Christmas songs, post Christmas.

Just got home from visiting the family for Christmas, so I finally have a couple minutes to myself that don't involve my mom wanting to know what happened to some girl I hung out with in middle school (pregnant), my 16-year-old sister expounding on punk rock history (whatever, the Ramones were SO much better than the Sex Pistols), the dog begging to be petted (not now, Sheila) or my dad asking me to go to Mass with him (...).

I mean, I loved every minute of it, but family time is not for the weak of spirit.

The Christmas craze has subsided for the most part, though our tree is still standing and wilting needles all over the carpet. Here's a list of my favorite songs of the season (hint: does not include "Little Drummer Boy.")

"What Christmas Means to Me" - Hanson
Yeah, I went there. Best Christmas album of all time, and I say that with no shame.

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" - Love Actually Soundtrack
This girl kills Mariah's version. I tried to look up what else she's done since the movie came out, and it looks like it's just a bunch of voice work for Disney channel-type cartoons.

"Blue Christmas" - Elvis Presley
Classic. I have a thing for slightly sad Christmas songs, and this is one of the best.

"I Wish It Was Christmas Today" - Julian Casablancas
He played this at Coachella, and though it was 100+ degrees out, it was the highlight of the set.

O Christmas Tree - The Layaways
I usually don't have patience for pretty, harmonic songs, but this one draws me in.

"Don't Shoot Me Santa" - The Killers
So strange that I can't even try to explain it.

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" - Death Cab for Cutie
OK, I think Hanson's version of this song is better, but for variety's sake I went with Death Cab. You can kind of feel what it's like being heartbroken somewhere with gray skies and cold weather, amirite?

"Wishing You a Merry Xmas" - Blue Skies for Black Hearts
This makes me laugh.

"All I Want for Christmas" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I want to be Karen O when I grow up.

"Baby, It's Cold Outside" - Glee Cast
I love this show for making (mostly) 3-dimensional gay characters. But even if the writers didn't, I'd still adore this sultry, smooth take on the classic (date rape?) song.

"Cool Yule" - Louis Armstrong and the Commanders
Just try not to dance.

"A Marshmallow World" - Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin
DRUNK.

A Life

A Life

Too overwhelmed to make a Best of 2010 list this year, I instead directed my energies toward a project that quickly became even more absorbing. I attempted to create a playlist that would begin in the womb, end in the afterlife and include every major life stage between. Once I’d begun, I realized that I wasn’t satisfied making a guitar-and-drums playlist. To Americanize the human experience would be an incredible crime. I scrapped my old playlist, created another, and this is the final product:

[P.S. I'm not including a link to videos because most are either lacking a video or have a crap video that would really damage the integrity of the song.]

-Birth: Samskeyti by Sigur Rós (Iceland)

First of all, I thought it was important that the birthing experience be instrumental because lyrics would have taken it to a level of consciousness that doesn’t exist at this stage. I love that this song begins quietly, swells, and returns to silence. I can’t help but imagine that I’m emerging from a place of complacency to a different, but equally as complacent place. The song is the perfect marriage of wonder and purity. The fact that it’s the first track of the second disc of the album it comes from (Hvarf-Heim) is also perfect; it’s singly able to tie the first part of the album to the second, as birth does from the life before it to the life after.

-Infancy/Early Childhood: Sala by Abigail Washburn & The Shanghai Restoration Project (China/America)

Fast forward to a child’s first steps, his or her first words, or the child’s growing ability to have fun and be curious. That’s this song. The simplicity and purity of the harmony and melody, the vocals and instrumentals, give this song a childish vibe and a sweet playfulness.

-Youth: Children Go ‘Round (Demissènw) by Dee Dee Bridgewater (Mali/America)

I first debated whether I should include this song or the former, but decided to keep both. This one is a bit more mature than the last, with what seems to be more layers and a deeper vocal. The child we’re now watching grow is becoming more mischievous and is taking on more responsibilities. There’s a more complex dynamic between the child and his or her social surroundings, as Bridgewater notes about 3 minutes in.

