CUF MIX EXCHANGE VOL. 3!!!

[frank ryan]

Art I am not your mix person but I will make you one this weekend

My last request...probably. Hey if for whatever reason (too busy, the computer ate your mix, you find me too annoying, etc) my mixer isn't planning on doing a mix, just let Commando know and I'm cool with it. I promise. Believe me I understand when real life takes precedence over cyber life. But much like the conference alignment stuff, I would much rather know than keep wondering if today is the day Utah shoots BYU in the back and walks away I will get a message and link from Commando.

[MarkGrace]

I also haven't seen a mix yet. Art was kind enough to send me his, and I sent him a copy of the one I made.

[falafel]

My last request...probably. Hey if for whatever reason (too busy, the computer ate your mix, you find me too annoying, etc) my mixer isn't planning on doing a mix, just let Commando know and I'm cool with it. I promise. Believe me I understand when real life takes precedence over cyber life. But much like the conference alignment stuff, I would much rather know than keep wondering if today is the day Utah shoots BYU in the back and walks away I will get a message and link from Commando.

You can have a copy of the mix that was made for me. Its got some good stuff on it and I think you'd like it.

On a related note, I'm pretty close to being ready to review my mix. Only problem is I have NO IDEA what the theme is. I think it has a theme because it has a title that you wouldn't just throw on any old mix. At least I wouldn't think so. Anyway, mixmaker, if there is actually no theme, maybe you could relate it through Commando so I can get going on my review. Otherwise I may need a bunch more listens to try and figure it out.

[Art Vandelay]

Fala I would love to hear your mix (that sounds a little more homoerotic than I would prefer). Also thanks to the 3 others who have sent me links to theirs. Though I did have to change the name of one theme since I don't need it displaying on my radio when I drive with my kids

[Coach McGuirk]

let me know if anyone wants mine. I will send it through BM.

[Art Vandelay]

let me know if anyone wants mine. I will send it through BM.

I would like to hear it Coach, I know we like a lot of the same music.

[Commando]

Okay, lazy asses! Take a break from ruminating about the draft and the Pac 10 and get your mixes/reviews in!!

[falafel]

I was going to post my review tonight independent of Commando's demand, but now no one is going to believe me. Oh well, here it goes.

Track 1: No idea who this is. It sounds sort of like its been recorded in a concert hall b/c it has that high echo sound. At first that bugged me, but now I really like the song. Good intro.

Track 2: Arcade Fire. I would guess this song is called "Month of May," but I'm not sure. I first thought this was an Arcade Fire rip-off band b/c I didn't recongnize the song and I thought I had all of their stuff. But there's no doubt this is them, so I guess I don't have it all. Great song, sort of a retro feel to it. 2 for 2 so far.

Track 3: MGMT. I don't know the name of the song, although I have this disc. I only listened to the album once before I decided it was a big let down from their first one, so I didn't immediately recognize this song. Now I like this song quite a bit, although its still far below most of their first disc. This song is unique in that it goes through something like 4 or 5 transformations before its over. Interesting. 3 for 3.

Track 4: Beastie Boys, I think. I would guess this is call Boomin' Grannies. Funny/gross song. I don't have very many BB discs, and I certainly don't have this one. It must be very old. Best line: "Because I saw you at the check out line. You dropped your coupons, and you were looking fine." 4 for 4.

Track 5: No idea who this is, but I really like this song. Cool guitar work and vocals. I would listen to more of this band. My favorite part is where is where the singer switches from the smooth tone of his voice and starts yelling. Then the guitar breaks in. Sweet. 5 for 5. This can't last forever though.

Track 6: Another great track. No idea who it is. Very simple guitar riff. Grease in the p-p-p-pan! Second favorite song so far. 6 for 6.

Track 7: I first thought this track was a Smashing Pumpkins song. I have come to understand that this is a My Bloody Valentine song, and now its obvious that its not Billy Corgan singing. Regardless, this is the first "miss" for me. Its not a bad song, but I just can't get into it. The distortion is too great and there's not enough going on in the song to keep my interest, I guess. 6 for 7.

Track 8: Back on track. I feel like this could be Vampire Weekend, but I could be way off. The voice sounds very similar to me, although I don't hear any steel drums. Anyway, good song, but much too short. I would like another minute of it. I think he says "I want a nice clean fight" in the chorus, but its also possible that its "I want an ice cream pie." 7 for 8. I really like this song.

Track 9: Trent Resnor, or maybe NIN. At least I think it is. Nice tecno-ish song. I can't make out hardly any of the words, except "mother nature is a whore." 8 for 9.

Track 10: No idea who this is, but it sort of reminds me of Garbage. Although if I were guessing, I would probably guess Portishead. This songs feels like it should be part of a the sound track for later 90s b-movie about hackers. Not a bad song, but not one of my faves. I'll give it a miss. 8 for 10.

