We here at FRED are true lovers of music, in all its forms. We’re also quite keen on the spirit of competition, and of spurring creativity through said competition.

To that end, we launched a unique form of creative combat.

In this age of manufactured and painfully earnest talent contests, we’ve decided to instead shine a light on the quirky, quixotic underworld of musicians that don’t get nearly the attention they deserve.

Ah, but I did mention that there was a competition involved…

Like a songwriting version of Iron Chef, the competitors will be presented with a very specific songwriting challenge. They’ll be given one week to complete their songs – however they see fit, within the parameters set forth – after which time the entries will be uploaded to FRED to be voted on by you, the audience.

At the end of the 3rd Challenge, the two Challengers with the most votes will face off, mano a mano for the title of…

MASTER OF SONG FU

However, there may yet be one final challenge for this newly crowned Master – for they very well might (if the stars align and schedules permit) face off against one of the LEGENDARY MASTERS – artists like Jonathan Coulton, Paul & Storm, Neil Innes, Doc Hammer, & The RiffTones. Think of them as the iron chefs of Song Fu – one of which may or may not be revealed as your ultimate challenge. Only the wheel of uncertainty can predict (and even then, not).

So what was the first Challenge?

ROUND 1 CHALLENGE

Write a song that is about (or at least has key to the central narrative) RAIN (the meteorological phenomena). At some point (or throughout) the song, you must utilize an instrument (or vocals) that represent the rain. You are free to write your song in any style that you choose.

That’s it. The only other directive is that your song must run no shorter than 1 minute 30 seconds.

And then our Challengers were given their Round 2 Challenge…

ROUND 2 CHALLENGE

Write a song that does not rhyme.

CLARIFICATION: Your song can be in any style, but must not contain any rhymes of 2 dissimilar words within a traditional verse structure. Exact repetition of a phrase or word is permitted. Your song must run no shorter than 1 minute 30 seconds..

If you want some inspiration, here’s a number song from The Muppets…
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/rhymingsong.mp3]

And then came the Round 3 Challenge…

ROUND 3 CHALLENGE

Write a song that involves a recipe for something.

This recipe can be for anything – not just food. Your song must run no shorter than 1 minute 30 seconds..

If you want some inspiration, here’s a recipe song by Queen Ida…
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/queen_ida-zydeco_taco.mp3]

And then, the votes from all 3 Rounds were tabulated, and the TOP 2 VOTE-GETTERS went head-to-head in the Final Round Challenge. The winner of that battle will be declared this edition’s MASTER OF SONG FU. So what was that Final Challenge?

FINAL CHALLENGE

Let’s call this one Challenge & Victory

Your task is to write a single tune that is actually comprised of two individual songs – the first half details a problem to be conquered or a battle to be fought, and the second half is a victorious, triumphant resolution. Both of these halves must feel independent of the other, but may contain an element that bridges the two. Your song must run no shorter than 3 minutes..

If you want some inspiration, here’s Queen…
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/queenrock.mp3]

Below, you’ll find the songs from our final two Challengers, plus the form for you to place your vote for your favorite. In addition, you’ll be able to listen to the out-of-competition Shadow Entries submitted for this Challenge. If you’d like to hear all of the Challenger songs from this edition of Song Fu, CLICK HERE.

THE FINAL CHALLENGERS

MIKE LOMBARDO

Mike Lombardo is a piano-playing geek-pop-rock singer-songwriter who likes to use hyphens when describing his occupation. He has been known to write songs about just about anything, including rocks and SAW 4. When not banging on a piano, Mike spends most of his time playing way too many video games or teaching small children how to bang on pianos. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Mike is currently finishing up his second album with his piano rock band, the Mike Lombardo Trio.
Official Website: www.mikelombardomusic.com
Twitter: twitter.com/mikelombardo
ROUND 1 SONG: “Sit And Watch The Rain”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/mike_lombardo-sit_and_watch_the_rain.mp3]
ROUND 2 SONG: “I Found You”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song2/mike_lombardo-i_found_you.mp3]
ROUND 3 SONG: “We Don’t Have Any Eggs (from Man In Kitchen – The Musical)”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song3/mike_lombardo-we_dont_have_any_eggs.mp3]
FINAL CHALLENGE SONG: “This Song Is Meta (And So Is This Title)”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song4/mike_lombardo-this_song_is_meta_and_so_is_this_title.mp3]

LEIGH & HOOVER

Dave & William have been writing songs together for decades, yet have still managed to avoid finding a clever name for themselves. William writes the words; Dave the music… which is good because it doesn’t really work the other way ’round.

