It is March already!! I hope you enjoyed the “ONCE There Was a Record Mixtape” that I put out earlier last week. Some thought that by putting that out, you weren’t going to get an official ONCE mixtape this month. Not true! I couldn’t possibly keep all this good music to myself. This was a weird month because lots of great albums came out this month and I had to do a lot of listening to catch up. But it was worth it. Among the goodies is a track by Jeff Healey who passed away this month. As well as new tracks by 90’s rock legends Silverchair, The Black Crowes and The Counting Crows (two crows [crowes]… that wasn’t intentional). Also don’t miss Kenny Rogers as a hippy! We also have the self-described satanic Everley Brothers (The Gutter Twins), an ivy league band and a dance group in hiding. There was so much music this month I had trouble deciding what to put on this one. So you can be sure I have already started working on April’s mix. Beware the Ides of ONCE!
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #1
Cadence Weapon
Afterparty Babies
“In Search of the Youth Crew”
This Canadian rapper is back with his third album. The album is dedicated to all the “Afterparty Babies”. Those babies who were conceived after a heavy night of partying and debauchery. Being conceived that way apparently touched him because he spends the entire album trying to explain this unique demographic of youth. It is a disco beat with a rolling lyric line that keeps you dancing. It ends with a great story told by his grandmother.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zL3Qeot5KvE – A live video of him performing the song
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #2
Silverchair
Young Modern
“Straight Lines”
The 90’s are back. They gave you the song “Tomorrow” in 1995 when they were just 15 years old and now they are back with a new album. The album was a few years in coming because of the singer Daniel John’s arthritis. But things are a little better for him now and the band sounds as cohesive as ever. Now approaching 30 the band shows the years of maturity on their backs. The songs are huge flowing arrangements that often involve orchestras. This song seems to equate a serious illness with love and the need to walk the straight line.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jCjtcrAO5ws& – Official video for the song
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #3
Atlas Sound
Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel
“River Card”
Deerhunter frontman Bradford James Cox strikes out on his own with this beautiful ambient album with many different themes. The entire album was created using a software program and all the lyrics were recorded as they were on the first take. Makes for a very interesting album that seems to float as if it were a leaf on a stream of water. The song is based on a Puerto Rican short story called “There’s a Little Coloured Boy at the Bottom of the River”. The story describes a boy who falls in love with his reflection in a river, though he believes it is another boy. In the conclusion of the story, the boy jumps into the water and drowns.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=k64NZiZaruU – Official video for the song
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #4
The Gutter Twins
Saturnalia
“God’s Children”
And now we have the newest in Greg Dulli projects. The Gutter Twins are comprised of Greg Dulli (Afghan Whigs, Twilight Singers) and Mark Lanegan (The Screaming Trees, Queens of the Stone Age). With a dark delivery and boding lyrics they slither through each song on the album with intensity. This song starts out with a slow burn then develops into a five alarm fire with the help of staccato drums. They don’t put out videos and if you see them in concert it is almost completely dark.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpU1oA0NVak& - Performing On My Way To Canaan’s Land
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #5
The Black Crowes
Warpaint
“Movin’ On Down the River”
The Crowes are back with very much what you would have expected. A very southern tinged rocker with twangy guitars and wailing vocals. If you like them, then you will like this album. This particular track is a stand out on the album for me. I would love to see it performed live. Got a very bluesy vibe to it. Everything is going be all right brothers and sisters!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGRKkxoh_Q0 – Video for their first single off the new album, “Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution”
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #6
MGMT
Oracular Spectacular
“Time To Pretend”
This group is so cool! They have been called a dorm room experiment gone right. Ben Goldwasser and Andrew Van Wyngarden are from Brooklyn and make up the whole of the band. The album is like a wonderful soundscape of hums and pops with beautiful harmonies woven in between it all. This song touches on the feeling we all have when we get to a certain age and wish to go back and start anew and experience all the things that made our childhoods so much fun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVnRzEjpUmE – Official video for the song (Think Lord of the Flies mixed with Peyote)
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #7
Kenny Rogers and the First Edition
The First Edition
“Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)”
The year is 1967. Kenny Rogers has yet to sail for the islands in a stream or take up gambling. But he is a hippie in a psychedelic rock band. The First Edition had such hits as “Ruby (Don’t Take Your Love To Town)”. They had multiple hits but ended up breaking up in 1974 after Kenny Rogers career kicked into high gear and the “First Edition” was no longer necessary. This song has a very spry Rogers singing smoother than his usual raspy self. It is every bit as good as any of the hits by the rock and roll legends of that time. And the video of him performing on the Smothers Brothers show is one of the more trippy things I have seen in a while.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ8k6fVe25k – The famed performance of the song on the Smother Brothers show in 1969. (the bed of tie dye!)
