Guest Mixer - Scott Hessel [Source Victoria]

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.

What's In a Name? by Haley

Growing up, I always loved songs that featured names. Maybe it's because I was jealous because I could never find a song with my name (...that all changed, probably for the worst*), but something stuck.
I'm really interested in how names fit with a person's personality... For example: every Amy I've known has been a somewhat crazy, grating person. Are they pre-destined to be crazy because their parents outfitted them that specific name, or did they happen to turn out to be crazy on their own?

In either event, here's my "What's in a Name?" Playlist



1.) Caroline, London 1940 by Sleep Station
(link, because it's not a really well known song but is really fantastic!)
2.) Denis by Blondie
3.) Diane by Guster
4.) Dear Prudence by the Beatles
5.) Losing Lisa by Ben Folds
6.) Jerry Falwell Destroyed Earth by Ben Kweller
7.) Song to Woody by Bob Dylan
8.) Mrs. Potter's Lullaby by the Counting Crows
9.) Down on Haley by Nerf Herder*
10.) Chelsea Dagger by the Fratellis
11.) Sam's Town by the Killers
12.) My Friend Marcus by Manchester Orchestra

(Note: If I remembered the instructions, this would have been the cut-off point. Oops!)

13.) Valerie by Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse
14.) Aretha's Gold by Wild Sweet Orange
15.) Clark Gable by the Postal Service
16.) A Man/Me/Then Jim by Rilo Kiley (live at Fingerprints)


*While this song is potentially about a terrible street, it's not the kind of legacy you necessarily want to carry. EG: "Down on Haley, Haley street where the drugs are easy and the sex is cheap." I'm including it anyways. Is there a song that has your name in the title? How do you feel about it? Discuss!)