Mix(tape) It Up for the Holidays: Paul Edition

I have Mix(taped) It Up for the Holidays! As I did last time, I have provided you as best I can with links to the songs. Please do your best to focus on the music and not videos involving morbid middle schoolers or young punks in tight pants wandering the streets of what appears to be California.

1. A song about a year: Holland, 1945 – Neutral Milk Hotel

I thought this would be an appropriate kick-in-the-ear opener to my mixtape. According to my sources, this is a song about the year WWII ended and Anne Frank died. Interestingly, it also sounds very happy.

2. A song about academics: Imitosis – Andrew Bird

Here I go with Andrew Bird again, right? Naturally. I learned more about science from this song than from AP Biology–Bunsen burners, petri dishes, mitosis and osmosis galore! Tell me, doctor, can you quantify the reason why Andrew Bird is so amazing? No, I didn’t think so.

3. A song named after a country: Holland – Sufjan Stevens

Another song about Holland! This one is technically named after Holland, Michigan, but I jump at the chance to place Sufjan on any mixtape. This song brings tears of moist melancholy to my arid hipster eyes that usually remain in a perpetual condescending stare. Marry me, Sufjan?

4. A song about the weather: Pouring Rain – Jeff Pianki

I plan on blogging about this guy shortly seeing as how he amazes me to no end. In a few years, I think we’ll be hearing a lot about him. But remember–you heard it here first. This song is poignant and lovely; I especially like the ending with the harmonics, which, astonishingly enough, reminds me of pouring rain. I couldn’t find a video for this song, but you should be able to find it on the link to his myspace that I provided. I would also recommend checking out his YouTube channel and downloading his demos for free here.

5. A song with an exclamation point in the title (censored titles do not count): O Valencia! – The Decemberists

Another bustlingly happy song about unpleasant things! I suggest if you are squeamish and dislike the sight of blood, or syrup dyed red for that matter, that you stop watching the video around 2:37 and just close your eyes and picture Colin Meloy skipping jubilantly around TV screens in fields of daisies until the song ends.

6. A song about bad habits: The Girl You Lost to Cocaine – Sia

I thought a lot about this one. I considered Needle In the Hay by Elliott Smith, because really, what’s a worse habit than heroin addictions? But I then opted for something more upbeat because that felt out of place. Cocaine addictions that drive your loved ones away sound about as bad, I believe. Sia is also a pretty incredible artist. Check out her solo stuff as well as her work with Zero 7.

7. A song from a movie: Deadweight – Beck

I’ve never seen A Life Less Ordinary, but this is a great song. It’s a mix like a down tempo Beckalicious mix of Tropicalia and New Pollution; it makes me want to go sip pineapple juice on the roof and bask in the sun, although the roof is covered with ice and there is no sun to bask in. The video is pretty typical eccentric and esoteric Beck, albeit a shameless plug for the movie.

8. A song whose title is a question: Are You Leaving? – Kinematic

Ah, my favorite Aussie quartet. I did a piece on these guys a while back because I think they’re awesome and I think you should think so, too. I then branded this song “evocatively gorgeous” and “Beatles-esque” and I stand by that. Again, I couldn’t find a video, so their myspace will have to suffice. While you’re there, please check the rest of their stuff out. These guys deserve their music to get out there; it’s worth listening to.

9. A song you’re embarrassed to own: Father Figure – George Michael

I’m wondering if there’s a song more embarrassing to own? George Michael singing about how he wants to be sacred and naked by your side? George Michael will be your father figure? I mean, really? It’s difficult to beat that in terms of embarrassing anything, let alone music–unless you own the entire Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus catalogue, in which case I ask you leave this site immediately and go check yourself into musical rehab.

10. A song with numbers: B-13 – Jump, Little Children (Live)

One of the greatest bands that is sadly no more. Jay Clifford’s voice sends shivers down my apathetically slouchy hipster spine. Most bands could never hope to produce something so beautiful, let alone replicate that live. RIP, Jump, Little Children. You will never die! I will just keep pressing rewind at the end of my JLC CDs. I miss you.

