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.

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.