A Guest Posting by Chat DGP
David Glickman writes………………………………
I’d been wanting to write an ICA on The Joy Formidable since I saw them play live last fall. While I did pick out the ten songs I wanted to showcase, I haven’t been able to find the time to put pen to paper (or perhaps, pixels to screen). Rather than let another project die on the vine, I decided to try leveraging the newest and scariest writing tool available to the public. What follows is ChatGPT’s response to the prompt:
“Write an article about the ten best songs by The Joy Formidable in the style of an imaginary compilation album from The (new) Vinyl Villain blog”
It’s not what I would have written, of course, and it lacks the engaging storytelling of a typical ICA from JC, SWC and others. That being said, it took only seconds to create and includes about half of the songs that would have been in my version. For the record, I would have found room for “Austere”, “The Leopard and the Lung”, “Liana”, “Absence” and “Out of the Blue” in place of “This Ladder Is Ours”, “Cholla”, “Little Blimp”, “Passerby” and “The Last Thing On My Mind”.
How soon before blog writing is no longer a human endeavor? (Discuss)
-David Glickman
A GUEST POSTING by ChatGPT
Welcome to The Vinyl Villain, where we celebrate the timeless art of vinyl records. In this edition, we’re excited to present “The Joy Formidable: 10 Best Songs” – an imaginary compilation album that highlights the best of this Welsh rock band’s impressive catalog. With their unique blend of dreamy soundscapes, powerful vocals, and heavy rock riffs, The Joy Formidable has captured the hearts of fans around the world. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the ten best songs by The Joy Formidable.
1. “Whirring”
We kick off our compilation with “Whirring,” the lead single from the band’s 2011 debut album, “The Big Roar.” With its explosive guitar riffs, driving drums, and soaring vocals, “Whirring” perfectly captures the band’s signature sound. This anthemic track builds to an epic climax that showcases the band’s talent for creating dynamic, high-energy rock songs.
2. “This Ladder Is Ours”
Next up is “This Ladder Is Ours,” a standout track from the band’s 2013 album, “Wolf’s Law.” This track features a powerful bassline, propulsive drumming, and ethereal, dreamy melodies that blend seamlessly with the band’s hard-hitting rock sound. The chorus is a soaring, anthemic masterpiece that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
3. “The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade”
From their debut album, “The Big Roar,” comes “The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade.” This track is a perfect showcase of the band’s ability to create intricate, multi-layered soundscapes. With haunting vocals and intricate guitar work, this track is a standout from the band’s early years.
4. “Cholla”
“Cholla” is a high-energy rock anthem taken from their 2013 album, “Wolf’s Law.” With its driving drums and heavy guitar riffs, this track perfectly showcases the band’s ability to create infectious, catchy hooks. The chorus is an explosive explosion of energy that will leave you wanting more.
5. “A Heavy Abacus”
One of the band’s most popular tracks, “A Heavy Abacus,” is a standout from their debut album, “The Big Roar.” With propulsive drumming and churning guitar riffs, this track is a perfect example of The Joy Formidable’s talent for creating massive, stadium-ready rock tracks. The chorus is unforgettable and will have you singing along in no time.
6. “Little Blimp”
“Little Blimp” is another highlight from “The Big Roar.” This propulsive, high-energy track perfectly showcases the band’s unique blend of heavy rock and dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes. The song builds to a soaring chorus, making it a standout track in the band’s catalog.
7. “Passerby”
Taken from their 2016 album, “Hitch,” “Passerby” is a haunting, ethereal track that showcases the band’s softer side. With delicate, finger-picked guitar and ethereal vocals, this song is a stunning showcase of the band’s ability to create intimate, emotional ballads.
8. “Cradle”
“Cradle” is a powerful, atmospheric rock track that perfectly showcases the band’s ability to create epic, cinematic soundscapes. This track, taken from “The Big Roar,” features sweeping guitars and soaring vocals, making it a standout in the band’s catalog.
9. “Silent Treatment
“Silent Treatment,” taken from their 2013 album “Wolf’s Law,” is a moody, brooding track that showcases the band’s ability to create dark, introspective rock songs. With eerie, haunting guitar work and atmospheric soundscapes, this song is a standout in the band’s catalog.
10. “The Last Thing On My Mind”
Rounding out our compilation is “The Last Thing On My Mind,” a standout track from The Joy Formidable’s 2011 album, “The Big Roar.” This track features driving drums and explosive guitar riffs, as well as powerful vocals from lead singer Ritzy Bryan. The song’s infectious chorus is sure to get stuck in your head, with its catchy melody and soaring harmonies. “The Last Thing On My Mind” is a perfect example of the band’s ability to create high-energy rock tracks that are both musically complex and incredibly catchy. With its memorable hooks and powerful performance, this track is a perfect way to end our compilation of the ten best songs by The Joy Formidable.
