RAUL'S FINITE PLAYLIST: NOVEMBER 2011
I actually got my playlist together very early this month, yet I dawdled in posting it. It's a great playlist, if I say so myself. It opens with the latest rousing song from Florence and the Machine. Florence is proof that it isn't what you say that matters but how you say it. The lyrics in "Shake It Out" are a bit clunky but Florence's full-throated singing glosses that over and delivers the inspiration.
The next two songs are a look at being young. The first, "We Are Young" by Fun. featuring Janelle Monae, is in the present tense, while "When I Was Young" by Nada Surf is in the past. I like the contrast between the two. One is exuberant while the other is bittersweet.
Alabama Shakes, Gary Clark, Jr., and the Black Keys deliver the bluesy heart of this playlist. I love these three songs and they are the ones that make me daydream that I'm a blues singer playing these mean guitar riffs.
Lana Del Rey is freaky to look at. Her lips must have their own zip code. Then there is the question of whether she's a manufactured indie act, but that really doesn't matter so much to me. A song like "Video Games" is immediately alluring, and I liked the song upon hearing without realizing that it was the Lana Del Rey I had read so much about. So, yeah, I impartially fell in love with the song.
Real Estate and Phantogram are probably going to get bigger in the next year. "Green Aisles" is my favorite song from Real Estate's album, "Days." Their sound is chill and relaxed but it's never boring. "Green Aisles" is simple but it's loaded with longing and wistfulness. It's gorgeous. Phantogram's "Don't Move" is just fun. I dare you to not move along with it.
Mayer Hawthorne is a purveyor of white soul, and the first time I heard "The Walk" I thought it was an old classic soul tune I had heard before. It's a great kiss-off song. Funny, fun, and feisty. I decided to follow up "The Walk" with a soul cult classic, Darondo's "Didn't I."
To close out the list, I threw in the FIeld's hypnotic "Then It's White." It may sound like a dull, repetitive song but there is a progression in it that makes it a mesmerizing listen.
Showing posts with label playlist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label playlist. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Raul's Finite Playlist: October 2011
LINK: Raul's Finite Playlist - October 2011
Two of the best movies I'll probably see this year are "Weekend" and "Drive," and both have excellent, evocative soundtracks, songs from which appear on this month's playlist. John Grant's "Marz" runs over the end credits of "Weekend," punctuating a heartbreaking romance with its melancholy piano melody. Similarly, "A Real Hero" by College featuring Electric Youth caps off the moody, stylish, and surprisingly tender action of "Drive." Its chorus pretty much sums up the development of the film's lead, the unnamed Driver, played brilliantlyl by Ryan Gosling, as he finds himself to be "a real human being and a real hero." I'm hoping "A Real Hero" is eligible for Oscar consideration because it deserves to win.
The rest of the October list leans towards the moody. Maybe I was just in that sort of mood this month. I decided to open the list with two of the more upbeat tracks, Mates of State's "Palomino" and Fool's Gold's "Wild Window." Mates of State are back with a strong album and "Palomino" is a slight departure from their sound. It sounds a little more ragged than we expect to hear from the Mates but it is still catchy, proving once again my theory that any song with a "woohoo" chorus can't go wrong. "Wild Windows" is also a burst of cheerful pop from a band I've just started listening to. Their album, "Leave No Trace," sounds a bit to me like a west coast version of Vampire Weekend, with hints of world music but less cheeky.
Speaking of Vampire Weekend, Rostam Batmanglij, the gay, Persian member of the group, has several side projects. As ROSTAM, he has unfurled a languourous, beguiling song called "Wood," which features Eastern musical influences. It's quite a soothing song, perfect for relaxing in the grass.
Soothing can also be used to describe Feist's music. Her new album just came out and it is excellent. It's more of the same from her, but it doesn't get old. I think the fact that she remains true to her aesthetic is admirable. There is no song as delightful as "1234" on "Metals" but each song is as lovely as anything Feist has done. I really had a hard time singling out a song to pick from the album, but I eventually settled on "Graveyard" if only for the chorus of kids (another you-can't-go-wrong-with pop trick).
I've been listening to a lot of "Morning Becomes Eclectic" ever since I started this new job, so it's no surprise that it has had quite an influence on my musical tastes as of late. Blind Pilot, Jessica Lea Mayfield, James Vincent McMorrow, and Grouplove are all heard frequently on the show. Blind Pilot has a sound that at first seems indistinguishable from other indie pop acts, but songs like "We are the Tide" have an understated charm that makes them stick. Jessica Lea Mayfield, too, fits an MBE mold, quirky, pretty vocals, carried throughout pretty songs. "Blue Skies Again" is a highlight from her album. Grouplove is a local band and as their name suggests there is a free love vibe to them. They are apparently a good live band and their debut album is quite good. I eventually settled on "Tongue-Tied" to include in the list, but for a while I was going to go with "Naked Kids," but then even after that I thought of changing it to "Colours." In other words, they have a solid collection of songs. I've only heard "If I Had a Boat" from James Vincent McMorrow, so I can't comment on his full album, but I like this song. He's a soulful, singer-songwriter.
Fiona Apple hasn't really been heard from in a while, but I just got a Buddy Holly tribute album that features Fiona Apple's simple but perfect cover of Holly's "Everyday." I wonder if she's got anything new being cooked up?
To close out the list, I included two instrumental tracks from Andrew Bird from his score to the film "Norman." I haven't seen the film, but the soundtrack gets my thumbs up. Not only does it have Andrew Bird's music but it also has tracks from Chad VanGaalen and Wolf Parade. Bird is an excellent composer and I think he would do well scoring more films. His music, even without vocals, have tremendous emotionality that isn't that easy to pull off. The tracks I chose from the soundtrack are "The Bridge" and "Hospital."
