mixtapery//miks•tay•purr•ree//n.//the art of sonic sequencing

For Ben

2008-09-12T02:33:00.005-04:00

Here's a link to Mike's Mix:

(in 2 parts)

You're Better Off This Way: Side A

You're Better Off This Way: Side B

And YES it has all the tags and YES they're all right.

You're welcome.

Name That Tune

2008-09-11T13:34:00.003-04:00

Here goes. I admit I had to do some Googling to get these. I think I have about 3 titles and about 3 artists that could be wrong...

1. Growing Up - Bruce Springsteen
2. Being There - Wilco
3. Hands All Over - Soundgarden
4. Isolation/Nothingness - In Living Colour
5. Clampdown - The Clash
6. Blame - Some Band That Reminds Me of the Stones
7. On a Good Day - The Black Crowes
8. Falling Down - Whiskeytown
9. A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
10. Before They Make Me Run - Supersuckers
11. Four Seasons in One Day - Crowded House
12. You're Better Off This Way - Jars of Clay
13. Absolutely Barking Stars - Maria McKee
14. Left of the Dial - The Replacements
15. Dry the Rain - The Beta Band
16. Dirt to Mud - Paul Westerberg

This has been fun - and the mix keeps getting better and better...so who can spot and correct the holes in my list?

Mike Likes to Rock

2008-09-10T12:23:00.003-04:00

So I open my mailbox yesterday and what do I see, but an innocent, nondescript padded envelope addressed to me, with "Noice" as the return address. Miracle of miracles! The Michael Noice July Mixtape had finally arrived! I ripped the envelope open to find an equally nondescript cd sleeve with a good ol' TDK CD-R, the only adornment being the handwritten "you're better off this way" neatly written across the top.

Luckily I had to head out to Fred Meyer at 9pm, and since we're out in suburbia that means a 15 minute drive in the dark each way...so I got to fire it up! Here are my impressions:

First song is a killer. Love it. It's just the Boss and his guitar. Have no idea what the name is or what album it's from (not a Bruce-o-phile, though not a hater either) but it was the perfect introduction to this well-chosen compilation of garagey, cigarettes and black coffee, guitar-driven, all-American (well, mostly) Rock n Roll.

I think this is going to make an excellent running mix. I've worn my current running mix out, and have been searching for a while. This is going to work great.

This mix works best when played LOUD.

I only know about 4 of the songs and maybe 6 artists.

I knew the Boss and The Replacements would be on here. Love the tracks and the placement from those bands. Also he also picked the perfect Clash track and it was great to hear some Crowded House. Other than that, lots and lots of killer, rockin' songs. None that made me reach for my tight jeans and hairspray though, so good job there.

Ok - so now all I need is a track list, Mike. Or maybe that can be the contest: Who can name that tune for the entire CD? I can name about 4-5 tracks and maybe 1-2 more artists, but that leaves a whole lot of unknown/undiscovered country. I bet the Las Vegas Todds could fill in most if not all of the rest...

Itsa comin'

2008-08-08T19:38:00.001-04:00

Hey everybody. Just a quick post to let you all know that even though I'm late, I didn't forget July was my month for the mix. Summer vacations got the best of me. I'll have the mix out this weekend. I hope you like it.

A Musical Account of the life and times of Zak

2008-08-08T04:29:00.004-04:00

Heyo everyone, I don't post much on here, or anywhere really. I've really enjoyed the past year of mix tapes. I probably should have said so, but didn't. As far as I know, I'm taking a completely different route on this mix tape than has been done as of yet. I want to tell the story of my life as best I can using the music and artists that had the most influence in that part of my life. This results in a couple issues. First, it's somewhat hard to make it all flow, because as you'll hear, there are many different genres of music. Second, most of you will have heard some of it before, and some of you may have heard most of it before. Not so bad I guess. Third, and most difficult was selection. My mix is already at 77+ minutes, and I spent the last hour cutting songs. Anyway, onto the mix.

Mah Micks Tayp!

01 - 03
If anyone knows anything about me, this section has covered my entire life.

01: 20th Century Fox Fanfare
All great music/movies should start with this

02: ESB - The asteroid field
Personally, one of my favorite songs and scenes of Empire.

03: ESB - Imperial March
The reason Darth Vader is so cool is because he has this theme playing whenever he walks.

04 - 06
Country music you say? Yes, if done correctly it can be awesome. It's rarely done right though...

04: Patsy Kline - Crazy
This is my Dad's favorite song by his favorite artist. Needless to say, he played it a lot.

05: Johnny Cash - A Boy Named Sue
I really should have been raised in the 70's. Johnny Cash rules, and this song lets you know it.

06: Johnny and June Carter-Cash - Jackson
Yea, Johnny rules

07 - 08
This section represents my musical puberty. I stopped listening to country and the 80's crap my Mom made us endure and started here. I'm sure many of us have roots in this era.

07: Stone Temple Pilots - Creep (tagged with the wrong name, sorry)
STP, man what a group.

08: Nirvana - In Bloom
...yea...

09 - 12
The previous section led me to the next. Leaving mainstream media, I found some of the most influential music I'd ever heard.

09: NOFX - The Brews
NOFX was my first favorite band. This song could be said to be played out, but this song was our anthem as budding punkers in hic town Wyoming USA.

10: Rancid - Old Friend
Tim Armstrong has an awesome voice, and how can you have a punk section without Rancid?

11: Fugazi - Waiting Room
Fugazi was my next favorite band. Meeting Fat Mike will make you like NOFX less. Anyway, this was THE very first song I ever heard of Fugazi. It changed my musical tastes forever.

12: Fugazi - Styrofoam
Favorite song of Fugazi's. Musically astounding, I mean listen to the drummer, but the lyrics really tend to hit me in the gut.

13 - 16
This stage of my life was important for me. I used to consider myself a sellout for listening to music from mainstream record companies again, but punk will do that. I was newly married during this phase and was self medicating and experimenting musically.

13: Goldfinger - 99 Red Balloons
Perfect transitional song for a perfect transitional band. Punk roots, and mainstream sellouts (just like me) ;) This song has other roots for me too, namely the Gran Turismo 2 soundtrack that you couldn't turn off. Yea, I got to know this song.

14: Alien Ant Farm - Movies
I really was torn between this song and Smooth Criminal.

15: Hoobastank - Crawling in the Dark
Doesn't get any more X96 than this.

16: MC 900ft Jesus - But if you go
Oh MC 900ft Jesus, your only play time was a hacked up, made fun of video on beevis and butthead. That song, If I only had a brain was good, but I liked this one better.

17 - 18.5
I went on a musical (and life) hiatus for nearly 4 years. MMO's are dangerous and awesome. My poison was Final Fantasy XI. The .5 has other meaning I'll explain in a second.

17: Mizuta Naoshi - Sarutabaruta
This is the noob area around the nation I started in. Spent a lot of time here

18: Mizuta Naoshi & Akamatsu Satoshi- Batallia Downs
Just some random area where I spent a lot of time in game fishing. Beautiful and relaxing. Fell asleep at the wheel here more than my own bed for a while. Like I said, Dangerous.

18.5: DJ Babu - Duck Season
Yea, the whole album. Drugs, a loud stereo and this album are a powerful mix. This music represents a part of my life that I'd rather not visit, but it's worth mentioning.

19 - 22
This is kind of up to the moment, but also rooted in parts of my past. A snapshot of where I am now.

19: Nickel Creek - Tomorrow is a Long Time
I've always been a fan of Bob Dylan, not a huge fan, but a fan none the less. This song I heard on one of my favorite NPR programs, American Roots. NPRFTW! Seriously, it interferes with my homework sometimes.

20: Sublime - Rivers of Babylon
A great band from my rowdy past singing a song about my true feelings.

21: Bach - Jesu bleibet meine Freude
One of the most beautiful pieces I've ever heard. Especially in solo piano. Translated, the title is "Jesus remaineth my joy". Fitting.

22: Claude Debussy - Clair de Lune
Another amazing piece. I chose this for the end of my mix because I believe it has one of the best endings of any song out there. There is such a feeling of hope, and future as the last notes play on your ear drums.

With that, I'm done. I know it's long, but hey, I didn't post all year, so I had to make up. I didn't have time/money/brain power to send out CD's like some of you have done, so I'm just uploading a Zip to MediaFire. One song, the NOFX song, is a .ogg file, but most un crappy media players play them just fine.

For the scrolling impaired

Mixtapery Madness

2008-07-03T11:13:00.004-04:00

For those of you who follow this blog but not mine, (which, well, shame on you) I've been posting a mix a month over there as a treat for my Internet Buddies. And since you are also my Internet Buddies, I'm posting them here for you to download and (hopefully) enjoy.

01.08 - Bed Is For Sleeping

02.08 - It's All Fuss

03.08 - Like A Love Affair

04.08 - No Cars Go

05.08 - Folk Star

06.08 - Needles In the Camel's Eye

07.08 - High Five!

BONUS: It Came From ... THE GARAGE!!!

I'll be posting the new mix, Like A Knife Through the Night, sometime in early August. Hopefully the first of the month, but we'll see. Check my blog then to download that. Have a great Fourth Of July weekend. Don't blow your fingers off or anything, mmmkay?

Lemonade Stand Blues

2008-06-20T03:33:00.005-04:00

So it's super hard to make a mixtape for all the peeps, because my taste in music is constantly changing.

So this mix is for that lazy day, maybe a Sunday brunch, when the sun is in the sky and it's about 72 degrees out there.

