Sunday, September 30, 2012
And Here They Come, the People From the Bible
Another strong mix from my friend. Back in the day we were all about industrial music. I don't think it mattered much who or what it was as long as it was aggressive and weird. Oh, and it had to say "Wax Trax." This isn't all industrial, and he's even got a great Nite Jewel tune on here to go along with some Harmonia & Eno and Faust.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Maybe Tomorrow
A new mix my friend from the U.S. sent over. He wrote and told me he found this great site Vinyl Obscurity and ended up putting on several songs from there. He'd wondered if I'd heard of it and, year, of course I knew it was a great site. I usually download 30-40% of what goes up on VO, so luckily there was plenty I hadn't heard. I liked The October Group and Graphic Shadows so much I went back and located those.
Incidentally, this photo looks like a beach with a factory towering over it. The umbrellas remind me a little of Haundae Beach in Busan, but the factory shadowing it reminds me of Il-kwang Beach, which is about 20 minutes north. Hard to find much of anything in English, but here's a photo. There's a large nuclear reactor there, right next to the beach.
Incidentally, this photo looks like a beach with a factory towering over it. The umbrellas remind me a little of Haundae Beach in Busan, but the factory shadowing it reminds me of Il-kwang Beach, which is about 20 minutes north. Hard to find much of anything in English, but here's a photo. There's a large nuclear reactor there, right next to the beach.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Summer Rockin'
Been thinking of doing an Yacht Rock mix for awhile, largely inspired by the site Hard Rock/AOR Heaven, off of which I've found a few gems that are included here and other places. The great thing about this recent wave of obscure file blogs (there must be a better name) is that all genres are fair game, so it stood to reason that there'd be some great Yacht/AOR/West Coast/Soft Rock jams out there to be found.
Angeles -- Prologue
As soon as I heard this I knew it was going to lead this mix. This album was actually made, as I understand it, by a Japanese guy who came over to the U.S. and hired a bunch of his favorite AOR/West Coast studio musicians and vocalists to put music to songs he wrote. That's such a Japanese thing to do.
The President -- Turn Me On
A two man Dutch band checks in with a classic sounding track that reminds me a little of Toto. This is off a Japan only re-release. Notice a trend here?
Fair Warning -- She Don't Know Me
This album really grew on me. Fantastic songwriting all the way through and when it came time to select a song off it I was torn between four before I finally decided it was ok to include two. Interesting snippit from the post:
Nielsen/Pearson -- If You Should Sail
Assumed this was somehow related to Harry Nilsson, but actually N&P were a duo during the 80s that made it to #38 with this song. Shades of Michael McDonald on the backup...have to assume that's Pearson. Songs about boats on the sea...how Yacht Rock can you get?
Glen Frey -- The One You Love
I know I've heard this sax line a number of times, but not sure if it's as a sample or if I just know this song. The backbeat is actually quite slick. I listened to this song on repeat about 20 times.
Jumpstreet -- Someone Else is On Your Mind
Included these guys on my last mix. Nice Steely Dan vibe, and, as much as I like S.D. I have to say the quality of this album does rival some of Fagan and Becker's lesser moments, which ain't bad.
Steely Dan -- Bad Sneakers
One of my favorite songs period. Seemed like a good way to follow up the previous song. Used to listen to this again and again while walking around NYC. Reminds me of my old boss Bernard, who was put in jail for hiring a kid to kill his ex-wife.
James Taylor and J.D. Souther -- Her Town Too
Smooooth song. Really nice combo here. Some goofy lyric meaning speculation here.
Lulu -- I Could Never Miss You
Scottish woman. This track comes off of Vol. 14 of a comp on the blog AOR/Night Drive. I'm not sure where the recording comes from, but there's some canned audience applause at the start. I was thinking of trying to edit it out, but it grew on me. If it's a live version it's very good.
The Beach Boys -- Match Point of Our Love
The one song credited solely to Brian Wilson off the M.I.U. album, released in the late 70s. Not exactly "soft rock," but the album, which is typically rated as the group's worst among it's "credible" work, is filled with mainstream late 70s production, so it fits here and fits well in my opinion.
Fair Warning -- Night and Day
Another terrific song off this album. Has a beachy mai tai kind of feel to it.
Stephen Bishop -- It Might Be You
Theme from Tootsie. Fairly underrated song in my opinion. Entirely schmaltzy, but in an affecting way.