Two of the best movies I'll probably see this year are "Weekend" and "Drive," and both have excellent, evocative soundtracks, songs from which appear on this month's playlist. John Grant's "Marz" runs over the end credits of "Weekend," punctuating a heartbreaking romance with its melancholy piano melody. Similarly, "A Real Hero" by College featuring Electric Youth caps off the moody, stylish, and surprisingly tender action of "Drive." Its chorus pretty much sums up the development of the film's lead, the unnamed Driver, played brilliantlyl by Ryan Gosling, as he finds himself to be "a real human being and a real hero." I'm hoping "A Real Hero" is eligible for Oscar consideration because it deserves to win.
The rest of the October list leans towards the moody. Maybe I was just in that sort of mood this month. I decided to open the list with two of the more upbeat tracks, Mates of State's "Palomino" and Fool's Gold's "Wild Window." Mates of State are back with a strong album and "Palomino" is a slight departure from their sound. It sounds a little more ragged than we expect to hear from the Mates but it is still catchy, proving once again my theory that any song with a "woohoo" chorus can't go wrong. "Wild Windows" is also a burst of cheerful pop from a band I've just started listening to. Their album, "Leave No Trace," sounds a bit to me like a west coast version of Vampire Weekend, with hints of world music but less cheeky.
Speaking of Vampire Weekend, Rostam Batmanglij, the gay, Persian member of the group, has several side projects. As ROSTAM, he has unfurled a languourous, beguiling song called "Wood," which features Eastern musical influences. It's quite a soothing song, perfect for relaxing in the grass.
Soothing can also be used to describe Feist's music. Her new album just came out and it is excellent. It's more of the same from her, but it doesn't get old. I think the fact that she remains true to her aesthetic is admirable. There is no song as delightful as "1234" on "Metals" but each song is as lovely as anything Feist has done. I really had a hard time singling out a song to pick from the album, but I eventually settled on "Graveyard" if only for the chorus of kids (another you-can't-go-wrong-with pop trick).
I've been listening to a lot of "Morning Becomes Eclectic" ever since I started this new job, so it's no surprise that it has had quite an influence on my musical tastes as of late. Blind Pilot, Jessica Lea Mayfield, James Vincent McMorrow, and Grouplove are all heard frequently on the show. Blind Pilot has a sound that at first seems indistinguishable from other indie pop acts, but songs like "We are the Tide" have an understated charm that makes them stick. Jessica Lea Mayfield, too, fits an MBE mold, quirky, pretty vocals, carried throughout pretty songs. "Blue Skies Again" is a highlight from her album. Grouplove is a local band and as their name suggests there is a free love vibe to them. They are apparently a good live band and their debut album is quite good. I eventually settled on "Tongue-Tied" to include in the list, but for a while I was going to go with "Naked Kids," but then even after that I thought of changing it to "Colours." In other words, they have a solid collection of songs. I've only heard "If I Had a Boat" from James Vincent McMorrow, so I can't comment on his full album, but I like this song. He's a soulful, singer-songwriter.
Fiona Apple hasn't really been heard from in a while, but I just got a Buddy Holly tribute album that features Fiona Apple's simple but perfect cover of Holly's "Everyday." I wonder if she's got anything new being cooked up?
To close out the list, I included two instrumental tracks from Andrew Bird from his score to the film "Norman." I haven't seen the film, but the soundtrack gets my thumbs up. Not only does it have Andrew Bird's music but it also has tracks from Chad VanGaalen and Wolf Parade. Bird is an excellent composer and I think he would do well scoring more films. His music, even without vocals, have tremendous emotionality that isn't that easy to pull off. The tracks I chose from the soundtrack are "The Bridge" and "Hospital."
Friday, September 30, 2011
Raul's Finite Playlist: September 2011
LINK: Raul's Finite Playlist: September 2011
September has sure flown. I feel like I say that every month, but it's true. Time flies!
For this month's playlist, I seem to have resorted to old favorites. The Antlers, Magnetic Fields, Active Child, and Sufjan Stevens are making return appearances on the playlist. If not for a little self-restraint a couple of these artists would be on the list every month. The Antlers show up again with "I Don't Want Love," another gorgeous track from their newest album, Burst Apart. The Magnetic Fields return with "Grand Canyon" from 69 Love Songs. It's one of several songs from that collection that just makes me sigh with its powerful simplicity as they convey the unbridgeable chasm that develops when love goes away. "But I'm just me, I'm only me," Stephin Merritt begs to heartbreaking effect.
Gorgeous in a different way, Active Child appears again on the list with "Hanging On," one of the highlights from You Are All I See. To top it off, I threw in an intimate epic from Sufjan Stevens, "All Delighted People" from the EP of the same name.
Now on to the virgins! Anna Calvi has a full-throated voice and "Desire" reminds me a little of Kate Bush, but that's true of other female artists of late. Influences are influences and musicians are full of them. Royal Bangs, for example, sound a little like Wolf Parade in "Dim Chamber," but I love Wolf Parade so I'm a happy camper.
Another new band is Motopony with their brief, jazzy "King of Diamonds." Wilco is back in fine form with The Whole Love and "Dawned on Me" is one of the standout tracks. Its gently cascading chorus is quite appealing. Also coming back strong is Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The one-time band-of-the-moment has receded to a lower profile, but it's good to hear them still making terrific songs like "Same Mistake. The Drums also show up on the list with their latest catchy song, the cheery "Book of Revelation," which isn't all that cheery of a topic.
To top it all off, I threw in a couple of cover tunes. I love covers. It's hard to believe that prior to this month I had not included a Bon Iver song, but now they show up with a pretty version of Peter Gabriel's "Come Talk to Me." The Shins contribute a peppy version of Squeeze's "Goodbye Girl."
Overall this month's list leans towards the melancholy. None of the songs are what I would consider depressing, but then again my scale is a little off. I'd say this month's list favors a wistful beauty rather than party anthems. Frankly, I'd rather be at a party playing Sufjan instead of one blasting out hip hop.
Until October… oh, crap, that's in a couple of days!
