The Syndicate

Epignosis wrote: ↑Wed Nov 27, 2019 9:32 pm @Turnip Head

My dog ate my homework

I'm putting my final list together

How's Monday, 9pm EST looking for everyone?

probably manageable

I'm through round 1. I'll be starting round 2 maybe tomorrow.

Epignosis wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 6:43 pm How's Monday, 9pm EST looking for everyone?

Probably a no-go for me. But if most people can make it, go ahead!

speedchuck wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 8:27 pm

Epignosis wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 6:43 pm How's Monday, 9pm EST looking for everyone?

Probably a no-go for me. But if most people can make it, go ahead!

I'm not married to it. Tuesday better?

Actually scratch all of that. I'm dumb.

Tuesday is the ONLY day I can do this.

Tuesday at 9pm EST it is.

The second half of the week works better for me since I work nights Monday - Wednesday at my second job. But I don't mind catching up after you're done

Epignosis wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 8:31 pm

speedchuck wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 8:27 pm

Epignosis wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 6:43 pm How's Monday, 9pm EST looking for everyone?

Probably a no-go for me. But if most people can make it, go ahead!

I'm not married to it. Tuesday better?

Monday is the only no-go for me, so yeah that's cool.

Turnip Head wrote: ↑Thu Nov 28, 2019 9:34 pm The second half of the week works better for me since I work nights Monday - Wednesday at my second job. But I don't mind catching up after you're done

I've got concerts to play the latter half of the next two weeks.

Play Freebird

I can.

On each instrument.

9pm EST tonight! Hope to see you all in discord.

I can’t wait to see how poorly I did.

Where are the results posted dangit.

I'll post them when I get a chance.

Only the ones I won please.

DharmaHelper wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2019 5:49 pm Only the ones I won please.

He already did

I actually think if my Gatsby category submission got 2nd then I probably won at least one of the yet-revealed categories.

Here there be Gambler's Fallacy.

Says you.

3. Elmer Gantry

A silver-tongued evangelist who leads a secret life of indulgence? Unheard of! Find something with a musical mood that is belied by its lyrical content (or the other way around).


This piece reflects the theme perfectly. Despite what Shaggy claims, it was in fact him.

The Great Gatsby

Take me to Gatsby’s mansion today, old sport. What might I hear in a contemporary setting? I’m looking for something in the 21st century that would fit right in a party at East Egg.

12. MacDougall

Midlake – “Roscoe” (2006)



While I like this folk-rock song, it doesn’t invite me to 1920s indulgence. It is quite an enjoyable tune, but to me it doesn’t fit the description. Maybe this is a better fit for the Valley of Ashes.

4

11. sprityo

Caravan Palace – “Wonderland” (2015)



French electronic group Caravan Palace (whom I had not heard of before) fuses heavy electronic pop with 1920s-1930s jazz, which fits the category very well. There’s too much stuttering in the second half of the track for my liking, though, and overall there’s an overreliance on audio effects and a general quality of busyness.

5

10. Turnip Head

Adele – Rumor Has It



Given how much I like Stevie Nicks, one would think I’d like Adele’s smoky, sultry vocals, but I never became a fan. This particular song gives me the sense of the party winding down, with people complaining about it being time to go home, sobbing, accusing, and yes, obviously, spreading rumors. Not a bad pick.

6


9. G-Man

Gnarls Barkley – “Smiley Faces” (2006)



Upbeat and catchy, this number certainly invites dance and a festive atmosphere. There’s more of a Motown / 1960s feel in this one though, which is why I don’t think it matches the category as well as some of the other submissions.

6

8. iaafr

Wolfgang Lohr – “Upside Down” (2018)



Fusing electronic and salsa music and featuring a brilliant, albeit brief piano solo, this fits the category well. The scat ending is a lovely touch.

7


7. nutella

Parov Stelar – “Ragtime Cat” (2009)



Providing a salsa vibe from time to time, the heavy emphasis is on the electronics. I can visualize a crowd of well-to-do drinkers grooving while others attempt speculation about their host in spite of the abandon around them. This is a very strong submission.

7

6. JaggedJimmyJay

Alice Francis – “St James Ballroom” (2005)



Alice Francis is a German singer I’d not heard of before. This selection is an on-the-nose take on the category, as one can hear. It exudes 21st century flapper sensibilities adding in a bit of Andrews Sisters style vocal harmonies.