Official Website: www.cratchit.org/music
ROUND 1 SONG: “Summer Rain”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/leigh_and_hoover-summer_rain.mp3]
ROUND 2 SONG: “We Do What We Do”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song2/leigh_and_hoover-we_do_what_we_do.mp3]
ROUND 3 SONG: “Primordial Soup (Traditional Recipe)”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song3/leigh_and_hoover-primordial_soup.mp3]
FINAL CHALLENGE SONG: “Yesterday Hero – Someday”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song4/leigh_and_hoover-yesterday_hero-someday.mp3]

To download a ZIP FILE containing all of the FINAL CHALLENGE songs, CLICK HERE.

To download a ZIP FILE containing all of the ROUND 3 songs, CLICK HERE.

To download a ZIP FILE containing all of the ROUND 2 songs, CLICK HERE.

To download a ZIP FILE containing all of the ROUND 1 songs, CLICK HERE.

FINAL CHALLENGE VOTING

And now, it’s time for the voting. For this FINAL CHALLENGE round, you can CHOOSE ONE Challenger song. Be sure to choose carefully. VOTING CLOSES AT 11:59pm EST on SUNDAY, MARCH 28th.

THE FINAL CHALLENGE WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA E-MAIL AFTER VOTING CLOSES

If you are having trouble voting, CLEAR YOUR BROWSER’S CACHE and try again. PLEASE NOTE: This voting system bases voting eligibility on your IP Address. If there are other computers on a home or business network that share the same IP address through a router, it may say you’ve already voted. Unfortunately, there is no way around this, and still be able to prevent ballot stuffing. It’s just the nature of the online voting beast.

FINAL CHALLENGE VOTING

View Results

FINAL VOTE TALLY FOR ROUNDS 1-3

* Mike Lombardo – 444 Votes
* Leigh & Hoover – 301 Votes
* Denise Hudson – 276 Votes
* Edric Haleen – 228 Votes
* Gorbzilla – 223 Votes
* Godz Poodlz – 190 Votes
* Caleb Hines – 187 Votes
* Inverse T. Clown – 170 Votes
* Kylie Petto – 166 Votes
* Jeff MacDougall – 151 Votes
* Governing Dynamics – 135 Votes
* Buckethat Bobby Matheson – 132 Votes
* Glen Raphael – 131 Votes
* Ian “Two Shades” Johnson – 120 Votes
* Common Lisp – 103 Votes
* Zer0guy – 98 Votes
* Jutze Schult – 93 Votes
* Boffo Yux Dudes – 88 Votes
* Taryn Miller – 84 Votes
* Spencer Sokol – 76 Votes

ROUND 3 VOTING RESULTS

View Results

ROUND 2 VOTING RESULTS

View Results

ROUND 1 VOTING RESULTS

View Results

SHADOW ENTRIES

JOE “COVENANT” LAMB

I’m Joe Covenant. I’m Scottish. And never have enough time to do everything I wanna! Been singing and perfoming for over 40 years… (yes, I am 46.)… and I’ve nearly learned a 6th chord! Everything I do. I do for Song Fu. (If not for this ‘contest’ I would have never met and collaborated with so many talented people.)