Angeles -- Sayonara
The one overtly Japanese theme on this album. Not a great collection of songs actually, but the two tracks seemed to bookend things nicely.
Angeles -- Prologue
As soon as I heard this I knew it was going to lead this mix. This album was actually made, as I understand it, by a Japanese guy who came over to the U.S. and hired a bunch of his favorite AOR/West Coast studio musicians and vocalists to put music to songs he wrote. That's such a Japanese thing to do.
The President -- Turn Me On
A two man Dutch band checks in with a classic sounding track that reminds me a little of Toto. This is off a Japan only re-release. Notice a trend here?
Fair Warning -- She Don't Know Me
This album really grew on me. Fantastic songwriting all the way through and when it came time to select a song off it I was torn between four before I finally decided it was ok to include two. Interesting snippit from the post:
"Fair Warning" included a potential hit single penned by Avsec titled "She Don't Know Me". However, an upcoming band from New Jersey called Bon Jovi were recording their first album for Mercury Records at this time and needed a strong debut single, so "She Don't Know Me" was selected for them. This label executive move ruined the chances of the song being pushed as a single for Fair Warning.Just goes to show what a fine line there is between coke-snorting, babes-to-burn success and utter back-in-the-cubicle-you-go failure.
Nielsen/Pearson -- If You Should Sail
Assumed this was somehow related to Harry Nilsson, but actually N&P were a duo during the 80s that made it to #38 with this song. Shades of Michael McDonald on the backup...have to assume that's Pearson. Songs about boats on the sea...how Yacht Rock can you get?
Glen Frey -- The One You Love
I know I've heard this sax line a number of times, but not sure if it's as a sample or if I just know this song. The backbeat is actually quite slick. I listened to this song on repeat about 20 times.
Jumpstreet -- Someone Else is On Your Mind
Included these guys on my last mix. Nice Steely Dan vibe, and, as much as I like S.D. I have to say the quality of this album does rival some of Fagan and Becker's lesser moments, which ain't bad.
Steely Dan -- Bad Sneakers
One of my favorite songs period. Seemed like a good way to follow up the previous song. Used to listen to this again and again while walking around NYC. Reminds me of my old boss Bernard, who was put in jail for hiring a kid to kill his ex-wife.
James Taylor and J.D. Souther -- Her Town Too
Smooooth song. Really nice combo here. Some goofy lyric meaning speculation here.
Lulu -- I Could Never Miss You
Scottish woman. This track comes off of Vol. 14 of a comp on the blog AOR/Night Drive. I'm not sure where the recording comes from, but there's some canned audience applause at the start. I was thinking of trying to edit it out, but it grew on me. If it's a live version it's very good.
The Beach Boys -- Match Point of Our Love
The one song credited solely to Brian Wilson off the M.I.U. album, released in the late 70s. Not exactly "soft rock," but the album, which is typically rated as the group's worst among it's "credible" work, is filled with mainstream late 70s production, so it fits here and fits well in my opinion.
Fair Warning -- Night and Day
Another terrific song off this album. Has a beachy mai tai kind of feel to it.
Stephen Bishop -- It Might Be You
Theme from Tootsie. Fairly underrated song in my opinion. Entirely schmaltzy, but in an affecting way.
Angeles -- Sayonara
The one overtly Japanese theme on this album. Not a great collection of songs actually, but the two tracks seemed to bookend things nicely.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Moose 3EPs
When I was in high school my friend and I would get somewhat competitive about music, unfortunately. When one of us discovered a band for the first time and championed it, the other had no choice but to either bow to the other's prowess at discovering bands nobody knew about, or reject it, therefore validating our own ability. To this day I still wonder if this has something to do with me never having gotten into Joy Division.
But Moose's Jack EP transcended our little game. My friend and I were both dying to hear it, having read about it in Melody Maker, but somehow he got it first. Undeniably, it fucking ruled. Band name, artwork, and the tunes...it was the total package, and it arguably got better on the Cool Breeze EP before finally stumbling a little on Reprise.
Moose ended up going in a very different direction for the duration of it's career (four albums), but that music was often quite wonderful, and sadly, completely overlooked. However, that music never had the edge, and really, sex appeal if I may say, of the first 2 1/4 EPs. Go get Moose's 3 EPs here.
But Moose's Jack EP transcended our little game. My friend and I were both dying to hear it, having read about it in Melody Maker, but somehow he got it first. Undeniably, it fucking ruled. Band name, artwork, and the tunes...it was the total package, and it arguably got better on the Cool Breeze EP before finally stumbling a little on Reprise.
