TOY BOAT! Mix Tape No. 2 :: MID WEST MUSIC FEST (a primer)

Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, here lies "Mid West Music Fest (a primer)," another sweet compilation curated by Matthew R. Perrine. Inspired by this year's phenomenal lineup at the Mid West Music Fest in Winona, Minn., I decided to make an entire mix tape comprised only of songs by artists who will be appearing at the festival this year. (Get all the relevant information for this weekend of music -- which runs April 19-21 -- at www.midwestmusicfest.org.) As always, enjoy this and all coming editions of "Toy Boat!" at maximum volume. 

1. Ruben - "Wasting Time"

2. Maudlin - "Dancecaster"

Raised on a steady diet of the Pixies (and every other Frank Black or Kim Deal side project, for that matter), you best believe that this group’s twin vocalists, David and Priscilla Priebe, know a thing or two about post-punk and slightly off-kilter power pop.

3. Chris Koza - "Crowded Bed"

City Pages calls Koza's solo stuff "brainy folk-pop." (He's also in the excellent Rogue Valley -- see below.) What this one sounds like to me is a laidback Black Crowes song played by Mason Jennings' band -- and "cherried" with some exquisite P.J. Olsson whistling. Whatever it is, it's good.

4. Tapes 'n Tapes - "Insistor"

These buzzed-about indie rockers don't need any introductions.

5. Midwest Dilemma - "Chicago and North Western"

This Omaha export was quick to win over Americana-leaning fans with the gigantic-in-scope “Timelines & Tragedies” album, which found inspiration in the family lineage of frontman Justin P. Lamoureux — all the way back to the days of fur trading, no less.

6. Kimya Dawson - "Tire Swing"

Yes, the Kimya Dawson who got her 15 minutes with the peachy "Juno" soundtrack (and who will be guesting on the just-announced "Skelethon," Aesop Rock's long-awaited next solo album that will drop on July 10 on Rhymesayers) will be playing in little ol' Winona!

7. Porcupine - "So Far So Good"

La Crosse indie rock at its finest. Damn, this is some good stuff.

8. Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons - "Longer Time at Sea"

If you like your rock epic in scope, look no further than this personal favorite.

9. Toki Wright - "Next Best Thing"

This infectious little hip-hop tune includes these memorable lines: "I read a article that said I'm a hype man / I ain't a hype man; f-----, I'm a live band." Then he goes on to rhyme "catheter" with "Africa." Awesome.

10. Charlie Parr - "Asa Jones' Blues"

One of my first interviews for the Duluth Budgeteer News was with one Charlie Parr. A highlight from the way-back machine (summer 2006): “We love it here in Duluth,” he said, “and we ain’t leaving. ... I’m happy to be a part of this place and the music made here.” 

11. The 4onthefloor - "On Tuesdays"

A catchy footstomper about -- What else? -- getting drunk on Tuesdays.

12. Wake Up Bedhead - "Crystal Ball"

13. Def Gone Graphic - "Beware"

14. Apollo Cobra - "Rough"

Paired with the right vocalist (Thao, perhaps?), this would be quite a formidable force on the dancefloor.

15. The Melismatics - "The Hard Way"

A straight-up rock song I've listened to entirely too much in the few years it's been around.

16. Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps - "Where Has Sally Gone?" (Daytrotter.com vers.)

Whimsical -- with an emphasis on the "wh" sound.

17. Ben Weaver - "Cold House" (Live at Beaner's Central, Duluth, Minn.)

While it sounds like Ben is trying to pluck his guitar here, this mesmerizing folk song works.

18. Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank - "It Happens All the Time" (EP vers.)

One of the most consistently entertaining road bands I've ever heard.

19. BNLX - "Vaporize" [FREE MP3]

Ed Ackerson is a golden god. Spend just a few minutes with this alternative-never-died band and you'll hear why. Fans of Ash's amp-melting sonic assault (more so in the early days) will find much to gush over here.