I think the Mix is crisp with a relaxing feeling over all. There are some bands you might have heard of, but hopefully some new ones too.

I hope you guys like it, I have been super busy with school so I made this mix to counter that, CD's will be sent out in the near future.
(need to make them awesome!)

I hope you like it.

Get it here.

Senor Impossible.
Go team Venture.

1."Psychotic Girl" - The Black Keys
2."Skinny Love" - Bon Iver
3."Cheaper Than Fiction" - Rouge Wave
4."Walking" - The Dodos
5."Mykonos"- Fleet Foxes
6."Sad Songs" - The Frames
7."House by the Sea" - Iron & Wine
8."Lately" - The Helio Sequence
9."Good Day" - Jukebox the Ghost
10."Queen of Detroit" - (+/-)
11."Travel Song" - Someone Still Loves You Boris Yelstin
12."Rise up in the Dirt" - Voxtrot
13."Sorry James" - The Whitsundays
14."The Garden that you Planted" - Seawolf

Housekeeping

2008-06-06T15:58:00.005-04:00

We have taken off the slackers from the "previous mix" list, and added Rose's effort "A Highly Personal Statement".

Allen, we're looking forward to yours in June.

w0rd

"watch out here i come"

2008-06-03T10:18:00.005-04:00

i am experiencing technical difficulties with my iTunes and their annoying "you-can-only-burn-7-copies" rule.

mailing the first wave today, will try something different tonight so that hopefully the second wave can go out tomorrow.

meanwhile.... here is the cover...

and here is the tracklist (with youtube links):

what you thought you need - jack johnson
size too small - sufjan stevens
summer skin - death cab for cutie
salesman at the day of the parade - rogue wave
the weather - built to spill
are you a hypnotist? - the flaming lips
100 ways - porno for pyros
sunshine - keane
worry about you - ivy
what are you afraid of - west indian girl
she just wants to be - r.e.m.
so low, so high - maps
wrapped up in books - belle & sebastian
save me - jem
no one's gonna love you - band of horses
sparks - coldplay

i promise i'll keep working at a way around it!
and when you receive it, i hope you like what you hear.

- rose :)

promised i would keep you posted

2008-05-31T10:55:00.002-04:00

the mix is completed and almost all copies have been burned. i'm still working on the cover. forgive me for being late!

highly personal statement

2008-05-22T19:48:00.002-04:00

hi everyone

coming up with a name for my cd mix was rather difficult for me. in desperation, i turned to wikipedia and their definition of the mixtape:

A mixtape, which usually reflects the musical tastes of its compiler, can range
from a casually selected list of favorite songs, to a conceptual mix of songs linked by a theme or mood, to a highly personal statement tailored to the tape's intended recipient.

when i read the definition aloud to jenny, right away we agreed that the name of my mixtape should be highly personal statement.

i thought you all wouldn't be too critical if i called it highly personal statement. because then it would be like a personal attack if you said anything bad about it. i'm kidding. :)

really i just thought it was a funny name for a mixtape and although my mix really isn't highly personal to any one of you, i guess you could say that it is personal to me, because i really do love these songs. think they fit well together as a group. you will be the judge (and i'm okay with being judged. bring it on!)

i also was working on the design the other night. i'm not a designer. i came up with something but decided that i wanted to put it away for a couple days to make sure i really liked it enough to use it.

i also have burned four CDs so far, and at the start of the last one i burned i received a friendly reminder from iTunes. i'm wondering what will happen once i burn a few more. i don't care if i have to repurchase, but i'm concerned that they'll block me from continuing to burn the same list in the same order. if anyone has experience in this please pass it along to me. either way i'll find out soon.

i hope to have it mailed by tuesday so you all get it before the end of the month. i'll keep you posted.

enjoy your weekend!

rose

mixing it up in may

2008-05-02T18:30:00.004-04:00

hi,

i'm rose & i'm your host for the may mix. nice to meet you!

a small introduction: i like everything except country and death metal. there are exceptions to that rule but you won't find them on my mix.

my favorite artists include r.e.m., coldplay, jack johnson, the cure, death cab for cutie, and most recently, band of horses and rogue wave.

i started picking songs for my mix, but it is likely none of those songs will make it to the final cut. i tend to change my mind frequently and procrastinate.

it will probably take me forever just to come up with a name. i have been thinking about it off and on for months as it is. but maybe if i get some suggestions i'll pick one & drive down that road and see where it leads me.

that's all for now!

rose

All About the Review

2008-04-03T13:54:00.002-04:00

Okay, here's my two cents, and yes, I am a total mixtape nerd:

"Wax Museum", NTM - Not bad. Sort of forgettable, but a strong enough opening. I like the melody a lot. Could be stronger, IMHO, especially with such a midtempo tracklist, but strong enough.

"Division Day" - I [ heart ] me some Elliott Smith. From the transitional two-song Division Day EP between the lo-fi bedroom folk of Either/Orand the Beatles-esque baroque pop that debuted on XO. Love this song. It's a good second song.

"St. Petersburg" - Oh how I hated this album (Road To Rouen). I think I've only made it halfway through it. Once. I love I Should Coco and In It For the Money, but have found myself progressively less excited with each Supergrass release as they continue to "mature" which, in record biz speak normally equals "get boring". In this context the song works, though, so ... good play. If I were in the same room as you I would be patting you on your butt. Instead I will just pat my own butt. Oh yeah, that's the stuff ...

"Dig For Fire" - Probably my favorite Pixies track after "Bird Dream Of the Olympus Mons".

"Last Light" - I probably would have led off with this. A solid indie pop/Grey's Anatomy soundtrack song, aka: the bread and butter of the matt pond PA catalog.

"Play Tough" - Wow. Ben, tell us how you really feel. Don't hold back. I see what he means though. I love me some pop but have a hard time digesting the Apples sometimes. Their music can seem like a Flinstones background sometimes: same stuff over and over and over. I didn't dig their last album all that much, but this track is decent enough.

"Wrapped Up In Books" - I don't care if, with every album, Belle & Sebastian becomes more and more a straight-up pop band as long as they can put out excellent music like this track.

"Take A Chance" - Good sequencing here. The beats are similar enough, harmonies carrying over. Nicely played. Normally the Magic Numbers songs are a minute or more too long but not here. Which reminds me: I need to listen to their newest, Those the Brokes. Dang. I'll add it to the list...

"Always the Quiet One", NTM - I've heard of the Wedding Present (who I always confuse with Nick Cave's old band, the Birthday Party), I just haven't heard them. Again, the sequencing here is well-played. If I were to put together a song I thought Jesse would really dig, it would sound a lot like this.

"Ton Plat Favori", NTM - Oui oui! Don't know if I could take a whole album of this, but this is a sweet track.

"The Devil Never Sleeps" - I like how this track picks up the piano from the previous track. Also, it's a good song.

"Chinese Translation" - Oh Matt, you're a great old soul, aren't you? Sequencing holds up here, too.

"Ask" - Yeah, sort of figured that these guys or the Cure would be on here. The fingerpicked guitar from the previous track showing up again. It took me a looong time to get into the Smiths. I still don't "get it" entirely. I would like, like, one extra second between this and the previous track, not that there's anything you could do about that. I'm just a nit-picker.

"Penny & Jack" - A good fit for this track. It picks up on the previous track (the reverb on the guitar reminding me of the Smiths track, maybe?) and the boy-girl harmonies ties it back with the B&S and Magic Numbers tracks to create a larger continuity. Nice.

"Apartment Story" - These beats match up nicely, which is good because otherwise the tempo change could have killed your momentum dead.

"Time Left For Love" - Good sequencing again. The beats are a perfect fit here. I'm telling you, Our Ill Wills is the best Cure album since Wish. This is a great next-to-last track. Slows it down, but doesn't put you to sleep.

"Better Be Heaven", song is NTM - I haven't heard this track before. It works well with the SOL track, but I agree with Ben. This is the song I would have cut.

"A Cold Wind Will Blow Through Your Door", NTM - A great closing track. I maybe thought it would work better if this were your next-to-last track and the Stars track at the end? Maybe?

All in all, a great mix. Good songs sequenced well. Can you really ask for more?

Review Time

2008-04-02T10:18:00.003-04:00

All About The Anticipation

Reminds me of the days in Vegas, falling asleep to mixtapes of old. Jesse was a DJ at KUNV, you know... I remember that Ian McCulloch scared the wits outta me.

Jesse's been uncharacteristically quiet about the music he's been listening to lately, and now I can see why. I'm really to see The Smiths on there, as well as the Pixies and Belle and Sebastian. In fact, there's a universal law that states that Jesse cannot make a mix without putting The Smiths or Morrissey on there (although I suppose that for round two he'll probably break that law).

I listened to this mix nonstop yesterday, and after a brief brush with iPod's shuffle utility, it's back on today. I really enjoy this mix. It flows quite nicely, with some ebbs, and a little bit of rockin. Not too much neurosis, doesn't feel forced. He takes a couple of chances, and most of them pay off. Here's a quick song-by-song.

1. Wax Museum (new to me - ntm). The music sounds Pixie-ish if you ask me (albeit quite a bit softer). I like the melodic vocals, this song reminds me of a ride through the country with the top down in the spring.

2. Elliot Smith. The first of the straight-up-pop songs. As you may or may not know, I can take or leave straight up pop. That said, almost every pop song on here I like.

3. Supergrass (ntm, although I tried quite a bit of that supergrass back in the day if you know what I mean). Here's a bit of mood music. I like it. I love me some piano, so that helps.

