So Call Me, Maybe

One of the purposes of the hours I spend on the internet listening to music no one has heard of is because I hate the idea of network radio stations telling me what to listen to.  I mean, who decides that stuff anyway?  Are bands/artists/songs earmarked for radio play? 

I only want to listen to good music and most of the stuff I hear on the radio just grates on my ears.  This is why I try to listen to college radio.  I'd rather have people playing music they love than playing what they're allowed to play. 

That being said, I do plan on making another Summer Radio Hits playlist.  I'm going to attempt to whittle down the Billboard Hot 100 as of the First Day of Summer and make it into something worth listening to.  That'll be an 8tracks exclusive. 

One track that is destined to make that mix is the INSANELY infectious hit by Canadian Carly Rae Jepsen, "Call Me, Maybe."  Gosh is that song so stupidly catchy.  I just love it.

There was a moment this weekend where I had a song from the January mix stuck in my head and I thought to myself, "Man, it's nice to have a song that's not Call Me...shoot."  And for the next 6 hours I couldn't do much more than hum, whistle, or sing that song.

The only thing that upsets me about this song is that it gained national attention after Justin Bieber tweeted it to his millions of followers.  If I had that kind of national attention, I'd be tweeting artists, bands, and musicians daily!  I mean come on!  Use all that star-power for good!  With great power comes great responsibility. 

Anyway, in case you've been on the moon for the summer here's what's already being called the song of the summer, "Call Me, Maybe." 

Musician Embraces Whistling On Stage

So in between monthly tracklists and such, I am going to try to post brief life updates, but also more music-related content, specifically songs I hear that may have missed the playlist, playlist sneak-peaks, and music in the news.  This is an example of the latter.

You may or may not be aware of my re-inspiration by Mr. Andrew Bird lately.  After seeing him in November (thanks again for the great ticket, Tommie!), watching videos, and listening to albums, I have been constantly and consistently inspired by him to make wonderful music. 

So, you can imagine my surprise when I saw this video on the CNN homepage this morning.

Musician Embraces Whistling On Stage

Great little video clip, bad headline. It must be a slow news day...

Hope you enjoy!

Spring Honorable Mentions

Spring Honorable Mentions are broken into two flower-esque categories, Annual and Perennial.  The Perennials disc is full of artists previously featured on mixes who keep coming back year after year for more plays.  Annuals is stuffed with artists making their ZZIPA debut, freshly planted if you will into the ground.  I hope you find something you like!

Note:  Honorable Mention listings will be short and sweet unless a song is transcending it's HM stigma.  Remember, these tracks were the last ones cut from March, April, and May.

ANNUAL

1.  Gemini Club - By Surprise
2.  Real Boys - Japanland
3.  Treehouse - Talk Talk Talk
4.  World's Most - Tall Shadows
5.  Imperial Teen - Runaway
6.  Ben Howard - The Wolves
7.  Wintermitts - Le Paradis
8.  David's Lyre - This I Know
9.  Navajo Youth - Heavy Heart
10.  The Knocks - Midnight City (M83 Cover)
11.  Reptar - Orifice Origami
12.  Wowser Bowser - Water Story
13.  Mount Washington - Lisboa
14.  Tim Fite - Joyriding
15.  Soft Care - Girls
16.  The School - When He Kisses Me
17.  Raymond & Maria - The Fish Are Swimming Slower Every Year
18.  Paula And Karol - Whole Again
19.  Jordan Klassen - Go To Me
20.  Release The Sunbird - Heart-skinned, Down
21.  Some Velvet Morning - Times Like These

PERENNIAL

1.   Bright Moments - Travelers
2.  Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes - That's What's Up
3.  Jonquil - Run
4.  Imagine Dragons - Round And Round
5.  Brendan Benson - Bad For Me
6.  Florence + The Machine - Never Let Me Go
7.  Passion Pit - Take A Walk
8.  Satellite Stories - Helsinki Art Scene
9.  Icona Pop - I Love It
10.  Alex Winston - Host
11.  Regina Spektor - Don't Leave Me
12.  King Charles - Mississippi Isabel
13.  Foo Fighters - These Days
14.  Maps & Atlases - Fever
15.  Summer Camp - Losing My Mind (St. Etienne Remix)
16.  TV Girl - Misery
17.  41st And Home - Hummingbird
18.  The Tallest Man On Earth - 1904
19.  Laura Marling - All My Rage
20.  Feist - Bittersweet Melodies