September has sure flown. I feel like I say that every month, but it's true. Time flies!
For this month's playlist, I seem to have resorted to old favorites. The Antlers, Magnetic Fields, Active Child, and Sufjan Stevens are making return appearances on the playlist. If not for a little self-restraint a couple of these artists would be on the list every month. The Antlers show up again with "I Don't Want Love," another gorgeous track from their newest album, Burst Apart. The Magnetic Fields return with "Grand Canyon" from 69 Love Songs. It's one of several songs from that collection that just makes me sigh with its powerful simplicity as they convey the unbridgeable chasm that develops when love goes away. "But I'm just me, I'm only me," Stephin Merritt begs to heartbreaking effect.
Gorgeous in a different way, Active Child appears again on the list with "Hanging On," one of the highlights from You Are All I See. To top it off, I threw in an intimate epic from Sufjan Stevens, "All Delighted People" from the EP of the same name.
Now on to the virgins! Anna Calvi has a full-throated voice and "Desire" reminds me a little of Kate Bush, but that's true of other female artists of late. Influences are influences and musicians are full of them. Royal Bangs, for example, sound a little like Wolf Parade in "Dim Chamber," but I love Wolf Parade so I'm a happy camper.
Another new band is Motopony with their brief, jazzy "King of Diamonds." Wilco is back in fine form with The Whole Love and "Dawned on Me" is one of the standout tracks. Its gently cascading chorus is quite appealing. Also coming back strong is Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The one-time band-of-the-moment has receded to a lower profile, but it's good to hear them still making terrific songs like "Same Mistake. The Drums also show up on the list with their latest catchy song, the cheery "Book of Revelation," which isn't all that cheery of a topic.
To top it all off, I threw in a couple of cover tunes. I love covers. It's hard to believe that prior to this month I had not included a Bon Iver song, but now they show up with a pretty version of Peter Gabriel's "Come Talk to Me." The Shins contribute a peppy version of Squeeze's "Goodbye Girl."
Overall this month's list leans towards the melancholy. None of the songs are what I would consider depressing, but then again my scale is a little off. I'd say this month's list favors a wistful beauty rather than party anthems. Frankly, I'd rather be at a party playing Sufjan instead of one blasting out hip hop.
Until October… oh, crap, that's in a couple of days!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Raul's Finite Playlist: August 2011
Raul's Finite Playlist: August 2011
There isn't an all-encompassing theme to my playlists apart from the fact that these are all songs I like and find myself listening to a lot during the month. Most of the songs are new releases or new finds, but there are also old favorites. This month a few of the songs are from acts I saw live. It was a rare month where I saw not one, not two, but three concerts--all within a week! I'm still recovering. Old 97's and Josh Ritter are longtime favorites of mine and they played a show at the Wiltern. "Nineteen" was the first song I recall hearing from Old 97's way back in the late 90's. That's actually a late intro to the band as they had released three albums prior to "Fight Songs," which were arguably their best work.
I first heard Josh Ritter performing a live set on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" in 2003. I fell in love with his poetic bent and rushed out to buy "Hello Starling." He has since released three consistently brilliant albums. That he hasn't broken through big time is a shame. He's an infectious performer. FJ noted at the Wiltern show that he exudes pure joy while performing, something that is strangely absent in a lot of bands/artists. "Change of Time" is from his most recent album, "So Runs the World Away," and can also be heard on an NFL Network commercial that has been airing recently.
I also won tickets to Death Cab for Cutie and Frightened Rabbits this month. I'm lucky, I guess. Both bands are--to describe them in one word--sincere, but not in the off-putting way. Both are too melodic and too talented to be denigrated for being sincere. They wear their hearts on their sleeves but also make beautiful, catchy music. "The Sound of Settling" is from "Transatlanticism," Death Cab's 2003 album, which they used to close out their set. Frightened Rabbits played an impressive opening set. Their songs all tend to soar, which makes for an uplifting and inspiring experience. They didn't perform "The Twist," but here it is anyway.
For new favorites, the list is led by the Belle Brigade's "Losers." The Belle Brigade is an extremely appealing brother-sister duo. Their free show at Pasadena's Levitt Pavilion was a delight in spite of the stomach virus Barbara Gruska was dealing with. Gardens & Villa opened for Generationals in July and impressed me with their sound. The flute figures prominently in their music but that's no mere gimmick. There's a free love vibe to their sound and in "Orange Blossom" it presents itself with a sexy-time groove and vaguely sexual and ridiculous sounding come-ons as "Think of me as a swarm of bees/Buzzing around your leaves/To pollenate means ecstasy." You get the idea?
Dirty Gold's "California Sunrise" is perfect California summertime listening. I don't know much about the band, but I'm definitely curious to hear more. Same goes for Ben Howard's "Old Pine," which seems to be about the joys of summertime camping with good friends.
The morning benders' terrific cover of the Strokes' "Last Night" is their contribution to the song-by-song tribute by Stereogum of the Strokes' seminal debut, "Is This It?". Owen Pallett contributes to the album titled "STROKED: A Tribute to 'Is This It'" along with other bands. It's a free download, so check it out on the Stereogum website.
I've had Seapony's album for a while now but haven't had the time to fuly listen to it, but then "What You See" came on while my iPod was on shuffle and I fell in love with it.
The playlist is rounded off by two old favorites, the Rapture and My Morning Jacket, who both have new albums. "How Deep Is Your Love" isn't vintage the Rapture but it is still undeniably catchy and "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)" is a beautful song about mortality as only My Morning Jacket can do.
Enjoy the playlist!
There isn't an all-encompassing theme to my playlists apart from the fact that these are all songs I like and find myself listening to a lot during the month. Most of the songs are new releases or new finds, but there are also old favorites. This month a few of the songs are from acts I saw live. It was a rare month where I saw not one, not two, but three concerts--all within a week! I'm still recovering. Old 97's and Josh Ritter are longtime favorites of mine and they played a show at the Wiltern. "Nineteen" was the first song I recall hearing from Old 97's way back in the late 90's. That's actually a late intro to the band as they had released three albums prior to "Fight Songs," which were arguably their best work.
