Opinions Are Like Kittens - I'm Givin' 'em Away

I'm not meaning to start a "multitracking" battle by any means but I've seen a few Arizona band blogs. Some filled with multiple tracks by the same band. If you're state doesn't have at least 12 bands to represent you maybe you should find a new theme... or state. As much as I loved my 4 years in the desert my 19 years in Seattle trumps it - at least when it comes to music.

Instead of going on with my blog version of Step Up 3D I will just jump straight into the track list. I want to state that since I was only allowed 12 - and I even cheated and did 15 - a lot of bands got left out and I had to cut out anything pre my birth. Sorry Jimi.

1. Mother Love Bone - Chloe Dancer / Chrown of Thorns

There is no other way to start this blog. The "Seattle Scene", the "Grunge Scene", and music in general would not be the same if it wasn't for this band and the untimely death of Andy Wood. Instead of giving a link to a youtube video I suggest you follow the link below

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Love_Bone

2. Pretty Girls Make Grave - This Is Our Emergency

I had to leave out a few female Seattle bands from this blog just to make room but PGMG couldn't be skipped. ... Baby you don't have to be a picture in a magazine - Sometimes you're just too blind to see anything objectively. Just keep on doing your thing... right now.

3. Modest Mouse - Out of Gas

Even though Moon & Antartica has the indy love and Good News got the success - The Lonesome Crowded West will always be their best album in my mind. The lyrics in this song are probably my favorite in the vast catalog of Isaac Brock gems and the source of this blog posts title. Look for Isaac Brock reappear int he bonus tracks.

4. The Lonely Forest - Lessons In Miscommunication Part 1 (The Lonely Hero)

One of the best new bands out of Seattle. I don't think they play anywhere but around town except a spot at the Sasquatch Festival this year. They even put them on the main stage. Sasquatch, like me, loves local bands.

You absolutely have to hear this track. And the David Bazan reference is amazing.

5. The Blue Scholars - North By Northwest

Shit - Seattle even has great underground rap. Where you at AZ?

6. Vendetta Red - The Banshee Ballet

This band defined my youth. Some of the best times I ever had in my life were at the Graceland seeing them. They taught me how much fun live music could be and I will always regret missing their last show but I will always appreciate the dozen or so times I saw them.

7. The Divorce - Redcoats

The first track I ever heard from this band. I think it was stuck in my head for at least a year. Unlike Vendetta Red - I did get to see this bands last show at the Crocodile Cafe and it was everything I hoped it would be.

8. Sleater-Kinney - Entertain

Seattle chick band number 2. Thinking about this band reminds me of driving from Seattle to Portland. Seeing the Sleater-Kinney exit always made me happy. Too bad they gave up their instruments to have kids. Assholes.

9. David Bazan - Cold Beer and Cigarettes

I finalllllly got to see David Bazan for this first time this summer. Though Pedro the Lion was great nothing they ever did ever compares to this track. - "in my room with a record on - it comforts me to here Bazan. He translates feelings to song and I feel his pain." - See track 4.

10. The Murder City Devils - Rum to Whiskey

Just thinking about this band makes me want to drink heavily and break shit. They are playing again and they follow me on Twitter which actually made my day a few months back. Hopefully I will get to see them soon.

11. Minus The Bear - Absinthe Part At The Fly Honey Warehouse

I dug through every Minus the Bear track for this playlist to pick the right one. I didn't want to pick this track because it seemed too obvious. Sometimes obvious is good. There new album is god awful but no one can ever touch Highly Refined Pirates. This track makes me want to just sell all my possessions and travel forever.

12. Nirvana - Sliver

I just couldn't leave them out. This is just makes me laugh but its so good.

*** Bonus Tracks

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13. Ugly Casanova - Barnacles

Isaac Brock already made the list once but this side project is amazing. If only I could have seen them back in the day. He's bring it back again but its not the same. To those of you out there who saw Isaac play these tracks in the dark before Modest Mouse shows. I envy you.

14. The Blood Brothers - Ambulance Vs. Ambulance

They made my first playlist too but I had to include them. They meant too much to me to leave them out. One of the many disbanded bands on this list that I had the privilege to see live many times before breaking up. At their last show in AZ at the Clubhouse I may have pushed a 14-16 year old girl to the ground in the pit. Maybe.

15. Pearl Jam - Spin The Black Circle

You didn't think I would leave them out did you?

*Look for volume 2 to this soon...

-Jordan Jacobson

Dark Days by Claudia

Music to listen to in the dark.

Like a lot of the mixers so far, I shift up my music a little when the days start to get shorter. There's still some uppers and downers tempo-wise, but in general, it's songs that are meant to keep me from getting Seasonal Affective Disorder (so SAD).

Here's a list of songs I can bear to listen to in the dark, if not this dark season, then when I'm in dark places.

A/B Machines - Sleigh Bells
I hated them live at Coachella (the lead singer seemed more concerned with whipping her hair back and forth than carrying the performance), but I love this album. It's great for speeding down the highway or a late night house cleaning marathon.

Tears Dry On Their Own - Amy Winehouse
Literally, "the sun goes down." But more than that, Winehouse's sass makes this one of my go-to songs for when I need a girl power pick-me-up. Fuck 'em all, my tears WILL dry on their own.

Goodnight Moon - Shivaree
Her voice is so spooky I almost can't listen to this in the dark. I love the lyrics though - as my writing teacher would have said, evocative imagery.