4. The Pixies. Holy cow did these guys captured the sound and feeling of the post-Cure pre-grunge area or what? And Frank Black? Can't complain here. Love it. Love it. Love it.

5. Matt Pond PA (ntm). Big orchestration, sweeping sound. Reminds me of Bloc Party, in fact, every time it comes on I think it is ye olde Bloc.

6. Apples In Stereo. Give me a spoon, so I can gag myself. Blech. Can I please have another cup of barf with my ripoff pop crap? Down to the oohs and ahs. I hate this song. I hate this band. I didn't hate it until about the fourth listen, btw. I do like the little guitar work in there, I just hate a) Bobby S.'s lyrics, delivery, voice b) How I know I've heard this song a million times before from a million other bands that do it better.

7. Belle and Sebastian. The first indie band I ever heard. Good work. Roots. Word.

8. The Magic Numbers (ntm). Catchy, I like the female backups. I like the hook. Gets old a bit quickly.

7. The Wedding Present. Strong effort here. I think you can see where early Radiohead got some inspiration. Good rock.

8. Malajube (ntm). A nice respite from all the longing we've been feeling for the last few songs. And kudos for speaking le Français.

9. Iron and Wine. Great song from ol Sammy. I'm on a train, and I'm a hobo. This is my soundtrack.

10. M. Ward. Love this song. Watch the video.

11.The Smiths. Let's get happy! Let's do that eighties toe-heel-toe-heel dance! Let's clap! Honestly, I can't not like this song. How could I?

12. Essex Green. She was working as a waitress in a hotel bar... It's fine...

13. The National. Man I love that Astronauts song. I really like these guys. And they're not my normal. A little too baritoney for me. That space is normally reserved for Joy Division.

14. Shout Out Louds. The beginning synth gets me all ready for a Depeche Mode song. Then Robert Smith's younger brother starts singing and I know it's SOL's. I like this song. I like these guys.

15. Stars (ntm). Slowing it way down here. It's like 5am at a rave. I think. I've never been to a rave.

16. Bill Ricchini (ntm). If you weren't asleep after Stars, this'll do it. It's a good way to let you down, after the adventure we've been on. I'm thinking that two slow songs is too many at the end of a mix. I tried it with mine, and got the same criticism that I'm going to give. Just too slow. Choose one of the songs or the other (they're both great), but not both. Just a little too nap inspiring to have them both right next to each other.

So there you go, brotha. Great mix, Will be listened to many more times, methinks.

er

2008-03-30T23:34:00.002-04:00

Hi, I may or may not be here (at my computer) depending on what time of day you read this. But I'll have you know, I'm thinking about my mix tape. I have the 1st song picked out. =)

MarchMix: Quality Control

2008-03-30T12:53:00.002-04:00

Ok so my labeling skills aren't what they should be (I was working freehand...). If your cd player gives you the "error1" that mine did when trying to play your march mix, you may need to scrape away the label a little bit from the inside ring of the disk. Nothing too extreme, just maybe 1/4" or something. I promise it will work then... :)

Love to hear your thoughts after you've given it a spin!

Jesse

March Mixtapery is in the Mail (and online!)

2008-03-28T14:57:00.006-04:00

So you know how a slighly breezy, chilly, rainy March day is somehow more bearable than the exact same type of day in, say, November? For me a chilly November day is foreboading of a long cold winter ahead, but a chilly March day somehow feels warmer...because I know a warm spring and beautiful summer are just around the corner. What's different? Maybe the birds or the greening grass or the budding trees...it's All About the Anticipation. To me that's what a mixtape is all about: the excitement, the unknown, the mixing of things you wouldn't have thought of yourself. It's why listening to your music on shuffle is so much fun.

This mix is about warming up from winter, coming out of the cave and enjoying the sunshine (or sun-breaks in the northwest). Roll the windows down, leave the doors open, put on a pair of shorts and kick up the jams!

The disks are in the mail today, complete with cover art and even a printed cd label. I'm definitely revealing that I was not the Todd that attended design school (yes that's my kids I'm using for the cover), but hopefully you'll give me some slack...

Here's the mix for those of you who can't wait for Monday. Just be sure to put them all in the right order before listening.

Enjoy!

Download mix HERE from Mediafire

rose says,

2008-03-26T01:34:00.001-04:00

"i'm here!"

Still alive!

2008-03-26T00:30:00.002-04:00

I am still here, and mixtapes are done. I am into the mixtapes, but apparently my computer thought otherwise !!!
I am the weakest link in the mixtape group. Don't hate me guys and girls.
Jenny

I be here

2008-03-26T00:24:00.000-04:00

I'm still here.

Candace is in the house!

2008-03-25T12:45:00.002-04:00

March Mixtapery On It's Way!

2008-03-25T12:28:00.002-04:00

Have no fear music fans, the next edition of Mixtapery is on its way. It will be available for download by the end of this week, and should be reaching your mail boxes no more than 1 week from today (unless you live in Alaska...or Utah, which seem to have the slowest mail carriers in the US).

Okay!

2008-03-25T10:14:00.002-04:00

i'm totally here.

Roll Call! Dylan!

2008-03-25T08:44:00.005-04:00

Dylan
31
Aquarius
Reddish blond
Blue
6'1"
10.5 US
8 years
2 girls: 3 & 1
Cleveland, OH
Las Vegas, NV
Rocking, rolling, making the mixes for the Internets, making art, reading books & comics, blogging, hunting the Yeti
An Olive Garden restroom
Lando Calrissian

LOSING MOMENTUM?!?!?!?

2008-03-25T01:12:00.002-04:00

Seems like we might have lost some steam in the mixtape club, so to make sure we're all in this let's get a roll call Captain Planet style:
I'll start:
Huston and lilia-we like to party

one teensy, weensy problem...

2008-02-21T23:20:00.002-05:00

hi everyone,

jenny sat down to create our february mixtapes and her computer wouldn't turn on. she thinks everything is still there, but she just can't get to it.

hopefully she'll be back online and connected to the world again soon, music collection and all. and she wanted me to let you know she is still going to try to get it out before month end.

good luck, jen!

by the way, i bet you're glad these aren't your real mixtapes. with those titles, they'd have to be full of some pretty sad music. :)

until may,

rose

Happy Valentine's Day, Mixtapers

2008-02-14T22:50:00.001-05:00

Hope your fake holiday created by greeting card companies and florists goes/went well. Don't eat too much candy. Or do. Whatever.

The Beat Will Steal You

2008-01-31T17:00:00.001-05:00

So here is my mixtape. I took awhile to finally settle on an order and sequence that I liked. I feel it's pretty representative of my musical tastes.

1. Hello Dearest Love
The Appleseed Cast
Two Conversations
"Welcome home/her eyes know/the mistakes you've made"

2. Pushover
The Long Winters
Putting the Days To Bed
"Unkind girlish walk/like a deed to the world without the talk"

3. Sun In an Empty Room
The Weakerhans
Reunion Tour
" The black on our fingers smeared the ink on every door pulled shut
Now that the last month's rent is scheming with the damage deposit"

4. I Feel It All
Feist
The Reminder
"Kick drum on the basement floor"

5. Suffragette City
David Bowie
Best of Bowie
"Wham-bam thank you ma'am"

6. Never Die Young
The Anniversary
Your Majesty
"Others have loved the land/Those rings on your hands make/the world come together"

7. Stuck Between Stations
The Hold Steady
Boys and Girls In America
" She was a really cool kisser and she wasn’t all that strict of a Christian/She was a damn good dancer but she wasn’t all that great of a girlfriend"

8. Song For Myla Goldberg
The Decemberists
Her Majesty The Decemberists
"Listen in as shin-kicked Jim relates his story sad about a boy who kicked until his
shins were all but rubber bands but now I know New York I need New York I know I need unique New York"

9. I'll Believe Anything
Wolf Parade
Apologies To The Queen Mary
"Oh look at the trees and look at my face and look at a place far away from here"

10. Wah-Wah
George Harrison
All Things Must Pass
And I know how sweet life can be
"If I keep myself free from the wah-wah"

11. 7/4 Shoreline
Broken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene
"It's a shoreline/And it's half speed/It's a cruel world/And it's time"

12. Dramamine
Modest Mouse
This Is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About
"Look at your face like you're killed in a dream and you think you've figured out everything I think I know my geography pretty damn well"

13. Muscle'n Flo

Menomena
Friend Or Foe
"Come lay down your head upon my chest feel my heart beat feel my unrest/If Jesus could only wash my feet then I'd get up strong and muscle on"

14. Fireworks
Animal Collective
Strawberry Jam

" Sacred nights where we watch the fireworks drip on some faces but i know i've got you"

15. Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse
Minus The Bear
Highly Refined Pirates
" We'd look good side by side walking back to the hotel"

16. See Me Feel Me
The Who
Tommy
"Listening to you I get the music/Gazing at you I get the heat/Following you I climb the mountain/I get excitement at your feet"

17. Mixtapes/Cellmates

Rocky Votolato
Suicide Medicine
"You know this world is eating him alive but you just can't find the metaphor to describe a bottle of pills and the emptiness in this soft light"

It's Out Today... I Promise

2008-01-28T14:53:00.000-05:00

So I mailed off my mixtape today. Let me know when they start arriving and I'll post my thoughts on it. In the meantime enjoy getting this tune stuck in your head.

Animal DANCE!

2008-01-19T03:40:00.000-05:00

Do the Batman!

