Far From Noise

I had over 40 songs last week but for some reason, on a second listen through I didn’t like most of them. Oh well. Just means the ones that make it to the final mix are that much better. A relatively high energy mix without many slow downs. Enjoy.
You can purchase this mix (or individual songs) from here:

1. Mason Proper – Lock and Key
   From: Alpena, MI
   Album: Olly Oxen Free   
   This band is on tour right now with one of my other favorites, Cloud Cult. I recommend checking out this album. I liked several tracks off of it. A fun crisp sound that weaves in some unusual elements.
   
2. The Banshee – People Around
   From: Genova
   Album: Your Nice Habits   
   The bass line in this song draws me in and then I’m just shocked that you can use a siren over the lyrics and it can still sound good.
   
3. Stars – 14 Forever
   From: Montreal
   Album: Sad Robots EP     
   Stars have really grown on me. The first time I heard them was just recently at the Outside Lands Festival and I wasn’t all that impressed. Knowing that Liz <hearts> them I figured I needed to give them another shot. I’m glad I did because this EP is really good.
   
4. Bound Stems – Happens to Us All Otherwise
   From: Chicago, IL
   Album: The Family Afloat   
   Just a fun indie track. Some harmonies, a snare drum, and some clapping. What more could you want?
   
5. Ruby Isle – Hey Hey Hey (That Kid’s Okay)
   From: Minneapolis, MN
   Album: Night Shot   
   I probably should be embarrassed to say I like this song, or in fact that I like the ENTIRE album. It is such bubblegum teen pop, but it’s a ton of fun.
   
6. Okkervil River – Pop Lie
   From: Austin, TX
   Album: The Stand Ins   
   I’ll try to get some street cred back with Okkervil. I posted a song from these guys back on my Treasure Island mix, but it wasn’t one off their new (awesome) CD. They put on such a great live show, I just had to include them once more. Of course the song kinda makes fun of me for liking it. I guess I am a power pop fan.
   
7. Death Vessel – Jitterakadie
   From: Providence, RI
   Album: Nothing Is Precious Enough for Us   
   Not a death metal band as you might suspect from their name. In fact, this track has a folk/country sound to it. Can anyone tell me what the song title means?
   
8. Rafter – Juicy
   From: San Diego, CA
   Album: Sweaty Magic   
   With the first bah-bah, I fell in love with this song. And then the overlaid falsetto just sealed it. Obviously a great producer as he blends a simple guitar sample with dance-beat synthesizer action.
   
9. Kanye West – Love Lockdown
   From: Atlanta, GA
   Album: 808s & Heartbreak   
   It’s my understanding that this song and Kanye’s performance at the VMA’s is divisive. Apparently you hate it or love it. I fall in the love category and I don’t even like Kanye. This is the type of song that makes me wish I had a serious hi-fi stereo with a giant subwoofer. Although my upstairs neighbor might not agree.
   
10. Stereolab – Neon Beanbag
    From: London
    Album: Chemical Chords   
    Slightly brighter than the last song, it makes me just want to go skipping down the street and smile at everyone I pass by.
    
11. Chairlift – Bruises
    From: Boulder, CO
    Album: Does You Inspire You   
    Apple found another great hit for their commercials. The simple lyrics have some good imagery and I really like the album title too.
    
12. Thievery Corporation – Sound The Alarm
    From: Washington, D.C.
    Album: Radio Retaliation   
    A nice track to get you moving. Seems like a good driving tune to me. I can feel the cars flying by.