Girl With One Eye - Florence + The Machine
I might as well copy and paste everything from the previous song here.

The Dark End of the Street - The Commitments
OK, true confessions, guys: This is one of the few slow, romantic songs my twisted heart can tolerate. But it makes me cry a little every time. Love this movie, love this song -- perfect for singing to yourself in the dark when you're able to be honest with yourself.

In the Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett
Wilson Pickett is an integral part of the plot of "The Commitments," not to mention Sting and John Lennon are fans. And there's a very basic truth there: everything looks a little different at midnight.

Queen of the World - Ida Maria
I'll just say it: I like a girl who gets a little drunk and dances too much when she's having a bad day, or week or what have you.

Basket Case - Green Day
I pull out Green Day whenever I need something to cheer me up. Click on the video -- I almost forgot how cute they were.

Bon Bon (We No Speak Americano Cover) - Pitbull
As an official cranky feminist, I should probably be offended by the video, the lyrics, etc. But holy shit, this song makes me want to dance. I listen to a lot of Latino radio these days, and this is my favorite.

Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Another song that makes me think of late nights. Karen Oh has that spooky voice I love, but the song is still upbeat enough that I can chance to listen to when everything's a little darker and colder.

Walk on the Wild Side - Lou Reed
Effortlessly cool. I only listen to this song when it rains.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - Ella Fitzgerald
The second Santa came through the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, it's been the holiday season, in my opinion. Commence the Christmas music! And guess what my theme will be next month ;)

A Winter Dream Mix...

This time of year I find myself enjoying a cup of "Winter Dream Tea" from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf when I get home from a long day at work. I've compiled some songs that I like to listen to as I unwind with my tea. There's something nice about a cup of seasonal tea and a mix of songs that can mellow you out when the sun goes down at 4:45 pm.

Sufjan Stevens - Vito's Ordination Song

Ryan Adams - When The Stars Go Blue

Elliott Smith - Last Hour

The Replacements - Achin' To Be

Beck - End Of The Day

The White Stripes - I'm Bound To Pack It Up

Belle & Sebastian - Seeing Other People

Led Zeppelin - Going To California

Nick Drake - Man In A Shed

Rogue Wave - Be Kind - Remind

The Shins - Pink Bullets

Stephen Malkmus - We Can't Help You

James Taylor - Fire And Rain

Margo Guryan - Sunday Morning

What's that one song?

This month I decided to make a true mix of songs I think that everybody should hear at least once!
I don't know if anybody else does this but every so often there are one or two songs that I absolutely HAVE to play when I turn on my iPod. Whether I'm plugging it into the speakers on my desk, the input in my car or a set of headphones, these are the songs that at one point or another were a staple for every listening session. I can remember periods of my life based on the first few songs that I listened to as I walked to work, class, or social outings. When living in Australia I can remember listening to the same two songs as I walked out of my apartment building, down the street and to the tram (subsequently the first two tracks on the mix).

And so, here are the songs that at one point or another, I couldn't get enough of, had to play first, and ultimately started my days of right.

1. The Velvet Teen - Noi Boi
First set list I ever asked for. Yup, geek. 
2. Grizzly Bear - The Knife (CSS Remix)
Please listen to the original, first ;)
3. Wolf Parade - I'll Believe in Anything
Pitchfork says they're going on an indefinite hiatus... tear. 
4. Broken Social Scene - All to All
Most of my circle of friends like this song the least on Forgiveness Rock Record. Obviously, I feel quite differently. 
5. Terry Reid - To Be Treated
Not sure how this came about but I remember choosing this song every time I got a hold of someone's iPod at any social gathering. 
6. Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over the Sea
7. Laura Marling - New Romantic
If you like Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling is a member. 
8. The Long Winters - Honest
Incredible band. 
9. The Good Life - Album of the Year
It's like listening to someone tell you a story that you swear could have been about you at some point. 
10. Headphones - I Never Wanted You
Pretty brutal lyrics. There's no song like this one. 
11. Death Cab for Cutie - The Sound of Settling
This is pretty much my best friend's theme song. 'Ba-Ba' was part of her everyday vocabulary. Want to know where Jen is? Just listen for the 'Ba-Ba' coming around the corner. 
12. Electric Six - Danger! High Voltage
This song lead me to my very best Aussie friends.  


Enjoy!!

Going Solo (Pride After The Fall)

Artistic differences. Clashing egos. Creative integrity.
Some Asian flooze turned our rhythm guitar player into an insufferable hippie and attention whore.
Our lead singer blew his brains out with a shotgun.

Everyone who's split from a band and moved on to greener (or grayer) pastures has some flimsy excuse for doing so. The act of going solo is an undeniable part of rock lore, unfailingly bringing out perceptions of interpersonal conflict, deception, and/or some other delicious drama revolving around a limelight-starved songwriter. Of course this isn't always the case.. still, there's just something about this grand gesture of going solo that has made for some really interesting music. Sometimes it can show how lucky the band was to have the songwriter, and sometimes it can show how lucky the songwriter was to have the band. It's a real test of a songwriter's mettle, and it's something that I think offers an even deeper look into the musician's mind, heart, soul, and creative process.

I've chosen some of my favorite musicians who have left a band and carried on as solo acts, for better or worse. This mix is split into the before and the after.

1. Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer

9. Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al

Possibly THE split-up of all split-ups. They even made an episode of Hey Arnold about it. God, both of these songs are good.

