Don't Tell a Soul, Vol. 41: You're free to have everything you can see

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

And this, right here, is the latest 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. M.I.A. - "Boyz"
She's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

2. The Pixies - "Hang Wire"
As recently heard by yours truly in "The United States of Leland." <- A terrific film with a terrific cast (and soundtrack). Netflix NOW.

3. The Cardigans - "Step on Me"
For years I thought "Been It" was the Cardigans' finest hour. Well, that was before I rediscovered this undeniable gem.

4. Dave Mehling - "Idaho"
Although some* have expressed to Sir David (it's the only moniker he responds to, trust me...) that Wyoming would've made for more appropriate subject matter, this is a timeless piece of work. His songwriting is far more mature than his young looks let on.

5. MOTH - "Shock City"
MOTH's systematic execution on this stomper is alarming, to say the least -> I can't keep my ears off it.

6. Shelter Belt - "If It Feels Like"
Bran Van 3000, anyone?

7. The Stereo - "Things to Consider"
Another cherished deep album cut from Jamie Woolford and the boys in the (now-defunct) Stereo.

8. Carbon Carousel - "savior simplex."
Recommended if you like the Bogmen ... if they turned evil. (And had Eyedea out front.)

9. The Shins - "Australia"
A lot of credible people have told me that I'd "love" the Shins, but, come on, if Zach Braff likes them, how good can they be? I must admit, though, despite the whole Z.B. angle, this is pretty enjoyable stuff -- like a really, really, really poppy Rogue Wave.

10. Central Services - "The Salesman"
Speaking of enthralling West Coast post-punkers, Central Services is your new No. 1. Check 'em out.

11. John Vanderslice - "Bill Gates Must Die"
This guy has balls.

12. Cloud Cult - "Alien Christ"
You can't tell me the near-complete departure of a musical interlude at 1:32 isn't transcendent.

13. Oliver Future - "Happiness Machine"
You like Of Montreal? Do ya? Well, then, write this one down.

14. Mouth - "Float"
R.I.Y.L. Metal Molly, the Pixies and songs that are -- without compromising anything -- exactly 41 seconds long.

15. The Robocop Kraus - "Life Amazes Us Despite Our Miserable Future"
Cool, cool, cool: Cool title, cool music and, generally, just a cool song to (pretend to) smoke to -- one foot behind you, bracing yourself against the side of a brick building. Hold that pose, feller, 'cause the pretty girls are only going to be looking for a few ... more ... oops, party over -> you fell. (And, besides, how far do you think you could have gotten with that "spiffy" Canadian tuxedo on?)

16. Jeff Tweedy - "The Thanks I Get" (live)
This shit is vindictive. ... Or is it?

17. The Long Winters - "Ultimatum" (EP vers.)
For some reason, this song reminds me of "We Don't Live Here Anymore," only in reverse.... Yadig?

18. Dropkick Murphys - "The Dirty Glass"
I never really "got" the Dropkick Murphys -- or at least their appeal -- until one fateful night at Thirsty Pagan in Superior. To this end, cheers!

19. Rocket From the Crypt - "Burning Army Men"
As Brick Tamland would say, "Loud noises!"

20. A Sunken Ship Irony - "Lost in the Nintendo"
The 8-bit intro is just killer.

21. The National - "Mistaken for Strangers"
Like a less-slick Arcade Fire....

22. Alternative Champs - "Welcome to Fort Awesome"
That's it, song title of the year ... err, whatever year this came out (2005). Best of all, the song's content lives up to its title!

Another thing I love about this group is that their Web site sheepishly proclaims "The Internet Starts Here."

23. Spoon - "I Didn't Come Here to Die"
Roadhouse blues REDUX, baby!

24. The New Pornographers - "Speed of Luxury"
The fine folks at Matador Records are brilliant: Buy "Challengers" early, get all sorts of free shit now -- like this glorious B-side.

25. Fountains of Wayne - "Fire in the Canyon"
I was experiencing an emotional meltdown when I first heard this track, so that may be why -- and I'm no scientist, by any means, so please don't take (just) my word for it -- I'm kind of scarily attached to this (gently) thundering roller.

26. Nick Heyward - "These Words"
If Nick Heyward is guilty of one thing, it's subdued brilliance. He's great, don't get me wrong, but one gets the feeling he'd be just as happy being a fly on the wall -- at his own concert.

*I have no idea who I could be talking about....