Multitracking

Smashley's Best Music of 2011

2011-12-13T23:58:00.000-08:00

First of all, apologies for any confusion about what happened to this blog. In short: I moved myself across the country in April and subsequently, fell off the face of the Earth. Plans are being made to re-launch Multitracking: A Mix Exchange as it once was in 2012, with more mixers and more follow-through. Stay tuned!

But since I had no where else to host this, here's my Best of 2011 (for music, of course, since I have no other social skills.) Nicely compacted into internet-friendly, short-attention-span format, complete with 140-characters-or-less explanations and a whole lotta links.

You can also listen to all of the artists/songs here, if you're into that sort of thing:

http://open.spotify.com/user/hellosmashley/playlist/0uUGiF0vv9crWSRoU3hjYS

Here's to another year of still liking music,

With love,

Smashley

Top 10 Albums of 2011

(Top to bottom awesome. In particular order, of course.)

10) The Belle Brigade - The Belle Brigade

In 140 characters or less: Brother/sister duo with impeccable vocal synergy and infectious folk-infused pop sensibilities. Also: a video with SO MANY PUPPIES.

9) Ryan Adams - Ashes and Fire

In 140 characters or less: The revitalization of an old love for Mr. Adams, featuring in the most honest Ryan incarnation that he's had in many years.

8) Typhoon - A New Kind of House
In 140 characters or less: Didn't quite get them the last record, but this EP feels like a much more concentrated effort to polish some of the chamber-pop chaos.

7) The Decemberists - The King is Dead
In 140 characters or less: This band finally stops keeping their fans at arm's length with less rock opera and more strategic songwriting. A perfect album.

6) Augustana - Augustana

In 140 characters or less: Highly under appreciated and misrepresented band who clearly spent a lot of time with Counting Crows before putting this album to tape

5) The Head and the Heart - The Head and the Heart

In 140 characters or less: A happy, unique surprise in a sort of crowded folk revival. As tight a musical outfit as I've heard in a very long time.

4) Source Victoria - Slow Luck
In 140 characters or less: It's been a long time since I've looked forward to an album as much as this one. A brooding, pulls-you-head-first-into-it, atmospheric triumph

3) Bon Iver - Bon Iver
In 140 characters or less: There is absolutely no room for skeptics or cynicism here: from a one-man-show to a nine-man-army, this project is 100% the real deal.

2) Desert Noises - Mountain Sea
In 140 characters or less: One of the best kept secrets in music, by far. I have a lot of hope for this little band from Utah with a totally massive harmonized sound.

1) Blind Pilot - We Are the Tide
In 140 characters or less: Whatever didn't spark for me the last album quickly ignited into a flame. Beautifully produced, exceptionally written folk-pop masterpiece.

Top 40 Songs of 2011

(Some from albums I may have fully enjoyed, some are the only songs I liked . Which is which is left a mystery. In sort of particular order, mostly near the top.)

40) Allen Stone - "Unaware"

From: Allen Stone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Hy6kp5kIs

39) Fun. ft. Janelle Monae - "We Are Young"

From: Some Nights (2012)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQLGhPHzxjc

38) The Fray - "Heartbeat"

From: Scars and Stories (2012)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp0_2fjPlbM&ob=av2n

37) Ladylike - "On to Me"

From: Vol. 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp0_2fjPlbM&ob=av2n

36) Kreayshawn - "Gucci Gucci"

From: Gucci Gucci

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WJFjXtHcy4

35) M83 - "Midnight City"

From: Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX3k_QDnzHE

34) Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - "Nothing But Our Love"

From: It's a Corporate World

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh4etIJx7Oc

33) Oh Land - "Rainbow"

From: Oh Land

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-84_9ube78&ob=av2e

32) Bayside - "Already Gone"

From: Killing Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvXll6AW8fA

31) Blink 182 - "Up All Night"

From: Neighborhoods

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpYhGdrknlA

30) A Lull - "Some Love"

From: Confetti

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0I02rbxuEE

29) SPEAK - "You Know As Well As I"

From: I Believe in Everything

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNScbeuyFCY

28) Portugal. The Man - "Got it All (This Can't Be Living Now)"

From: In the Mountain In the Clouds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J8d18ZkXE8&ob=av2e

27) Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - "If I Had a Gun"

From: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NMUDb3Ewhs&ob=av3n

26) What Laura Says - "Girl Not Gonna Leave"

From: TALK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hDQMEJFRGg

25) Foster the People - "Houdini"

From: Torches

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hDQMEJFRGg

24) Childish Gambino - "Fire Fly"

From: Camp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRpdtG8d518

23) Gym Class Heroes - "Stereo Hearts"

From: The Papercut Chronicles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3E9Wjbq44E&ob=av2e

22) ARMS - "Fleeced"

From: Summer Skills

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFG9lkRJVio

21) Accidental Seabirds - "Untitled"

From: The Snow and the Full Moon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzwqmVQ2M2o&feature=related

20) J. Cole - "Work Out"

From: Cole World -The Sideline Story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PN78PS_QsM&ob=av2e

19) Death Cab for Cutie - "You Are a Tourist"

From: Codes and Keys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ox1EP4RRkE

18) Paramore - "Monster"

From: Monster

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoTEnaAI9Fo&ob=av2e

17) The Whisperlights - "Ditch the Watch"

From: Surfaces

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldmrvdUuzVI

15) Boy & Bear - "The Feeding Line"

From: Moonfire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cBecHBfAxM

14) The Script - "If You Ever Come Back"

From: Science & Faith

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypcK4h4jXvA

13) Kopecky Family Band - "Little Baby Sister"

From: Of Epic Proportions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blZ-iNEzTK0

12) Adele - "Set Fire to the Rain"

From: 21

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri7-vnrJD3k

11) Austin Gibbs - "Held Her a Little Too Tight"

From: Charlie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cahz1ZGIpxg

10) Fleet Foxes - "Montezuma"

From: Helplessness Blues

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVRDJC7_R8E

9) Kinch - "Once, I Was a Mainsail"

From: The Incandenza

http://youtu.be/ce7taPPn6fU

8) Vanaprasta - "Self Indulgent Feeling"

From: Healthy Geometry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZagzVK9-X4s

7) Cage the Elephant - "Shake Me Down"

From: Thank You Happy Birthday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzrYN81_YSY

6) The Summer Set - "When We Were Young"

From: Everything's Fine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQOmaUJfJug

5) Incubus - "Switchblade"

From: If Not Now When?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YszNJovVLAE&feature=related

4) Walk the Moon - "Anna Sun"

From: I Want! I Want!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW7f54tVRmQ

3) Matt Nathanson - "Faster"

From: Modern Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyjQFdeFox8&ob=av2e

2) Manchester Orchestra - "Simple Math"

From: Simple Math

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d14xV2Atsro

1) Grouplove - "Colours"

From: Never Trust a Happy Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79ul9MsoHrA

Final 5 Fun Facts of 2011

(Because I can.)

5) Best Music Video:

Manchester Orchestra - "Simple Math"

4) Best Non-2011 Discovery:

Good Old War - Only Way to Be Alone

3) Favorite Show of 2011:

Incubus - Performing Make Yourself front to back

@ Incubus HQ

2) Favorite Album Cover of 2011:

1) Most Anticipated (rumored) in 2012:

Nada Surf
Fanfarlo
Mumford and Sons
Good Old War
Miniature Tigers
Fun.
Ben Kweller
The Fray

Guest Mixer: Ree Boado (Dearspeak)

2011-04-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow music lovers,

I'm Ree Boado, a singer songwriter and front woman of indie rock band, Dearspeak, here in Phoenix, AZ. We're currently working on an EP entitled Oh, For Freedom!, due out in May, and will be touring quite a bit this summer. Check us out at dearspeak.com, as well as my solo project, reeboado.com if you like. You just might catch some of the following influences in our music. And maybe I'll end up in your city this summer... couch surfing with your neighbor, or eating at your favorite sandwich shop... or maybe just at a nearby venue where I hope you'll stop by to listen. :^]

I shall proceed to name some of my favorite artists and their oh-so emotive tunes that get to me every time. These are 12 songs charged with raw emotion, lyrical depth, great vocals, with an arresting nature about them... all ingredients for a killer song.

"Arrest Me!" playlist:

1. Mumford and Sons - "Awake My Soul" (Live)
I sure need a good awakening sometimes, and this song helps. This is one of my favorite bands and they are amazing live!

2. Carina Round - "Everything a Reason" (Live version)
Don't know the story behind this song, but it is intense and so is her performance of it... seriously dynamic artist.

3. Sufjan Stevens - "John Wayne Gacy Jr."
This is one crazy song about the secrets we all hide and the evils that can lurk beneath "our floorboards". Comparison to a mass murderer.. thought provoking.

4. Arcade Fire - "Wake Up" (Live)
I know we're long past the craze on this song, but it still makes me feel good every time I listen to it. Oh, all the lies that we believe... great lyrics.

5. Sia - "Breathe Me"
I still remember when I heard this years ago on the radio for the first time... I rarely get taken aback by anything on the radio, but this one did that.

6. Tal & Acacia - "Hope Again"
Someone gave me a cd with this song on it. It was written for the victims of human trafficking, an issue that is sadly much more real in the U.S. than we'd like to think. Inspiring.

7. Regina Spektor - "Laughing With"
Profound and quirky.. love it.

8. Damien Rice - "9 Crimes"
Beuuuutiful song.

9. Norah Jones - "Humble Me"
Thought I'd throw this in for variety... really touching with beautiful vocals.

10. Death Cab for Cutie - "What Sarah Said"
If you've ever watched someone die like I have, this song WILL get inside you.

11. Jeff Buckley - "Hallelujah"
Jeff's version of this song is the best in my opinion, and it just doesn't get old. What a mesmerizing voice that carried so much sadness. R.I.P.

12. Carina Round - "Back Seat"
I love this artist and I want everyone to know her! So true, things often aren't the way they should be in this world. Thanks for bringing some hope for us all Carina!

I hope you love these songs as much as I do!

~Ree

Gotta Love That Country Meow-sic

2011-04-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

In January me and a few of my best friends in the world spent 24 hours eating, drinking, walking through the snow, making fun of southern accents and listening to great live music in Nashville. Even though it ended with the possibly the worst night sleep in my life taking place in the Nashville International Airport it was a great time. We headed out to New Orleans the next day then finally ended up in Austin. All three are great music cities but the sounds of Nashville were by far the best and furthered my love of country music. Our trip was documented by fellow mixer Pat Burnell so check it out and if you ever have a chance to go to Nashville (aka Nash-Vegas) you should jump at the chance. See all the live music you can see and take my advice and get a hotel room. Following the tour video is my playlist inspired by Nashville.

1. George Jones - He Stopped Loving Her Today
Starting it off with a bummer. The saddest song ever written and my favorite country song of all time.

2. Dolly Parton - Last Night's Lovin'
This is a B-Side to Jolene and just ridiculously awesome. Just forget about how outrageous the lyrics are and just dance.

3. Johnny Cash - Boy Named Sue
Johnny Cash was more of a story writer than a song writer. I think this song proves that point.

4. Willie Nelson - Can I Sleep In Your Arms
I saw WIllie a few weeks ago at the Chicago theatre and he didn't disappoint. He may not be the best looking guy in the world but with songs like this I'm sure hes done pretty well with the ladies.

5. Kenny Rodgers - The Gambler
Just a classic. The Beastie Boys said it best when they said "Kenny Rogers Gambler is my gambling theme." If you like to gamble it should be yours too.

6. Loretta Lynn - Portland, OR
The only song from the 2000s that made the cut. This Jack White produced track is probably the best thing to come from the genre in a few decades. I used to listen to it on every drive from Seattle to Portland and no matter when I listen to it I think of really great times in my life. I think thats what country music and music in general should do.

7. Hank Williams - I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Hank goes down as the greatest country singer ever and one of the biggest tragedies in music history. This song of his is my favorite but everyone should own his "40 Greatest Hits" collection.

8. Wayne Cochran - Last Kiss
My Pearl Jam reference for this post. One of their biggest hits was a cover of a little known country song. As hard as it is for me to admit I probably like the original better. The back up singers make it. Check out the video of Eddie coming back from an encore break to sing it on top of the sound booth at the Gorge. Fast forward to about 2:30.

9. Garth Brooks - The Dance
Garth Brooks was the last great country star. Before Chris Gains and his ridiculous arena shows he wrote some amazing songs. There was probably a decade before him and after him with nothing good emerging from the genre. Hopefully, that will change soon. This youtube memorial to Dale Earnhardt is probably the highlight of my day.

10. Waylon Jennings - Good Hearted Woman
No matter where you went in Nashville you heard a Waylon song. You can hear a Waylon cover being sang but a female vocalist in our tour video and a crazy dude dancing his ass off to it. I want this song to be the theme song of my life.

11. Patsy Cline - I Fall To Pieces
Another bummer of a song. Holy crap. Try not to cry. I'm sorry its just too good not to include.

12. Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson - Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
Two of the best. This is the most country song I can possibly imagine. I almost feel bad for loving it and not being from the south.

Guest Mixer - Alex Cardwell [Hello The Mind Control/Rough Tough Dynamite/Dogbreth/Bicycle Voice/MAN-CAT]

2011-04-02T00:31:00.001-07:00

Hi, my name is Alex and I'm a musician living in Arizona. I like to play in lots of bands. I was really excited when Ashley asked me to be a part of something so awesome, and I had a lot of fun making my mix, so I hope you enjoy it! First, here is a little about the music I'm currently doing:

Hello The Mind Control - HTMC has been around for some time now. I just recently joined the band on bass towards the end of 2010. Since then, we started recording a new full length album that's almost ready to be mixed, mastered, and shared with the masses! I'm really happy to be a part of it. We also recently shot a music video for the song "Clean" where we spoofed Eddie Murphy's music video for "Party All The Time." You can watch it here. The last album, Total War, can be streamed/purchased here. A tour is also being planned for this summer in August.

