Swedish Sampler

I am not of Swedish descent, nor have I ever visited Sweden. I know little more than the bare minimum about Swedish culture, politics, geography, and history. Yet, my love for a handful of Swedish bands has given me an irrational affinity to the country, and sometimes even a vivid sense of what it must be like to live there. It's something that has inexplicably lasted for the past seven years. Hell, I even root for the Swedish national soccer team under most circumstances.

I can't explain it as well as the music can, so... here goes Sweden.

1. Logh - Yellow Lights Mean Slow Down, Not Speed Up


Logh have been one of my top 5 favorite bands for years. They have a way of painting the bitterest of gray landscapes and then surprising you with these subtle flashes of technicolor. This is a band that can not only surprise you with changes of rhythm, melody, and tempo, but with temperature and brightness. I could go on and on about how great and overlooked this band is, but instead I'll just strongly, strongly encourage you to check out all of their albums. Starting with the one this song comes from, Every Time A Bell Rings...

2. David & the Citizens

This is an upbeat, indie pop band that writes the majority of their songs about death, mourning and loss. These songs will get stuck in your head for days, and it's really strange to think about the subject matter when your body wants to dance and sing along. Also check out "Something, Not Sunlight" and "I've Been Floating Upstream Since We Parted" if you ever REALLY want to get your sad on.

3. Shout Out Louds - Very Loud

Had to throw in some fun after all of that death and sadness.

4. Tallest Man On Earth - Love Is All

This song has been haunting me for months. Everything about it is so intimate and personal. As the listener you can just sit and watch this guy go from quiet and reflective into a gravel-throated rage. No matter how many times I hear this I can still be caught off guard by it.

5. International Noise Conspiracy - Capitalism Stole My Virginity

Punk. Rock. If you ever get a chance to see these guys perform, do yourself a big favor. These guys have some crazy-foreign opinions about politics that don't always translate to our home of the brave and free, but no one can say they don't have passion, incredible energy, and a damned quirky sense of humor.

6. The Knife - Got 2 Let U

Love them or hate them, there's no denying a good hook, something the Knife have no shortage of. Behind all of the antics and performance art stuff is an unbelievable pop band. And even further respect - everything this pair puts out is self-produced.

7. Junip - Without You

This is another group that I haven't been able to get enough of lately. If you haven't heard of Junip, this is Jose Gonzalez's (see track 11) band, which put out last fall a record they had been working on for something like seven years. And it's exactly that what you might hope for... everything that is great about Jose's voice and guitar playing, but taken a step further with more rhythm, energy, and layer-y goodness.

8. The Radio Dept. - Pulling Our Weight

Um, this band is really good.

9. Jens Lekman - Black Cab

Jens Lekman is like Sweden's attempt at a Morrissey-David Byrne hybrid.

10. Lykke Li - Tonight (Live)

I'll admit I haven't really heard much Lykke Li. I came across this version of this song when I was digging through other videos and really, really dug it. I'm also on a pretty big Adele/Nicole Atkins kick right now. I'm basically a walking Lilith Fair. What a great voice, though..

11. Jose Gonzalez - Heartbeats (Knife cover)

I know this is a double dose of my homeboy Jose, but I had to jump at an excuse to put this video in. If you haven't seen this.. well... it's a Sony commercial - but give it a fair watch before you start taking points from Gryffindor.

12. Last Days of April - The Days I Recall Being Wonderful

Another one of the great, hopelessly overlooked indie pop bands of the last ten years. This has got to be near the top of the list of the most epically emo songs ever recorded. The loop draws you in, the sadness washes over you, and when you come up for air at the end you can't help but feel the weight of fond memories.


...couldn't resist:

The Crush Playlist

Okay...I think this playlist is self explanatory. It's the month of ~*love*~ so why not? I also took this as an opportunity to write in cursive for the first time in forever.

I didn't spray it with perfume for my fateful multitracking recipient. Sorry if I got your hopes up.

Odd Meters.

