My new mantra has inevitably become: I will finish this awesome mix tape post, I will finish this awesome mix tape post, I will finish this awesome mix tape post, I will, I will, I will ... I mean, I started it over a week ago.So, here goes nuthin' ... hold onto your butts:
1. Feable Weiner - "San Deem Us Ready"
As if this band's album packaging wasn't cool enough (basically a to-size Trapper Keeper), they actually write catchy, uber-hyper songs to boot.
2. This is Me Smiling - "Mixin' Up Adjectives"
Pop-punk meets classic rock. (It's OK; they play down the pop-punk part.)
3. Cheer Up Poems - "Fox on the Run" (Sweet cover)
I finally got my grubby little paws on "How Long Have You Been in Love?" (thanks, Edgewood!) -- a lovely little comp that features Duluth musicians recording the first song they at least claim to have fallen in love with. The Cheer Up Poems have successfully transformed Sweet's sickeningly sweet anthem into a gentle lullaby in the key of Gary Wright's "Dream Weaver."
Spectacular, all of it. I highly recommend you too seek out this terrific album.
4. Best Friends Forever - "Eisenhower is the Father of the Interstate Highway System" (live on The Current)
Minneapolis' premier quirk-pop outfit performing what is arguably their most brilliant composition -- right up there with Jes and Bri's Nothing Jive About Jupiter/reru work. (Forever on our request lines: "If I Were You.") Plus, although it was recorded live, the sound is superb.
5. David Byrne - "Miss America"
I've always adored this track, but when it ushered in the credits after the first episode of HBO's phenomenal "Big Love," I just fell in love all over again.
6. Modest Mouse - "Florida"
They've really nailed their formula down. Did you know their new album debuted at No. 1? Amazing, but it's really no wonder with songs like "Florida." This here "trackeroo" incorporates elements from the last couple records, and yet it's still poppy enough to keep the Clear Channel drones happy.
7. Les Savy Fav - "The Sweat Descends"
Taking the Yeah Yeah Yeahs route to global domination, Les Savy Fav continue to redefine "indie cool."
8. Taylor Hawkins and the Coattails Riders - "It's OK Now"
Who knew Foo Fighters' drummer had the best modern classic rock album within him? If it weren't for bargain-basement prices at the local pawn shop, I sure wouldn't....
from Amazon.com...
Defies all expectations, March 16, 2007| Reviewer: | M. R. Perrine "nothingman82" (Fargo, N.D. USofA) - See all my reviews |
This is one of those "lost" albums, like Unified Theory's debut, that failed to catch an audience. More than likely you'll find it in a pawn shop (as I did ... for both of them, as a matter of fact), but DO NOT let that dissuade you.
This is exceptional rock 'n' roll. PERFECT for long summer nights spent around a campfire with close friends. (And preferably in the northern woods of Minnesota or Wisconsin.*)
It's nonconfrontational rock, so it's great for carrying on one of those deep conversations. Best of all, it has the ability to suck everyone in because, as it's a tribute to classic rock or whatnot, it's always vaguely familiar -- even if it's your first spin.
Take a chance on this one. At least give "Louise" a shot, because you'll surely be hooked after you hear that one.
*Trust me. Everything sounds better up here.
9. Spartan Fidelity - "The Hollows"
I miss Remy Zero. Seriously. I know they got a little Target-approved near the end of their time together, but they deserved every ounce of support. That said, SF finds the two most important RZers (Cinjun Tate and Shelby Tate) exploring the moodier aspects of RZ's output.
10. Brother Ali - "Truth Is"
I just got done reviewing Ali's new album, so all I'll say here is this track is essential to any upcoming summer mix tape and -- oh yeah -- READ THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION OF THE BUDGETEER!*
11. Turin Brakes - "Red Moon"
Quite enjoyable track to accompany any time spent in the countryside. (At least this proved to be true when I headed up to Gooseberry with TB in tow.)
12. The Push Stars - "Drunk is Better than Dead"
Although pretty much a defunct group, I find frontman Chris Trapper to be quite an enjoyable individual, so I thought I'd pay tribute to the first song I heard of his -- this lackadaisical number. (By the way, is this supposed to be funny? Because I always laugh, but then I catch the lines about suicide attempts....)
13. Electric Light Orchestra - "Latitude 88 North"
Since I've already taken my obsessive love for ELO and beaten it over your heads on numerous, numerous occasions, I thought I'd take this opportunity to give you something else ... IT'S ELO HISTORY TIME, BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABBBBBYYYY: Previously unreleased, "Latitude 88 North" -- quite an enjoyable number, I might add -- was originally put together for release on 1977's triumphant album "Out of the Blue," but wasn't completed until 30 years later for the glorious reissue.
Love life. Love ELO. That's all you need to know.
14. Verbena - "All the Saints"
I know I throw "triumphant" around quite a bit lately, but that is exactly what this is.
...
Actually, the more I think about it, the best way I can describe this song is like a close relative to the sunnier sides of Everclear's "Sparkle and Fade."
That was a glorious album, and this is a glorious song.
15. Au Revoir Simone - "A Violent Yet Flammable World"
"Ah, yes, make-out music."
"Really?"
"Sure."
16. Air - "Once Upon a Time"
Not their most exciting track, but they've given me so much over the years that the least I can do is mention that they have a new album.
17. Little Black Books - "Wet Gospel"
Like Brother Ali, I also just finished a (rave) review of the new Books album, so I'm gonna save my precious words and have you check back tomorrow for a link to the review.
You're so close to sticking out your tongue and calling me a "stinker" that I can feel it.... <- That very well could be the silliest fucking thing I've ever written.
Seriously.
18. Rob Crow - "I Hate You, Rob Crowe"
I don't want to say this guy is a no-name just because I don't know anything about him, but that seems like the easiest thing to do....
(TO BE FAIR: If you're out there, Mr. Crow, drop me a line. I do quite enjoy what you do.)
19. Lauren Hoffman - "Rock Star"
Like Tracy Bonham. A lot like Tracy Bonham.
But I "heart" her, so ... that's kind of why Hoffman got the inclusion this go 'round.
(No, you're a cheeky bastard.)
20. The Fall - "I Can Hear the Grass Grow"
This song almost makes me want to be a pretend truckfucker.** Almost.
21. Kaiser Chiefs - "Ruby"
If you could crawl up inside a rainbow, this is exactly what the jukebox would be playing.
22. The Pixies - "All Over the World"
Why has it taken me so long to honor this, one of the most rocking songs (of all time) from one of the most rocking bands (of all time)?
For shame.
Do yourself a favor and buy at least 12 copies of "Bossanova." It is the group's ultimate expression of Bostonian rock-a-tude.
23. The Frames - "Listen Girl"
Turning the page, I present to you one of the least rocking songs of all time -- this song is utterly beautiful.
And fragile.
So F-ing fragile I could ... I mean ... well, let's just say I wouldn't let my hyper-hypo of a brother around it.
*I'm such a whore, aren't I?
**Sorry, Dorothy, I'll have to explain what this means sometime. But, yes, I will take some soap with my potty mouth.
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