Central Scrutinizer

I like it; like, I really like it, it's a good song to solo over... But; and this is not a criticism, really more so an observation; I am reminded of three songs that sound like the verse (i.e. same progression, similar tempo, etc.): Santana, "Evil Ways" Edgar Winter Group, "Frankenstein" (not the main riff, but everything from the synth solo to the sax part) and The Doors, "Peace Frog" But the fact remains, I DO enjoy the song. :)

Where's the drums?

It's the kind of music to accompany a film production company's graphic at the beginning of a film--think 20th Century Fox Fanfare. Filmintro.mid

It needs drums, or some other rhythmic embellishments.

I agree with you, Nickthoven. I am wrong and certainly worthy of your criticism. I have such a past history of being wrong that I've learned to not argue and just give up. But, moving on, it is my opinion and not a fact that the rhythm of the intro does not particularly match the rhythm of theme A. It confuses the listener. If this was your intention, however, I apologize for being mistaken. An additional thought, and one that is purely optional, is that the rag does not end with the stereotypical (and I'm not sure if this is technically correct) downward arpeggiated power chord. This would be, in your case, Bb, F, Bb. However, it is your choice as the composer to neglect this element, and I won't sit here and tell you that it is a necessary staple of a ragtime ending. It is simply a more commonly occurring element that, in a way, adds an authenticity to the overall composition.

Uh...there are other ragtime composers. If you're wanting to compose ragtime, you'll probably need to listen to more than just Joplin.

Okay, some background on this song (please read this before you listen; it will help immensely): this song was created within the span of a week at the request of my gym teacher. That's right. We were learning about a sport, and he suggested that in place of taking a test over the sport, I write a song (heavy metal; he was specific) about it. And what was that sport? Lacrosse. So I sat down at my computer, worked everything out, and after a week, I came up with this little nugget. After having performed it for him (there are words, but I'm too lazy to MIDI-format them...right now...) he commented that he enjoyed it. A jorb well done, I think. Now, about the music: I'm aware the intro guitar goes lower than a guitar ought. Were this to be played live, the guitar in question would be intended to be tuned to C#. Second, this song is 6:07 because there are 6 verses. That's right, six frickin' verses! There is also one intro, 3 instrumental breaks, 3 chorus occurrances, 2 solos (2 different instruments), one re-intro (intro reiteration), and one end. Also, try to get past the fact that the song gets repetitious without the lyrics present. Make up your own lyrics if it might keep your interest. And above all, enjoy. America__s_oldest_game.mid

Even though it's after Halloween, I'd appreciate if somebody could say something about this piece before Halloween of next year...

About Etude No. 4--I really don't understand the technical challenges associated with this piece, but the overall result is very pleasing to the ears. That is, I greatly enjoy how this piece sounds.

Drums are weird/annoying sometimes. Chinese cymbal parts especially. There isn't anything major I'm noticing that makes this very original, besides the weird square wave guitar solo. Actually, that should probably be lowered an octave and changed a bit--the pitch bends are kind of odd.

Alright, my opinions: The two chords at 1:31/measure 68 are taken directly from the end of "Maple Leaf Rag" and, to a true Joplin fan, stick out like a sore thumb. To sharp them would somewhat fix/disguise it. The bass octaves at :13/measure 11, and all subsequent uses of the same progression, don't really work. These are the only faults I can find. I certainly consider it to be a worthy effort of tribute to a great composer.

Beware when you go to the costume ball For the dancers may not be alive at all The ghouls and goblins they do moan As they spy the sight of the Dancin' Bones! Dancin___Bones_Rag.mid

Um yeah...the solution for the 24 fret thing...just lower the guitar solo an octave. Then you'll have, as it stands, the official song.

As a fan of Zappa, I can say I like any music that's not "normal". This is not normal; I like it. Stravinsky was one of Zappa's favorite composers, and I can definitely see the influence in certain Zappa songs.

Can we get a MIDI of this Prelude? Somehow?