Moose ended up going in a very different direction for the duration of it's career (four albums), but that music was often quite wonderful, and sadly, completely overlooked. However, that music never had the edge, and really, sex appeal if I may say, of the first 2 1/4 EPs. Go get Moose's 3 EPs here.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Chris & Cosey Comp
Around the same time I did the Felt comp below my friend did this Chris & Cosey mix. As was the case with Felt for him, Chris & Cosey was something I was always aware of, but for whatever reason, never fully investigated. This did the trick.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
On the Bus Ride Home From Great America
Wymond Miles -- Pale Moon
Kinda the only song on the album, but I like the Echo vibe.
Dream Syndicate -- Tell Me When it's Over
One of those bands I wrote off as a kid and never picked up again...surely because I didn't like the cover or name or whatever. Origins are from Davis, where I went to school, so it's too bad I didn't give it more of a chance at the time. Better late than never. Good DL not found here here.
39 Clocks -- Heat of Violence
Two German herrs mixing Lou Reed and Wire and ending at the same place Pavement did 10 years before Pavement did. Yes please.
Sudden Sway -- Don't Go
Only discovered Sudden six or so months ago and have listened to the entire catalog off and on since then. Have wanted to do a full mix like the Felt comp, but then my iPhone was damaged and it set me back. Now I'm thinking of doing a Blur one, which should please absolutely no one who reads this site.
Cleaners From Venus -- Winter in the Country
Of the many sides of Cleaners From Venus this one sounds like Joe Jackson to me. What a great record this is.
Jumpstreet -- Just a Waste of Time
Obscure 80s AOR band from Minnesota. Part Steely Dan, part Mike and the Mechanics. The solo was why I couldn't resist putting it on here.
Work of Fiction -- Hard to Find
Clambake -- Waste of Time
Two from an essential blogcomp from one of my go to sources. Work of Fiction is a fantastic 80s synth OMD/Depeche Mode lost classic, whereas Clambake is a Skinny Puppy redo. Funny to think of a group of guys coming up with the name Clambake. Bet they thought they were pretty hard back then. Are probably tax accountants with families now, but that's ok.
The Wake -- Melancholy Man
Another band I kind of missed on when I was heavy into this sort of music, but glad I'm taking the time to listen now.
DIIV -- Doused
Have to think these guys are influenced by most of my favorite bands. Well, except The Wake, who I was late on. See above. Will consider going to see these guys if they make it to Japan.
FZ13 -- Like a Chain
Punk/goth informed by Loop? Not sure. Sisters of Mercy for sure. Manhattan Beach, 1988. Wonder what that was like. Good for them for doing their thing. I bet highlights included playing some dingy clubs in LA and smoking a lot of weed.
MBV -- I Believe
Neat article in Grantland calling Loveless the greatest album of our time. I like people saying shit like that.
Lemonade -- Ice Water
One of my favorite albums this year. Reminds me of the 80s R&B I spent a lot of time listening to as a kid -- New Edition et al.
Caprice -- 100%
Some 80s R&B I didn't hear at the time, but is very good.
Marta Acuna -- Dance Dance Dance
Get up and dance please...don't say no.
Sonny & The Sunsets -- Pretend That You Love Me
I know this guy is from SF, and I always kind of hope the name is for the Sunset District. I can imagine stoner cowboys smoking a lot of cigs in the Sunset District and I really like that sort of vibe. To me, that's what San Francisco will always represent.
Beachwood Sparks -- Leave That Light On
Glad these guys are still capable of putting out a fantastic album. Sorry I passed around a rumor you were doing speed when you played at the record store I was working at.
Kinda the only song on the album, but I like the Echo vibe.
Dream Syndicate -- Tell Me When it's Over
One of those bands I wrote off as a kid and never picked up again...surely because I didn't like the cover or name or whatever. Origins are from Davis, where I went to school, so it's too bad I didn't give it more of a chance at the time. Better late than never. Good DL not found here here.
39 Clocks -- Heat of Violence
Two German herrs mixing Lou Reed and Wire and ending at the same place Pavement did 10 years before Pavement did. Yes please.
Sudden Sway -- Don't Go
Only discovered Sudden six or so months ago and have listened to the entire catalog off and on since then. Have wanted to do a full mix like the Felt comp, but then my iPhone was damaged and it set me back. Now I'm thinking of doing a Blur one, which should please absolutely no one who reads this site.
