My Masterful Mix of Majestical Music

This year one of the presents I gave people was a mixtape of music that I felt was good, and unknown to them. I spent a decent amount of time putting this mixtape together, and I think it shows just that. Each one of these songs struck me in a way that I had to put them on my mixtape, and I hope you're able to feel the same thing. I've decided to go through it track-by-track, giving a little commentary on each song, and what i feel about it.


Now, on to the mixtape....

Track 1. Badly Drawn Boy - The Shining (Intro)
Now, I kinda cheated on this song. I noticed that my mixtape was getting a little too long, when I decided to add this song. So instead of cutting a different song off, I cut out the "intro" part from this song and used it instead of the whole song.

Track 2. Okkervil River - Another Radio Song
To me, this is a masterpiece of a song. Although, as my reviews progress, you'll probably see that I'm easily impressed, but this song deserves to be called such. I'm still new to Okkervil River, but I've still heard my fair share of their stuff; and when I heard this song, I immediately fell in love with it. Will Sheff's voice is haunting throughout the song, and the chanting vocals at the very end always astound me with their.........ummm........beauty. As a whole, this song is just so powerful. It has the vibe of a protest song that you want to chant your heart out repeating over and oer again, trying to get it's message across. His voice is so penetrating and everything he says is so precise that it makes you want to follow everything he says. The song is even the perfect length, had it been longer it'd take away from its power; if it was any shorter, there wouldn't be enough time for it to get to its peak. Also, no matter how many times I hear it, I never get tired of it.

Track 3. Olivia Tremor Control - Hilltop Procession (Momentum Gaining)
This is just a fun poppy song, that comes from a band that pull off sounding like the Beatles, without being criticized for it. This is probably due to the fact that no one (at least no one i know) knows who they are. That is also the dilemma, this band is good, catchy, and likable, and if people knew about them, I'm sure they would soon get a large and loyal fanbase.

Track 4. Spiritualized - Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space
The way this song builds, always amazes me. I find myself loving the layers of vocals, and the "spacey" feeling they give. This song feels like it should be the theme song of Astronauts everywhere, and that's what I love about it.

Track 5. Tokyo Police Club - Nature of the Experiment
This sing is just pure energy from the word "go", literally. I always find myself air-drumming along, or even dancing sometimes (I'm not normally that kind of person). This is just a feel-good, pure-energy song that deserves some credit.

Track 6. The Harlem Shakes - Carpetbaggers
Now I'm not sure what a "carpetbagger" is, and I'm too lazy to look it up, or try to figure it out from "breaking down the word", but whatever it is, it should be happy to have this song named after it. Another "pure-energy" song, this is what fun sounds like. the only reason I ever found out about this band, was one day asked a bunch of people about some recommendations of some lesser-known bands. This was one of the recommended, and It came with a lot of support from people. So I checked them out, and I've been in love with this song since.

Track 7. Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye
Just a gorgeous song. I love the way it goes from mellow to all out power/anger at near the end. I just find that this is another catchy, fun song that I had to put on the mix.

Track 8. Regina Spektor - Fidelity
This song is this year's quintessential pop song. I can't do this song justice in so few words, so if you really want to know what I feel about it, read here: http://wilcovian-river.blogspot.com/2006/12/my-first-post.html

Track 9. John Paul White - I Can't Get This Out of My Head
For once, i can honestly say that I am thankful for the show The OC. The recent covers record that the show put out, while not the best material, definitely had some good songs; this being one. I love how creepy the song feels, and I especially like the feeling given by the use of strings as the background instruments, along with an acoustic guitar.

Track 10. Tom McRae - My Vampire Heart
Another creepy/pretty song, that I find myself liking. That simple.

Track 11. First Coat - Try Again
Yet another catchy, simple, and fun song to listen to. Again, my reasoning is just that simple.

Track 12. Arms - Shitty Little Disco
This band is a side project of The Harlem Shakes, and although I don't find myself liking them as much as The Harlem Shakes, this song is simply incredible. There is something about these two members bands that makes them different and yet the same as other modern bands, and I find myself liking whatever that thing is.

Track 13. Travel By The Sea - I Won't Let You Down
Another pretty song with a point, from a band that I was fortunate enough to have found out about.

Track 14. Shearwater - Hail Mary
Another side-project band that I find myself liking just as much as the original, Shearwater has two of the members of Okkervil River, and as much promise. To quote myself, " I can't do this song justice in so few words, so if you really want to know what I feel about it, read here: http://wilcovian-river.blogspot.com/2006/12/my-first-post.html "

Track 15. The Magnetic Fields - 100,000 Fireflies
In my opinion, The Magnetic Fields have one of the best songwriters out of any other "modern rock band." Even having that doesn't automatically make their music good, and yet it is; a great thing to be able to achieve in today's world. I love the combination of vocals and the use of bells on this song, I find they make this mood that is so bright and happy for a song that says in the first line "makes me want to kill myself." This band is truly a great band.