MySpace

Facebook

Last.fm

Upcoming shows:

April 22nd-Hard Rock Cafe in Phoenix w/ KINCH

April 23rd-SanTan Wheelie Jam

April 27th-The Trunkspace

April 30th-The Real Coachella Festival

Rough Tough Dynamite - RTD is a rock n roll band that I play drums for that started in late 2009. We currently are working on an EP and some music videos to go a long with it. It should be done by The Real Coachella Festival. For more info, please visit www.roughtoughdynamite.com

Upcoming shows:

April 30th-The Real Coachella Festival

Dogbreth - DxBx is a pop punk band bassed out of Phoenix, and is lead by Tristan Jemsek. He writes really great fun and catchy jams. I have been a fan of his music for some time now and was stoked when he asked me to drums for the live band. Since I joined the group, there have been several line up changes, and the band is currently featuring Hello The Mind Control front man Tyler Broderick on bass. A full length album featuring the full band is going to be recorded sometime next month. For now, I suggest you check out some his acoustic jams, which can be downloaded for free here. A tour is also being scheduled for this summer in August.

Facebook

Upcoming shows:

April 2nd-House Show, Tucson AZ (see facbook page for more info)

April 21st-The Fixx, Tempe AZ

Bicycle Voice- BV is a project that was started by Meg Webb, who lives in SLC Utah. I "met" Meg via the internet back in the days when myspace was still a relevant site for music. Since then, we have played some shows together and recorded an album she started that I helped finish by emailing tracks back and forth to each other. That album and be streamed/downloaded here. It features a bonus track that we recorded in my bedroom when she visited AZ, and it is the only recorded song we have where we were both in the same room during the recording process. A possible upcoming show might be happening at Kilby Court in Utah on May 10th, and we might start recording the next album then and when she comes back down to AZ at the end of May.

MAN-CAT - MAN-CAT is a sampling/art based project. We take samples from songs and recycle them into new songs, using Top 40 song lyrics pushed multiple times through the Google translator. The live band features fellow RTD members Alex Benson on lead vocals and keys, Corey Dillier on guitar, and myself on bass. MAN-CAT is also very much a collaborative effort, and fellow musicians/artists are encouraged to help contribute in whatever ways they can. An attempt to shut MAN-CAT down for its illegal use of sampling and copyright violations are being headed by the AAI (Association for ARtistic integrity). More info on that can be found at keepmusicsafe.org MAN-CAT also has a free EP which can be downloaded here.

Official Site

Facebook

Twitter

Upcoming shows:

April 11th-The Trunk Space, Phoenix AZ

April 29th-The Real Coachella Festival (Tucson)

That's about it for now, but it seems like a new project or something is always in the works. I'm also going to be involved with some music stuff in AZ with some of my favorite artists within the upcoming months. I'm excited to have more info about that to share soon. A website is being made to keep it all in some sort of order, but for now all the info can be found on my twitter, or if you wanted to add me on facebook that would be great!

But enough of that stuff, on to the mix! If you have made it all the way to this point, thanks for hanging in there with me. There is no particular theme to my mix. It is just a handful of some of my favorite artists and songs right now, some newer, some a bit older. My hope is that you might stubble across one or two that you have never heard of before! Enjoy!

1. Tennis - "Marathon"

Tennis is a really fun band to listen to. I got the chance to see them live recently at The Rhythm Room and they are amazing. I've had their album "Cape Dory" on repeat for the past 4 months or so. This is my favorite track of that album:

2. Pretty & Nice - "Piranha"

I first heard of Pretty & Nice a few years ago when Back Ted N-Ted opened for them at the Modified Arts. They have since become one of my all time favorite bands. Their album Get Young is still one I am constantly listening to. They are also an exciting band to see live. I've been fortunate enough to catch them the handful of times they have come back to AZ since I first saw them. I hope they come back soon. The song "Piranha" has an amazingly catchy chours with bass for days. I always find myself playing along to it at home.

<a href="http://prettyandnice.bandcamp.com/track/piranha">Piranha by Pretty & Nice</a>

3. Pet Lions - "Propeller Plane"

I came across this band during one of my usual music blog searches which I so frequently do to find new music. Their Soft Right EP is simply fantastic and this is my favorite track off it:

4. The Spinto Band - "Summer Grof"

I have always been aware of these guys, but I didn't really fall in love with their music until after I saw them live. They are an incredible group of musicians and are now one of my favorite bands. Their album Nice and Nicely Done is definitely my favorite, but I chose this song of their album Moonwink because it is the one I have been jamming the most recently:

5. Kinch - "45 Minutes"

Kinch is hands down one of my favorite bands. I first heard of them a few years back while watching some late night local access music show. They said they had a free album up for free download and the rest is history. The best part about these guys is that they get better every single time I see them. That is a hard thing for any band to accomplish, but I have seen these guys live enough times over the years to know it's true. Their next full length album is going to be amazing, and this is my favorite song from it that they have been playing live. I recorded this at the Rhythm Room when they opened for The Thermals:

6. Andrew Jackson Jihad - "People II: The Reckoning"

I don't think it's possible for me to express just how much I love this band. Sean and Ben are two of the nicest people I have ever met and they are by far two of my all time favorite song writers. I love that it is really simplistic and straight forward, and also how truthful and honest the lyrics are. Some of my favorite shows I have ever played have been with this guys. With such a large and amazing discography, it was hard to just pick one song, but I keep coming back to this one as being one of my favorites by them:

7. Tugboat - "Ocean to Ocean"

Tugboat is another local AZ band that I just can't get enough of. I first heard of them back in 2008 when I played a show with them at The Modified Arts. Frontman Wayne Jones is one of my favorite song writers, I love how energetic his music is and how suddenly each song can change with little warning. I know Wayne is currently playing bass for KINCH, but I hope he takes Tugboat back into the studio soon to finish the bands upcoming full length album that I am dying to hear! This is the first recorded song I heard from them that kept me coming back for more:

8. Alvin Band - "Temple Pressure"

Alvin Band is the solo project of Miniature Tigers drummer Rick Schaier. Rick is an amazing song writer and musician. I just got to see him perform some of the songs live at the recent Miniature Tigers show in Phoenix. I'm really looking forward to his next album, but I still can't get enough of Mantis Preying. I'm still blown away that he recorded the entire thing using nothing but his mouth! This is my favorite song from that album, and the music video is simply fantastic:

9. Jukebox The Ghost - "Half Crazy"

I had never heard of this band until sometime in March of last year. I flew out to New York to see the Miniature Tigers play at The Bowery Ballroom. Jukebox The Ghost was one of the other bands on the bill, and they completely blew me away. I also got a chance to meet them and they are some of the nicest guys around. Ben Thornewill is one of the most talented piano players I have ever seen. They played this song "Half Crazy" and was hooked, I had it on repeat in my head for months after the show. I couldn't wait to hear it again on their album that they released a few months after the show:

10. Back Ted N-Ted - "Marry Me"

Back Ted N-Ted quickly become one of my favorite bands of all time over the last few years. I love Ryan Breen's songwriting, and I was really upset when I heard he was moving to New York. He is one of the nicest people I've ever meet, and I can't express how much I miss seeing him play live. I can't think of funner times I've had at shows then dancing along to his music. I'm not really sure what he is currently doing musically, but whatever it is, I will always be a fan. I hope he never stops doing music and will play a show in AZ soon! I find the lyrics of his songs extremly fun and often time relatable. This song "Marry Me" is one of my favorites of his, and the first two lines it are probably the best example of that. I've had them stuck on an infinite loop in my head recently. The version of the song I have here is off the first promotional copy of his full length CD, not the final version of The Mirror that went up on iTunes. Both sound great, but I feel that he did a better job of capturing his live sound and energy on this one, which is what I miss the most about this project:

11. The Cast Members - "Main Street U.S.A."

The Cast Members is a project started by HTMC front man Tyler Broderick and fellow AZ artist Matt Kimball. Tyler is notorious for his love of Disneyland, and they two recently recorded an entire album based on that fact. Unfortunately, Matt moved away in February and the Cast Members played their first and only show at his farewell show. However, if you dig what you hear, the album is going to be made available for free download hopefully very soon:

12. Little Brother Mojo - "Underwater Complex"

Little Brother Mojo is another local band out of AZ that i wish more people were aware of. They are an incredible group of musicians. All three members are currently taking recording classes at MCC and they do all their recording themselves. I don't think anyone is a bigger fan of what they are doing than me, but I feel it's time more people started listening to these guys! This is a song of a recent split they did with a band called Instructions:

13. Active Child - "I'm In Your Church at Night"

I only recently discovered Active Child, but I can't get enough of it. It's really relaxing stuff, and reminds me a lot of Animal Collective. This is my favorite song, and this music video is just amazing:

14. ROAR - "Christmas Kids"

Those familiar with local AZ might remember Owen Evans from the band Asleep in the Sea, or from his appearances on the Andrew Jackson Jihad albums on banjo or drums. His new project ROAR is the best band out of Arizona right now that you probably haven't heard of. He has an EP our right now called I Can't Handle Change and it is based on the lives of Phil and Ronnie Spector. My hands down favorite song of all time right now is "Christmas Kids." It is super catchy and danceable, but is supper depressing lyrically. I think that is what I like most about it, that happy sound, covered in something really dark and sad.

15. The Californian - "NaNaNA"

Like most people, I was really sad when I heard Phantom Planet was on "hiatus". I was super excited though to learn that PP guitarist Darren Robinson was going to be playing guitar for Miniature Tigers. I got the chance to meet him back when I was helping out at the old Modern Art office in Phoenix however and whenever I could. I was pretty bummed again when he left Mini T's, but I was excited to hear about his new group The Californian. They came to AZ a little while ago and I got a chance to catch up with Darren for the first time in years. I was blown away that he remembered who I was and my full name to boot. He is seriously a class act and an incredibly talented musician. The Californian's EP has only 4 songs, but they are all so good, it was hard to pick just one! They are all full of great surf rock vibes and great vocal harmonies. I'm really looking forward to a longer release from these guys. I choose this song cause I love the drum part, and the chorus is really catchy, it's hard not to sing along to it every time!

16. The Kris Special - "Poor Boy In A Field"

I had never heard of this band until last June when I played a show with them at The Trunk Space. They have since become one of my favorite bands, and their album Alone Feels like a Hotel Room is one of my all time favorites for sure. I highly recommend you check it out. Their drummer Nick Schutz is an incredibly talented musician, he is amazing to watch live. As a drummer, I hope to one day have half the the creativity he displays every time he gets behind the kit. Nick and fellow bandmate Anne Pointer are two of the nicest people I've ever met, and I hope to play many more shows with these guys in the future! Nick says the next album is going to be a million times better, and that makes waiting to hear with what they have in store for us even harder!

17. The Paddle Boat - "One Legs"

I was lucky enough to get to play a show with The Paddle Boat and Andrew Jackson Jihad in January of 2010. They put on a truly amazing set. Their album I Wonder if the Water Ever Tires of the Sea has still been holding up as one of my favorites of all time. I heard they have been working on a new album that I can't wait to hear. I'm sure it's going to be just as amazing.

18. Miniature Tigers - "Annie Oakley"

If you have ever met me, you probably already know just how much I really love this band. I can't get enough of their unique sound and ear pleasing vocal harmonies/melodies. Their debut full length album Tell It To The Volcano will forever be one of my favorites. Frontman Charlie Brand is without a doubt one of my all time favorite song writers. My favorite part though of Brand's writing is his lyrics. I feel like I have never truly connected to another persons words on so many levels since Weezer's Blue album. He often finds the simplest way to express things I think in ways I never would have imagined. I think this song is the best example of that, the chorus always seems to be on repeat in my head.

Well, that's it, hope you had as much fun listening to my mix as I did making it. I hope I can do another one soon! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at ajcardwe@asu.edu

-alex

Guest Mixer - Evan Fox [KNESSET]

2011-03-31T23:47:00.000-07:00

Time to drop some knowledge. (In no particular order.)

AUTOLUX - Turnstile Blues

SONIC YOUTH - Sunday

AMERICAN ANALOG SET - Hard to Find

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE - Cause=Time

MOGWAI - The Sun Smells Too Loud

DINOSAUR JR. - Almost Ready

GRANDADDY - Now It's On

SPARKLEHORSE - Sea of Teeth

MY BLODDY VALENTINE - Sometimes

KNESSET - Bitter Hearts

........Tones, Tempos, and Time Signatures = A Life Worth Living

G E T /// S P I R I T U A L

SO FRESH

2011-03-31T16:21:00.000-07:00

This mix is SO FRESH. A bunch of tracks that give me that uncontrollable urge to just MOVE. SHAKE THAT ASS!

1. Daft Punk - Aerodynamic

Do I lose cool point for using such a recognizable song? Who cares. This is by far my favorite Daft Punk song and never ceases to get me PUMPED.

2. Telefon Tel Aviv - My Week Beats Your Year

This song is SoooOooOOoo FRESH. The title/chorus is probably the most bad ass thing you could say to someone ever.

3. Modeselektor (featuring TTC) - 2000007

French rapping over some sick ass beats. Dark as hell. LOVE IT.

4. Ratatat - Party & Bullshit (Biggie remix)

Such a great remix of an already great song. FUCK UP THE PARTY BEFORE IT EVEN START!

5. The Cool Kids - Bassment Party

Besides this being completely flawless, when are these boys coming out with another record? So eager to hear more from these super talented Chicago artists.

6. Mos Def (featuring Busta Rhymes) - Do It Now

Its great to hear busta doing some more contemporary tracks. Especially great because its on a killer Mos Def track.

7. Tobacco - Creepy Phone Calls

Side project of Black Moth Super Rainbow. If you haven't heard Tobacco's newest album, Maniac Meat, you are missing out. Infectious fuzzy beats that possess your whole body. So good.

8. Battles - IPT2

Short and sweet. Can't wait for their new record this June!

9. Bumps - Sniper Growl

Groove Shark link.

Sorry, I couldn't find a video. Bumps is a side project of the dudes in Tortoise. 3 drummers. Only percussion comprises the entire record. Some pretty sick beats are on their self titled, Sniper Growl being my favorite for its deep and dark vibe.

