1. M83 - Sight Night Shiver - this is the type of song that i like to begin mixes. there's not much to it and it's short.
2. Alpha - Lipstick from the Asylum - if i hadn't been looking at the cd player change track numbers, i'd've thought that the first song was an intended prelude to this one. i'm enjoying this and hoping the mix stays on course.
3. Gwen Mars - She Hung the Moon - yeah, i'm really liking how this mix is progressing. this is a pretty good song, even apart from how it fits in.
4. Mark Geary - Beautiful - this seems to diverge a little from the path that i thought the mix was going in. i don't like it as much as the others, but it's pretty good.
5. Clearlake - No Kind of Life - it came off to me like, "we have all these pieces, but we're unsure of how to put it all together." i like it - it just seemed like an odd structure. the solo coming right before the abrupt end caught me offguard.
6. The Frames - Underglass - i don't care much for the vocals, but i like the music.
7. Midnight Movies - Persimmon Tree - it feels like i've already heard this song with male instead of female vocals.
8. The Gathering - These Good People - this is the first song that's not getting it done for me, so far.
9. Amel Bent - Ma Philosophie - for a song that i can't understand a word of, it's not so bad. it reminds me of alizée, but with a bit more edge.
10. Cooper Temple Clause - New Toys - this sounds like it's been on for five minutes too long already.
11. God Is An Astronaut - Fall From the Stars - i wasn't too thrilled about this one at first either, but it picked up just before the 2-minute mark. i'm digging it now.
12. Immaculate Machine - Phone Number - when both vocalists come into this song, it picks up a lot. before that, i was like, "am i going to have to skip through this?" luckily, it magically becomes good.
13. JJ72 - Always and Forever - these vocals are grating. "always and forever"? i hope not. otherwise, i kinda like the music. can they fire this singer, though?
14. Katatonia - We Must Bury You - eh... this isn't getting it done for me.
15. Muse - Bliss - i like the programming. you know what, i like this music a lot. i'm picturing this singer and it's not a pretty sight. can we get rid of this guy, too?
16. Porcupine Tree - Shallow - okay, i can get into this. it's a little dated, but i've never heard it before, so that's no real problem. it's dragging a little, but i dig it.
17. Opeth - Beneath the Mire - fuckin' opeth... yes!

other than a handful of songs, i think i would've preferred this mix a lot more without vocals. based on the cover art (she's pretty hot in black and white) and the first three songs, i was ready to make it my early favorite in this exchange. it stayed pretty consistent before coming off the rails just past the midway point and then it found itself again near the end. and i'm sure i'll go in search of some of these bands. (i didn't know many beforehand.) i'll probably skip over a couple songs the next time, but i mostly really liked it.

m83- sight night shiver – nice. I like m83 a lot and loved the transition into…
alpha – lipstick from the asylum – great
gwen mars – she hung the moon – like the song, but it’s a bit repetitive and a little too long
mark geary – beautiful – love this song.
clearlake – no kind of life – good song
the frames – underglass – eh, it's okay.
midnight movies – persimmon tree – see the frames.
the gathering – these good people – nononono. too long and sounds like evanescence.
amel bent – ma philosophie – no.
the cooper temple clause – new toys – okay. i like the vocals and i like the music, but not together.
god is an astronaut – fall from the stars – yesyesyes. like it.
immaculate machine – phone number – a nice song overall, i really enjoy the chorus.
jj72 – always and forever – like the music a lot, very beautiful and easy. the vocals are a little rough on the ears, but somehow it works.
katatonia – we must bury you – sounds like industrial foo fighters. not saying it’s a bad thing.
muse – bliss – great after 1:30. before that, makes me want to turn it off.
porcupine tree – shallow – don’t like it.
opeth – beneath the mire – stop yelling at me.


this mix gets an A+ for art. the cover girl is delightful and i don't know how much work went into this insert, but i appreciate your time.

i'm issuing a B+ for music. tracks one through five blew me away, but the music that i didn't like, i really didn't like.

definitely gets an A+ for flow. again, tracks one through five made the smoothest transitions i've ever heard on a mix.