Official Website: joecovenant.bandcamp.com
Twitter: twitter.com/JoeCovenant

ROUND 1 SHADOW SONG: “Rain”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/shadow_song-joe_covenant_lamb-rain.mp3]
ROUND 2 SHADOW SONG: “The “Jay Is Awesome” Polka”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song2/shadow_song-joe_covenant_lamb-the_jay_is_awesome_polka.mp3]
ROUND 3 SHADOW SONG: “Devil’s Fu Cake”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song3/shadow_song-joe_covenant_lamb-devils_fu_cake.mp3]
FINAL CHALLENGE SHADOW SONG: “New Mombasa – Finish the Fight”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song4/shadow_song-joe_covenant_lamb-new_mombasa-finish_the_fight.mp3]

GOVERNING DYNAMICS

Governing Dynamics is the name of Travis Norris’s eternal sideproject, where all the stuff written by him goes when his current band (whatever it may be) refuses to play it. The music has been favorably compared to such bands as Eels, Radiohead, The White Stripes, and other bands that cool people like. It has been unfavorably compared to the tactics used by the FBI against the Branch Dividians at Waco. If he has to describe his music by genre (and refer to himself in third person) Travis calls it “alternative/shoegazer with a liberal dose of Midwestern rock”.
Official Website: governingdynamics.bandcamp.com
Twitter: twitter.com/travisnorris
ROUND 1 SONG: “Rain in Chicago”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/governing_dynamics-rain_in_chicago.mp3]
ROUND 2 SONG: “Restrictions”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song2/governing_dynamics-restrictions.mp3]
ROUND 3 SONG: “Broken Boy”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song3/governing_dynamics-broken_boy.mp3]
FINAL CHALLENGE SHADOW SONG: “Deconstructive Witticisms – Try”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song4/shadow_song-governing_dynamics-deconstructive_witticisms_try.mp3]

DENISE HUDSON

Denise Hudson is a musician of non-determined hair-color from Austin, Texas who is married to an musicaphile Australian. She hopes that she typed up her bio correctly (alas, she cannot spell!); and additionally hopes she amuses you, but she is done apologizing now. 🙂 If she happens to make you slightly uncomfortable, she supposes there’s nothing to be done for it…
Official Website: denisehudson.bandcamp.com

Twitter: twitter.com/RangerDenni
ROUND 1 SONG: “Rain”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/denise_hudson-rain.mp3]
ROUND 2 SONG: “Something Very Horrible (Bluebeard’s Lament)”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song2/denise_hudson-something_very_horrible_bluebeards_lament.mp3]
ROUND 3 SONG: “Duality Cupcake (‘Why’)”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song3/denise_hudson-duality_cupcake_why.mp3]
FINAL CHALLENGE SHADOW SONG: “Keys and Lies (feat. Joe “Covenant” Lamb)”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song4/shadow_song-denise_hudson-keys_and_lies.mp3]

GLEN RAPHAEL

Glen Raphael is a Manhattan-based software geek, circus performer, and guitarist/singer/songwriter who counts Jonathan Coulton and Paul & Storm as influences. He has recently written songs that featured killer robots, exploding pants, and the Statue of Liberty having a mid-life crisis. Though not all at once. Yet.
Official Website: youtube.com/glenra
ROUND 1 SONG: “Can’t See The Sky”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/glen_raphael-cant_see_the_sky.mp3]
ROUND 2 SONG: “Song That Doesn’t Rhyme”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song2/glen_raphael-song_that_doesnt_rhyme.mp3]
ROUND 3 SONG: “Big In Japan”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song3/glen_raphael-big_in_japan.mp3]
FINAL CHALLENGE SHADOW SONG: “When The Prozac Kicks In”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song4/shadow_song-glen_raphael-when_the_prozac_kicks_in.mp3]

INVERSE T. CLOWN

Inverse T. Clown is a jack of many entertainment trades, songwriting being one of his favorites. He has an album half-ready to be recorded, and is looking forward to garnering the patience to sit down and do it. Even more so, he’s looking forward to Song Fu 6. There is an ongoing series of internet covers of Inverse’s song “Today’s The Day” – and he loves them all – but it would nice to get some steam behind the endless REST of his genius, and Song Fu seems just the place to start it up. He’s funny, he’s clever, his music is synthetic, and he’s champing at the bit to throw everything he’s got to his clamoring fans. Stick around, and see why Salemites everywhere call this musical genius “The Future of Greatness”.
Official Website: toomuchawesome.ning.com/profile/InverseTClown
ROUND 1 SONG: “Sexy In The Rain”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/inverse_t_clown-sexy_in_the_rain.mp3]
ROUND 2 SONG: “An Angry Rant”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song2/inverse_t_clown-an_angry_rant.mp3]
ROUND 3 SONG: “Devastator”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song3/inverse_t_clown-devastator.mp3]
FINAL CHALLENGE SHADOW SONG: “Manic Depressive”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song4/shadow_song-inverse_t_clown-manic_depressive.mp3]

