ONCE April 2007 Mixtape

April is half way through! I am a little late with this addition. But I promise you it was worth the wait. I had a lot of fun putting this together. There are some great tracks in here (not to mention some great non-album tracks that are exclusive)! Please give me some feedback as always on what you think. I always love people's reaction so I know what to put more of or put less of on the next go-around (plus it is nice to know someone is listening to these....right? Ha!). Hope April is going well for everyone. Please keep Virginia Tech in your prayers, those kids are hurting!

Track #1
Four Winds - Bright Eyes
This is a great lead off track to the EP of the same name. This was a tease for the great full length LP that was just released called "Cassadaga". His vocals have never been better with his flippant regard for mainstream. This is as close as it gets to the radio.

Track #2
Everyone Gets a Star - Albert Hammond Jr.
If you like the Strokes, this is the guitarist from that band. On his newly minted solo album he shows why his former band shines. He is the master lyricist and harmony crafter.

Track #3
Casey's Song - City and Colour
Alexisonfire is always a great band partly because of Dallas Green's amazing vocal work in contrast to the shreds of his counterpart in the band. Here on his solo album he strips it all away to his guitar and windpipes. This weeping song of regret will have a tear clinging from the corner of your eye.

Track #4
Any Other World - Mika
This album was featured on my blog as a must have. It is like a great party. Souring Queenesqe vocals with heart wrenching piano work. This is a great song backed by an exceptional string section.

Track #5
Didn't I - Darondo
Pretend it is the 1970's, and you live in LA. I now introduce you to the toast of the town during that era. 'Nuff said!

Track #6
Rhododendron - Bloc Party
If you have been keeping up with my mixtapes you will start to see a pattern. One track from this band on each album. I cant say enough about this four piece out of Essex. This bonus track off the album "Weekend In the City" shows why the lead singer is hurting like he is. It is tough living up to you pop sometimes!

Track #7
The Greatest - Cat Power
This young lady sings you to sleep with her soft lullabies all the while showing you why she is truly the Greatest at what she does.

Track #8
Your Ex-Lover Is Dead (Final Fantasy Remix) - Stars
Now this is a treat! This is a sample of the good stuff to come off of the Stars upcoming release. It is a reworking of the Stars classic album "Set Yourself On Fire" by their friends called "Do You Trust Your Friend?". This remix is done by Final Fantasy. It will make you sad and hopeful all at the same time!

Track #9
$1000 Wedding - Gram Parsons
Everyone needs a little Gram in their collection. The forerunner of country-rock brings you this classic from 1973.

Track #10
Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap
This track has gotten a resurgence of interest as of late because of the inclusion of it's chorus on a SNL skit. This is the singer of the Frou Frou. They gave us the lead track off the Garden State Movie Soundtrack.

Track #11
City - Lo-Fi-Fnk
This is just fun. A great dance track from two lads from England.

Track #12
Blinded By the Sun - Everlast
You may recognize this cat from the late 90's with his hit "What It's Like". With his fourth album he brings a little soul and country to the mix.

Track #13
It Hurts So Good - Millie Jackson
A great track that is reminisce of the Motown era. Bouncy horn section backed by a Supreme like buoyancy. This is the ultimate in 1970's funk.

Track #14
Golden - Fall Out Boy
I know.... Fear not people. This track shows why the band has staying power. It's a sharp stick to the arm and a lesson in popology.