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #8
The Counting Crows
Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings
“Cowboys”
This album is really cranking up to be one of their better ones that San Francisco natives The Counting Crows have released in a while. It drops at the end of this month. But we have this preview of the album which features the Crows rocking harder than they have in a while. It is reminiscent of “Angels of the Silences” off of Recovering the Satellites. All the familiar characters that frequently pop up in their songs like the satellites, circuses and cowboys make their appearance yet again. Their myspace (http://www.myspace.com/countingcrows ) has several songs up from the new album just in case you’re curious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlqzpIUQyVs – Studio video of them recording the new song 1492
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #9
Jeff Healey
See the Light
“Angel Eyes”
This blind guitar virtuoso was at the top of his game in 1988 when this song hit the radios and stayed all year. Many a proms were built around this single that year. He also appeared that year in the Patrick Swayze hit, “Roadhouse” as the blind bar musician. This month he passed away from the same cancer that took his eyesight at the age of 2. He will be remembered as a gentle soul who battled his entire life to live the way he wanted to. RIP Norman Jeffrey Healey (March 25, 1966 – March 2, 2008)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYz_LHKrgDY – Official video for the song (check out the mullet!)
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #10
Wilco
Sky Blue Sky
“Hate It Here”
Chicago natives Wilco are back with their sixth album. This song illustrates the diversity of Jeff Tweedy. It has a almost upbeat and optimistic feel to it. But at the core of the song is a man that is mourning the mistakes he made and the special someone he ran away. Everything he does keeps him occupied just so he can await her return.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYLaWXjUr8A – Fan made video for the song
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #11
Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend
“Oxford Comma”
This New York band teased us last year with an short track EP. This year saw the first proper release of their career. The album easily so far ranks up with the best of 2008. The year is just beginning but it is going to be hard to beat this album. The entire album is great. They embrace what people are calling afro-pop. It describes the combining of African music with western classical music. Brings to mind the great Paul Simon album “Graceland” which employed a backing choir of African tribesman. You will not be disappointed with the album if you like this song at all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq5D5_tRSog& - The song performed live in LA at the Echo.
_________________________________________________________________________
Track #12
Goldfrapp
Seventh Tree
“A&E”
The band that gave us the great dance song of “Ooh La La” in 2006 are back with album that is determined to be a stripped down effort with less disco pop as they had before. This album has acoustic instruments and lovely souring vocals. This song compliments the video for it better than any other video this year so far. It is a very sad song about witnessing an overdose and possible death because of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VPyso87fZU – Official video for the song (watch out for the living bushes!)
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
ONCE March 2008 Mixtape
Monday, March 31, 2008
Alt-Country
These are some great alt-country acts.
Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins
Rilo Kiley
Neko Case
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Rivers Cuomo - Lovers In the Snow
New video from Rivers new album. And it is inspirational! And a true story! Who knew Weezer was born on the heels of a inspirational sports story!
Lover In The Snow
New Portishead!! Machine Gun
oh my goodness.... I cant talk.... breathless.....somehow must add commentary for this awesome event....
Ok sorry. Better now. It has been a looooooonnngggg time since Portishead blessed us with their unique brand of eletronica. Well the new album is finished and coming out soon. Here we have the video for the new single off of the third album, called "Third. It is out April 28th, 2008. It has been a long 11 years!!!!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Lian Ray
Here is a great French singer based out of Berlin. He has some great vocals and really lets the emotion bleed through. He puts out sporadic EP's every couple of months with his own artwork and packaging. The latest is the We Are the Fox and the Pony EP that is available on ITUNES or for a very reasonable price at his website http://www.myspace.com/lianray. Look for a song off of his new album to be previewed on April's ONCE mixtape.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
ONCE February 2008 Mixtape
The month of February almost got by me! I have been asked repeatedly in the last few days, “Has there been a February mix yet?”. Well better late than sorry. This mix may be late but it certainly doesn’t show. Some great new tracks here. We got an Oscar winner, an actress who hasn’t won an Oscar yet, and singers from India, England, Canada, Ireland, Denmark, Brooklyn and Australia. This collection is diverse and delicious! Enjoy!