11. An acoustic song you like: Home In the Woods – Corey Chisel and The Wandering Sons

I cannot tell you how many times I listened to this yesterday. I can’t get enough of that intro (if you happen to pass by an apartment building in Williamsburg and hear someone repeatedly singing “Don’t mess with me, mama, I’m a mighty good man!” that would probably be me) or those harmonies–or, for that matter, the bouncing lumberjack to Corey Chisel’s left. He just lends to that home-in-the-woods feel. I also quite enjoy the banjo–if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Sufjan Stevens, it’s that every song can be made better with a jangly banjo line. It is appropriate that these guys are from Wisconsin, seeing as how I’d like to compare Corey Chisel’s voice to Wisconsin hickory smoked cheese: smooth, but smoky–and deliciously flavorful.

12. A song from a band that has more than 4 words in its name: Underwater (You and Me) – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Let’s pick it up a bit, shall we? Clap Your Hands Say Yeah not only has five words in its name, but the title of this song has four. In Underwater (You and Me), Clap Your Hands Say Yeah spins an unusually coherent tale of aquatic romance and sub-sea-level adventure. Retreat to the bottom of the sea and take a listen.

13. A song from a musical: Tear Me Down – Spoon

I consider this the closer of the tape and the song for the holidays a bonus track of sorts. This one makes me want to dance around the loft in drag like Hedwig and her (his?) Angry Inch. And so what if I do? YOU DON’T KNOW ME, KANSAS CITY! I’m the new Berlin Wall. Try and tear me down.

14. A song for the holidays: O Come O Come Emmanuel – Sufjan Stevens

Since I consider this a bonus track of sorts, I decided it’s okay that I use Sufjan Stevens twice. Actually, I just made up the whole thing about bonus tracks so I could justify my actions. Look down upon me if you must, but O Come on, what couldn’t use just a little more Sufjan? It came down to this and That Was the Worst Christmas Ever! and I really couldn’t decide, so I chose blindly–feel free to do the same between these two. Sufjan Stevens is also notable for eclipsing my love of Andrew Bird. I didn’t think it was possible–but O! It was.

Anyway, that is my contribution to you all. Until the New Year, this is Paul A. Ab-Dul wishing you a merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah, a jubilant Kwanzaa and a jolly, pagan Xmas and Winter Solstice! I’ll be seeing (and judging) you in 2009. Stay hip, children.

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.

The Enchanting Wizard of Rhythm Returns Shooting Gamma Rays

On July 8th, Beck, the self-proclaimed Enchanting Wizard of Rhythm, will grace us with another outer space-based, genre-hopping album. The Danger Mouse mixed Modern Guilt is poised, from what I can glean from the leaks, to be an album somewhere in the vein of a Guero-The Information hybrid, but really, who can say with Beck? It could be anything–but it will certainly be worth looking into.

But moving on! My pick of the day comes from the new album in honor of my undying love of all things Beck. He starts shooting ‘Gamma Rays‘ at the listeners’ ears in the form of a baseline that makes you move hammering along with Beck‘s catchy but seemingly random lyrics (his forte) over ethereal background vocals. While the album collectively leans more towards The Information, so I’ve heard, this track wouldn’t be out of place at all if added to Guero, as it has a similar sound and subject matter. I have trouble hearing lyrics without seeing them, but I have a feeling this is a feel-good, surf-y ode to the destruction of our world–complete with melting icecaps, fires, heatwaves and hurricanes. This is the destruction for which we are all to blame as a global community. I may not be able to predict Beck’s genre-defying sound yet, but I think I have an idea of what issues we can expect the Wizard to melodically explore on this album; Modern Guilt, indeed. Thank you for the uplifting sentiments as usual, Mr. Hansen.

Take a listen:

You can listen to three other tracks off of Modern Guilt at iLike (http://www.ilike.com/artist/Beck/songs), including the single ‘Chem Trails.’ Remember to pick up the new album when it drops on the 8th–this is very important, as I will not be able to get my hands on it until July 18th-ish and thus must rush to get it vicariously through all of you. It will be a long, sad wait on my part.