I first heard Josh Ritter performing a live set on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" in 2003. I fell in love with his poetic bent and rushed out to buy "Hello Starling." He has since released three consistently brilliant albums. That he hasn't broken through big time is a shame. He's an infectious performer. FJ noted at the Wiltern show that he exudes pure joy while performing, something that is strangely absent in a lot of bands/artists. "Change of Time" is from his most recent album, "So Runs the World Away," and can also be heard on an NFL Network commercial that has been airing recently.
I also won tickets to Death Cab for Cutie and Frightened Rabbits this month. I'm lucky, I guess. Both bands are--to describe them in one word--sincere, but not in the off-putting way. Both are too melodic and too talented to be denigrated for being sincere. They wear their hearts on their sleeves but also make beautiful, catchy music. "The Sound of Settling" is from "Transatlanticism," Death Cab's 2003 album, which they used to close out their set. Frightened Rabbits played an impressive opening set. Their songs all tend to soar, which makes for an uplifting and inspiring experience. They didn't perform "The Twist," but here it is anyway.
For new favorites, the list is led by the Belle Brigade's "Losers." The Belle Brigade is an extremely appealing brother-sister duo. Their free show at Pasadena's Levitt Pavilion was a delight in spite of the stomach virus Barbara Gruska was dealing with. Gardens & Villa opened for Generationals in July and impressed me with their sound. The flute figures prominently in their music but that's no mere gimmick. There's a free love vibe to their sound and in "Orange Blossom" it presents itself with a sexy-time groove and vaguely sexual and ridiculous sounding come-ons as "Think of me as a swarm of bees/Buzzing around your leaves/To pollenate means ecstasy." You get the idea?
Dirty Gold's "California Sunrise" is perfect California summertime listening. I don't know much about the band, but I'm definitely curious to hear more. Same goes for Ben Howard's "Old Pine," which seems to be about the joys of summertime camping with good friends.
The morning benders' terrific cover of the Strokes' "Last Night" is their contribution to the song-by-song tribute by Stereogum of the Strokes' seminal debut, "Is This It?". Owen Pallett contributes to the album titled "STROKED: A Tribute to 'Is This It'" along with other bands. It's a free download, so check it out on the Stereogum website.
I've had Seapony's album for a while now but haven't had the time to fuly listen to it, but then "What You See" came on while my iPod was on shuffle and I fell in love with it.
The playlist is rounded off by two old favorites, the Rapture and My Morning Jacket, who both have new albums. "How Deep Is Your Love" isn't vintage the Rapture but it is still undeniably catchy and "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)" is a beautful song about mortality as only My Morning Jacket can do.
Enjoy the playlist!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Raul's Finite Playlist: May 2011
01 "You Are A Tourist - Death Cab for Cutie
02 "The Wilhelm Scream" - James Blake
03 "Changing" - The Airborne Toxic Event
04 "Goin' Home" - Dan Auerbach
05 "Hockey Teeth" - Bahamas
06 "Powa" - Tune-Yards
07 "No Names" - Mutual Benefit
08 "Movin' Away" - My Morning Jacket
09 "Steal Your Heart" - Augustana
10 "Just a Growin'" - Young Man
11 "Putting the Dog to Sleep" - The Antlers
12 "Peace on the Rise" - Chad VanGaalen
02 "The Wilhelm Scream" - James Blake
03 "Changing" - The Airborne Toxic Event
04 "Goin' Home" - Dan Auerbach
05 "Hockey Teeth" - Bahamas
06 "Powa" - Tune-Yards
07 "No Names" - Mutual Benefit
08 "Movin' Away" - My Morning Jacket
09 "Steal Your Heart" - Augustana
10 "Just a Growin'" - Young Man
11 "Putting the Dog to Sleep" - The Antlers
12 "Peace on the Rise" - Chad VanGaalen
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Raul's Finite Playlist: April 2011
01 "Good Day" - Tally Hall
02 "Sydney (I'll Come Running)" - Brett Dennen
03 "Down in the Valley" - The Head and the Heart
04 "Helplessness Blues" - Fleet Foxes
05 "Rewrite" - Paul Simon
06 "Everything, All at Once" - Correatown
07 "Home" - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
08 "ÜBerlin" - R.E.M.
09 "Tiny Man" - The Dears
10 "Civilian" - Wye Oak
11 "She's So High" - Tal Bachman
12 "Legend of a Cowgirl" - Imani Coppola
02 "Sydney (I'll Come Running)" - Brett Dennen
03 "Down in the Valley" - The Head and the Heart
04 "Helplessness Blues" - Fleet Foxes
05 "Rewrite" - Paul Simon
06 "Everything, All at Once" - Correatown
07 "Home" - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
08 "ÜBerlin" - R.E.M.
