Audio for Autumn

I’ve always like alliterations. Something kinda fun and lyrical about using words that all have the same first letter. With autumn well under way here in New York (cold winds, jackets, freezing rain), figure this mixtape would be a fitting away to embrace the season.

ATX-Alberta Cross – Ever since I first heard these guys, I dug ‘em. Just an expansive rock sound with flourishes of the blues and alternative rock. The live show is Alberta Cross’ strong point, but ATX gives a great indication of the potential the band has. Don’t be surprised to see them headlining arenas in the near future.

Electric Demons In Love – Electric Six. One of the first albums I really took to as a college DJ was Electric Six’s first album Fire. These Detroit jokesters combine goofy non-sequiturs with a pretty mean blend of rock, disco and glam. What makes it that much more amusing is how seriously they take trying to be funny. While the novelty wore off with each subsequent album, this album will always make me smile.

These Are Times – Fake Problems. Side One Dummy is a label I’ve been a fan of for years. While labels like Fat and Epitaph were (more or less) strictly punk labels, SideOne signed groups on the punk fringe (Flogging Molly, Gaslight Anthem, Gogol Bordello before they blew up). One of their more curious signings is Floridian crew Fake Problems. While the group certainly has a punk edge, they are primarily a rock band with a flair for the dramatic (akin to tourmates Say Anything). While their new album isn’t nearly as interesting, this track from their previous album shows why Fake Problems stands out of the pack.

Sounds Of The City – Lucero. Continuing along with punk bands that bring something different to the table, Memphis group Lucero puts a country twang on their sound. On their most recent album, they use horns on a majority of the tracks. Think a way more scruffier Hold Steady and you’re pretty close. I’ll always associate the line “I’m falling in love with the sounds of the city” with walking around New York and watching the skyline on my bus ride home from work.

Pacific Palisades – Ash. If you’re in need of an album where every song is a winner, check out Ash’s Free All Angels. Track by track, Ash’s catchy alt-rock tunes are expertly done. Shame this UK group never took off. In a perfect world, there would’ve been tons of singles all over the radio from this album.

Half Glass Full of Wine – Tame Impala. I first heard this track on a BBC new music show early last summer. I was floored the first time I heard it – just a GREAT groove that never quits. I’m thrilled to see this Aussie psych rock outfit has gotten big here in the States, as they deserve it. Just a killer track. FYI this song is not on the new album, but an import-only 5 song EP. Track it down!

Born On A Day The Sun Didn’t Rise – Black Moth Super Rainbow. For whatever reason, I ended up on their manager’s email list and he sent out a free 2 CD download of b-sides/rarities. For the price, I couldn’t say no. And soon, I was converted. This song is from their most recent album Eating Us. Total druggy, slow yet blissful psychedelic rock. I think the value-add for this album should be some sort of hallucinogen, as its quite trippy.

Frontier Psychiatrist – the Avalanches. Before the crackdown on sampling, this Aussie DJ collective made an entire album built out of samples. Since I Left You is just incredibly well done and made. Its almost been 10 years and we’re STILL waiting for a follow up! Check out the video for the song, as its very creative and stays true to the tune’s narrative.

The Proposition – the Budos Band. Like pretty much anything else on the Daptone label, this song is just badass.

Crazy Feeling – Lou Reed. Simply, Lou Reed is one of the coolest mofo’s on the planet. He gets a pass for the Velvet Underground, but also for sticking to his muse (and not licensing his music to Susan Boyle) makes him that much more awesome. While he’s primarily known for “Walk On The Wild Side” on his own, you’d do wise to check out Coney Island Baby. A surprisingly good pop record from a guy who makes anything but that.

Run Chicken Run – the Felice Brothers. A latter day version of the Band, upstate NY’s the Felice Brothers spin fantastical yarns. This is probably my favorite song from these guys. Fun live band to boot.

Don’t Walk Away Eileen – Sam Roberts. This is from one of my all-time favorite albums, We Were Born In A Flame. A mammoth-size, killer chorus that makes you want to pump your fist in the air in jubilation. Sam’s pretty big in his native Canada, but his music never translated south of the border. Truly a shame, as he can churn out pop-rock gems like no other (also check out his most recent album, Love At The End Of The World).