Track 16. British Sea Power - Carrion
A brilliant song, their best. 'Nuff said.

Track 17. Neutral Milk Hotel - In An Airplane Over The Sea
Just a great song from a great band.

Track 18. Mountain Goats - You and Your Memory
One of my favourite subdued songs on the album. The Mountain Goats show that they can be just as fun with an acoustic guitar as any band with an electric guitar.

Track 19. Gomez - 1000 Times
Gomez astound me with every single one of their songs, this included. With three different singers, I find I like the style of each. This song is one of my favorites of theirs; it is just that pretty. His voice is can get so haunting on some songs, and then on songs like this, you get to see how pretty he can make it. This song perfectly shows why Gomez is one of, if not my favorite band of all time.

Track 20. The Divine Comedy - Through a Long and Sleepless Night
This has the best ending of any song that I have heard to date. The ending of this song makes me want to go see them live, just to see what they'd do with this song; how dramatic they could make it...




*zip file of the mix..................IS HERE!!!!!!!
My Masterful Mix of Majestical Music

Review: Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis

<---- Jarvis the magnificent

Unfortunately, Pulp never seemed to get the credit they deserved, here in the states. That may be way Jarvis's self-titled solo album wasn't released in stores here. Be that the reason, or be it another reason, it is a shame that the fine folks here in America don't have easy access to this brilliant album.

With that aside, I will now get on to reviewing the album. It seems that even without his bandmates, Jarvis Cocker pulls off the amazing. As the album starts, there is a brief 30 second long instrumental track leading directly into the upbeat Don't Let Him Waste Your Time. With a catchy chorus, and a danceable beat, this songs proves to be one of the many gems on the this album. Following that is the super-catchy Black Magic. As soon as the chorus hits, you know you can't help but tap your feet and sing along. Jarvis' lyrics are as rebellious as ever, such as "We can't escape/we're born to die/but I'm going to give it a real good try/because nothing comes close, and nothing can compare........to black magic.....yeah, yeah, yeah." As this anthem fades out, the sound of rain arrives and the mood completely flips, or so one would think. In theory a song about rain/stormy weather would be bleak, sad, upsetting, etc. and yet Jarvis pulls off a upbeat hopeful tone. As Heavy Weather progresses Jarvis's lyrics get more depressing, and yet he still sounds so optimistic.

Other gems would have to be the beautiful and melodic I Will Kill Again. Even with its semi-misleading title, one can get the feel for what his message really is. A different song with a similar message would have to Baby's Coming Back, a sweet and hopeful song about someone returning home [from war]. While these songs have a more subliminal style to their message, there is a very blatant song on the album: Running the World. For those unfamiler with the song, it is the hidden song at the end of the 30min song labeled Quantum Theory. With such lyrics as "C**ts are still running the world", Jarvis makes no attempt to disguise his message in this song.

Finally, other notable songs on the album would have to be: From A to I, Disney Time, the gorgeous Quantum Theory, and the most catchy song on the album; Fat Children (which could also be analyzed, but it would take away form the greatness of the song.)

"Wouldn't it be nice, for all the world to live in peace?" .....why yes Jarvis, it most definitely would.

Tracklist:

1. Loss Adjuster (excerpt Pt.1)

2. Don’t Let Him Waste Your Time

3. Black Magic

4. Heavy Weather

5. I Will Kill Again

6. Baby’s Coming Back To Me

7. Fat Children

8. From A To I

9. Disney Time

10. Tonite

11. Big Julie

12. Loss Adjuster (excerpt Pt.2)

13. Quantum Theory

Highlights:
Jarvis Cocker - Black Magic
Jarvis Cocker - I Will Kill Again
Jarvis Cocker - Fat Children
Jarvis Cocker - Quantum Theory (includes Running the World)


(Support the artist and buy the album from: Amazon.co.uk)

Christmas Eve Special: Belle and Sebastian - Peel Xmas Session 12/18/2002

If you are a Belle and Sebastain fan and haven't heard this, I strongly recomend you aquire a copy of it. From the first song alone (12 Days of Christmas), you can tell how much of a fun time they had making this. With seemingly random background sounds (which often cause the bandmembers to crack up in the middle of a line), some nice harmonies, and a rare treat here and there; this is a must have for any Belle and Sebastian fan.

It starts with a strong opening track, prgrossing into a great rendition of Christmas Time, which is paired with a "rocking" Sata Claus, and then to a classic B&S song: Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying. Overall, it is a fun, enjoyable session to listen to, and I highly recomend you download it.

Highlights:
Belle and Sebastian - 12 Days of Christmas
Belle and Sebastian - Silent Night (Audience Sings Along)

Download the whole thing here:
Belle and Sebastian - Peel Xmas Session 12/18/2002

*Please support the artists, go out and buy their Cds...

