Now, I fully realize that it is already well into the Fall season, due to the fact that we're now in November, but I think you'll forgive me when your ears are molested by the sweet tunes I've comprised on this mixtape. While there really was no criteria that had to be met in order to be included on the mix, I tried to narrow it down to songs that exhibited a soothing, or calming feel, something to usher in the colder months ahead gradually, as we offically say goodbye to sunny skies and warm weather. With that being said, let's move right along to the mp3's.
1.
Peter, Bjorn & John - Young Folks - this song is pure pop bliss, and with Victoria Bergsman sharing vocal duties, it's simply incredible. I am compelled to tell you that you must download, or die.
2.
The Rapture - Pieces of the People We Love - this is one of those songs, that upon hearing it, you wonder where you've heard it before. unfortunately I don't have the answer, but it's a pretty kick ass song.
3.
Benoit Pioulard - Palimend - this electro-folk song is a autumnal smash complete with an ominous strumming guitar, low vocal moaning, and an ever present ghostly marching snare. Oh yea, his real name is Thomas Meluch, a 21 year old from Michigan who happened to adopt a faux-French nickname. Or whatever.
4.
Damien Rice - 9 Crimes - yes, I included the new single from Damien Rice, and yes, it is more of the same old Damien Rice. But its simplistic elegance is unparalleled.
5.
Albert Hammond, Jr. - In Transit - surprise! Albert Hammond, Jr.'s (guitarist from The Strokes) solo debut is actually pretty good. And this track is perfect to pull you out of that depressing coma Damien Rice just put you in. So have fun!
6.
Frida Hyvonen - I Drive My Friend - this Swedish singer/songwriter is generating a lot of buzz right now and she's currently on tour with Jose Gonzalez. This song is just incredible in its simplicity, and the heartbreaking ode to loss and ultimate sorrow.
7.
Bloc Party - Helicopter (Santa Monica Mix) - this is probably one of the cooler Bloc Party remixes floating around (we all know how pointless most of the remixes on Silent Alarm Remixed were), and if anything, it's an interesting listen.
8.
Mew - The Zookeeper's Boy - the winners of album and band of the year in 2003, at the ingneiously named Danish Music Critics Award Show, Mew has "indie hipster" written all over them. Which is a good thing, I think.
9.
The Scissor Sisters - The Other Side - while I'm not the biggest fan of the Scissor Sisters, I find this song to be really, really good.
10.
Fujiya & Miyagi - Collarbone - while I'm on this funktastic kick, here's a really cool song that amazingly is able to incorprate that childhood song where you name a bunch of bones in your body with the segue being "connected to..." into the final chorus of the song. It just oozes coolness.
11.
Christopher Willits - Colors Shifting - here's an appropriately titled song (due to the colors of the leaves changing, dumbass), that is brimming with warm fuzzy electronic bleeps and bloops.
12.
Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla - just an amazing, jaw dropping song. You are foolish to let this one sneak by you, so please, I am begging you to do yourself a favor, and download this track.
13.
Jose Gonzalez - Stay In The Shade - ask me to name a song by Jose Gonzalez that isn't utterly beautiful and I wouldn't be surprised at the possibility of my head exploding in failure.
14.
Beirut - Postcards From Italy - I can't explain why i love this song so much. All i can really say about it is that it is captivating, it wisks you away to some remote place, and it pleads with you to reflect (now I'm really talking out of my ass, but trust me it's a good tune).
15.
Mute Math - Stare At The Sun - to conclude this mix I chose this song, due to the fact that it's got a nice "end credits" feel to it. Take it for what you will, I'm done.
Bonus fun:
We Are Scientists - Hoppipolla (Sigur Ros cover) - not only does We Are Scientists stay true to the original, they actually learned the Icelandic lyrics. If that's not fan dedication I don't know what is.
Okay, so I was sitting in class today debating on whether or not I should make my next post be the beginning of the 2006 Insert Brand Name Here Christmas Mixtape, since I didn't have all that much to post about (besides the new Spoon tune that is featured in the new Will Ferrell movie, Stanger than Fiction), I figured I'd go with the Holiday tunes. I was told last year that some of my song choices were "depressing". I defended my choices by stating that Christmas (or whatever holiday you happen to celebrate) is not always happy, and the songs should reflect differentiating moods. Hopefully you'll feel the same because there are some real gems that I'm planning to include this year. those of you familiar with last years mix will probably recognize some of the songs, as I just couldn't resist including them in this years mix as well because, well, they're just so damn good. I'm hoping to make a good four disc set for this Holiday season, but we'll see how these lofty ambitions play out. So here it is, the first installment of the Christmas/Holiday Mixtape '06.