May 2012

Alright.  Let's see if I can do this.  For each song, I would like to include either a picture of the band/artist, a picture of the album, or the music video.  I'm also going to link the artist/band name to their website or a place you can listen to them or even learn more about them.  After all, that is the goal of this.  I want to introduce you to music you normally wouldn't be introduced to.  Then, you're supposed to buy the song/whole album if you like their stuff.  Now, I'm making it easier for you.

Here's what I found in May.

May 2012

1.  Kishi Bashi - It All Began With A Burst

 So much clapping, so many high-pitched voices.  This mix sure begins with a burst!

2.  Here We Go Magic - How Do I Know

This song was an 'instant-love.'  It sounds so summery and breezy.  It's lyrics are so nice.  And check out those dance moves!  You need to listen to this one right now!

3.  Electric Guest - Waves

Electro-pop to get you going in the morning.

4.  Pearl And The Beard - Reverend

Beautiful harmonies meet angry cellos and creative lyrics.  How do you get much better?

5.  Man & Ghost - Shoutalong

Rollicking stomp band sounds like it belongs at a party.  

6.  The Spring Standards - Here We Go

Another must-listen.  Rock + Lovelorn lyrics = Greatness.  That's a mathematical fact.

7.  The White Stripes - Hand Springs

This Record Store Day release features some great blues and a hilarious story.  

8.   Treehouse - Babylon Baby

Beautiful harmonies and great lyrics merge with jankity guitar and slick rhythmic syncopation.

9.  damian - Soul Night

I love the creative lyrics and the subtlety of it all.  It's silly and yet, he tells you how to dance.  

Do the whirlwind!  Do the windmill!  Now hop!

 

10.  Andrew Bird - Orpheo Looks Back

 

 

I kept looking for a video featuring just him because I saw only a solo show back in November.  This video is great though.  I think you get such a better impression of him as a musician when you see it live.  Watching this video has inspired me.  I'm going to buy the album right now in fact.

11.  American Opera - Bright Lights & Amplifiers

 

 

This song makes me want to drop out of school at join a band.  Even though I'm teaching, I still sometimes want to do that.  This is my call to everyone reading this.  I'm about to leave my early-20s behind and I still want to be a rock star.  Who's with me?

12.  Admiral Fallow - The Paper Trench

 

 

13.  The Future Kings Of Nowhere - Let's Be Pirates!

 

 

That's the life their selling, but baby we don't have to buy it.  Let's be pirates!

 

14.  Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - We Almost Lost Detroit (Stepdad Remix)

 

 

Another Record Store Day Release.  Man, I wish Alaska had more record stores.  I can't tell if it's the high-pitched "oww"s, the fuzzy lyrics, or the instantly singable hook, but I love this.  Here's the original below for comparison.

15.  St. Lucia - Closer Than This

 

 

Token Dance Number

16.  Ra Ra Riot - Valerie (feat. Delicate Steve)

 

 

If this, yet another Record Store Day release transports you back to the '80s that's because it is a cover of the 1987 Steve Winwood single of the same name.  Ra Ra Riot has been called Vampire Weekend's little brother...or odd cousin, but I am glad to see them doing their own thing.  Delicate Steve is a guitar wizard with an excellent solo in this tune.

17.  Barcelona - Only Son

 

 

This one took me a few listens, but once you get into the lyrics and realize how heart-wrenching they are, you'll love it too.

18.  Trampled By Turtles - Alone

 

 

Garnering comparisons to The Avett Bros. and hailing from Duluth, MN, this folk band has put together such a simple and beautiful song.  Little known fact:  A poster for one of their concerts hangs in the outhouse of my friends Patrick & Jenny in Homer, AK.

