The times have changed my friends. No more mixtapes or even mix-cds these days, everything is heresay and word-of-mouth. Whether it stems from a lack of time, or just plain laziness, it has become difficult to burn a solid batch of tunes for someone wanting to discover some new music.
Mixtapes used to be like a resume for someone you were interested in dating. Nowadays it's nearly impossible to talk to anyone and get a solid opinion about what kind of music they love, like or even despise. People are so uncertain about certainty. These little "mixtapes" contain 10 songs that I can't seem to stop playing. The first installment goes a little something like this:
The only official video from L.A.'s 400 Blows. Powerful.
Directed by Shafel and Levitz
When the Time Life series starts to issue their classic hits collections from our generation, along with some worn-out musicians from the 80's and 90's hosting the infomercial, this song will be right at the top of the list.
Directed by Robert Hales
I didn't know that Nuno Bettancourt co-produced and plays live with Perry Farrell's new band Satellite Party.
Young Galaxy's new album comes out next Tuesday via Arts & Crafts. The album has some fine moments, this is the best one.
Dr. Dog
We All Belong
2007 | Park The Van
On Dr. Dog’s latest album The Band and The Kinks immediately come to mind, but there's a carnival vibe floating throughout every song that reminds me of a traveling circus, minus the safety nets. Vocally, Dr. Dog handle some serious three-part harmonies that would rival REO Speedwagon and The Beach Boys. And for some of you reading this, the vocals will be the only selling point you’ll need after the first spin. Overall, the album is sprinkled with pianos, guitars and horns arranged to baffle your senses. It's that good.
It's difficult to pick
particular peaks on this record because all of the songs are so
refreshing, but I will anyway. "The Girl," “My Old Ways,” “Ain’t It
Strange” and the Motown-meets-Beatles groove of “Worst Trip” are the
outstanding moments. Hooks, dynamite instrumentation and amazing
harmonies flourish in every verse and chorus.
What's so
appealing about this record is how Dr. Dog's use of melody never feels
deliberately vintage, yet the album sounds like a classic. The listener
is brought into to a world where ideas are the central theme and
they're executed with layers of lush melody and harmony, unlike many
70's inspired rock albums of today.
-Scott McDonald
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