Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 40: THAT'S WHY I WEAR A HELMET

For the uninitiated, "Don't Tell a Soul" is my ongoing, semi-regular awesome mix tape series.

And this, right here, is the fortieth installment.

As always, to encourage the consumption of music that doesn't suck, I have provided -- wherever available -- links to free, artist-sanctioned MP3s of the songs.

Enjoy!
Matt

(Questions or comments? E-mail mperrine [at] duluthbudgeteer [dot] com.)

1. Modest Mouse - "People as Places as People"
This recent gem could've been pulled from any one of MM's releases for Up Records -- it's a refreshing notion.

2. The Pixies - "Something Against You"
As recently heard by yours truly in the Mark Ruffalo vehicle "XX/XY." While the film isn't as good as his (strikingly similar) "We Don't Live Here Anymore," it's well worth your time. (Dare I even say a strong contender for "Netflix NOW"?) (I dare.)

3. Shelter Belt - "Dry"
While this wonderful group from Omaha failed to play this number (and my other favorite, "Shadow") at their show with Dave Mehling at Superior's Red Mug Saturday night *tear?* they were still quite enjoyable. (Confidential to SB: Thanks for visiting Superior and taking the time to talk to a lowly newspaper man!)

4. White Light Riot - "Atomism"
Quite the opposite here, as my ears were definitely treated to this hot track when White Light Riot lit up the Bayfront Festival Park stage for Safe Haven's Festival to End the Violence. I do hope they get around to playing Duluth once more before they're on the cover of the Rolling Stone. (Really, they're that good!)

5. Oxford Collapse - "Please Visit Your National Parks"
The problem with (most) songs with kickass titles is that they rarely live up to that level of "kickassery." But let me be the first to point out that that is so not the case here.

6. Lil' Dave Merriman (of the Arrivals) - "I Palindrome I" (They Might Be Giants cover, live on WLUW)
Spot on, Dave Merriman, spot on. Now ... just who the fuck are the Arrivals?!

7. Fair-Weather Friend - "Trestle"
Recommended if you like the Plastic Constellations' early catalog ... back when they'd play joints like St. Cloud's Java Joint. <- Although, for years, I'm pretty sure its neon only beamed out "ava Joint" to unsuspecting passersby. (p.s. Some FWF MP3s are available here.)

8. New Order - "Regret"
This + driving up Minnesota's North Shore on Highway 61 = that much closer to heaven.

9. They Might Be Giants - "Withered Hope"
"The Else" is no "The Spine," but it's damn close.

10. Los Campesinos! - "We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives"
Remember what I said about kickass titles earlier? Same goes here for this mini-anthem from the jacked-up British version of Berkeley's beloved Dealership.

11. Scott Lucas (of Local H) - "Tangerine" (Led Zeppelin cover, live on WXRT)
Purists will scoff, but, unless a cover totally blows, its usually worthy of inclusion on these here mix tapes. (I probably shouldn't be admitting this in public, but the version of "Tangerine" I prefer most actually belongs to Big Head Todd and the Monsters. It appears on the timeless "Encomium" disc.)

12. The Numbers - "We Like Having Things"
And my third-favorite song title of the night....

13. Manic Street Preachers - "Nobody Loved You"
MSP ... with gee-tars!

14. The Blue Meanies - "Short Attention Span"
And you thought your little brother was a "hyper hypo".... ("That's why I wear a helmet." A HA HA) (For today's unofficial "moment of zen," check out the letter the group wrote to MCA Records, its former label.)

15. Cloud Cult - "The Shape of 8"
It's only been since Grandma's Marathon that I saw these guys perform, but, oh, how I miss them.

16. Atmosphere - "Free or Dead"
Vintage Atmosphere -- what's not to love?

17. Boy Girl Boy Girl feat. Alan Sparhawk - "Freak Accident"
Why haven't these guys been featured in any given Quarantino film?

18. The Mighty Fraff - "Could Have Been So Different"
These guys are fucking cool. Just one listen, man, and you'll know exactly what I mean.

19. Ash - "Numbskull"
Is there a Duluth Screaming Club? That might be just as healthy as gathering for a go-round of laughter.

20. Autolux - "Here Comes Everybody"
If Ken Andrews is a god, what does that make Greg Edwards, his Failure partner in crime? According to his work with Autolux, he's at least an ... you know what? I'm not going to finish that. It's such a bad joke my cheeks are flush red just thinking about it!

21. The Chemical Brothers - "We are the Night"
Ahh, yes, remember "Surrender"? You might not even be able to tell the difference from this new track and nearly anything from that classic. Read: A return to greatness.

22. The Sammies - "Postman"
The second coming of Spoon?

23. The Katies - "She's My Marijuana"
Like "Freak Accident," here's another song that also belongs in a film -- except these guys rock out more in the key of "Cameron Crowe soundtrack."

24. Marah - "Round Eye Blues"
I hate to sound too corny, but this shit melts in your ears. Is there enough room in Philly for such greatness?