8

5. Pawn Lelouch



Emeli Sandé & The Bryan Ferry Orchestra – “Crazy in Love” (2013)

This is on the verge of cheating. Shame, shame. Can’t fault it! Good play old sport. I do enjoy modern music performed in an antique style (Bioshock Infinite’s soundtrack made a point of doing just this).

8

4. Sloonei

Janelle Monáe – “Tightrope” (2009)



There’s a great degree of energy here, and the backing groove is reminiscent of Pharrell’s “Happy.” Big Boi makes an appearance. What I appreciate about this song is that it doesn’t sit in one place, and the second, quieter half succeeds in grabbing my attention even more so than the frenetic first half did.

8

3. Lunalee

Caravan Palace – “Lone Digger” (2015)



We have a second tune from the same album. I much prefer this one. The brass is terrifically interspersed throughout. The primary emphasis is on the electronics rather than on the jazz however, which takes things down one notch. This is a brilliant submission to this category.

8

2. DharmaHelper

Flo Rider – “My House” (2015)



Eschewing any jazz sensibilities I may have invited, this submission takes a more lyrical embracing of the theme. The faux brass is subtly present (and given the novel in question, faux is perfectly fine). The artist invites debauchery and recklessness in his own abode. It doesn’t get much more Gatsby than that, does it?

9

1. speedchuck

Swingrowers – “That’s Right” (2015)



This is scratching the itch right out of the gate. Described as “electro swing,” the walking electronic bass and effects juxtaposed with jazzy guitar and a raunchy sax solo is something I have not heard done in quite this way before. If the music wasn’t enough, that sultry voice belting rapid-fire lyrics is East Egg gravy. Not bad for a guy who “didn’t get the category.”

10

It doesn’t get much more Gatsby than that, does it?

I guess it does.

Good Country People

Find me a good country song. That’s all, y’all. Be good country people.

12. Turnip Head



Kip Moore – “Somethin' 'Bout A Truck” (2012)

I understand simple country songs meant to appeal to young horny people and their popularity, but I’d never heard this one before. My only rebuttal is that I got plenty of action off of a two-toned Chevy Cavalier with no AC and no front bumper.

6

12. sprityo



Blake Shelton – “Honey Bee” (2011)

I don’t mind Blake Shelton, but this is about as cliché as it gets. Not bad, but it’s more something I’d be willing to play for a drunken party than I would listen to. Good guitar solo (as expected).

6

10. iaafr



The Black Keys – “Busted” (2002)

Offering a blues-laden gospel approach that basically built The Allman Brothers Band, I appreciate this a great deal. I don’t really consider this country music though. It’s rooted in the tradition of bands like Cream or Derek and the Dominoes.

6

9. Sloonei



Purple Mountains – “Darkness and Cold” (2019)

To me, this is dark comedy Ray Stevens kind of stuff. It looks like it’s meant to be taken seriously, but the listener really has to wonder.

6

8. speedchuck



Garth Brooks – “Rodeo” (1991)

Grew up with this one (grew up with all of Garth for that matter). Truth be told, a number of Brooks songs could have done the job for me here. “Rodeo” was always one I liked but was never a huge favorite compared to others. Note though the rapid-fire vocal delivery that mirrors the subtle marriage of blossoming rap music and traditional country music sensibilities. Great submission.

7

7. G-Man



Loretta Lynn – “Van Lear Rose” (2004)

Loretta Lynn is a country legend. Folks, she’s Kentucky-born, 82-years-old, and has like fifty albums to her name. What’s noteworthy here is that this blends early country songwriting styles with heavier instrumentation. If I had a criticism, it’s the main guitar is unnecessarily dirty. Dial back on that distortion, and this submission doesn’t lose a point.

7

6. nutella



I love the harmonies and Gordon Lightfoot-like guitar pacing and acoustic guitar here. This is not an obvious country submission, but it has those ingredients.

8

5. Lunalee



This is the obvious Keith Urban tune. Good banjo and good refrain. I like this song. And as always, great guitar work.

8

4. DharmaHelper



Johnny Cash – “Wayfaring Stranger” (2000)

Almost any Johnny Cash song is going to rate high here. I can’t lie about that. The songs Cash recorded toward the end of his life well up within me a sense of sadness that I have no right of understanding yet. This is one of those.