-Adolescence: Girl You Move Me by Seu Jorge and Almaz (Brazil)

Teenage angst. Tortured lust. Dark confusion. Seu Jorge and Almaz get it perfectly. The song itself, which transforms from calm to rough and stormy, is much reminiscent of the spikes in hormones and moods that leave most adolescents groaning. This is the stage of life rock and roll speaks to best.

-Sex: Fire Dance by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 (Nigeria)

Sex: The ultimate fire dance. No, this song doesn’t speak much for passion. It’s not loud and rough and grimy and it doesn’t necessarily have you screaming for more. But not all sex is power. Sometimes sex is fun and play and simple. It’s not until you reach the next stage—love—and you start to incorporate feelings into that play—that sex takes on a different dynamic.

-Love: Sur Les Quais Du Vieux Paris by Juliette Gréco (France)

It’s sung in the language of love, it’s sexy, and its content is both poetic and romantic. Translated by Lyrics Translate: “When you quietly lean over / whispering: ‘It's Sunday, / What if we had a wander in the suburbs / Under the blue summer sky?’ / A thousand plans entice us / But, sharing the same smile, / We retrace the sweet and simple steps / Of our very first dates ... / On the banks of old Paris, / along the Seine / Happiness smiles, / On the banks of old Paris, / Love wanders along / Searching for a nest. / Old bookseller, / Beautiful florist / How we love you, / Living poem! / On the banks of old Paris, / Bohemian love / It's paradise ... / All the old bridges know us, / Witnesses to the crazy promises, / That the echo in the current will recount / To the merry, cheeky sparrows ... / And, in your arms which hold me, / Listening to the sirens, / I let my heart, overcome with happiness, / beat next to yours ... / On the banks of old Paris, / along the Seine / Happiness smiles, / On the banks of old Paris, / Love wanders along / Searching for a nest. / Old bookseller, / Beautiful florist / How we love you, / Living poem! / On the banks of old Paris, / Bohemian love / It's paradise ...”

-Heartbreak: Mal De Mer by Rupa & The April Fishes (America/France)

Completely coincidentally, the love song and the song I’ve chosen for heartbreak are both of the same tongue. Simply put, this song is sad. I love this band and I love the use of different instruments to communicate a different level of emotion.

-The Coming of Contentment: Mandra by Kottarashky (Bulgaria)

“Mandra” does such a swell job of communicating routine. The loops in this song and repetitive elements are similar to the patterns we start detecting as we get older. Yet, this song isn’t tough listening. In fact, it’s almost fun. It embraces redundancies and patterns, as we learn to do.

-Aging: Fafa by Vieux Farka Touré (Mali)

The vocals alone in this piece are really aged, which I adore. I don’t think I can explain it, but I just imagine an old man, weathered and wrinkled, sitting in his rocking chair on the front porch. It’s one of those songs that make me feel like the sun is beating down on me, which is a fantastic metaphor for old age. It’s agonizing at times and unremarkable at others, and yet the entire thing is something to be respected.

-Dying: Rain Rain Beautiful Rain by Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa)

I have no words. I can only hope this is what death is like.

-The Afterlife: Videotape by Radiohead (England)

I couldn’t not include this song in this playlist. It’s essentially purgatory, which makes the playlist take a much unexpected turn after such a pleasant track list. However, I think it’s an important inclusion. Does doing everything according to plan, does walking through life “pleasantly,” guarantee a smooth transition to the hereafter? Possibly not.

-The Quiet: Síðasti bærinn 5 by Kjartan Sveinsson (Iceland)

What better way to end a playlist about life than where it started? Kjartan Sveinsson is actually a member of Sigur Rós, which allows me to begin and end in Iceland. This piece is incredibly moving. To me, it speaks of sad defeat, which makes this another odd addition to the playlist. However, it’s intentional, which I hope leaves you something to think about.

I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!

...and don't worry about me, I'm wearing eye protection :)

I've seen quite a few "best of 2010" mixes and even more "best albums of 2010" lists. While I put together both of those, I deemed it more pertinent to my winter concert schedule to make a favorite remixes of 2010 mix-tape in addition to a couple of the better electronic releases in 2010. So, without further adieu, my December Mix-tape...