20. Rogue Valley - "I-5 Love Affair" [FREE MP3(s)]

21. White Iron Band - "North Country Bandit"

Written (and/or recorded) while the group was hungover? Hard to tell. Either way, this one will get under your skin. (On a somewhat-related note, does anyone else think frontman Matt Pudas sounds eerily similar to Ed Helms?)

22. The Mages - "Inauguration Day"

Veterans of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's 24 Hour Project, the friendly members of the Mages have music in their bloodstreams: “Through our entire lives, the common thread is that we’ve all always been involved with music, in one way or another,” Amy O'Connor told me back in 2010. “The boys were in high school band, and I was in high school choir. And, as children, we were all involved in music and had very musical households.”

23. Yester - "A Wishing Well"

24. Zoo Animal - "Baybee"

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~ A Product of La Crosse, Wis. ~

TOY BOAT! Mix Tape No. 1 :: APPEAR CALM, REMAIN PARANOID

Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, here lies "Appear Calm, Remain Paranoid," another sweet compilation curated by Matthew R. Perrine. As always, enjoy this and all coming editions at maximum volume. 

1. Suckers - "Save Your Love for Me"

One of the most gorgeous things I've heard in the past decade. To set the scene, I was reclining in my video rocker (most likely nerding out to "Battlefield 3") when it started to snow outside. Since it hasn't really been a "white winter" in La Crosse this year, the heavy flakes falling outside my window took me aback. Coupled with this captivating song, I was mesmerized.

2. Sleigh Bells - "Comeback Kid"

Man, what an exciting song -- truly one of the most worthwhile "Saturday Night Live" performances in recent memory.

3. A-Trak - "Make the Trap Wile Out"

From the endlessly entertaining (and usually free) "Dirty South Dance 2" mix tape.

4. fun. - "Why Am I the One?"

Music doesn't get much more beautiful than this. It's a little overpowering, actually.

5. Someone Still Loves You Borin Yeltsin - "Oregon Girl"

Never say Polyvinyl never did anything for you: This and many other great tracks are available on this free label sampler from Amazon.

6. The Office - "Had a Visit"

Chicago rock mania.

7. Sharon Van Etten - "Serpents"

With an album title like "Tramp," it's hard not to notice this up-and-coming chanteuse. (By the way, this will be a great one for those upcoming summer mix tapes -- keep it in mind!)

8. David Bazan - "How I Remember"

I listen to this song entirely too much.

9. Django Django - "Default"

Endearingly goofy, this track always puts a smile on my face.

10. Pieta Brown - "Be with You"

Pieta is the whole reason I got back into writing about music. I had the pleasure of interviewing her back in 2010 for the Duluth Budgeteer News -- where she said such memorable things as "Music has a way of finding you" -- so, when I saw she was coming to La Crosse next month (to play at the Root Note), I jumped on the opportunity to interview her again. And her new material is just as invigorating as the road-tested material we've enjoyed for the better part of a decade.

11. Anya Marina - "Notice Me" [LISTEN HERE]

Caution: This song will rattle around in your brain for days. No joke. It's catchy ... maybe a little too catchy. (LOL)

12. Grandaddy - "Pull the Curtains"

"Pull the curtains on the night / Sometimes it isn't worth the fight." The sun-drenched equivalent of Soundgarden's "The Day I Tried to Live"?

13. La Sera - "Break My Heart"

She will already has. 

14. Dawes - "Time Spent in Los Angeles"

Too bad this wasn't written back in the early '70s. It would've fit in fine on the "Almost Famous" soundtrack.

15. Elizabeth and the Catapult - "Taller Children"

A surprisingly insightful way to look at adult life: "We're all just taller children." So true.

16. The Get Up Kids - "Martyr Me"

Rock me, Kansas. Or is it "Rock me, Missouri"?

17. Alva Star - "Victorian"

John(ny) Hermanson is another musical mastermind I've had the pleasure of interviewing. When I spoke to him back in '09, he blamed (credited?) his varied musical adventures -- Storyhill, Alva Star, the (Olympic) Hopefuls, et al. -- on the fact that he's "always been a bit schizophrenic." This explosive track finds the Montana native mastering alternative rock. It's a glorious thing to behold.