09 "Tiny Man" - The Dears
10 "Civilian" - Wye Oak
11 "She's So High" - Tal Bachman
12 "Legend of a Cowgirl" - Imani Coppola
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Raul's Finite Playlist: March 2011
01 "Rolling in the Deep (Adele Cover)" - John Legend
02 "You Are A Runner and I Am My Father's Son" - Wolf Parade
03 "The Cave" - Mumford & Sons
04 "Rum and Coca-Cola" - Wanda Jackson
05 "Get Some" - Lykke Li
06 "Dry the Rain" - The Beta Band
07 "L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N." - Noah and the Whale
08 "Open Arms" - Elbow
09 "Black Night" - The Dodos
10 "Singing in My Sleep" - Semisonic
11 "Right Hand Man" - Joan Osborne
12 "Someone Like You" - Adele
02 "You Are A Runner and I Am My Father's Son" - Wolf Parade
03 "The Cave" - Mumford & Sons
04 "Rum and Coca-Cola" - Wanda Jackson
05 "Get Some" - Lykke Li
06 "Dry the Rain" - The Beta Band
07 "L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N." - Noah and the Whale
08 "Open Arms" - Elbow
09 "Black Night" - The Dodos
10 "Singing in My Sleep" - Semisonic
11 "Right Hand Man" - Joan Osborne
12 "Someone Like You" - Adele
Monday, February 14, 2011
Raul's Finite Playlist: February 2011
01 "Pumped Up Kicks" - Foster the People
02 "The Power and the Glory" - White Lies
03 "Ringing in My Ear" - Adem
04 "Ruin My Day" - Jon Brion
05 "Unhappy Anniversary" - Loudon Wainwright III
(That's not Loudon in the video, though)
06 "So Many Ways" - Mates of State
07 "16 Days" - Whiskeytown
08 "Looking for a Girl" - Teddy Thompson
09 "Cupid" - Sam Cooke
10 "Poison & Wine" - The Civil Wars
11 "God Only Knows" - The Beach Boys
12 "Walking Far From Home" - Iron and Wine
02 "The Power and the Glory" - White Lies
03 "Ringing in My Ear" - Adem
04 "Ruin My Day" - Jon Brion
05 "Unhappy Anniversary" - Loudon Wainwright III
(That's not Loudon in the video, though)
06 "So Many Ways" - Mates of State
07 "16 Days" - Whiskeytown
08 "Looking for a Girl" - Teddy Thompson
09 "Cupid" - Sam Cooke
10 "Poison & Wine" - The Civil Wars
11 "God Only Knows" - The Beach Boys
12 "Walking Far From Home" - Iron and Wine
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Raul's Finite Playlist: January 2011
The theme of the month is "pretty."
01 "Lille" - Lisa Hannigan
02 "It's Been a Year" - Greg Laswell
03 "My Blue Tears" - Teddy Thompson
04 "Swim Until You Can't See Land" - Frightened Rabbit
05 "Made in the Dark" - Hot Chip
06 "Becoming a Jackal" - Villagers
07 "Piano Song" - Meiko
08 "Lay Your Head Down" - Keren Ann
09 "Stick With Me Baby" - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
10 "You and Me" - Penny and the Quarters
11 "The Trapeze Swinger" - Iron & Wine
01 "Lille" - Lisa Hannigan
02 "It's Been a Year" - Greg Laswell
03 "My Blue Tears" - Teddy Thompson
04 "Swim Until You Can't See Land" - Frightened Rabbit
05 "Made in the Dark" - Hot Chip
06 "Becoming a Jackal" - Villagers
07 "Piano Song" - Meiko
08 "Lay Your Head Down" - Keren Ann
09 "Stick With Me Baby" - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
10 "You and Me" - Penny and the Quarters
11 "The Trapeze Swinger" - Iron & Wine
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Raul's Finite Playlist: December 2010
It's the end of the year! I thought about compiling a ten-best albums list, but whenever I do it just feels arbitrary. Rather than do that, I decided to put together a long list representing individual songs and albums that I loved.
"Everlasting Light" - The Black Keys
A great way to start a terrific album.
"She Was a Vision" - Active Child
Lovely and haunting. It must be the harp.
"Crazy for You" - Best Coast
Fun, poppy, and totally sounds like the best coast.
"Terrible Love" - The National
My favorite song from what could be my favorite album of the year. They were also terrific the two times I saw them live this year. They keep getting better.
"Yulia" - Wolf Parade
Wolf Parade bounced back from a disappointing second album with a pretty good one in Expo 86. "Yulia" was the highlight.
"Hurricane J" - The Hold Steady
Another solid song from a solid band.
"Diplomat's Son" - Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend came back strong with their second album. Lots of great, catchy songs, but "Diplomat's Son" is tops.
"Barbra Streisand" - Duck Sauce
I don't like to dance, but this song makes me want to.
"Infinity Guitars" - Sleigh Bells
My kind of cheer squad.
"Power" - Kanye West
Everyone else has him on their list, why can't I?
"Round and Round" - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
Ariel Pink's lo-fi songs have a certain charm, but the studio sheen of this song really does bring out the best in Ariel Pink's sound.
"Trust" - Generationals
Generationals' LP Con Law came out in 2009, so I couldn't count them for 2010, but this song from their 2010 EP is equally as infectious as anything from the album. Their sound makes me happy.
"Better Times" - Beach House
A great song for meditative moments.
"You Are Not Alone" - Mavis Staples
It's hard to ever feel alone after hearing this beautiful song from Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy.
"I Can Change" - LCD Soundsystem
Another superb album from LCD Soundsystem that includes this heartfelt highlight.
"King of Spain" - The Tallest Man on Earth
This Dylan soundalike also captures Dylan's sly wit, and he's cheeky enough to even make a Dylan reference in the song.
"Christchurch Woman" - Justin Townes Earle
Justin Townes Earle delivers on the promise of his earlier albums. Harlem River Blues is terrific.
"Laredo" - Band of Horses
Band of Horses offer nothing particularly new or different from the roots rock sound they have mastered in their previous two albums, but when they consistently deliver catchy and indelible songs like "Laredo," it's difficult to fault them for doing something consistently well.
"Flare Gun" - Owen Pallett
Owen Pallett's songs sometimes feel partly developed. You sense a great idea in there that hasn't been completely developed. Heartland finds Pallett (giving up the Final Fantasy moniker) growing as a songwriter. He's still not transcendently good, but in his best moments--as in this song--you look forward to what's to come.
"The Suburbs" - Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire delivers another sweeping set of songs. Thanks, Canada!
"Animal Arithmetic" - Jonsi
This song makes me want to run as fast as I can. In fact, many of the songs on Jonsi's solo album will do that to you.
Age of Adz - Sufjan Stevens
Anyone who feels lost by Sufjan Stevens's new album need only start with this song to find their way. It's quintessential Sufjan--epic yet intimate--but with spacy, electronic flourishes. It's my favorite song of the year and the whole album dukes it out with The National for album of the year honors. Coincidentally, Sufjan and The National are artistic collaborators.
