Just as a forward to this blog and to introduce you to the theme of it I would like to tell you a few things. My wonderful sister, Rachael suggested that I make a blog and I was at a loss as to what I could share with you, the bored people of the internet. Music is my lifeblood and I have always enjoyed making mix tapes for people (especially my sister because she and I have very similar tastes in music.) The idea is that either you a.) have a lot of these songs and can arrange them in the order I suggest, b.) If you trust my taste (which at this point I don't expect any of you to as this is the first mix I am sharing with you) download these songs from itunes and enjoy them or c.) contact me and I can make you a copy of this mix (if you are in the bay area it would be super easy since I can just physically give you a copy. otherwise we can work out a maily-deal)
Without any further ado here is my first mix for the blog:
Track 1 - "If Work Permits" by The Format
I wanted to start the very first mix I made for you all with my favorite song by my favorite band(I suppose that my favorite band is actually a tie between both of Nate Ruess's bands: The Format and fun. Everything he does is amazing.) I love the abrupt tempo change halfway through this song. I'm a sucker for tempo changes. This song also has wonderful lyrics and if you listen carefully you can hear where I got the title for this blog.
Track 2 - "Tell 'Em" by Sleigh Bells
This is just a really fun start to any mix. Sleigh Bells are a newish band that have quickly worked their way into my favorites. They remind me of how I wanted all Le Tigre songs to sound (unfortunately Le Tigre was way more hit or miss than Sleigh Bells are.) Plus if M.I.A. likes it then it will probably make me happy.
Track 3 - "Starring" by Freelance Whales
Freelance Whales seem to be continuing the genre that The Postal Service started and I'm all for it. I feel like too many artists are afraid to make heartfelt electro-pop because they worry that the result will sound too much like a Postal Service clone, which is a real concern (COUGHowlcityCOUGH) but if done well it can turn out as beautifully as Freelance Whales.
Track 4 - "Lasso" by Phoenix
I love the energy of Phoenix's french electro-pop not to mention Thomas Mars's voice is haunting. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is one of my favorite albums of the past two years.
Track 5 - "Tighten Up" by The Black Keys
The Black Keys' indie-blues have always struck a chord with me and their new album "Brothers" is no exception. In fact it is probably my favorite album of theirs to date. You should check out the video for this song as it is really well made.
Track 6 - "Party With Children" by Ratatat
My friend allison first introduced me to Ratatat and I instantly loved their experimental instrumental rock. A couple months after she introduced me to them I attended my first and only Coachella and they happened to be playing one of the side stages there. Ratatat just put me in such a good mood.
Track 7 - "Let Your Love Grow Tall" by Passion Pit
This band was brought to my attention by Steven and I thank him dearly for it. Michael Angelakos has that same voice quality that makes me adore Phoenix. The story of how Passion Pit came to be is a great one.
Track 8 - "Giving Up the Gun" by Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend blend African rhythms and indie rock so seamlessly it's not even out of place or odd. It just makes you wonder what that quality they possess that other bands don't stems from. The video for this song is also fantastic.
Track 9 - "Fireworks" by yOya
yOya consists of two members: Noah Dietterich and Alex Pfender. My good friend, Leo went to college with these fine gentlemen and played me their debut album. They have a very original style that comes across beautifully. You can check out their music here.
Track 10 - "Cold December" by Matt Costa
This is just an extremely catchy drum and guitar melody. Matt Costa is pretty great.
Track 11 - "The High Road" by Broken Bells
Broken Bells is the result of James Mercer (of Shins fame) and producer extraordinaire Danger Mouse collaborating on some great mellow indie-pop. James Mercer is fantastic and I'll pretty much always like any project he's involved in.
Track 12 - "Starlight" by Mumm-Ra
So here are three weaknesses of mine: Tempo Changes, Dual Vocalists Harmonizing, Strings. Mumm-Ra hit all of these marks very well.
Track 13 - "While You Wait for the Others" by Grizzly Bear
Everyone probably knows Grizzly Bear for their single, "Two Weeks" that has been the backdrop of so many VW commercials by now. Their other stuff is equally if not more fantastic than "Two Weeks". They have this subtle, deliberate progression in their music always building towards a beautiful and cathartic climax.
Track 14 - "Put the Phone Down" by Pilot Speed
This song was actually suggested to me by my Pandora station (one of the only times Pandora has introduced me to something I actually like. Hope you like it too.
Track 15 - "Symphonies" by Dan Black
This song is phenomenal. It also has a fantastic video.
Track 16 - "I Can Feel a Hot One" by Manchester Orchestra
Most of the Manchester Orchestra songs I like are a lot more upbeat than this one but this track is just much more genuine sounding to me than their other songs (not that their other songs sound insincere. This one is just so much more personal)
Track 17 - "The Gambler" by fun.
"fun." is the new project by The Format's singer/songwriter Nate Ruess. They are pretty much The Format 2.0 because Nate's songwriting style is so distinctive. If you like The Format you should not hesitate in buying "Aim and Ignite" by fun. This is my favorite song by them. I really like the storytelling style of this song and there are parts where, between Nate's voice and the subject matter of the song, I can admit without shame that I well up.
I hope you enjoy this collection of songs and I can't wait to hear your feedback!