  2. Talking Heads - Pulled Up
10. David Byrne - Glass, Concrete & Stone

David Byrne won't ever top the peak of success that was the mid-80s Talking Heads, but, then again, that's really kind of the point. This song exemplifies the incredible uniqueness of all that Byrne puts into his music. Would still be pretty damn cool to see a Talking Heads reuinion, though...come on, everyone else is doing it.

3. The Velvet Underground - 

I Can't Stand It

11. Lou Reed - Satellite of Love

It could be argued that Lou Reed's solo debut Transformer changed popular music in the 70s just as much as The Velvet Underground changed underground rock 'n roll in the 60s. Good things happen when you're not afraid to channel your inner Bowie. 

      

4. The Clash - Train In Vain
12. Joe Strummer - Johnny Appleseed

Another guy who left the height of fame to make the music HE wanted to make. Strummer is so instantly recognizable and so charismatic that he could have released an album of a-capella children's music and I'd still probably listen to it religiously.

  5. Pixies - Mr. Grieves
13. Frank Black & The Catholics - Velvety

The Pixies are one of those bands where the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. And this is saying something when you look at how great each of those parts really is. Frank Black's solo stuff goes in so many different directions that it somehow even makes the Pixies albums seem to be border-lining on formulaic. He never quite re-creates the magic of that Pixies sound, but Frank Black's quirkiness and personality is very hard to miss.

  6. Pedro the Lion - Magazine
14. David Bazan - Fewer Broken Pieces
15. TW Walsh - Old Fashioned Way of Speaking

One of the best things about being a David Bazan fan is seeing how crazy so many other David Bazan fans are. It's just about impossible to feel lukewarm about Pedro the Lion once you've really given the music a chance. Bazan is one of my favorite people to commiserate with because, no matter what, I know that the characters in those songs are going through way heavier shit than I am. Hearing that Pedro the Lion had broken up was, in many ways for me, like hearing that the Beatles had broken up. It was like saying goodbye to a very dear friend who I had shared some really tough times with. Luckily, David Bazan is still a songwriting and touring machine, steadily putting out brilliant and interesting music.

This solo Bazan song is largely in reference to the Pedro the Lion breakup and what the scenery looks like from the viewpoint of the guy just embarking on his solo career. The best and most cutting sarcasm always involves a fragment of truth, which is what makes this song so great. "I still run the show, and don't you forget it. So I had to let some go, don't think I don't regret it. Because I do and I don't think I'm better off alone."

TW Walsh also put out some really cool solo stuff in 2001 during a sabbatical from Pedro the Lion. I love how, even without Bazan's distinct voice in the mix, the sound is still a very familiar shadow of something you'd hear by Pedro the Lion.

  7. Sunny Day Real Estate - Every Shining Time You Arrive
16. Jeremy Enigk - Chewing Gum

Jeremy Enigk has one of those voices that is just about impossible to imitate. All of his music has that over-the-top-English-major-poetry vibe about it, kind of like if you took all of the really angry songs off of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and were just left with Billy Corgan's bittersweet musings on love and life and loneliness.

Sunny Day Real Estate broke up during the recording of the follow-up to the band's most successful album, Diary. Half of the band left to join the Foo Fighters and Enigk kept on keepin' on under his own name on his own label. His music often flies well under the radar but some of it can really be worth the trouble of digging up. "Chewing Gum" is one of those songs. Also, if you ever get the chance to see this man perform live, do yourself a favor and go. Unbelievable seeing that voice come out of a real-life person.


    8. The Replacements - Unsatisfied

                                               17. Paul Westerberg - As Far As I Know

           The joyful bedlam that was The Replacements sort of drops out when you get into Paul Westerberg's solo stuff. What remains isn't better or worse - just different. His sly and clever lyricism is still at the forefront ("I'm in love with someone that doesn't exist, keep lookin' for her everywhere I go...") and he still offers some unbelievably catchy hooks and guitar riffs that make up for some unforgettable pop jams.
    

Tracks of AZ • November Multitracking

Sorry I'm getting around to this a little late.

This month I wanted to highlight some of my favorite bands from my adopted home state of Arizona. Tempe has always been rich in music and I'm proud to call the artists on this mix friends.

The musical style is a little all over the place.

We have What Laura Says who sounds like The Beach Boys and The Beatles got together and figured out a way to mix their sounds.

Kinch's sound is tough to define, but all I know is that I really like their sound. Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers (RCPM) is a 50% reincarnation of The Refreshments with Nick from Gloritones and Jim Dalton from The Railbenders (the current line-up) but it's 100% unapologetic rock-n-roll. Shelby James & The Crying Shames are another longstanding Tempe favorite along with The Revenants.

The mix rounds out well with Black Carl - one of the best bands to see live.

See here is the tracklist for Tracks of AZ
1. Training - What Laura Says
2. Couldn't Lose Myself If I Tried - What Laura Says
3. Tie Me Lightly - Kinch
4. Carolina Cannonball - Kinch
5. City Girls - RCPM
6. Suckerpunch - RCPM
7. Talkin' Words... - Shelby James
8. Scarlot Harlot - Shelby James
9. Hussy - Black Carl
10. The Wolf - Black Carl
11. Even Hookers Say Goodbye - The Revenants
12. She - The Revenants
BONUS #13
Pairadice - What Laura Says

Enjoy a little piece of Arizona music! Cheers from TMC Interactive.