10. Earl Sweatshirt - EARL

This dude is 16. DIRTY AND DARK. the video is NSFW by the way. In fact, Earl is the kid who was grounded from Odd Future. Tyler, the Creator is getting a ton of the press lately, but Earl deserves just as much in my opinion. You can download the whole album at the Odd Future blog. If you can stomach the lyrics, you can't deny the skill for kids so young making their own beats and raps.

11. Major Lazer (featuring Nina Sky & Ricky Blaze) - Keep It Goin' Louder

Major Lazer - "Keep It Goin' Louder" from Downtown Music on Vimeo.

Eric Warheim directed this mind melter. Any track by Major Lazer will make one's ass involuntarily shake, but I just chose this one. A little B96ish I know, give me a break. It's just damn good, man.

12. Teriyaki Boyz - Kamikaze 108 (酉年　Mix)

I'm sorry. Its hilarious, but I also have fond memories of dancing like a nutcase to this song at house parties.

13. MF DOOM - Potholderz

HOT SHIT.

14. Savage - Swing

If your party is dead put this track on. If shit does not go down, your party is literally dead. Like... you are all fucking dead. not living. SWING!

15. Washed Out - Feel It All Around

Nothing better than this slow jam. A perfect wind down song to any night filled with sweat on the dance floor. Makes me feel like I am moving in slow motion.

Guest Mixer-Matt [The Blue Pages]

2011-03-31T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

My name is Matt and I am a member of The Blue Pages based out of Brooklyn(still scary)NY. We moved here in September from Boston to try and expand our base. So far it's been interesting (a few bumps), and very successful! We released a new record called 'Anthropology' and you can grab it here!

Okay enough shameless self promotion, onto the purpose of this post. I call this mix Gray Clouds. Sometimes when it's gray outside, I'm in the mood for slower and typically sad music. Sure not everyone wants to hear sad music, but to me, it has a way of being uplifting. It kick-starts my creativity and makes me connect to the mood mother nature dictates. More importantly, in a world of top 40 recycled BS, it helps me remember that there are still beautiful, strong, and intelligent songs out there. Here are a few that you know, and maybe some you don't.

1) Feist- 'Lonely Lonely'-the arrangement is for lack of a better word, Perfect.

2) Chet Baker-'the Thrill is gone'-the phrase gets me every time. He's known for trumpet, but man can he sing!

3) Basement Jaxx-'Stay Close'- The organ is so sick! "Stay close to me, don't go nowhere"

4) Cat Power-'I Found a reason'-Her version of the Velvet Underground song...so simple a very beautiful.

5) Adele-'First Love'- First time I ever really noticed a song about the acceptance of love lost...def not the first time it was written about, but she does it in a very direct way...I dunno, i like it.

6) Bon Iver-'Woods'-First song I ever heard from him. So damn beautiful. This is how autotune should be used btdubs

7) As Tall as Lions-'Maybe I'm just tired' (acoustic version)-Harmonies are so pretty.

8) Antony and The Johnsons-'Another World'-The repetition of these phrases and the emotion behind his singing are so powerful.

9) Dntel-'Breakfast in Bed' (featuring Conor Oberst) The lyrics are great.

10) The National-'Sorrow' speechless.

11) Bjork-'All is Full of Love' This Version is the better one. Her belting is insane and always amazing.

12) Kings of Conveience-'Cayman Islands' So so so so so so so so so beautiful...

Obviously I could go on and on, but this works for now. Kudos to David from [What Laura Says] for the youtube suggestion. It was super easy, although some of these might be cheesy...but who cares?! Thanks for reading/listening, and I'll leave you with this!

13) The Blue Pages-'Keep Me Dreaming'-This was filmed by Donald Rasmussen. He's looking to do more, so hit him up if you'd like!!

Guest Mixer - David [What Laura Says]

2011-03-31T10:11:00.001-07:00

Greetings!

My name is David, and Mitch, depending on the day and other assorted variables of equally low importance, and I am a player in the music band what laura says. I was elated to get an invitation for this mix extravaganza (thanks Ashley!) since I absolutely crave making mixes for others to enjoy. Another special shout-out must be given here to all of the creativity and personality that has been displayed by my fellow scenesters, as well as to life and all of its funny ways… I’ve once again made a deadline by the skin of my teeth!

So anyone who is close to me knows that I am head-over-heels in man-love with Madlib. For one who has yet to be (knowingly) exposed to this LA-based musician-producer, his style and production is unique and second-to-none. Having produced for most all of hip-hop’s finest; Madlib also creates his own spastic fast-paced, ADD, sampled soundscapes. He moves from one groove to the next and sometimes only hanging on a hook for thirty seconds, only to blast you with another heavy beat before you realize what is going on. What I love most about him, though, is that his musical creations have added up over the years to a veritable audio encyclopedia of the hippest music in world history… something I strive to achieve in my music as well. Pick up any of his records – from the Beat Konducta series to Madvillain to Yesterdays New Quintet to Quasimoto and the new Madlib’s Medicine Show series – and you will see exactly what I mean. Hip-Hop, Brazilian, Rock, Bollywood, Jazz, Funk, Motown, Chanson, Reggae – if it's good, it’s most likely in there.

At times though, the music that Madlib presents in his mash-ups make such an imprint on my mind that I have to seek out the full song and production info in order to satisfy my curious mind. But due to his elusive nature, tracklists NEVER accompany his work. For this, and since the invention of Shazam, I am a happy person.

As of earlier this year, I have been enthralled by Madlib Medicine Show #10: Black Soul. The album is a freaky mix of late-70’s to early-80’s R&B, Disco, and Fonk… yes, fonk. Perhaps it’s a cerebral thing, as I am very much a child of the 80’s, but this music grabbed MY soul and made it heightened; not to mention it took my ass and set it in motion! I mean… DAMN!! It reached a point where I absolutely had to find out who the original composers of this music was, and how much of this new creation was them verses what The Beat Konducta had added. I was able to decipher enough tunes to create this mix, but there is so much more to mine with this, and all of Madlib's other work. Either way - this shit has shaped me.

As guest mixer, I am proud to present some of the most movin’ music that ever was… a slice of Black Soul, if you will:

Junie Morrison: Super Spirit

Central Line: You Know you can Do it

Mtume: Love Lock

Freedom: Dance Sing Along

Archie Bell & The Drells: Dont let love get you down

James D Hall: I Wanna Get Into You

Roy Ayers: Everybody

Ingram: We Like To Do It

Minority Band: Tasty Tune

One Way: I Didn’t Mean To Break Your Heart

Dynasty: Here I Am

Logg: I Know You Will

Don Blackman: Never Miss A Thing

Mutiny: The Ballad Of Capt'n Hymbad

I must also mention that in obtaining these tracks I found it so much easier to find exactly what I was looking for on YouTube rather than hunting down recordings... Kudos goes out to this forum of human collective consciousness. Not only is the lovely music presented here, albeit rather low quality audio, but the images that accompany give a visceral aspect to one's consumption.

CHECK THOSE STYLES!!

much love ~ d

Guest Mixer - George White [Recorded History]

2011-03-31T00:21:00.000-07:00

Hello, music fans! I'm George. I make records. I also run a brand-spankin' new indie label here in Arizona called Recorded History (like us on Facebook, won't you?). Also, I play bass for Saddles (who, coincidentally, has a new EP out on iTunes, Amazon MP3, and Bandcamp). So, yeah, I'm pretty awesome.

I've noticed that some of the guest mixers have mentioned how they know Ashley, so I feel like I should disclose that I haven't yet had the pleasure. However, in perusing the blog, I did see that she included Five Iron Frenzy in one of her mixes. In high school, I had a different FIF shirt for every day of the week. So, that makes her A-ok in my book.

That brings me to my mix. It's much more chill than I intended. I meant to pay homage to my punk rock roots when I started poring over my iTunes library, but as I whittled down my initial 30-ish songs, just about anything with a distorted guitar ended up on the cutting room floor. I'm old. So, I guess that's the theme here.

My "I'm Old" Mix

Hope you all enjoy! Thanks!

Guest Mixer - Stan (Santah)

2011-03-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Hapsounds, March, 2011

Hello, I'm Stan from Santah. We're a band from Chicago. If you like these tunes, check us out at santahmusic.com. We're about to rerelease our first full length record, White Noise Bed. I named this mix after our van, Hap, because he did a very handsome job getting us to SXSW and back. Most of these songs are from records that we had in heavy rotation while driving. Others are songs we were privileged enough to see live. Enjoy.

"Taos" - Menomena

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrWxS8FM0mQ

We played the greatest house party ever in Omaha, NE. Only slightly less amazing then our set was when Vivian hijacked the DJ’s set afterwards. The highlight was this barnburner, when out of my blurry, headbanging peripheral, I saw all of Santah shaking it like blistered demons. Following our lead, the crowd threw down hard. So hard. So drunk. It’s worthwhile to note that Menomena was also in my top 3 at SXSW, just days earlier.

"Just A Growin" - Young Man

http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/young-man-concert/20031381-51555.html

This might have been my favorite concert of all of SXSW. I would check out this entire Daytrotter session if I were you.

"Downtown" - Destroyer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkB5Ba8SWxU

It’s easy to cruise into a random city with this song: “there was a four-leafed clover, red roveronhiswayovertoyourplace!

"Mermaid Parade" - Phosphorescent

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8J1mK3jats

This is one of the saddest songs I’ve ever heard. Our drummer Steve and I always love the stories in country songs because they take you places, and this song takes you to a shallow ocean where you drown in the perfect sunshine of a past love. “Oh Amanda”. It’s a jam, and every instrument simultaneously matches the dynamic of the vocal delivery. I think everyone connected with this one.

"I Get Nervous" - Lower Dens

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEQl3vD0kco

What an anthem. The band soundchecked with this song a few times. It was fun sneering into the microphone with Vivian and doing a caricature of Jana’s voice.

"Cloudy Shoes" - Damien Jurado

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1t6m0WruMQ

We shared a bill with Damien for the second time at the Nicodemus Agency showcase at SXSW. He has a captivating voice, a candid delivery, and reminds us that cloudy days can be beautiful. Nicodemus knows how to book talented songwriters with cool D names (see Denison Witmer and David Dondero, too). They also know how to book a great tour. Thanks for everything, Nicodemus.

"Neighbors" - Now, Now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeRV_YDjYC8

Now, Now were our petite tour mates from Minneapolis. I picked this live video because the band appears actual size on the screen. They are an incredible band, but rummer Brad pretty much outshines the whole group (just kidding girlz).

"Be Brave" - Strange Boys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hEQd-1XdIs

We’re brave.

"Codex" - Radiohead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cIbpokk4dc

Our favorite song from the new Radiohead record. The vocal melody at 1:16.

"I Don’t Wanna Go There" - Dinosaur Jr.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qwWbVjKBR0&feature=related

Sometimes the only thing that can keep you driving is a “mind blowing” guitar solo from J Mascis. I was going to describe it more but according to this very youtube link “the solo can only be described as mind blowing”.

"Du Mal Á" and "Lato and Juti" - Kingston Springs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b7q6m9hAYo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoLBhDgbna0

When we picked up Vivian and Otto from a literal castle in Austin where they were partying, they had this CD in hand. Thank you for partying on animal furs, drinking ale, and ascending turrets, because this dude has a cool voice. Also, Colin Taylor and Erin Erdman got soul.

“Under Control” – The Strokes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gluGlVioNd8

I fulfilled a small dream of mine when I saw the Strokes at SXSW. For this song, Julian Casablancas and Nick Valensi peformed the first verse and chorus without the rest of the band, hightening anticipation for the song’s iconic drum fill (make sure to check out the real song if you are square: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT8gx5cgx4Q ). The concert ended with “Last Nite” and a fireworks display. I should have liked to bring a date, but Vivian was my date.

Twelve Songs From Twelve Albums To Which You Should Be Listening

2011-03-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

Here are twelve songs from twelve albums that need to be in your music collection.

1. Grouplove “Colours” from Grouplove EP
I saw this band live last night in Salt Lake and they were amazing. I’ve loved this track since a radio friend first introduced me to the band in early February. The group has only been together about a year, and they are looking to have a big 2011 having signed to Atlantic and releasing their debut LP later this year. The currently have a self-titled EP available which features this song.

2. Foster the People “Helena Beat” from Foster The People EP
Another group that is looking to have a huge 2011, Foster the People was a buzz band last summer with their song “Pumped Up Kicks.” This band sounds like Passion Pit being remixed by MGMT, and it works really well. “Helena Beat” is the third track on their self-titled three-song EP, and is my personal favorite. They will be releasing their debut LP later this year, and the songs they performed here in Salt Lake definitely make me excited to hear their new music.

3. The Naked and Famous “Spank” from Passive Me, Aggressive You
The group released their debut LP in September last year. They had previously released two EPs, but their sound seems to have found its pace on Passive Me, Aggressive You as it is a more consistent release than either of their EPs (both of which are recommended). On this song the group is at their most aggressive with sharp synth layering over a pounding rhythm. The vocals of Alisa Zayalith are both soothing and alarming, and the dichotomy works with aplomb.

4. Gypsy & the Cat “Time To Wander” from Gilgamesh
I discovered this band while doing my “Countdown To Coachella” series of blog posts. The duo creates spacey, indie electro-pop that is both soothing and danceable. Their debut LP is full of great, catchy songs, but this one is definitely my favorite.

5. The Joy Formidable “Cradle” from The Big Roar
This band is starting to get some radio play with their song “Whirring,” and while that is a great song, and an accessible one, this is the real gem of the album. Lead singer and guitarist Ritzy Bryan’s voice is reminiscent of a pixie, but has surprising power. The Welsh group is currently touring the US, and I have only heard great things about their live show. I’m looking forward to seeing them here in Salt Lake on April 9th. They will also perform at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

6. Duck Sauce “Barbara Streisand” from Barbra Streisand
This DJ and production duo is comprised of A-Trak and Armand Van Helden. They currently have an EP, Greatest Hits, available, and are expected to release a full album this year. This track samples Boney M and is an electro-house smash that has blown up in clubs all over the world.