1. Baptism – Crystal Castles

2. Some Chords – Deadmau5

3. making konstantine cry (Jay-z vs. Something Corporate)

4. Escape Me (Acicii Remix) – Tiesto

5. Night By Night – Chromeo

6. Coquet Coquette (Starfucker Remix) – of Montreal

7. Jump on Stage – Girl Talk

8. Heads Will Roll (Electronic Soulside ft Odissi Mix) – Yeah Yeah Yeahs vs A-Trak

9. Infinity Guitars – Sleigh Bells

10. And Together (Midnight Conspiracy Remix) – Innerpartysystem

11. Sadie Hawkins Day – Yip Deceiver

12. In the Hall of the Mountain King – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross


Motivation for the Mix content: Australia 2011.



Must See:
Justice
Chromeo
Boys Noize
So-Me vs. DVNO



Line Up
Purple Sneakers DJ's
Baio (Vampire Weekend DJ set)
Rat vs. Possum
SLEIGH BELLS
Purple Sneakers DJs

Pictures and Videos will hopefully be posted upon my return. As always if anyone wants a copy of the mix, just let me know and I'll post it!

Jake.

ALL THE HITS

Hey all-

So I haven't even begun to compile all my favorite tracks/albums for the year but I wanted include a smattering of my favorite songs of the year on this mix. lots of great songs this year (fewer great albums). i'm gonna drive around to this as soon as i get home for the holidayz. anyway hope yall enjoy.

-austin

1) Twin Shadow - Slow

2) Kanye West - Monster (Feat. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver)

3) Ducktails - Art Vandelay

4) Shabazz Palaces - Gunbeat Falls

5) Happy Birthday - Subliminal Message

6) Big Boi - Shutterbug (Ft. Cutty)

7) Cloud Nothings - Cool Kid

8) Drake - Miss Me (Ft. Lil Wayne)

9) Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Beverly Kills

10) Tyler The Creator (OFWGKTA) - VCR/Wheels

11) Toro y moi - Still Sound

12) BIG K.R.I.T. - Country Shit

13) Panda Bear - Alsatian Darn

14) Games - Strawberry Skies

15) Deerhunter - Helicopter

Countdown

I have never made a best-of list at the end of the year because I tend to find that most things I really enjoyed were not released in the particular year, so this mix is not a reflection of all the music I enjoyed in 2010. Similarly, I have never set a serious resolution for the new-year because I think it’s a lousy and incredibly stressful way to impose a rule on oneself, so this mix has nothing to do with reflection or what to anticipate for the upcoming year. It is just a mix that counts down in minutes from 10 to 1 because that is the most exciting part of a New Years Eve party and it’s something I do every year. Happy New Year, fellow mixers!

-Mara

Artist: Television

Song: Marquee Moon

Time: 10:47

Artist: LCD Soundsystem

Song: Yr City’s A Sucker

Time: 9:22

Artist: Dan Deacon

Song: Snookered

Time: 8:04

Artist: The Feelies

Song: Forces at Work

Time: 7:10

Artist: The Velvet Underground

Song: All Tomorrow’s Parties

Time: 6:00

Artist: Talking Heads

Song: Cities

Time: 5:01

Artist: Beck

Song: Hollywood Freaks

Time: 4:00

Artist: The Jam

Song: Billy Hunt

Time: 3:00

Artist: Mission of Burma

Song: This Is Not A Photograph

Time: 2:00

Artist: The Beatles

Song: Wild Honey Pie

Time: 1:01

My First Mixtape: Christmas

Hi, I’m the new guy. Since I’m doing my first mixtape I feel an introduction is in order. I’m a 13-year veteran of radio having worked at an award-winning college radio station and two commercial alternative stations, one in Phoenix and another here in Salt Lake City. I have my own blog at grantruby.com that you may want to check out (had to do a little self-promotion there). I have what I consider fairly eclectic tastes, though I tend to eschew mainstream music in favor of more independent artists, but there is a lot of great music that moves units, too.