18. I Self Devine feat. Muja Messiah - "Oblivious" [FREE MP3]

From his latest mix tape, "Reports from the Field: In the Trenches," which you can download here for free.

19. Skrillex - "Right on Time"

Sure, all the kids at Hot Topic dig this modern-day Richard D. James, but fans of "Block Rockin' Beats"-era Chemical Brothers will find much to love here.

20. Rory Allen Phillips - "Swimming While Sleeping"

This head-in-the-clouds instrumental from the genius behind the Impossibles and Slowreader will have you repeating a new mantra: "I'm on a beach. I'm on a beach." Get it while you can. And remember, kids: END PROHIBITION.

21. Jay Reatard - "It Ain't Gonna Save Me"

Never has a quote so encapsulated my life: "Everything I do is motivated by the fear of running out of time." It appears as if the late Jay Reatard and I were kindred spirits.

22. Robyn - "Dancing on My Own"

I laughed when the great Superstar DJ Walt Dizzo told me Robyn -- yes, that Robyn -- was making great records. Boy, did I feel like a fool when I actually picked one up. Needless to say, now I am hooked on this Swedish pop s---!

23. Bracket - "Talk Show"

This bouncy ska-punk number is long a staple of my myriad mix tape series -- which include, but are definitely not limited to, Don't Tell a Soul, couleehighharmony, shake*your*shores and Fly High, Duluth!

24. Nada Surf - "Teenage Dreams"

Wow, these guys are still going strong. I mean, I remember listening to "Popular" in my cousin Cale's bedroom before we were teenagers!

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Per usual, I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage you to seek out the aforementioned tracks and, again, listen to them AT MAXIMUM VOLUME. I recommend Koss headphones. Not to totally cop from the Wisconsin (Viva Milwaukee!) company's website, but *ahem* there is an emotional thrill when you're "enclosed in the music."

couleehighharmony6 :: ... AT LEAST IT WAS RANDOM

Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, here lies "... At Least it was Random," another sweet compilation curated by Matthew R. Perrine. As always, enjoy this and all coming editions at maximum volume.

1. Girls - "Lust for Life"

This song is my life. Well, more accurately, it gets about a B+ in relatability ... I don't really need and/or want a boyfriend.

2. P.O.S. - "Yeah Right (Science Science)"

The definition of "exciting" -- could definitely tear down a wall or two to this one.

3. Atmosphere - "You" (acoustic vers. live on KEXP) [LISTEN HERE]

This one goes out to my buddy Shannon in Rochester. It's nice to know someone else hears the brilliance in this particular song.

4. Weezer - "Getchoo"

I never really fancied myself a "lyrics guy," but sometimes they just hit you: "This is beginning to hurt / This is beginning to be serious / It used to be a game...."

5. Everclear - "You Make Me Feel Like a Whore"

And again: "I hate the way I am around you / I'm so nervous and weird / Sometimes I feel like I'm breathing underwater."

6. Cloud Cult - "Pretty Voice"

Rest in peace, ______.

7. Electric Light Orchestra - "On the Run"

Wish I was ... there's a new goal in my life (and this is as accurately as I can describe it): spend a significant amount of time in each of the 50 states. (Can probably be crossed off already: Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Florida, Colorado, Wyoming....)

8. Basement Jaxx - "Run 4 Cover"

Am I trying to tell myself something? (Dear "Dr. Jenn".... ha ha ha)

9. Bloodhound Gang - "Asleep at the Wheel"

The closest these assholes (and proud to be) have ever come to "art."

10. The Promise Ring - "Get on the Floor"

Speaking of music as art, this is it.

11. Sugar Ray - "Mean Machine"

What happened to these fuckers???

12. The Avalanches - "Stay Another Season"

New York. London. Paris. Munich. They're all calling. (No rest for MF'ing monsters....)