Track #1
She and Him
Volume One
“Why Do You Let Me Stay Here”
Zooey Deschanel, the actress from such movies as Mumford, Elf, Hitchhikers Guide To the Galaxy, Bridge To Terabethia and Failure To Launch, branches out into singing with this debut from her project called She and Him. M. Ward is the “him” in the title providing vocals as well as instrumentation. The song is a bouncy little number that seems to be perfectly suited for her. The album comes out this month.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=i15bOlgffn0 – Bad quality live video of them singing the classic “Lonesome Town”
Track #2
Glen Hasard (ft. Marketa Irglova)
ONCE
“Falling Slowly”
If I had been able to get this out earlier this month, it might have been good enough to get you to go see the movie “Once”. But now I waited too long and it won an Oscar this year for best original song in a movie. So hopefully this isn’t old news and you will still want to check out the song. And if you have seen the movie yet, your life is sadly deprived! Real life couple Glen and Marketa sing about working your way back into a relationship and turning that sinking ship around.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XzQRuTwaFI8 – Clip from the movie Once where this song is composed and sung
Track #3
Buck 65
Situation
“1957”
The song starts like a Michael Myers soundtrack with it’s awesome piano loop. Then comes Buck 65 a Canadian hip hop artist. This album returns him to his more hip-hop roots after briefly visiting the dark side with his country tinged album. What I like about this album is the infectious loops and beats. His delivery is smooth and keeps you bobbing your head. After this song you will walk around for hours singing to yourself, “No joke, hit the low note, we all go to heaven in a little rowboat”.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9wyyVh3uc5Y – Video for “Wicked and Weird”
Track #4
The Whigs
Mission Control
“Right Hand On My Heart”
This band is straight out of Athens, Georgia. Their new album Mission Control is quickly become the darling of the music critics. With the catchy hooks and dirty guitars the album is a great listen. Here we have a great track off the album that really shows off their own southern version of garage rock.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mcZgh9l6PO0 –“Right Hand On My Heart” performed live on Conan O’Brien
Track #5
The Raveonettes
Lust, Lust, Lust
“Dead Sound”
Feeling moody? Maybe a little disconnected? The Raveonettes may be your answer to those feelings. This Danish duo take the Nancy Sinatra type girl pop from the 60’s then update it in all their gloomy glory. Comes out like a Nancy Sinatra song twisted with The Cure. Awesome feedback and overblown amps make this song the most feel good song of the year.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7SMPjXsnD8k – Video for “Dead Sound”
Track #6
Dillinger Escape Plan
Ire Works
“Black Bubblegum”
Math metal returns with DEP at the helm. This time around they decide to play nice and reign in their hectic sound. The result is one of the coolest albums of the year. With their third album they are slowly beginning to carve a place for themselves in the music world. Maturity is really what stands out and “Black Bubblegum” is a perfect example of this. But don’t purchase the album and expect every song to side this structured. They still have the madness that their fans have come to love.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-B0sPZ_QqeA – “Black Bubblegum” performed live on Conan O’Brien
Track #7
Wu-Tang Clan
8 Diagrams
“The Heart Gently Weeps (ft. Erykah Badu, Dhani Harrison and John Frusciante)”
Ok! Wu-Tang Clan have finally put aside their differences and put out a new album. No one does East Coast rap like the Clan. On this album the boys all return without ODB who died two years ago. RZA produces the album with fantastic results allowing all the boys to let their talents shine. So how can you make a Wu-Tang Clan song even better? Well use a interpolation of a Harrison penned Beatles song, have Erykah Badu sing the hook, ask George Harrison’s son to play the guitar on it, and then just to go the extra mile, get Red Hot Chili Peppers guitar virtuoso to perform the guitar solo! The song tells the story of a day that included shopping and murdering. Ahhh good to have the Clan back!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GDfToFcJ2J4 – Classic Wu-Tang video for “C.R.E.A.M”
Track #8
The Twang
Love It When I Feel Like This
“Wide Awake”
This band out of England made my mix back in June before their album ever dropped. It was a remix done by my favorites The Streets. But since that was essentially a Streets song with Twang lyrics I thought it would be good to visit the stripped down band. The album is a great mix of spoken and sung lyrics with incredible hooks. This song is all about what makes us who we are. And once you know that that then you are truly wide awake!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QjnsWeQnz0A – Official video for “Wide Awake”
Track #9
Gym Class Heroes
As Cruel As School Children
“Clothes Off!”