I was never much of a mixtaper when I was younger. Sure, I made mixtapes from my own music collection, or taping songs off the radio and making tapes for myself, but I wasn’t consumed by making tapes. I was more interested in just finding more music and learning every nuance of the music I loved. I’ve made mixtapes for myself, for girls, and for best friends just to introduce them to great music. And now I’m going to do that for you.

Because there seem to be so many end of the year lists on so many blogs, and even here, I decided to be seasonal with my first mix. I submit for you some of my favorite Christmas songs. These are all songs that mean something to me by artists that likely mean something to you. They aren’t presented in a countdown; this is how I sequenced them for myself to get a good flow. I think you’ll enjoy it.

1. Super Deluxe “All I Wanted Was a Skateboard” – Having grown up in the greater Seattle area, this was an important band local band in the mid-90s. As grunge began to fade there were many bands building on that foundation and adding melody to a scene that sorely lacked it in some corners. This was one such band. When they released Electric Holiday in 1995 this song was an instant hit in Seattle. It is a staple of my Christmas season. So many times growing up I received a gift I didn’t want, or simply didn’t get that one thing that I really did want. This song speaks to those Yule time disappointments with such accuracy it is as if the band was writing about me. Alas, I had my skateboard, I got it for a birthday, but there were so many things I didn’t get that my tween and teen heart was so set on having that there was no way Santa could possibly not deliver. “All I got was this stupid sweater” is perhaps the best Christmas line ever. And it’s in a song you probably have never heard.

2. The Pretenders “2000 Miles” – I was only six years old when this song was released in 1984, and didn’t become familiar with it until I was out of high school, but it is so well written and full of such sorrow that, if not for the references to snow, the song could play in the other eleven months just as well as it does in December. This is a nice melancholy, fireside kind of song, and one to play when with that special someone and cuddling up on a cold winter eve.

3. Jimmy Eat World “Last Christmas” – This is a cover of Wham!’s popular 1984 Christmas single. The original is a decidedly dark Christmas song of loss and heartbreak, but the J.E.W. version is surprisingly up beat for the lyrical content. The contrast is two-fold: The intentionally melancholy vocals of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley highlight the loss in the song while the music of Jimmy Eat World is a much more up-tempo attempt at the song that was performed in a lower key by the original group. Also, I just like Jim Atkins voice a lot better than Michael’s and Ridgeley’s.

4. The Smashing Pumpkins “Christmastime” – This song saw its original release on the A Very Special Christmas 3 compilation in 1997 and has been a December staple on Modern Rock radio ever since. Also released on the Pumpkins jaw-dropping B-Sides and Rarities collection, the song continues to find life every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is the most Christmas-sounding song in this mix with the bells, strings and other accouterments, and harkens back to a day when Billy Corgan had hair and we all knew the other members of the Smashing Pumpkins.

5. The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping” – This song was originally released in 1981 and saw a resurrection, of sorts, in the mid-90s as Alternative radio stations searched to fill their Christmas quotas. This is, perhaps, my favorite Christmas song of all-time. I remember purchasing the Waitresses’ best of CD just to have this song. It has been my ringback-tone for the last several years, as well. If you ever need a dose of “Christmas Wrapping,” just give me a jingle.

6. Run-DMC “Christmas In Hollis” – There aren’t a lot of rap and hip hop Christmas songs, which is only part of the reason why this song stands out. The rest is because it is a really good song. The duo originally released “Christmas In Hollis” in 1987 as part of the original A Very Special Christmas compilation as well as the Christmas Rap compilation. The video for the song is a hoot, and helps to keep it an annual hit every Christmas.

7. Death Cab For Cutie “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – This song was originally recorded by Darlene Love in 1963 for her Christmas album; it was written by Phil Spector, which explains why it continues to be re-recorded often by modern artists. R.E.M., U2, Joey Ramone and many others have recorded versions of this song, but DCFC’s 2004 version is my favorite. Like several other songs in this mix it is a sad Christmas song and makes for a good soundtrack for crying in your eggnog.