13. Fuzzbubble - "Bliss"

Some interesting lyrics for an unabashed "barnstormer": "Why should I resign / To everybody's warped design? / So take your bigger road / And I'll take mine."

14. Oakley Hall - "Feel this Way"

Well, kick out the barstool on this life then....

15. Backyard Tire Fire - "Time with You"

If you've ever felt the hot, hot heat of a southern Wisconsin midsummer sun, then chances are you'd appreciate a straight-up rock song like this on your next road trip mix tape.

16. 311 - "Rock On"

Are these guys half jam band these days? Either way, it's cool that they're still putting out interesting records. (Which, I'll admit, I never foresaw happening.)

17. Big Boi - "General Patton"

Big Boi is an empire builder. ... Now, where's his partner in crime?

18. The Beach Boys - "I Know There's an Answer"

Beyond genius: "Now, how can I come out / And tell them the way that they live could be better? / I know there's an answer / I know now, but I have to find it by myself."

19. They Might Be Giants - "Canajoharie"

TMBG: Still fun as hell.

20. Ultimate Fakebook - "Roll (Electric Kissing Parties, Pt. 1)"

These guys have long had a way with intriguing phrases. Remember their album "This Will be Laughing Week"? I've always been fond of that one.

21. The Beatles - "You Won't See Me"

"When I call you up / Your line's engaged"? Terrific opening to an out-and-out classic.

22. Self - "See if You Swim" [FREE MP3]

The ultimate happy-go-lucky kiss-off violent imagery? "I'm going to throw you in the ocean / Throw you in the ocean / Throw you in the ocean / And see if you swim." #idigsubtlety

23. Dealership - "TV Heart"

This one reminds me about my theory about the afterlife. But ... nope. Probably shouldn't share that on a blog!

24. John Davis - "Watch Me Walk Away"

If you like Superdrag, chances are A) you'll totally dig this track from the group's lead singer, mainly because B) you probably won't be able to tell you're not listening to Superdrag. (Also: Foo Fighters fans will find lots to love here.)

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A PRODUCT OF LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN

couleehighharmony4 :: TELL US ABOUT IT, JANET

Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, here lies "Tell Us About It, Janet," another sweet compilation curated by Matthew R. Perrine. Per usual, enjoy this and all coming editions at maximum volume.

1. The Smith Westerns - "Weekend"

What a sweet sentiment: "Weekends are never fun unless you're around here too."

2. Les Savy Fav - "Let's Get Out of Here" [FREE MP3]

Truer words have never been spoken.

3. Florence + the Machine - "Dog Days are Over"

She-introduction.

4. Blind Melon - "Three is a Magic Number" ("School House Rocks" cover)

As long as no one is referred to as a "guest."

5. Lazerbeak - "Wild Life"

For fans of the Plastic Constellations, Doomtree, the Beta Band, not flying on the ground.

6. Supergrass - "Never Done Nothing Like That Before"

But I guess that's what they call _____________. (Please, friend, help a Matt out and send in your suggestions!)

7. Fountains of Wayne - "I've Got a Flair"

"... for pulling your hair and making your crazy / Yeah, it's something I do well."

8. Arrested Development - "Mama's Always on Stage"

As heard in "xx/xy," one of my all-time favorite films.

9. Tim Curry - "Sweet Transvestite" ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show" vers.)

"... If you want something visual / That's not too abysmal / We could take in an old Steve Reeves movie."

10. Lemon Jelly - "'79 aka The Shouty Track"

A long-time staple of these here awesome mix tapes. If you don't know it by now, you got some downloadin' to do. (Yep, just wrote it like that.... ha ha)

11. Psalm One feat. Casual - "Bitin' and Freakin'"

Well, the title kind of says it all....

12. The Pixies - "Trompe le Monde"

Intoxicating lyrics abound: "Why do cupids and angels continually haunt her dreams?"

13. The Wrens - "Still Complaining"

Never mess with a Wren.

