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I love it when one single song has the ability to create a movie in the listener's mind. I listen to the track in its entirety and envision scene after scene. Sometimes I'm the star, other times I simply create characters in my head. Either way, I absolutely love those songs that bring on this creative force in my mind.
Although I like to play it off with this tough girl exterior, I really am a softy and a romantic at heart. And for the most part, most of Erlend Øye's songs direct a love story in my mind. Now, that's not to say it's always a happy ending. Most love stories end in tragedy, don't they? Maybe that's the cynic in me writing. Anyhow, when I heard this song this evening (for the first time), this was my vision:
A young man is traveling with his friends. During one of their excursions, a beautiful girl catches his eye. He initiates conversation with the girl, who is also traveling through this foreign land, and doesn't even notice his friends leave him. He spends the entire rest of the day with her. She makes him feel more alive than he's ever felt in his life. They experience the city and behave as if they had known each other for years, like no one else is around. He decides to spend the rest of his trip with her and she with him. And when it's time for the girl to leave and return home, he follows her. He leaves all that he knows behind to be with this girl. But once they reunite, things aren't the same. She found another, and already forgot about him. His heart is crushed and he retreats back home. And years later, thousands of miles away, he still thinks of her...
Erlend Øye - Ghost Trains
With mice and Lollapalooza on my mind, I realized I never posted a Deadmau5 track in any of my previous Lolla posts. The annual three-day music event has always been known to host a variety of rock bands, but with electronica emerging more into the mainstream, it only seems right that the event organizers would throw in some DJs and other similar acts, including MSTRKRFT, Kaskade, Boys Noize, A-Trak and Deadmau5.
I find Deadmau5's mixes to be quite intoxicating and hypnotic. I really want to catch his set, but I'm not sure that's going to happen since The Killers are performing at the same time. And as much as I love to dance to some nasty house beats, I'd much rather jam out to actual instruments.
But that's neither here nor there. This post is about Deadmau5 and how sick his mixes and original beats are. Here's one of my current faves...
Deadmau5 - Slip (Sebastien Leger Remix)
For the most part, I like to focus my energy on those artists that I find to be underrated. With all the ridiculously overrated music on the airwaves these days, somebody's got to spread the word about all these lesser-known musicians that sound a million times better than the garbage you hear on the radio or see on MTV.
The first band that came to mind as I was coming up with ideas for this blog post this morning was Modest Mouse. I was under the impression that they were a pretty well-known band with good recognition. I never really gave them a chance until a few weeks ago. Years ago, I heard that "Float On" track, didn't like it very much, and so I dismissed them. But it seemed people actually liked that song and the band, or so I thought.
I have recently been reintroduced to Modest Mouse, and I gave their other tracks a listen. Go figure, they're my new favorite band (if you know me at all, you are already well aware of the fact that my "favorite band" changes on a monthly basis).
So I got a hold of two Modest Mouse albums, Good News For People Who Who Love Bad News and
We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank, and I must say they are both stellar albums that you can listen to all the way through. They have catchy beats and intoxicating vocals. They tell a story with each song. Trust me, Google their lyrics.
And I honestly didn't consider them an "underrated" band until I began asking my pals about their opinion of Modest Mouse. I get into musical conversations with anyone and everyone, friends and strangers. To my surprise, the consensus was that no one really listened to their music. I couldn't believe it!
I guess that's why I'm here now, sharing four of my favorite Modest Mouse tracks below. Please give them a listen. And if after you listen (to all four!) you still don't care about them, so be it. But if you fall in love with their music like I did, you owe me!
Modest Mouse - Education
Modest Mouse - Bukowski
Modest Mouse - We've Got Everything
Modest Mouse - Invisible
Due to poor budgeting on my part, I most likely will not be able take any significant vacations in the near future. So although laying out in the sun next to the ocean, piña colada in hand, is my most favorite thing to do, I'll have to live my beach fantasies through music.
Here in Chicago, we have Lake Michigan. That's our version of the beach. It's no Pacific Ocean, but it works. And it makes me happy. So in the meantime, I'll take my iPod to the lake, rest my head on a blanket, gaze at the night sky and dream about the day I finally make it back to the ocean.
Below you will find three of my favorite summer tracks. No matter where I may be, these carefree house beats immediately transport me to the beach. I can feel the sand between my toes, smell the ocean and hear the waves crash. In my mind, I'm wearing my bathing suit and long flowing skirt, dancing along the water. The sun is shining bright, and I'm surrounded by friends. It's a nice place to be, isn't it? Try it.
Ian Pooley - Balmes (A Better Life)
Espirito - Canto de Orfeo
DJ Kaos - Love The Nite Away (Tiedye Mix)
I was out of town for the past few days, and I just returned this evening. And for some reason, I can't stop listening to this song. I heard it for the first time the day before I flew out, but I haven't been able to truly appreciate it and listen to it in the right environment until now.
I have no idea what that means. "Hospital Beds" can be a metaphor for many things I suppose. But rather than use my time attempting to interpret words, I think I'll just sit back, close my eyes and turn up the speakers.
Cold War Kids - Hospital Beds
Have you ever loved someone with all you had in you and had that love taken for granted? Have your feelings been dismissed or never even considered in the first place? Do you know what it feels like to revolve your world around someone who was only capable of lying to, cheating on or abusing you?
As you may already know, I hold nothing back. I wear my heart and emotions on my sleeve. Some may say it's a fault, but that's how I was built. If something's on my mind, I have no problem sharing it. No shame in my game. So here goes nothing....
I heard this song for the first time as I was previewing the bands that are set to perform at Lollapalooza next month, and Glasvegas definitely caught my attention right away. You can hear the Scottish accent immediately, and the music was very intense. It's raw. This song, "Fuck You, It's Over," doesn't leave much to the imagination. This guy got BURNED, folks.
I sat in my bedroom alone, turned off all the lights, crawled into bed and blasted this track. It's the type of song you want to play on repeat until you're done with the emotional release it propels. I sang along with the few lyrics I could recall, and I wailed that chorus. All I could do was cry.
I wonder if Glasvegas will perform this song at Lollapalooza. I'm sure it'll hit me hard. But isn't that the point of music (or art) in general? To strike a nerve in the listener?
It's funny how just a simple lyric, a melody, a voice can take you back to a memory you thought you had forgotten. It's probably not the best idea when those memories are traumatizing. But whatever the case, memories of a relationship gone bad consumed my mind. And all I could imagine was this person in front of me while I wailed out those words: "Fuck you, fuck you, it's over!"
If you're out there and you're reading this, you don't even deserve to have any more of this blog space dedicated to you. But know, just know that the damage is done. And there's no turning back. "You're dead to me."
Glasvegas - Fuck You, It's Over
Exactly one month from this day, Lollapalooza 2009 will commence. And I couldn't be more excited. Like I already stated in my original Lolla post, this will be the first time I will have attended this annual event. I'm not quite sure what to expect, but I know I'll witness some amazing performances.
Most of you already know the big names that will be headlining the show: The Killers, Tool, Depeche Mode, etc. But what about the little guys? Those are the ones I'm most interested in watching perform. If you haven't yet decided if you'll be attending Lollapalooza this year, you might want to check out the website and preview some of the tracks by the many lesser-known acts. I spent the day jamming to these guys, and below you'll find my favorites.
Gang Gang Dance - Princes
Bat For Lashes - Daniel
TV On The Radio - DLZ
Kaiser Chiefs - Never Miss A Beat
Passion Pit - Sleepyhead
A good friend of mine asked if I could make him a playlist to make his drive through "middle America" a little more eventful. Nothing like driving through cornfields bored out of your mind to put you in a stink!
It's a holiday weekend and many of you will be traveling to nearby cities and states, visiting family and friends, maybe even escaping family and friends, or just taking part in spontaneous adventures. Either way, you need a quality soundtrack to accompany you on this journey. So here is my attempt at creating the ultimate road trip playlist. Also, I created this sequence for a reason; these songs just flow into the next, one after the other. Trust the sequence.
When choosing which songs to put on a road trip compilation, one must remember: No matter what, the song must be stimulating. It can be slow, it can be fast, it can be purely instrumental, it can be rap, it can be classical, it can be electronic, it can be metal, but whatever it is, it must stimulate your senses. The point is to stay awake. Alive. Enjoy the ride!
If you're looking for something that'll guarantee no boredom, this song will certainly do the trick. However, I know The Prodigy is an acquired taste; it's not for everybody. But if you can get down with this aggressive, electronic madness, please go for it. Make it your first track, and go crazy!!