8. No Doubt “Oi To the World” – Another song that was released in the A Very Special Christmas series, this punk tune from 1997 is one of the sillier Christmas songs ever recorded (the silliest is further down this mix). Written and originally recorded by the Vandals, the song tells the story of Haji, a turban wearing punker that fights with a skin-head by the name of Trevor. Haji stabs Trevor but then feels the Christmas spirit and saves Trevor’s life. The two then go drink together. It’s a funny song that fits the season for any fan of punk rock.

9. The Kinks “Father Christmas” – The Kinks were one of those bands that turned out to be more influential than they were successful, and they were fairly successful. This song is about a group of hooligans that hold up a department store Santa for money and is told from the perspective of the man playing Santa. At one point the kid holding up the fake Santa asks if the Santa could give the hooligan’s father a job and then implores that if the Santa should have a machine gun that it would serve as ample substitute. It is both comedic and telling, especially in an economy like we have today.

10. Joey Ramone “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)” – The Ramones were never known for having the deepest of lyrics, but they always rocked. This song is no exception. Though the song doesn’t go into detail about why he would be fighting with his baby, it is no less a great Christmas song. The standard three-chord punk and 4/4 rhythms make for a fun listen, even if Joey does ramble about where Santa is and what is dancing in the sleeping kids’ heads.

11. Pearl Jam “Let Me Sleep (Christmas Time)” – Fans of Pearl Jam are likely aware of the band’s yearly holiday single. A reward to their fanclub members that have included some really great songs, most of which aren’t actually Christmas songs (“Last Kiss,” as one example). This is from the band’s very first such holiday single in 1991. It has the same feel as some of Pearl Jam’s b-sides from that time period (“Footsteps,” “Yellow Leadbetter”) and wallows in its minimalism. The song is comprised of just Eddie Vedder’s voice, a slight guitar riff and a djembe or some other hand drum with Vedder reminiscing about how magical Christmas was when he was a child.

12. The Human Lard Dog & the Band of Shy “The Stupendous Holiday Finksten” – Though not technically a Christmas song, this is a must for any Christmas collection. The silliest holiday song ever recorded by a man that has never had notoriety of any kind. I was introduced to this song while in college radio. The staff stumbled upon this gem and I’ve been in love with it ever since. Using a comedic style not unlike Adam Sandler, the lyrics of this song dig into one’s head like a scene out of Wrath of Kahn and get stuck for hours. The stupendous holiday Finksten is always two weeks away, which makes it difficult to celebrate I imagine. We always need more faux-holidays this time of year, because Festivus just isn’t enough.

There you have it, my first mixtape for Multitracking. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Next time I’ll introduce you to some great new music. Promise.

Download this mix.

MMX

Honestly, I don’t think 2010 was a terribly great year for music. Sure, there were some solid albums, but nothing earth-shatteringly awesome. I’m still at a loss as to what my #1 album of the year is (and will probably decide next year). Enough of the bummer stuff, though. I figured since most folks would post tunes from their top 10 albums, I’d do something a bit different. I compiled a list of songs I enjoyed (not necessarily the album, though) as well as tunes from albums I dug this year. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Happy to send the mix to you, too.

“Pull Me In” – the Graduate

Full disclosure – I helped market these guys. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. The build here is epic and the lyrics are quite touching. Pretty good album too – think a mix of Jimmy Eat World and Owl City, but in a good way (not hating on Jimmy there, Ash!).

“All The Best” – My Morning Jacket

I’m a huge MMJ fanboy. Easily, my show of the year was them at Merriweather Post Pavilion. I drove 4 hours to see the show on an unbelievably warm day in May and it was worth the trek. The 6^th row amphitheater seats might’ve helped! Regardless, an amazing, amazing show and I can’t stress enough how much you need to see the Jacket live. I suspect you’ll get many opportunities in 2011 since they have a new album on the horizon. In the meantime, check out this wonderful song, which was part of a John Prine tribute album.

“The Wig He Made Her Wear” – Drive By Truckers

In my mind, the Truckers have never made a bad album. They’re probably one of the most consistently good bands out there (their live shows slay). While The Big To-Do wasn’t the breakthrough I thought they deserved, that’s not a comment on the music itself. The Truckers deliver another solid album’s worth of well-written characters and stories, bolstered by the band’s signature stew of Southern rock, folk, country and garage stomp. Far and away my favorite track on the album, “The Wig He Made Her Wear” showcases the Truckers’ talent for dark Southern sagas. Just an utterly amazing song.

