Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE VOTING!

(It's a little different this time around.)​

You are rating one of sixteen riffs in Round 1 of the February 2010 Riff-Off. Each of the other fifteen riffs can be heard and rated in the Tips and Clips room. More information about the Riff-Off can be found here.

Contrary to previous Riff-Off tournaments, this month's Riff-Off has no bracket; each riff will be rated on an individual basis according to a seven-point scale. Once all of the polls have closed, the scores for each riff will be averaged, and the eight contestants with the highest average scores will advance to Round 2.

I encourage you to score each of the sixteen riffs. You may wish to listen to each riff before voting in order to establish a baseline. Of course, you are free to score riffs however you like, in whatever order you like. You could even give each riff the same score, if your impressions dictate so. It's all in your hands!

Because not all contestants have access to the same quality of recording equipment, your voting decision should be based first on the actual composition, second on the player's execution of the riff. Try to look past recording quality. Some questions you may want to ask yourself while considering which way to vote: What is the emotional impact of the riff? How original is the riff? Does the riff inspire me? Would I want to hear a whole song built off this riff?

Note that each contestant has chosen a battle name for the Riff-Off; their identities have been hidden from all other contestants and the voting public, and will be revealed at the end of the Riff-Off, when a champion is crowned.

Lastly, while comments are strongly encouraged, please realize that each contestant put personal time and creative energy into his or her submission. If you have any critique to provide in this thread, give the contestants the courtesy of making it constructive. This competition is built on the premises of fun and musical growth.

Here is a link to this contestant's Round 1 riff: The Backdoor Man

If you run into any technical issues or have other questions regarding the Riff-Off, PM or email me (kgmessier at gmail dot com).

Have fun!

- Keith

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

I like the idea, but needs more practice to feel tight. Creative indeed!

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

this riff was very original! very cool! you just need to work on your timing.

 

[GoDrex]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

different - not too shabby

 

[tone4days]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

sorry man - need to tighten up the execution - good germ of an idea though ... keep pushin'

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

[PAUL HOGAN VOICE]Now THAT's a RIFF![/PAUL HOGAN VOICE] Wow, maybe I need to update my references...

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

Ooh, I like the feel, little sloppy at the end. I sympathize, locking in exactly for an overdub is challenging. I wonder how much is being added to the riff with the full octave dubbing? Good idea though, reminds me a little of Jack White with his POG/Whammy. It does make me think to myself, "I wonder where this riff is leading us?" which is good.

 

[Gamera]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

I'm diggin' this one a lot. Different and interesting. I'll echo the same feedback I read above concerning timing and the overdubbing. This may be the one I want to hear the full song of more than others.

 

[B2D]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

A little sloppy on the execution front, but props for a more original idea and the Jack White type of sound.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

Hey DIDJA KNOW THIS RIFF WAS A LITTLE SLOPPY THERE??

DIDJA??!!



despite that, I like it. the jack white comments make sense.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

Timing issues definintely bring it down a bit IMO.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

I actually kinda like the quirky sloppiness (not sure if it was intended or not). It makes it kinda shuffle and lurch about rather than being all tight and precise. It's kinda like.... 'an elephant and a chiuaua get drunk and then stagger into a coffee shop, trying to order coffee but staggering around and knocking the furniture about' ..... or something like that, hehe. I like it as it is, if it were tightened up, i don't think i'd feel quite the same about it.

 

[elscorcho]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

+1 on the POG-y White feel which I liked....

....I personally think the rif lends itself to more of a vintage crunchy-buzzy-sabbath tone But I'm just being a little nit-picky there....Nice JOB!

 

[sosomething]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

I actually kinda like the quirky sloppiness (not sure if it was intended or not). It makes it kinda shuffle and lurch about rather than being all tight and precise. It's kinda like.... 'an elephant and a chiuaua get drunk and then stagger into a coffee shop, trying to order coffee but staggering around and knocking the furniture about' ..... or something like that, hehe. I like it as it is, if it were tightened up, i don't think i'd feel quite the same about it.

Your descriptions of the riffs this round have been great, man. I've enjoyed reading them.

 

[Blue Calx]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

Am I the only one hearing the Soundgarden reference in that harmonized part? I really, really wish this had more chunk!

 

[Redmist]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

Reminds me of Thin Lizzy on too much coke or something.

The tightness would be easily improved by playing this over for another 10 minutes or so before hitting the record button.
The style is certainly quirky, which adds to the riff.

 

[JollyRoger523]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

I like the concept of this one, but the entire package just doesn't hit me.

 

[DankStar]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

definitely different. the stops get a bit much after a bit. probably wouldn't have that effect in a song.

 

[Top Jimmy]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

White Stripes!

 

[Tor]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: The Backdoor Man

I like it as it is, if it were tightened up, i don't think i'd feel quite the same about it.

Me too. It's definitely got its own style going on.