GINYU

From TV to the internet and more, I first got into music back in 1998 doing my own music show. It was around that time that I became a DJ at WRTC 89.3 FM. Music has been in my family for many years. My father is a singer. I, on the other hand, do a little bit of everything, from YouTube to my travels around the US and the UK, entertainment is in my blood. Making a song for Song Fu has been fun. I hope to do it again.
Official Website: www.youtube.com/user/Ginyu2007
FINAL CHALLENGE SHADOW SONG: “Quest For The Fu”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song4/shadow_song-ginyu-quest_for_the_fu.mp3]

If you triumph, not only will you win remarkable (and potentially off-putting) bragging rights and a clutch of fantastic mystery prizes, you will also become the proud owner of the magnificent, one-of-a-kind MASTER OF SONG FU TROPHY.

Good luck, and bring on the Fu.

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Comments: 8 Comments

8 Responses to “Masters Of Song Fu #6: Final Round Voting Begins” Dave Leigh Says: March 22nd, 2010 at 10:08 pm We had intended ‘Yesterday Hero’ to be about American soldiers killed overseas. But as it evolved, we decided to represent all of these heroes with the metaphor of a solitary super-hero, killed by the people he saved. As such, our conflict actually ends in defeat. The second portion, ‘Someday’, deals with the day after his death — when the people of the world are forced to deal with their own problems. It expresses hope for the future and the ultimate triumph of peace over war and petty conflict. lyrics LYRICS ====== YESTERDAY HERO ============== These dusty old comic books Reflect bitter faces and disgusted looks But they’re stacked away now Forgotten along with a hero of yesterday now. A red, white and blue suit No longer flies the skies of America To rescue the day when we need him most Oh, when we need him most! Oh, when we need him most! An American hero-yeah Fighting for the American way A true patriot died just yesterday Killed by a people he saved just yesterday! Killed by a people he saved just yesterday! Who needs him now? [news reports.] Who needs him now? [more news reports] Who needs him now? [more news reports] With just a single hand He’d make this place a safer land The world could use a super man! Oh, my Yesterday Hero….! Help us if you can! An American hero-yeah Fighting for the American way A true patriot died just yesterday Killed by a people he saved — Killed by a people he saved — Killed by a people he saved just yesterday! SOMEDAY ======= There’s a new day dawning There’s a light now shining through Where last night’s discarded shadows Have all but vanished in the Blue It’s high time we made a fresh start We’ve spent too long, feelin’ our way around in the dark Heroes gotta get reborn some how…. Some way… Some day… [instrumental] Someday we will wake – to find that life is breezy Someday we will learn – that harmony is easy Someday we’ll beat our swords back into ploughs Someday could be then… Someday could be now… Someday… we will learn that we’re all brothers! Someday… we will learn to love each other! Someday we will find – Peace of mind! Someday (Someday!) Someday (Someday!) Someday (Someday!) Someday (Why not now?) Someday (Someday!) Someday (Someday!) Someday (Someday!) Someday (Why not now?) Someday (Someday!) Someday (Why not now?) Someday (Someday!) Someday (Why not now?) Someday (Why not now?) Someday (Why not now?) Someday (Why not now?) Why not now?! (Why not now?!) [sung under the rest] We will sing a song of inspiration We will sing together as one nation Governing Dynamics Says: March 22nd, 2010 at 11:42 pm Title of my entry should actually be “Deconstructive Witticisms / Try” (ie. “Try” is the second part starting around 2:45 in to the track). But you can’t put forward slashes in file names, so, yeah. I’ll spare everybody the full lyrics since it’s a shadow entry. I might actually get around to starting that blog I’ve been threatening everyone with for the past