8

3. JaggedJimmyJay



Kacey Musgraves - Slow Burn

The line “Grandma cried when I pierced my nose” sounds flippant, but I get it. As I get older, newer generations make less sense to me. I understand. I have heard of this artist but never heard her. This makes me want to dive deeper. Excellent submission.

8

2. Pawn Lelouch



Brad Paisley - Whiskey Lullaby (2003)

Beautiful country song. I like Paisley as a guitarist, but I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know this one. Great song. Thank you.

9


1. MacDougall



Jenny Lewis And The Watson Twins – “Rise Up (With Fists!!)” (2006)

My late great-grandmother watched “Hee-Haw” and therefore so did we. Yes, I play guitar. Yes, I play banjo. Yes, I play slide. Yes, I embrace my country heritage musically. Yes, I’m religious. Look at the lyrics. Folks, this is the Flannery O’Connor of country music. Brilliant.

10

9pm EST for Round II.

[mention]sprityo[/mention], [mention]nutella[/mention], [mention]DharmaHelper[/mention], [mention]Lunalee[/mention], [mention]speedchuck[/mention], [mention]Turnip Head[/mention], [mention]JaggedJimmyJay[/mention], [mention]G-Man[/mention], [mention]Sloonei[/mention], [mention]birdwithteeth11[/mention], [mention]iaafr[/mention], [mention]MacDougall[/mention], [mention]Pawn Lelouch[/mention]

See you all in 30 minutes in discord if you are keen.

Wish I could make the jam sessions but I'm an old man now and sleep is too seductive.

Yep unfortunately I was unable yesterday. I'll have a look at the results.

I'm much more flexible this week than I was. I'll accept votes for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday of this week at 9pm EST. Let me know what works and I'll try to be more accommodating.

Preferably Tuesday. But I can maybe join sometime during the others.

I’ll be unavailable tuesday through thursday this week. Enjoy the tunes, you crazy kids.

I can actually make it Tuesday this week

Same time same place then.

Good luck fam

Probably can't be here, have a ball y'all

I’m gonna get last at this rate

Maybe I should’ve just passed this one by

Next session: Saturday, Sunday, Monday or Tuesday?

Time is a bit more flexible but I'd like to keep it close to 9pm EST for the West coast folk (nutella).

Elmer Gantry

A silver-tongued evangelist who leads a secret life of indulgence? Unheard of! Find something with a musical mood that is belied by its lyrical content (or the other way around).

12. sprityo



Mystery Skulls – “Money” (2011)

The heavy electronic backing and lyrics about money don’t grant the impression of a contrast here. Beyond that, it’s not something I’d find myself listening to for my own enjoyment.

3

11. JaggedJimmyJay



PJ Harvey - “The Words that Maketh Murder” (2011)

The music is dark but so are the lyrics. While I’m not wild about the intermittent vocal glissando, the coda is a cool allusion to “Summertime Blues.”

4

10. DharmaHelper



Carly Rae Jepson – “Cry” (2016)

I’m not sure how the music differs much from the lyrics here. It sounds like a girl ruing her man’s dedication to masculinity. As a pop song, I don’t mind it.

5



9. Sloonei



Oscar Isaac & Marcus Mumford – “Fare Thee Well (Dink’s Song)” (2013)

I like this. Overall though the music closely matches the lyrical content to my ear. I adore the mandolin here.

5


8. speedchuck



Da Vinci’s Notebook - “Another Irish Drinking Song” (2002)

I can appreciate a litany of stereotypes. There’s an Irish bar not far from where I grew up (and have been to at least once), this sounds like something I would hear there. It’s amusing, but there’s not much dissonance between the music and the lyrical content. Still fun.

5

7. G-Man

The Clash – “Hitsville UK” (1981)

There’s an upbeat Motown rhythm underlying this tune decrying traditional labels and celebrating the emergence of the British indie scene, which makes sense given the nickname of Motown’s first headquarters.

6

6. MacDougall



The Smith Street Band – “Passiona” (2017)

Hearkening to 1990s happy pop rock, the lyrics here delve into the singer’s insecurities, anxiety, thoughts of self-harm and sorrow. While not something I’d listen to for my own pleasure, it’s a great choice for this category.

