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 :)

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Teen(age) Dream

For January, I took the road most traveled and decided to do a 'best of' list. My only deviation was that unlike I suspect most do, mine are not just a collection of what's hip, but of what I actually listened to over the year and still enjoy hearing just as much now. The only problem is that nearly every song on the mix could be considered a guilty pleasure. Yes, this mix is titled appropriately as it is my quintessential mix of guilty pleasures. Welcome to my favorite songs of 2010,

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Teen(age) Dream

*Note - Last post I complained about my disdain for people who use YouTube to listen to music. Well, it's a new year, and I still haven't found a viable replacement for Groove Shark, so you win. Here goes nothing...

13. Bed Intruder Song - Antoine Dodson

12. Club Can't Handle Me - Flo Rida ft. David Guetta

*STEP UP 3-D!!! Watch this video and tell me you don't want to see this movie

11. Heaven's On Fire - The Radio Dept.

10. Pyro - Kings of Leon

9. Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) - Arcade Fire

-She's on the list

8. Your Love Is My Drug - Ke$ha

7. Bulletproof - La Roux

6. Norway - Beach House

5. Dark Fantasy - Kanye West

4. Last Friday Night (TGIF) - Katy Perry

*Cute homemade video

-I wish I was there!!

3. Good Intentions Paving Company - Joanna Newsom

-So creeepy!

2. Teenage Dream (Temabes Remix) - Katy Perry

*My choice for the sexiest woman alive two years running

1. Real Love - Beach House

:::melts:::

Top 12 Favorite Albums of 2010

12. Pink Friday - Nicki Minaj

11. Volume II - She & Him

10. Crystal Castles (II) - Crystal Castles

9. Animal - Ke$ha

8. Champion - Tokyo Police Club

7. Teenage Dream - Katy Perry

6. Come Around Sundown - Kings of Leon

5. Contra - Vampire Weekend

4. July Flame - Laura Veirs

3. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West

2. The Suburbs - Arcade Fire

1. Teen Dream - Beach House

Honorable Mention:

Body Talk - Robyn

Brothers – The Black Keys

Causers of This – Toro Y Moi

High Violet – The National

Diamond Eyes – Deftones

Swim – Caribou

Congratulations - MGMT

Need You Now – Lady Antebellum

The Fool – Warpaint

Odd Blood - Yeasayer

Halycon Digest – Deehunter

Get Him to The Greek – Infant Sorrow

Subiza (EP) – Delorean

Crazy For You – Best Coast

Maya – M.I.A.

Clinging to A Scheme – The Radio Dept.

Biggest Disappointments:

Thank Me Later – Drake (too much R&B)

Messenger – Joe Pug (maybe he should stick to EPs)

Interpol – Interpol (no wonder Carlos left)

Tron Legacy – Daft Punk (doesn’t sound like Daft Punk. and ever since Iron Man, anything that reminds me of Jeff Bridges automatically sucks)

Danger Days – My Chemical Romance (WHAT HAPPENED?!?!)

Favorite Mix Tapes

When it comes to mixes, I don't like to compare those I've made to those of my friends, because every mix means something different to everyone. So I divide it up by To and From. These are my absolute favorites of 2010:

From:

electronic renaissance II: into the clouds by Julie B.

1. Dull to Pause - Junior Boys

2. Into the Clouds - The Sound of Arrows

3. Happy Up Here - Royksopp

4. Swing Tree - Discovery

5. Embrace ft. Ladyhawke - Pnau

6. What You Know About Little Secrets - The White Panda

7. M.A.G.I.C. - The Sound of Arrows

8. The Girl and the Robot - Royksopp

9. 11th Dimension - Julian Casablancas

10. Dance the Way I Feel - Ou Est Le Swimming Pool

11. Want U - Low-Fi-Fnk

12. Your Disco Song - Vitalic

13. This Must Be It - Royksopp

14. Feel It In My Bones - Tiesto

15. With L.E.S. Kids - Gaston

16. Nightcycles - Seams

17. Me and You - Bearbot

To:

a summer jubilee for Julie B.

1. Lizard Song - Via Audio

2. Jail La La - Dum Dum Girls

3. She Wolf - Shakira

4. Stay Close - Delorean

5. Comfortable, Comparable - Hooray for Earth!

6. Alejandro (The Sound of Arrows remix) - Lady Gaga

7. Heaven's On Fire - The Radio Dept.

8. Anywhere - Volcano Playground

9. Genius of Mixing - Jack Durden

10. Deadbeat Summer - Neon Indian

11. When You Walk In the Room - Jackie DeShannon

12. Day Glo - Brazos

13. You and I - Wilco & Feist

14. Are You Devo? (The Spirituals remix) - Shelby Sifers

15. Embrace ft. Ladyhawke (Fred Falke & Miami Horror remix) - Pnau

16. Future Love - Lady Gaga

17. Good Intentions Paving Company - Joanna Newsom

18. Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Honorable Mention:

Return to Wilkeshyre for Nick W.

Hip Pop III by Matt Klomparens

ARBITRARY NICK: or how I learned to stop worrying and love the biff for Nick W.

new charm by Julie B.

Dreams Never End for Multitracking

autumn dream by Julie B.

Coffee & Cigarettes for Multitracking/Josh C.