"Everlasting Light" - The Black Keys
A great way to start a terrific album.
"She Was a Vision" - Active Child
Lovely and haunting. It must be the harp.
"Crazy for You" - Best Coast
Fun, poppy, and totally sounds like the best coast.
"Terrible Love" - The National
My favorite song from what could be my favorite album of the year. They were also terrific the two times I saw them live this year. They keep getting better.
"Yulia" - Wolf Parade
Wolf Parade bounced back from a disappointing second album with a pretty good one in Expo 86. "Yulia" was the highlight.
"Hurricane J" - The Hold Steady
Another solid song from a solid band.
"Diplomat's Son" - Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend came back strong with their second album. Lots of great, catchy songs, but "Diplomat's Son" is tops.
"Barbra Streisand" - Duck Sauce
I don't like to dance, but this song makes me want to.
"Infinity Guitars" - Sleigh Bells
My kind of cheer squad.
"Power" - Kanye West
Everyone else has him on their list, why can't I?
"Round and Round" - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
Ariel Pink's lo-fi songs have a certain charm, but the studio sheen of this song really does bring out the best in Ariel Pink's sound.
"Trust" - Generationals
Generationals' LP Con Law came out in 2009, so I couldn't count them for 2010, but this song from their 2010 EP is equally as infectious as anything from the album. Their sound makes me happy.
"Better Times" - Beach House
A great song for meditative moments.
"You Are Not Alone" - Mavis Staples
It's hard to ever feel alone after hearing this beautiful song from Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy.
"I Can Change" - LCD Soundsystem
Another superb album from LCD Soundsystem that includes this heartfelt highlight.
"King of Spain" - The Tallest Man on Earth
This Dylan soundalike also captures Dylan's sly wit, and he's cheeky enough to even make a Dylan reference in the song.
"Christchurch Woman" - Justin Townes Earle
Justin Townes Earle delivers on the promise of his earlier albums. Harlem River Blues is terrific.
"Laredo" - Band of Horses
Band of Horses offer nothing particularly new or different from the roots rock sound they have mastered in their previous two albums, but when they consistently deliver catchy and indelible songs like "Laredo," it's difficult to fault them for doing something consistently well.
"Flare Gun" - Owen Pallett
Owen Pallett's songs sometimes feel partly developed. You sense a great idea in there that hasn't been completely developed. Heartland finds Pallett (giving up the Final Fantasy moniker) growing as a songwriter. He's still not transcendently good, but in his best moments--as in this song--you look forward to what's to come.
"The Suburbs" - Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire delivers another sweeping set of songs. Thanks, Canada!
"Animal Arithmetic" - Jonsi
This song makes me want to run as fast as I can. In fact, many of the songs on Jonsi's solo album will do that to you.
Age of Adz - Sufjan Stevens
Anyone who feels lost by Sufjan Stevens's new album need only start with this song to find their way. It's quintessential Sufjan--epic yet intimate--but with spacy, electronic flourishes. It's my favorite song of the year and the whole album dukes it out with The National for album of the year honors. Coincidentally, Sufjan and The National are artistic collaborators.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Raul's Finite Playlist: November 2010
01 "Dance Dance Dance" - Lykke Li
02 "Chains Chains Chains" - Elvis Perkins in Dearland
03 "Lights Out" - Santigold
04 "Living Life" - Eels
05 "Too Much" - Sufjan Stevens
06 "A House is Not a Home" - Field Music
07 "Eat That Up, It's Good For You" - Two Door Cinema Club
08 "More Than This" - Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones
09 "Heartbreaker" - Girls
10 "Somebody to Love Me" - Mark Ronson and the Business Intl. feat. Boy George
11 "All the Umbrellas in London" - The Magnetic Fields
12 "Perpetuum Mobile" - Penguin Cafe Orchestra
02 "Chains Chains Chains" - Elvis Perkins in Dearland
03 "Lights Out" - Santigold
04 "Living Life" - Eels
05 "Too Much" - Sufjan Stevens
06 "A House is Not a Home" - Field Music
07 "Eat That Up, It's Good For You" - Two Door Cinema Club
08 "More Than This" - Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones
09 "Heartbreaker" - Girls
10 "Somebody to Love Me" - Mark Ronson and the Business Intl. feat. Boy George
11 "All the Umbrellas in London" - The Magnetic Fields
12 "Perpetuum Mobile" - Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Raul's Finite Playlist: October 2010
01 "Barbra Streisand" - Duck Sauce
02 "Temptation" - New Order
03 "I Feel Like Going Home" - Yo La Tengo
04 "Harlem River Blues" - Justin Townes Earle
05 "Sleep Alone" - Bat for Lashes
06 "The Cold Swedish Winter" - Jens Lekman
07 "I'm Not Living in the Real World" - Belle and Sebastian
08 "Age of Adz" - Sufjan Stevens
09 "Evaporar" - Little Joy
10 "Don't Give Up On Me" - Solomon Burke
11 "Tighten Up" - Black Keys
12 "Land of Living Skies Part 2: The Living Skies" - Besnard Snakes
02 "Temptation" - New Order
03 "I Feel Like Going Home" - Yo La Tengo
04 "Harlem River Blues" - Justin Townes Earle
05 "Sleep Alone" - Bat for Lashes
06 "The Cold Swedish Winter" - Jens Lekman
07 "I'm Not Living in the Real World" - Belle and Sebastian
08 "Age of Adz" - Sufjan Stevens
09 "Evaporar" - Little Joy
10 "Don't Give Up On Me" - Solomon Burke
11 "Tighten Up" - Black Keys
12 "Land of Living Skies Part 2: The Living Skies" - Besnard Snakes
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Raul's Finite Playlist: September 2010