...or try: Amazon.com or iTunes

My First Post

I've decided to start this blog off with my favorite songs that have come out this year. That's about all I have to say, so let's get on to the music....





....and so it begins:

10)Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
What is there to say about this song.....not much besides the obvious: it's easily the most catchy song of the year. Who'd a thunk that putting together Ce-Lo Green and Danger Mouse would create brilliance? Not me, that's for sure......and yet that is exactly what happened, and this song is excellent proof. Had the song not been played to oblivion, it might have made it higher on my list, but it unfortunately was overplayed, leaving only one thing left to say............damn those radio stations.

9)Yeah Yeah Yeah Song - The Flaming Lips
I was fortunate enough to get to see the Flaming Lips live for the first time, this year. Unfortunately, I only got to see two songs: this one, and She Don't Use Jelly. Needless to say, I was thoroughly impressed. As we walked over to the stage that the Lips were playing on, we were very surprised to see a collection of Santa Clauses accompanying Wayne Cohen on stage (the concert was in September). Whenever I hear this song, I remember that day, and the impressive show that they put on, in the 10 minutes that we got to watch them.

8)Chasing Ghosts With Alcohol - Gomez
This song has stuck out to me, ever since I first heard How We Operate. I find his voice to be hauntingly beautiful, especially in this song in particular. Since I heard this album, I have come to love Gomez and all their music, and still this song has to be one of my favorites off theirs. The intro is captivating and gorgeous. There is something special about this song, that I hear every time I listen to it, and yet I can never find myself able to describe it....

7)Pass the Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind- Yo La Tengo
An epic of an song. Yo la Tengo never cease to amaze me, no matter what I hear...

6)Elevate Myself - Grandaddy
Another catchy song that this year has produced. Before this song, I had never heard Grandaddy. I love the techno feel that this song has to it, the chorus is super catchy, and I always seem to find myself trying to sing along when ever I hear it.

5)The Island... - The Decemberists
This song is a masterpiece. This comes off my favorite album of the year, and it never seems to get old. Coin Meloy's voice is ace, and although one would think a song like this would get boring after the 6th or 7th minute, I find myself loving every second of it.

4)Steady as She Goes - The Raconteurs
I will be honest, i am a little bias towards the Raconteurs. I have been fortunate enough to see them live not once, but twice in the past couple of months. They have got some of the best stage presence out of any bands I have seen live in the post few years. I was unfortunately a little disappointed with their album the first couple of times I listened to it, but now I find my appreciation of it to have risen dramatically.

3)Hail Mary - Shearwater
Shearwater comes from my favorite band as of right now: Okkervil River. if you have not heard either, I recommend you go to wherever you get your music and "acquire" at least one of either bands albums. Shearwater's Palo Santo is easily one of the better albums of the year, if not the past ten years. This is just an amazing song in my opinion, there's not much else I can say about it.

2)Ain't Talkin' - Bob Dylan
One of the concerts that I saw the Raconteurs at, was when they opened for Bob Dylan. This was an unbelievable show for me as it was the only time I've seen him live, and his set was phenomenal. Unfortunately, he did not play Ain't Talkin', my favorite song from his new album. Dylan's new album Modern Times is a solid all around album, that's for sure, but there's something about the closing track (Ain't Talkin') that blows my mind every time I hear it. His voice is perfect for the mood he's trying to convey on this track, and his lyrics are as smart as ever. I find the instrumental parts of the song to complement Dylan's voice perfectly. Some people criticize Dylan's voice now that he's well past his prime, and to counter, I always ask them if they've ever heard this song....


....and the big number 1:

1)Fidelity - Regina Spektor
The first time I ever heard Regina, to be honest, I hated her. In my defense, it was a live show, and she was opening for an audience that would not be considered her "target audience", oh.... and I was younger and a lot less mature. ALright, back to the song....just untill fairly recently, I had completely forgotten about her, and then someone told me to listen to this song. I grudgingly decided to follow their advice (they hadn't steered me wrong before), and so I took a listen expecting to hate it, and lo and behold I fell in love with the song.

Whenever I listen to this song (a lot), I find I fall in love her voice more and more each time. While not the best singer ever, I find this song flatters her voice to a point that I can't seem to find someone who does not like the song. The bouncy strings/piano sounds in the background give this song such a Christmas-y feel that I have grown to enjoy and appreciate. While I have yet to hear another song by Ms. Spektor, she has started to become one of my favorite singers ever; just from this one song.

Almost done, don't worry. For those that haven't seen the video, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wigqKfLWjvM -although not the best video, I find it cute and fun, I especially love the ending s=for some reason.

On one last note, this song was inspired by the movie High Fidelity, and how can you not love that...




*(right click (and save as) on the song title, to download the song...

...but please, if you like a song, support the artist and go out and buy the album...
....or alternativley, look for the albums here: Amazon.com or at the itunes music store)