Monday Mixtape, Vol. 145

October 07, 2019 by David in Music

I’m watching the Nats game, and we just blew the lead in the 6th and are now down 5-2 :(

We need some good music to turn that frown upside down!

There are two sides to this week’s mixtape: Side 1 consists of recent rap tracks I’ve been diggin’, including two tracks from Danny Brown’’ new album, uknowwhatimsayin’?, one, “Dirty Laundry,” is produced by the inimitable Q-Tip and the other has Q-Tip rapping on, so this is all win win. Danny Brown is not for everyone, but I was actually just listening to Beastie Boys, and he reminds me a bit of Mike D, no one really sounds like that voice, some may find annoying, but I think his production and songs are interesting. So that’s that.

On Side 1 is also the rapper with the worst name out there, DaBaby. I mean, really? But he just released a new album, and I am enjoying it. Couple of my fave tracks from his album join this mixtape.

Wait…now it’s 7-2. ;(

Side 2 starts with a jam from Pond, that band I really like from Australia (who is not Tame Impala…and not Silverchair), and then two tracks to mellow you out. The first is from Clairo, whose debut album I keep coming back to listen to. I’m not sure what it is about her music and voice, but it’s bringing me back months and months after it’s release. This is the last track on her album, a beautiful ending to a beautiful album.

And finally to end the mixtape, a live track from Jim James and company. Enjoy!

Monday Mixtape Vol. 60

October 24, 2016 by David in Music

Sadly, another short post from me - I just got back from Cabo and have to get back on a flight to Dallas in 10 hours, so time is limited tonight!

Anyways, in the near future I'd like to post something about Bon Iver's new album since I saw him at The Fox in Oakland recently. It was just one of THOSE concerts. One I will remember for a very long time because it really showcased his brilliance beyond even my lofty expectations. His reinterpretations of songs from albums are crazily complicated and stunning to hear live because some are such huge deviations from the originals. Others have slight changes that are memorable. He even reinterpreted his new songs!

I started watching a ton of live Bon Iver videos thereafter to see any more of Justin Vernon's patented falsetto. I'll get to those in another post.

In the meantime, please enjoy my favorite hilarious song of the year, "Shoes Off," a song about taking shoes off at various airports. Heems - from Das Racist - is one part of this wacky duo along with another British rapper, Riz MC, propel the floozy beat and flow in style. Just love blasting this song. I also included my favorite Das Racist song as well because it's another ridiculous beat and song.

Pond is an offshoot of some members from Tame Impala - mainly their drummer, Jay Watson. I loved their last album and this song gives me some serious hope for their upcoming one.

G Perico is an up and coming West Coast rapper bringing back that 90s G-Funk type of sound, reminiscent of Dre's debut he Chronic.

Amber Coffman was in the Dirty Projectors and made this dreamy solo track which provides some anticipation for what she has in store for her solo album. Should be good!

I'll get back to the new Bon Iver album soon and some really really cool live performances by him. If he is ANYWHERE near you, GO SEE HIM!

Top 25 Albums of 2015

December 24, 2015 by David in Music

Albums make music permanent. Albums are the story to the chapters, the theme of so many thoughts. Albums are what make songs something more.

This year has provided so many albums - to the tune of 1,457 artists, 6,426 songs, and 100 thousand minutes of music that I’ve listened. And I listened to and loved nothing more than Tame Impala’s Currents.

As I wrote in my album review, Currents is a wonderfully freeing musical expression and acknowledgement of adaptation for the sake of Parker and no others. One of the coolest things I noted was that Currents is so different than its two top notch predecessors, yet it eclipses both.

"Yes, I'm changing," Kevin Parker sweetly serenades the critics, haters, and trolls, "Yes, I'm gone / Yes, I'm older / Yes, I'm moving on / And if you don't think it's a crime / you can come along with me / Life is moving / can't you see?"

My love for Natalie Prass is evident if you read this blog. It all started because of her debut album. I did not write a review, I just enjoyed the many, many instruments and Prass' vocals delicately absorbing the wind and strings to harmonize above it all.

It’s been the best year in rap in many many years. Six rappers made it onto my list, and three of them - Drake, Lupe Fiasco, Kendrick Lamar - in the top six! Each album was completely different.

Singles - Pond - Elvis' Flaming Star

February 20, 2015 by David in Music

Early front runner for song title of the year. Just so great. If you had to imagine what this song sounded like just based on this title, what do you think it would sound like? Something far out and kinda nutty? YES, that's exactly how it sounds!

Pond's latest album is easily the zaniest and fun album I've heard this year. Even though the drummer from beloved Tame Impala, Jay Watson, is in the band, Pond is more MGMT than Tame Impala. They're further out than the psych-rock that Tame Impala plays, but there are some really great catchy elements underneath all the sounds coming in at warp speed. If you like this track, definitely check their new album out!