Mix(tape) It Up! Challenge: Bobcat’s Response

A bit delayed, as usual. But here it is, my response to the challenge! I’ll try to get versions of the songs, but I do have ninty percent of them on my iTunes, so if you really want I can send you the MP3 via email or which ever method you choose. Now, the Mix(tape) It Up Challenge!
 

1. A song with an impressive intro: Stronger- Kanye West.

Who doesn’t love some good Kanye West? Especially with a nice collaberation between him and Daft Punk? This makes for a lovely intro.
 
2. A song with a literary allusion: Peter Pan- Patrick Wolf

Patrick Wolf and Peter Pan, what a combination. Peter Pan was a book before the Disney Movie, but I’m sure you all knew that. So, this is my literary allusion. Patrick Wolf’s music fits the part, I believe, with the violins and the beautiful melodies he manages to produce.

(I couldn’t find this one, so, good luck with that. Sorry!)

3. A song released 20+ years ago: Guns of Brixton- The Clash

There were so many options for this one, but this song came on my iTunes when I was talking to Paul about it. Who doesn’t love a little bit of The Clash? I know I do. The song was released in 1979.
 
4. A rap song that fits within the realm of hipsterness: Good Friday- Why?

Yoni Wolf once again produces a great song that manages to fit perfectly in this category. This song is a perfect blend of rap and hipsterism, sweet music to my ears. This song has racked up the plays on my iPod and my computer, so give it a listen.
 
5. A song by the first band you saw in concert: Take Me Home Please- Reggie and the Full Effect

I’m not going to comment. I could have gone the more embarrassing route and picked a My Chemical Romance song, but I have some pride. I was young and, surprisingly, it was a decent concert.
 
6. A song that mentions or alludes (clearly) to a historical figure: Cape Canaveral – Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band

Don’t get me started on Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band again. I would have used this for #14, but I ended up using the Mystic Band and Bright Eyes by the time I got there. In this song, Socrates is mentioned and a Greek philospher, though in a different way, still counted. 
 
7. A song employing a foreign language either in part or whole: Qué Onda Guero -Beck

When we decided on this track, I thought this would be difficult. But then I remembered good old Beck. So, Beck was chosen for this track. 
 
8. A song that describes your hometown: Devil Town- Daniel Johnston

What a perfect song to describe my hometown. This song  just fits everything that is my hometown. It was covered by Bright Eyes and is featured on his album, Noise Floor Rarities. Daniel Johnston’s original is wonderful, but the cover is almost just as good. I recommend both.
 
9. A song that mentions fruit: Lime Tree- Bright Eyes

I surprisingly had many, many options for this one. I was going to use “Peach Plum Pear,” a cover by Final Fantasy, but I decided on this one. There was also another Bright Eyes song, “Bowl of Oranges.” Fruit is clearly mentioned in the title.
 
10. The most heart wrenchingly sad song you know: Trouble (Cover) – Elliott Smith

There were so many options for this one, and I think I had to change it at least five times. This one won it though. Elliott Smith’s cover of the Cat Stevens song is brilliant and heart-wrenching, but you can’t help but listen to it. It brings tears to my eyes every time.

11. A song containing alliteration: On the Bus Mall- The Decemberists

The alliteration varies in this song, switching between verses. I read the lyrics and found the examples and the pattern seems to be two or three words with the same letter. Makes for lovely alliteration, if I do say myself.

(I only could find covers and since I didn’t feel like listening to them all, you can find it. Plus, a cover is hardly ever as good as the original.)

12. An unlikely cover: Hurt- Johnny Cash ( Originally a Nine Inch Nails song)

Nine Inch Nail’s song, “Hurt” is a great song to begin with. Then, Johnny Cash comes and makes it incredible. He took the song and changed it, for the better. It is beautiful and full of emotion and one of the best songs, ever.

13. A song that name drops another artist: Grace Kelly- Mika

Another song that gave me some trouble, but then I thought back and this song popped out. Freddy Mercury is name dropped and this is a fun little tune that gets stuck in your head.