14. Beck - "Broken Train"

"Midnite Vultures" = the gift that keeps on giving.

15. Led Zeppelin - "That's the Way"

All things must pass, I get that, but why does this song have to be so utterly heartbreaking and final?

16. Nada Surf - "I Like What You Say"

... But do the people of Iowa?

17. Cursive - "The Recluse"

Me, pre-Bodega.

18. Middle Brother - "Blue Eyes"

The definition of a perfect day: me, a rusted-out pickup, a dusty-as-f--- "blue road" and this song. No joke.

19. Bright Eyes - "Shell Games"

Oh, my sweet Chippewa Falls, how I miss thee (at least when I hear this).

20. Ash - "Running to the Ocean" [FREE MP3]

Follows the Ash hit formula to a T. Ain't nothing wrong with that.

21. Cars & Trucks - "Too Bad So Sad"

"E!"

22. Dawes - "Time Spent in Los Angeles"

What, pray tell, is "that special kind of sadness"? On second thought, I know exactly what Dawes speaks of. (Not somewhere you wish to return to.)

23. The Chemical Brothers feat. Hope Sandoval - "Asleep from Day"

I've always felt that Chemical Brothers compositions are too epic for words, so

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A PRODUCT OF LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN

couleehighharmony3 :: BUYING INK BY THE BARREL

Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, here lies "Buying Ink by the Barrel," another sweet compilation curated by Matthew R. Perrine. Per usual, enjoy this and all coming editions at maximum volume.

1. Tripping Daisy - "Pillar"

Just another interstellar mind flip. (I wanted to write "love song," but I'm not entirely sure that's accurate ... it's kind of a cryptic, take-from-it-what-you-will song.)

2. Foxy Shazam - "Wanna-Be Angel"

"And all you hipsters say I'm gay / Well, I'm not gay at all!" In one fell swoop, established.

3. Psalm One - "Better than My Last" (Brandon Allday remix) [FREE MP3]

"Psalmie" teams up with Brandon from Big Quarters for one of the finest -- truly -- hip-hop songs ever recorded. (Most memorable line: "Mama journalist, I don't read the papers....")

4. Bumblebeez 81 - "I Come with Water"

Equal parts early Beck and always-golden Beastie Boys.

5. Fire is Motion - "Smile, It Makes this Easier"

One of those songs that feels like it's been with you for a million years. (Especially recommended for fans of Drew Danburry.)

6. My Morning Jacket - "Outta My System"

And what, pray tell, do the readers of shake*your*shores need to get out of their systems?

7. The Pixies - "Something Against You"

The ultimate rock song, I've recently decided. (The 16-year-old, Who-obsessed incarnation of me weeps for "Baba O'Riley" sliding to No. 2.)

8. Aperture Science Psychoacoustics Laboratory - "The Friendly Faith Plate" [FREE MP3]

From the "Portal 2" soundtrack, one of the most enjoyably guttural electronic-death anthems ever assembled.

9. Two Hand Fools - "Green Light Go"

You can't beat that intro. (Just try.)

10. The Future Kings of Nowhere - "C is for Heartache"

A modern-day "Sunspot Baby"?

11. Aqueduct - "Hardcore Days and Softcore Nights"

What do you know ... the song that has made more appearances on my hundreds of awesome (my word) mix tapes than any other. Besides the musical quality, one reason for this is definitely "Don't ever ask me where I'm from / In six states that's considered dumb." B.A. to the end.

12. Anya Marina - "Spirit School" [FREE MP3]

Anya Marina, I want to party with you.

13. The Rural Alberta Advantage - "North Star" [FREE MP3]

Reminds me of a very particular weekend up at Lutsen Resort.

14. Holy Fiction - "Song Ten"

Should be optioned by HBO for a poignant love and/or "character finding himself/herself" scene.

15. Beastie Boys - "Johnny Ryall"

From the hip-hop world's "Pet Sounds."

16. Foo Fighters - "A Matter of Time"

Hate all you want, but you know this band can still be good.

