Octoober Mix Vol. 2

Here is the second volume of the October mix, because I clearly have nothing better to do.

If you want the track list please ask me

http://www.zshare.net/audio/503614975de0c8b2/

edit: the volume levels are apparently messed up, i'm working on it.

October Mix

Ill write about this later.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/198660660585ac2b/

Singles - Incubus

Right, so everyone probably knows about Incubus for one reason or another. I'm sure that more than a few of you people have/have heard of their album Make Yourself from 1999. But I'm not so sure how many people know about the song Battlestar Scralatchtica, even though everyone should. As the name makes perfectly clear, the song involves a lot of scratching. What isn't clear from the name is the inclusion of a sort of trip hop or house feel with dub and great bass. To tell you the truth, I don't really want to keep writing about this song because I decided to post this in an hour I had in between class (or if you prefer, because I'm a self-centered arrogant bitch)...but listen to the song anyway!

The Climax Blues Band

Well...it's certainly been a while. And I am not making my long-awaited, victorious comeback with the band that I thought I was. Instead, I'm going back to my roots of blues rock and awesome. Therefore, I am giving you music by the Climax Blues band (also called the Climax Chicago Blues Band despite being from Stafford, England) formed in 1968. These guys had epic harmonies, and I mean EPIC. This group of amazing musicians formed a crazy lineup when it came to playing together and singing together. I am constantly and consistently impressed with songs they write, as they put all the instruments and voices to use with grace and style. If you can ever call blues graceful. As I am a bit rusty from such a long absence and could therefore never do this band justice, I'll just have you listen to Standing By A River and Mole On the Dole.
Also, here's their official website.

Villains

You may find yourself asking me, “how can you make another post about Los
Angeles music makers? “ while you read on in contempt for my geographic
diversity in terms of music taste. Well, prepare to groan an annoyance because
the answer is, I happen to like the music I find in LA, so I’m right you’re
wrong, I’m big, you’re little, I’m smart you’re dumb, and there’s nothing you
can do about it (by the way, if you didn’t live Danny Devito in that movie, you
probably deserve to be ostracized to the steppes of northern Russia). These
remixing, DJ, stars also played at the aforementioned Electric Daisy Carnival
Event. Unfortunately for me, due to unforeseen circumstances, I missed them.
Villains remixes are some of my favorite, and I haven’t met a person yet who
doesn’t like their very danceable remix of Buzzin by Shwayze. An old favorite I
had for a while was their mix of Steve Akoi’s Cut Me Up. Those two songs found
their way onto many a playlist in the june/july area. They’re fun, and easy to
listen to, so give them a shot, VILLAINS.

The Glitch Mob

Today’s post focuses on a group of DJs from the magical place of wonder andamazement that is Los Angeles. From a first listen the heavy beats sound like theycould be backing an MC as he spits aggressive, hard lyrics with passion at aroaring crowd, however; as you let the music play on, it takes on a life of its own. I discovered The Glitch Mob through my adventures in (and around [ok, a lot around]) the Coliseum for Insomniac Event’s Electric Daisy Carnival. I, never expecting a lack of crowd control that resulted a swarming, pulsing mob of drugged kandi kids, drunk gang bangers, and stoned jungalists, showed up with what I thought was plenty of time to get in and relax. I was dead wrong. As I stood in the giant snake that engulfed the venue, I wondered to myself, “Is this god’s punishment to me for such decadence as a 12 hour massive with 5 stages of kick ass music?”. The answer came back with full force from the circuitGROUNDS stage, located just over a, sadly, impermeable fence. A resounding NO, was heard from the booming speakers as edit, Boreta, Ooah, and Kraddy began their set. The line opened up as the heavy Electronic infused Hip-Hop stylings and the wait became bearable. As the music continued, I heard a remix of Ludacris’ Get Back that had me looking for another listen for a full month (seriously, I can’t find it anywhere, and its pissing me off). Whether you’re a Hip-Hop head who is too afraid to venture into the world of EDM, a Junglism purist decked out in camo, or a Electronica obsessed PLURRite, there is bound to be something you’ll like in this HIGHLY danceable music. One of my favorite tracks of theirs is a remix of Nalepa’s Monday. I will admit to looking quite ridiculous in a drunken dancefest fully at the whim of this songs bass. Its free on their site, which I suggest you check out, as it is full of other things as well. They just played yesterday at the OC's JuJuBeats, but my guess is, you probably missed it.