14. A song by the band you most swoon over: Music When the Lights Go Out- The Libertines
 
Conor Oberst would be in this place if I didn’t use him already. However, The Libertines are a close second, as the whole band is lovely. So, Pete Doherty may be a heroin addict and doesn’t hang out with the best people, and maybe Carl Barat was a bit hypocritical when he kicked Pete out of the band as he was on coke, but lets face it: they are some of the most attractive men in the world. They both earned a place on the Top 5 in my book. You may argue, but this is my opinion. They’re hot, and their music is great, even in the spin-off bands, Dirty Pretty Things and Babyshambles. 

15. A song about endings: Casimir Pulaski Day- Sufjan Stevens

Another song that almost made it into the saddest song category, but I decided it was fitting to be here as well. This song is beautiful and sad, pretty and meaningful. A classic example of Sufjan Stevens, and if you haven’t heard this song, you better listen.

So, there it is! My response. Man, that was fun. Sorry that the videos are iffy, but most of the songs are there! Have a ball, folks.

Mixtape Challenge: Paul Edition.

Here it is, my response to our own challenge. Bobcat’s should follow soon.
I’ve provided you all with links to all the songs. These may range from music videos to live shows to Dawson’s Creek fanvids–bear with me. I did the best I could. Besides, who couldn’t use a little more Dawson/Joey in their lives? That’s what I thought.

1. A song with an impressive intro: Special – The Brakes

Okay, so it’s not the most dramatic entrance ever, but, as a whole, I feel like it’s a pretty good kick start to the list. And The Brakes are great.

2. A song with a literary allusion: Lolita – Throw Me the Statue

Bubbly vocals and jangly guitars. Infectiously poppy. This song makes me happy–very much unlike Nabokov’s masterpiece of the same name. But as a side note, if anyone could explain to me what exactly is going on in this video (particularly the end), that would be great. I mean, I get the lecherous old man and all, but somewhere around 2:30 in my mind just explodes.

3. A song released 20+ years ago: Tangled Up In Blue – Bob Dylan

This needs no description. What hipster doesn’t love them some Dylan? Tangled Up In Blue is one of my favorites, and this is by far my favorite version of it. Enjoy it and try to ignore the fact that Dylan must have been running late from his audition for The Dark Knight.

4. A rap song that fits within the realm of hipsterness: Ain’t That Right – G. Love

Flow to G. Love’s flow! A definite feel-good summer track. Not definite rap. Shh.

5. A song by the first band you saw in concert: Half A Heart – Barenaked Ladies

This could have been many songs, but I felt this was the best fit. Plus, I’m a sucker for Ed ballads. You can just smell that self-pity and self-loathing. Oh, ambivalence. Oh, memories. Oh, Barenaked Ladies! (Oh, Ed!) Do you understand my tenderest affections for them now?! They were my first. I will never forget that night. <3

6. A song that mentions or alludes (clearly) to a historical figure: Decatur, Or, Round Of Applause For Your Stepmother! – Sufjan Stevens

Not one, but two mentions! Anyone who has not been distracted by the lines “Stephen A. Douglas was a great debater, but Abraham Lincoln was the great emancipator!” running rampant through his or her head during an American history exam has not lived. Thanks for the answer to that multiple choice, Sufjan.

7. A song employing a foreign language either in part or whole: Larmes – Pauline Croze

Pauline Croze is, without a doubt, the best use of my eight year French education. That being said, I rarely understand what she’s saying. Although I do know larmes is French for ‘tears.’ I also believe she’s saying “The flow of our tears purifies our souls” at the end there. See AP French? You were not entirely in vain.

8. A song that describes your hometown: Welcome to Suburbia – Jeremy Messersmith

“We’ve got cul-de-sacs and barbecues in suburbia. Welcome to the rest of your life.” Enough said. (Jeremy Messersmith is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter from Minneapolis. He’s got good stuff. Check him out.)