So much of what we consider popular music follows a formula. Not just in style of performance, recording practices, and image, but in structure. To simply explain this idea, time signature (the rhythmic foundation of a piece of music) is often 4/4 in conventional pop music (4 beats in a measure, divided by quarter notes) or occasionally, 3/4. Think of the stereotypical rock count off: "ONE... TWO... ONE TWO THREE FOUR!" But when composers and songwriters begin to diverge from this norm, much more interesting music often emerges. It makes you think twice about how to tap your foot or sing along, and it sticks out in a sea of straight-ahead song form. There are a number of groups (prog, math rock) that make a living out of (perhaps over-) exploiting this idea. Dream Theater, Nine Inch Nails. With a few exceptions, I tried to avoid that with this mix and instead showcase some artists who are not typically known for going out of time. Enjoy.

1. "You and I Are a Gang of Losers" - The Dears

2. "Come On! Feel the Illinoise!" - Sufjan Steves

3. "First Circle" - Curnow Big Band

4. "Blue Rondo a la Turk" - Dave Brubeck (the quintessential odd meter jazz piece)

5. "Let the Rain" - Sara Bareilles (listen to the chorus)

6. "Everything in Its Right Place" - Radiohead

7. "Bastard" - Ben Folds (alternates amongst several time signatures)

8. "Hey Ya!" - Andre 3000 (Outkast)

9. "I Say a Little Prayer" - Aretha Franklin

10. "Kiss from a Rose" - Seal

11. "WTF?" - OK Go

12. "There Goes My Outfit" - The Dears

SXSW

I imagine most of you know what the acronym SXSW means, but just in case… SXSW stands for ‘South By Southwest,’ which is an annual music conference held in mid March in Austin, TX. It is THE music conference to be at, as thousands of artists, label folks, managers, agents and fans gather to see tons of bands in a few days’ time. There are panel discussions and keynote discussions, but let’s be honest, you care about the music. There are unofficial day parties with bands and official showcases that run seemingly all night. The lineup runs the gamut from basement bands in Austin to the biggest bands on the planet (Radiohead is rumored to be performing at this year’s edition!).

This year’s SXSW will be my first ever time at the festival (as well as Texas, but I digress). The lineups are still being finalized but I’m already quite pumped by the artists that will be there. I wanted to share some of the acts that I will see at the festival. Note I tried to focus mostly on unknown/up-and-coming artists.

“Glorify” - Ivan & Aloysha

Don’t worry, they’re not a Christian band! I&A are comprised of several guys who specialize in gorgeous folk-rock. They just put out a stellar EP and have been featured on NPR Music. Expect big things from the group as they work on a full-length.

“Kathleen” – Josh Ritter

Easily one of my all-time favorite singer/songwriters, Josh Ritter is someone special. It’s been fascinating to watch him grow from making simple folk music to grandiose compositions, all while keeping a sense of childlike innocence and a perennial smile. “Kathleen” is from his magnificent album Hello Starling, which I can’t recommend enough. Funnily enough, the first time I saw Josh was at a music conference (CMJ 2003).

“Oh Canada” – Nicole Atkins

Nope, this isn’t the Canadian national anthem. This was an iTunes exclusive track for her recent album Mondo Amore, but in my opinion, this should’ve been on the record as it’s very strong (full disclosure I helped market this album a bit). Long after listening to the song and album, "Oh Canada" will remain with you. Strikingly, its poppiness contrasts with the rest of the bluesy, psychedelic sound on the album.

“Wild One” – Those Darlins’

A cute country song that Nashville could use more of! Like the Ramones, the three gals that make up Those Darlins’ use the band name as each of their last name. Super catchy, particularly with the vocal harmonies.

“Seven-Mile Island” – Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit

You may know Jason from his days in the Drive-By Truckers. After splitting from the group (as well as wife at the time, the DBT’s Shonna Tucker), Isbell struck out on his own. Not straying too far from the DBT’s sound, Isbell’s outfit blends folk, country, bluegrass and folk together. While he’ll likely never escape his history with the Truckers, Isbell deserves more merit than just being known for that.