2007-12-20T10:40:00.000-05:00

Dancing

Dancing is a form of bodily shaking accompanied by spasms of the limbs that are sometimes in time with music, though often entirely random. Dancing is generally used to express joy and convivial feeling, or to scare off potential romantic partners. In other respects dancing is like having a fit, except that it goes on for longer and is more embarassing for younger relatives.

Traditional dances are similar but tend to be slower, and involve more spinning, bowing and giggling behind fans.

Popular dances today include the Dirty Batman, the Menage-a-trois, the Fraggle Rock and the Lurgy.

*****
From The Hugh Grant Squid Test entry on "Dancing".

You're More Than Alright, You're Out Of Sight

2007-12-14T20:25:00.000-05:00

I'm white. Like, really white. Borderline albino white. I am physically incapable of getting a tan. I'm not good at sports and I don't like hip-hop. I drive a minivan and live in the suburbs. But somehow, I developed a love for music that makes me shake my pants. This mix is a sampling of music that has one objective: to make you move. Even you white people. Especially you white people. So put your high-heeled sneakers on and get ready to shake what your momma gave you.

Let's dance, white people:

1. "Hello" - A fitting introduction from Danish disco popsters Junior Senior. I'll be honest, it's on here for the line "Put on your pants/'Cuz you just might want to dance."

2. "Ultra-Funk" - From Venezuela's Los Amigos Invisibles ("The Invisible Friends" for you non-Spanish speakers/people who didn't watch Sesame Street as children) comes this little gem. It's from their debut album, The New Sound Of the Venezuelan Gozadera, released through David Byrne's Luaka Bop label. These guys can bring the funk.

4. "The Last Time" - I know it's sort of so last year to sing the praises of Gnarls Barkley, but dang! that St. Elsewhere is a heckuva album, innit? Solid from beginning to end. If you somehow slept through the whole "Crazy" explosion, check it out. It's worth your time.

5. "Rock The House" - The whole Gorillaz fad has sort of cooled off (at least until their next solid album), but this is an amazing track. Dig that recorder lick! This one gets a little PG at one point, what with Del rocking that mic to get people shaking their butt cracks and all. You have been warned. Also, two Danger Mouse-produced tracks in a row? You betcha.

6. "Tighten Up Tighter" - A kicking little tune from Billy Ball & the Upsetters found on the excellent Funky 16 Corners compilation.

7. "The Great Curve" - I blame David Byrne for my love of the funk. This is from the Talking Heads' Remain In Light album, which is the nadir of their experimenting with African polyrhythms and their last album produced by Brian Eno. It's also their best album. You do the math.

8. "Ice Cold Daydream" - Another Luaka Bop release, this Shuggie Otis track comes from the re-release of his Insipration Information album, which is volume 2 of the World Psychedelic Classics series. (Volume 1 was a collection of tracks from Brazil's Os Mutantes and volume 3 was Love Is A Real Thing, a collection of psychedelic sounds from Western Africa. Awesome, eclectic stuff.) The album is sort of like if Sly Stone relaxed a little, moved to a beach house and recorded a laid-back soul album.

9. "Golden Years" - Blue-eyed soul from the Thin White Duke. From the Station To Station album. Does anybody else remember the TV series that had something to do with Stephen King? Because that show rocked.

10. "I Got Ants In My Pants" - Ah, the Godfather of Soul, the Minister of the New New Super Heavy Funk, the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Soul Brother Number One, Mr. Dynamite, The Godfather of Funk. There's only been one James Brown. I don't think the world can ever handle another one. From the excellent four disc Star Time box set.

11. "Watch the Tapes" - Probably my favorite band right now. I have a feeling that Mr. Murphy and I have a lot of the same favorite albums. I also have a feeling that he has some favorite albums that I am not cool enough to have ever heard of. From their last album, Sound Of Silver.

12. "Legs" - I've already gushed on my blog about the genius of Darondo. His collection, Let My people Go, is a lost soul classic.

13. "Brimful Of Asha" - And yet another Luaka Bop release. This is a remix of their breakthrough hit found on the Luaka Bop 10 year anniversary double disc sampler, Zero Accidents On the Job.

15. "Shake" - Otis Redding could rock the house! There's a fairly mind-blowing version of this song on the Monterey Pop Festival DVD (it's even faster, if that's possible) that we caught when we were at the Rock & roll Hall Of Fame. My socks = blown off.

16. "52 Girls" - Their first two albums are probably two of the most impressive albums. Ever. When the rest of the world was putting on safety pins in their nose and bleating on and on about anarchy and society, these Southern boys & girls just wanted you to dance. From their self-titled debut.

17. "Danger! High Voltage!" - Best. Song. Ever. And the perfect song to end this mix with. If you haven't seen the video go. Now. It's horrible and disgusting and awkward and brilliant. From their album Fire.

And that's it. What are you doing still reading this? Go put the disc on your hi-fi and Dance, White People! Dance!

(Please Mr. Postman) D-d-d-don't Stop the Beat

2007-12-08T10:16:00.000-05:00

These are going in the mail. Today. Are you ready?

PS: If you'd be so kind as to leave a comment here when you've received your mix, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm planning on posting liner notes once everybody's digested it a little. Peace.

Now That You're Cozy

2007-12-08T09:42:00.000-05:00

I'm posting the jpeg for cover of Cozy Up. Just drag & drop into iTunes. And Ben, can you post the files over at the group site? Thanks. Here's the cover (click it for the high-res version):

More Homework

2007-12-06T21:34:00.000-05:00

"Street dance is an umbrella term, similar to vernacular dance, used to describe dance styles that evolved outside of dance studios at more everyday spaces such as streets, school yards and nightclubs. They're often improvisational and social in nature, encouraging interaction and contact with the spectators and the other dancers.

"Street dance is also commonly used specifically for the many hip hop dances and funk dance styles that began appearing in the United States in the 1970s, and are still alive and evolving within the hip hop culture of today, such as breakdance, popping, locking, hip hop new style and house dance. These dances are popular on all levels, as a form of exercise, an artform, or for competition, and are today practiced both at dance studios and more freely arranged spaces. Some schools use street dance as a form of physical education.

Many street dance styles are African American dances as they first appeared within African American communities."

...

From the Answers.com entry for "Street Dance".

Some Preparatory Reading

2007-12-04T09:38:00.000-05:00

Here's some homework to busy yourself with while you wait for my mix to hit yr mailboxes. Enjoy:

Origins and History Of Dance
Dance does not leave behind clearly identifiable physical artifacts such as stone tools, hunting implements or cave painting. It is not possible to say when dance became part of human culture. Dance has certainly been an important part of ceremony, rituals, celebrations and entertainment since before the birth of the earliest human civilizations. Archeology delivers traces of dance from prehistoric times such as Egyptian tomb paintings depicting dancing figures from circa 3300 BC and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka paintings in India.
One of the earliest structured uses of dance may have been in the performance and telling of myths. Before the introduction of written languages, dance was one of the methods of passing these stories down from generation to generation.
Another early use of dance may have been as a precursor to ecstatic trance states in healing rituals. Dance is still used for this purpose by cultures from the Brazilian rainforest to the Kalahari Desert.
Sri Lankan dances goes back to the mythological times of aboriginal yingyang twins and "yakkas" (devils). According to a Sinhalese legend, Kandyan dances originate, 2500 years ago, from a magic ritual that broke the spell on a bewitched king. Many contemporary dance forms can be traced back to historical, traditional, ceremonial, and ethnic dances.
Dance Classification and Genres
Dance categories by number of interacting dancers are mainly Solo dance, Partner dance and Group dance. Dance is preformed for various purposes like Ceremonial dance, ... Performance dance, Social dance etc.
...

From the Wikipedia entry for "Dance"

Also, you should probably review this video. Just to brush up:

Was this helpful? Because I like to be helpful.

Cozy Up

2007-11-29T11:25:00.000-05:00

My favorite part of the cold fall/winter months is being all warm, toasty & cozy inside. That's where my thoughts were when I stared this mix.

The first track on this mix Meat On Your Bones always seems to come to mind when the weather stars to turn colder. I think I was in my height of listening to this Built Like Alaska album when we made our move from warm, sunny Las Vegas to cold, snowy Idaho a few years back. I love this song as the first track because it has such a good build up.

Sparklehorse is one of my favorite artists. Piano Fire is on here basically because it rocks. I am not at all a fan of female singers....but on this track I like the female backing him.

I Was A Kaleidoscope is another winter time song. Don't you just want to go wrap a scarf around your neck after listening to this one?

I love The Oranges Band. I'll Never Be Alone falls into the "home" aspect of being cozy. There really is no better place to be when it's frigid outside.

Inaction is another one added to make this rock. I really like this album from We Are Scientists. We saw them play in Vegas & it made me like them even more.

Spoon has been a favorite of mine for years. This mix would not be complete without a Spoon track. This one fit in nicely.

Also could not make a mix for you all without a little Ryan Adams. It's always hard for me to choose just one song from him his huge library. Hard Way To Fall is always hard for me to get out of my head after I listen to it.

I Got You (At The End of the Century). This Wilco track takes me back to when Dyl & I were dating. He introduced me to Wilco. For me, cozying up includes Dylan....to squeeze.

My Life Is At Home by The Promise Ring can be a little summery, but it is quite the "home" song for me. You know, when it's all stripped to the bone....

Oh, Elliott Smith. Still mad at him for killing himself. Elliott Smith was huge for a while for me. A Living Will is a fun little track from him.

M. Ward.....what's not cozy about his voice? I chose I'll Be Yr Bird because it's sweet & pretty.

Hey Now Now. Love this song from The Cloud Room. That whole album is a good listen from beginning to end.