01 "We Used to Wait" - Arcade Fire
02 "I Need Some Fine Wine And You, You Need to Be Nicer" - The Cardigans
03 "Fuck You" - Cee-Lo Green
04 "Ready for the Floor" - Hot Chip
05 "Dog Days Are Over" - Florence + the Machine
06 "Lovers in Japan" - Coldplay
07 "Hang With Me" - Robyn
08 "These Words" - Natasha Bedingfield
09 "I'm in Your Church at Night" - Active Child
10 "You Don't Know Me" - Ben Folds feat. Regina Spektor
11 "When I'm With You" - Best Coast
12 "Runaway" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
02 "I Need Some Fine Wine And You, You Need to Be Nicer" - The Cardigans
03 "Fuck You" - Cee-Lo Green
04 "Ready for the Floor" - Hot Chip
05 "Dog Days Are Over" - Florence + the Machine
06 "Lovers in Japan" - Coldplay
07 "Hang With Me" - Robyn
08 "These Words" - Natasha Bedingfield
09 "I'm in Your Church at Night" - Active Child
10 "You Don't Know Me" - Ben Folds feat. Regina Spektor
11 "When I'm With You" - Best Coast
12 "Runaway" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Raul's Finite Playlist: August 2010
01 "Mr. Pitiful" - Matt Costa
02 "Closer to Love" - Mat Kearney
03 "Unless It's Kicks" - Okkervil River
04 "Love Reign O'er Me" - Bettye LaVette
05 "Eyes" - Rogue Wave
06 "Heartbeats" - The Knife
07 "Young Bride" - Midlake
08 "Terrible Vision" - Rhett Miller
09 "I Lost It" - Lucinda Williams
10 "What She Likes" - Evan and Jaron
11 "So Many Ways" - Mates of State
12 "Whose Authority" - Nada Surf
02 "Closer to Love" - Mat Kearney
03 "Unless It's Kicks" - Okkervil River
04 "Love Reign O'er Me" - Bettye LaVette
05 "Eyes" - Rogue Wave
06 "Heartbeats" - The Knife
07 "Young Bride" - Midlake
08 "Terrible Vision" - Rhett Miller
09 "I Lost It" - Lucinda Williams
10 "What She Likes" - Evan and Jaron
11 "So Many Ways" - Mates of State
12 "Whose Authority" - Nada Surf
Friday, July 30, 2010
Raul's Finite Playlist: July 2010
For my road trip to San Francisco last weekend, I put together a mostly mellow--some up-tempo songs found their way in--mix of music for the drive and also to get me relaxed for my run. Unlike most people who like fast-paced music to get them revved up to run, I like listening to soothing sounds before a run. I feel it helps me relax and keeps my heart rate from racing too fast. This mix has gotten a lot of play the last week. Some of the songs have worn out their welcome somewhat, but mostly I've been enjoying listening to this mix.
01 "Trouble" - Cat Stevens
02 "The Way I Am" - Bonnie "Prince" Billy
03 "Lover's Spit" - Broken Social Scene
04 "One of These Days" - Owen
05 "I Never Want to Go Home" - The Whigs
06 "Curs in the Weeds" - Horse Feathers
07 "October" - Broken Bells
08 "You! Me! Dancing!" - Los Campesinos
09 "You'll Go Far" - Jenn Grant
10 "The Man Who Would Speak True" - Blitzen Trapper
11 "I Know There's An Answer" - The Beach Boys
12 "That It Moves" - Greg Laswell
13 "Careless Love" - Camera Obscura
14 "Heartbeat Radio" - Sondre Lerche
15 "Wicked Blood" - Sea Wolf
16 "Sentimental Life" - Nik Freitas
01 "Trouble" - Cat Stevens
02 "The Way I Am" - Bonnie "Prince" Billy
03 "Lover's Spit" - Broken Social Scene
04 "One of These Days" - Owen
05 "I Never Want to Go Home" - The Whigs
06 "Curs in the Weeds" - Horse Feathers
07 "October" - Broken Bells
08 "You! Me! Dancing!" - Los Campesinos
09 "You'll Go Far" - Jenn Grant
10 "The Man Who Would Speak True" - Blitzen Trapper
11 "I Know There's An Answer" - The Beach Boys
12 "That It Moves" - Greg Laswell
13 "Careless Love" - Camera Obscura
14 "Heartbeat Radio" - Sondre Lerche
15 "Wicked Blood" - Sea Wolf
16 "Sentimental Life" - Nik Freitas
Monday, June 28, 2010
Raul's Finite Playlist: June 2010
01 "Rill Rill" - Sleigh Bells
02 "Babyfather - Sade
03 "Xavia" - The Submarines
04 "Don't Let the Sun Go Down" - The Living Sisters
05 "In California" - Joanna Newsom
06 "Boracay" - The Little Ones
07 "Pieces" - Villagers
08 "Hurricane J" - The Hold Steady
09 "Yulia" - Wolf Parade
10 "Lewis Takes Action" - Owen Pallett
11 "VCR" - The xx
12 "Go Do" - Jonsi
13 "Shine a Light" - The Rolling Stones
02 "Babyfather - Sade
03 "Xavia" - The Submarines
04 "Don't Let the Sun Go Down" - The Living Sisters
05 "In California" - Joanna Newsom
06 "Boracay" - The Little Ones
07 "Pieces" - Villagers
08 "Hurricane J" - The Hold Steady
09 "Yulia" - Wolf Parade
10 "Lewis Takes Action" - Owen Pallett
11 "VCR" - The xx
12 "Go Do" - Jonsi
13 "Shine a Light" - The Rolling Stones
Monday, May 31, 2010
Raul's Finite Playlist: May 2010
01 "Art House Director" - Broken Social Scene
02 "Drunk Girls" - LCD Soundsystem
03 "Never So Big" - David Byrne and Fatboy Slim featuring Sia
04 "Blue Beard" - Band of Horses
05 "I and Love and You" - The Avett Brothers
06 "Lantern" - Josh Ritter
07 "Bloodbuzz Ohio" - The National
08 "Silver Soul" - Beach House
09 "A Bite Out of My Bed" - The New Pornographers
10 "Spit on a Stranger" - Pavement
11 "Natural Disaster" - Andrew Bird
12 "You're Going Back" - The Tallest Man on Earth
02 "Drunk Girls" - LCD Soundsystem
03 "Never So Big" - David Byrne and Fatboy Slim featuring Sia
04 "Blue Beard" - Band of Horses
05 "I and Love and You" - The Avett Brothers
06 "Lantern" - Josh Ritter
07 "Bloodbuzz Ohio" - The National
08 "Silver Soul" - Beach House
09 "A Bite Out of My Bed" - The New Pornographers
10 "Spit on a Stranger" - Pavement
11 "Natural Disaster" - Andrew Bird
12 "You're Going Back" - The Tallest Man on Earth
Friday, April 30, 2010
Raul's Finite Playlist: April 2010
Here are the prominent songs of April. For some reason, "Kim & Jessie" is getting a lot of play this month. I love the creepiness of the line, "Somebody lurks in the shadows."