“Monte Carlo” – U.S. Royalty

What if Fleetwood Mac was an indie rock band? Close your eyes when you listen or see U.S. Royalty and you’ll see what I mean (minus the copious drug use and inter-band sex, of course). Currently unsigned, its baffling to me after listening to “Monte Carlo” or the rest of their debut album Mirrors that this DC-based group hasn’t been picked up by anyone yet (although I suspect that may change soon). Very engaging live show to boot.

“Unless It Kicks” – Okkervil River

I’ve been a fan of Okkervil River for awhile, so I’m elated that I finally get to see them live in their hometown of Austin. Very literate and well-thought out lyrics that make them stand out from many of their indie rock peers. Cool name to boot!

“Mister Heavenly” – Mister Heavenly

Chances are, you know this band because Michael Cera has played bass for them live. Don’t write them off because of this, though, or think of them as Cera’s band. Mister Heavenly is made up of players from Man Man, Islands and Modest Mouse. Judging from the clips on YouTube and the two songs they’ve released online, Mister Heavenly will live up to their pedigree. Look for a full-length from Sub Pop sometime this year.

“KMAG YOYO” – Hayes Carll

WTF is that acronym, you ask? Kiss My Ass, Guys, You’re On Your Own. It’s the title track from country rocker Hayes Carll’s new album. The jaunty tune details a military guy’s plight about being sent in spaceships and put on drugs for testing purposes, courtesy of the government. Pretty amusing lyrically but Carll does have a valid point about what the military and government will expose its people to for the sake of ‘safety.’ Can’t wait to hear this new album as Carll’s last album was pretty stellar. He also gets points in my book for naming his backing band the Poor Decisions.

“Pumped Up Kicks” – Foster The People

Just try, TRY getting this supremely catchy ear worm out of your head! Having first heard this song last summer, that beat hasn’t left my noggin since.

“Chase Scene” – Zechs Marquise

I’ve been a fan of Sargent House for awhile. The company created a new paradigm to remain relevant and profitable in the music business, being a label and management company under the same roof. It wouldn’t mean much if they didn’t have a kick ass roster, boasting acts like Good Old War, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (from At The Drive In/Mars Volta), Russian Circles, RX Bandits and other acts. Also on the label is Zechs Marquise, who operate in the same realm of trippy instrumental freak-outs ala Mars Volta. It shouldn’t come as a great surprise that a few of Omar’s brothers make up Zechs Marquise. Thankfully, this group isn’t nearly as obtuse and jarring as Mars Volta.

“Work On You” – Mstrkrft

Sure, Mstrkrft can be accused of aping Daft Punk, but why argue? Shut up and dance! Kudos to one of the guys from DFA 1979 for finding success with another group.

You Are My Voice, My Microphone (For Jenni and Tyler)

About a month ago, my friend Jenni asked me for song suggestions for her upcoming wedding in April. I sent her to the wedding mix that Caiti was working on for some inspiration, but finally got around to putting together a full list.  Not to mention, the timing worked out for this mix to fall in February with all the Valentine's hubub. I met Jenni through music and her finace is in a band, so there was extra pressure in coming up with some of the better love/wedding songs without dropping into the usual cliches. 

Another cliche? That I'm about the last person to speak on love. As a chronic workaholic, I've only been in love once, experienced painful unrequited love just once and been on the giving and receiving end of unrequited "like" more times than I probably remember. Being a die-hard music fan and occasional weekend rom-com watcher doesn't help either because my perception of love is totally skewed. The idea of love never feels totally absent because of how often it's in my face, but there are always "you're single" reminders like Valentine's Day and those moments I'd like to share with someone other than Twitter. 

But then there's Jenni and Tyler. They've been a unit as long as I've known her and seem to have a healthy, happy and realistic relationship. They both pursued and reached goals separately as well as together and now they're here, getting married.  And while I have't spent time with them together, as the title's metaphor suggests, they seem to amplify the best in each other.

I sometimes question all the songs and movies and every vicarious or hypothetical situation I encounter when it comes to love and my lack of a benchmark. But their's is real and that must mean that love is real. And that's all you need, right?