November Disintegrates by Mike Billy

This mix tries to embody the feeling of November, that weird month where Fall disintegrates into Winter. The temperature is dropping. The beautiful leaves are falling off the trees. The first snow flurries have begun to drop from the sky. But there is something else that is also hidden in the depths of November. As Winter approaches the landscape becomes steadily more dreary. We turn the clocks back to bring about the night much sooner and it is difficult sometimes to remember the long days of Summer. Early November, when the bright leaves were still on the trees, was a better time when it was easier to remember Spring and Summer. But now it is impossible to avoid Winter looming in the not so distant future. And with it, comes loss.

This mix tracks the journey of the month of November. From hope to hopeless.

Jesus, Etc. by Wilco

Jesus, don't cry
You can rely on me honey
You can combine anything you want

I'll be around
You were right about the stars
Each one is a setting sun

One Headlight by The Wallflowers

This Place Is Old
It Feels Just Like A Beat Up Truck
I Turn The Engine, But The Engine Doesn't Turn
It Smells Of Cheap Wine & Cigarettes
This Place Is Always Such A Mess
Sometimes I Think I'd Like To Watch It Burn

Reservations by Wilco

I'm bound by these choices so hard to make
I'm bound by this feeling so easy to fake
None of this is real enough to take me from you

I've got reservations about so many things but not about you

Gotta Be Somebody's Blues by Jimmy Eat World

Will they breathe our air again?
Who will sing their blues for them?

Too Afraid to Love You by The Black Keys

My gears they grind
More each day
And I feel like
They're gonna grind away

Disintegration by Jimmy Eat World

What happened to the love we both knew?
We both chased.
Hanging on a cigarette you need me,
you'll burn me.

When I Left the Room by Dan Auerbach

She used to make me feel
Like I could do no wrong
I sang a happy tune
Her name was in my song

But now her eyes foretell

Only impending doom
And I just wanna know
What she said when I left the room

Same Old Thing by The Black Keys

You've got a callous
From being torn apart
Now you labor everyday
Love life drifts away

Where the Blues Begins by Buddy Guy

You take a man and a woman
That just can't get along,
Sick and tired of doing each other wrong.

Painful words are spoken,
Precious vows are broken
They just don't belong here anymore.

This is where the blues begins.

Change (In the House of Flies) by Deftones

I've watched you change into a fly.

Things Ain't Like They Used to Be by The Black Keys

Wait around the way for you
Did all the things you asked me to
I thought it was the perfect day
Til she just opened up to say:

"It doesn't mean a thing to me
It doesn't mean a thing to me
And it's about time you see
Things ain't like they used to be"

Play Crack the Sky by Brand New

What they call love is a risk,
'Cause you will always get hit
Out of nowhere by some wave
And end up on your own.

October to Present.

The month of October gave me a lot to think about with regard to the direction that my life was headed. In the beginning of October I lost my girlfriend and best friend of the better part of two years and while it was somewhat of a relief initially, my thoughts drastically changed over the course of the month. I saw someone that I was proud to call my girlfriend and best friend, who wanted to stay friends in the aftermath, turn into the one person that hated me the most. We are no longer speaking per her request.

My mix-tape attempts to encompass all of the thoughts and emotions that I went through this past month. It is comprised of fifteen tracks, rather than the expected twelve, but how can one put a limit on the number of songs on a break-up mix-tape.

1. Signs Of Love – Moby
2. The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most – Dashboard Confessional
3. All of This – blink-182
4. In This Diary – The Ataris
5. Now It’s Over – Dear And The Headlights
6. Diamond Rings (2007) – Deer Tick

I have seen Deer Tick a few times and they have never disappointed me. Best guitar solo played with an atypical body part was played by John McCauley by using his penis as a guitar pick. Awesome solo, awesome night.

7. Here’s To The Night – Eve 6
8. I’m Ready, I Am – The Format
9. Accident Prone – Jawbreaker
10. Suicidal Fantasy – wait what

wait what is an incredible mash-up DJ who made headlines as well as more than a handful of enemies online with the release of The Notorious XX. His debut album combines The Notorious B.I.G. with The XX. Its a must hear even if you are not entirely into rap and gives B.I.G.'s hits a much needed 21st century update.

http://www.mediafire.com/?rw0ltfmmj0m

11. Oh, Deceiver – Right Away, Great Captain!
12. Synesthesia – Kinch
13. The Killing Moon – Nouvelle Vague
14. You’re A Mirror I Cannot Avoid – Bad Books

Bad books is comprised of Kevin Devine and Andy Hull as well as the rest of the guys in Manchester Orchestra. Check them out and see them if you are lucky enough to live within a reasonable distance of the seven dates they announced.

15. Girl With Broken Wings – Manchester Orchestra


I'd like to hear all of your thoughts on The Notorious XX, comments would be appreciated and I will post a link to my mix upon a reasonable amount of requests!

Jake Rand.

(This is how I...) November mix by Kathleen

This is how I make a mix.
Putting songs to feelings and lyrics to actions.
Coordinating our lives with their timely rhythmic stanzas.
This is how I let music define these moments.
Letting the music speak when words have faltered.


This is how I...

(Start)
1. The Futile- Say Anything

"Nothing makes sense, so I won't think about it. I'll go with the ignorance.
Eat, sleep, fuck and flee; in four words, that's me.
I am full of indifference.

...The futile, the futile, it outweighs the beautiful."

(Run)
2. Sore Thumb- The Format

"Forgive me you
Cut out again.
It seems so easy just to blame
The reception.
There’s something wrong.
I don’t know why
Why you, you never say goodnight.