7


5. Pawn LeLouch

Hollywood Undead – “Bullet” (2011)

Beastie Boys meets bright pop rock. Lyrics about suicide and abandonment. Capped off by a child’s singing. Yep.

8

4. iaafr



Metric – “Soft Rock Star” (2007)

Highly pleasant semi-bubble gum pop rock paired with lyrics about youthful angst certainly fits the bill.

8

3. nutella



The Mountain Goats – “No Children”

A jaunty little cynical folk number, the music has a barroom singalong feel. There’s a forced smile that comes with these lyrics. Let’s find the joy in our most miserable relationships.

8

2. Turnip Head



Everything Everything – “Duet” (2013)

Chamber pop and airy vocals about witnessing the end of the world with a loved one (apparently)- that will do. To my mind, a duet (the title) involves two people creating something beautiful. In this case, it’s two people beholding something horrific.

9


1. Lunalee



That Handsome Devil – “Charlie’s Inferno” (2011)

The juxtaposition of happy-go-lucky showtune-like elevator music next to the story of a guy who thought he did everything right and went to Hell anyway is not even the best part of this submission although it was what was required. The flawless flow of lyrics and clever rhyming that keeps the listener on the toes is brilliant. I’ve never heard of this group before, but this was a triumph. The double entendre about “what they wanted” (regarding the angels and the demons) makes me smile.

10

Of Mice and Men

Our best-laid plans oft gang awry. Choose a piece that reflects a personal failure in your own life, or, if you prefer, one that reflects on failure in general.

12. Lunalee



Clean Bandit – “Rockabye” (2016)

Truth be told, this would have worked in the Elmer Gantry category. Electronic reggaeton surrounding lyrics about a single mother trying to raise a child? Lyrically, I find perseverance in this rather than failure.

4

11. iaafr



Wavves – “Green Eyes” (2010)

Full of self-loathing and protestations that the singer doesn’t care about what people think about him (when clearly that isn’t the case), this is an apropos 21st century submission. I was never the biggest punk rock / skater music fan, but this isn’t that bad.

6

10. sprityo



I Fight Dragons – “The Faster the Treadmill”

I enjoy the bass input in this punk rocker. As with other submissions, there’s an element of determination and optimism here rather than failure. Not bad.

6


9. MacDougall

Thrice – “The Melting Point of Wax” (2003)



This metal song alludes to the story of Icarus, a myth I always liked as a child (and a subject of not just one but two great Kansas songs). Failure is considered here, but the attitude of the song is one in which I hear more determination than dejection.

6


8. nutella



Cold Weather Company – “Reflection” (2016)

Great submission both musically and lyrically. The instrumentation and progression of musical ideas are wonderful. I’m just not wild about the lead vocalist, who sounds like a theatrical Eric Bloom (Blue Oyster Cult).

7

7. Sloonei

Cat Power – “The Greatest” (2006)



There’s a sure sense of disillusionment with one’s own aspirations here, make no mistake. There’s a folky slackness I appreciate here. Lovely. Beautiful tremolo on the guitar.

7

6. speedchuck



Versus Them – “Impossible Dreams” (2016)

I had not ever heard of Versus Them before, but there’s a tinge of jazz in this otherwise straightforward rock fare. I dig the riffs, drumming, and vocal harmonies here. And God bless them, a guitar solo with dual lead harmonies in there.

7

5. Turnip Head



Sarah Jeff – “Clementine” (2010)

The song beautifully conveys the concept of doing everything and still not finding fulfillment in any of it.

7

4. DharmaHelper



Ed Sheeran – “Bloodstream” (2014)

I only know Ed Sheeran’s cover of “Let’s Get it On.” For that reason it’s nice to hear something that sounds remotely original. Were I to compare this to someone else for the sake of doing it, I would say this is firmly in Peter Gabriel territory, and it sounds very pleasant and despite staying upbeat musically, it rubs some salt into some emotional wounds.

8

3. JaggedJimmyJay

The National – “I Should Live in Salt” (2013)



Something tells me there a very deep personal link to this one. The repeated line paired with the offbeat drum patter deepens the emptiness of the line.

8

2. Pawn LeLouch



Anna Clendening – “To My Parents” (2016)

The lyrics and the music here exude youthful regret. There is absolutely nothing self-serving in this recording. It sounds sincere and takes responsibility for youthful indiscretions. Beautifully done.

