collaborative mix CD
I'm getting worried about this summer. Kriston, Jeff and I have all expressed the same concern: there's no clear candidate for Album of the Summer.
I'm sure you know what I mean. It's the CD that ends up being played at the most cookouts, the most road trips. It's great to have in the background on a sunny day, but still works as the evening descends and you decide to put on some shoes. It's probably breezy pop, but not something so sugary sweet that you'll be sick of it by mid-July.
These things usually happen by accident, but I still think it's worth worrying about. We've got some candidates, but they're of dubious strength: the new Malkmus, Weezer and the Fountains of Wayne B-sides collection all have some promise, but I'll be surprised if any one of them turns out to be a home run.
So, two things. First: suggestions? What have been good summer albums for you, and what are you looking forward to?
And second: why don't we put together a playlist here, in comments. If you've got 1-3 songs you think would go well on a mix CD for the uses described above, list them briefly. It doesn't have to be new stuff. It doesn't have to impress the world with your astounding indie cred. It just has to be something that you can drink beer to. I'll get the ball rolling:
- Stephen Malkmus - Jo Jo's Jacket
- Rilo Kiley - Portions For Foxes
- Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Comments
How about New Order's "Wait for the Siren's Call" ... I thought they were gone for good, but just when you least expect it this album makes an awesome comeback.
you really can't go wrong with "ignition (remix)," though i suppose that's neither subtle nor indie. but its perfect when your entire summer is the freakin weekend.
i'm actually finding the reissue of dino jr's "bug" to be a fine spring record.
what was last year's album of the summer?
For me it was probably Hearts of Oak -- admittedly, that came out in 2003, but I was just discovering Ted Leo last summer.
But I'm sure everyone reading this site is pretty sick of hearing about Ted Leo, so I won't say anything more about that.
To paraphrase myself with regard to the Arcade Fire: if you don't love All Girl Summer Fun Band's Dear Mr. and Mrs. Troublemaker, you are dead inside. 30 seconds of pure pop love.
i've heard a lot of good and poppy things about ok go. maybe we should check them out?
Album of the summer...hmmm...the Beck album is one that is on the shortlist right now. Really like the Russian Futurists new album as well (out May 3rd). I have heard a preview copy of the Malkmus album and it is pretty solid...there are alot of tracks out there.
Russian Futurists - Paul Simon
Stephen Malkmus - Loud Cloud Crowd
Talib Kweli - Broken Glass
P.S. OK Go is a favorite of Bob Mould...he was loving their album earlier this year.
I went to the OK Go show. They were fun. Although I bought their CD and I'm not as impressed with it as I am live.
I'm probably dating myself, but for album of the summer I've got a lot of faith in the yet to be released (I think) Silver Jews effort.
Re: SilverJews You can find that and many others on indietorrents.com. Including a copy of the Malkmus disc.
This summer: probably Hot Hot Heat. And maybe Sleater-Kinney, but I hear it's dark. Although I stay in a lot for fear of burning.
Past summers: Hearts of Oak, New Pornographers' Electric Version, Pernice Brothers' Yours Mine Ours, Long Winters' When I Begin to Fall.(2003) TV on the Radio, The Roots' Tipping Point (2004)
And for songs... hmmm...
Superchunk - The Popular Music
The Sundays - Summertime
Neko Case - Hex
Jawbreaker - West Bay Invitational
the new Brendan Benson record. Anything. Especially "Feel Like Myself."
"I Predict a Riot" by the Kaiser Chiefs.
"Timeless Melody" by The La's
"Windfall" by Son Volt
"Locked Out" by Crowded House
After midnight, on the porch, stoned out of one's mind, that new M. Ward joint.
Thanks for the indietorrents tip. And I agree that one must be stone out of one's mind in order to keep time with M. Ward's new record. Songwriting-wise, I think he peaked with on transfiguration of vincent, but he sure plays a mean acoustic guitar.
beck - sexx laws
guided by voices - glad girls
ac newman - miracle drug
and yes, the new brendan benson ROCKS. definite summer pop potential.
I don't think Sleater Kinney qualifies for summer jamz—it's a bit too serious. As in, they would never say, "The new album, it's full of jamz."
But who would? Chromeo would. But beyond them, I'm going backward, not forward. I'm going with Thee Headcoatees (or any other Billy Childish-orchestrated garage efforts, including The Headcoats, which are the same except that they're guys); The Slits; The Raincoats; and Rich Kids on LSD.
thanks for the indietorrents suggestion -- any chance you've got a spare invite on that site?
tom(at)zunta.org
For some reason, in my summers the rock is always trumped by hip hop and funk. Last year's album of the summer was Cee Lo Green is the Soul Machine.
I've got no clear candidate this year, but I have been listening to a lot of Sly & The Family Stone.
Also: Os Mutantes.
I'm not sure what the album of the summer will be for me this year, but here are my suggestions for a summer mix:
1. The Saints - Kissin' Cousins
2. The Buzzcocks - What Do I Get?
3. Heavenly - Ben Sherman
And, yes Talib Kweli's Broken Glass is an awesome song that I've put on several mixes already this year. And to second Kriston's recomendation, there's never enough Headcoat(ees)!
That CeeLo Green album is awesome! That song with Timbaland has been on numerous playlists over the last year.
Tom...sorry but I do not have any invites. My share ratio is very bad and as a result I have not been able to earn any invites. Keep checking the site over the next month...Drew (the owner of the site) cleans the bum accounts weekly and there are opportunities to sign up.
Also check out oink's pink palace (oink.me.uk) this one is a little better in terms of selection outside of indie labels. It sounds like a porn site but it is amazing. You can find albums MONTHS before they are released.
thanks for the reply... I do love pink's palace, been on there for a few months. I should really do something about getting my ratio up, but since I fear the RIAA I do my d/ling through Tor, which slows everything to a crawl.
I'll keep my eye on indietorrents -- thanks again for the tip.
Tom, Kriston etc.,
One thing I have noticed is there are alot of music lovers between here, DCist and a few other blogs. A buddy of mine used to do a mix club (approx 10-12 members). I know it sounds a little lame but give me a second.
Each member gets a month they make a mix for that month and mail the cd to the other members of the group...general rule is try to stay away from mainstream acts(mtv type acts) and a minimum bitrate beyond that anything is game. There were some very well done cds with cool themes, obscure bands and rare versions of songs...
A good way to hear alot of new and interesting stuff.
Any interest? If yes, I will post more details after my meeting over on my site...email me if you are game (my screenname at gmail).
Tom and others...take a look at this
http://urbanpioneer.blogspot.com/2005/04/mix-project.html
Let me know if you want in.
Have a great weekend
i know this is a bit late, but nouvelle's cover
of "love will tear us apart" is pretty great summer music. seriously though.
i know this is a bit late, but nouvelle vague's cover of "love will tear us apart" is pretty great summer music. seriously though.
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