several weeks. If I do, lyrics will be there. The phrase “Deconstructive Witticism” is a sort of dark mirror of “Constructive Criticism”. You can probably figure out the basic thrust of the song from there. Nice work from everyone, as usual. Here’s hoping we can keep this up for SF7, eh? Inverse T. Clown Says: March 23rd, 2010 at 12:19 am MANIC DEPRESSIVE “Enough To Sleep” I’m a mess compared to you, sir I’m alone and I’m a loser I’d prob’ly feel much better As a jacked up drug abuser I’m broke with no employer It’s a self-esteem destroyer I’d benefit from Bankruptcy But I can’t afford the lawyer And I guess It’s too late I’ll know soon But while I wait I’ll grab a shotgun and a bottle of gin And watch The View (watch The View) As the darkness inside me Takes root, nice and deep Then a swig of some pills and snuggle up With the warmth of Fox News (Oh, Fox News) And half-heartedly, I pray I only took enough to sleep I need a pain embargo I’m crushed beneath my cargo It’s days like this I’m not convinced I want to see tomorrow It doesn’t get much sadder When nothing seems to matter I’ve thought of God and suicide And I’m leaning toward the latter And I guess It’s too late I’ll know soon But while I wait I’ll grab a shotgun and a bottle of gin And watch The View (watch The View) As the darkness inside me Takes root, nice and deep Then a swig of some pills and snuggle up With the warmth of Fox News (Oh, Fox News) And half-heartedly, I pray I only took enough to sleep And I guess It’s too late I’ll know soon But while I wait ****** “Good Morning World” Hey, how are you today? I’m feelin’ A-O.k. All of my problems Dissipated over night Thank you for your concern But now the page has turned I’d hit the bottom But now everything’s alright (Don’t worry, I don’t even have that razor) Good morning, World It’s a a beautiful day out You can suck it I don’t care anymore I’ll take whatever befalls Hit me with whatever you’ve got ‘Cause I can take it I’ll grab life by the horns And kick it right in the balls Yes, granted, yesterday Well, I’ve had better days I can admit that it Was not my greatest show Screaming in my underwear Running down the thoroughfare Anyone could see That I was feeling pretty low (Oh, by the way, can I please have my gun back?) Good morning, World It’s a a beautiful day out You can suck it I don’t care anymore I’ll take whatever befalls Hit me with whatever you’ve got ‘Cause I can take it I’ll grab life by the horns And kick it right in the balls Trust me, I’m feeling great Watch me as I elate I’m loving life And all the crap that that includes My attempted suicide Let’s forget I even tried Hey, you know how sometimes I can have those crazy moods (really, though, I’d like to have my gun back, thank you) Good morning, World It’s a a beautiful day out You can suck it I don’t care anymore I’ll take whatever befalls Hit me with whatever you’ve got ‘Cause I can take it I’ll grab life by the horns And kick it right in the balls HelenMirrensMerkin Says: March 23rd, 2010 at 1:08 am Thanks for the music! I enjoyed the challenger and ghost entries alike. Well done. I’m looking forward to a MoSF7 as well. Hopefully with both Inverse T Clown and Lex Vader in the lineup — it’d be interesting. Thanks Ken! Lisa D Says: March 23rd, 2010 at 4:08 pm how do i vote for mike lombardo for the final round? i want to place my vote if i can. thanks! Spintown Says: March 24th, 2010 at 4:37 am I posted my thoughts on the round on my blog. Big thank you to everyone who made a shadow entry. http://spintown79.blogspot.com/2010/03/song-fu-6-round-4-review.html Lil Says: March 26th, 2010 at 8:29 am I have just listened to the final song by Leigh & Hooper. What an amazing treat. A lot of effort and talent has gone into this and it shows. Well done guys, my vote is with you. Edric Haleen Says: March 29th, 2010 at 9:13 am So — congratulations to Mike! And thanks again to Ken!! And see you all in Seven!!! 🙂 Edric Leave a Reply Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website Δ