Cleaners From Venus -- Winter in the Country
Of the many sides of Cleaners From Venus this one sounds like Joe Jackson to me. What a great record this is.
Jumpstreet -- Just a Waste of Time
Obscure 80s AOR band from Minnesota. Part Steely Dan, part Mike and the Mechanics. The solo was why I couldn't resist putting it on here.
Work of Fiction -- Hard to Find
Clambake -- Waste of Time
Two from an essential blogcomp from one of my go to sources. Work of Fiction is a fantastic 80s synth OMD/Depeche Mode lost classic, whereas Clambake is a Skinny Puppy redo. Funny to think of a group of guys coming up with the name Clambake. Bet they thought they were pretty hard back then. Are probably tax accountants with families now, but that's ok.
The Wake -- Melancholy Man
Another band I kind of missed on when I was heavy into this sort of music, but glad I'm taking the time to listen now.
DIIV -- Doused
Have to think these guys are influenced by most of my favorite bands. Well, except The Wake, who I was late on. See above. Will consider going to see these guys if they make it to Japan.
FZ13 -- Like a Chain
Punk/goth informed by Loop? Not sure. Sisters of Mercy for sure. Manhattan Beach, 1988. Wonder what that was like. Good for them for doing their thing. I bet highlights included playing some dingy clubs in LA and smoking a lot of weed.
MBV -- I Believe
Neat article in Grantland calling Loveless the greatest album of our time. I like people saying shit like that.
Lemonade -- Ice Water
One of my favorite albums this year. Reminds me of the 80s R&B I spent a lot of time listening to as a kid -- New Edition et al.
Caprice -- 100%
Some 80s R&B I didn't hear at the time, but is very good.
Marta Acuna -- Dance Dance Dance
Get up and dance please...don't say no.
Sonny & The Sunsets -- Pretend That You Love Me
I know this guy is from SF, and I always kind of hope the name is for the Sunset District. I can imagine stoner cowboys smoking a lot of cigs in the Sunset District and I really like that sort of vibe. To me, that's what San Francisco will always represent.
Beachwood Sparks -- Leave That Light On
Glad these guys are still capable of putting out a fantastic album. Sorry I passed around a rumor you were doing speed when you played at the record store I was working at.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Wrote a Letter to Myself
1. SELA. -- Lucoutu
Somehow this song made me feel nostalgic the first time I heard it. From That's Deck. Going to guess this is a jazz sample with a few scratchy beats inserted behind it, but it's very soothing.
2. The Cuts -- Lemonade
I saw The Cuts sometime in the mid 2000s at a bar in El Cerito. I liked it at the time, but unfortunately never thought much about it until I ran into this song on a mix I can't seem to find now. The Cuts sound like three of my all time faves rolled into one -- Big Star, Television, and Love. Seem very overlooked to me.
3. Metro -- Flame
The all time most popular western rock band in Korea that isn't the Beatles? Queen, which I've never cared for. Blame it on Wayne's World. Yet, here's a band arriving at many of the name conclusions at the end of the 70s, and I like it quite a bit. There's more early 70s Bowie glam here, and a touch of soft rock.
4. TOPS -- Turn Your Love Around
5. The Price is Right Theme Slowed 800%
Something tells me DCookStaVideo on YouTube wasn't quite aware he was creating something so fantastic. Did you know Bob Barker is an official member of the Sioux tribe?
6. Part Time -- Visions of the Future
New 7" by the aforementioned....
7. КАРАОКЕ - Седая ночь
A random Russian karaoke video I ripped the music from. The video is very much like those that come up in Korean singing rooms, so this gives me a feeling of both nostalgia and something sleezy, though not really together.
8. Frankie Rose -- Know Me (Le Chev Mix)
Haven't seen this mix on many blogs I'd expect to, but it's got a nice and light springtime feel to it I think.
9. Clark Datchler -- Things Can't Get Any Worse
I'm not big on laughin' at 80s shit, but don't miss the cover on this one. Looks like he pulled up a carpet and made a suit out of it. The lyrics in this "pop" song are so misguided...things bounce along the order of having a bad day "when your life is on the way down/Monday mornings every night/," but then starts throwing out lines about suicide. Heard later this guy is from Johnny Hates Jazz.