19.  Wild Child - Pillow Talk

 

 

Don't let the band's name fool you.  Expect something simple and actually quite restrained.  Sad song, but really pretty.

20.  Foster The People - Ruby

 

 

Oh man.  Oh this is so pretty.  At first I thought this was a whole new song because "Torches" is such a dance-y album.  Still, this is great.  Sing along, mind the chord changes, and enjoy!

 

21.  Fun. - Carry On

 

 

 I find it interesting that I end the May 2012 mix with 2 artists mostly known for their pop/electro/dance tracks and here they demonstrate their range with wonderful ballads.  Fun. has been a favorite of mine since their first album and are one of the easiest success stories on my mixes.  I believe I featured one of their singles back on the JULY 2009 mix.  Go back and listen to their first album.  Then listen to this new one.  Both are great.  Just don't let the radio tell you which of Fun.'s songs to love please.  Go find the ones you enjoy.  This one is great, but I doubt it'll ever make it to the radio.  Same with the title track, "Some Nights."  

Whew!  A little more work, but definitely a much slicker blog.  Please comment as to whether or not you like it or have other ideas for improvement.  I'm working on the June mix and should be sending out the Spring Season Package in about a week.  

Remember all mixes can be found at 8tracks.com.

Have a great time listening, friends!

 

April 2012

Still going strong.  Almost there!  I have this format in mind for future monthly posts (which will hopefully be more monthly and less seasonally) and I hope to try it out for June 2012, but may play around with the May setlist in the process.  Anyway, make sure you check out the playlists on 8tracks.  If you get lost, you can search for DJ Spyrograph or ZZIPA.  I've tried to tag all my mixes as the latter.

April 2012

1.  Jack White  Sixteen Saltines

He's out on his own tearing up America.  I recently read he keeps 2 bands with him on tour, one all male, one all female.  Neither band knows who is playing each night and only Jack knows the setlist in advance.  I guess that's a good way to keep things feeling live.

2.  Kankouran - It's Alright, Follow

Driving power pop with some nice acoustic guitars.

3.  Funeral Suits - All Those Friendly People

I think my next purchase may be a synthesizer so I can half sing over the top of it.

4.  Windmills - Great Divide

5.  Skipping Girl Vinegar - Chase The Sun

6.  Best Coast - The Only Place

I've always liked the idea of Best Coast, but now I like the music of them too.  How lovely!  It's like an aural summer!

7.  Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World

Tommie's song of the summer.  Get clapping, people!

8.  Lundi - How Deep Is The Delaware

I like it cause I think I'd write a song like this.

9.  Fun. - Why Am I The One

Gosh, they are good.

10.  Beast Radio - Dreaming Wide Awake

11.  Tennis - Traveling

Hints of Motown and 60s beats.  So nice.

12.  Fixers - Iron Deer Dream

This song gets by on it's wonderful groove.

13.  The Sweet Serenades - Moving On

14.  King Charles - Lady Percy

He's so fun.  Get out of your chair and dance!

15.  BOY - Little Numbers

16.  Fuck Art, Let's Dance! - The Conqueror

Token Dance Number

17.  Tanlines - All Of Me

Probably my favorite song on this mix.  Such a good summer prelude.

18.  Danny Brown - Grown Up

Asher Roth-ish and not too gangster.  A great middle ground.

19.  Vacationer - Good As New

20.  Half Moon Run - Full Circle

Interesting chords, progressions that tease your ears, and a sound like the Fleet Foxes make this a great tune.

21.  Florence + The Machine - Jackson (Unplugged)

This Johnny Cash/June Carter remake is stellar.  Way to almost out-do Americans at their own music!

22.  Isbells - Baskin'

23.  The Head And The Heart - Rives And Roads

Oh.  Oh my.  Oh wow.  Yes.  Yes, thank you.