So please just leave,
You don’t mean that much to me.
You keep the ring,
I’ll take those Saturdays in bed
Cause I know you need them.
As for me it’s nothing new just another two years."

(Forget)
3. You Won't Know- Brand New

"I am fine to put your gun to my life
And know I'm scared it won't fire right

You won't know...
You won't know...
You won't know..."

(Remember)
4. Colly Strings- Manchester Orchestra

"My curly hair and a voting booth,
Confessingly, this is the first time I've loved you,
And God I mean, God I mean it, I hope that I mean it.
'Cause like dying young, idols got the best of me,
Well don't stop calling, you're the reason I love losing sleep."


(Change)
5. Change (In the House of Flies)- Deftones

"I watched a change in you.
It's like you never had wings."

(Blame)
6. Meds- Placebo

"I was alone,
Staring over the ledge,
Trying my best not to forget
All manner of joy
All manner of glee
And our one heroic pledge

How it mattered to us,
How it mattered to me,
And the consequences

I was confused,
By the birds and the bees
Forgetting if I meant it

Baby did you forget to take your meds?"

(Hate)
7. Passive- A Perfect Circle

"Wake up
(Why can't you?)
And face me
(Come on now)
Don't play dead
(Don’t play dead)
'Cause maybe
(Because maybe)
Someday
(Someday)
I will walk away and say
You fucking disappoint me
Maybe you're better off this way."

(Sink)
8. I Was A Cage- Right Away, Great Captain

"I could use a friend to say they love me
But I'm gonna make a sound you cant forget
And afterwards I swore that I would haunt you
Now I'm way to tired to give a shit

Cause I was a wave
Collapsing you

Yeah I was a wave
Collapsing you

I am away
coming up to you

Well I was away."

(Break)
9. Last Kiss- Taylor Swift

"And I hope the sun shines and it's a beautiful day
And something reminds you you wish you had stayed
You can plan for a change in the weather and time
But I never planned on you changing your mind

So I'll go, sit on the floor wearing your clothes
All that I know is I don't know how to be something you miss
I never thought we'd have a last kiss
Never imagined we'd end like this."

(Forgive)
10. Falling Slowly- Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

"You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won"

(Say Goodbye)
11. The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot- Brand New

"If it makes you less sad
I'll move out of the state
You can keep to yourself
I'll keep out of your way
And if it makes you less sad
I'll take your pictures all down
Every picture you paint
I will paint myself out
It's as cold as a tomb
And it's dark in your room
When I sneak to your bed
To pour salt in your wounds
So call it quits
Or get a grip
Say you wanted a solution
You just wanted to be missed

Call me a safe bet
I'm betting I'm not
I'm glad that you can forgive
I'm only hoping as time goes
You can forget
So you can forget
You can forget"

(Fall Asleep)
12. re:Stacks- Bon Iver

No Sugar-coating This: It's a Break-Up Mix. by Haley

I recently had my first substantial break-up of my life. (I'm 23, but I had been dating the same guy since I was 15. ) For the most part, life post-break-up has been great- but, there are those moments when you just want to turn on music and lose yourself in it for a while. You know, when people who are just learning about the break-up refuse to stop asking questions, when you for a minute forget that your former partner isn't in your life anymore, or sometimes when it just hits you.

That's what this mix is about.

If you've recently been involved in a break-up, you know what I'm talking about.
If you're happily in love, sorry if this is a downer :(


Blackbird by the Beatles
Papillon by Rilo Kiley
The One by the Foo Fighters
Talking by Annuals
Your Boyfriend Sucks by the Ataris
More Adventurous by Rilo Kiley **
My Friend Peter by Alkaline Trio
I and Love and You by Avett Brothers
Dress up in You by Belle and Sebastian
Hold On Hope by Guided by Voices
Mouthwash by Kate Nash
Selfless, Cold and Composed by Ben Folds Five

**I'm usually against using an artist two times on one mix... including both Rilo Kiley songs was a complete mistake, but I think my girl Jenny Lewis knows how I'm feeling.

Track One by Mara

I actually had an entirely different theme in mind for the month of November, but that changed after I purchased Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life”. I had never heard the album in its proper form, only individual songs being played independently of one another, so I knew that I liked the album, but I was unaware of the track listing. I had no idea that the title track was the first track and hearing the song as the lead-in for the album inspired me to change my theme, which was then further inspired by the lists of “High Fidelity”. I started to think about the list of the best side one, track one songs that Rob made and I felt like there was no reason “Lust For Life” shouldn’t be included. Welcome to my theme: Side One, Track One.

Artist: Iggy Pop

Album: Lust For Life

Year: 1977
1: Lust For Life

This song has been all over the place and mostly for good reason. It’s incredibly catchy, largely due to the massive drums; it’s a well-written message to the masses about fighting drug addiction, without being too preachy; thematically, it fits with the rest of the album, but it’s not the most haunting song. It’s frantic. It’s fun. It’s an exceptional first track. Plus, David Bowie was a producer for this album. Added bonus.



