June 2012

In case you haven't figured out what you're listening to, here's what's on the schedule:

1.  Friends - Home

This Brooklyn band has been featured in Rolling Stone as an "Artist to Watch."  I'd have to agree.  Afro-Cuban tinges with a heavy bass match intriguing lyrics.

2.  The Mynabirds - Body of Work

I love the interesting synthesized sounds and catchy chorus.  

3.  Fang Island - Asunder

This song rocks so hard, it jumped straight onto my short list of potential "Songs of the Summer," of which there can eventually be just one.  Last year's was the ubiquitous "Up Up Up" by Givers.  Marking their follow-up to their 2010 debut, see if you like this Fang Island song.

4.  Fidlar - Got No Money

I'll be honest, I'm not quite sure what they're saying like 90% of the time.  All I know is I got no money and these guys UNDERSTAND.

5.  Cheers Elephant - Leaves

That's a bold publicity photo right there.  This mix has been characterized by some driving bass so far and this song is no exception.  However, well placed hand-claps, sleek harmonies, and glockenspiel cement this song as an indie hit in the making.

6.  The Lighthouse And The Whaler - Pioneers

So, the live version isn't as good as the recording, but maybe they were just nervous.  They look like babies.  I love the orchestration.  It sounds like an actual band and not a frontman telling the rest how and what to play.

7.  Admiral Fallow - Beetle In The Box

That's 2 months in a row for newcomers Admiral Fallow.  Beautiful harmonies and a classic repetitive bass line.  Gotta love it.

8.  Birkwin Jersey - Her Favourite Song

MMmmmm.  A great message coupled with acoustic electronics.

"If I was to wake up tomorrow morning and decide that I really want to write about love, my first poem would be about you."

9.  King Charles - The Brightest Lights

Take a good look at that guy.  I'm amazed he can take himself seriously long enough for others to.  Still, he makes great music.  I think he has potential to be the next fun.  I'm going to have to buy this album.  Sing along with this one! 

10.  Clock Opera - Move To The Mountains

I'm not impressed with this band's name one bit.  But they make catchy piano rock.  The piano part is imaginative, the vocals are nice, and the lyrics resonate. Let's move to the mountains!

11.  Jukebox The Ghost - Adulthood

More piano rock.  This band was an honorable mention back in 2010.  Here they come back a bit stronger and I've noticed them getting some actual attention from some publications.  It's only a matter of time before they get the theme song of some new sitcom and take off.

12.  The Deadly Syndrome - Spirit Of The Stairs

Back to some deep bass.  Just a solid song all-around.  Everything fits.

13.  Beat Connection - The Palace Garden, 4am

This is the second song up for "Song of the Summer" nominations.  Sexy, summery, and singable.

"You glimmer in the light, grooving to the rhythm of a summer night."

14.  Boxed Wine - Summer Wine

Every summer mix needs that pseudo punk track.  Here you go, surfers.  This is for you. 

15.  Jinja Safari - Toothless Grin

Syncopated, sweet, rhythmic.  All nice things going on in this song.  It's a very unique sound.

16.  Alex Winston - Locomotive

With one of the most interesting voices on the market today, you either like it or you don't.  For me, Alex has always been just a little too different.  This song is pretty straightforward and showcases her ability to belt out a hit.

17.  Haim - Forever

LA sisters put together sultry and confident tunes.  There's some great musicality here.

18.  The Shins - Bait And Switch

They may look old, but the sound is still young and fresh.  I wasn't too impressed with the first single, even though it was good enough to appear on the February mix.  This song is a much better groovin' song.

19.  Late Cambrian - Song 11

I've heard this song before, but I'm not sure where or when...

20.  Father John Misty - I'm Writing A Novel

Apparently, the former drummer for Fleet Foxes has an alter ego and it's a little insane.  I kinda hope to turn into this man in a decade or so.  It's getting a lot of college airplay now.  Enjoy this amped-up live version.

21.  Avalanche City  - Sunset

Oh, this song can melt away any rainclouds or cases of Mondays.  Romantic, cheesy, and lovely.  Shut up and enjoy it.

22.  Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros - Man On Fire

This is the best chance Eddie and his crew has of replicating 'Home.'  It's got a good message and people can definitely sing and dance with this fun man and his band.

23.  Gregory And The Hawk - Sleeping States

Gosh she has a nice voice.  That's all.

Well, I hope you enjoy June.  Remember to listen on 8tracks (search for ZZIPA).  You can even download their mobile app and take the playlist anywhere!

Just a heads up.  I am moving to Wisconsin at the beginning of August, so the playlist may be interrupted for a bit.  I've got a lot to do.

You've Changed....For the Better?

So, while touring around Anchorage I've been rocking out to trashy pop music.  I'll admit it isn't normally my bag, but there's just something about the windows down, sunglasses on, and that perfect song on the radio.

Except in Anchorage it's more like driving with the heat on, wipers going, and twisting through channels trying not to hear Flo Rida anymore. 

Speaking of Flo Rida, his summer hit, "Wild One," has been blowing up everyone's radio.  You can recognize it from it's introductory chorus by a wonderful woman's voice singing, "Hey! I heard you were a wild one.  OOOOoOoooOOoo..." and so on.

At first I thought, "Oh great, another Rihanna duet.  Super."  But after the dozenth time hearing that song, the DJ finally told me who was singing it:  Flo Rida and..... Sia!

My jaw dropped!  You see, I OWN a Sia album.  Nick and I used to play her debut CD on the radio!  Check out these two hits:

The Girl You Lost to Cocaine

Little Black Sandals

Look at how weird she is!  Did you watch those videos?!  This girl has a unique voice, immense creativity, and the bangs to match!  I still play "The Girl You Lost to Cocaine" when I have company.  In fact, it was one of my first Pandora stations.  

Anyway, back in December of 2009, Sia made her ZZIPA debut (those first two songs were before the advent of the Playlist) with this dancy little number:

You've changed, Sia...you've changed...

And then followed it up with these slick videos:

Tommie declares this to be possibly her favoritest music video of all time.

Take a look at that.  Look!  That's a future hip-hop it-grrl.

And now she's rubbing elbows with Flo Rida and appearing on David Guetta tracks.  I mean, I get it.  She has a unique voice and what appears to be a creative approach to music/life.  But, come on.  

Maybe she's just realizing that John Mayer did it right.  You gotta make yourself some trashy music BEFORE you make what's in your heart.  Oh well.  Sia is the girl we lost to cocaine.