7. The Rural Alberta Advantage “Barnes’ Yard” from Departing
This Canadian trio is not, surprisingly, from Alberta. They are actually from Toronto, Ontario. Their album is comprised of some great folk influenced indie rock, and this is one of their more up beat tracks, musically, though the lyrics are darker than the sound might indicate.

8. Fences “Girls With Accents” from Fences
This group from Seattle is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Christopher Mansfield. After getting a hold of their self-titled 2009 EP Sara Quin of Tegan & Sara produced and recorded the band’s debut LP, also self-titled. This song was brought to my attention by an old college friend in Seattle and it has seen consistent play in iTunes ever since. The self-loathing lyrics over a wispy synth line with charging rhythms makes for a great tune.

9. Young the Giant “My Body” from Young The Giant
I think just about everyone is in love with this song. It was a hit on alternative radio, peaking at #5 on that chart, and the California band has plenty more great songs on their album. If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, there’s still room. Here, I’ll help you up.

10. Cut Copy “Need You Now” from Zonoscope
This Australian band’s third album was a sonic leap forward for them. “Need You Now” is a new wave throwback track that could easily have been recorded by Duran Duran in the early 80s. The bass-heavy synth rhythms and the textural layering make for a fantastic track from one of the better indie electronic acts around today.

11. Does It Offend You, Yeah? “The Monkeys Are Coming” from Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
This high-energy song is a tune that one can’t help but smile while listening to it. When I first downloaded the song, on the mountain mid-way through a day of snowboarding, my friends and I listened to it on repeat the rest of the day. The band’s new album is quite good, too, with a few other party jams and some songs that are cutting a new path for the English dance punkers.

12. Art Brut “Axl Rose” from Brilliant! Tragic!
Teaming up with Frank Black yet again, Art Brut continues to bring a level of snark to indie rock not seen in many corners. “This world is fucked, and you’re an idiot” is the opening salvo lobbed by front man Eddie Argos. A positively fantastic tribute to the Guns ‘n Roses lead singer, this song gives “the world the finger” with the only exception being Argos’ “favorite lead singer.”

Need more music in your life? Find out what is in my ear at grantruby.com.

My SXSW 2011

2011-03-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to attend SXSW this year for the first time ever. Weeks in advance I was scheduling travel plans, accommodation and of course, my panel/showcase plans. The hours I spent going through lists and lists of shows was quite intimidating... so many amazing bands playing at the same time every day.

The first day in Austin was work work work until the wee hours of the night so by day two, I was ready to go off on my own, SXSW Go! App in hand to attack the festival. As far as getting to show after show after show, I was pretty lucky in the way that most of the people I was working with had very different tastes in music. I was on my own. I didn't have to make sure everyone was happy or negotiate which shows we'd all go to and when, I had my agenda and was able to stick to it. Even with this amazing predicament; the ability to get wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted, I still found very quickly that you will miss way more than you will actually see at SXSW.

And so, here are ten bands that I saw at SXSW 2011, complete with bands I'd never heard of before, just recently fell in love with or have listened to for what seems like a while now.

Caiti

Guest Mixer - Scott Hessel [Source Victoria]

2011-03-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

When I was asked to contribute to this blog, my first thought was "...but I'm a drummer; this must be a horrible mistake!"

Regardless, here are my picks to click for this edition of Ashley Harris' "Mulitracking."

Miles Davis: "So What"

If I could fake my way through jazz, I would try my hand(s) at this classic by the Prince of Darkness. This video is proof that only Miles Davis could indifferently take a smoke break during a John Coltrane solo and get away with it.

The Police: "King of Pain"

Sure. 2/3 of the band were unabashed assholes - and proud of it - but the Police were also one of the (self-proclaimed) greatest bands of the 80's. I include this version of my favorite Police song, if only to try to spot myself in the crowd.

Radiohead: "15 Step"

I didn't get into Radiohead until they started giving their music away for free. Judging from their new album, they should have stuck with that business model. Anyway, they sounded a little off on this particular performance, but no one seemed to care.

Dave Grohl: "Band on the Run"

My list wouldn't be complete without including something by Dave. Kind of killing two birds here, 'cause Grohl gets to perform one of my favorite Wings songs for Sir Paul at the White House.

The Who: "I Can't Explain"

This makes me want to ride my Vespa down to the unemployment office.

Elbow: "One Day Like This"

Okay, I guess I should include something that proves I've listened to something fresh in the last few years. These guys apparently have a new record out; I swear I'll get around to listening to it in 2013.

The Blue Nile: "Headlights on the Parade"

Speaking of Elbow, I'm pretty sure they would admit to stealing many of their tricks from the Blue Nile. This record was released in 1984; it still sounds well ahead of its time.

The Knack: "Frustrated"

No, this isn't some sort of sick April Fool's joke. I love this band, and I'm not entirely ashamed to admit it.

XTC: "Mayor of Simpleton"

I just became the Mayor of Simpleton on Foursquare!

Elvis Costello: "Veronica"

Continuing the theme of the Wandering Musical Bassline, the artist formerly known as Declan MacManus weaves a bittersweet tale about an elderly woman suffering from memory loss. Co-written by Paul McCartney, this poppy little ditty understandbly gets played at less sporting events than "Pump it Up."

Meat Beat Manifesto: "Edge of No Control"

Heard of these British pioneers of electronic/trip-hop? Now, you have.

King Crimson: "Frame by Frame"

If you think Primus truly does suck (or 99% of math rock bands), you can direct your hate mail to Robert Fripp. King Crimson is still around, but I think this incarnation is the most accessible (and for me, influential) version.

********

This has been fun, but I now feel the need for some sort of musical psychologist.

If you want to check out my band, go to www.sourcevictoria.net. We have a new record coming out very soon. I swear we won't be doing any Knack covers.

Here's a sneak preview.

Guest Mixer: Illya (The Whisperlights)

2011-03-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

better late then never, right? ok, here's my mix. i wanted to have some constraints for this mix, so i've limited it to my favorite songs from the CD's I have in my car right now that are no more than 2 years old.

1. "Stripes" - Bell Orchestre

2. "Do" - Do Make Say Think

3. "Arena" - Suuns

4. "Not Getting There" - Blonde Redhead

5. "All to All" - Broken Social Scene

6. "Moon Jam" - White Hinterland

7. "Another Sky" - Akron/Family

8. "Modern Drift" - Efterklang

9. "Awake" - Silian Rail

10. "The Great Descent of the Sun" - Underground Cities

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://undergroundcities.bandcamp.com/track/the-great-descent-of-the-sun"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Great Descent of The Sun by Underground Cities&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Guest Mixer - Joe Schumacher (Elastic Summer)

2011-03-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

Oh Hey!

My name is Joe Schumacher and I play guitar and synth in Elastic Summer

(you can get our new FREE EP at http://elasticsummer.bandcamp.com/).

I met Ashley years ago when I was interning at Epic Records and now live and work here in the city for a major ticketing company that everyone seems to hate for no reason. I've never DJ'd anything in my life and I never plan to.

Thanks to Ashley for remembering who I am and asking me to do this.

I'll be doing a 4 by 3. Four songs by three bands that I think you need to hear before you die. Feel free to judge my musical tastes. I'm obsessed with these bands and have lyrics for each of them tattooed on me, so my devotion is pretty intense.

I will open with my favorite band of all time - Stars

"Elevator Love Letter" - Easily my favorite song of all time. I cry almost every time I hear it. Possibly the best love song I've ever heard.

"Your Ex-Lover is Dead" - I have lyrics from this tattooed on me. Front runner for second favorite song of all time.

"One More Night" - The drum fill when he says "You'll never touch him again" at around 2:20 gets me every time.

"The Last Song Ever Written" - I feel like this is the best song on their newest record and it totally gets overlooked.

Band Number Two - Motion City Soundtrack.

"Better Open The Door" - More lyrics I have tattooed on me. I love how honest this band is. Wide open and blunt, always.

"Resolution" - I love songs about the new year. The idea of making yourself a better person on a yearly basis is interesting to me.

"Last Night" - This song has "Close To Me" written all over it, and I'm a sucker for solid bridges.

"Autographs & Apoligies" - "Busy hands keep swimming they don't like swallowing" The pre-chorus/chorus on this song is flawless.

Lastly band three - Metric/Emily Haines

"Waves" - B side from their newest record that I'm shocked didn't make it onto the actual record. Eaily one of the best songs they've written.

"Poster Of A Girl" - I'm a sucker for wicked synth lines and songs about cumming in your pants. Duh

"The Twist" - "I want it, it is you, you are where I want to be" are some of my favorite lyrics hands down.

"Reading In Bed" - I encourage you to listen to this song while its raining here in NYC. It's a life changing experience. Also more lyrics I have tattooed on me.

That's it for me. Hope you enjoyed my lamefest. Thanks again Ashley.

Guest Mixer - Mike McHale (Peachcake)

2011-03-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

From NFG to LCD...

Hello. I'm Mike McHale and I play guitar and synthesizers, do back up vocals, write songs and tour manage in the group, Peachcake.

It's been interesting how my musical tastes have grown throughout the years. Growing up in rural Northeastern Pennsylvania didn't really have much to offer kids for music other than what was on the radio and MTV. Luckily I was able to find out about a few good bands while living there that would later become a big influence on me.

Shortly after graduating high school in 2004, I ended up in San Diego and started to become familiar with the Southern California music scene and all that it had to offer. Somewhere in between waiting in line for shows at SOMA and snapping shots of bands for a local photography website, I was introduced to Stefan Pruett and the group that I would later become heavily involved with, Peachcake. Little did I know that my meeting with the group would not only help me further my knowledge of music, performing, and the day-to-day life of being in a band, as well as take me places I only had dreamed about going to, but also introduce me to new music that would influence me both as a musician and as a person.

Here is a collection of bands/songs that have meant a great deal to my musical upbringing over the last 10 years...

(click on the titles to hear the songs)

New Found Glory - "Hit Or Miss"

Back when I was in high school when the only way to find out about new music was from the radio and MTV, I immediately became hooked to a pop punk band from Florida that would later influence me to make me start my own band after seeing their music video being played one day after school. I think what captivated me the most about NFG was just their overall energy and love for what they were doing and I could just tell that they were very genuine with their music.

Piebald - "King Of The Road"

Another band that I thought was very genuine with what they did with their music and being in a band. I'm glad I was able to see these guys a few time before they broke up in 2008. Their shows were so much fun.

Steel Train - "Blown Away"

Anyone who knows me knows that I've been a big fan of these guys for a long time now. I first found out about them while they were on Drive-Thru Records back in 2003 and after seeing them live a few months before moving to San Diego, I became a huge fan. Lead guitarist Jack Antonoff's stage presence and performance has always continued to amaze and heavily influence me throughout the years. Although they've gone a more straight rock route in recent years, which I also like, their earlier experimental and kinda softer stuff will always be my favorite phase of their lifespan as a band.

Reubens Accomplice - "Act On (Feeling Alone)"

I moved from Pennsylvania to San Diego with my folks in 2004 and along with attending my first show there, I was introduced to the goodness that was Reubens Accomplice. After seeing them open for Steel Train, Jack (from Steel Train) highly recommended to me to buy their album, The Bull, The Balloon & The Family, at the show and I'm glad I did. I can't think of how many times I had listened to their album and was just in awe of how beautifully orchestrated each song was on the album. Definitely in my top 10 favorite albums.

Limbeck - "Julia"

Another band that was introduced to me through the grace of Steel Train and would later help me meet about half of the friends I made while living in California was Limbeck. Not only was their music really fun to listen to and play on guitar (I remember knowing how to play about every song on Hi, Everything's Great thanks to seeing them live so many times), but it gave off the vibe that you knew the guys personally and you knew exactly what they were talking about after living in California. Nothing but good times whenever the Limbeck band plays.

Get Back Loretta - "Dreams Got Scattered"

One of the perks of living within the So Cal music scene was being surrounded lots of great local music. But out of the countless number of bands, only Get Back Loretta stood out to me as the real thing. Just a bunch of funny guys with varied musical tastes coming together to make really fun and great sounding pop rock. I could always count on having a good laugh and a good time with the GBL gents whenever I saw them.

LCD Soundsystem - "All My Friends"

This was one of the first songs I had heard while on my first tour with Peachcake back in 2007 and this song has stuck with me ever since. To this day, I can't help but get a little choked up from thinking of the amazing friends I have made and how lucky I am to have them in my life whenever I hear this song. If I could have any song be played at my funeral, you can bet that this will be blasting loud at the end of my life.

Talking Heads - "Once In A Lifetime"

Another band that I became familiar with during the first tour with Peachcake. I just kept thinking how weird of a band they were but still sounded so good. After hearing those live wood blocks in "Once In A Lifetime" from Stop Making Sense, I was hooked.

Miike Snow - "Silvia"

I had known about Miike Snow for a while but when I first saw the video in the link above, I was just in awe of the sounds I was hearing and couldn't believe how they were making them. Just the way everything sounded, from the ringing of the piano to the perfect amount of reverb on his vocals, gave me chills. I was literally speechless after seeing them live last year in Arizona. I can't believe this band exists. In a good way, of course.

Hot Chip - "One Life Stand"

One band that has very influential on me during the writing process of the latest Peachcake album has been Hot Chip. I'm all about the music when it comes to writing and just the way that they wrote their songs and the sounds they used made me want to achieve something as unique and fun as what they have made.

Holy Ghost! - "I Will Come Back"

If you ever catch me DJing at all, you'll more than likely hear me play something either written or remixed by these guys. Their music is very hard not to dance with their throw backs to early-disco and 80's synth pop. Definitely one of the promising new groups of this decade, I have a feeling these guys are gonna be very successful in the coming years.

LCD Soundsystem - "Home"

I'm sure I'm breaking some sort of cardinal rule of mix making by having one band on the same mix twice, but I don't care. Although the end of LCD Soundsystem has been inevitable for quite some time now, it's still sad when one of your favorite groups disbands. I can't thank James Murphy enough for all the music he's made and how much it has influenced me over the past few years. Even though their final live shows are this week in New York, I'm sure we'll see more of Mr. Murphy in the future and I'll be looking forward to what he does next.