Track 11: Jack Black on vocals, although I've come to learn its a song by Andy Samberg's little group. This song has me constantly cracking up. "F&%kin' play something sax man!" lol 9 for 11.

Track 12: Modest Mouse, although I don't know the song. I generally like most Modest Mouse songs, even the ones that are a little off, including this one. I dig this song. 10 for 12.

Track 13: The Pixies. Great Salt Lake? Not sure of the track, but its obviously the Pixies. Another good song that I wish were longer. No real chorus though. Interesting pick for the mix. 11 for 13.

Track 14: Another song that I really enjoy. Top 3 or 4 for me. No idea who it is though, but I'm thinking its called Cannibal Queen. I like songs that I can sing/whistle throughout the day. This song works great for both. 12 for 14.

Track 15: Okay... This is Fleetwood Mac, Gypsy. This song has me totally confused. I'm not a fleetwood mac hater, but I'm not a huge fan either. I guess my main gripe is that it seems so out of place with the other songs that it always throws me for a loop and sort of disrupts my flow. For that reason I'm going to give it a miss. I usually skip this song just to keep the flow going. 12 for 15.

Track 16: Broken Bells, Vaporize. This song might as well be a Shins song, since I can't really hear any Danger Mouse influence anywhere. Either way, good song on a solid album. 13 for 16.

Track 17: Some song about a half breed (his words) dude who steals his parents credit cards. This song must be an earliesh 90s song. No idea who it is. Funny, although not my favorite. I'll give it a miss. 13 for 17.

Track 18: I imagine the singer of this song to be very androgenous looking. For a while I thought it was a chick singing. Either way, I like this song. Feels like another 90s type song. My favorite line comes at the beginning: "You say you don't want to be my girl, but will just be anyway?" lol. 14 for 18.

Track 19: This song is great, although I think its about a minute too long. This is such a throw back to the 80s that it might as well be a Thomas Dolby song. I don't think its an old song though, the melody feels to recent. Great song. 15 for 19.

Track 20: No idea who this is. Soft guitar strumming with acoustic plucking over it. The singer is almost whispering at times. Very relaxing, and a good end to the mix. Great melody. 16 for 20.

I thought this mix, which was entitled "Surgical Removal" must surely have some kind of theme, but I could not figure it out. The Fleetwood Mac song made me certain there was a specific theme, since I couldn't understand its inclusion otherwise. Looks like I was wrong. If I had to guess at the loose theme, it would just be that these songs are just sort of lifted out of their albums' context "surgically" and cobbled together like Frankenstein. I can't think of anything else.

My favorite track is probably Track 5. Least favorite is the Fleetwood Mac one.

I'm certain that Commando made this mix. The main clue is the Pixies track, as well as what I thought was the Pumpkins track (although that turned out to be a red herring). I also noticed that the mixmaker included several artists that I put on my first mix, which went to Commando, so I thought for sure he did his homework on what I liked. Well, turns out he didn't even remember my first mix. haha, oh well. So overall, Commando batted .800. Pretty damn good.

Thanks Commando!

[MarkGrace]

I was just wondering if anyone was going to start reviewing mixes. Also, I never got one.

[MarkGrace]

Track 3: MGMT. I don't know the name of the song, although I have this disc. I only listened to the album once before I decided it was a big let down from their first one, so I didn't immediately recognize this song. Now I like this song quite a bit, although its still far below most of their first disc. This song is unique in that it goes through something like 4 or 5 transformations before its over. Interesting. 3 for 3.

I've come to the conclusion that this a better album than their first.

[Donuthole]

I've come to the conclusion that this a better album than their first.

Ha! Suck it falafel. MG has spoken.

[MarkGrace]

Ha! Suck it falafel. MG has spoken.

Well, I wasn't trying to punk Falafel. It's less immediate than the first and lacks the great singles (and monster hooks), but I think it's more unified and consistent. The first album was a handful of great songs and some "meh" mixed in. I think I probably also like it because it touches on some retro stuff that I dig (like Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd space pop).

[Donuthole]

Life Can Be Painful

1. Chick with a super smooth voice and a guy with a really gruff voice to an acoustic guitar with some organ in the background. The organ gives off that funeral vibe. You know, the same deathly vibe you get when you’re waiting in the chapel of the temple, dreading the next 2 hours of your life. The contrast of voices makes for a nice sound. This song is sad. Heartbreak all over it. The first few times I listened to it I kept wanting them to harmonize, and was frustrated that they never do. Now, I’m glad they don’t, as I think it adds to the melancholy feel of the song. They’re just too damn depressed to harmonize.

2. The unmistakable tones of Ben Gibbard. He’s acoustic on this one. Almost sounds like a cover, but I’ve never heard the song before. It has quickly become a fave, though. This song fits my voice well. I’ve already learned it on the guitar.

3. This song has an upbeat feel. Reminds me a bit of James, but with bad harmony. Not my favorite, but it listens easy enough.

