Songwriting challenge 2014 Thomas Boutell 9/30 '14

Years ago, when I was getting almost tolerable on the guitar, I threw down the gauntlet and asked for songwriting challenges. The result was the most interesting stuff I ever did, musically. And then I got distracted by dance. Which I do not regret in the least. But I'm ready to try music again.

So! Here's how this goes.

Please reply with:

An object ("a toaster")

A character ("a flying piano teacher")

A catchphrase ("that's GOTTA hurt")

A rock/pop musical subgenre ("emo punk," "new wave," etc - if you think it's obscure, just cite an example I have some hope of knowing or finding, links help)

... And I'll compose and record a song featuring these items. It may take me a while, but I will eventually get to an album's worth of requests.

BRING IT!


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9/30 '14 21 Comments
A lego brick, a karate student, "any side street", rockabilly
nerdsholmferret
"Any side street" is probably an obscure catchphrase, but I use it a lot. It's from Bill Cosby's "200 MPH".
nerdsholmferret
Trampoline, a translator, "Further up and further in", power pop.
Aaron V. Humphrey
AAA batteries, a cliff diver, "there's got to be a better way", Hootie-and-the-Blowfish-style frat rock
dan brown
You said bring it.
Here it is.
Anita Sarkeesian, a misogynist, "not all men", math rock.
Sean M Puckett
Anita Sarkeesian is the object?
Shelle Klein Houser
Yes, I was just thinking I should clarify that. Thanks.
Sean M Puckett
Wow, writing that in a non-asshole way that is still entertaining IS a challenge.
Shelle Klein Houser
I would like to see the results of this one in particular. ;)
Karen Kuhl
I'm also looking forward to the results of this challenge.
Lindsay Harris Friel
Object: a Rubik's Cube
Character: an extra in a Wes Anderson movie
Catchphrase: "And that's the end of that chapter."
Genre: Garage Rock
Matt Casarino
A glockenspiel, the majorette, "could it be love?" (Alternatively, "Oom pa pa, baby!")
Morrisa Sherman
Object: The Rosetta Stone
Character: Dunkin' Donuts employee
Catchphrase: She thought she'd seen everything
Shelle Klein Houser
Oh - genre - prog rock. You know, like Tull and Joe Trainor.
Shelle Klein Houser
Trailer park; neighbors; "it never ends". This sounds like it should be a country song, perhaps? Your choice.
Karen Kuhl
Note to self: "desire is a random number"
Thomas Boutell
Object: A vat of whipped cream
Character: Arnold Schwarzenegger from "Kindergarten Cop"
Catchphrase: "Tippecanoe and Tyler too"
Genre: Death metal
Kevin Niemi
Pierogi, recently freed convict, "always room for one more," jangly Emo Britpop (ie., Smiths miserable lyrics plus happy guitar music)
Lindsay Harris Friel
I really like this challenge.
Lindsay Harris Friel
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado
A Rock climber - who dislike bolts--a traditional or "clean" climber
"It's just you and the rock"
classic rock - late 60's or early 80's

Kristen Bastis
Oh, that's going to be fun.
Thomas Boutell