This is Ivy League

This is Ivy League is an Indie band formed in 2005 in Brookyln. The band was started by Ryan Blackinton and Alex Suarez. Now, if those names don’t sound familiar to you let me refresh your memory. The year is 2006, it’s a hot summer (you may or may not be learning a foreign language lakeside in a place called Dent). The internet has released news of a movie featuring Samuel L. Jackson entitled “Snakes on a plane”(that’s right, mother fucking snakes, on a mother fucking plane). How could one possibly advertise such a movie? With a song like Bring it (Snakes on a Plane) –times are strange, we got a free upgrade for snakes on a plane. But this is not about Cobra Starship. The duo of Blackinton and Suarez were sent up to the international music scene with that hit, and This is Ivy League was not forgotten. In 2008, Twentyseven Records released This is Ivy League’s CD. They have a light pop/folk element similar to that of bands such as Of Montreal, or Harlem Shakes, but vary in their own way. They also have a feel good vibe that can’t let you down. Experience it for yourself with London Bridges, but also check out the rest of their music. As always, let the music speak for itself. Who really reads any of this anyway?

Fakers -Stanton Warriors

I'm about to blow your mind. 3, 2, 1, GO! My last post was about the Jose Gonzalez cover of the Massive Attack song Teardrop, but this time, things are flipped. The bristol based breakbeat duo formally known as Stanton Warriors created a chill remix of Gonzalez's Crosses. The song includes a nice non-imposing beat that hold up the rhythm while a light mix of synth is lain over Gonzalez's guitar playing and an occasional ephemeral piano loop. Gonzalez's voice haunts the song, giving it emotional power and beauty. This track is great for chill music, and who knows, maybe you can slip it on for a little dancing as well.

http://www.stantonwarriors.com/

http://www.jose-gonzalez.com/

Justin Taylor

Well, following suit, I've decided to post this guy. He's a singer/songwriter/guitar player from South Africa who's story is very inspiring and stuff like that. No seriously, check it out: here. So anyways, this guy sings and plays from the heart. All of his stuff is one guitar and one vioce, and it's beautiful. He seems to actually speak to you, but his songs and lyrics don't get old. Of course, I'm a sap, so don't take it from me. His first album From Tiene Street was picked up by none other than Candyrat, who, if you remember, I've posted about in the past (see Andy Mckee). Justin has an amzing talent for writing songs that everyone can feel and understand. I suggest you check him out here and here.

Fakers - Jose Gonzalez

Alright, I realize that this is nothing new, but the blog hasn't been updated in quite a while, so I'm going to try to breathe some life into this thing. Jose Gonzalez does an amazing job covering Teardrop from English Trip-Hoppers Massive Attack , off of the 1998 release Mezzanine. Gonzalez brings his own element to the relaxing-yet-haunting song, taking it back closer to earth from the far-off ethereal classic Massive Attack created. So check it out.

The Subways

So yes, they were on the O.C. a number of years ago, and yes they are at least somewhat mainstream, but I don't regard the second tag as necessarily bad and the band is good enough that I can avoid the first one. Plus, they have a new album hitting shelves in June, and I thought I'd get people excited for it.
The Subways originate from England, near London, and sound much like the Fratellis, not because both bands have lead singers with UK accents, but because both are loud, fast, fun, and easily danceable. If you like anything resembling Punk, Grunge, or Garage bands, then this music is for you. The difference between this band and other post-punk/grunge bands is, they actually have musical talent. The singer is fantastic, the guitarist uses more than his bottom two strings, and the bassist plays more than one instrument (I like that, you may not care so much). Songs like "She Sun" and "Somewhere," although not released as singles and not as popular as the others, prove how much depth this band has. In the end, though, this band still comes down to power chords and fast drumbeats. Simple recommendation: If you liked the Fratellis, even a little, buy a CD; if you didn't, don't. Its really that simple.

The Mountain Goats

The Mountain Goats is the best ever urban folk band in Claremont, California. I would like nothing more than to be lying in the sun on The Grass right now listening to any song off of the 2002 release All Hail West Texas right now. Unfortunately, its dark and cold (California cold at least), and I have a strong feeling that the bed of green is all kinds of wet. So, make believe with me if you care while you read. Last year it seemed as though the wacked out stereo on the Civic would only play The Mountain Goats and because of this I got very sick of the music, and left it alone for a while. I am happy now to have rediscovered the greatness of John Darnielle's simply emotional voice coming through with a strong lo-fi sound. The Mountain Goats later work takes on a different feel. From Tallahassee onwards Darnielle began to work in a studio with a band. While adopting a new sound, the music is in no way inferior. Songs like Broom People are easy proof that even when the circumstances have changed, at the heart of the music, the same artist is still creating. One of my favorite songs by them is Color In Your Cheeks. Not that I think you should probably check it out or something.

Fakers - Scissor Sisters

In the same vein as the most Fakers post, today's will be another cover of Pink Floyd. This time the song is Comfortably Numb (link is to the original). Anyone who's listened to the original would describe it as slow, psychedelic, mellow, and awesome. Scissor Sisters manage to deliver on the last one, but fall short in the other categories. The song starts off with a trademark Pink Floyd sounds, but quickly takes on a hip hop beat, electronic sounds, and crazy dude's falsetto. The chorus' melody and feel are all but lost as they take on a whole new feel, and almost a new meaning. Bubbly, light beeps fill any empty space Pink Floyd originally left, but work unbelievably well. To make things simple, the first time I heard this version, I didn't realize it was the same song. However, if I didn't recommend it, I wouldn't be writing about it. For an entirely different but definitely enjoyable experience, listen to the Scissor Sisters' version of Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb.