17. Kenny Zimlinghaus feat. Aaron Wertheimer - "Birth Certificate" [FREE MP3]

If you're luck enough to have access to Sirius or XM  satellite radio, no doubt you've heard the hilarious Kenny Z. on Cosmo Radio's "Wake Up with Taylor" morning show. He's a stand-up comedian who also happens to make fake rap songs that are eerily reminiscent of the late Eyedea.

18. The Static Jacks - "Girl Parts"

Good song, unfortunate name (when it's sitting on your desktop and your wife gets "confused").

19. The Impossibles - "(Never) Say Goodbye"

Another mix tape "hall of famer." Listen to understand. (Discovered this song while "babysitting" my best friend's wife at the Pawn America in Duluth ... and that statement sounds even stranger in print.)

20. American War - "Exit Uncertain and Beautiful"

Sounds like a good title for my first pretentious novel, no?

21. Karen Elson - "Crying, Waiting, Hoping" (Buddy Holly cover)

Rave. On.

22. Buffalo Springfield - "Flying on the Ground is Wrong" (mono vers.)

I've learned this oh-so-valuable lesson of late.

23. The Beach Boys - "Here Today"

From the pop/rock world's "Paul's Boutique." (Aahhhh ... get it?! LOL)

24. Brandi Carlile - "That Year"

A heartbreaking work of staggering genius -- or at least the soundtrack to.

25. Paper Tiger - "The Bully Plank" [FREE MP3]

Doomtree is king.

The Bully Plank by doomtree

26. Eddie Vedder - "Light Today"

All things must pass.

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A PRODUCT OF LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN

Fly High, Duluth! Mix Tape 2011.7 :: FLY HOME, DULL YOUTH!

Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, here lies ... "Fly Home, Dull Youth!" Enjoy at maximum volume.

1. Smith Westerns - "Weekend"

2. The Joy Formidable - "Whirring"

3. Everclear - "Queen of the Air"

4. "The Rocky Horror Show" (original London cast) - "The Sword of Damocles"

5. Grouplove - "Colours"

6. The Vaccines - "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)"

7. The Cool Kids - "Bundle Up"

8. Big K.R.I.T. - "Country Shit"

9. Oliver Hart (Eyedea) - "Weird Side"

10. Jeremy Messersmith - "Novocain"

11. Yuck - "Holing Out"

12. Fences - "Girls with Accents"

13. Dom feat. Madeline of Cults - "Bowl Cut"

14. La Sera - "Devils Hearts Grow Gold"

15. Black Lips - "Born to Be a Man"

16. Cloud Nothings - "Didn't You"

17. Built by Snow - "Algometric Touch"

18. J. Mascis - "Not Enough"

19. Brandon Flowers - "The Clock was Tickin'"

20. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "The One"

21. Mona - "Lines in the Sand"

22. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross - "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (cover)

23. K.Raydio - "Favorite Song" [FREE MP3]

24. Robyn - "Should Have Known"

25. The Plastic Constellations - "It's Us!!"

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Saint Paul or bust.

Fly High, Duluth! Mix Tape 2011.3 :: A CALL-IN SHOW ABOUT BIRDS

Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, here lies ... "A Call-In Show About Birds." Enjoy at maximum volume.

1. Beck - "Nausea" (live on "Saturday Night Live")

2. Sleigh Bells - "A/B Machines"

3. Oakley Hall - "Rogue Revelator"

4. Epicycle - "Wake the World" (Beach Boys cover)

5. Dirty Horse - "Buy Me an Airplane"

6. Jaze feat. Catastrophe - "Ground Zero"

7. Datarock - "Catcher in the Rye"

8. Dr. Dog - "Stranger"

9. Girls - "Heartbreaker"

10. Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - "p.s."

