Mixtape Vol. 14
July 21st, 2008
1 comment
This week starts off with some indie-pop, moves into some folk/old-school sound, and then finishes off with techno and electronica. A little something for everyone.
You can purchase this mix (or individual songs) from here: 
The Dresden Dolls – Dear Jenny
Album: No, Virginia…
Alternative duo out of Boston that has a heavy cabaret influence. Known more for solemn songs they have opened for Nine Inch Nails and Panic at the Disco. Their latest record, No, Virginia, consists of all the tracks that have been cut from previous LPs. Hence the pop sound of this one.
Sick of Sarah – Breakdown
Album: Sick of Sarah
All girl indie pop band from Minnesota. They won MTV’s virtual battle of the bands (I don’t even know what that is). I want to say they sound like Joan Jett with a little bit of Sleater-Kinney. I get to announce this as my first download (and it’s totally legit!)
The Dutchess & The Duke – Reservoir Park
Album: She’s the Dutchess, He’s the Duke
Great indie folk sound from this duo out of Seattle. If these guys don’t make you want to turn up your car stereo and head to the beach, The Whitsundays coming up will. You can download this song too.
Shearwater – Leviathan, Bound
Album: Rook
I was fortunate enough to see these guys open for Clinic a month (or more) ago with my friend Liz. The lead singer, Jonathan Meiburg, loves to sing softly and then build up to a rather rambunctious style scream. You get a hint of it with this song, but not the full experience. I happen to love artists that can scream-sing and sound good (David Grohl comes to mind).
Jakob Dylan – Evil Is Alive And Well
Album: Seeing Things
Son of Bob Dylan and lead singer of The Wallflowers (are they still together?) this is the opening track off of his first solo album. I like the plaintive sound of it and the lyrics make me think that it should have been the main song for the movie No Country For Old Men.
Pelle Carlberg – 1983 (Pelle & Sebastian)
Album: The Lilac Time
This gentleman from Sweden just has a nice voice and this is a catchy song to go with his voice.
The Whitsundays – It Must Be Me
Album: The Whitsundays
Out of Edmonton, this band embraces the warm sounds of the 60′s. I like the harmonizing voices and the lyrics are reminiscent of my mix last week. I can’t seem to get away from the sad love songs.
Sebastien Tellier – Divine
Album: Sexuality
Labeled as “chamber pop,” this young multi-instrumentalist is from Paris. Rather melodic and it just puts a smile on my face.
M83 – Kim & Jessie (Montag Remix)
Album: Kim & Jessie
I have listened to the latest LP from this French band so many times, I’ve lost count. The dreamy/shoe-gazing sound just isn’t my cup of tea, but this remix of Kim & Jessie I actually enjoy. They just need to add a dance beat to all their songs and I’ll like them. Is that too much to ask?
Daedelus – My Beau
Album: Love To Make Music To
If you can, listen to this song with headphones. Adds a new element to the “wah-wah” that is constant through the song. Daedelus is Alfred Weisberg-Roberts from Santa Monica, CA. I would call this experimental-techno and I didn’t like most of the album, but this song keeps the experimentation to tolerable levels.
Lismore – More
Album: Give Me More
NYC techno pop duo. I understand that the female lead singer, Penelope, brings intense energy to the live performances and can often be found out in the audience. Another song for download.
Stereo Image – Pack Moves
Album: S/T
All about the duos this week. Electro-pop duo from Ontario. The 80s revival might be getting old, but sometimes I think some bands are just doing it right. And last download.