10. Vicious Pink -- Take Me Now
Another funny cover. I like to imagine the woman singing it to the little guy.
11. Mac Demarco -- Me and Jon Hanging On
Around the time I got this Demarco EP I met up with my friend Jon in Incheon for a night. He and I seem to be going down different roads in life, and sometimes I worry we won't make it to the other side as buds. But after hanging in Incheon I was reminded of what a great friend he is. Hanging on.
12. David Westlake -- Talk Like That
One of the few Creation Records I never came into contact during my life. Former lead singer of The Servants . Very good EP.
13. The Bongos -- Zebra Club
I keep reading The Bongos were popular on MTV when it first launched. Seems hard to believe in listening to this, but MTV is very different now. Plus my family lived in the country and didn't get MTV until it had been out several years.
14.The Passage -- Drug Face
A recent find I'm sticking on at the last second because I wanted something a little jarring toward the end.
15. Crawl Away Machine -- Maps of Asia Good tune that reminds me a little of bands like The Alarm, who were very popular in my neck of the woods in the 80s. It's also fitting because I live in Asia.
16. C.B. Victoria -- Dawning Day Actually had to rip this from YouTube because I had trouble finding it anywhere. It's sentimental, quite soft rock, and also...very Canadian.
Somehow this song made me feel nostalgic the first time I heard it. From That's Deck. Going to guess this is a jazz sample with a few scratchy beats inserted behind it, but it's very soothing.
2. The Cuts -- Lemonade
I saw The Cuts sometime in the mid 2000s at a bar in El Cerito. I liked it at the time, but unfortunately never thought much about it until I ran into this song on a mix I can't seem to find now. The Cuts sound like three of my all time faves rolled into one -- Big Star, Television, and Love. Seem very overlooked to me.
3. Metro -- Flame
The all time most popular western rock band in Korea that isn't the Beatles? Queen, which I've never cared for. Blame it on Wayne's World. Yet, here's a band arriving at many of the name conclusions at the end of the 70s, and I like it quite a bit. There's more early 70s Bowie glam here, and a touch of soft rock.
4. TOPS -- Turn Your Love Around
5. The Price is Right Theme Slowed 800%
Something tells me DCookStaVideo on YouTube wasn't quite aware he was creating something so fantastic. Did you know Bob Barker is an official member of the Sioux tribe?
6. Part Time -- Visions of the Future
New 7" by the aforementioned....
7. КАРАОКЕ - Седая ночь
A random Russian karaoke video I ripped the music from. The video is very much like those that come up in Korean singing rooms, so this gives me a feeling of both nostalgia and something sleezy, though not really together.
8. Frankie Rose -- Know Me (Le Chev Mix)
Haven't seen this mix on many blogs I'd expect to, but it's got a nice and light springtime feel to it I think.
9. Clark Datchler -- Things Can't Get Any Worse
I'm not big on laughin' at 80s shit, but don't miss the cover on this one. Looks like he pulled up a carpet and made a suit out of it. The lyrics in this "pop" song are so misguided...things bounce along the order of having a bad day "when your life is on the way down/Monday mornings every night/," but then starts throwing out lines about suicide. Heard later this guy is from Johnny Hates Jazz.
10. Vicious Pink -- Take Me Now
Another funny cover. I like to imagine the woman singing it to the little guy.
11. Mac Demarco -- Me and Jon Hanging On
Around the time I got this Demarco EP I met up with my friend Jon in Incheon for a night. He and I seem to be going down different roads in life, and sometimes I worry we won't make it to the other side as buds. But after hanging in Incheon I was reminded of what a great friend he is. Hanging on.
12. David Westlake -- Talk Like That
One of the few Creation Records I never came into contact during my life. Former lead singer of The Servants . Very good EP.
13. The Bongos -- Zebra Club
I keep reading The Bongos were popular on MTV when it first launched. Seems hard to believe in listening to this, but MTV is very different now. Plus my family lived in the country and didn't get MTV until it had been out several years.
14.The Passage -- Drug Face
A recent find I'm sticking on at the last second because I wanted something a little jarring toward the end.
15. Crawl Away Machine -- Maps of Asia Good tune that reminds me a little of bands like The Alarm, who were very popular in my neck of the woods in the 80s. It's also fitting because I live in Asia.
16. C.B. Victoria -- Dawning Day Actually had to rip this from YouTube because I had trouble finding it anywhere. It's sentimental, quite soft rock, and also...very Canadian.
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