Remember when the Royal Caribbean used this song in a commercial? Nothing said fun to the Royal Caribbean more than a song with the lyrics, “No more beating my brains, no more beating my brains with liquor and drugs.” They strategically used the song in the ad, but that didn’t calm the outrage about how it was being used in such an outrageously incorrect context. Enjoy:

Artist: The Clash

Album: The Clash

Year: 1977

1: Janie Jones

“Janie Jones” is the first track on the debut album of one of the greatest bands in the entire history of music. The Clash decided to introduce this record with a song inspired by the real London madam, Janie Jones, and a general type of man who hates his job and relieves that stress with music, hookers and pot. It’s not the angriest song they’ve ever written, but it’s encouraging of telling off authority, quitting your job and taking control of your life, themes they repeated for the rest of the album and themes they continued to mature throughout their career. I love this band and I would have LOVED to be here:

Artist: Ramones

Album: Rocket To Russia

Year: 1977

1: Cretin Hop

“Rocket to Russia” is my favorite album by these dudes. With “cretin” meaning a stupid person and “hop” meaning an informal dance of sorts, this is pretty self-explanatory. The song is fast, powerful, and in your face:

Artist: The Heartbreakers

Album: L.A.M.F.

Year: 1977

1: Born to Lose

“L.A.M.F.”, which stands for Like A Mother Fucker, is both the debut album and only studio album that The Heartbreakers ever released. A handful of the members are now either dead, missing, or doing other projects, so that complicated any further ambitions, although many of them were in other famous punk bands so if you like the sound, you can hear them in other groups. Regardless of the fact that this band is a truly tragic disaster, formed by a group of heroin-addicted misfits, this album is remarkable. The first track always puts me in an anxious place (I didn’t want to say “breaks my heart”) because I’ve honestly never heard a song that is so passionate about expecting so little. Towards the end of this song the band sings, “born to lose,” and Johnny Thunders screams, “I can’t hear it!” and it gives me the chills every time. It’s like he is demanding them to believe it more, to say it louder, and to get out every foul feeling about being born to lose. 

Since this mix is going to Chris, a Replacements fan, I will note that Paul really loves Johnny Thunders. You may or may not already know that.

Artist: Devo

Album: Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!

Year: 1978

1: Uncontrollable Urge

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeahyeahyeahyeahyeahyeah!” – Uncontrollable Urge

I was recently explaining to Cody an annoyance I hold with the movie "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" because someone put a Devo poster in the character Mike Damone's room, and I don't believe he would have liked Devo, to which Cody replied, "Devo is for dorks." That sums it up. 

Mark Mothersbaugh is the only musician on this list I have come in contact with. When I was in high school he had an art exhibit that came through Phoenix as part of a monthly art walk that is held in the downtown area. He was standing in the gallery with a shirt on that said "I'm with stupid" and it had arrows pointing everywhere. I was way too nervous to say anything to him. 

Artist: Echo & The Bunnymen

Album: Porcupine

Year: 1983

1: The Cutter

I’m pretty sure this song is about how difficult success is in the music industry, so naturally it is the song that helped push the band into more success and radio time. It’s a good intro to their sound if you’ve never listened to them, even though it’s from their third album. I became an instant fan of Echo after hearing Ian McCulloch’s voice because the man can really sing. I definitely swoon over him, which is something a few or absolutely none of you may experience when you listen to this song. 

They are also featured in this: http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/alpacas-with-post-punk-hair

Artist: X

Album: More Fun in The New World

Year: 1983

1: The New World

Even though I’m not a native Angelino I’m really proud that this band is from Los Angeles because we need something to redeem this place. This is their fourth studio album and if you are a new fan and start with this album and move backwards, you will notice a change in their sound. This record is pretty polished and accessible, but it’s one of the greatest rock albums I have ever heard, with a strong track one, even though other stalwart X fans may disagree. I also really admire Exene Cervenka because she completely dominated in a genre of music that tends to be ruled by men. 

This is the only video I could find for this song:

Artist: The Replacements

Album: Let It Be

Year: 1984

1: I Will Dare

I’m going to try to explain my love for the Replacements in the most concise way possible, at a length that most of you are still willing to read. If you read stories about them from their main days, you’ll see that they’re total assholes, they don’t give a shit, but they also give a shit more than most people ever will. If you really are curious to learn more about them, there are some great books you can check out including “Our Band Could Be Your Life” and “The Replacements: All Over But The Shouting: An Oral History”. This is one of their most well known albums, along with “Tim”, my personal favorite. Peter Buck of R.E.M. plays guitar on this song and my favorite moment is when Paul comes in playing the mandolin. This song sums up a lot about the Mats. They would dare to succeed and dare to fail, as you can see from the name of this album, a story explained in one of those books, I can’t remember which one. They’re my favorite. 

Artist: Talking Heads

Album: Little Creatures

Year: 1985

1: And She Was

David Byrne is a person who makes it really hard for other people to be cool because he is the coolest. Apparently this song is about a girl Byrne used to know who liked to do acid near a chocolate milk factory. I don’t know what else to say. This is some of the greatest New Wave music ever. 

I couldn't embed this video for some reason, but it's really interesting, so just go here to see it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgSVTdAtNYE

Artist: Jesus & Mary Chain

Album: Psychocandy

Year: 1985

1: Just Like Honey

One of my favorite things about the Jesus & Mary Chain, besides the incredible talent of Jim and William Reid, is how frequently people debate the meanings of their songs. It’s not uncommon for a band to write about girls and drugs, but people occasionally reject that subject matter with Jesus & Mary Chain and try to demand the songs are about love. This song is a lead-in for their extraordinary debut album, and also a song that closes out the movie “Lost In Translation”. It’s great for the album, horrible for the movie, in my opinion. It’s definitely about a relationship, but mostly it’s about sex, and I do remember people commenting on how it was the perfect love song to close out that movie. I disagree, but decide for you:

My other favorite thing about the J&MC is the incredible personalities of Jim and William. 

