ONCE December 2007 Mixtape

Merry Christmas!
The ONCE mixtape series has now completed its first full year in existence. I was able to get my act in gear and actually put together 12 great mixtapes that I am really proud of. I don’t always support independent albums exclusively in my mixes but more often than not they do make it just because it is great music. The 2008 Independent Music Awards ( http://www.plugawards.com ) are in the process of choosing the independent albums of the year. I thought it would be fun for this month’s ONCE to take a look at those albums that are up for Independent Album of the Year! So thanks for listening to my music and all the feedback I get. I am always interested in new music that I am not aware of. So if there is ever any band or singer you think should be included in one of my mixes let me know and I will check it out. Thanks again!



Track #1
Arcade Fire
Neon Bible
“Intervention”

A track from their previous album did make one of my mixes but their newest release, Neon Bible, kept getting pushed back for the next month. This is the lead track off that album and gives you a great idea of why the band is great at what they do.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1-wEBmLht5g – A very cool version of their song “Wake Up” with David Bowie


Track #2
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
100 Days, 100 Nights
“Tell Me”

I swear to you that this band is new. They only have three albums out and their newest is up for the honors. The combine Motown with the delicious vocals of Sharon Jones to create a sound that you would swear was from 1967.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8ouI5KcyHfE&feature=related – Video for “100 Days, 100 Nights”

Track #3
Battles
Mirrored
“Race In”

Battles made my mix a while back with their song “Atlas”. The whole album is addictive and hypnotic. Here is another great track from that album.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1LLAN29W-4w – Video for “Tonto”


Track #4
Panda Bear
Person Pitch
“Comfy In Nautica”

This is a strange band. This is a solo effort from the lead from Animal Collective. It is a record I had a very hard time getting into. The vocals come off like Brian Wilson on a off day and the music is hallow and echoes. Yet so many people loved this album. Could you be one?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=25_gjUbvqNg – Official Video for “Comfy In Nautica”

Track #5
Spoon
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
“The Underdog”

These guys have been around for a while. They made my mix this year with their song “You Got Yr Cherry Bomb”. This is another cool track off the album.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LenPKPqvdJA – Official Video for “The Underdog”

Track #6
Beirut
The Flying Cub Cup
“Cliquot”

I haven’t been a huge fan of these guys. They are like listening to a bunch of drunks hanging out on the corner of a dirty street somewhere in Europe. Yet somehow every once in a while they surprise me and pull me into their filthy little world.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TLV6jygKNCM – Video of them hanging out and singing “Cliquot”

Track #7
Band of Horses
Cease To Begin
“Is There a Ghost”

These guys put on a great show and a even greater album. The album is full of soaring vocals and pleading lyrics. This is a great album to start with and then work your way back into their catalog.

Track #8
Of Montreal
Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer
“Gronlandic Edit”

I didn’t like these guys. I mean really didn’t like. I wouldn’t even watch any of the videos or read any articles about them. Then one day while putting together this mix I got the album and was hooked. This is one of those albums that just evade every attempt to decipher it and then one day it just lets you in and you suddenly feel like part of the club. It is a great album full of great lyrics. And the beats are tantalizing!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HBfgQvM7wtE – Official video for “Gronlandic Edit”

Track #9
EL-P
I’ll Sleep When Your Dead
“Up All Night”

Being such a fan of hip hop it is good to see a hip hop album making the best of cut. This album is a cool mix of street beats and science fiction bleeps. Plus master of ceremony EL-P mixes it up just right.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=E7Z4txRAISQ&feature=related – “Up All Night” performed live on Jimmy Kimmel

Track #10
Radiohead
In Rainbows
“Jigsaw Falling Into Place”

This is about as independent of an album that you could get. They own the studio they recorded it in. They all are rich and took no cut for making it. And then they released it to the masses ten days after they announced its existence. And on top of that let the listener decide how much they would pay for it, even if they wanted it for free. The album was worth much more than the average price paid for it. Plus if you did pay for the boxset you got an extra 9 songs that kick your ass even more. Then they made the first video all in one take with helmet cams. Wow… buy this one. Or get it for free, it is up to you!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UKrsBVFsfIQ – Official helmet cam video for “Jigsaw Falling Into Place”

Track #11
Justice
Cross
“D.A.N.C.E.”

They made my mix a few months back with their great dance track Genesis. This song is the second best song on the album with its kid choir and sing-a-long chorus. This French duo is the most exciting thing happening in electronic music since Daft Punk.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KCjheCusIso – D.A.N.C.E. performed live on Jimmy Kimmel with special guests Prince, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Rick James and Barry Manilow

Track #12
The National
Boxer
“Fake Empire”

This band is perfect for the end of the night. The end of the night when everyone is tired, laying around, and 30 minutes from laying their head on a pillow. Great for singing along across the campfire. This Brooklyn band has a great sound that wraps itself around you. The entire album is superb!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NBujZr20O6M – “Fake Empire” sung live on Letterman