March 2012

So, after taking the first 2 weeks of summer off I think I am ready to get down to business (cue dramatic Mulan music).  I've been spending most of my time bumming around Anchorage waiting for Tommie to get off of work.  It's been quite nice actually.  I like to think I've been getting a lot of work done.  And I can catch up on things like this that I've been putting off for so long.  I took a trip to Fairbanks and we just got back from a long weekend down in Homer camping on the beach.  So nice. 

I'm heading back to Glennallen mid-week with the intention of figuring out when/how/what/why of moving back to Wisco.  Exciting stuff!  I'll keep you posted. 

For now, here's the March 2012 playlist:

March 2012

1.  Ting Tings - Soul Killing

Yes, that is a squeaky rocking chair in the background.  Thanks for noticing.

2.  Yellow Ostrich - Daughter

Not the best track from this guy, but you can definitely see growth from his earlier tracks on my mixes.  I love the riff though.

3.  SHAPES - Some Folk Song In D (Nevermind)

 Good melodic guitar and slippery vocals make this a catchy tune

4.  King Charles - Love Blood

Again, not the best King Charles track, but it is too fun to pass up.

5.  Dr. Dog - These Days

I've been waiting for these guys to recapture my ear-maginiation for a while.  They've been close and finally they make it back with this rollicking hit.

6.  Saint Hotel - Puzzle Pieces

Interesting sounds, piano, and a shout-along chorus.  Can't miss it.

7.  Maps & Atlases - Winter

I can't explain to you how much cleaner their sound is on this album.  The band is just so much tighter.  This song exemplifies their tighter sound.

8.  Geographer - The Myth Of Youth

Driving bass and a vaguely Irish singer give me excitement.

9.  Work Drugs - License To Drive

Ah, the laid back anthem of every 16-year-old out there right now.

10.  The Drums - Days

I know summer was still a ways away in March (heck, it's still a ways off in AK) but this is one track I could listen to while in a hammock in the yard.  Interesting lyrics, too.

11.  Tennis - Originas

This band has been hitting all the right marks with me lately.  Check out that melodic guitar riff.  So good.

12.  Fun. - All Alone

I really am glad these guys hit it big.  Let's hope they stay there.

13.  Imagine Dragons - Demons

 A lovely pseudo-ballad.  Feel free to sing this one out loud.  Like way loud.

14.  American Royalty - Matchstick

Gotta enjoy some piano rock with homages to better songwriters.

15.  Set Sail - Boat Song

Crank it up and dance like a fool!

16.  Little Comets - Waiting In The Shadows In The Dead Of Night

Token Dance Number

17.  Andrew Bird - Danse Carribe

In the running for my personal song of 2012

18.  Bright Moments - Milwaukee

Also in the running.  This is the lead singer of Beirut's debut solo project.  This song is about the breakthrough case of the girl from Fond du Lac who was the first human in history to survive full-blown rabies.  Don't be afraid, it's only water.

19.  Wake! Owl - Wild Country

Take me back to the plains of Colorado for this one.

20.  Inspired & the Sleep = What I want and What I Need

Written for Valentine's Day, this song blends many relationship sentiments together.  It's pretty.

21.  Big Deal - Talk

NSFW, but it's so honest. 

Winter Honorable Mentions

Winter Honorable Mentions in 2012 reverts back to the "Bundled Up" and "Cabin Fever" monikers.  Bundled Up is full of chill tracks for the chilly months and Cabin Fever is more uptempo tunes to help you break the winter blues. 

For the sake of time, Honorable Mentions will consist of only the tracklists.   If a track has proved it's mettle or is a standout, I'll make a special note for that song.