Thank you to Ashley Harris for inviting me to be apart of this. Hopefully my writing wasn't too horrendous. It's been a while since I've blogged.

And please check us out at Peachcake.net. We'll be releasing new music on May 3rd and we're very proud of it. So check it out when it comes out.

OK BYE!

--Mike.

Guest Mixer - Braden McCall [Dead Wildlife/Before Braille]

2011-03-30T00:12:00.000-07:00

Braden from Dead Wildlife. Thanks for considering me as a guest mixer. Please download my music for free or purchase a physical copy at DeadWildlife.com // Also available on iTunes. Let's just get the shameless self promotion out of the way...

Track 01 // Dead Wildlife cover of Thom Yorke "Hearing Damage"

Track 02 // Chew Lips "Play Together"

Track 03 // Basement Jaxx "Raindrops"

Track 04 // Miike Snow "Billie Holiday" Bonus Track

Track 05 // CocoRosie "Werewolf" Live (v2.0)

Track 06 // Sleigh Bells "Infinity Guitars"

Track 07 // Miami Horror "Sometimes"

Track 08 // Mitzi "India"

Track 09 // Friendly Fires "Paris" Remix by Aeroplane

Track 10 // The Sea And Cake "An Echo In"

Thanks for viewing // Braden McCall

Guest Mixer- Oren J (Silver Medallion)

2011-03-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

Ola.

My name's Oren, I'm the singer in Silver Medallion, I came out of Phoenix AZ but now I live and tour from Brooklyn NY. When I'm not touring I DJ upscale mainstream clubs in NYC and make yuppies dance to whatever it is yuppies like currently then when the manager says the nights over I play Flux Pavilion's "Bass Cannon" so people leave. I'm in the middle of a college tour with Silver Medallion, I just finished up DJing in Miami during Ultra weekend last weekend, I'm live at Syracuse this weekend and Cornell the weekend after, and life is good.

I made this mix for a group of my friends, I had a west coast tour and a whole bunch of my people came along, video guys, roadies, security, backup singers, extraneous friends etc and I made this mix to soundtrack the inevitable debauchery. I hope you enjoy, I have a mediafire zip for all of it hit me up on www.twitter.com/silvermedallion or oj@silvermedallion.net and I'll send it over or we can make friends.

1. Down in Mexico-The Coasters

2. Pepper-Butthole Surfers

3. A Rapture-Stereo Alchemy

4. Starstruck - Santigold

5. White Rabbit-Jefferson Airplane

6. Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)-Kenny Rogers

7. Fresh Air-Quicksilver Messenger Service

8. Geto Boys- Glass Candy

9. Aly, Walk With Me-Raveonettes

10. Veni Vedi Veci (Diplo Remix)-Black Lips

11. Darkest Light Lafayette Afro-Rock Band

12. Spread Your Love-Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

13. War Pigs- Black Sabbath

14. The Boss- James Brown

15. Police And Thieves - Junior Murvin

16. Curly Locks - Junior Byles & The Upsetters

Enjoy.

Guest Mixer - Travis Pack (Sleepwalk A Robot)

2011-03-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

All My Ex's Live In Sacramento
is the name of this mix.

Here is a pseudo-serious reason why these seemingly random songs are grouped together:
If I hadn't actually been to Sacramento, I wouldn't believe it was a real place. It seems more of a mystical city/vortex where girls with whom I've screwed things up all seem to gather, and where Phoenix Suns great Kevin "KJ" Johnson resides as mayor. If you have a significant other or are even casually dating someone, chances are they will end up leaving to some other city soon (most likely Sacramento), at which point you should give them this "welp, I guess it's too late now" send-off mix as they are drawn inevitably toward California's underwhelming capital.

*Tip: I've made my girlfriend listen to it as a preemptive strike, hoping to protect her from the vortex. While not the mix's original intention, you may want to employ a similar tactic depending on you level of interest in said significant other.

Good luck, and enjoy.

Nada Surf - Your Legs Grow

Shout Out Louds - The Comeback

Frightened Rabbit - I Feel Better

Hellogoodbye - All Of Your Love

Toro Y Moi - Such Bad Handling

Say Hi To Your Mom - Let's Talk About Spaceships

Stars - Ageless Beauty

Kate Nash - Foundations

Will Stratton - I'd Hate To Leave You

Brand New - Jesus Christ

The Avett Brothers - Kick Drum Heart

The Kooks - Always Where I Need To Be

Chromeo - Hot Mess

Dntel feat. Ben Gibbard - (This Is) The Dream Of Evan And Chan

Long live KJ and the 1993 PHX Suns.

Guest Mixer- Jason P. Woodbury (Phoenix New Times)

2011-03-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Hey all.

My name is Jason, and I'm very happy to be contributing a mix to my friend Ashley's blog. It's the end of the month, which is of course the deadline for the guest mixer project, and as has no doubt been predicted by anyone who knows me, I'm getting this in just before it's due.

In terms of unnecessary information about myself, I have played guitar, bass, and/or sang in a bunch of bands, like Hands on Fire, Porches, Cardiac Party and Soft Drink. These days I'm concentrating on writing. I'm a blogger and the clubs for Phoenix New Times, as well as a regular contributor to the music section there.

I occasionally DJ, too, under the handle DJ Babynose, which my girlfriend coined. My mix is about as themed as my DJ sets -- which is to say not at all. I like a lot of music, and when I do play out, I like to think of myself as something like an old school radio DJ -- a guy who doesn't do much beyond pick what order really good songs are played in. I sincerely hope you enjoy the listen.

Multitracking by DJ BABYNOSE

1. Mac Rebennack & the Soul Orchestra- The Point

2. The Parting Gifts- My Baby Tonight
3. O.V. Wright- I've Been Searching
4. Abner Jay- My Middle Name is the Blues
5. Chubby Checker- If the Sun Stopped Shining
6. Harry Nilsson- Blow Me Down (demo)
7. Du Droppers- Come on & Love Me Baby
8. Tierra Del Fuego- Queen of the Rendezvous

9. Vince Guaraldi- Joe Cool
10. Sonny Boy Williamson- You're Funeral and My Trial (alt. take)
11. Joke Rose With D. Charles Speer & The Helix- Linden Avenue Stomp
12. Dirty Beaches- True Blue
13. Bo Diddley- I'm All Right (live)
14. Della Humphrey- Your Love is All I Need
15. Michel Polnareff- Time Will Tell
16. Richard Swift- Lady Luck
17. Erma Franklin- Higher & Higher
18. Alex Chilton- I've Never Found a Girl
19. Big Joe Turner- I Don't Dig It
20. Tom Waits- Lie to Me

Guest Mixer - Dan Somers [Lisa Savidge]

2011-03-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

Letsee, a little bit about me, eh?

Well, I front the band Lisa Savidge (which recently released the greatest album ever), I help run Black Cactus Records (which recently released the greatest album ever), I'm a recording engineer and occasional producer at the studio audioconfusion (which recorded the greatest album ever), and formerly a DJ and Promotions Director at Radio Phoenix (a station upon which you can hear the greatest album ever). That should do it.

Now, on to the mix. I've decided to follow the format of my old radio show, where I would intermix well-known and obscure songs based on some kind of common theme that they share. The theme this time around?

Bands Complaining About Being in Bands

Call it self indulgent if you must, and it probably is. Some people would say that this theme has been beaten to death, but if that were the case, every single time I tell somebody I'm in a band they wouldn't react like THIS (which they totally do). Oh, there's plenty to complain about: When you're starting out (also known as the time between picking a name and going broke for the 15th time) there's the cut-throat rat race where you had expected to see a bohemian love fest; while for the select few that do "make it" (only went broke 14 times before a miracle descended from on high) there's the pressure for continued success, shady dealings, and the like (see: every episode of VH1's Behind The Muisc, EVER). Of course, there's a lot of upside, too (that's why we do it right? I mean, that or we're really, really stupid) which is the incomparable feeling of getting to express yourself by creating something new and possibly beautiful.

For me, I'm kind of on both sides of it - getting to be in the lovely position of hating the bands for being so entitled as well as hating the industry for not giving me all of the things that I'm entitled to - so this is going to be a pretty tongue-in-cheek list. Just pick your side and read everything you disagree with as sarcasm, and we'll get through this just fine.

So, anyway, what to do when you're trying to whine about the downside while experiencing the upside? Write a song about it! Here's a few artists who I think did it the best:

Life During Wartime - The Talking Heads

Now here's a rather dramatically written song that's inspired quite a few different interpretations over the years. The band, however, has always been clear about the fact that this song was written about living in alphabet city as they were trying to get going. Everybody had told them that the whole thing was going to be a big party - a disco if you will - but it turned out that it ain't that. It ain't no fooling around, either. No sleep, no food, and fashions changing so fast that one could easily lose their own identity.

Of course, a million yuppies didn't really get the message, and I'm thinking there aren't a lot of artists who can afford to live in the village these days. Meanwhile, now you can go down to Brooklyn to get robbed, broken, and starved to death along with a million other artists who didn't get the message either.

Here's the live version from Stop Making Sense

Bohemian Like You/All the Money... - The Dandy Warhols

Speaking of the not-really-bohemian lifestyle, here's a rather sarcastic tune to that effect. I've always been a big fan of the Dandys, so it kind of pains me to use their most well-known song here, but the shoe fits. I love how in the lyrics it is literally assumed that both of the people talking have bands.

It reminds me of one night when we were hanging out in front of the Yucca Taproom, talking about how we should go about getting this great new record (the greatest album ever, you could say). Anyway, this extremely drunk girl butted in looking for a cigarette, and upon hearing that we were in a band (having heard nothing of the prior conversation) exclaimed "You're in a band, I'm in a band, everybody is in a band! Who gives a fuck?!?!?" You know, just one of those great poetic moments.

Oh, and for bonus points, let's also throw in All the Money or the Simple Life Honey by the Dandys as well. The music video certainly seems to match the theme here.

Bohemian Like You

All The Money or the Simple Life Honey

Have a Cigar/Welcome to the Machine - Pink Floyd

Well, this one is pretty obvious, isn't it? Still, since you knew it had to be in here, I figured we might as well get it out of the way.

It works here anyway, since the last two were about starting out/relatively obscure bands, but as the Floyd fellows show, even being some of the richest and biggest rock stars in the world doesn't mean you need to stop complaining.

This one is as self explanatory as they come, though I will add that the overall theme of the album (Wish You Were Here... If you didn't know, then shame on you!) - well, besides the title track and Shine on You Crazy Diamond which was part of the whole Syd Barrett thing - was inspired by the band's frustration at their label/management insisting that they "do another Dark Side of the Moon." Bearing in mind that that album ended up spending 1,500 weeks on the Billboard charts, it's not hard to see why they wanted one, but the band wanted to keep growing and trying new things. Anyway, both of these tracks sum it all up, and failing that you could just look at the album cover or the disc art to get the rest of the picture.

Have a Cigar (with the aforementioned album art)

Welcome to the Machine (Fan Video)

The Story of an Artist - Daniel Johnston

So we've covered the culture and the industry a little bit (there'll be more of that later, I'm sure), but what about the public perception? What about that guy at the copy shop? What about the day to day ups and downs of struggling with your own self doubt? Well, I think Daniel Johnston covered that aspect quite nicely in that innocent, childlike way that only he can.

I think it's interesting that, between bouts of literally battling satan, he found this an issue of enough import to warrant a song. I guess I feel a sort of kinship that way in that I've got my own history, and I've done the same (more on that later). In any case, this one just gets me every time.

Story of an Artist

Money For Nothing - Dire Straits

Another obvious choice, but not so obvious that MTV didn't get it completely wrong and use it as a promo. There are two other reasons I think this warrants inclusion. One, I really love the way that Mark Knopfler is able to do more with a rhythm line than most of the over-the-top shredders were able to to do with a decade's worth of leads. Two, because this is a great example of art imitating life - the song was based on an overheard conversation between appliance store workers. Meanwhile, this band definitely made disliking their status as musicians a cause celebre, even naming the band after its own financial status.

Money for Nothing

Sounds Good To Me '83 - The Necronauts

What's that? Conflict of interest? Surely it couldn't be that this very band is on Black Cactus Records and recently released the second greatest album ever! Well, maybe they are, and maybe they did, but this is still a great song and it fits right in here.

In this case, they seem to have followed along the lines that Dire Straits had set forth and taken it a step further. Dripping with sarcasm, and with a bit of a wink to the audience, Billy Goodman & Co. call the nonsense of the scene that celebrates itself (originally said about shoegaze, but that title goes to "indie" these days) the way they see it.

As a matter of fact, I like this song's catchy chorus so much that I'm even going to overlook its breaking of my cardinal rule of choruses (ending the last line with a tacked-on "tonight" - I'm looking at YOU Pat Monahan of Train). Hey, when it works, it works.

Sounds Good To Me '83
on the band's Myspace Page

EMI - The Sex Pistols

So, here's a band that had pretty much everything. They were basically had it all going on from the get-go, and when they managed to get themselves fired from one record company, another swooped in to take care of them. Then, they only had to do one record to be critically acclaimed as one of music's sacred cows forever. Oh, and they never even had to learn to play (well, Syd Vicious anyway)! In a lot of ways, these guys make it look like the Backstreet Boys had it rough.

Don't get me wrong, I have the one record in question proudly displayed on the shelf behind me as I type this, and I've loved listening to it time and time again. But jeez,
talk about your free rides.

So what do you do after all of this? End your one record with a song bragging about the whole ordeal!

E.M.I. - Fan Video

Appalachacha (Pts. 1&2) - Lisa Savidge

Ok, so here's the REAL conflict of interest. But as I mentioned before, I'm following the format of my old radio show, which itself borrowed a lot from Alice Cooper's show - to include an element of shameless self promotion (in case it wasn't shameless enough with my repeated insistence on our having the greatest album ever).

But here's the thing... As I was going over the list, it struck me that this particular song is exactly the perfect thing for it - and a really great, depthy sort of counter-balance to the Pistols' in-your-face straightforward songwriting.