good mix. even with the music i didn't like, i give this mix a 4.5/5 (you can blame opeth and the gathering for stealing the missing .5)

back_space - Obner

1. M83 - Sight Night Shiver. Nice opener. Sets a very particular mood. 3/5
2. Alpha - Lipstick From the Asylum. Following nicely in the same mood, but I don't really like the vocals. This sort of ambient laptop-pop is pretty, but kinda uninteresting to me. 3/5
3. Owen Mars - She Hung the Moon. Hm. Don't really like the lyrics or the overall sound. 2/5
4. Mark Geary - Beautiful. Pretty nice. I have a feeling my girlfriend would love this. 3/5
5. Clearlake - No Kind of Life. I really didn't like Cedars at all and totally wrote them off after that. This doesn't strike me as anything too special, but it seems like a considerable improvement. 3/5
6. The Frames - Underglass. I've said it before: I don't like the Frames. This seems like it would get annoying after a few spins. 2/5
7. Midnight Movies - Persimmon Tree. She sounds like Nico (but not really in a good way). The band seems decent though. There was a nice Sonic Youth moment or two in there. 3/5
8. The Gathering - These Good People. Something about this just seems really clumsy. And cheesy. 1/5
9. Amel Bent - Ma Philosophie. Whoa, is this the French Xtina? 0/5
10. The Cooper Temple Clause - New Toys. Well… this is an improvement, at least… 2/5
11. God Is an Astronaut - Fall From the Stars. OK, not bad. Kinda M83-ish. 3/5
12. Immaculate Machine - Phone Number. Things were going pretty well up until the chorus. 2/5
13. JJ72 - Always and Forever. Not crazy about the vocals or lyrics, but the tune is nice enough. 3/5
14. Katatonia - We Must Bury You. GAH! That is one bad, bad chorus. 1/5
15. Muse - Bliss. It's like if early Radiohead had silly synthesizers. 2/5
16. Porcupine Tree - Shallow. Stone Temple Pilots make another comeback! 2/5
17. Opeth - Beneath the Wire. YES! Thank God. I want COOOOOOKIEEEEEE!!!!!! … But wait, what's with these other pussified vocals? I so wanted to give this a 4. 3/5

Overall:
Flow - 3/5. Tied together pretty well. Nice job ending with Opeth.
Artwork - 4/5. First time I've rated this, but you obviously put some time (and color ink and nice paper) into it.
Surprises - 2/5. Well, I never thought I'd find Clearlake tolerable.
Song Quality - 2/5

Final Score - 2.5/5

1. M83 - Sight Night Shiver - How can you go wrong with crickets? Weird thing is, since moving to Portland, I don't hear them much anymore. Nice, moody opener. 3/5
2. Alpha - Lipstick from the Asylum - Lovely, dreamy. 3/5
3. Gwen Mars - She Hung the Moon - I really like this one a lot. 5/5
4. Mark Geary - Beautiful - Absolutely adore this guy. I'm not sure it segues well from the previous song, but I love it nonetheless. Ever seen him live before? What a charmer! I always say he's my favorite pocket musician (he's tiny!) 5/5
5. Clearlake - No Kind of Life - another u-turn with the vibe. Didn't quite excite me. 2/5
6. The Frames - Underglass - Gotta love Joe's basslines. Love it. 5/5
7. Midnight Movies - Persimmon Tree - you're kinda all over with the feel on this...3/5
8. The Gathering - These Good People - For some reason, I got an Evanescence vibe from this. 2/5
9. Amel Bent - Ma Philosophie - hmm. not my thang. Sounds like something that would be played on europop radio. 1/5
10. The Cooper Temple Clause - New Toys - This guy's voice is too nasal and annoying. 2/5
11. God is an Astronaut - Fall From the Stars - I love these guys. 4/5
12. Immaculate Machine - Phone Number - this is okay, but nothing very memorable. 3/5
13. JJ72 - Always and Forever - mmm, not my thing. 2/5
14. Katatonia - We Must Bury You - this isn't necessarily bad, but it sounds a tad dated? 3/5
15. Muse - Bliss - I do not care for these guys at all. 1/5
16. Porcupine Tree - Shallow - this sounds very grunge-y. I think you recommended these guys for my husband. He was meh about it. 2/5
17. Opeth - Beneath the Mire - Oh, God, no. The music's fine, but the cookie monster vocals kill it. 1/5

Overall, 2.75/5. It seemed to lurch along and change directions quite a bit, but the songs I liked, I really liked. Thanks!

edit: oops, and I liked your artwork... very nice! I can tell you're a graphic designer!