WINTER 2011-2012 HONORABLE MENTIONS: BUNDLED UP

1.  Owl Eyes - Pumped Up Kicks
 - If the original has been overplayed for you, give this one a listen.  It'll clean that taste right outta your mouth.
2.  Northpilot - 1000 Lives
3.  Poor Spirits - Benefits
4.  Givers - In My Eyes
 - These kids are really going somewhere.
5.  School of Seven Bells - The Night
6.  Andrew Bird - Eyeoneye
 - He played this one when I saw him in November.  I think the new album is stellar.
7.  The Black Keys - Little Black Submarines
8.  Feist - The Bad In Each Other
9.  First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar
10.  Icarus Himself - On Your Side
11.  Islands - This Is Not A Song
12.  Nicolas Jaar - With Just One Glance You
13.  Beatrice Eli - The  Conqueror
14.  Absofacto - Lies
15.  The Magnetic Fields - Andrew In Drag
16.  Jinja Safari - Hiccups
17.  The Decemberists - I4U & U4ME
18.  Bryan John Appleby - Honey Jars
19.  Foxes - Home
20.  Sufjan Stevens - That Was The Worst Christmas Ever!

WINTER 2011-2012 HONORABLE MENTIONS:  CABIN FEVER

1.  Young Circles - 2012
2.  Sleigh Bells - Comeback Kid
 - Oh, Yes!  More!
3.  Fun. - One Foot
4.  Family Portrait - Other Side
5.  Said The Whale - New Brighton
6.  Team Me - Show Me
7.  The Concept - D-D-Dance
8.  Good Luck - All Good People
9.  Cloud Nothings - Stay Useless
10.  Young Dreams - Young Dreams
11.  New Navy - Tapioca Uluwatu
12.  Harrison Hudson - Every Girl
13.  Florence + The Machine - Lover To Lover
14.  Born Gold - Lawn Knives
15.  Grouplove - Close Your Eyes And Count To Ten
16.  Behind Sapphire - Vancouver, Baby!
 - Only fuels my fire to go to Vancouver that much more.
17.  Jonquil - It's My Part
18.  Diagrams - Black Light
19.  Big Hurry - Gets Me Low
20.  Stonefield - Magic Carpet Ride
 - I don't like this original much, but I do like this.
21.  Alphabet Backwards - Tonight
22.  WU LYF - We Bros (12" Version)

February 2012

I'd really like to be able to upload my entire playlist to a website and have you, the viewer, download it at your leisure, but I'm not quite sure how yet.  If you know, please help me out.

FEBRUARY 2012

1.  Hospitality - All Day Today

Listen to this and don't smile.  I dare you.

2.  The Concept - Gimme Twice

Token Dance Number

3.  The Vaccines - Norgaard

Quick, loud, fast, and about models.  Sounds like a perfect rock song.

4.  Medicine Hat - Little Cigarettes

This one goes out to Sammy Hill and Julie Ellison who only smoke when they drink.

5.  Summer Twins - I Will Love You

I enjoy that indie rockers are bringing back '50s and '60s styles.

6.  Maia Vidal - Follow Me

Sexyish and stylish.

7.  Vacationer - Trip

Like cool jazz meets SoundCloud.

8.  Miracles Of Modern Medicine - Luminol

Mandolins and lyrics are great here.  It's like a bluegrass band trying to play rock.

9.  The Shins - Simple Song

The Shins are back after a nice hiatus with wicked guitars and the same wonderfully high voices.

10.  King Charles - Bam Bam

You know you love it.  Check out the video.  Guys, girls apparently cream if you dress like this.

11.  Yellow Ostrich - Marathon Runner

Something a little deeper from one of my favorite rookie artists

12.  The Hot Toddies - Green & Gold

Heralding from Oakland, try to catch all the references to the Oakland A's baseball team and these girls' love of them.

13.  Jack White - Love Interruption

Great harmonies, great lyrics, nice and dirty.  Great tune.

14.  Plants and Animals - Lightshow

Who says rock 'n roll is dead?

15.  Fort Wilson Riot - For All The Little Things

It's got a weird middle section, but all in all this song grooves well and has a nice hook.

16.  Foster the People - Don't Stop (Color On The Walls)

I had to listen to this album like 4 times to appreciate more than just "Pumped Up Kicks," but I have found plenty of other tunes I like.  This is one of them.  Great video too.

17.  Chairlift - I Belong In Your Arms

The '80s are alive.  If your local Forever 21 isn't already rocking to this, request it immediately or shop elsewhere.