In any case, this particular piece sets up the battle of dream vs. reality as it applies to a rock band as a sort of grand metaphor for life in general. We're all idealists at some point, and we all seem to lose that somewhere along the way for practicality's sake.

So it goes where the bohemian lifestyle gives way to nuts-and-bolts execution, anxiety builds over the gods we have created for ourselves (in this case, Mount Olympus being the Capitol Records building - but it could just as easily be wall street or the white house or even Greenpeace headquarters for that matter), the hopeless feeling that the world is outside of your control to the point where there's nothing you can do at all, the dreadfulness of the day-to-day that you've created, and finally some hope for redemption in the realization that it was you who created it in the first place. Give it a listen and you'll see what I mean...

Appalachacha - Official

Common People - Pulp/William Shatner

Here's a clever little tune that I've loved for a long time, and a nice way to keep that kind of huge production feeling from the last song going until we can bring it back down at the end. This one sort of takes the other side of the issue, looking at the person who is looking at the artists and applying the assumptions as to what that life would be like. Well, not artists in particular, actually "common people." I guess that's the point I'm making by including it, actually... It's that people think that there's this sort of charmed life that comes with being an artist, but it's mostly dancing, drinking, and screwing because there's nothing else to do. And that's the thing about it... I don't spend half my time standing in front of bars smoking cigarettes because it's romantic (it isn't, by the way), I do it because the other choices I've made in my life have limited my options to exclude almost anything else. But try telling that to the hipster who's trying to ape the same behavior in this song.

Oh, and there's another thing I love about this one. The subject of the song isn't met with wrath or hatred or vitriol, which would actually make it a really ugly song. More of a decent-spirited wonder, I'd say, which, although it doesn't solve the miscommunication, certainly doesn't make things worse either.

I actually chose to use the William Shatner cover here because 1 - I unironically love the way he delivers the lyrics, the way the duet with Joe Jackson works out, the production that Ben Folds did... all of it. And, 2 - I think the whole song takes on a whole extra level of meaning when William Shatner, one of the most uncommon people around for practically a lifetime, takes it on.

Common People - William Shatner Version

Sweet Jane - The Velvet Underground

Really, I could've used anything from "Loaded" on this list... The title is actually a joke on the record company for insisting that this, their final album under their original contract, be "loaded with hits" since the band had not performed well commercially up to that point. As a matter of fact, this album did end up spawning a number of very popular songs, though I hardly think that was on purpose.

Anyhow, I really like this song because it takes another perspective still. In this case, it almost feels like Lou Reed - one of music's most notorious megalomaniacs, by the way -
is actually envying the "common people" who look up to him. There seems to be a real longing in the way this is put together for the simple life of a banker and a clerk... Getting home from the office to sit by the fire and turn on the radio. Keeping up the 24 Hour Party People kind of lifestyle precludes ever having this kind of routine, and I think that's why he actually mentions himself in the song, specifically being in a rock and roll band, but then doesn't give himself a part in the narrative at all.

It's a little bit sad, you know, but the grass is always greener.

Sweet Jane

And I guess that wraps it up. If you've stuck around this long... Well, thanks. I hope you've enjoyed my ramblings.

Guest Mixer - Wayne (tugboat/kinch)

2011-03-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is wayne. i play guitar/sing for tugboat and play bass for kinch.

These are some of my favorites over the past 5 years or so...

Tera Melos-The Skin Surf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR4JDrftESk
You will say that you love this band. they will say fuck you. you will still love them anyways...

Cursive-Flag and Family
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSVXTXYwdaA
Fun

David Bazan-When we fell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xj9Va8UVX0
has to be one of the best press shots i've ever seen.

Further seems forever-The moon is down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKz-YAs6ZsA
Good sad

Headphones-I never wanted you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmHIpNEYGjM
Bad sad

Minus the bear-Women we haven't met yet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHidc7nE-iM
Wish they were still this awesome

Maps & Atlases-Ted Zancha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUF0qgAyty0
Love these guys

The Crystal Skulls-Airport Motels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txI5kuq_uBc
Saw them open for minus the bear in 2006 at clubhouse. they were great

Rancid-Antennas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhFvktaub7k
you're selling sexism. i'm 16 again.

Thelonious Monk-Locomotive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj8sWfxNqRM
i feel so adult.

Nirvana-Sliver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QECJ9pCyhns
grandma take me home

Wayne Shorter-Dance Cadaverous
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyQoMuwHCQ4
this is off of the record speak no evil- if you have the slightest interest you should pick it up.

Nofx-The Decline
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCz8PNvABO0
epic

thanks

Multi-Track-Nastick

2011-03-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Alex LoSardo. I was invited to this blog by the one and only Smashley. I don't have the ability to say no to her. My band at home is Big. Fast. Easy. (www.myspace.com/bigfasteasy) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22r0YTpjtJQ)

I currently live in London and will have some brand new musica for your ears soon. That I am excited about because the material is different. I feel like there is some growth happening. NOW, for the multi-track! I'm going to put links to 13 songs because 13 is my lucky number. Long story for a separate blog. I'm listening to a lot of different things now which I'm sure will be reflected here. I've really enjoyed all of your post and I'm happy to be a part of this "group". I hope you enjoy these tunes.

Peace.

1. Szerdene "Lead the Way"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CvmJbayD7k&feature=related

2. Radiohead "Codex"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cIbpokk4dc

3. Mergence "Girl. Fear. God."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNS_BY76-Zc

4. The Suzukis "Reason for Leaving

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oNZXKSwxV8

5. Nneka "Africans"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsA8s_vzs9I

6. Dead Weather "60 Feet Tall"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfenJiS5NV4

7. What Laura Says "I Suppose"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLIQlxf4vLM

8. Sister Sledge "Thinking of You"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijuUPJeaeXQ&feature=related

9. Andy Mckee "Africa"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9XM3Op7BUA

10. Toure Kunda "Salya"..... I don't know who is covering it, but I like it. I love Toure Kunda

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONZVqrZ6scA&feature=related

11. Stevie Ray Vaughn "Tightrope"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNuXO60G33w&feature=fvst

12. The Roots "You Got Me"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJCHeEQV454

13. Stevie Wonder "Master Blaster (jammin)"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3wRVbEXBEI&feature=related

Guest Mixer - Nick Gortari [Lisa Savidge]

2011-03-28T23:47:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm the keyboardist, one of the songwriters, and a key marketing strategist for the band Lisa Savidge. We just released our sophomore, self-titled full length in April on Black Cactus Records, which received rave reviews from critics around the country and placed in the top ten in CMJ radio markets across the US and Canada. We getting ready to go on tour in Southern California and across the Northwest as well as working on a new album which we hope to release in September, 2011.

Read the legendary Jack Rabid's review of our latest album album:

http://www.bigtakeover.com/recordings/lisa-savidge-lisa-savidge-black-cactus

You can check us out in a variety of ways.

Videos:

Fire Exiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCGU1AwMlCU

Appalachacha http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDSCfwJ3Ft4

You can keep track of what we are up to as well and hear more songs here:

http://lisasavidge.com

http://blackcactusrecords.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Savidge/272983333209

twitter.com/lisasavidge

myspace.com/lisasavidge

And now for the Mix:

Rites of Spring:

So its spring, and you are waaaa-aaaay too busy to fall in love. But you still have the urge and indie romance comedies on Friday nights just aren't doing it for you. Am I right? Well rest assured. I've put together a mix of music that will run you through the spectrum of several love affairs from imagining your dream lover (act I) to experiencing the intoxication of love (act II) to that heart wrenching (inevitable - for most of us artist types) break-up that will make you feel so alive (act III).

And you'll still make your QII sales quota! Keep in mind that every artist listed here has some how influenced how I write/create music in some way. These aren't all my influences, we are missing some key ones like Beegees or Modest Mouse, but I thought it would be a fun duel theme if each love song artist also had to be one of my musical influences.

So grab the chocolates and kleenex... You're gonna need 'em!

ACT I: Imagined Love

Neutral Milk Hotel - Holland, 1945

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCjpbjCH5L0

Neutral Milk Hotel's, Jeff Magnum writes a love song to Anne Frank, who he obviously never met, but formed an attachment to based on historical accounts of her. This signifies the tendency we have to form a fictional love with those who are in some way unavailable for us to love. Whether we actually know these people or they are fantasy crushes, the end result is a love affair we nurture only in our own fantasies.

Klaxons - Gravity's Rainbow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDrctb2BzLg

The band originally intended this song to be about ejaculation and missiles exploding based on a book after which the song was named. There is also my interpretation where some one fantasizes about the excitement they will have when they meet a future (dream) lover or are getting to know a future lover. Excitement often times based in delusion,

Radiohead - Creep

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFkzRNyygfk

Who hasn't been in middle school? A time when you feel so awkward and have a crush on whoever. Since you are so awkward, you have no idea how to talk to them. HAHA. Its easy to slip into an illusion that they are on a pedestal of glory and you are "Creep" or a "weirdo". Chances are they are just as dorky and awkward as you are. But its fun to have a reason to hate yourself when you are going through puberty so keep it up.

Claude-Michel Schonberg - On My Own from Les Miserable the Musical

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug4-fLYKwzs&feature=related

Can you get more dramatic than this? Unrequited love in the middle of the French Revolution and some other bitch stole your man. "All my life I've only been pretending." "Without me his world would go on turning. A world that's full of happiness that I have never known". As Wolverine would say "'Nuff said."

The Stooges - I wanna Be Your Dog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJIqnXTqg8I

Here we get a hint of Act III where we assume there is some bad history, but this guy wants a taste again even if it means he will be dominated and "lose [his] heart on the burning sand". Often times what we desire will surely bring us pain and we know it, yet we desire it anyway.

Beach Boys - Good Vibrations

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCeD_6Y3GQc

That girl. She drives me crazy. Does she feel the chemistry too? One of the best songs of all time. And my favorite song from when I was 10 years old.

Act II: The Experienced Love

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head - Me and Your Daughter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykmXDTlSn34

Now well into our romance, we have a young man trying to tell a parent of his female lover that their romance is too hot too stop. Clever, edgie and fun as hell to dance too!

Portishead - Sour Times

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-TqR7ZzaZQ

A love song mired in darkness. The repeated chorus "Nobody loves me like you do" feels like more of a curse than a confession of love. Sometimes love is painful and sweet. And some people love the painful side of it.

Best Coast - When I'm with You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Sj5_WITMpA

"My Mama always told me there'd be boys like you". We delight in eachother's company. We are in our own world together inside of the world. The video really seals the deal.

Islands - Tender Torture

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-ugnEWZ5dA

What is it like to miss you. Even though I'm an awesome indie rock star that was half of the miracle that was the Unicorns, I'd give it all up just to be with you.. I mean in the event I had to chose. I'm on an island and I'm eating a coconut. I had lots of options, but I chose you. And its torture to be away from you. Basically.

The National - Fake Empire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNQE7-2r3Vg

We can pretend we are in a far away land together. Everything is so dreamlike. It's so much fun! The song does a fantastic job of bridging the world of reality over to a lovers fantasy.

LCD Sound System - I Can Change

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW8FKkVnqng

Our love is not ideal. We fight a lot, but I've got nothing else to hold on to, so for a moment can we pretend its ok? at least until we start fighting again?

ACT III: Love gone wrong and the Aftermath

Yeasayer - I Remember

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZBLZLdKxf8

The song opens with "I remember making love on a Sunday". And goes on to describe the smells and fears he had at that time. Instantly, I'm brought back to that moment where I thought the moment would never end and love made everything possible. "You're stuck in my mind. All the Time". This is a sweet reminisce without placing blame or getting mired down in dissatisfaction with the present of not being together.

Sharon Van Etten - A Crime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UHoXqlUqLk&feature=related

Here we have a song where a lover is trapped with conflicting feelings of resentment at herself for still caring as well as a hidden desire to be seduced again. She tries to tell herself "Never let myself love like that again". A common side effect of living through your 20s.

Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart Again

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ii8m1jgn_M

Sometimes you are broken up with some one in almost every way, but some how the relationship is still moving around like a zombie. Heartbreak is not limited to post-breakups

Neko Case - The Pharaohs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBsEXQ2gN20

"My body burned, my legs ached But you never came to bed". Gets me everytime. "I only heard what I wanted" is probably the reason behind almost every devastating romance.

Husker Du - Never Talking to you Again

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEdtQRbkE94

This song says it so well. There's so much I want to tell you about how you treated me, but I'm beyond talking to you. Getting on with your life IS the most satisfying break up revenge. Believe me, I've tried a lot of them.

Pixies - Nimrod's Son

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skYBE38Sl38

Some loves should end much sooner; lest they end in "incestuous union"... Oedipus I'm looking at you, pal.

Guest Mixer - Dave [Whisperlights]

2011-03-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hey my name is Dave from The Whisperlights. Music was a huge part of my mid teenage years and I was listening to a lot of Vagrant, Lookout, Mojo, and Asian Man bands at the time, so I'm going to do a little tribute to the bands that sculpted my music personality and helped me discover the best way to keep breakup depression at bay is through music. The first ten are bands that got me through being a dumb teenager, and the last are two great bands that I've had the pleasure of playing with as a dumb mid-20s adult.

FROM YOUNG AND DUMB TO NOT SO YOUNG AND DUMB:

1. The Anniversary - Sweet Marie

2. The Get Up Kids - Ten Minutes

3. The Hippos - Wasting My Life

4. Operation Ivy - Jaded

5. Green Day - Welcome to Paradise

6. Rancid - Olympia WA

7. MU330 - Speed Bump

8. Slow Gherkin - Get Some More

9. Goldfinger - 20 cent Goodbye

10. Reel Big Fish - I Want Your Girlfriend to Be My Girlfriend Too

11. Roar - Christmas Kids

12. The Whisperlights - Ditch the Watch (live)

Worth Every Mile - March mix by Kathleen

2011-03-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

To you.
For every letter, text, phone call. For every summer month. For video games, movie nights, Sonic runs, and music festivals. For the way you sing and the way we fit together. For late night drives, Scrabble games, and pajamba parties. For two years.
For you.