1. M83 - Sight Night Shiver...Never got around to checking out these guys like I intended...so thanks. Almost caught their act at Coachella '05. Good opener. 3/5
2. Alpha - Lipstick From the Asylum...Nice transition. I usually prefer female voices when I listen to this type of music, but for some reason this guy's voice works well. 3/5
3. Owen Mars - She Hung the Moon...Good song. It was pretty much immediately likeable the first time I heard it. And again, nice transition. 3.5/5
4. Mark Geary - Beautiful...I was a bit indifferent the first time I heard this but it grew on me. In fact, it's probably my fav song here. 4.5/5
5. Clearlake - No Kind of Life...This kind of snuck up on me too. I like the driving rhythm and the harmonies. 4/5
6. The Frames - Underglass...Hmm. I think I liked the one on Soreal's mix more...but not much more. 2/5
7. Midnight Movies - Persimmon Tree...The girl has a pleasant voice. Nothing that has me completely hooked but it has a cool sound that makes me think what would happen if you mixed Denali and Mira. 3/5
8. The Gathering - These Good People...I remember reading about them in an article a while back alongside Lacuna Coil. I can't go as far as to say it's as bad as Amy Lee & Co. But nothing's resonated upon my 3rd listen. 1.5/5
9. Amel Bent - Ma Philosophie...The only thing particularly distinguishable about this from most pop/r&b fare I've been exposed to is that it's not being sung in english. I've liked this kind of thing before. Not so much here though. 1/5
10. The Cooper Temple Clause - New Toys...This guy reminds me of the Kent singer for some reason. But like others said, more nasaly. Some cool sounds and instrumentation here. I'm fine with it. 3/5
11. God Is an Astronaut - Fall From the Stars...Befitting of its song title. I like it. 3/5
12. Immaculate Machine - Phone Number...This isn't a bad song really. But the guy and girl singing together doesn't work that well. Good drummer. 2.5/5
13. JJ72 - Always and Forever...Was never a big fan of JJ72 more so for the vocals. Music isn't so bad though. 2/5
14. Katatonia - We Must Bury You...Aren't these guys usually doom metal or something? This isn't what I was expecting. Not really my thing. 1/5
15. Muse - Bliss...I like most Muse that I've heard. They've done better than this though. 3/5
16. Porcupine Tree - Shallow...Ha! I friend talked me into getting In Absentia a long time ago. I never really got into them all the way, but they aren't bad for the kind of music they do. 3/5
17. Opeth - Beneath the Wire...I knew they were death metal but I was first exposed to them with their prog album, Damnation. I bought a DVD of theirs real cheap. Not something I listen too much but they are a respectable band in this genre. I take my cookie monster vocals in moderation. 3/5

Cool sleeve design. This was well paced and exposed me to a lot of stuff I've never heard of, as well some stuff that I have heard of but never actually got around to listening to prior to this. On my possible "to check out list" are Owen Mars, Mark Geary, and Clearlake. Overall score: 3/5

Thanks for the reviews guys and gals !

I am lacking in my personal review department having just started a new job last week, and having my wife in Honduras this week means my list of to-dos is literally filling the rooms.

As a side note though....

The band that a few have mentioned is not Owen Mars, but Gwen Mars. The "G" looks a bit off on the prints....my fault.

I like the cookie monster reference for the humor of it, but really, it is surprising how after a few listens, the death vox is really not that bad. Sure it isnt for everyone, thus the Opeth song..... at the end )))....

haha Whoops! I cut and pasted somebody else's listing and just deleted their review part. And the wheel of error keeps on turning.

And don't worry, I too will be dragging plenty of ass in the review dept.