18.  Driving Music - Orange Traffic Cones

I love a bass heavy groove and octave vocals.

19.  Bolivia - Rudy's Call

Oh, the harmonies and brilliant guitar work. 

20.  Hudson - The Belfry

For listening on the beach all alone.

21.  M. Ward - The First Time I Ran Away

Lush arrangements and slick vocals make this a really nice song.  Welcome back other half of She & Him.

22.  Everyman Of Parts - Arid Eyes

This is what happens when one simple verse and a good musician collide.

23.  Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

My favorite track off their latest concept album, The Suburbs.  This track is a bit old, but it's still great.

January 2012

Alright, people.  Hold on tight!  Today, I'm going to sit here and update my playlists straight through to all I have done.  It's going to be messy and probably rough, but the basics will be there. 

I hope you've been finding stuff you like.  A lot of artists have been hitting the airwaves recently or coming out with new albums for the fall.  I'm hoping to do a success story post soon of songs/bands that have made it to the mass market.

JANUARY 2012

1.  Dozens - Forget Me

Usually, I like to start with something a little quicker and driving, but this song fades into a sweet beginning.  The synth and harmonies make for a nice overall sound.

2.  Summer Camp - Down

I really do hope this fuzzy sound sticks around for while.  Especially, if a clear female voice cuts through.

3.  Hey Ocean! - I Am A Heart

One for the ladies.  Pure pop goodness.

4.  The Lumineers - Ho Hey

Listen closely and you can hear this song (sans vocals) in a Blue Moon commercial.  Great lyrics and passionate playing make this one of my favorites on this mix.

5.   The Black Keys - Gold On The Ceiling

Though I'm not quite sure how the gold got there, I am certain I really like this song.  I'm constantly impressed with how much sound these two can put out.

6.  Seams - The Colour Purple

It's almost like 2 songs in one.  When the chorus breaks down, I just fall in love with this song.  So, be patient and give it time.

7.  The Weeknd - D.D.

Can someone say, "Next Michael Jackson!"

 8.  Penguin Prison - Don't Fuck With My Money

The anthem for the 99%.  Occupy this song!

9.  Los Campesinos! - Songs About Your Girlfriend

I've been told all their songs sound the same, but I tell myself I really like that sound.

10.  Gracie - Flirty Little Fishy

Another song you have to give time.  It's weird, but catchy.

11.  Dozens - Sounds Of Your Lovers

I broke my cardinal rule of mixmaking with this track:  Thou Shalt Not Have Two Of The Same Artists One A Mix.  Ugh.  It was purely by accident.  Anyway, you get a double-dose of Dozens and I get a lesson learned in double-checking.

12.  Oh No! Yoko - Hatshepsut

Such a fun little number.

13.  Cloud Nothings - Fall In

Garage indie rock

14.  41st And Home - Modern Medicine

I really hope these guys make it big quick.  Such cool vocal syncopation, such nice lyrics, and such a great build-up.  This song gets high marks in every category.

15.  Sunparlour Players - Runner

Like an underwater ballad maybe? 

16.  Arms - Heat & Hot Water

I enjoy the melody of this tune as well as the way the chorus picks it up.

17.  Alphabet Backwards - Big Top

Like a British Tallest Man On Earth maybe. 

18.  Lower 48 - The End

I've come to really appreciate the harmonies in this one.  Sometimes she gets the melody, sometimes he does, and you really have to listen to figure it out.  Lots of good words and such nice guitar.

19.  Bon Iver - Towers

You may not know this, but the pattern the guitar plays at the beginning is one of my favorite melodic progressions.  I use it all the time when making stuff up.  Bon Iver schools me as usual.

20.  Radiohead - The Daily Mail

I have a hard time with Radiohead, but this song is pretty and makes my ears happy.

21.  Desert Noises - Smoke Breathing Monsters

A man and his guitar doesn't get much better.

22.  The National - I Need My Girl

A live version of a very pretty song.  Sing along with the audience if you like.