9

1. G-Man



Johnny Cash – “Hurt” (2002)

I hope I never reach the end of my life and record this.

I hope that never happens.

There was a stretch in my life when this version of this song made me really think about some of the choices I was making.

I’m glad I gave up building that empire of dirt.

10

Thanatopsis

We should not fear death, as we return to that from whence we came and by which we were sustained. Find the inner Romanticist within and select a piece that highlights the importance or role of nature.

12. Pawn LeLouche



5 Seconds of Summer – Youngblood (2018)

I’m not sure if this wasn’t the right submission or if the category was misunderstood. It isn’t a terrible pop-rock song, but I don’t know what it has to do with nature.

2

11. Turnip Head



Miley Cyrus – “1 Sun” (2015)

While I appreciate the sentiment contained in the lyrics, the grainy production quality combined with the sluggish vocal delivery (and clipped vocal tracks) makes me want to look for the nearest shuttle heading for the sun.

That’s exaggeration. It isn’t the worst thing I’ve heard, but just be advised that you’re being brave if you give me Miley Cyrus.

3

10. Sloonei



Gorillaz – “Fire Coming Out of a Monkey’s Head” (2005)

I appreciate the creativity behind this one, but it seems to carry on about international relationships, imperialism, and so forth without focusing on nature (except for a bitching volcanic eruption). Not a bad song or story though.

4

9. DharmaHelper



Florence + the Machine – “Jenny of Oldstones” (2019)

Though I am somewhat familiar with the lore of the title character, and though Game of Thrones is enough to evoke the cold harshness of winter on its own, this charming yet haunting piece does just enough to do the same.

5


8. MacDougall



Ball Park Music – “It’s Nice to Be Alive” (2011)

Be glad you’re here because you’re here. You’re a part of nature, after all. The optimistic enthusiasm is catchy, though the requisite themes are not overt.

5

7. nutella



Blackbird Raum – “Silent Spring” (2008)

A jaunty selection bemoaning the industrial takeover of natural beauty (a more raucous version of Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi”), the lyrics fit the category just fine, though I find the vocal delivery grating.

Is it wrong of me that I picture Greta Thunberg clogging to this?

6


6. Lunalee



Nants' Ingonyama – “Circle of Life” (2019)

While this is on the nose, I can’t fault the submission. It’s a strong pick for obvious reasons. I still remember being a kid and seeing Simba being lifted off that cliff by Rafiki and thinking, “If that baboon isn’t careful, that cub is grass for the antelopes.”

7

5. G-Man



Incubus – “Wish You Were Here” (2001)

I am fan of Incubus’ sound, though it may be true that I am more of a fan of the album Make Yourself, as some of their other albums failed to capture me as that one did. That said, this is a track I always liked. The lyrics describe a vivid beach scene and a longing for someone to share it with.

7

4. sprityo



Emancipator – “First Snow” (2006)

Unlike another submission from this same artist for this very category, I find the effects to be intrusive, offering a more electronic, inorganic substance (particularly the vocal intrusions). That aside, this is a groovy trip-hop piece that I enjoyed tremendously.

8

3. JaggedJimmyJay



Joanna Newsome – “Baby Birch” (2010)

I’ve read that this song is an ode to an unborn / unwanted / unaccepted baby. I don’t know enough about the harpist songwriter to comment on that, but regardless, this is a haunting, ambiguous piece that could easily be interpreted to mean a whole mess of things, and given the explicit mention of a tree, mankind’s relationship to nature is well within that realm. With verses starting as though they are a recitation of “Amazing Grace,” the sudden minor chord shudders.

8

2. speedchuck



The Devin Townsend Project – “Winter” (2009)

Few songs can squeeze so much nuance out of a single lyric. A similar song that springs (ha!) to mind is “Winter Time” by The Steve Miller Band, which might be my favorite song he ever recorded. For what it’s worth, I don’t own any DTP albums, and have only heard a few songs of his (and this wasn’t one). The swirling sadness evoked by the guitars drives me into the solitude and quietness that winter evokes.

Incredible.