Below are a few excerpts from the master song list, which I put on my other blog for the sake of space (and since no one actually reads it.) Hopefully a lot of the songs I picked are actually love songs and don't have other meanings (I'm looking at you, Jimmy Eat World's "Hear You Me") but most I made sure I was confident in. I'm also not as up to speed on what is played at other weddings (since my friends are also perpetually single), so let me know if I need to throw in a Macarena or two. 
http://sevenwattmedia.blogspot.com/2011/02/songs-for-jenni-and-tyler.html

1) A.A. Bondy - "Lover's Waltz"

This was at the top of my iTunes as I scrolled through and it's one of the most appropriate on the whole list. It's always hard to tell what A.A. says in jest, but this seems like a pretty straight-forward love song.

2) The Decemberists - "Red Right Ankle"
This song sort of spirals off to some "heartbreak" tones (although not overtly, or at least not enough to take them off the list) but you can't denymetaphors like "And it whispered, 'Oh adhere to me! For we are bound by symmetry. Whatever differences our lives have been, we together make a limb."

3) Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - "Home"
This song was in my head the entire time I was thinking about this mix. And obviously, I have to use the uber-precious Dad and daughter viral sensation. 

4) Boys Like Girls - "Hero/Heroine"
Jenni and I met as Sony Music College Reps (Dallas and Phoenix markets, respectively) so it was mandatory that this be thrown in for good measure. :) 

5) Coconut Records - "Microphone"
This is where the title of this mix comes from, and appropriate for two music people. 

6) De Capulet - "Safety Bar"
Remember the one boy I ever loved? This was our song. Whatever, emo kid. 

7) Hellogoodbye - "When We First Met"
I'm not sure what I love more - the song or the video. Appropriately, the video HAS a wedding in it! Synergy, people . . .

8) Interference - "Gold"
One of the more under appreciated tracks on the "Once" soundtrack, but one filled with so much joy.

9) Ladylike - "On to Me"
Another amazing song and video combo. Try and watch it without smiling.

10) Matt Nathanson - "Suspended"

I had to pick at least one Matt song considering he's on the master list, like, five times (and could have done more) "Sunshine, I'm beginning to like this."

11) Ryan Adams - "Gonna Make You Love Me"
This song will simultaneously make you want to fall in love and subscribe to AT&T service. 

12) Josh Radin and Schuyler Fisk - "Paperweight"
I don't know if it's the fact that these two actually dated, but there are some amazingly sincere moments in this song. 







"Your love will be safe with me. "
-Smashley

My Favorite Live Acts by Haley

I was going to make a Valentine's Day mix, but decided against it because 1.) far too many of my mixes have been related to love 2.) it's been done to death. SO, in lieu of that, I decided to highlight some of my favorite acts I've seen live.

1.) She'll Come Back to Me by Cake
John McCrea FLIPPED out on the audience when I saw him in Columbus back in 2004. It was kind of amusing, kind of douchey, but it's indisputable that they're excellent live.

2.) Slight Figure of Speech by the Avett Brothers
omg. I don't think their spirit was captured on the Grammys, but I don't think there's any party like an Avett Brothers show.

3.) Leather Jacket by Ben Folds Five
I've seen Ben Folds nine times, but I've sadly never seen BF5 live. Aside from DVD. Anyways, I can't help it that I was born too late, so I'm including this anyways... they're amazing.

4.) You're So Damn Hot by OK Go
I love these guys ever so much. Randomly busting out into songs from Les Mis onstage is fine with me!

5.) The Sound of Settling by Death Cab for Cutie
I never expected Ben Gibbard to be a good front-man live, but holy crap... I was wrong.

6.) First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
Refer back to 5 - I thought Conor would be an awful front-man, but I left the show wildly impressed.

7.) Japanese Girlfriend by Earwig
I want Earwig to collectively be my Valentine. Love, love, love.

8.) I Wanna be the One by Fun.
Okay, so confession time... I didn't really listen to the Format before they broke up. I mean, sure, I knew "She Doesn't Get It," but I was really exposed to the Format as a result of seeing Fun. live. Nate Ruess owns. Le sigh.
I saw Fun. for the first time at a sold-out show at Skully's. It was hot, it stunk, but none of it mattered :) I saw them again with my friend Chissy (CMR love!) and I can't wait to see them again...