1. M83 - Sight Night Shiver - *** like it. atmospheric, mellow.
2. Alpha - Lipstick from the Asylum - *** very chill. no objections.
3. Gwen Mars - She Hung the Moon - *** i can get into this.
4. Mark Geary - Beautiful - *** agreeable
5. Clearlake - No Kind of Life - *** bit of a change of pace here. i like this too. the drum beat sounds good. i might have to check out more of their stuff
6. The Frames - Underglass - *** seems like people either love or hate the frames. i like 'em. especially when they rock out and his voice breaks. i dunno. i just like that stuff.
7. Midnight Movies - Persimmon Tree - ** seems like another shift here, not sure if i'd listen to these guys much
8. The Gathering - These Good People - ** don't really like the vocals
9. Amel Bent - Ma Philosophie - * sorry, this sounds like top 40 dance stuff to me
10. Cooper Temple Clause - New Toys - *** cool. i like when it picks up after about a minute in
11. God Is An Astronaut - Fall From the Stars - *** cool
12. Immaculate Machine - Phone Number - ** ok, nothing in it really struck me though
13. JJ72 - Always and Forever - * hrm. his voice is a bit annoying. got a little repetitive
14. Katatonia - We Must Bury You - * not bad, but not my thing
15. Muse - Bliss - *** haven't heard muse in awhile. i think i'll put it back on sometime. like it.
16. Porcupine Tree - Shallow - ** eh. its ok.
17. Opeth - Beneath the Mire - * i'd have to say judging by the opener i never thought this would be the closer. i just can't get into the growling vocal thing.

this one was different, lots of surprises. someone else said it lurches along a bit- i guess that's how i'd describe it too. some of the styles and pacing didn't really match well for me, but overall i liked it, especially the first third.

I actually prefer the death metal vocals to the other ones which sounded kinda "nu-metal" to me.

I'll take the blame for the "Owen" Mars thing. Looks like I was the first person in this thread to make that mistake.

1. M83 - Sight Night Shiver 1* I kept waiting for something to develop.
2. Alpha - Lipstick from the Asylum 2* Reminds me a bit of Virgin-era Japan, but it lacks energy and drags on and on
3. Gwen Mars - She Hung the Moon 3* This one is not too bad, and the tracks seem to be building momentum w/in the mix
4. Mark Geary - Beautiful 2* The feel-good song of the year--too Simon and Garfunkle-ish for me
5. Clearlake - No Kind of Life 2*Starts off well, but gets reptitious very quickly--droning on with very little contrast
6. The Frames - Underglass 2* Not a fan, this guy should not be shouting at me
7. Midnight Movies - Persimmon Tree 2* 4AD type fodder. The guitars have potential but the rest is just blah
8. The Gathering - These Good People 2* This would have been better as an instrumental--sounds like something you'd get on a Varese-Sarabande soundtrack
9. Amel Bent - Ma Philosophie 1* I generally give a lot of leeway to French music, but this is no better than the latest J-Lo clone that's in rotation at Hot 97. Awful.
10. Cooper Temple Clause - New Toys 2* Started out pretty dull, but the middle section recovered a bit. Now, it's just dragging on
11. God Is An Astronaut - Fall From the Stars 3* This one has a good feel to it. The ambient texture is there but there's a strong current driving below the surface. Not bad.
12. Immaculate Machine - Phone Number 2* This sounds like it might be okay live, it's doing nothing for me on Memorex
13. JJ72 - Always and Forever 2* More of the same
14. Katatonia - We Must Bury You 3* This is the best track so far
15. Muse - Bliss 2* Not really a fan, but it's not horrible either
16. Porcupine Tree - Shallow 3* Whoah, where'd this come from? This probably benefits from being the only rocking thing on here so far. I like it.
17. Opeth - Beneath the Mire 2* Music's decent, but I detest the voiceless heavy metal growl-shout

This mix was very quiet, and very monolithic. It's not my regular fare, and I tried to temper my reviews in that context. Thanks for the mix though--none of this is anything I'd've found on my own, and I could see myself exploring Porcupine Tree further.

1. M83 - Sight Night Shiver. 3/5

I don't think I'd ever heard an M83 song before despite them getting quite a bit of
buzz over the last few years. I'm glad to be able to place a sound with their name finally.
I don't think I'd want a whole album of this but its a nice opener transitioning really well
into the next song

2. Alpha - Lipstick From the Asylum. 3.5/5

Never heard of this band before. The closest thing I have to this in style is American Analog Set
or The Notwist. I like both so I wonder why I have sought out more of this ambient laptop pop sound. How's the
album as a whole?