1. Brand New Colony - The Postal Service
"I'll be your winter coat buttoned and zipped straight to the throat
With the collar up so you won't catch a cold
I want to take you far from the cynics in this town
And kiss you on the mouth
We'll cut our bodies free from the tethers of this scene,
Start a brand new colony
Where everything will change."

2. She Paints Me Blue - Something Corporate
And, you're my good feeling.
I'm kneeling inside her room
She paints me blue
And you are my reason
For breathing.

3. The Only One - The Cure
Oh I love, Oh I love, Oh I love
What you do to my head
When you pull me upstairs
And you push me to bed
I love what you do to my head
It’s a mess out there!

Oh I love, oh I love, oh I love
What you do to my heart
When you push me back down
And then pull me apart
I love what you do to my heart
It’s the best, oh yeah!

4. I Just Do - Dear and the Headlights
Oh so the words have all been said
The feeling's old but it's new to me
I guess I'm scared to death but
Oh I just love you Oh I just love you

5. Dark Blue - Jack's Mannequin
Dark blue (dark blue)
Have you ever been alone in a crowded room well I'm here with you
I said the world could be burning (burning) down
Dark blue

6. J'y Suis Jamais Alle - Yann Tiersen

7. Baby That's Not All - Josh Ritter
fold yourself against
me like a paper bird
tonight we’ll fly awhile
just give me the word
and hold onto me
like I hold onto you
a steeple holds a bell
the night sky holds the moon
melting flakes of snow
will catch you when you fall
Baby that’s not all
then like falling stars
back down to sleep will go
into our waiting arms
in orbits round the glow
cover lets and down
will catch you when you fall
Baby that’s not all

8. Love Song - Adele
However far away I will always love you
However long I stay I will always love you
Whatever words I say I will always love you
I will always love you

9. To Be Alone With You - Sufjan Stevens
I'd swim across lake Michigan
I'd sell my shoes
I'd give my body to be back again
In the rest of the room
To be alone with you

10. Cause I'm So Scard of Dying - Right Away, Great Captain!
i told you i need you, when you screamed hallelujah here we go
i hoped you believed me when i told you you were beautiful
(cause i meant it man)

11. Billion Bees - Kevin Devine
so every breath stung more and more
a wave of whips across my spine
a billion bees trapped in my chest
nails on chalkboard every time

'til I watched your fingers sneak towards mine
I heard your breath go thin and short
I tucked your hair behind your ears
and watched your eyes dart back and forth

And I sucked your lip and bit your neck
the trees were shaking at their roots
my angry arms felt cool and calm
and my cotton mouth was wet with you

so we lay glowing in the grass
to watch the sun swap with the moon
to trade our future for our past
the present tense was all we knew

12. First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes
Yours is the first face that I saw
I think I was blind before I met you
Now I don’t know where I am
I don’t know where I’ve been
But I know where I want to go

Gym Mix by Smashley

2011-03-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

One of the best and worst things to happen to me is the new surge of lifestyle coupon websites, such as Groupon and LivingSocial. While I pass over quite a few of the deals, I also talk myself into many of the others. The "worst" part is when I completely forget that I bought them. (I like to call that "being an adult.") One such was when I bought a $60 for 60 days at a gym in midtown in August and barely remembered to redeem it before it expired in January. I spent two months going as often as I could, trying to finally, after 25 years, make it a habit. I spent a lot of nights and weekends amongst old ladies and quietly sneaking glances at the bearded personal trainer who worked on M/W/F and unapologetically wore flannel with basketball shorts to work. Unfortunately, my 60 days ended yesterday and I now I have to search for another gym without losing momentum. So far I've lost around 13lbs(ish) and I feel like my body might finally be forgiving me for my mismanagement in college.

That said, as with most of my life, every workout needed a soundtrack. In order to maintain focus and rhythm I wanted familiar music that I wouldn't have to shuffle through. As you can see below, that mostly involved music that I used to jam when I was in high school and/or could unapologetically sing along to (silently) on the elliptical. Here's a list of music that may or may not have made me knock my iPod off the machine while air drumming and was significantly better than listening to "Like a G6" through the gym's satellite radio network.

Listen to the whole mix here:

1) New Found Glory - "Never Sometimes"

Man, so many afternoons spent playing Tony Hawk on Playstation and listening to this album. This was about as punk rock as this band actually got.

2) Ted Leo and the Pharmacists -"Tell Balgury, Balgeary is Dead"

Fun fact: my old MySpace handle was "Inchigeela" thanks to the reference to the Irish town in this song. There are few songs that make me feel as infinite.

3) Taylor Swift - "Sparks Fly"

I feel you judging me, internet, but there are so many smash songs on this album. She doesn't get enough credit for some really smart pop music.

4) Manchester Orchestra - "Simple Math"

This song gives me butterflies, it's so brilliant. Andy Hull can do no wrong.

5) Nada Surf - "The Way You Wear Your Head"

Nada Surf isn't always resistantly "rocking," when it comes to being a gym mix, but there are several key songs like this one from some of the earlier albums, especially the sometimes forgotten (except "Popular") album High/Low.

6) The Summer Set - "Passenger Seat"

I listened to their appropriately titled "Love Like This" album for my romantic date with the treadmill on Valentine's Day.

7) Sparta - "RX Coup"

This was the first time I knocked my iPod off while air-drumming, getting a dirty look from an old lady in a crushed velvet jumpsuit on the bike next to me. Sorry for rocking.

8) The Maine - "Color"

This album actually grew on me more since revisiting it as a gym mix.

9) Brand New - "At the Bottom"

Too bad this is the only song I liked on this album. This song is killer.

10) Five Iron Frenzy - "Handbook for the Sellout"

I know I'm going to get a lot of flack about this mix from my mix partner Pat, but this here is a reminder that we BOTH grew up as ska kids and must wear our badge of courage as such.

11) Walk the Moon - "Anna Sun"

Keep an eye out on these dudes. This is an absolute SMASH.

12) The Hippos - "Pollution"

More ska, and the first album I listened to on my first day at the gym. This album is nearly flawless.

Guest Mixer - Benjo (porches)

2011-03-26T00:22:00.000-07:00

Howdy, internets. My name is Benjo, and i'm in an ever-shifting band called Porches with a facebook page in a neglected infancy. I'm also part of First Friday Night Live, a sketch comedy show in downtown Phoenix, and The Encyclopedia Show - Arizona, a monthly variety show in Tempe.

The theme of this musical cocktail will be "Stickin' it to the Man, with Brains and Heart"

1. The Minutemen: "This Ain't No Picnic"

Minutemen - This Ain't No Picnic by mrfnk

Oh, man. Where to start? This song is so confrontational, self-confident, and triumphant. And it isn't just angry - it's fun, like your first mosh pit or the first time you did pulled some dumb prank in a Wal Mart. D. Boon's irrepressible bouncing, Mike Watt's fist pumping, George Hurley's goofy snare-only-with-the-sound-a-full-drum on the track. The serious imagery of the people working while The Man bombs them, detached, from above, that still makes you smile for the silliness. The "we're-in-this-together" idealism of this band is so much more gosh-dang infectious, and eternal in a way that "burn everything, kill the bosses" street punk never is. When D. Boon declared "No hope - see, that what gives me guts!" on another cut, I feel like he was giving us all a a mantra - especially in Arizona.

2. The Parting Gifts - "Keep Walkin'"

I love that the dude who uploaded this is a Bob Seger fan. Greg Cartwright and CoCo Hames suffer no fools - "I ain't punchin' no clock, ain't gonna give you my time / livin' in a dump month-to-month suits me fine!" I guess this song is about a lover, but it might as well be about anyone lookin' down their nose at you - the kinda nose that uses American Apparel undies for handkerchiefs, ya heard?

3. Hot Snakes - "Braintrust"

I gotta admit, I love this band, but I'm only half sure what they're talking about sometimes. I'm pretty sure this song is about keeping your wits about you and not losing your moral compass in the face of equivocation from well-trained Chicago-school economists. You know, the Chomsky-ian idea that the Ivy League is really a factory, wherein the most brilliant/privileged minds of a generation enter to have the compassion and empathy inside them molded into a status-quo-upholding moderate mindset. Who knows, man, coz, like, songs are what you make them, riiiiight?

4. Ted Leo - "Sword in the Stone"

I love when an intelligent, well-spoken songsmith like Mr. Leo indulges in a lil' good ol' fashioned smack-talkin'/anger-ventin'. If ya don't do the work, "you'll still just be a little shit in a world that's just a big shit hole," so do the work, kids! Nothing is more frustrating than playing shows with people who bad mouth "the scene" or "the city" because people don't fawn all over their intricate guitar licks. (Big words for a man whose band has 36 facebook followers, amiright? Clearly, my "work" is cut out for me.)

5. Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band - "The Promised Land"

I'd argue against anyone, all night, that this is The Boss's most punk song. It touches all the same notes for a suburban kid who knows there's gotta be something more out there that The Arcade Fire's Suburbs does. I wouldn't be surprised if their "Ready to Start" is a reference, intentional or not, Springsteenians that they are. Side note, a friend gave me an awesome patch once with a stencil of Springsteen that said "The only Boss I'll ever work for."

I've done my best to live the right way / I get up every morning and go to work each day But your eyes go blind and your blood runs cold / Sometimes I feel so weak I just want to explode Explode and tear this town apart / Take a knife and cut this pain from my heart Find somebody itching for something to start

6. Bangarang - Get What I Need

Bangarang - Get What I Need by benjoh

This tragically short-lived Phoenix band was one of my favs to see play last year - or was it the year before? On this number, drummer Liam (of Liam and the Ladies) howls, "I just wanna use you to get what I need / I won't let you suck the life out of me... Fuck the banks - won't give my family a loan!" while Tristan J (too many bands to name, but especially Dogbreth) characteristically riff-shreds. It's pretty well documented that banks can be terrible things, but I don't know that I've heard any song this personal about it - much less one this good. You can get this whole album for free at cllct.com.

7. Florence Reese and Ani DiFranco - "Which Side Are You On?"

I got to talkin' to one of my co-workers about music in December, in Detroit, and we got around to Billy Bragg. This 60+ year-old warrior from Tennessee actually knew Florence, and was good friends with her, and it kind of blew my mind. I hate how easy it is to forget the wealth of knowledge and stories our elderly friends can have.

If just ten percent of the "folk punx" walking around with their lazy chords and fake whiskey voices understood why this song has endured 80 years, maybe there would actually be some folk in their punk. Like the aforelinked Hot Snakes song, this song's about how there are some things that are so basic to pushing the world in the right direction, so essential to our rights as human beings, that there can be no compromise. As someone whose day job is in the labor movement, I sure hope everyone starts to remember that in the post-Wisconsin/Walker daze.

8. Strike Anywhere - "Sunset on 32nd"

Strike Anywhere's singer must be completely out of breath, all the time - and it's appropriate, given the breathless idealism he espouses. Infectious! The mere fact that he admits that good cops could actually exist gives the tune a credence most "Fuck the Police!" anthems lack - anyone who has spent any time working in dispossessed communities knows it's so more complicated. Still, it's nice to remember - "Complications! Injustice! Deliberations - what's the deal? They fake it, we break it, and take back what they steal."

9. Sonic Youth (f. Chuck D) - "Kool Thing"

I love the palpable acidic sarcasm Kim Gordon summons when she writes songs taking the masculinity in the hipster circuit to task. Actually, I just kinda love the acidic sarcasm Kim Gordon summons when she writes almost any song. Also, there was a show called Post-Modern MTV?

10. Femi Kuti - "Do Your Best"

This song gets me so pumped. I have nothing else to say.

[GUEST MIXER] Jake (Roll) Acosta "12 songs, that will pull at your soul"

2011-03-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

My name is Jake and I'm from a local band in Tucson. Roll Acosta

You can check out more about us at:

www.rollacosta.com

But let's get down to the music. I really love listening to music, and really went for what I consider a theme that is tough, but also how I like my music...intense and emotional.

The mix below of twelve songs lyrically and musically I feel pull right at your soul. Hope you enjoy

12.Ordinary People-John Legend

A new artist, really telling the reality of our ability to foster working relationships. I heard about this song from a friend, and have to say. It has earned it's spot as the last track

11. The Cave-Mumford and Sons

Perhaps the most acclaimed new artist rising this past couple years. And for good measure, they shoot right for your heart and mind and all the twisted parts of our choices against or for each other as human beings. Also, great songwriters to boot

10. Mad World-Gary Jules

This Tears for Fears cover, was never as poignant to me as Jules' arrangement. Covers are timeless for a reason, and this one really shows the perspective of the world most avoid. I highly recommend you hear this at least once in your life

9. Long Live the Queen-Frank Turner

I fell upon this video by accident one day when searching for another, and went from being impressed by the awesome music video to the immediate love for the story. Everyone always thinks of the lost ones we all later realize really meant more than we assumed and suffered more than some of us can imagine.

8. If I could-Jack Johnson

Yes more tragedy. I know it's grim sometimes to think about, but the mortal coil we tango with always hits me when I know someone's story. And I really do wish I could stop some things "If I could"...(lyrics in the description section)

7. I Have Loved You Wrong-Swell Season

A song about a love, a love you should never have followed through with. A true apology for knowing it would never work, but also a sincere and real touch of responsibility for it. I love this band.

6. Brick-Ben Folds

A songwriter overlooked by many. This song really hits at some of the pain of having to make a very hard decision in your life that will truly change who you are. This song really makes me feel for the mothers who have ever had to deal with this situation.

5. Styrofoam Plates-Deathcab for Cutie

Not everyone understands that some family who most think you should love, was never a family to you at all. Songs like this need to exist, to help us understand our world, even if it hurts a little. Ben you are the man...

4. Sweet Celine-Matthew Andrae

Now a song that will touch any father, parent, or anyone who has ever cared for someone more than themselves. The voice on this guy is gold, and this approach with just a guitar is perfect. I did cry the first time I heard this and not embarrassed to say that.