9.) The Girls Don't Care by Eef Barzelay (live from Daytrotter)
I saw Eef years ago when he opened up for Ben Folds, and I'm still blown away!

10.) History Sticks to Your Feet by Modest Mouse
Modest Mouse/Band of Horses/Love as Laughter was my first show I covered as a college rep for Sony, and I legit couldn't have asked for a better experience. The EP (No One's First and You're Last) was one of the best projects that I worked as a CMR, too, so I have nothing but love :)
Side note: "Optimism doesn't change the facts, just what you're gonna see," <-- what a great line!

11.) Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups
I still remember the first time I heard this song. I've been in love with SP since that moment. One of my coolest, most unforgettable life experiences was a few years back when I got to watch SP from sidestage at the LC. I died. Am possibly still dying. I'll get back to you on that.

12.) An Atlas to Follow by Wild Sweet Orange
Words can't express my love for WSO! I also remember the first time I ever heard them - during a CMJ presentation during my CMR days. From that moment, I was hooked. I think I've seen them four or five times, and sadly, that'll be it because they disbanded. I think that my ultimate concert moment happened at a WSO show in Columbus; I was a CMR at the time, covering the WSO show in Columbus. Despite doing probably the best coverage I'd ever done, NO ONE showed up. Seriously - no one. It was the night of the Mirror Lake jump which certainly didn't help.

So, I talked to lead singer Preston feeling bad that my promotional efforts had failed, but he was so gracious, kind, and definitely the world's best hugger. They got onstage and killed it for me, my (then) fiance, and two people who were guest-listed. Preston dedicated "Aretha's Gold" to Josh, advising that he listen to the lyrics of the song and treat me like a baby doll. Best night ever :)

Long Fucking Songs For Caiti

I happen to know my January Mix Tape partner pretty well. So I had to think extra long and hard on this one because I wanted to make sure she got a lot of good music to listen to that she might not be all too familiar with. They have to be songs that she just wouldn't want... so I decided this mix would be dedicated to those songs that don't require you to push the back button or move the needle. They just keep going and going and going. The total time of this mix tape tops out at over 2 hours.

1 The Mars Volta - Goliath 7:15
The shortest song on this mix is by The Mars Volta which is crazy to think about. This is actually one of their shorter songs but its from a more obscure album I thought maybe Caiti hadn't listened to and its one of my favorites. I'm sure she has heard every 17 minute plus track off of Frances The Mute multiple times. Bonus: one of the most metal lines ever in this song "I've started to feel a miscarriage coming on..." You got to wait till the 6th minute to get to it though.

2. The Stooges - Fun House 7:47
A punk song makes the list! The horns off of this album are incredible especially in this song. Its like Iggy was listening to a lot of miles davis while writing this whole album.

3. My Morning Jacket - Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt 2 8:12
Part 2 is so much better than Part 1 and so much longer. "This feeling is wonderful. Don't you ever turn off" pretty much describes what I think of this song.

4. Dungen - Mon Amour 8:43
Not a single word is in english but you will still want to sing along to this and take copious amounts of drugs. The guitar at minute three sounds like something off of a Sonic Youth album with this insanely fast drum beat behind them. Listen to it with your headphones on.

5. Pearl jam - Release 8:59
This is the Ten reissue version. The longest studio track of Pearl Jam's career and its a classic.

6. !!! - Me & Guiliani Down By The Schoolyard (A True Story) 9:05
A 9 minute rave. Dance music makes the list and its not LCD Soundsystem (they didn't make the cut despite having like 10 songs over 8 minutes.)

7. Mastodon - The Czar 9:47
Metal made the cut. My favorite track off of Crack The Skye. Look for their Live at the Aragon dvd and album to come out for Record Store day this year. I just so happened to be at that show.



8. Television - Marquee Moon 10:47
A full minute longer than the track before it. Just an amazing long fucking song. Enjoy.

