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.