9. A song that mentions fruit: Fruit Tree – Nick Drake

Nick Drake is a musical staple of mine. Excellent lyricist, guitarist and singer. This song is particularly poignant as it muses on fame after death (“Fame is but a fruit tree so very unsound /It can never flourish till its stalk is in the ground”); at 26, and in the midst of his relatively unsuccessful career, Drake overdosed. His genius was only recognized years after his untimely death. This song is both beautiful and eerily prophetic. His catalog is a veritable treasure trove. Go forth and ransack it.

10. The most heart wrenchingly sad song you know: Between the Bars – Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith is yet another tragic story of one gone before his time. Between the Bars is a bittersweet ballad and a whispered pledge to help another fend off their demons. It makes me sad. And Elliott Smith makes me sad. That’s all.

11. A song containing alliteration: Sunday Sun – Beck

One of my favorite songs off of one of my favorite albums by one of my favorite artists. I can’t really go wrong there. I hold the alliteration to be self evident.

12. An unlikely cover: Bitches Ain’t Shit – Ben Folds

WARNING: This is song contains explicit lyrics.. if you couldn’t tell. I never thought someone could make this into a emotive ballad of betrayal and lost love. Well played, Ben Folds. Well played.

13. A song that name drops another artist: Taxi Driver – Gym Class Heroes

Look! More rap. Does this compensate for #4? It should. Plus, it manages to smoothly name drop multiple bands that could wear this button with unironic pride. (For the record, we want this one.)

14. A song by the band you most swoon over: Skin Is, My – Andrew Bird

I’m going to restrain myself. Once you get me going on Andrew Bird, it’s only a matter of time before everything I say starts to sound like high-pitched fangirlish SQUEE’s of delight.

15. A song about endings: The End – The Beatles

A fitting ending. The Beatles. An obvious choice.

So there you have it.

Mix(tape) It Up!

That’s right. Bobcat and I have decided it’s time to mix it up–mixtape it up, that is. Allow me to introduce to you:

Each month, we’ll provide you with a track list. Here’s the catch: Each track must fit under certain guidelines while still preserving the flow of the mixtape–you know, giving it that holistic je ne sais quoi. Also, we discourage artist repetition on a single mixtape unless it is entirely necessary. That may sound like a loosely enforced rule, but know that if we think you’re taking the easy way out, we shall look down upon you. And we all know that it’s no fun to be the target of hipster scorn.

So, as we embark on this monthly musical scavenger hunt of sorts, Bobcat and I hope you will join us and leave your own mixtape track listings in the comments, link us to reply blog, drop us an email with them, etc. Despite the fact that we’re positive we have musical tastes superior to those of the entire rest of humanity, we really do want to know what you guys are listening to (if solely for the purpose of mocking it in the privacy of our own homes). Without further ado, I give you the first Mix(tape) It Up! Challenge:

1. A song with an impressive intro:
2. A song with a literary allusion:
3. A song released 20+ years ago:
4. A rap song that fits within the realm of hipsterness:
5. A song by the first band you saw in concert:
6. A song that mentions or alludes (clearly) to a historical figure:
7. A song employing a foreign language either in part or whole:
8. A song that describes your hometown:
9. A song that mentions fruit:
10. The most heart wrenchingly sad song you know:
11. A song containing alliteration:
12. An unlikely cover:
13. A song that name drops another artist:
14. A song by the band you most swoon over:
15. A song about endings:

Bobcat and I will be posting our own responses in the near future, but we mostly want to hear back from you. So take a stab at it! We challenge you.

The Mystic Valley is Mystical!

There has been one thing that had clashed between Paul and I for a long time, and that is one man by the name of Conor Oberst. Now, as many of you hipsters know, the new Conor Oberst self-titled album officially came out in the U.S. on August 5th, though it has been on the internet for quite some time. I remember when I found out about the album, then, when I found out about the tour. I was at the Philadelphia show on August 11th, (I know I suck at updating, I meant to that night, but I couldn’t get on the internet with my Mac and felt bad using my friend’s desktop) and to be honest, it was the best show I believe I’ve ever been to. Now, many of you cringe at the mention of the man who is affiliated with Bright Eyes, who is Bright Eyes. However, I tell you, listen to Conor Oberst. It is some of the best work I’ve heard in a while and it is racking up the plays on my iTunes. So, put your prejudices behind you.