9. Modest Mouse - Truckers Atlas 10:58
I feel like half of this damn album is about road trips and this is probably the best song ever to listen to while you are on one. Makes me want to quit my job and just drive around the country.

10. Beastie Boys - B-Bou Bouillabaisse 12:34
Maybe the best hip hop song ever made. The bass at 6:40 will blow your fucking mind. Even with shitty speakers you will feel this song in your chest. There are insane samples in this song with the best being johnny cash "I shot a man in Brooklyn just to watch him die"

11. Jimmy Eat World -Goodbye Sky Harbor 16:14
I couldn't do a blog post on a blog created by ashley harris about long songs without including this.

12. Sonic Youth - Dressed In Dreams 19:36
One of my favorite songs of all time.There are noises in this song that you've never heard an instrument make before. I think there is a grand father clock in it around 8 minutes. The whole damn this is just a trip from start to finish. There was a single version of this song that was only 5:30 seconds but there is actually a 25 minute version of this song that is only on the vinyl single. If you can track it down I highly recommend it. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs also have a cover of it too but it can't touch the original.

Coachella 2011

I made this mix for Claudia. We'll both be at Coachella this year, and while the lineup isn't exactly jaw-dropping, there are some acts I'm really excited to see. That's why this mix isn't titled "OMGZ Coachella" or "Hella Coachella" or something equally grating. It's not going to blow your mind. (I don't think.) It's just some straightforward, good stuff.

Appletree - Erykah Badu
E=MC2 - Big Audio Dynamite
We Are Water - HEALTH
Konichiwa Bitches - Robyn
New York City Cops - The Strokes
Bright Lit Blue Skies - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
All of the Lights - Kanye West
Mannequin - Wire
Bratty B - Best Coast
Cause = Time - Broken Social Scene

Comfort Songs

I’ve been really busy as the new year gets going and consequentially I’ve neglected my January mix, so I'm sorry that it's late! When I started looking at what I was listening to this month I realized that my theme is actually quite clear and although there isn’t really a holiday to set the tone for January (I felt sad after I wrote that), there is an overall feeling of change that is suddenly ushered in, at least until February starts and then it ends.


I am a big advocate for change in life, new experiences and doing things that challenge our normal comforts, but I’m also filled with a lot of nervous energy as a person, so change can stress me out in fairly impressive ways. When I feel like an anxious mess I listen to songs that bring me comfort. Simple.

This mix was kind of thrown together, which is not in my typical fashion, so the songs are kind of arbitrary. They all bring me comfort, but hundreds of songs bring me comfort, so these are just twelve of them and they aren't the most special and they aren't the least special. Enjoy! - Mara

1. Elliott Smith - "In The Lost And Found (Honky Back)"

 He's always been one of my favorite musicians and I feel his contribution to music is incalculable. I've never listened to any of his songs in response to anything that called for celebration, but I've listened to his music for all those other times when nothing good happened or when things were just sort of stagnant, but it was okay. "I'm in love, love I hope," is one of my favorite lines, plus the piano in this song is outstanding.

2. Belle & Sebastian - "Piazza, New York Catcher"

Out of all the bands I have come to know as an ardent music fan, I’ve listened to Belle & Sebastian for almost a decade now, thus developing a very passionate loyalty to them, so it’s hard to say why this one song in particular gives me comfort. It sounds like an Americana story of young lovers running away together, dealing with the consequences and the man in this relationship also just really loves baseball. I feel like this song woos me into comfort. I love the Ferdinand and Miranda reference (I’m assuming it’s those two), the lure of adventure with someone you adore, hanging around San Francisco, and especially the line, “tenderly you tell about the saddest book you ever read, it always makes you cry,” because it makes me think of “A Farewell to Arms”, which always makes me cry, but I love it dearly.

3. The Velvet Underground - "Pale Blue Eyes"

4. Beach House - "Used to Be"

I think some of the most taxing change to cope with is when people you love change, or maybe more appropriately, when life just puts you in different directions and you no longer have the relationship that you once knew. I find Victoria's voice to be most comforting when she says, "Don't forget the nights when it all felt right. Are you not the same as you used to be?" 

