Tier 2 showdowns have officially begun! On the micro level, the individual showdowns won’t
change dramatically. Unlike Tier 1,
which was generated entirely by statistics, there is some effort to style-match
in Tier 2, but otherwise the process remains the same. The big difference is that from here on through
Tier 4, the stakes are higher. Albums
that do not go on are removed from the tournament. There is a level of redundancy, however, in
the form of “saves.”
Before the Mid-Year Top12, six saves will pulled from the
pool of eliminated albums from Tiers 2-4.
These albums will be included in the year-end finals in November. This gives some room for favorites that were perhaps
unfairly matched or that have subjective significance. If this first week is any indication,
however, those six saves are going to run out fast.
If you are participating in the Viewer’s Choice bracket, tracking all these albums can be overwhelming. Never fear – there is a link to the Viewer’s Choice bracket pinned to the top of our Facebook group that might be helpful in jogging your memory as we go. There will also be a document available in early July that lists all albums that are eligible as saves.
SlapSlap – Bad Idea, Good Execution VS. 88Kasyo
Junrei – Genma Taisai
88Kasyo Junrei – Genma Taisai
Bad Idea, Good Execution has had way more traction
this winter than it had any right to accumulate. Although they present more as a gag, SlapSlap
has no small amount of musical depth to back up their self-effacing good humor. At 20 minutes, however, Bad Idea, Good Execution
ends right as it seems to be taking off, making it seem more like an EP than a
proper album. In addition, Genma Taisai
is my favorite entry from 88Kasyo Junrei that I have heard so far, with
tight compositions, reckless energy, and focused virtuosity.
Opeth – The Last Will and Testament VS. Dream Theater
– Parasomnia
Opeth – The Last Will and Testament
I have vacillated on this decision all week long. I admit to being a cautious Dream Theater fan. I have enjoyed many of their albums, but very
few of them come off the shelf. I
suspected that, despite the intriguing re-installation of Mike Portnoy on
drums, that Parasomnia would ultimately fall by the wayside, but I think
that it actually may live up to the hype.
For me personally, this has to do more with the incredible prowess of
Jordan Rudess than Mike Portnoy’s all-too-familiar-yet-ultimately-effective contributions.
I would argue, however, that The Last Will and Testament may be Opeth’s
finest work, at least from a conceptual standpoint. I could, in fact, favorably compare it to Scenes
From A Memory, which is inarguably Dream Theater’s definitive album. By extension, Parasomnia is no Scenes
From A Memory, so The Last Will and Testament wins out due to its unique
concept along with Opeth’s more austere approach to prog-metal.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - No Title As of 13 Feb. 2024
-28,340 Dead VS. Bill Rieflin, Trey Gunn, & Robert Fripp – The Repercussions
of Angelic Behavior
Bill Rieflin, Trey Gunn, & Robert Fripp – The Repercussions
of Angelic Behavior
Godspeed You! Black Emperor has no lack of vibe. Their ability to both mesmerize and surprise suggests
a narrative capacity that eludes most instrumental projects. The Repercussions of Angelic Behavior, however,
has a conviction that is immediately arresting and clearly Crimson-adjacent.
Karate – Make it Fit VS. Squid – Cowards
Karate – Make it Fit
Although the Dream Theater VS. Opeth was a difficult choice,
this one wins the most contentious showdown award for this week. This is my third album from Squid, and I’ve
genuinely liked them all, but none of them have stuck – which is frustrating,
because I sincerely love them. Their textures,
mood, musicianship, and overall adventurousness exemplify some of the best
current post-punk art-rock out there, but I can also sense the effort that they
put into their work. Make it Fit,
however, seems comparatively effortless. It sounds like three guys who can play
the heck out of their instruments having a good time doing so. Moreover, they satisfy my ongoing addiction
to melody. Squid is plenty dramatic, but
Karate’s got the melodies, not to mention all the cool jazz chords.
Viewer’s Choice Results
SlapSlap – Bad Idea, Good Execution VS. 88Kasyo
Junrei – Genma Taisai
SlapSlap – Bad Idea, Good Execution
Opeth – The Last Will and Testament VS. Dream Theater
– Parasomnia
Dream Theater - Parasomnia
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - No Title As of 13 Feb. 2024
-28,340 Dead VS. Bill Rieflin, Trey Gunn, & Robert Fripp – The Repercussions
of Angelic Behavior
Bill Rieflin, Trey Gunn, & Robert Fripp – The Repercussions
of Angelic Behavior
Karate – Make it Fit VS. Squid – Cowards
Squid - Cowards
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