3. Owen Mars - She Hung the Moon. 3.5/5

I'm a sucker for orchestral effects. I'm enjoying this...the mix is flowing pretty well. Nothing deep.
I'm really enjoying the mix so far but I can't decide whether the songs really work well together or whether I'd like to
full albums from either of these acts.

4. Mark Geary - Beautiful. 4/5

Ok, this is another winner. I really like the sound, style of the music a lot. The lyrics don't seem great so I don't
know what kind of staying power the song will have with me, but I like what I hear so far. I'll look into him more.

5. Clearlake - No Kind of Life. 2.5/5

Its not bad but not really my thing and a bit of a let down from the last three songs.

6. The Frames - Underglass. 2/5

I like the Frames. I have 3 of their albums. Not the one this is off of though. Much more of a generic rocker than
what I'm used to from them. A little disappointing.

7. Midnight Movies - 3/5

I think these guys are from LA. I always see that they are playing local clubs around the neighborhood, but had never
heard them before. Not bad...I should go see them sometime. Any LA'ers fans of these guys?

8. The Gathering - 2.5/5

I like the song's ingredients more than it...some decent piano and She's got an ok voice, but its a bit too long
By the time the song is over I'm glad that it is.

9. Amel Bent - Ma Philosophie. 3.5/5

I doubt I'd seek anything by her/them out but I like it in the context of the mix. It also drags the mix out of a bit of
a rut that the last song could have dragged it in to.

10. The Cooper Temple Clause - New Toys. 1.5/5

It starts out semi-interesting, but I lose all interest when it starts to rock. Then it sounds like typical Brit rock with a few
electronic flourishs overlayed. I might have liked this 10 years ago, but really don't now. I still have friends who would probably
love this though.

11. God Is an Astronaut - Fall From the Stars. 3/5

Not the sort of thing I'd normally listen to, but its not bad at all. I think it works well in the context of the mix and its a big
improvement over the last song. I like the music and kept waiting for grandoise vocals to come in and ruin the song. Thankfully, they
didn't.

12. Immaculate Machine - Phone Number. 2.5/5

Somewhat catchy. something I could enjoy in small doses. works well in the context of the mix.

13. JJ72 - Always and Forever. 2/5

I really hate these guys. That said, this is one of the better, least annoying songs I've heard from them. I don't hate it. Still its JJ72 **cringe**

14. Katatonia - We Must Bury You. 1.5/5

Not my thing

15. Muse - Bliss. 2/5

If I'm in the right mood I can really enjoy these guys. But the vocals are too grandoise for me to want to listen
often.

16. Porcupine Tree - Shallow. 2/5

This seems like a theme but I like the intro and then it starts rocking and I lose interest

17. Opeth - Beneath the Wire. 3/5

Its not bad but not really my thing either. I like the music more than the vocals.

Quite a bit I like on here and quite a bit I really don't like at all. There are some really good stretches though.

1. M83 - Sight Night Shiver - Mellow, chill out music. i'd play this as background music to relax 3/5
2. Alpha - Lipstick from the Asylum - This is too mellow for me. 1.5/5
3. Gwen Mars - She Hung the Moon - grower, score might improve with more listens 2.5/5
4. Mark Geary - Beautiful - Didn't keep my attention 2/5
5. Clearlake - No Kind of Life - This is more to my liking 3/5
6. The Frames - Underglass - I liked the tempo build up in mid song 3/5
7. Midnight Movies - Persimmon Tree - Not my cup of Tea 2/5
8. The Gathering - These Good People - Um, no 1/5
9. Amel Bent - Ma Philosophie - I would listen to this even if it was in english 1/5
10. Cooper Temple Clause - New Toys - too mellow 2/5
11. God Is An Astronaut - Fall From the Stars - I kept waiting for something to happen but nothing did. 2.5/5
12. Immaculate Machine - Phone Number -My favorite on this disc so far 3.5/5
13. JJ72 - Always and Forever - Meh 2/5
14. Katatonia - We Must Bury You - eh... it's a grower 2.5/5
15. Muse - Bliss - a ex was a big Muse fan, so I heard them, alot. still a good song though 3/5
16. Porcupine Tree - Shallow- Heard of them before this, but not the music. sounds like everything else on commerical "alternative" rock stations, a bit boring 2/5
17. Opeth - Beneath the Mire - Dude that guy's throat miss kill after a show 3/5