5. Talking Heads - "Creatures of Love"

6. Neil Young - "After the Gold Rush"

When I went to college I moved to a state where I knew absolutely no one because I wanted to know that I was capable enough to build a life from scratch. Ultimately I succeeded very well, but before the ultimately of it all came about there was this horrible period of doubt and loneliness. I spent a handful of nights listening to Science Friday podcasts in my room, which is something I had done before college and I do it now, but it is a depressing hobby when you don’t have friends and to dramatize that I was just generally frustrated and overwhelmed. I would listen to this album and the title track always made me feel better, even though it sounds like it's about wrecking the world slowly and surely. I’m comforted by the piano and by his voice because I feel like he’s just a friend talking to you about the shitty state of things. It’s just honest.

7. Otis Redding - "(Sittin' On) The Dock of The Bay

Yesterday was a rough day, but I was making an effort to keep my spirits up and create the illusion that I was still accomplishing what I had set out to get done. Around 5:00 I stopped at a coffee shop with the intention to just sit outside (I live in Los Angeles so the weather isn't impairing life) and take some time to relax. Almost immediately after I bought my lemonade I spilled it all over the front of my dress and decided the world had won. It's songs like this one that help make the shitty days seem just a tiny bit better.

8. Bob Dylan - "Stuck Inside of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again"

I've heard some reviewers say this song is about the turmoil and chaos that happened when Dylan went electric along with many other elements of the music industry, political changes at the time and also drugs. The song is so elaborate, it can be exhausting to try to decipher exactly what Dylan is talking about. Sometimes it sounds like the cycle of things and how nothing ever really changes, but I think it's good not to obsess over the meaning. It's one of my favorite songs and sometimes that is all you need for comfort.
-I couldn't find a good video for this one.

9. Okkervil River - "John Allyn Smith Sails"

10. Brian Eno - "Cindy Tells Me"

11. The Pogues - "Body of an American"

12. Tchaikovsky - "Waltz of the Flowers"

Ballet is sometimes seen as a sport for boring people, but I really like ballet and I really like Tchaikovsky, partly because I studied Russia in college and he is like a god over there, especially for the Soviet Russians who had to renounce any organized god, and partly because it’s hard to deny his remarkable talent. This is a gentle, moving, engulfing score of music that makes me feel like I’m being hugged. I sometimes close my eyes, lie down on my bed, play this piece, clear my head and feel all the stress dissipate. 

The Shuffle

Aside from iTunes and the iPod, I think one of Apple’s best inventions is the shuffle feature. It’s so simple yet for a music nerd, it’s an amazing tool. The shuffle allows you to rediscover old favorites, take a closer look at an artist you may have spent little time with or see your favorite album from a completely different view. I love throwing the shuffle on and seeing what gems, weird stuff and guilty pleasures my record collection has. In that spirit, I thought it’d be fun to share a quick, random spin through my music. This is what the shuffle played with no omissions.

“Angel” – Massive Attack

If you’re on this mixtape group, you better have some Massive Attack in your collection!

“To Ohio” – the Low Anthem

Remember the scene in the film High Fidelity when Barry (Jack Black) puts on the Monday morning mixtape but his co-workers quickly shoot it down? He then mumbles about putting back on some ‘sad bastard music.’ While that moniker is meant to be derisive, I think it applies well to the Low Anthem. Very haunting and sorrowful at times, the Rhode Island group’s music is utterly gripping. Although “To Ohio” is from their debut, I’m excited for their 2011 follow-up.

“Waltz (Better Than Fine)” – Fiona Apple

I have no problem saying Apple makes amazing music. Her talent, angst and piano prowess make her infinitely more interesting than a majority of female singer-songwriter out there (as well as being attractive!). Just wish she didn’t take her sweet time making albums - 6 years between When The Pawn… and Extraordinary Machine, going on 6 years since that one.