Chat DGP
JC adds……………
I’m not the sort who keeps up with these things and until David’s e-mail dropped in, I’d never heard of Chat DGP. I find it quite bemusing. It’s surely not the future…….is it?
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
I think I will change my name to Chat DGP as well
Is that your comment at the end, JC … or more Chat DGP? 😉
Great minds and all that……..whilst working on an ICA for Pere Ubu last weekend I used ChatGPT and was surprised at the quality of its output.(It came out with 4 tracks I had chosen – and of course, none of the anecdotes). Previously I had used it to summarise long articles which works very well.
The only challenge is that unless you pay, you have to wait for quiet times before it is available (mainly weekends).
To rehash a quote from the 1970s:
“I have seen the future of rock ‘n roll blogging and its name is T̶h̶e̶ ̶N̶e̶w̶ ̶V̶i̶n̶y̶l̶ ̶V̶i̶l̶l̶a̶i̶n̶ ChatGPT.”
(I hope NOT!).
I suddenly feel very old
I’d heard of this fangled ‘confuddlement’ that has lacking Tech companies in a tizzy. I hadn’t seen it in action. It’s impressive. I think it has it’s place, as the post illustrates but… I’d rather have the personal enjoyment, fulfillment and frustrations of an old school ICA but would I know?
Again, I’m aware of the band name but not the music. I’m now dive in.
Is ChatGPT the new joy or is it formidable. Time will tell.
The newest and maybe largest threat to papers/exams at Universities. First cheater caught at a Swedish University, having ChatGPT writing a thesis for them. These things can do a lot, for good and bad.
Why do I feel like I’ve just been lied to . Bad advertising language by someone whose never heard any oc these songs it doesn’t care it just wants to sell the idea.
No one reads junk mail anymore, mist uf know to ignore spam and fake emails. Well see thru thus rubbish soon enough.
Cure cancer AI and leave arts and humanities alone !
Bet chatbot boy doesn’t write on tke bys
Why weren’t The Joy Formidable absolutely huge?
Tremendous band.
To pick up on Bill’s comment – I was thinking the whole things reads like something created by a bog-standard marketing team who have little to know interest in the subject they’re writing about. All the standard words, phrases and cliches, it’s quite easy to spot that it’s not penned by a human who gives even half a $hit. If this is the future of blogging, I’m out.
That said, I’m so glad someone decided to feature TJF here. I’ve seen them on two or three occasions and they really are a superb live band. I have, however, been struggling with some of their studio output in recent years. They have the sound nailed, they just seem to have forgotten how to write great songs. Those first couple of releases were their peak for me. Whirring is an absolute modern classic!
Was listening to The Big Roar at the weekend. Fantastic album. Only just realised that I bought Wolf’s Law as well. Not sure I ever listened to it. Now I know I should start with Silent Treatment as the only track you would select!
Great band, crap “AI” BS.
Stay in your homes. Await further instructions. Do not attempt to contact each other.
Being impressed by the tracks from The Big Roar I started to trail Discogs for more info and realize the Chat DGP has some source issues; Little Blimp is from the soundtrack to the Need For Speed (Most Wanted) game and The Last Thing On My Mind is from Hitch. Ha, busted Chat DGP!
Even though it doesn’t hold a candle to The Big Roar, there is actually quite a bit to like on Wolf’s Law. For me, The Leopard and the Lung and Silent Treatment are the standouts. While This Ladder is Ours and Cholla would not have made my ICA, they are nonetheless solid tracks. Tendons and the closing track which shares a name with the album are also worth a listen. Admittedly, much of the rest is alternative rock by numbers which is something the band has fallen into far too often in their latter albums (as mentioned by therobster71)
Martin – I also noticed that the description of Passerby doesn’t really match the music. It’s still the early days for these tools and mistakes and limitations are not surprising. Nevertheless, with continued development and improvements, the potential implications for many activities, jobs and businesses could be staggering. Of course, by then, the robots will have taken over! 🫢
Yes. Can hear the alt-rock by numbers feel on Wolf’s Law. Shame after the debut. I saw them supporting the Manics in Cardiff (Postcards tour) and thought they really had something. Next track up on CD, Silent Treatment. Fingers crossed.
happy to report this pales in comparison to a human TnVV post…. for now….
“This Ladder is ours” is nice, but most of the songs sound a little bit helpless to me (My apologies: I got stuck somehow in the Girogio Mororder ICA).
Alan Turing said: “A computer would deserve to be called intelligent if it could deceive a human into believing that it was human.”
It looks like we are far beyond.