Jim Reid: “I'm embarrassed to tell people what I do with my life, to think that what I do is the same as what Eric Clapton does. He's raping it, he's puking on it, he's pissing on it. For that reason I don't want to be a part of it.”

William Reid: “Whenever my girlfriend wears tights, I refuse to see her, I put her on the first train back to Hornchurch and tell her to come back wearing suspenders.”

They are also featured in this: http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/alpacas-with-post-punk-hair

Artist: Pulp

Album: Different Class

Year: 1995

1: Mis-Shapes

Pulp recently announced their plans to reunite and I couldn’t be more thrilled (I really want to see Jarvis Cocker in person because he's unbelievably beautiful). This album really helped push Pulp into the limelight of the Brit Pop movement, even though Jarvis had formed the band over a decade prior to the release. One of the things that I’ve always enjoyed about Pulp since I started listening to them is that Jarvis really enjoys wittily writing about being both an intellectual and a sexual person. He doesn’t compromise one over the other and it makes for layered albums as he often switches up the mood. So while this song is about an intellectual movement, the next song is about a steamy affair (seriously, he sings the song will heavy breathing and it’s kind of intense) and then comes “Common People” a pretty insulting song about a stupid rich girl Jarvis met in college. The album is really fun to dance to and I recommend checking it out. 

Artist: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

Album: Shake the Sheets

Year: 2004

1: Me and Mia

This song is about eating disorders and standards of beauty, but not in the hellishly painful way that "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera is also about those things. Ted Leo will never cease to be incredible at what he does. Let us all hope that when we are 40 years old we are anywhere near the level of cool that Ted Leo innately possesses.

 

 

New York I Love You, But You're Bringing Me Down, A Mix About Cities

How's that for a lengthy mix title? It's obviously James Murphy's fault, not mine. I got the first inspiration for this mix when I saw Interpol in Las Vegas last month, and was absolutely blown away by how incredible "NYC" sounded live. As I wandered around Fremont Street I thought about songs like Lucero- "Mine Tonight" and Brand New- "Soco Armaretto Lime" and felt like spouting some nonsense about how this city belonged to me, if only just for one night.

I disagree with Lucero, there is some romance on city streets, so why not make a mix about cities?

The idea behind this mix is travel- starting in Los Angeles and coming home via Chicago and wanting to get out of Cape Cod tonight because London is Calling.

1. The Decemberists- Los Angeles, I'm Yours

LA seemed like a good place to start. In spite of all the bad things people have to say about this city, I love the place.

2. Lucero- San Francisco

The only other San Francisco songs that came to mind were the "If you're going to San Fransisco/you're gonna meet some gentle people there" and the Alkaline Trio song by the same title. Lucero seemed like the best fit.

3. Surfer Blood- Anchorage

Anchorage is where the action is...duh.
I saw these guys a few months ago, and I must say, they were one of the best new bands I've seen. They had lots of energy, covered a Pavement song, and even had bubbles!

4. Wilco- Via Chicago

Is it weird that I really want to give Jeff Tweedy a hug? It's partially because it looks like he needs one, and it's mostly due to idol worship. I love Wilco, I really do, that's why I had to make sure we stopped by Chicago on our musical journey.

5. Interpol- NYC

...and now we start our depressing venture into New York City. I've never actually been there, these three songs just play off each other well in my opinion. New York seems like an amazing place, I'm not trashing it, I promise!
This song really made me appreciate Turn on the Bright Lights, but if you're an Interpol fan, I'm sure you already know that it's a fantastic album.

6. LCD Soundsystem- New York I Love You, But You're Bringing Me Down

Quite the departure from "Drunk Girls." This video has Kermit the Frog in it, I couldn't resist.

7.Vampire Weekend- Walcott

I didn't put this version of the song on the mix, I used the original. This is a Take Away Show, which is something done by La Blogotheque, if you aren't familiar with them, please check it out!

I saw Vampire Weekend back in April and had a great time. They closed with this song and there's a slew of shaky footage of it on YouTube. This is my transition from America to Europe.

8. The Clash- London Calling

When you think about it, it's pretty bold for a band to profess themselves as "the only band that matters," but, hey, it's The Clash...so it works. How many times do you see them show up between Vampire Weekend and Ladyhawke?

9. Ladyhawke- Paris is Burning

On our theoretical journey, we're happy to be in Paris...even though it may be on fire, but hey, kids are drinking wine on the sidewalk so it's okay.

10. Yeasayer- Rome

Another band I had the pleasure of seeing this year. They played about a week before SB 1070 was signed. Now they're boycotting Arizona.

11. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros- Kisses Over Babylon

I didn't say my cities still had to be standing! Hey, check it out, an actual music video...the song itself starts about 3.5 minutes in.

12. Caribou- Odessa
I had no idea Caribou had a music video either. I decided to end this mix with a so-called Eastern European jam. Swim is one of my favorite 2010 releases. Whenever I hear this song I picture the crazy strobe light effects Caribou uses live.

Traveling Memoirs by Aaron Ford

Over the past few months, I've been traveling for work almost nonstop. In different airports and cities sometimes the song that came on through my headphones suited the moment perfectly - almost too perfectly. Sometimes these moments made me think of a song. I won't describe the moments themselves in complete detail here, but I will tell you what I love about these songs. These songs may not be the stand-out tracks from their respective albums but they definitely evoke the spirit of what this mix is about. This has been a very difficult mix for me to put together and went through several revisions.