Back To You, Wagon Wheel & Checking Out are all about getting home to your baby. Snuggling up with your baby....now what's cozier than that?

I thought My Little Corner of the World by Yo La Tengo was a good closer. Sweet song. And Georgia's is one female voice that I enjoy.

The packaging is actually what took me so long to get these out. The cover is supposed to make you think of a warm, comfy patchwork quilt. Every single cover is different.

Hope you enjoy!

Watch Your Mailboxes

2007-11-20T09:07:00.000-05:00

Cozy Up will be hitting them very soon! I'm dropping them in the mail today.

HalloweenTown

2007-11-02T13:09:00.000-04:00

My band played a show on Halloween night. This is the mix I made to play in between bands. Some of the songs are a bit of a stretch, but they still work:

1. Halloween---Dead Kennedys
2. Paint It, Black---The Rolling Stones
3. Dracula's Wedding---Outkast
4. See No Evil---Television
5. Little Drop Of Poison---Tom Waits
6. Monster Mash---Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers
7. Satin In A Coffin---Modest Mouse
8. Little Ghost---The White Stripes
9. Voodoo Lady---Ween
10. Heaven Hammer (Missing) [Air Remix]---Beck
11. Poison---Bell Biv DeVoe
12. Satan Is My Motor---Cake
13. Lullaby---The Cure
14. Psycho Killer---Talking Heads
15. Son of Sam---Elliott Smith
16. Evil Woman---Electric Light Orchestra
17. Dead---the Pixies
18. Wolves, Lower---R.E.M.
19. Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment---The Ramones
20. Bodysnatchers---Radiohead
21. Boris the Spider---the Who
22. Ghostbusters---Ray Parker Jr.
23. Helter Skelter---the Beatles
24. Dr. Funkenstein---Parliament
25. Exquisite Dead Guy---They Might Be Giants
26. Ghouls Night Out---The Misfits
27. Murder Was the Case---Snoop Dogg
28. The City of the Dead---the Clash
29. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead---Warren Zevon
30. Thriller---Michael Jackson

Pretty spooky, huh?

My AlphaBet Town

2007-10-31T17:48:00.000-04:00

Comprised solely from songs currently on my iPod

All The Wild Horses - Ray LaMontagne
Bicycle - Shout Out Louds
Classic Girl - Jane's Addiction
Darkmatter - Andrew Bird
Eraser, The - Thom Yorke
Feeling Yourself Disintegrate - The Flaming Lips
Girl In The War - Josh Ritter
Hindsight - Death Cab For Cutie
I'll Back You Up - Dave Matthews Band
Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues - Bob Dylan
Keep The Car Running - The Arcade Fire
Let's Get Out Of This Country - Camera Obscura
My Little Japanese Cigarette Case - Spoon
Number Song, The - DJ Shadow
Old World - Modern Lovers
Poison Cup - M. Ward
Queen Of Cans And Jars - Guided By Voices
Return to Hot Chicken - Yo La Tengo
Shadowplay - Joy Division
Take A Bow - Muse
Untitled - Interpol
Vision Of Division - The Strokes
Walk Away - Bad Religion
X*
Your Arms Around Me - Jens Leckman
Z, Eliminator - Sonic Youth

*Crap! I don't currently have an X song. I'd choose X-Static by Foo Fighters

JukeBox/SoapBox

2007-10-30T18:47:00.000-04:00

First of all, the title of the mix refers to the notion that a mix-tape is basically someone standing on a soapbox screaming "Listen to this!!!". My mix is no exception. Each one of these songs holds a certain place in my heart and mind, and I wanted to share them with you all ( though most of these songs are probably already known by all).

One of the biggest frustrations making this was ( aside from iTunes flagging me for trying to replicate songs I bought off their site) was the difference in mastering from decade to decade. This causes you to turn up or down your radio when certain songs come on. Sorry about the inconvenience, but I couldn't leave out a few of these tunes. I had already cut it down from 25 songs to the 20 that are on it.

-----Some songs that got cut: "Hold On", Tom Waits; "Who Loves the Sun?", the Velvet Underground; "Crying", Roy Orbison; "Lost in the Supermarket", the Clash; "Famous Blue Raincoat", Leonard Cohen; "Harrowdown Hill", Thom Yorke; to name a few. (One song that I would have included is "Girls in Their Summer Clothes" from Springsteen's new CD. Definitely the best song on the album)

So, here are my notes...my soapbox:

1.) The Great Intoxication: I saw this about two years ago and was absolutely blown away. When he hits the high note at the end, the hair on my arms stand straight up. I think it's a very fitting song to start out a mix like this. Good ol' Dave knows exactly how I feel.

2) You Wouldn't Believe: Based on true events.

3) Electrolite: An oft forgotten R.E.M. masterpiece. Another guy whose voice can make me weep. I don't care what anybody says, still one of the greatest rock n' roll bands EVER!!!

4) Another Saturday Night: What's to say? Sam Cooke is the MAN!!! If you don't have any Sam in your collection...it's about freakin' time.

5) Kodachrome: Paul Simon is one of my songwriting heroes. I know I can be disowned for saying this but, his lyrics hit me harder than Bobbie Dylan's ever have. They're just more succinct and to the point. There were a lot of his songs that I teetered on including, but decided on this one...it's just so fun. Oh, when I was younger I thought he said "Momma don't take my Coca-Cola away."

6) Who's Got the Action?: A little bit of Vegas for y'all. I must admit, I've grown quite a fondness for Dino, and his Rat-Pack cohorts...even ol' Blue Eyes. Another fun song. I love the horns.

7) Dear Boy: Paul McCartney is a seriously underrated producer. Another statement that might stir some trouble. I think he was better than Brian Wilson. RAM proves it. If nothing else this song proves it. The vocal melodies are so intricate. He even made Linda sound endearing, if not good.

8) Same Old Drag: Apples in Stereo are a great band. I think their new album, 'New Magnetic Wonder', is one of the best of the year. I even like the vocoder. This is one song that is mastered too loud.

9) Red Shoes: Elvis Costello is another favorite. I finally chose this song over a multitude of others. It's just such a throwback. If you think about the time that it came out and all the punk-rock that was in the air, it's amazing that 'My Aim is True' ever made it out. Still one of the best albums ever made.

10) Jimmy Jet...: If you have kids, you need a copy of this album. If you don't have kids, you need a copy of this album. Just get a copy and enjoy.

11) Cartoon Music for Superheroes: I really enjoyed this entire album. I'm interested to see if a new Strokes album acquires some of its' creativity.

12) Thirteen Men: Makes me want to dance around like this:

13) These 3 Sins: Another severely underrated, great band. And another song mastered very LOUD.

14) Ain't Too Proud to Beg: I LOVE MOTOWN!!! Some of the greatest music ever committed to tape.

15) Carrie-Anne: Harmonies are out of control. A song that I remember listening to as a child. Great tune.

16) Gone Out the Window: Reminds me of a scene in 'La Dolce Vita'. These guys are great, but you already knew that...didn't you?

17) Cannonball Days: A natural companion to 'Gone out the Window'. If you didn't get the bonus disc to "Gold", you missed out on this and a few other great tracks. I hope one day he comes back around and starts writing as good as he did here.

18) Flightless Bird/American Mouth: This guy is a modern master of melody. Just a beautiful song.

19) Alphabet Aerobics: You might have to use "ear-muffs" for the one 'N'-word in this song. It's the cleanest hip-hop song I could think of to include...and it's also bloody incredible.

20) End of the Movie: I toyed with a few different Cake songs, but there's no better closer than this track. Cake has the strange ability to write songs that sound exactly the same but completely different. I envy John McCrea.

Well those are my thoughts. Feel free to leave your own.

<3
BT

*(knock knock knock)... Housekeeping!

2007-10-30T14:54:00.000-04:00

Some people with Windows PC's have had trouble accessing the files. If you are one of those people, I have rehosted them over at our group site. Just go over there, sign in, and go to the "files" section. You can download them there (albeit one by one). If you haven't yet logged into the group site, sign in and "apply". One of the administrators will let you in within a few...hours? it's a great place to perhaps get a bit deeper than we get here (we haven't yet, I'm just sayin'). Also, I think we'll have the month's mix available on the site for a time (an easy way to get the .mp3s onto your cool iDevices).

---------------------------

What a great mix, Bryan. I've listened through it 5-6 times, and I'd consider it the very definition of Pop Music. The Good Kind. My favorite track is the Blackalicious track. Other stand-outs for me are The Great Intoxication and Red Shoes.

Also, the little ditty by The Novelty Act is a great song.

Thanks for the mix, BT. Remember all, YOU are Mixtapery.

I Think the Word "Megaupload" Is Kind Of Gross

2007-10-26T21:03:00.000-04:00

So... here's a tutorial on how to use Megaupload to download my brother's mix:

Step 1: Hit the link he embedded in his post. (See below)

Step 2: Type the three letter code in the box that sits under the top navigation on the Megaupload site. I know it makes it look like you have to register. You don't. It's just bad design. Just put that three letter code in and hit "enter" or "return" or whatever you call it.

Step 3: To us the free download, you have to wait for like 45 seconds before you can download whatever file. This would be a great time to go make a sandwich or something instead of watching their lame banner ads tell you how to make millions off the internets.

Step 4: Once it gives you the option to download, click on the button to do so. It will open a pop-up even if you have your browser set to block them. This pop-up will contain some sketchy videos. Close that window as soon as possible.