11. Bad Books - "You Wouldn't Have to Ask"

12. Redd Kross - "I'm Alright" (Bo Diddley/Rolling Stones cover)

13. Fluid Ounces - "Tricky Fingers"

14. Paris, Texas - "Future Scars"

15. The Hold Steady - "We Can Get Together"

16. Atmosphere - "The Best Day"

17. Das Racist - "Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell" [FREE MP3]

18. Big Boi/Black Keys mashup - "Everlasting Shine Blockaz" [FREE MP3]

19. Metric - "Monster Hospital"

20. The Plastic Constellations - "Stay That Way"

21. Lily Allen feat. Mick Jones - "Straight to Hell" (Clash cover)

22. The 88 - "How Good it Can Be"

23. Basement Jaxx - "Rendez-Vu"

24. Telekinesis - "Game of Pricks" (Guided by Voices cover)

25. Robert Pollard - "Fresh Threats, Salad Shooters and Zip Guns" (live in Cincinnati June 24, 2006)

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Even though he hasn't had a regular radio gig since he was the program manager at Thunder Web Radio (now KDSU) in Fargo, former Duluthian Matthew R. Perrine likes to make mix tapes like he's going to play them on the air someday. 

Fly High, Duluth! Mix Tape 2011.2 :: OF PUNKS AND PARAGONS

Submitted for the approval of the Mix Tape Appreciation Society, here lies ... "Of Punks and Paragons." Enjoy at maximum volume.

1. OK Go - "Antmusic" (Adam and the Ants cover)

A competent retelling.

2. Das Racist - "You Oughta Know" [FREE MP3]

Hilariously "reinterprets" one of Billy Joel's biggest hits....

3. Bibio - "Lovers' Carvings"

As heard on a Kindle commercial.

4. Minneapolis 1989 - "Up the Stairs"

What about Bemidji 1982?

5. Telekinesis - "Coast of Carolina"

Another solid-gold selection. 

6. Bad Books - "Baby Shoes"

Today's phrase is "achingly beautiful."

7. Sleeping in the Aviary - "You Don't Have to Drive"

A quick shout-out to the fine crew down at Deaf Ear Records in La Crosse, Wis. I recently had my first taste. Well worth the mileage. 

8. The Hotrats - "Big Sky" (Kinks cover)

One Kinks song I long to hear: "Australia" (as carefully mentioned in the Ben Stiller film "Greenberg").

9. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - "O Children"

As romanticized in the latest Harry Potter movie.

10. Cloud Cult - "Son is Watching" (live)

I hope Craig Minowa finds better health.

11. The Parlotones - "Push Me to the Floor" (live)

As championed by likeZEBRA.

12. The Gleam - "Damn City Lights"

One thing I miss about Duluth is its strangely alluring "orange glow."

13. Phantom Tails - "The Surgeon General's Warning"

An aural frenzy.

14. Circus Devils - "In Madonna's Gazebo"

Robert Pollard seems like he'd be one of Marc Gartman's main inspirations.

15. Black Francis - "Six-Legged Man"

Mark Prindle made me laugh when he said Frank Black was just a "dorkier, chubbier Pixies," but this is still music that rocks.

16. Noah and the Whale - "Blue Skies" (YACHT remix)

The indie dance equivalent of [PICK YOUR FAVORITE ANTIDEPRESSANT].

17. The Sunshine Underground - "In Your Arms"

If your DJ handle is "fasten8," I will give you a nickel.

18. Danecdote - "Furgot Aboot Duluth"

A delightful treatment of "Forgot About Dre."

19. Hadouken! - "Turn the Lights Out"

Let's be honest here, how many times have you wanted to pull out a "Hadouken!" on some slow-moving stranger?

20. Heligoats - "Heat Vents" (Daytrotter vers.) [FREE MP3]

For fans of Clem Snide.

21. The Black Swan Effect - "In the City"

Totally unrelated, but ... what are your thoughts on analogies penned by high schoolers?

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Even though he hasn't had a regular radio gig since he was the program manager at Thunder Web Radio (now KDSU) in Fargo, former Budgeteer editor Matthew R. Perrine likes to make mix tapes like he's going to play them on the air someday.