“Father’s Son” – Fistful of Mercy

By and by, super groups suck. They sound great on paper, but the final product is usually underwhelming. Not so with Fistful of Mercy. The group is comprised of Ben Harper, cult hero Joseph Arthur and Dhani Harrison (George’s son). Perhaps the fact that it’s a fairly odd collection of musicians made this work. The mostly acoustic album As I Call You Down shows some strong collaboration between the trio. A very loose but engaging listen.

“Tootie Ma Is A Big Fine Thing” – Preservation Hall Jazz Band, feat. Tom Waits

Never thought a jazz band would be a favorite record of mine, but stranger things have happened. The Preservation Hall in New Orleans, a bastion for jazz, was closed during Hurricane Katrina. In order to re-open, keep the venue going and educate future generations about the history of the genre, RED Distribution put out a killer benefit album. Needless to say, do the right thing and buy this album. Its chockfull of guests – Andrew Bird, Jim James, Ani DiFranco, Dr. John, Pete Seeger and many other big names. None bigger than the reclusive Tom Waits, however, whose rugged voice beautifully accentuates the Dixieland tune.

Since a Tom Waits show is about as rare as a dodo, I cheated a bit and posted a video of the band performing “Louisiana Fairytale” with My Morning Jacket’s Jim James.

“Pickin’ Up The Pieces” – Fitz and the Tantrums

A late entry into this list, I recently got into Fitz. Just a really fun listen, in the vein of throwback outfits like Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings or Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed & the True Loves.

“The Bike Song” – Mark Ronson feat. Kyle Falconer and Spank Rock

Say what you will about Ronson’s liberal use of guests in his albums, but at the very least, they always make for an interesting listen. None more so than on “The Bike Song,” which includes producer Spank Rock and Kyle Falconer from Brit band The View (check out their tune “Same Jeans,” one of my fave songs from the past few years). Try getting this slick song out of your head, I dare ya.

“We Got The System To Fight The System” – Maserati

If you dig !!!, you should like Maserati. Both bands offer an instrumental take on the post-punk genre, but Maserati has a slight psychedelic feel whereas !!! is much more dance-oriented. Sadly, the band’s drummer Jerry Fuchs passed away before the album Pyramid of the Sun came out (and he also played with !!! for a bit). Quite a shame, as he was quite a drummer and could have led Maserati to bigger things. Still, with songs this awesome, the group is poised for future success.

“Why Won’t You Make Up Your Mind?” – Tame Impala

These guys have been included on a few mixes already, so I’ll keep it brief. If you’re looking for an album to bliss out to, you’d be wise to snag Innerspeaker. I was looking forward to the album and it did not disappoint.

“Don’t Break The Needle” – J. Roddy Walston & the Business

I’m at an utter loss as to explain this band’s sound properly. Something like “piano-fueled snotty garage rock” doesn’t really do it justice. Check out the vid, decide for yourself and if you dig it, check out the album. I’ve been a fan for a bit and am thrilled that Vagrant gave these guys a shot, as they deserve a day (or many more) in the sun. That chorus is killer!

“Someone’s Daughter” – the Whigs

Its been satisfying to watch the Whigs grow from a college garage rock group into a full-fledged rock powerhouse. Each album adds new elements to the band’s sound. While they’re not reinventing the wheel, the Whigs are coming into their own as songwriters. Drummer Julian Doro continues to be a beast behind the kit. The group has lucked out, becoming the perennial opener for Kings of Leon’s arena tours.

“Bottled Up In Cork” – Ted Leo/Pharmacists

Another act that has put out consistently good records is Ted Leo/Pharmacists. The streak continues with The Brutalist Bricks, their first for Matador. Insanely catch tune that was one of my most listened to this year. The real treat here, though, is the video, which is an amusing parody of the mediocre American Idiot Broadway play (bolstered by cameos from Paul F. Tompkins and John Hodgman). The shot of a lipsticked Leo is priceless.