Pretty much all the versions of this song on YouTube are Fiona performing with Nickel Creek, so here ya go -

“Back To The Middle” – the New Deal

And now for something completely different… Describing the New Deal is a tricky endeavor. No matter how you try, it’s going to sound awful on paper. Check out their live vids on YouTube, or better yet, catch their live show. The Canadian trio creates improvised electronic dance music (livetronica, if you will) that meld drum ‘n’ bass, house and other genres together. The cool part is that all the drumbeats are done by an actual drummer, so seeing them live is a sight to behold. Yes, the New Deal are in the jamband world, but I urge you to give them a chance, as they offer something different from most DJ’s/electronic acts out there. Note too that Feist did vocals on a track from their last studio album.

“Willin’” – Little Feat

One of the great ‘shoulda-been’ bands of all time. Little Feat was formed by Lowell George after he left Frank Zappa’s Mothers. The Feat dabbles in folk, blues, country and rock, having carved out a rabid fanbase that still exists today. The band carried on after George’s death with dimished results. Listen to Feat’s albums with George, though, and you’ll understand why this band should’ve been much bigger than they were. It’s mind blowing you don’t hear their music on classic rock radio. “Willin’” is one of the group’s signature tunes.

“Off-White Guilt” – Les Claypool

I seriously considered about doing a mixtape dedicated to Claypool and his 3 million side projects, but thought better of it. No question, Claypool is ensconced as one of rock’s strangest personalities. His quirky lyrics, maniacal bass playing (he’s one of the best all time, hands down) and penchant for the bizarre make him stand out. While his solo efforts are usually hit or miss, Of Whales and Woe (from where this track his culled) is a strong outing.

I couldn’t the track on YouTube, so instead, enjoy this insane (albeit short) Primus cover of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets”-

“New Underneath” – Dead Confederate

It’s well known that Athens, Georgia, is a hotbed of musical talent. Groups like REM, Widespread Panic, the Whigs and all acts associated with the Elephant 6 collective call this Southern town home. Add Dead Confederate to the list. DC’s mix of Nirvana grunge with My Morning Jacket’s theatrics results in a beautifully dirty listen. As you can imagine, their live shows are a sight to behold. While their most recent album eschewed a lot of the rawness on their debut album Wrecking Ball (where “New Underneath” is from), the band still packs a musical wallop.

Yet another instance of no live footage of a song. Instead, I’ve posted an EPK of their new album Sugar, which gives a great insight in the music and minds of Dead Confederate. I ran the audio for the band interview footage, too –

“Don’t You Evah” – Spoon

Another band I shouldn’t have to dwell too much on. Killer band, great album, wonderful song, despite the misspelling.

“Tribal Connection” – Gogol Bordello

By now, you should be quite familiar with Gogol Bordello or more likely, their lead singer Eugene Hutz (owner of the one of the best mustaches in rock). Dressing like a bohemian pirate, Hutz stomps around stage barking in foreign languages, dancing about, whacking a bucket as percussion and crowdsurfing on a drumhead. It would be a huge gimmick if it weren’t for the group’s multicultural milieu. Drawing from numerous genres across the planet, Gogol makes you dance to their music. While their albums are great starting points, you’ll be won over seeing them live.

“God Only Knows” – Beach Boys

A pop masterpiece from Brian Wilson.

“El Azteca” – Man Man

I think Man Man’s songs can best be summed up as musical ADD. Often, the music can switch tempo, time signatures and genres, all in several seconds’ time. Throwing in elements of pop, indie rock, avant garde and anything they damn well please, these Philly nutjobs always make for a fascinating listen. Check out Rabbit Habits (from where “El Azteca” is from) or better yet, see them don warpaint and dance around onstage.

Couldn’t find “El Azteca” so here’s another song from the album, “Top Drawers” –

“Iron Road (live)” – the Old 97’s

At this point, the Texas crew could be considered the grandfathers of the ‘alt-country movement.’ While other groups like Whiskeytown and Son Volt fizzled, Rhett Miller and co. are still chugging right along, mixing country, rock and pop. Alive & Wired shows the ‘97’s at their best – on stage. The album culls together their best known songs and fan favorites for a gratifying double-disc listen.

Still another instance of no video for the song. Check out the equally great “Barrier Reef” –