2015 Mixtape

fig. 1 Beach Slang

I am a complete and total sucker for year end lists - have been as long as I can remember - and I love comparing my own rankings to those of the digital/print media world.  But this annual exercise is making a number of things clear to me: 1.) I know absolutely nothing about new hip-hop/rap (or pop or EDM); 2.) My lists continue rely heavily on bands and artists I have listened to for decades (see Sleater-Kinney and Mac McCaughan below); 3.) I listen to relatively little new music in relation to the volume released; and 4.) If your musical hero is also Paul Westerberg, chances are good that we will get along (see Beach Slang below).

So here's another mix for 2015.  Not necessary the best songs of the year, but those that I keep coming back to.  Cheers.

Despite The Mix Vol. 16 - WDC Version

fig. 1 The Shirks

 

 fig. 2 Chisel

 fig. 3 Jawbox

 fig. 4 The Make-Up

 

fig. 5 Title Tracks

 fig. 6 The Most Secret Method

fig. 7 The Paranoid Style

We're getting ready to move from DC this summer and as I am inclined to wax nostalgic I've put together a little mix of homegrown favorites. Cheers.

2014 Mixtape

fig. 1 Priests

I'm stealing from the boys over at Sound Opinions and making a mix tape instead of a Best Of list.

1.  Braid - East End Hollows
The sound of a emo band creeping up on 40 (in a good way).

2.  Wussy - Teenage Wasteland

3.  Angel Olsen - Forgiven/Forgotten

4.  Sharon Van Etten - Taking Chances
Wow, this part of the mix is a tad depressing.

5.  The New Pornographers - War on the East Coast

6.  Priests - New (fig. 1)
Katie Alice Greer is at the same time the most unnerving and captivating performer I saw all year. 

7.  Alvvays - Archie, Marry Me

8.  J. Robbins - Abandoned Mansions
This is a new song from an acoustic album J. recorded that otherwise contains Jawbox, Burning Airlines and Office of Future Plans songs. I heard the full band version a few weeks back with Office of Future Plans and let's just say it translates well. Not on Spotify so listen here.

9.  Phantogram - Fall in Love

10. Bob Mould - Hey Mr. Grey
Unapologetically 1992 - the sound of getting old (in a good and self aware way) 

11. CANCERS - Be Cool 
Speaking of 1992...Also not on Spotify, mp3 here.

12.  Ex Hex - New Kid
My favorite song from my favorite album of the year.

13.  Cymbals Eat Guitars - Warning
Joe D'Agostino describes his best friend looking like David Bowie on Soul Train in the first verse - brilliant.

14.  Cloud Nothings - I'm Not Part Of Me
Is this the best song of the year? Probably.

15.  Protomartyr - Come & See (mp3)

16.  Haley Bonar - Last War