1. M83 - Sight Night Shiver
Really nice beginning. It sets a nice mood and has me intrigued by what’s to come.
OPA! RATING: 6.5 (…out of 10)

2. Alpha - Lipstick from the Asylum
This continues what M83 started. Nice mellow mood. A bit surreal and dreamy. I like the vibe of this mix so far.
OPA! RATING: 5.5

3. Gwen Mars - She Hung the Moon
I suppose this could be the next logical step on a mix but should it. It’s alright but nothing memorable.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

4. Mark Geary - Beautiful
Doesn’t really fit the theme. And it’s nothing great. Not even good. Quite forgettable.
OPA! RATING: 4.0

5. Clearlake - No Kind of Life
It’s alright I suppose. Better than the two songs preceding it but not by much.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

6. The Frames - Underglass
Not as bad as other Frames songs but still doesn’t do anything for me. I can’t believe the amount of Frames and Okkervil River songs on these mixes. Not good.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

7. Midnight Movies - Persimmon Tree
OK, this is where the mix totally falls apart. This is an awful song.
OPA! RATING: 3.0

8. The Gathering - These Good People
Ugh. Is this Evanescence? Absolutely brutal. One of the worst songs I’ve heard on any of the mixes so far.
OPA! RATING: 1.5

9. Amel Bent - Ma Philosophie
This may just be the worst song on any of the mixes. I’m stunned by how bad it is.
OPA! RATING: 0.5

10. Cooper Temple Clause - New Toys
I don’t know. I’m still cringing from the song before. This one isn’t good either. This mix is starting to sound a lot like a radio station here in New York.
OPA! RATING: 3.0

11. God Is An Astronaut - Fall From the Stars
See above.
OPA! RATING: 3.0

12. Immaculate Machine - Phone Number
This one tries but not hard enough. Very mediocre.
OPA! RATING: 3.5

13. JJ72 - Always and Forever
I feel like smashing this CD. Seriously. Each song is worse than the one before.
OPA! RATING: 2.5

14. Katatonia - We Must Bury You
Let’s see: how can I be polite? It sucks. Brutal. I must bury this mix.
OPA! RATING: 1.5

15. Muse - Bliss
Finally, a decent song. Not enough to save the mix though.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

16. Porcupine Tree - Shallow
You’re kidding me, right? This has got to be a joke. Not the worst song on the mix only because Amel Bent is absolutely crap. This song has every rock cliché in it.
OPA! RATING: 1.0

17. Opeth - Beneath the Mire
Hmmm…I suppose this song is appropriately bad. Think Dream Theater. Mercy!
OPA! RATING: 2.0

I’m not a cruel person, I’m really not but this is an absolute mess of a mix. It started out fine with M83 and I suppose it was decent until the Frames, but it just totally fell flat after that. I felt like I was listening to New York’s “number one” rock station K-Rock and even K-Rock throws an occasional decent song at you once in a while.

I will not be listening to this mix again.

OPA! RATING: 3.32 (…out of 10)




Red – Mix #2
5.57

So Real - 18 For The Obners
5.50

Naked – Feel My Heat
5.36

FT – Mister, We Could Sure Use A Man Like Sheriff Lobo Again
5.18

Z – Obner Mix
3.95

Back_space – Obner Mix
3.32

Well, you know what they say...you are what you eat

After reading some of your harsher reviews, I'm looking forward to reviewing your mix. Not that I didn't like a lot of it, but the stuff I didn't I'm gonna bring out than cannons on.

Bring it on.

As long as you keep the focus on the music and not to spite me.

1. M83 - "Sight Night Shiver"
The beginning sounds like being stranded on the side of a highway after dark. Quite atmospheric. The synths are reminiscent of Tangerine Dream. Establishes an intriguing mood for the mix.