Step 5: Unzip the file using some program that does such a thing. Since it's Zipped rather that Stuffed, it should work cross-platform. If not, Ben will have to figure out how to help you lost souls who are still chained to your PC's. I weep for you.

Step 6: Drop the unzipped files into iTunes or whatever other program you use to listen to music.

Step 7: Get your socks rocked off. Repeat.

Anyway, so Bryan had a few troubles getting this thing out but I'm glad he did. I'm excited to have this tickling my ears until Candace's hits. Anyway, enough talking. Go listen to the mix and leave Bryan some comments either here or over at our Google Group.

¡¡¡Wowee Zowee!!!

2007-10-26T18:23:00.000-04:00

As you can probably be see, I'm a master procrastinator and a chronic self-editor.

Though my mix has been done since the first week of October, I perpetually put it off because I desperately wanted to include a song my band has been working on (nothing like shameless self-promotion).

I was waiting to have it mastered, but that didn't happen...for reasons I am not at Liberty to divulge at present (basically I've been neurotically mixing and re-mixing the song...but ENOUGH is ENOUGH...this is actually a mix that was done Oct. 9th which actually sounds better than the one done on Oct. 24th...the Fates have cursed me.)

A properly mastered version will be available next week @ NationalSouthwestern.com...though I'm unsure which mix will be used. My ears are mush.

I apologize for the inconvenience, and the loss of a blank CD... but this is the only way I could get the mix out before the end of the month. You'll have to click HERE

Hopefully Dylan will create a posting as to what to do once you're on MEGAUPLOAD. Somehow he explains things much better than I.

This is more than I've ever BLOooGggED, and I'm feeling faint.

Please Enjoy...

JukeBox/SoapBox

ps.--I'll post again with the liners.

First of the Girls

2007-10-25T15:55:00.000-04:00

So, my turn is coming up. I'm excited, but a little nervous. Seems like I'm so behind on what's new in music these days. I had kids & all the sudden my music got replaced with the Wiggles singing on the TV. The need to have music always playing in the background just wasn't so necessary anymore. I used to love making dinner while listening to music. Now it's just sensory overload with the kids & all the noise they make. I couldn't get rid of the kids & I guess that's why my music listening has gone way down. The only time I really get to rock out is in the good ol' minivan. It's cool though. I still try to find a balance. I love when Sadie recognizes songs. I'm glad my kids are growing up with some good music being played. Hopefully it's a good soundtrack to their childhood.

Anyway, I hope you will all still love my mix even if it's not ground breaking. It'll still be good, don't worry. I've been working on it & hope to have it out in a timely manner. Now.....with that said, I've posted a little poll.....Who's mix do you think will be mailed out first...Bryan's or mine?

We Built This (Alphabet) City...

2007-10-22T17:39:00.001-04:00

Another ABC mix. This time by Artist:

A.C. Newman - "Miracle Drug"
the Beatles - "Helter Skelter"
Cake - "Ruby Sees All"
Decemberists - "16 Military Wives"
the Essex Green - "Don't Know Why (You Stay)"
Frank Black - "I Heard Ramona Sing"
Gruff Rhys - "Cycle of Violence"
The Helio Sequence - "Everyone Knows Everyone"
Islands - "Rough Gem"
J. Mascis & The Fog - "Sameday"
the Kinks - "Picture Book"
Langhorne Slim - "In The Midnight"
Mates Of State - "For The Actor"
Neil Young & Crazy Horse - "Cinnamon Girl"
Old 97's - "King Of All The World"
Papas Fritas - "What Am I Supposed To Do?"
Queens Of The Stone Age - "Little Sister"
Rocket From The Crypt - "Venom Venom"
Sonic Youth - "Incinerate"
They Might Be Giants - "Out of Jail"
Urge Overkill - "Positive Bleeding"
Velocity Girl - "Lisa Librarian"
We Are Scientists - "This Scene Is Dead"
X - "Your Phone's Off The Hook, But You're Not"
Yo La Tengo - "Watch Out for Me Ronnie"
the Zombies - "It's All Right With Me"

Trust me. It's nice.

alphabetsy

2007-10-21T23:58:00.000-04:00

ok, here's mine:
A - amsterdam; peter, bjorn & john
B - bird on a wire; rouge wave
C - crazy; gnarls barkley
D - do you realize?; flaming lips
E - edge of the ocean; ivy
F - fake plastic trees; radiohead
G - girlfriend in a coma; the smiths
H - half a world away; r.e.m.
I - i still haven't found what i'm looking for; u2
J - jacksonville; sufjan stevens
K - kissing the lipless; the shins
L - love will tear us apart; joy division
M - monkey gone to heaven; the pixies
N - neighborhood #2 (laika); the arcade fire
O - obstacle 1; interpol
P - policy of truth; depeche mode
Q - qué onda guero; beck
R - remote control; the beastie boys
S - so low, so high; maps
T - this charming man; stars
U - upon this tidal wave of young blood; clap your hands say yeah!
V - venus; air
W - warning sign; coldplay
X - xtc vs. adam ant; they might be giants
Y - your heart is an empty room; death cab for cutie
Z - zero; smashing pumpkins

ALPHETABETA

2007-10-19T13:11:00.000-04:00

my alphabet town mix

1. After The Curtain-Beirut
2. B Is For Bethlehem-The Promise Ring
3. Calm Americans-Elliott
4. Daughters of the Soho Riots-The National
5. Each Year-Ra Ra Riot
6. Fancy Claps-Wolf Parade
7. Grass-Animal Collective
8. Hang Me Up To Dry-Cold War Kids
9. I Am A Tree-Guided By Voices
10. Jackie Dressed In Cobras-The New Pornographers
11. King Of Carrot Flowers Part 1-Neutral Milk Hotel
12. Little House Of Savages-The Walkmen
13. The Midnight Choir-The Thrills
14. Never Die Young-The Anniversary
15. Our Homes Are Graves-Colour Revolt
16. Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car-Iron & Wine
17. Quicny Punk Episode-Spoon
18. Red Right Ankle-The Decemberists
19. She Can Do What She Wants-Field Music
20. Take One For The Team-Rival Schools
21. Upon This Tidal Wave Of Young Blood-Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!
22. Velouria-Pixies
23. Windows and Doorways-Owen
24. X Is For Kisses-Adem
25. You Will. You? Will. You? Will. You? Will.-Bright Eyes
26. Ziggy Stardust-David Bowie

Showing Off

2007-10-11T12:45:00.000-04:00

So I made Candace a mixtape for her birthday. It's a strummy, lovey, mid-tempo affair. I think it's pretty swell. I referred to it as a "masterpiece" last night, and well, yeah; it is. It is the quintessential Candace mix. You can see pictures here as well as check the tracklist if you click on the one picture. The middle one.

Anybody else out there doing any extra-curricular mixtaping that you want to share? Anybody want to tease their mix?

My alphabet town, composed in a hurry

2007-10-05T19:30:00.001-04:00

this is my rough alphabet town.

1. Always Disappear - Things in Herds
2. Boulder Colorado - Alex Gopher
3. Center of The Universe - Built to Spill
4. Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby - Islands
5. Emancipation - Moving Units
6. Forget Me Not - Tacks, the Boy Disaster
7. Glue too thick - Hot Chip
8. Have You Seen in Your Dreams - Miracle Fortress
9. I am Part of a Large Family - Great Lake Swimmers
10. Jesus, Etc. - Wilco
11. Karma Payment Plan - Modest Mouse
12. Leaves - Grand National
13. Middle Management - Bishop Allen
14. No One's Gonna Love You - Band of Horses
15. Oslo in the Summertime - Of Montreal
16. Penalty - Beirut
17. Queen of Detroit - +/- (Plus/Minus)
18. R U Still There - Hail Social
19. Seemingly - The Sea and Cake
20. This Time Tomorrow - Kinks
21. Up Against the Wall - Peter Bjorn and John
22. Venus - AIR
23. West Coast - Coconut Records
24. X Fire - The Bens
25. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1 - The Flaming Lips
26. Zissou Society Blue Star Cadet - Mark Mothersbaugh

Awww yeah. maybe I'll see if I can get this up on megaupload, if anyone is interested in hearing it. If this sounds up your alley I will attempt to make it a reality.

Build Your Own Alphabet Town

2007-10-05T11:02:00.000-04:00

So last week Mike posted a link to a scrapbooker whose husband is involved in the Dark Art of Mixtapery, mentioning one form of Mixtapery in particular: the Alphabetical Mix.

I checked it out, thought it looked like fun and within hours... I had a mixtape. This was fairly fortuitous as I wanted to give something away to celebrate my 500th blog post over at Big Red Robot. I titled it Alphabet Town after the Elliott Smith song and threw it at the internets as an offering of my devotion.

