not compete with the dulcet tones of Alicia Keys and powerful lyrics of Jay-Z. Although it got off to a rocky start, “Empire State Of Mind” is without question still the heavy favorite.
(6) “The Opposite Of Adults (Kids Remix)” – Chiddy Bang
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
When the groove first posted this song, he noted that this track stuck with him…and many of you as well. And the results of Round 1 have certainly proven him right. This matchup was another blowout. Chiddy’s MGMT remix has clearly maintained its popularity, but will it be enough to best the powerhouse that is Jay-Z? It’s hard to say. “Empire State Of Mind” has been overplayed a fair bit, and there is just no denying, “The Opposite Of Adults” is tough to listen to just once.
(3) “Alive” – Kid Cudi (ft. Ratatat)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The Groove matched two new songs against each other in Round 1, Kid Cudi’s “Alive” and Lil Wayne’s “Watch My Shoes,” and the result was one of the closest outcomes of the bracket. In the end, it was Kid Cudi, who won out. The song blurs that line between hip-hop and alternative, and definitely presents a very unique sound for other tracks to compete with. Despite the fact that this may not be everyone’s favorite song from Kid Cudi’s newest album, there is no denying that the Groove has taste.
(2) “New Soul” – Wale
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The Groove said that Wale’s “New Soul” was one of his favorite songs of the year…and while I may be no expert in the world of hip-hop, I can’t help but agree with him. Of all the songs the Groove has introduced me to, this is one of my favorites (as was “I’ll Be In The Sky,” but alas, that one lost out). Featuring a slowed-down, eerie sample of Yael Naim’s “New Soul,” I found this song to be somewhat hypnotic…and clearly many of you agreed. Wale destroyed Mos Def in the votes, and this song is definitely entering the next round with quite a bit of momentum.
I hope I did the Groove proud, and don’t forget to get your votes in!
Posted by the Needle
4 5 1 2
4 5 6 3
8
2
6
2
8
2
6
2
8
2
6
2
4
5
1
2
4 5 1 3
4
5
1
2
On another note, HUGE UPSET of the 8 over 1 seed…where’s Dickie V when you need him. Bombadil baby!!! Julian of Norwich diaper dandy!!
4,2,1,3
4 2
Where do I leave my vote? I want to vote for Julian of Norwich by Bombadil.
Where do I vote? I want to vote for Julian of Norwich by Bombadil. Thanks.
8
2
6
2
4
5
1
2
Where do I vote? I want to vote for Julian of Norwich by Bombadil. Thanks.
8
2
6
2
4 2