The opening track is called “Cape Canaveral” which is a beautiful and elegant song, and my personal favorite on the album. Close seconds are “Milk Thistle” (I cried during this one at the show, I’m not afraid to admit it, it was beautiful and touching) and “Souled Out!!!” which has a new video out:

Now, while this may not tickle the fancy of many of you out there, it certainly did to the large amount of hipsters that waited outside the Troc that fateful night. Many, like me, were excited, but concealed it behind their apathetic attitudes (I didn’t, sorry) and arrived early, providing some in line laughs and eye rolling. Now, the show was sold out, very packed, and I hope if you ever go to a show with a parent that doesn’t know show etiquette that they stand in the back, drinking like good parents that need to pass the time. They truly can be irritating when they elbow you, telling you to back off. If that woman reads this, Sorry, I was being shoved against you, too. I didn’t want to be, trust me. There were plenty of others I’d prefer to be pushed against. For the most part, the fans were friendly and good natured, being apathetic and smoking and talking outside the venue. It had a great feeling, as it was a very intimate show, and I’d advise you all to go to a show if you can. I recently found out that there will be two shows in New York City this November. So, buy your tickets and relax, giving a good listen to the music.

Songs can be found here: myspace.com/conoroberst and are available in your local Borders, F.Y.E. or iTunes.

 

So, since it’s been so long, and I feel bad, I propose a challenge to Paul. Let’s give each other bands to blog about, so we just don’t pick things we are already opinionated about. What do you think, buddy?

Jump Little Hipster Children!

Today I bring to you the mind-blowningly incredible (yet tragically disbanded) South Carolinian alternative rockers Jump, Little Children. It’s funny because if you take the comma out of the band name, they seem to be imperatively encouraging you to sneak up on small children and beat them senseless. Oh, punctuation, where would I be without you? Off jumping little children, I guess. But let’s forget my little grammar lesson–I’ll leave that to Eats, Shoots and Leaves.

Jump, Little Children was formed in 1991 at the North Carolina School of the Arts. They began their career playing Irish folk but soon began incorporating more of an alternative rock/pop sound into their original work. Their work ranges from electric guitar-heavy alternative rock to peacefully acoustic and folksy pop. Whatever the orchestration in the background, lead singer and guitarist Jay Clifford’s voice drives right through it and is among the purest and most distinct in music today. He never seems over matched by a song or sounds like he’s straining his voice; it is always effortless and beautiful.

On the other hand, when Matthew Bivins takes the lead on vocals, Jump, Little Children’s sound changes entirely. Often backed by Clifford’s harmonies or ethereal background vocals, Bivins spins tales slam poetry-style atop the atmospherically appropriate bass and drums. The vignette style lyrics read like scenes of a play and Bivins’ performances of these songs are known to captivate audiences at live shows.

I have two picks for today. One Jump song featuring Clifford and another featuring Bivins.
While there are many Clifford Jump songs I could pick from, my personal favorite is a track off of the 2001 record Vertigo called “Lover’s Greed:“

(Close Your Eyes ran a close second; you can find it here.)

As for a Bivins number, it was difficult to choose. It’s a toss-up between The Singer, Body Parts and Habit. Because this is a great live performance, and because I can’t find The Singer on YouTube, I give you pick #2: Habit.

If you like these, I suggest you check into more Jump, Little Children (official site / myspace). Sadly, the band is on indefinite hiatus after a messy situation with their record label, but they have plenty of music in their repertoire, and it’s all good. Also, they’re all pursuing their own side projects. Jay Clifford’s new solo CD, Driving Blind, is absolutely incredible. You can check him out at his myspace. I highly recommend his song “Know When to Walk Away“–even if Zach Braff is making the video for it. I hope it’s sooo quirky and hip and underground like Garden State.