Now that that mixtape has been claimed by the proper owner (determined via the very scientific process of putting a bunch of slips of paper in an old formula can, shaking them and then making my wife pull one out), I figured it was okay to post my tracklist in hopes that anybody else who may have - or may in the future - compiled their own ABCmix would do likewise. Here it is:

#. Title // Artist Album

1. The Abandoned Hospital Ship // The Flaming Lips Clouds Taste Metallic
2. Big Day Coming // Yo La Tengo Painful
3. Carryout Kids // Spoon Gimme Fiction (Bonus Track)
4. D. Boon // Uncle Tupelo Still Feel Gone
5. Erroneous Escape Into Eric Eckles // Of Montreal Satanic Panic In The Attic
6. Fighting In A Sack // The Shins Chutes Too Narrow
7. Goin' Out West // Tom Waits Bone Machine
8. Here Comes The Breeze // Gomez Bring It On
9. I Confess // Lyres On Fyre
10. Jettsett Traveler // Oranger Doorway To Norway
11. King Of Carrot Flowers, Part 1 // Neutral Milk Hotel In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
12. Laughing // R.E.M. Murmur
13. Maple Leaves (EP Version) // Jens Lekman Oh You're So Silent Jens
14. Now It's On // Grandaddy Sumday
15. Oh Lately It's So Quiet // OK Go Oh No
16. Panic In Detroit // David Bowie Aladdin Sane
17. Quality Of Armor // Guided By Voices Propeller
18. Ran Into A Coroner // Built Like Alaska Autumnland
19. See The Constellation // They Might Be Giants Apollo 18
20. Take Pills // Panda Bear Person Pitch
21. Unless It's Kicks // Okkervil River The Stage Names
22. Velouria // Pixies Bossanova
23. What's The Word // We Are Scientists With Love And Squalor
24. X-Ray // The Maccabees Colour It In
25. Y Control // Yeah Yeah Yeahs Fever To Tell
26. Zürich Is Stained // Pavement Slanted & Enchanted

Anybody else want to share?

Mixtape x2

2007-10-02T11:47:00.000-04:00

So who else is stoked for the arrival of the Second Mixtape? I know I am. It's being complied by my brother. You know the tall, pale one???
Come on, you know the one whose room i would sneak into and steal cassette tapes full of wonderful new music??? Yeah, you're right. That's both of them. It's Bryan, my brother Bryan... geez you are a horrible guesser. You could have just looked at the list and checked who was next, lazy... Anyway this is him, or at least it was.

And no to rub it in but he doesn't have to mail mine. Which means i'll be rocking the mix far before all of you. You are jealous, and that's ok.

A to Z Challenge

2007-09-28T12:09:00.000-04:00

Here is a post from a blog that my wife reads on a regular basis.

I've been working on the challenge this morning and it is a little more difficult than I anticipated. Getting the right energy from the mix while keeping tracks in alphabetical order has been harder than finding a track for every letter.

More Mixtape Tips

2007-09-18T11:31:00.000-04:00

I was searching for a mixtape quote from the Barney character on How I Met Your Mother ( no luck [sigh] ) and found this cool little reference instead. Some good tips for all of us who are struggling to create that elusive "perfect mix."

Also, one day left to decide what my mix may be. Get up on that, boyee.

Reviewing MIxtapery_1

2007-09-17T14:55:00.001-04:00

So I'm assuming most have had a chance to listen to Mixtapery_1 by now,and thought I'd nudge the topic back to the top and kick off the reviews. In the spirit of Huston's post below, I think we have some incredibly poetic and insightful criticspeak collectively built up that needs to be heard!

What I love about MT1 is the happy, positive energy. Feels like a bursting summer day. I like the lesser-known tracks (John Butler Trio, Fields, Josh Ritter) nestled among indie/britpop giants like Arctic Monkeys, Spoon, etc. I listened for probably the 5th time this weekend and continue to be thoroughly entertained.

The latter part of the disc plays it a little safe for my taste, and I've never been a huge fan of the DMBs or Phishies (though in this context they work ok).Would have ended the disc on D'Artagnan's theme instead of Radiohead...a little too much pathos for such a fun, light disc.

So whattaya think? Which track(s) stood out the most to you? Any you could have done without? Anyone else agree Ben kicked this off with a great 1st disc?

oh the humanity

2007-09-16T17:44:00.001-04:00

I thought this was funny and somewhat related to what we're doing here. For more check this out.

Housekeeping

2007-09-13T08:52:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I have added everyone as an administrator to the site so we can all access the blog for upkeep, etc. I have sent author invites to Zak and Mike (I received yours, Zak... you're added) and will work on getting an updated pdf out to the group on Saturday.

I am going to suggest that since we are at 12 - our initial desired number - we close open enrollment in the mixtape club until after this cycle's run through. After the first cycle we will slow down the funky train and give anybody who wants out a chance to get off (why?) to do so and anyone else who wants in on the awesome a chance to hop aboard.

My hope is that we can retain everybody from this cycle (no pressure, though. If the year ends and you want out... that's cool) and that everybody will bring in one more friend for the next cycle (giving us 24 people... two mixtapes a month while only having to make one a year, anybody?) so start thinking of your victim for next year. Spread the word, lay the foundation and reel 'em in.

Also, I am starting to work on my mixtape for December ("Already?" "Uh, yeah. I'm crazy.") and would like to open up my direction for discussion. I will add a poll to the sidebar with three mixtape titles and leave it up to you, dear society members, to determine which you'd like to get in the mail. Vote!

A Salty Salute

2007-09-12T15:41:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to say "hello" to our newest additions: Zak and Mike.

My name is Dylan. I am what passes for an administrator around here. I also blog (daily!) over here, at Big Red Robot. I makes my living making art for general consumption. I love music, art, music and comic books. And music. Seriously. I also like kung fu and giant, heartless robots. And kittens. Fluffy, cute kittens.

With lasers for eyes.

Take a minute and look over the (very minimal) rules and then e-mail me your info (actually, Zak, I just got your info from Ben, so I guess this is just for Mike) and I'll send out an updated pdf to everybody over the weekend.

Welcome to the party. Rock over London. Rock on, Chicago. 7-11, it's a sign of the times.

So, I've Got One Too

2007-09-12T13:45:00.000-04:00

If both Mike and Zak join in, that will give us 12 months worth of music. Isn't that what we originally wanted? Anyway, I made him write an entrance essay, to be graded by you guys and the verdict placed in your able hands.
-ben

From Zak:
Hello, I've met some of you before, but I've known Ben for just about 4 years now, but we've been friends for eons.
I've always had a strange appreciation for music that was never confined to 1 or even a few different types of music. Growing up in Wyoming I was exposed early to massive amounts of country music, and I still love it. I played the saxophone in band from 5th grade to 11th, and jazzband from 8th to 11th, so that helped develop a love for classical music and also jazz and blues. My first actual love of music started with a band called Fugazi which led me down a long path of punk rok. Dipping into mainstream media for a while then removing myself from music almost entirely for a few years as I became addicted to NPR is when I met Ben. Certain circumstances that we shared led to a love of underground HipHop and other roots type music. HipHop in this sense should be taken as just that, and not Gangster Rap, which is one of the VERY few types of music I won't subject my ears/brains to.
What will you find in my cd player now? Well, the last three things that I've listened to on purpose were Ben's mix tape, which I'll be listening to again this afternoon, the Empire Strikes Back soundtrack and then before that was a collection of instrumental incantations of some of my favorite hymns. I'd like to participate in this mixtapery and express pretty much what I have here, but in music instead of words. A 28 year long journey of sounds in the form of a mix tape.
Thanks
Zak

Room for One More?

2007-09-11T20:27:00.000-04:00

So even though our party has just begun, I'm wondering if there's room to add just one more? I admit I'm a little timid to ask because 9 CDs is already alot to copy and mail off each month (although I guess with the couples on the list it's less than that)...but I have one person I'd love to add to the group who I'm sure would be awesome. His name is Mike, he used to work at a record store for like 8 years, and he put up with being my cubicle mate for 3 yrs back in my Franklin Covey days. And to top it off, he's not a Todd, which, let's be honest, would add some appreciated diversity to the group (this coming from a Todd)...

Anyway, like I said I don't want to necessary open the floodgates, and I will understand if there's hesitation to add another at this juncture, but if you're open, I'm sure he'd be a great add to the community.

Mixtapery_1, Re-Hashed

2007-09-10T15:39:00.000-04:00

Well, Rose got her mix, so I think it's okay to give a little rundown of what I was thinking and why I threw what I threw on there.

1. John Butler Trio - Missing You

A taste of the acoustic, rootsy, folky. A great opener. A summation of my feelings to Jessica (my lovely wife); and in a broader sense, to my family near and far.

"I don't mind growin' o-old
Losing teeth and going bald
Not as handsome as I ever was
But you love me just because
All I mind is losing you"

2. Fields - Skulls and Flesh and More

Not only does it flow from the song before it and into the song after it, it's beautiful. And then it gets better. The thing that gives me goose flesh on this song is Ms. Antonia's part that climaxes the song. Astounding aural appeal.

3. The Shins - Australia

"Time to put the earphones on!"
"No!"

I Love Wincing the Night Away. I'd call this pop music, with some banjo picking thrown in for good measure. And what is an android's conundrum anyway?

4. Arctic Monkeys - Fluorescent Adolescent

"Everything's in order in a black hole."

And our pop music gets a little... naughty. But it's the innocence of these guys that make the song so cute. The tongue in cheek story of the housewife bored with her marriage partner. It's weird how that story, put to music, can make you feel.. Good.

5. Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals - Diamonds On The Inside

My name is Ben, my son's name is Harper. Coincidence? Kinda.

"I knew a girl
Her name was truth
She was a horrible liar
She couldn't spend one day alone
But she couldn't be satisfied

When you have everything
You have everything to lose
She made herself a bed of nails
And she's planning on putting it to use"

Classic Ben Harper, with a little bit of a jam in it. We're getting back to the acoustic vibe again. Even a little twangy here and there.

6. M. Ward - To Go Home

Staying with the acoustic theme, but moving into M. Ward's field, we get To Go Home. I'd write more about this song, but his usage of upbeat music and relatively sad lyrics is making me feel all... cry-ee. Thanks, M.