Gym Class Heroes second album really hits the mark. It is everything the first album should have been. Here we have great collaboration with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy. Their next project is taking this album and their first one and remixing it all with Hall & Oates songs. Wow that could be cool.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6NUxMgzHdic – Official video for “Clothes Off!”
Track #10
Hot Chip
Made In the Dark
“Ready For the Floor”
Hot Chip, the British electropop band, is hard to pin down. At one point they are disco kings, then lounge crooners and the next pop singers. The new album is diverse collection of beats and dance floor classics. They are highly respected for their remixes of different artists music. But with their new album they show that they can shine all by themselves. Case in point is the dance floor ready song, “Ready For the Dance Floor”.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=AW94AEmzFhQ – Official video for “Ready For the Floor”
Track #11
M.I.A.
Kala
“Paper Planes”
This Indian\British singer is back with her sophomore album “Kala”. The first single “Bird Flu” was a big hit internationally. Each song on the album is crafted using the strangest beats. The chorus of “Paper Planes” includes a super cool double action sidearm with a cash register ring.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7sei-eEjy4g – Official video for “Paper Planes”
Track #12
The Weepies
Say I Am Yours
“World Spins Madly On”
This great indie band out of Massachusetts gave us a great album full of syrupy lyrics and beautiful harmonies. It is a solid album all the way through. The video is awesome! What happens when monsters fall in love?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=L4sa2HoXpsE – Official video “World Spins Madly On”
Track #13
Sia
Some People Have Real Problems
“Buttons”
This quirky song comes off the seventh album from Australian singer. It has simple feel to it that makes you feel like you know it the first time you hear it. They crafted a perfectly quirky video as well. The chorus will stick with you for a long time, “Get away from your lover!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=71-p7HlqpfY – Official video for “Buttons”
Track #14
Yeasayer
All Hour Cymbals
“2080”
This song has almost a Paul Simon feel with the modern influences of someone like !!! (Chk Chk Chk). Maybe even a little bit of 90’s folk outfit “Rusted Root”. When they performed this song on Conan he declared it his new favorite song of the year. The band, which hails from Brooklyn, describe their music as “Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel”. Now if that doesn’t make you want to go check out this band then nothing will!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dhW8dH7txeU – Band performing “2080” live in their living room
The month of February almost got by me! I have been asked repeatedly in the last few days, “Has there been a February mix yet?”. Well better late than sorry. This mix may be late but it certainly doesn’t show. Some great new tracks here. We got an Oscar winner, an actress who hasn’t won an Oscar yet, and singers from India, England, Canada, Ireland, Denmark, Brooklyn and Australia. This collection is diverse and delicious! Enjoy!
Track #1
She and Him
Volume One
“Why Do You Let Me Stay Here”
Zooey Deschanel, the actress from such movies as Mumford, Elf, Hitchhikers Guide To the Galaxy, Bridge To Terabethia and Failure To Launch, branches out into singing with this debut from her project called She and Him. M. Ward is the “him” in the title providing vocals as well as instrumentation. The song is a bouncy little number that seems to be perfectly suited for her. The album comes out this month.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=i15bOlgffn0 – Bad quality live video of them singing the classic “Lonesome Town”
Track #2
Glen Hasard (ft. Marketa Irglova)
ONCE
“Falling Slowly”
If I had been able to get this out earlier this month, it might have been good enough to get you to go see the movie “Once”. But now I waited too long and it won an Oscar this year for best original song in a movie. So hopefully this isn’t old news and you will still want to check out the song. And if you have seen the movie yet, your life is sadly deprived! Real life couple Glen and Marketa sing about working your way back into a relationship and turning that sinking ship around.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XzQRuTwaFI8 – Clip from the movie Once where this song is composed and sung
Track #3
Buck 65
Situation
“1957”
The song starts like a Michael Myers soundtrack with it’s awesome piano loop. Then comes Buck 65 a Canadian hip hop artist. This album returns him to his more hip-hop roots after briefly visiting the dark side with his country tinged album. What I like about this album is the infectious loops and beats. His delivery is smooth and keeps you bobbing your head. After this song you will walk around for hours singing to yourself, “No joke, hit the low note, we all go to heaven in a little rowboat”.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9wyyVh3uc5Y – Video for “Wicked and Weird”
Track #4
The Whigs
Mission Control
“Right Hand On My Heart”
This band is straight out of Athens, Georgia. Their new album Mission Control is quickly become the darling of the music critics. With the catchy hooks and dirty guitars the album is a great listen. Here we have a great track off the album that really shows off their own southern version of garage rock.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mcZgh9l6PO0 –“Right Hand On My Heart” performed live on Conan O’Brien
Track #5
The Raveonettes
Lust, Lust, Lust
“Dead Sound”
Feeling moody? Maybe a little disconnected? The Raveonettes may be your answer to those feelings. This Danish duo take the Nancy Sinatra type girl pop from the 60’s then update it in all their gloomy glory. Comes out like a Nancy Sinatra song twisted with The Cure. Awesome feedback and overblown amps make this song the most feel good song of the year.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7SMPjXsnD8k – Video for “Dead Sound”
Track #6
Dillinger Escape Plan
Ire Works
“Black Bubblegum”
Math metal returns with DEP at the helm. This time around they decide to play nice and reign in their hectic sound. The result is one of the coolest albums of the year. With their third album they are slowly beginning to carve a place for themselves in the music world. Maturity is really what stands out and “Black Bubblegum” is a perfect example of this. But don’t purchase the album and expect every song to side this structured. They still have the madness that their fans have come to love.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-B0sPZ_QqeA – “Black Bubblegum” performed live on Conan O’Brien
Track #7
Wu-Tang Clan
8 Diagrams
“The Heart Gently Weeps (ft. Erykah Badu, Dhani Harrison and John Frusciante)”
Ok! Wu-Tang Clan have finally put aside their differences and put out a new album. No one does East Coast rap like the Clan. On this album the boys all return without ODB who died two years ago. RZA produces the album with fantastic results allowing all the boys to let their talents shine. So how can you make a Wu-Tang Clan song even better? Well use a interpolation of a Harrison penned Beatles song, have Erykah Badu sing the hook, ask George Harrison’s son to play the guitar on it, and then just to go the extra mile, get Red Hot Chili Peppers guitar virtuoso to perform the guitar solo! The song tells the story of a day that included shopping and murdering. Ahhh good to have the Clan back!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GDfToFcJ2J4 – Classic Wu-Tang video for “C.R.E.A.M”
Track #8
The Twang
Love It When I Feel Like This
“Wide Awake”
This band out of England made my mix back in June before their album ever dropped. It was a remix done by my favorites The Streets. But since that was essentially a Streets song with Twang lyrics I thought it would be good to visit the stripped down band. The album is a great mix of spoken and sung lyrics with incredible hooks. This song is all about what makes us who we are. And once you know that that then you are truly wide awake!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QjnsWeQnz0A – Official video for “Wide Awake”
Track #9
Gym Class Heroes
As Cruel As School Children
“Clothes Off!”
Gym Class Heroes second album really hits the mark. It is everything the first album should have been. Here we have great collaboration with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy. Their next project is taking this album and their first one and remixing it all with Hall & Oates songs. Wow that could be cool.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6NUxMgzHdic – Official video for “Clothes Off!”
Track #10
Hot Chip
Made In the Dark
“Ready For the Floor”
Hot Chip, the British electropop band, is hard to pin down. At one point they are disco kings, then lounge crooners and the next pop singers. The new album is diverse collection of beats and dance floor classics. They are highly respected for their remixes of different artists music. But with their new album they show that they can shine all by themselves. Case in point is the dance floor ready song, “Ready For the Dance Floor”.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=AW94AEmzFhQ – Official video for “Ready For the Floor”
Track #11
M.I.A.
Kala
“Paper Planes”
This Indian\British singer is back with her sophomore album “Kala”. The first single “Bird Flu” was a big hit internationally. Each song on the album is crafted using the strangest beats. The chorus of “Paper Planes” includes a super cool double action sidearm with a cash register ring.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7sei-eEjy4g – Official video for “Paper Planes”
Track #12
The Weepies
Say I Am Yours
“World Spins Madly On”
This great indie band out of Massachusetts gave us a great album full of syrupy lyrics and beautiful harmonies. It is a solid album all the way through. The video is awesome! What happens when monsters fall in love?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=L4sa2HoXpsE – Official video “World Spins Madly On”
Track #13
Sia
Some People Have Real Problems
“Buttons”
This quirky song comes off the seventh album from Australian singer. It has simple feel to it that makes you feel like you know it the first time you hear it. They crafted a perfectly quirky video as well. The chorus will stick with you for a long time, “Get away from your lover!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=71-p7HlqpfY – Official video for “Buttons”
Track #14
Yeasayer
All Hour Cymbals
“2080”
This song has almost a Paul Simon feel with the modern influences of someone like !!! (Chk Chk Chk). Maybe even a little bit of 90’s folk outfit “Rusted Root”. When they performed this song on Conan he declared it his new favorite song of the year. The band, which hails from Brooklyn, describe their music as “Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel”. Now if that doesn’t make you want to go check out this band then nothing will!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dhW8dH7txeU – Band performing “2080” live in their living room
ONCE There Was a Record
ONCE there was a record. And that record specifically marked a time in your life that will not be forgotten. We all have records (I use the term loosely since I don’t technically own any records) that are very close to us. They are the records that invoke specific memories. Not just one song defined the moment. It is one of those records that when we hear one song, we know which song is coming next. Like chapters of a life’s book, each record turns the page in your mind’s eye. I have lots of records like that. Sometimes when you look back at those records, you find the collection can at times be confusing and other times downright embarrassing. But they are still the records that made moments in your life enjoyable. The album you listened to over and over in your car when you first got your driver’s license or the summer working your first job. I could go track by track through my selections, but they are my memories and not yours. So just laugh and listen and think of young Trey. Maybe create your own mix based on the records that changed your life. Because ONCE There Was a Record…. And this is the mixtape to document that.
#1
Counting Crows (August and Everything After) – Round Here
#2
Everlast (Whitey Ford) – Money
#3
Firehouse (Firehouse) – All She Wrote
#4
Joe Satriani (The Extremist) – War
#5
Seven Mary Three (Rockcrown) – Times Like These
#6
Weezer (Blue Album) – Only In Dreams
#7
Tori Amos (Boys For Pele) – Putting the Damage On
#8
Savatage (Streets – A Rock Opera)
#9
Radiohead (The Bends) – Black Star
#10
Paul Simon (Graceland) – Under African Skies
#11
Dr. Dre (2001) – The Next Episode
#12
Bon Jovi (New Jersey) – Blood On Blood
#13
Spacehog (Resident Alien) – Ship Wrecked
#14
Afghan Whigs (Black Love) – Honkey’s Ladder
#15
Nelson (After the Rain) – After the Rain
#16
Smashing Pumpkins (Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness) – Love
#17
Limp Bizkit (Three Dollar Bill, Ya’ll) – Sour
#18
Def Leppard (Hysteria) – Run Riot
#19
Rage Against the Machine (Rage Against the Machine) – Know Your Enemy
#20
Third Eye Blind (Third Eye Blind) – God of Wine
#21
Dream Theater (Images and Words) – Take the Time
#22
Pink Floyd (The Wall) – Nobody Home
#23
U2 (Achtung, Baby) – So Cruel
#24
Kid Rock (Devil Without A Cause) – Wasting Time
#25
Everclear (So Much For the Afterglow) – White Men In Black Suits
#26
Winger (Pull) – Blind Revolution Mad
#27
Pearl Jam (VS) – Blood
#28
Queensryche (Operation Mindcrime) – Suite Sister Mary
#29
Kanye West (The College Dropout) – We Don’t Care
#30
Warrant (Cherry Pie) – I Saw Red
Friday, February 15, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
ONCE January 2008 Mixtape
2008!
The future becomes more and more tangible as we make our way into the new millennium. Hope everyone enjoyed last year’s monthly ONCE series. I had so much fun with this little experiment that I am going to continue it. So we start out a new year with some new songs, some old songs and strange spooky foreign songs about killing. If that last sentence doesn’t make you check out this month’s mix then nothing will! As always I love feedback so let me what you didn’t like or did.
Track #1
The Hives
The Black and White Album
“Tick, Tick, Boom”
My goodness this song is cool. Just like the song title suggests. It is like a bomb going off in your face. Although in this case the carnage is wonderfully awesome with no casualties! The Hives are out of Sweden but have never let that stop them from sounding undeniably punk. This song was made for dancing!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rwhU99_66R8 – Super awesome video for the Tick, Tick, Boom where the band of giant rockers blow up a museum
Track #2
Final Fantasy
He Poos Clouds
“He Poos Clouds”
This band is like listening to a symphony whose members regularly abuse drugs. The crazy high and lows of this song create a very distorted backdrop of harmonies and storytelling. Plus any band that is able to put the word poo in the title of the song and album simply rock! So sit back and grab your tiny binoculars and enjoy indie music sans the guitar.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5pQl7kye_d8 – Video for “He Poos Clouds”
Track #3
Example
What We Made
“Birthday Card”
A few months back I included a track from Example that used the Rolling Stone song “Paint It Black”. At that point in his career all he had was a unofficial mix that included that song. Well now months late he has a full length album out and it is super! Includes some pretty humorous songs with some great beats. Since Mike Skinner’s record company are producing him it is no surprise. Well this track from the British rapper is a great one. Dedicated to anyone who ever got into hot water with their significant other for forgetting a birthday. With a great soul record sampled for the beat, it makes for some delicious enjoyment.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cvCd1Xq0Au4 – Video for “You Can’t Rap” from the same album
Track #4
Adele
19
“Hometown Glory”
Not much is known about Adele yet except that the two singles she has released pretty much kick butt. She is like a sober Amy Winehouse with a little Charlotte Church thrown in. She has a great voice and this particular track is a dark lovely look at the city she loves. But we won’t know if she can produce an entire album of great songs like this until later this month when she releases her first full length album entitled simply 19.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nL49yZNE4yk –Video for “Hometown Glory” filmed live on BBC2.
Track #5
Wolfmother
Wolfmother
“Joker & the Thief”
I have been resisting these guys for a while now. There sound is no retro that I can’t help but be transported back to 1971 when they ask for a listen. And since I have no memories of said year, there hold has not been that great on me. But this song of theirs just keeps coming back to haunt me. This song has a great organ solo at the 3:40 mark that alone would make a great song.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NiRnAO0QJ0E – Live Video for “The Joker & the Thief”
Track #6
Evidence
The Weatherman
“Perfect Storm”
Evidence is a member of Dilated Peoples. Peoples is a rap collective in the vein of Jurassic 5 and Crown City Rockers. But as a solo artist with his first album outside of Peoples he has shown his has strength to make it on his own. He has a great sound. On this song he brings in Madchild, Iriscience and DJ Babu to predict the ending of all things. The album is pretty solid and should be picked up and given a chance.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NmD4DZWX2xo – Video for “Mr. Slow Flow” off the same album.
Track #7
Aerosmith
Toys In the Attic
“You See Me Crying”
Back in 1973 a little band called Aerosmith with just one hit to their name broke the one hit wonder streak and became instant celebrities with the song “Sweet Emotion”. That song climbed all the way to #36. With that they released their second single off their third album and had an even bigger hit with “Walk This Way” in 1975. Boosted with confidence they released this track. This track didn’t even break the surface of the top 100 but it didn’t matter at that point. The legendary band had made it. The song was one of their first forays into the symphonic pop they would become known for later in the years. This little known track pops up from time for me and has always been one of my favorites of theirs. I first heard this song on a cross country trip to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in upstate New York. Sitting in the hotel staring at the window the song instantly became one of those songs that tend to make you who you are.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_hge_il6COU – Awesome live video of “Train Kept a Rollin” filmed for the Midnight Special from 1977.