3. Hero of War-Rise Against

Say what you will about these slightly over the top music makers, but this song hit me. I had to do a cover of it for a friend, and I almost couldn't sing it. Not to say all military life is like this, but I am just flat out floored by imagery this band captured or rather Tim on vocals. Powerful.

2. You Don't Know Me-Michael Grimm

I first became a fan of this guy on America's Got Talent. Amidst all the BS, a true soulful singer, with a timeless voice and personality. He captures this Ray Charles' original even more soulful than Ray himself. The lyrics here are just the perfect amount of recollection of "what could have happened".

1. Say it To Me Now-Glen Hansard

A magical artist, with more conviction to his art than half of the musicians in this world. God damn it, Glen. I do have something to say to you; you are my number one favorite singer in the world. A song you should not die without listening to...

I really hope you enjoyed the mix. To all music lovers, send me any new music or bands anytime you catch wind of 'em. I love listening just as much as I love playing

-Jake

rollacosta.com

raceyouthere.com

Guest Mixer - Aaron Vincel [A Lull]

2011-03-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

The Road

Whether you are touring the country with your band, stuck in rush hour traffic, or on your way home from work, everyone has certain songs they love to blast when they are driving in their car. Some songs pump you up for the day ahead while others calm you down after the worst night of your life. This is a list of my favorite tracks off albums that I love to listen to when I am on the road. Old or new these are the songs that I know all the words to and are the soundtrack to my everyday drives.

Shellac– Prayer to God

Drummer – Mature Fantasy

Camera Obscura – French Navy

Sun Kil Moon – Lily and Parrots

Small Black – Photojournalist

Surfer Blood – Floating Vibes

The Six Parts Seven - A Blueprint Of Something Never Finished

Wild Nothing – Live in Dreams

Tacks, The Boy Disaster – Frozen Feet

Procol Harum – A Whiter Shade of Pale

Cheap Girls – Hey Hey, I’m Worn Out

The Appleseed Cast – Innocent Vigilant Ordinary

Guest Mixer: [The Get Downnn]

2011-03-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

What's going on everybody? Chad Birt and Andrew Hood here from The Get Downnn.com and we're stoked to be doing a guest mix for Multitracking.com!

The Get Downnn, is an electronic music blog dedicated to putting Phoenix, AZ (and surrounding areas--yes, that means wherever YOU happen to live) on the electro/house/dubstep/If you can dance to it, we'll cover it, map. As an entity, we want to post your music. And as music fans we want to jam with you. So, if you haven't ever checked out the site, make sure to swing by, or drop us a line at thegetdownnn@gmail.com

That being said, let's get right to the music! Here are 15 tracks that we're going crazy for right now...read em' and weep!

Brand New, Daisy (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix)

If you haven’t yet been introduced to Montreal-based dubstep production outfit, Adventure Club, then it’s about time we did so.

The two piece just wrapped up work on a stellar dubstep remix of Brand New’s track “Daisy” (off of the group’s album of the same name) and if you were even remotely a fan of the original, this re-interpretation is definitely worth your time.

Melodic, thoughtful and yes–extremely dubby–Adventure Club‘s version definitely needs to make its way into your iPod, or at least your regular music rotation.

Dada Life, Unleash The Fucking Dada (At Dawn We Rage Unleash The Fucking Fury Edit)

At Dawn We Rage (aka producer duo: Stormy Logan [LightsoverLA anyone?] and Travis Seekrits [Emerge in Sea]) have been killing it as of late, and this seriously dirty edit of Dada Life‘s “Unleash The Fucking Dada“ is probably one of their best yet.

Sit back, relax and uh... Unleash The Fucking Dada.

Yolanda B Cool & DCUP, We No Speak Americano (Moonchild Remix)

There have been countless remixes of Yolanda B Cool & D CUP's "We No Speak Americano" and Moonchild's downtempo nu disco re-interpretation is probably our favorite by far. This'll have you feeling like summer in no time!

Operator Please, Volcanic (Dublin Aunts Remix)

Another awesome piece of music from the land down under, this time from DJ/Producer duo the Dublin Aunts. Known for dropping ridiculously catchy synth pop and indie dance, their remix of "Volcanic" is a force to be reckoned with.

First Aid, Drift to Hide

South Korea's FIRST AID might only be 22 years old, but what he lacks in age is made up for in music wisdom.

Influenced by a variety of genres (ie: metal, funk, pop and disco) FIRST AID’s sound is unlike anything we’ve previously encountered –granted, his discovery of LTJ Bukem‘s ”Journey Inwards” at 17 probably has something to do with it–but that was 5+ years ago!

FIRST AID’s productions cross a multitude of genres, but most fit into an ambient niche. Whether it’s deep and thoughtful drum n’ bass or hollow melodic dubstep, he's definitely a artist worth checking out.

Futurecop! Starworshipper (Owl Vision Remix)

When Futurecop! Unleashed their "Starworshipper" remix competition onto the intranets synth-pop producers went crazy--scratch that, producers in general--went crazy, and electro whizkid Owl Vision's take on the track is probably one of the best.

Breakdown, Zwiggy (Original Mix)

Los Angeles' Breakdown are quickly rising to the top of dance stardom with a number of break out originals and their MASSIVE (and extremely well-recieved) remix of Daft Punk's "Derezzed" ended up being used for an official TRON: Legacy commercial. Pretty cool, eh?

Fort Fairfield – Dresden Soul (With Cosima Lamberth) [Egon Ramberget Edit]

Poppy, melodic and a whole lot of fun to listen to, Egon Ramberget's edit of this Fort Fairfield original will have you bobbing your head in no time.

Daddy Cool, Chris Moody and DJ Riz Mix

Disco. Disco. Disco. Nuff' said.

Gareth Emery Ft. Jerome Isma-Ae, Stars (Hardwell Remix) [Video]

Emery‘s trancey original has been turned on its head, and transformed into a proghouse masterpiece. The remix is slated to be released with Gareth Emery‘s “Northern Lights Re-Lit” album, which features 12 brand new remixes of tracks from Gareth‘s debut album Northern Lights.

Moonbootica, Tonight (Original Mix)

Hamburg-Germany based party rockers, Moonbootica have once again emerged from the studio, this time with their first offering of 2011, a self described–”driving slice of prime, discofied housemusic“–thanks to indie dance imprint Cheap Thrills, and the name of the track? “Tonight“.

Like the majority of bangin’ house tracks “Tonight” at first seems quite simple, a looped disco refrain that builds throughout the progression of the song. Mix in a catchy vocal hook, a driving 4/4 time stamp and the genius that is Moonbootica–and well, let’s just say that ”Tonight” is dance genius.

Koya, Save Me (ConRank Remix)

Rankadank Records founder ConRank intitially launched the label as an outlet to release self-productions. Fast forward to present day, and it's one of the hottest indie dance labels around featuring a number of up-and-coming talents. If you like bass, this is one for you!

Aydio's 'Deltitnu' (Dubstep Remix) - Retrotation

If you haven't yet listened to anything from Retrotation then we'd highly recommend doing so. One of the most unique dubstep producers out there, Retrotation manages to combine beautiful melodies, orchestrations and acoustic instruments with deep bass lines, womp, wobble and grit. 'Deltitnu' is one of his softer offerings..

SuperStereo, Life Passed Me By (TABS Dubstep Remix)

Future Pop outfit SuperStereo are having a massive 2011 (their video for "Life Passed Me By" recently received heavy exposure via MTVU) and what better way to continue their rise to the top than with a dubstep remix?

Phoenix party rockers TABS (aka: Ben Andersen & Eric Hoss) gave the rock pop original a wobble filled makeover, and the video? It just adds to the experience.

Peace Treaty, Cal State Anthem (Metropolis Remix)

MASSIVE! This showed up in our inbox one Sunday afternoon, and has been one of our favorites ever since.

Guest Mixer- Jesse Lee (ACCIDENTAL SEABIRDS)

2011-03-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

Live Acoustic Mixtape

   Music is great. Live music is greater. I especially dig acoustic performances because they reveal the original creative spirit of the song without the support of studio equipment and layers of overdubs. I love recording and making use of modern technology, don't get me wrong, I just think that live takes are the true measure of an artist's capabilities and an honest display of their passion or a lack thereof.
   I chose these videos either because the acoustic version gives space for the vocals to shine, or because there is some offstage footage that lets us get to know the artist a little better. Perhaps if I introduce myself first you will have a better idea of why I chose the rest of these songs for this playlist.

1) Accidental Seabirds- "pillows"
  This video was shot and edited by my friends, the Vamp Group. The song is about substance abuse. If someone close to you has problems, speak up. Push them because they probably won't help themselves.

2) Bowerbirds- "In Our Talons"
I think Vincent Moon of La Blogotheque pretty much pioneered the whole takeaway shows movement. There are countless live videos out there now, but his remain some of the best. Also note that Bowerbirds are strolling through NYC while singing this song about Man vs. Nature. Pretty awesome.

3) Neva Dinova- "Squirrels"
Jake Bellows writes great songs. I wish he would try to get his music out to the world a bit more. This song is off their record "You May Already Be Dreaming."

4) Tim Eriksen- "Every Sound Below"
What a voice. This guy focuses mainly on traditional folk songs but this one is an Original and I think it's pretty heavy.

5) Skip James- "Devil Got My Woman"
Skip James is one of my favorite bluesmen. Original Delta true blues. Haunting voice and melody.

6) The Mountain Goats- "No Children"
John Darnielle is the real deal. If you want to witness or be part of a true connection between artist and audience, go see The Mountain Goats live. For real.

7) Elliott Smith- "Waltz #2"
Classic. Elliott was a brilliant composer, the world lost something beautiful when he left.

8) Snuffaluffagus- "Worried Worm"
I randomly saw this guy and his band play a show down the street from where i used to live in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Their record "Aminals" is really good; a unique approach to songwriting.

9) The Flaming Lips- "Enthusiasm For Life Defeats Internal Existential Fear"
Okay, this isn't technically "acoustic" because Drozd plays keys and electric guitar, but I felt like this playlist needed a pick-me-up. The Flaming Lips are one of the best live bands in the universe. I couldn't find any straight acoustic Lips videos but at least this is stripped down compared to their normal sound.

10) Delta Spirit- "Strange Vine"
This dude's voice is incredible. And their songs are really good, too.

11) Bela Fleck w/ Ruth Akello & Ateso Jazz Band
From the documentary "Throw Down Your Heart" in which Bela travels around Africa playing with some great musicians as he attempts to trace the ancestry of the banjo. Watch the whole film when you have the time, it's mindblowing.

12) Andrew Bird- "Why?"
Many classically trained musicians have trouble improvising, perhaps because they've spent too much time reading music from charts and not enough time creating their own. This is certainly not the case with Andrew Bird. This cat knows a lot about music and uses it to his advantage. He seems to be more in line with the jazz tradition than with the classical when it comes to performance. AND he writes really cool songs that many kinds of people can dig.

Thanks for letting me share all this with you. I've been turned onto new artists to enjoy because of YOUR playlists. I hope i've returned the favor. Peace, Jesse Lee (accidental seabirds)
Oh yeah, feel free to hit me up on facebook.com/accidentalseabirds or accidentalseabirds@gmail.com

Guest Mixer - Matt from Wild Brother

2011-03-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

What's Goin downn!? I'm Matt. I sing and play piano in the band Wild Brother. www.wildbrother.bandcamp.com

Here's my playlist-Much Love

1. The Roots: 'The Fire' ft John Legend

I'm a huge John Legend Fan. Black Thought is one of the best mc's and rappers of all time. Dig it.

2. Steel Train: 'Bullet'

This song is the definition of romance. His voice is the perfect blend of vulnerable and tough. Girls want him, guys want to be him. Love this.

3. Erykah Badu: 'Umm Hmm'

All around beautiful. Feel good jam. This chorus will make you dance, even if you hate dancing

4. Adele: 'Rolling In The Deep' LIVE

Amazing Voice. Amazing Album. Amazing Song. Do yourself a favor and dig on this please-

5. BlakRoc: 'Ain't Nothing Like You' Ft. Mos Def and Jim Jones

Project that consists mainly of The Black Keys and Mos Def. Awesome stuff if your with the funky-hip-hop-brotha-rock. Great album only available through independent music stores. Not a big Jim Jones fan but he kills the verses. Get Up with it

6. Outkast: 'Mutron Angel' Ft. Whild Peach

This is an intense song. It's off the 'idlewild' album. Whild Peach has such soul and pain in her voice. Such a cool concept for a song using mainly percussion, organ and vocals. eerily beautiful and definitely powerful

7. Esperanza Spalding: 'Precious' LIVE

Such a sexy song. I absolutely hate myself for JUST finding out about her. She's amazing. We need more female musicians like this in the pop world. The perfect blend of jazz/pop/R&B in my opinion.Dig it.

8. Bruce Springsteen: 'Born To Run'

Classic. Fun Facts : The Boss wrote the saxophone lead - My mom used to hold her 80's boombox up to her stomach while pregnant with me and would regularly play Bruce Springsteen, I love my mom

9. Mos Def: 'Roses' Ft Georgia Anne Muldrow

Such a great love/heartache song. Mos def is such an amazing mc but this shows off his songwriting skills on a different level. Rap can be beautiful, if you don't know now you know

10. Billy Joel: 'New York State Of Mind'

Ignore the fact that I'm from New York, Live On Long Island and happen to play piano...this song is simply one of the best songs ever written. This is an amazing version he did live in 1978. Tooooooo good

11. Corinne Bailey Rae: 'Are You Here' LIVE

I have a mega-huge-enormo crush on corinne bailey rae and the rest of you should to. I've been listening to this album for a year, constantly, it's amazing. Her husband passed away and this song is about him-Pretty heartbreaking but such a great song <3

12. Anthony Hamilton: 'Do you feel me' from the American Gangster Soundtrack

Anthony Hamilton has such a soulful voice. This is baby makin' music. Our generations Al Green. He makes singing low cool again. Buy his albums. Much Love

Check out www.facebook.com/wildbrother Much Love <3