"God it’s great to be alive
Takes the skin right off my hide. To think I’ll have to give it all up someday

I’ll be true to you
Oh yeah, you know I will
And I’ll be true to you forever or until...
I go home."

Luckily, it's forever. Can I get an Amen?

7. Josh Ritter - Wolves

For all you Idahoan's out there, we get Josh Ritter. The Animal Years is far and away my favorite JR album, and this song stands out. A story of love lost; it has a wonderful intro, climax, and end. I give it an A for composition.

8. The White Stripes - Rag and Bone

When I first heard Icky Thump, this song was not on my favorites list. That changed after about oh, say, 2 listens. From the pseudo baseline that brings this song in, to Meg's drumsticks clacking, then the Stripes bantering a little. Then what's that we hear? A bass drum? Then a full on assault? Oh, it's The White Stripes. Classic. This song gives us an idea that we're picking up speed here.

"If you don't want it, we'll take it; if you don't want to give it to us, we keep walking by.
Keep going, we're not tired.
Got plenty of places to go, lots of homes we ain't been to yet.
West side, southwest side, middle-east, rich house, dog house, outhouse, old folks house, house for unwed mothers, halfway homes, catacombs, twilight zones.
Looking for techniques, turntables to gramophones."

Are you kidding me, Jack?

9. The Strokes - Heart In A Cage

Well, here's our bad word. I didn't realize it until after the mix was created it, but I wouldn't change it. We're definitely moving into harder territory. I love the guitar riffs in this song. I love this song. Turn it up, (wo)man! Feel this song, because one thing it's got is feeling.

"I don't want what you want
I don't feel what you feel
See I'm stuck in a city
But I belong in a field"

10. Franz Ferdinand - The Fallen

We've left dark territory and are only in, say, twilight territory. However, we're still firmly in the rock section of rock and roll.

"So I'm sorry if I ever resisted
I never had a doubt you ever existed
I only have a problem when people insist on
Taking their hate and placing it on your name"

If I had wrote this song, it would be autobiographical, does that make sense? Most of the time, people can take something pure and true and perfect, and twist and turn it to their own ends, therefore corrupting the beauty and stealing the truth out of it.

And I love the dischord at the end of this song.

11. Beck - Think I'm In Love

Ahh Beck. I know I'm in love. We're always in for a funky good ride when we travel with Beck.

"She doesn't know what happens when she's around."

She doesn't know what she does to me! She doesn't know that she clouds my vision and makes me trip all over myself! And still, after 12 years together!

"Really think I better get a hold of myself."

Seriously.

12. Spoon - Finer Feelings

I can't wait to get to this song everytime I throw on the mix. I love how it starts out funky, continuing the Beck vibe, then moves completely into Spoon territory.

"Sometimes I think that I'll find a love
One that's gonna change my heart
I'll find it in Commercial Appeal
And then this heartache'll get chased away"

Maybe they should take some lessons from Beck in finding love, he thinks he's found it. Listen to how this song segways into the next...

13. Dave Matthews Band - Kit Kat Jam

Don't skip it! Maybe we don't all like Dave Matthews. But just listening to his band and their tightness should bring at least respect. And if I can at least get you to do that, I've done my job. Since when did I become an apologist for Dave Matthews?

14. Phish - Johnny B. Goode

Because I had to. A lot like DMB, I feel I have to take any opportunity to push Phish. So how can I go wrong by putting a short jam of one of the classic rock and roll songs of all time (if you've got some snappy answer, the comments field is open)? I dare say they do it a little bit better than Marty McFly. Yes, Trey Anastasio (guitar) has some fingers, man (even if his vocals aren't really up there). And Page McConnel (keyboards) has some, too.

15. Citizen Cope - D'artagnan's Theme

Bringing it all back home. Honestly, I don't know what it's about. I know he wants someone to fade away, and that there's a battle going on down south of Babylon. However, I do know that there's some real soul packed in this 5:02. I know it, because when I hear the song, I feel it.

15. Radiohead - No Surprises

Let's all grow old, shall we? Honestly, Thom, could you resign yourself any more to a boring life?

"This is my final fit, my final bellyache..."
Umm, no, it's not. There have been plenty since then.

"Such a pretty house, such a pretty garden...
No alarms and no surprises, please."

But Radiohead is one of my favorite all timers, and this song is quite emotive, and a great pondering finish. Even if you think it's self-absorbed drab (which it kindof is). But I've always said, "Nobody rock's like Radiohead. And nobody moves you like Radiohead.

......................................................

Well, there it is. Mixtapery_1. I didn't dig too deep, I wanted this album to be accessible to just about anyone who shares even an inkling of my taste in music. And hopefully, my taste in music is good enough that someone could sit through the whole thing.

I concentrated on flow into and out of songs, emotional as well as musical content, and most of all, mood. I wanted whatever mood was prevailing to go on until it was deftly replaced by whatever the next mood came through. I guess I wanted to make some sort of emotional statement.

Thanks for listening,
ben

P.S. You can download it in .mp3 format in three parts:

The Check...

2007-09-05T13:03:00.000-04:00

...As they say, is in the mail.
Except for you, Allen. I need your current address. I sent an email to your yahoo address. Let me know where you at. And you, Jesse. I'm going to make your BSG DVD's and your Audiobook recording. It will be in the mail Friday.

Let me know when you start getting them and I'll publish the tracklist and a place to download the .mp3's for all you iPodders out there.

This is what I tried to do.*as you can see, track 14 is completely off the energy chart. Do not fear, fellow mixtaperyers, it's only like that due to my MSPaint skills.

And here's something while you wait.

Ya Heard?

2007-08-28T13:26:00.000-04:00

Beck has an new iTunes single, "Timebomb." (I really don't know if it's an exclusive or not. How's that for internet journalism? Fact-checking? Pshaw!) In his own words it is music for "bonfires, blackouts, and the last hurrah of summer." Having heard it, I'd say, well, yeah. A month or so ago and it would have made it onto Songs For A Golden Summer.*

[sigh] Maybe on volume 2? (Not that that's coming anytime soon... my Mixtapery mix is first in the queue. Tentative title: Like A Knife Through the Night.)

Anyway, it's a kickin' little track, "Timebomb." Totally disposable and more than a little repetitive, but fun while it lasts and definitely worth the download. The "Nah-nah-nah-nah's" sold me. If you want to be cool like me, you will seek it out.

Also, is that Beck or Björk on the cover? Its hard to tell.

*That is Allen holding the CD. Not me. I'm the other pasty dude.

On the Tip Tip

2007-08-23T15:33:00.000-04:00

A while back Wired magazine had these tips on creating a good mix. It's by a DJ (as in hip-hop dude), but the basic ideas hold up. Enjoy.

Like Donkey Kong, You Say?

2007-08-20T14:35:00.000-04:00

Hi all, I'm Ben. Having the first letter of your first name be really close to the alphabet has some perks. I get to break the ice and put my mix out there. I'm getting over the initial shock that this thing's really going to happen, and the deeper shock that I'm the first one. I'm excited to shape a cd, and I'm hopeful that you'll all at least hear it once before making a coaster out of it (but really, who doesn't need more coasters?).

So, a little about me:

I'm 29 years old, and live in Lehi, UT.
I married my high school sweetheart a little over 7 years ago.
We have a 2 year old boy, Harper, and a 2 month old girl, Finley.
I do Broadband Technical Support for the phone company out here.
They pay for my school.
I'm going to the University of Utah and majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
I'll be finishing that degree around 2030, if I'm lucky.
LDS, no longer LSD.

I'll try to get the CD out by the 10^th of September, right around the time I get my home teaching done...

It Is On Like Unto Donkey Kong

2007-08-19T16:38:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I've been busy. In general, but I mean that I've been busy trying to get the ball rolling after sort of dropping it. I apologize. Stuff happened. Sorry. Hopefully we can all get excited about this again because I think it will pretty much rock the casbah.

Look over the pdf I sent out for anything that may need correcting. Add yourself as an author (I sent out inivtes. If you didn't get one, check your spam folder and then e-mail me) so you can post on the bloggity blog and, fer goodness' sake! start thinking about your rocking mix because your month will roll around and there will be no time to hesitate.

Also, remember: You cannot stop the beat!

Hello

2007-07-20T19:45:00.001-04:00

Okay, so let us do this thing. If you're serious about practicing the ancient art of Mixtapery, leave a comment and shoot me an e-mail (include all of your contact/mailing info... I'll make a master list pdf and distribute it to all Mixtapers once the list is finalized after the cut-off date - see below) at hello@dylantodd.com and I will send an invite to be an author on the blog.

I figured we'd do this alphabetically by first name once we have everyone aboard (the cut-off date is... let's say the 27th... one week from today?). Sound fair?

I feel I must stress that this is serious business. Only sign up if you're going to follow through with the delivery of your product. If the end of the month rolls around and there's no mixtapes in the mail I will send ninjas after you. No foolin'.

If it's your month, feel free to use this space to tease your mixtape. Also, common sense and not something I think we have to worry about with this group, but I'll say it anyway: Be nice. It's inevitable that someone will put something that someone else doesn't fancy on a mixtape. Deal with it. We are all adults. Eat your broccoli and pretend you like it. You can do it. I believe in you.

Also, take it easy on the songs with the swears in 'em. If you have to yell "Earmuffs!" at your kids during a song, you may want to skip it. Some of us gots babies.

Anything else? Feel free to recommend anything as we set up our little Mixtapery Democracy here (personally, I'd like to keep it as lassiez-faire and simple as possible here, but I'm open to suggestions) in the comments section.

Let it begin.