The Prodigy - Wind It Up
I honestly think this may be the ultimate road trip song. Who doesn't know it or like it? I pity the fool! This is best in the beginning of the mix, I think, when riders are still alert, excited, anxious. Great mood setter.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience - All Along The Watchtower
The first lyric says it all: "I'm taking a ride with my best friend." And such a cruising song. Depeche Mode - Never Let Me Down Again
Simply because any song that mentions any form of the word "dance" needs to be bumped in the car. As a friend once explained to me, "if you're dancing, you must be a having a good time."
Electric Six - Dance Epidemic
Dave Matthews Band is an excellent choice when road tripping. You will always need a song with a good message. A song that affects you with profound lyrics. A lesson. And this is off their newest album, which I must say is probably their best in a decade.
Dave Matthews Band - Dive In
Anything with a good bass hook is excellent for cruisin'. And add Erlend Oye's vocals to the mix, you can't go wrong. Everyone in the car will be groovin'. Easy! The lyrics and the soft, subtle tenderness in his voice are reminiscent of Morrissey. It's soothing.
The Whitest Boy Alive - Golden Cage
This is something funky that EVERYBODY'S gonna know. Something that even if you don't listen to electro house, you know about this song. You can recognize this beat anywhere, but thankfully, the song never really got played out. What a jam...
Daft Punk - Da Funk
If you're from Chicago, you gotta throw a lil' something from your city, something you can blast as you've reached your destination. Make your presence known. I suggest you represent with some Common. Bust out something you know these folks have never heard before. Something classic. Something that'll make them stop you and say, "Hey! What is that?"
Common - New Wave
Just the song title catches my eye. Think about it, walking on a dream. And the repetitive lyric: "Thrill of it." The word thrill carries so much meaning. It's intense, and this track is absolutely about an intense, yet pure, love. It's about meeting your dreams.
Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
Any song that mentions the sun (or other objects/elements in the solar system) is awesome for road trips. Whenever the sun is referred to in art, it usually represents a destination. A happy place. It reminds me that I have something to look forward to: "Sun sun sun, here it comes."
The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun
I don't think I've ever made a road trip CD (and believe me, I've made many) without a Coldplay song, and almost every time it's this song. I can't really explain why. That chorus is just intoxicating. I feel passion in the music. And it's so damn catchy.
Coldplay - God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
Wow. This song is a journey in itself. It tells a story with no words. It's probably the string elements that get me. So beautiful. This is something you can easily get lost in, while driving down a winding road. Slowly, taking it easy.
Hybrid - Finished Symphony
Now I here's something to just lose yourself. Totally silly, animated and fun. It shouldn't make much sense preferably.
Dirt Nasty - 1980
There's always a moment when you want to be an aggressive driver. Lanes are open, but still people are driving slow around you. These are perfect conditions for driving like a maniac. Weaving in and out of quasi-traffic. Open all your windows, and bellow out the lyrics with The Killers. And even if you don't know the words, who cares? Pretend you do, and say whatever you want!
The Killers - Move Away
How can I make a road trip mix without something gangsta? Something nasty, rough, derogatory, offensive, etc. Something to remind you of your rebellious and/or experimental days growing up.
Eazy-E - Real Muthaphuckkin G's
Modest Mouse is a great band to jam to in the car at all times. But I can't put all their songs on here; I had to pick one. I figured this would be a nice selection. Part of the reason road trips win over other modes of transportation is you can enjoy the best views. Sure, in the air, you get that cool aerial view, but you're limited because you don't control the travel. In a car, you can control your direction. You can stop when you please, step out the car, and enjoy the stars.
Modest Mouse - The View
Here's an addictive lil' 80s jam that debuted the year I was born, so it immediately holds a special place in my heart. But if there's any song that I feel embodies absolute happiness and being in love with a moment, this is it. I may not be able to fully understand the song yet, but one day I will. However, in the meantime, I can listen to it, appreciate it and have faith I will find my "place."
Talking Heads - This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)
Like I already stated, dancing is a key element in a feel-good song. If you're wanna dance in your seat, and you're feeling a bit frisky, this may be a song you need on your road trip mix. The lack of space won't be a problem; this type of dance doesn't require outward movements. Whoa...did this just become a sexy-time mix? Eh well...you see where my heads at today... FYI, I couldn't find an mp3 version, so you're going to have to preview it here on IMEEM, and maybe buy it on iTunes, sorry. Or I can email you the .wma file. Holler.
Brazilian Girls - Dance Till The Morning Sun