9

1. iaafr



Emancipator – “Safe in the Steep Cliffs” (2010)

As a multi-instrumentalist myself, I was greatly impressed here. Thematically, the music whisks me away to distant, mist-ridden mountains. It’s adventurous without being busy. I also appreciate that the artist lets the composition breathe organically, sparingly using technological effects to enhance the natural beauty of the instrumentation.

And I now have an album I must explore in full.

10

House of Sand and Fog

Conflict seems inevitable when cultures clash, especially where real estate is concerned. Show that such differences can coexist harmoniously- at least musically. Choose a piece that highlights elements of two or more ethnicities at the same time.

12. sprityo



Undertale – “Empty House” (2015)

I don’t know what two cultures I’m hearing. Ghosts and rappers? It’s okay. But given the strength of many of the other submissions, piano and hip hop isn’t going to quite cut it.

4

11. Pawn LeLouche



Bob Marley – “Buffalo Soldier” (1984)

Great song. But this is reggae. There isn’t much of a musical blend.

5

10. iaafr



Gorillaz – “White Flag” (2010)

Largely, this song blends island music and rap with some Eastern European (almost Russian) orchestral bits (it’s reminiscent of Tchaikovsky). It’s a good submission for the category though it doesn’t do much for my taste.

6

9. DharmaHelper



The Hamilton Mixtape: Immigrants (We Get the Job Done) (2016)

Mexican & American rap. This is a political piece that places all immigrants on an equal pedestal. I won’t comment on that. What I will say is that having a rap song in two languages requires the listener to realize he or she is limited in that linguistic capacity and therefore cannot fully appreciate the song.

6

8. Sloonei



“Emily Wells - Symphony 2 & the Click Boom Boom” (2008)

American pop music meets Eastern European symphonic music, I suppose. While I enjoyed what I heard, it didn’t grab my attention. It sounded like an amalgamation for the sake of an amalgamation.

6

7. nutella



“Keola & Kapono Beamer” - Mr. Sun Cho Lee (1975)

Musically, there’s a blend of Mexican / Tejano stylings, country & western, and Hawaiian sensibilities. I’m burying the lede, of course. This is a song about Hawaiian stereotypes. Just enjoy it. The line about the cocktail waitress had me crying.

7

6. G-Man



Paul Simon – “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” (1986)

Fusing Paul Simons’ downy voice and pairing with South African musicianship isn’t a bad thing. Fretless bass and the choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo are highlights. Great pick.

7

5. MacDougall



Yothu Yindi – “Treaty” (1991)

Aboriginal new wave. Never thought of that, but here we are. I dig it.

7

4. JaggedJimmyJay



CunninLynguists – “The Gates” (2006)

Trip-hop, acoustic guitar solos, and rap that sounds like a middle-class white guy offers. I don’t get it, but I love it.

7

3. speedchuck



The Hu – “Yuve Yuve Yu” (2018)

Not to be confused with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend and company, The Hu fuses hard rock and Mongolian traditional instrumentation and throat singing. I didn’t think I was going to like this.

But I did.

8

2. Lunalee



Ed Sheeran – “Galway Girl” (2017)

Irish hip hop? I’ll have a pint and an ounce. Great craic.

8

1. Turnip Head



Mumford & Sons, Baaba Maal - There Will Be Time (2016)

I loved this. I have no idea what that man is saying, but I am amazed at his delivery, energy, and conviction.

10

Epignosis wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2019 8:32 pm Next session: Saturday, Sunday, Monday or Tuesday?

Time is a bit more flexible but I'd like to keep it close to 9pm EST for the West coast folk (nutella).

hi

I thought it was tonight.

But Sunday and Tuesday both work I reckon. Heck, let's ring in the new years with ALL FOUR REMAINING CATEGORIES

If a New Year's Eve thing is wanted, I can do that.

However, I would need to begin earlier (7pm EST).

Let's hear from others first.

Epignosis wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2019 11:07 pm If a New Year's Eve thing is wanted, I can do that.

However, I would need to begin earlier (7pm EST).

Let's hear from others first.

Should work for me

I probably can't be relied on to be present through New Year's Eve, so just do it when you want to and I might try to pop in if I am available.

Probably can't go on NYE. Don't wait around for me.

If more people can't do NYE, that's fine. I'm on break until the 6th. You all talk among yourselves and decide when we be best for the most folk. I can make a poll if anybody thinks that's a good idea.