Week three has passed.  There are only five full fays left to complete the February Album Writing Month challenge.  I’m two songs away.  Song number 13 has been written – I just need to record it.  I have some ideas for song number 14 which I will begin to explore as soon as I am finished recording song number 13.  So far, I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from various people.  I have to mention that the FAWMer known as @popmythology mentioned my song Eagle Landing on his weekly FAWM Blog of his favourite FAWM songs of the week.  Thanks so much @popmythology!

For my own part, I’ve been trying to keep up with my watchlist – with varying degrees of success.  I’ve finally passed into the FAWM Century Club (making at least 100 comments on other FAWMers songs).  I’m hoping to add to my FAWMling & ZONGBust totals (FAWMlings = first time FAWMers; ZONGBusting = Commenting on a song with Zero Comments (ZONG= Zero Comment Song)) in the next few days & on into March.

So, are there some great songs written during FAWM that I would recommend?  Well, here’s a few that sparked my imagination:

Klein Gitaar by Sapient I’m not normally a Metal fan, but this one is too cute to not appreciate.  Sapient & his little friend Ina did this great song together.  It has his normal Metal styling infused with her lovely vocals.  A great combination.  I’m liking the idea of Kinder Metal!

Bow To The Boatswain by Captain Vulpine The musical & theatrical genius that is Captain Vulpine has at last returned to FAWM & his output this year does not disappoint his rabid fans.  His wonderful mix of pirate lore, sea shanties, metal & vaudville knows no equal.  Bow To Boatswain is no exception.  The use of the Bosun’s Whistle along with the banjo & mandolin is wonderful.  And the lyrics scream out to be sung by every crowd – no matter their state of sobriety.

The Gorges Of Dalardes by Caterwauler Joanne Gabriel (a.k.a. Caterwauler) never ceases to amaze me with the way she is able to build vast vistas of sound that create images in your head.  And when she attaches these Soundscapes to an amazing story (as she has done for the past couple of FAWMs), you get a potent combination.  If her story doesn’t draw you in – her music definately will!

Insomniac by prsrose One of the few FAWMers who is building experimental songs in all sorts of inspiring ways.  This odd song has a sense of being uncomfortable, yet the chill textures sort of lull you into a sedated mood.  Its an amazing juxtaposition of senses created by a large array of tones & textures.

Aftermath by Electrocelte Another great concept album that tells a story.  Electorcelte fuses synth sounds with the organic tones of a traditional Scottish Bagpipe (he’s a Piper by trade).  This is the final chapter in the album’s story (song number 15 for Electrocelte so he has won the FAWM challenge!  Congrats Electrocelte!).  This song represents this album very well – tho, it might be a bit of a spoiler for those who want to listen to the whole story from the beginning.

That’s about it for this week.  I’ll probably do one more issue of this year’s FLOG, probably once FAWM is over.  Until next time…

See You In The Shadows…