Video Kid

At this point in time, you've been living under a rock if you've never heard of Flight of the Conchords. Less famous, however, is the other work of FotC's Bret McKenzie as Video Kid (and a member of The Black Seeds, but that's a different story). Even though I feel a comparison of Video Kid to FotC is technically impossible, I feel it is a good place to start. It would be misleading to assume that the music is of a similar style simply because Bret is involved in creating music for both. Video Kid's music is more electronic, with strong reggae and funk influences and just a tad of hip-hop. At the same time, it is a mellow, indie sound. And the ultimate deciding factor- unlike FotC, it is not folk and comedy oriented. At the very least, Video Kid showcases Bret McKenzie's talent and versatility as a songwriter/musician. Hittin' up the V-section of my iTunes for the second time today, I give you DJz Girlfriend, Let Her Go, and CCTV.

Singles - The Vines

I know that you've all heard of them, I know you've all heard them, but I bet you've probably forgotten about them. With that in mind, I am taking this opportunity to focus some attention on this Australian garage rock group. My love for their music comes from my entirely biased affinity for 60's rock and 90's alternative music. But being a garage band, they give all their songs a sort of punk element, both in the attitude of the music and the length of the songs. If you're at all like me, these guys aren't necessarily your favorite band, but every time you hear them you end up bopping your head to the beat and singing along with the chorus. Ladies and gentlemen, Ride with me.

Human Television

Singles/ Fakers are good and fine (and easy to write) but I feel I need more at times. I am currently in the middle of a pop rock binge. So with this current genre obsession where better to look than Brooklyn, New York? The band's myspace labels the group as thrash, but you wont be confuzed after a second of listening, it must be purely ironic. The music is easy to listen to and chill to. The music slides by with an almost hypnotic, dreamy, surreal feeling. The vocals and instruments blend well to create a cohesive sound where no one voice is the star. A good example is the song In Front of the House from the 2006 release Look At Who You're Talking To. Also to check out from All Songs Written By: Human Television, I Forgot.

MYSPACE.COM/HUMANTELEVISIOn

Happy Listening

Singles - Eric Johnson

Well, I've come to give you Cliffs of Dover. Although many have heard it, the sheer brilliance of it all is enough to re-listen to it. Eric Johnson's most well known and masterful piece, Cliffs has a Jimi style thang going on. It starts with a strong solo following no specific time, but utilizing many advanced techniques such as hybrid picking and some really freakin fast fingers. It then settles into a shuffle beat for the music nerds among us who are interested and enters into motifs and individual melodies which are repeated or riffed on. And finally the outro is much like the intro, ad libbed with extreme awesomeness. Unfortunately, I don't have a really good recording to give you, but the cleanest that I have found a youtube guy who plays it all and plays it well. Check it out.

Singles - ELO

I bring you Electric Light Orchesta's "Fire On High". What can be said about this song. First the obvioust must be established, its opening is pretty fucking creepy. The opening of the sound has lyrics which sound like gibberish, but infact are backmasked. The process was first popularly used by The Beatles. It involves the reversal of lyrics. Backmasking is not to be confused with phonetic reversal (I.E. Stairway to Heaven SATAN SATAN SATAN bullshit). When played backwards, a voice distincly says, "The music is reversible but time is not. Turn back. Turn back. Turn back. Turn back." This could easily be seen as a joke played bue to accusations of the Satanic nature of "Eldorado" by fundamentist christians. A somewhat similar thing was done at the beginning of the track Still Life by Iron Maiden. Aside from having the disturbing opening it is a pretty cool song. so CHECK IT OUT

Fakers - The Shins

Quick post, this is for The Shins cover of Pink Floyd's Breathe. Breathe shares the opening track to the album Dark Side of the Moon with Speak To Me. It is a good laid back song, and I also recomend looking up the origional version of the song if you aren't already familiar with it from those late night watchings of the Wizard of Oz, which totally matches up with Dark Side of the Moon (if you're trashed...). BREATHE

And ill leave you with this glorious creation

Andy McKee

Many of you might know him from his videos on youtube, such as Drifting. He is truly an inspired composer and, although some may find his work repetitive, very talented. He is still in his twenties and he is a finger-style guitarist. He has four albums to his name and he plays guitar and harp guitar(seen in the picture). A great listen for background music or contemplation, McKee's work is cool and relaxing, but never boring. I cannot recommend his work too highly, especially his album with Don Ross, The Thing that Came from Somewhere. With cited influences from Maiden and Eric Johnson to Neil Young, this guy has been around. Although he started on the electric guitar, he's all acoustic now. And I think that we are all the better for it.