These songs may not immediately grab you and they didn't immediately grab me. If you take a minute to spend some time with them, I promise that it will pay off. Here's a link to a full playlist if you want to listen in order.

1.) The New Pornographers - Use It

This song borrows an intro from "Do You Remember Walter" by the Kinks and then riffs on it to create a classic New Pornos power-pop song.

"Two Chicks in the parking lot crack wise on the price of fame

They stood to gain."

I was thinking of this song the entire time I was at CMJ this year. Sometimes the lack of authenticity and real passion is hard to stomach in the "industry." It seemed so hard to find something genuine and many times I had a hard time playing along. Toward the end of CMJ, I found myself choosing to hang out with good friends instead of attend "relevant" parties with business opportunities.

"If there's a choice between chance and flight, choose it tonight."

2.) Throw Me The Statue - Waving at the Shore

"You're in my head. Take me apart."

The album on which this song appears, Creaturesque, is absolutely brilliant and no one realized it. Such is life. The bridge in this song is nearly perfect when that white-soul affect comes through in the vocals and arrangement of this quaint little indie pop song. The impressionistic nature of this song leaves it open to all kinds of interpretation so I'll keep the personal meaning vague here.

3.) Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Glue Girls

What a great band. They are young, but they get it. They definitely have pop chops. This song came on my iPod the other day while I was on my way to a meeting (in the back of a bar at a CMJ showcase) and I thought about the happenings of the previous evening. Sometimes songs really capture life better than anyone could explain it.

4.) XTC - Real by Reel

1979. That is the year this song was released. It basically predicts the total lack of privacy that we all embrace in these times. Someone came up to me when I was in San Francisco I haven't seen in years and knew almost everything about my life. I got a little creeped out, but then I realized that I make so much available via FB, twitter, etc that it shouldn't surprise me that the more voyeuristic among us would have memorized it all. Also you should know that XTC is probably in my top 5 bands of all time.

"Real by Real

Busy little bees recording everything you feel"

5.) Portastatic - Sour Shores

What a gem. Mac from Superchunk and Merge Records' solo material is released under the moniker Portastatic. The song is unbelievable and the arrangements are breathtaking.

"Your Grandfather knew what mattered

Yeah he knew and he left it to you"

I reconnected with someone from my small hometown in Eastern NC on a business trip in October. We reminisced about all of the quirky facets of our town and what it's like working in music and art after an upbringing like that. This song embodies that feeling; not to mention that the song has NC roots (Merge Records/Superchunk/Mac).

"... until the light spills out of the open door

and you feel young again at the offer of a ride

oh yeah, here's your ride"

6.) Marching Band - For Your Love

This was the single off of this Swedish pop group's last album. It is familiar and exotic at the same time. The lyrics fit in well with the overall theme of this mix and the arrangement is superb.

7.) The Seldon Plan - Fire in Day's Field

This is a fantastic song in the vein of some mid 90s college alternative pop and some jangle pop favorites. The band themselves probably wouldn't agree with that characterization. For me, this evokes walking with some new friends in the cold San Francisco morning to a conference secretly basking in in how surreal our lives have become.

8.) Title Tracks - Piles of Paper

Great power pop by John from the bands Q and Not U and Georgie James. To me, this song is about general distrust of acquaintances who are not friends - people that are just always around but no one can vouch for them. Sometimes it can wear you down if you zoom out and overanalyze situations as I have been known to do :)

9.) Albert Hammond Jr - 101

The guitarist from The Strokes first solo album is extremely solid. This song brings brings to mind several classics put into a brilliant amalgamation. Sun-down in San Francisco after a big win...

10.) Jason Falkner - Follow Me

Jason Falkner is a living legend. As a child, he was a classical piano prodigy. Then he found his older sister's punk and new wave collections and the rest is history. Bands Jason has been in: The Three O'Clock (on Prince's label), Jellyfish (with Roger Joseph Manning Jr), The Grays (with Jon Brion), Air, Beck, TV Eyes, and many more. He produced and cowrote Brendan Benson's first two albums. He produced albums from Aimee Mann, Lisa Loeb, Magnet, The Nines, and more. He's played on Paul McCartney albums. He has a series of lullaby versions of Beatles songs that breathtaking called Bedtime with The Beatles. There are two volumes of that. He has four solo albums. This is off of his first one entitled Jason Falkner Presents Author Unknown. I can't say enough good things about what he has managed to do in music over the last 20 years.

This song is equal parts critique of the music industry and advice for those in it. Listen carefully to the lyrics. It's all about authenticity and you'll find that it applies universally.

11.) James Husband - A Grave in The Gravel

James Husband (James Huggins III) is best known for being a multi-instrumentalist in Of Montreal. His solo material was sold on various EPs at Of Montreal shows over the years. Polyvinyl put out a debut LP this year. This was the stand-out song. It's about burying a dead pet in a very unceremonious and haunting manner. However, this applies to several kinds of situations where relationships, businesses, industries, etc can end abruptly end.

This one needs several listens to really get how haunting it is and I bet all of you can draw parallels to situations in your own lives.

12.) It Hugs Back - Work Day

This is simply gorgeous. After a long day, there is nothing like speaking of simple things and relaxing with the people you hold dear. No one noticed how amazing this It Hugs Back from It Hugs Back was and I applaud 4AD for putting it out. If any of you are stressed about anything, I urge you to press that play button up there and clear your mind for a moment.

Traveling Memoirs: