April Showers

If you're like me then you never wash your car which makes this time of year very exciting. In all seriousness though I love the rain. I love people scampering to their cars. I love the rhythmic pitter-patter on my window as I am drifting off to sleep. I love the air after the rain. I hope you enjoy these rain-centric songs!

Track 1 - "Standing in the Rain" by Billy Talent
I would really like to see some new music from Billy Talent. Their existing three albums are so consistently excellent.

Track 2 - "Jumpin' Jack Flash" by The Rolling Stones
Some classic Stones for you.


Track 3 - "Paranoid Android" by Radiohead
I remember when I first heard this album it redefined what I thought music could be. I went through this musical awakening in high school where I learned that not all music was oldies and showtunes.


Track 4 - "The Youth" by MGMT
This album was one of the strongest debut albums I've ever heard.

Track 5 - "Rain" by Mika
I know I've said it before but I love that even Mika's sad songs are super chipper sounding.


Track 6 - "Title and Registration" by Death Cab For Cutie
I totally keep gloves in my glove compartment! Granted it is also a time capsule as I almost never go in there.


Track 7 - "Rain(feat. Scarface & Billy Cook)" by Chamillionaire
Chamillionaire gets pretty serious in this song about suicidal thoughts. Don't do it, people. Life is worth living.

Track 8 - "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
One of those songs that was just immediately on this playlist as soon as I thought of the theme.


Track 9 - "English Summer Rain" by Placebo
During an encore at a Placebo concert I attended they covered "Where is my Mind?" by Pixies. I wish I had a recording of that; it was so amazing.


Track 10 - "156" by Mew
Even though they are from Denmark, Mew used to play a lot of shows in the Bay Area. If you are not familiar with them then I have done you a great service because they are fantastic.


Track 11 - "Let It Rain" by Tilly and the Wall
A beautiful song from Tilly and the Wall about passion turning into love.

Track 12 - "I Guess It's Gonna Rain Today" by Sondre Lerche
Songs about rain are frequently songs about getting dumped... I suppose if you are already sad then rain is kind of adding insult to injury.

Track 13 - "Kill the Messenger" by Jack's Mannequin
Jack's Mannequin is the project Andrew McMahon started while Something Corporate was on hiatus. Both bands have his signature piano-rock(piano-emo) style.

Track 14 - "The Rain" by Akon
I like the quiet piano and storm sounds that comprise the musical accompaniment on this song.

Track 15 - "I Can't Stand the Rain" by The Commitments
I thought about including the Tina Turner version of this song but the truth is I just like the version from the movie "The Commitments" way more.

Track 16 - "Thistle & Weeds" by Mumford & Sons
These guys really need a second album. No pressure.

Track 17 - "The Rain" by The Swell Season
Speaking of "The Commitments", Glen Hansard(singer/songwriter behind The Frames and 1/2 of The Swell Season) was in that movie. He has such a lovely voice.

Track 18 - "Raincoat Song" by The Decemberists
I had such high hopes for "The Hazards of Love" based on the collection of singles and b-sides leading up to its release but I was quite disappointed.

Track 19 - "Somebody Loved" by The Weepies
Another very cute song from The Weepies. "You turned me into somebody loved."


Track 20 - "re:Stacks" by Bon Iver
I don't want to over-saturate you all with Bon Iver but, like Nate Ruess's two projects, they are too good to not include in a LOT of mixes.


As always, thank you for reading my ramblings! Feel free to comment as I will reply to all comments. Hit me up for a copy of the mix.

The Eyes of March

Some say they are the windows to the soul. Others say you should always keep one open. Either way eyes sure do inspire a lot of good music. All pun credits go to my sister Rachael.

Track 1 - "Sleepyhead" by Passion Pit
This is one of the songs from Passion Pit's first EP(the valentine's day gift for his girlfriend). It really encompasses all that I love about Passion Pit.


Track 2 - "DLZ" by TV on the Radio
TV on the Radio never fails to impress me.

Track 3 - "Le Disko" by Shiny Toy Guns
This is a really fun one. Extremely danceable.


Track 4 - "The Coolest" by Lupe Fiasco
Some classic Lupe for you. He really needs to realize that he is one of the best raw hip-hop artists out there and stop overproducing his tracks.

Track 5 - "My Body" by Young the Giant
One of my favorite new bands. Hopefully their second album will live up to the quality of this one.


Track 6 - "Just a Dream" by Nelly
That's right! Nelly! I bet you forgot about Nelly.


Track 7 - "Such Great Heights" by The Postal Service
I know everyone already loves this song but it fits the theme and it's wonderful.


Track 8 - "Eyes" by Rogue Wave
Rogue Wave are a local band from Oakland! Hooray for Bay Area bands.

Track 9 - "Open Your Eyes" by Snow Patrol
This song just builds and builds and explodes. It was used in the first episode of The Black Donnellys in a very suspenseful climax (don't remember that show? it's okay; it only lasted thirteen episodes. i liked it though. it had Olivia Wilde in it.)


Track 10 - "Many of Horror" by Biffy Clyro
Biffy Clyro are a Scottish band that have apparently been around for a long time. This song was my introduction to them not too long ago.


Track 11 - "Honey Let Me Sing You a Song" by Matt Hires
I have to listen to this song a couple times a day to stay happy and hopeful. It's delightful.


Track 12 - "Baby(feat. Nelly)" by Pharrell
Pharrell is everything Soulja Boy wishes he could be.

Track 13 - "Rebellion(Lies)" by Arcade Fire
I remember when Funeral came out I listened to this song and "In the Back Seat" over and over.


Track 14 - "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel
I would be remiss to not include this song.


Track 15 - "Eyes" by The Naked and Famous
I get to see these guys in April!

Track 16 - "Blue Eyes" by Cary Brothers
This song got stupid popular after it was on the Garden State soundtrack. Since then Cary Brothers has done roughly nothing.

Track 17 - "My Night with the Prostitute from Marseille" by Beirut
Zach Condon dropped out of high school to travel with his brother and learn about world music. I would say that this gamble paid off pretty well.

Track 18 - "Closer(Presets Remix) by Kings of Leon
This remix was included in Kings of Leon's newest album "Come Around Sundown". I find it utterly haunting.

Another great way to listen to these mixes is to friend me on Spotify and listen to them there!