| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Track Structure | 8 |
| Interest | 8 |
| Melody | 9 |
| Performance | 9 |
| Lyrics | 0 |
| Enjoyment | 8 |
| Recording Quality | 7 |
| Commercial Appeal | 7 |
| Overall | 8 |
Dan Michaelson describes himself as "truly an amatuer". For reasons none other than he is not fully conversant with the mechanics of musical theorem. I suspect as a result of that some people feel the need to explain themselves and somehow belittle themselves when faced with the critics imaginary lack of theory beating stick. What i mean by this is that nobody should call themselves an amatuer, citing the reason for that label as a lack of knowledge of the musical written language. I know many foreign people who command the english language better than me but cannot read or write a word of it, yet express themselves freely and wantonly as any English national. Theory is useful but not the be all and end all.
With a name like Joseph rodriguez you have to go out and find something that will live up to such a great moniker. If i was gonna be a guitar legend i would change my name to "Joseph rodriguez", your half way there already with a name like that and whats more is the Joseph rodriguez of mp3 unsigned has a natural ability as a guitarist, he was born to play.
I have come accross both artists at one time or another seperately. Dan is minimalist composer. His work is highly regarded on here because it has alot of soul. On the work i have heard at least; i felt taken to another place but always assured i would return the better for it. Its music for armchairs and solemn moments alone when you just need to massage your brain for a while.
Joseph is cut from the Classic guitarist mould. An extremely passionate player and writer who's self belief is confident and assured.A very focused man who goes about his work like a talisman, with stalwart confidence. A naturally gifted player and writer with all the qualities and humbleness of true musician with high capability.
Two very different yet connected musicians at some stage would come together and collaborate, and they did for this song "funeral for a hamster". Bizarre title, tongue in cheek? or should i be sending flowers to hamster owner with a message of condolence? i'll take the tongue in cheek and go from there.
First of all this track is an ambient interplay of synth strings and guitar, thats alot of space to fill for 2 instruments but its all thats needed for this hamsters funeral. Dans melody guides you thru tension and subtle strain and back to its natural conclusion effortlessly, thats the work of a seasoned composer i think. Joseph's guitar never takes you away from the synth driven melody, the guitar simply glides along the top. Josephs guitar tone and note choice bring out the best from both artists on this track.
My one criticism is the production which could do with some attention on the Synth in terms of stereo widening and making those strings sound much bigger. Basically a bit of sonic tweaking. Funeral for a hamster is not a commercial number, its not meant to be, however its perfect for the ambient generation and Film score. It has its time and place and at this particular time and place i found it easy to listen to. I feel Joseph's contribution makes "hamster" a much more accessible song, but credit to both for playing from their heart and souls.
Give yourself three minutes and absorb yourself
RIP Hamster
To listen to the track Click Here