2. Alpha - "Lipstick from the Asylum"
Segues smoothly from the previous track. Fits in mood and tempo-wise, but frankly just bores me. This sort of thing was done a lot better by 10cc with "I'm Not In Love."

3. Gwen Mars - "She Hung the Moon"
This is better. The inclusion of that key component known as melody definitely helps.

4. Mark Geary - "Beautiful"
Another good one. Kind of Triple-A, but still pleasant enough. This is in the David Gray vein, which is kind of a glass half-full/half-empty thing, depending upon how you look at it. I'll say half-full.

5. Clearlake - "No Kind of Life"
WOW...actual electric guitar! I had almost forgotten what that sounded like. (Sorry for being so snarky today. I've got a cold, and it's ruining my mood. You deserve better.) This one's not bad. I'd probably like it more if it really kicked in at some point, rather than just remaining on the verge of doing so throughout. Interesting solo toward the end -- fairly unique.

6. The Frames - "Underglass"
Great bassline to start this one off. I've heard a lot about this band, but didn't care too much for the one song I've heard from them. This one's a lot better. Best track on the mix so far, though the guy's strained vocals keep it from being a truly great song.

7. Midnight Movies - "Persimmon Tree"
This has a real goth flavor to it, yet remains somewhat interesting despite that unfortunate fact. Would be great for a Halloween mix.

8. The Gathering - "These Good People"
She's got a great voice, though it could probably be put to much better use than on a relatively unspectacular track like this.

9. Amel Bent - "Ma Philosophie"
That's a really nice use of harp at the beginning of this. As for the rest of the song, it's got an extremely mainstream pop vibe to it. Sounds like something that one might hear performed on French Idol. Unfortunately, I seem to be in a very Simon state of mind today.

10. Cooper Temple Clause - "New Toys"
Here's a band I've heard ABOUT, but never heard. The keys at the beginning remind me of the film score from Phantasm. They've got a good guitar sound. I like the chorus a lot better than the rest of the song, though.

11. God Is An Astronaut - "Fall From the Stars"
I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something about this I really like. I think it's the propulsion of the song, for lack of a better term. I dig the way it keeps pushing forward. I realize this only makes sense to me, and then even marginally so. I would really enjoy blasting this while speeding along weaving in and out of traffic. This would make one helluva soundtrack for a car commercial.

12. Immaculate Machine - "Phone Number"
Great opening riff, but when those wimpy vocals come in, it absolutely neuters this track. There's an awesome song in there somewhere, but not as long as this overly sensitive jagoff is at the mic. The chick singer is better. Sounds a lot like that gal from Rainer Maria.

13. JJ72 - "Always and Forever"
This really sounds familiar, but I don't think I've ever even heard of JJ72 before. I like it, though. I keep thinking I hear "Stand Back"-era Stevie "Coke 'Stache" Nicks singing backing harmonies.

14. Katatonia - "We Must Bury You"
Started out OK, but got a little too nu-metal with the guitars. I really like the guys voice. Sounds a little like Rogue Wave. The singer, that is.

15. Muse - "Bliss"
The song's pretty good, but I don't really like that chorus. He gets a little too overwrought and operatic there.

16. Porcupine Tree - "Shallow"
Now THAT'S what I call GEE-TAR!!! Crappy name for a band, but they bring the RAWK! I like the loud-mellow duality at work here. Good vocals, too.

17. Opeth - "Beneath the Mire"
I know Dalen jizzes himself over these guys, and they've defnitely got the metal drumming thing down, but I don't care for that synth. And Cookie Monster vocals are ALWAYS a dealbreaker! Must. Eject. Disc. Before. Onset. Of. Seizure. I could handle this much more if the second vocalist was at the helm for the duration. I'm afraid I'm still stuck in the Iron Maiden era when it comes to metal.

After listening to this mix in its entirety, I came to the realization that while it's probably quite good for what it is, me and back_space definitely seem to have quite divergent musical tastes. The top-notch cover art and litany of bands previously unheard by FT earn this mix an A for effort, but when factoring in that I only really truly enjoyed a handful of tracks, the overall grade slides to a C. Even so, I applaud your yeoman work here, fine sir!