4. I recognize this group, but I can’t remember the name. A NYC band, I remember that much. This song is just rad. I’ve listened to it dozens of times. Maybe as many as 20. The story is eerie. Rich sorority girl secretly parties with the poor local kids (“Townies”) falls in love with one, and then lies on his behalf at trial. She doesn’t feel bad about lying, because the guy he killed was just a Townie. “When one townie falls in the forest, does anyone notice?” Before long, Daddy’s little girl is smoking crack and getting nailed against dumpsters. Musically, I love how the organ sounds. Very creepy. Reminiscent of a haunted house. Also, the constant repetition of the phrase “they didn’t seem that different” resonates throughout the song. Death, addiction, and pain don’t discriminate, no matter your socioeconomic status.

5. An acoustic song. Reminds me a little of Dashboard Confessional’s less mainstream stuff. “We’ll smoke this city to filter”. Anger and frustration emanate from this song.

6. This track is a bit forgettable. Bad punk. Lots of distortion and an overused riff. Lots of off pitch singing. Not my favorite track.

7. This song is all about the effects of getting plastered. Walks the listener through 4 nights of drinking. The guy actually sounds plastered as he sings it. Again, not really my style of song.

8. After two misses, we’re back on track. This is a great song. Acoustic folk in a minor key. Tells a story of corruption and disappointment.

9. An Irish (I’m guessing) folk song. Nice vocal harmonies. Not really my style of music, but I can appreciate it. I don’t skip it, if that means anything. But I never skip to it, either.

10. I like this song a lot. Really slow and methodical. Bluesy, yet spunky. The guy’s voice is really unique. Lots of sliding into notes. Lots of depression in the lyrics and tone. Good sound. The rhythm change mid-song is really catchy. I especially like the strings in the background as well as the marching drumbeat. I’d be curious to see what this group’s other songs sound like.

11. An easy-going punkish song with a strong message. All about PTSD for vets, aka “the war after the war”. I thought a lot about “The Hurt Locker” as I listened to this song. Good harmony. An easy listen. I feel like I should know this group.

12. Not gonna lie. I hate this song. The lyrics are forced. The vocals are annoying (well, he’s mostly talking, not singing). He references guatemala and sings in spanish, and I still can’t get into it. I think I only listened to it all the way through once or twice. Sorry.

13. A capella dude, with just an awesome, awesome voice. Deep, rich, rusty. The snare drum in the background is a nice touch. On its face, it’s about a sinking ship and a wayward captain, but I sense a political metaphor. Late in the song he sings some fairly notorious Bloodhound Gang lyrics. Yeah, those lyrics.

14. Lots of electric guitar strumming in this song. It would sound a lot better acoustic, IMO. Pretty simple chord progression, and unspectacular vocals. Almost has an old beach boys sound to it, only not nearly as catchy. Not my fave.

15. This song is one of my favorites on the mix, but not for the right reasons. It’s a cheesy 80's power ballad co-ed duet of some sort with impossibly bad lyrics, and even worse vocals by the male singer. It was stuck in my head for days. I kept singing it out loud as falafel and I were golfing. Seriously, this guy has no business being behind a mic.

16. But the mix ends on a solid note. This song is great. A simple country diddy that tells a terribly sad story. I can see this being the song in the background of a closing sequence of a sad season-finale of a tv drama. I am not a country music fan by any means, despite being raised on it. However, that’s because I hate how commercial and poppy it is. I grew up on Ledoux, Millsap, Jennings, etc, and this song resembles the pure side of country -western music In fact, this song has inspired me to make an effort to dig for some good, grassroots country.

Overall, I really liked this mix. I’ve listened to it a lot, and I’m looking forward to finding out who some of these bands and singers are. My guess is the mix was by frank ryan, as it arrived really quickly, and this seems like the type of the music he posts about. I still have another mix from him to review, but I can tell you, this was my favorite mix of the two. Thanks, frank!

[MarkGrace]

4. I recognize this group, but I can’t remember the name. A NYC band, I remember that much. This song is just rad. I’ve listened to it dozens of times. Maybe as many as 20. The story is eerie. Rich sorority girl secretly parties with the poor local kids (“Townies”) falls in love with one, and then lies on his behalf at trial. She doesn’t feel bad about lying, because the guy he killed was just a Townie. “When one townie falls in the forest, does anyone notice?” Before long, Daddy’s little girl is smoking crack and getting nailed against dumpsters. Musically, I love how the organ sounds. Very creepy. Reminiscent of a haunted house. Also, the constant repetition of the phrase “they didn’t seem that different” resonates throughout the song. Death, addiction, and pain don’t discriminate, no matter your socioeconomic status.

The Hold Steady. Unmistakable Craig Finn themes all over that one.

[MarkGrace]

The Hold Steady. Unmistakable Craig Finn themes all over that one.

Also, I'm pretty sure it's inspired by the awesome Peter Yates film Breaking Away.