Track #8
Soko
Soko, Not Sokute
“I’ll Kill Her”
So she might be a hit or might not be. Hard to tell at this point of her career. She is a French singer who has been relatively amateur up until this point. But it looks like she is ramping it up to take her career into high career. Here we have a lovely song about killing someone who took your lover from you. Has some great spoken words as well as singing about a lover that left her for another and the search for the one that stole her future. The song is gold just because you get to hear her say “I’ll Keell Her” in her French accent.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=25AsfkriHQc – Official video for “I’ll Kill Her”
Track #9
John Mayer
Say
“Say”
John Mayer is a simple love of mine. He has a great sense of humor. Plays some great guitar. And pens some great blues. With the new movie “The Bucket List” coming out, the producers asked him to write a song for the movie. So he sat and wrote this beauty. Starts like a Hawaiian luau and ends with some pan flutes and heartfelt lyrics about saying what you need to say and not holding anything back. The most catchiest song he has ever done. Hurry and listen to it before radio picks it up and destroys it for you!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aTpy_L1dALA – Official video for “Say”
Track #10
Deodato
Deadato 2
“Super Strut”
Eumir Deodato has been making great music since 1972. Born and raised in Brazil he quickly rose in the ranks for Latin Jazz. He helped produce and write some of the best songs to come out of Brazil during this time. If you think I am kidding go check out the album “Tropicalia: A Brazilian Revolution In Sound”! In last decade or two he has lent his producing talents to many artists in other countries such as Frank Sinatra, Kool in the Gang, Bjork, Nellee Hooper, Tricky and even Howie B. He has a song he produced in rapper Lupe Fiasco’s new album entitled The Cool. This particular track takes us back to 1973 on his fourth album. A great eight minute ride into the Latin soul of LA in the 70’s. Complete with organ, bass, drums and guitar solos, it is perfect for a ride in the car. You will be bouncing along in no time when you play this track.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Er_WxiAaE5s& – Great performance of the song done live
Track #11
Devin the Dude
Waiting to Inhale
“What a Job (ft. Snoop Doog and Andre 3000)”
Devin has never disappointed me as a producer and rapper. And on this song off his great new album he waxes poetic about what it is like to be a producer not making enough money off your craft but loving every moment. Snoop Doog and Andre 3000 from Outkast contribute their bitter verses about people downloading the song for free.
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
Shakespears Sister
Hormonally Yours
“Stay”
Here we have a very cool song that has almost been lost to time until you hear it. Then memories of the early 90’s will come back and by the end of the song you will be hitting replay. A great song by one hit wonders about love and death. The song drips with sadness interjected with the evil doings of death. This song was a hit in 1991 by climbing the charts all the way to #4. It is one of those random tracks that keep coming back to haunt you as time goes by.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5pC3VJA_CB8 – Official video for the song
Track #13
Glossary
The Better Angels of Our Nature
“Little Caney”
This cool band from Memphis has put out their 5th album. And they have offered it for free. Once again folks, you can’t beat free music so take advantage. It doesn’t cost you anything to check out their music. It is available at their website, http://www.glossary.us/. They have a great sound that reminds me of Seven Mary Three. This track details the adventures of two lovers in a cemetery.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kxer6YJR-6M – Band performing “Blood On the Knobs” live at 88.3 WMTS
Track #14
Ghostland Observatory
Paparazzi Lighting
“Sad Sad City”
Austin has lots of unique talent. Bands and songwriters have been emerging from its social underbelly for years now. One band has been lately making lots of headlines in and out of the city. It is Austin’s own Ghostland Observatory. They have a great sound that is hard to define. Lots of rock, some soul and a dash of electronica. It makes for some very hypnotic tracks . Their latest album, Paparazzi Lightning, is a great album. This song features an organ and keyboard and a drum track that moves it along. The singer has a great grasp of the dance rock scene taking us on a trip with each line.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CtFVRo1ovIk – Band performing “Sad Sad City” live on Austin City Limits
Friday, January 11, 2008
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