01 "Kim & Jessie" - M83
02 "Ruin My Day" - Jon Brion
03 "Psycho Killer" - Bruce Nash
04 "Your Head is on Fire" - Broken Bells
05 "All the World (I Tell Myself) - Correatown
06 "Echo Train" - Chad VanGaalen
07 "Camera Talk" - Local Natives
08 "Does He Love You?" - Rilo Kiley
09 "Fistful of Love" - Antony and the Johnsons
10 "I Can't Go For That" - The Bird and the Bee
11 "I Learned the Hard Way" - Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
12 "Sweet Disposition" - The Temper Trap
01 "Kim & Jessie" - M83
02 "Ruin My Day" - Jon Brion
03 "Psycho Killer" - Bruce Nash
04 "Your Head is on Fire" - Broken Bells
05 "All the World (I Tell Myself) - Correatown
06 "Echo Train" - Chad VanGaalen
07 "Camera Talk" - Local Natives
08 "Does He Love You?" - Rilo Kiley
09 "Fistful of Love" - Antony and the Johnsons
10 "I Can't Go For That" - The Bird and the Bee
11 "I Learned the Hard Way" - Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
12 "Sweet Disposition" - The Temper Trap
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Raul's Finite Playlist: March 2010
01 "Your Ex-Lover is Dead" - Stars
02 "The Sweetest Thing" - Camera Obscura
03 "Stillness is the Move" - Dirty Projectors
04 "Kettering" - The Antlers
05 "Lisztomania" - Phoenix
06 "Choices" - Bettye LaVette
07 "Chanson Triste" - Carla Bruni
08 "Q&A" - Office
09 "All I Wanna Do" - Jamie Lidell
10 "Don't Watch Me Dancing" - Little Joy
11 "Sequestered in Memphis" - The Hold Steady
12 "Heroin" - The Velvet Underground
02 "The Sweetest Thing" - Camera Obscura
03 "Stillness is the Move" - Dirty Projectors
04 "Kettering" - The Antlers
05 "Lisztomania" - Phoenix
06 "Choices" - Bettye LaVette
07 "Chanson Triste" - Carla Bruni
08 "Q&A" - Office
09 "All I Wanna Do" - Jamie Lidell
10 "Don't Watch Me Dancing" - Little Joy
11 "Sequestered in Memphis" - The Hold Steady
12 "Heroin" - The Velvet Underground
Friday, February 19, 2010
Raul's Finite Playlist: February 2010
One outcome of breaking up is that I've been listening to music a lot more the last few days than I have in a long time. It seems like I'd rather be listening to music during this time than anything else, and as a result I may have discovered a correlation between my music-listening habit and my level of happiness. A couple of years ago I was devouring music, practically getting a new album every week. At the time I just thought I was a big music fan, but in fact I was probably also just lonely and music was a great escape. When I was happy I didn't need an escape, so I listened to less music. It's probably not a strong correlation. Being busy also played a part to my reduced music-listening, not to mention the fact that it's an exhausting endeavor. There's so much new music out there that it would be a full-time job to keep up.
To put this renewed interest in music to good use, I thought I'd borrow a feature from Franklin Avenue and put together a monthly music playlist. First off is a list I actually assembled a few weeks ago but only got around to burning into a CD recently for a road trip to Las Vegas. It's mostly new-ish songs mixed with a few older favorites. Somehow, either by coincidence or force, this playlist does the trick at a time like this.
February 2010
01. "Black and Milds" - Cataldo
02. "Let's Pretend We're Bunny Rabbits" - The Magnetic Fields
03. "Lust for Life" - Girls
04. "Sister" - Vetiver
05. "Blood" - The Middle East
06. "Hi-Fi Goon" - Throw Me the Statue
07. "Cousins" - Vampire Weekend
08. "I Can't Talk About It" - El Perro Del Mar
09. "Daniel" - Bat for Lashes
10. "Nobody Could Change Your Mind" - Generationals
11. "Walking on a Dream" - Empire of the Sun
12. "Blood Bank" - Bon Iver
13. "All is Love" - Karen O and the Kids
14. "To Kingdom Come" - Passion Pit
15. "When We Swam" - Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
16. "Idiot Heart" - Sunset Rubdown
17. "Fables" - The Dodos
18. "Kick Drum Heart" - Avett Brothers
19. "Put Me In Your Play" - Ferraby Lionheart
20. "Paper Planes" - M.I.A.
To put this renewed interest in music to good use, I thought I'd borrow a feature from Franklin Avenue and put together a monthly music playlist. First off is a list I actually assembled a few weeks ago but only got around to burning into a CD recently for a road trip to Las Vegas. It's mostly new-ish songs mixed with a few older favorites. Somehow, either by coincidence or force, this playlist does the trick at a time like this.
February 2010
01. "Black and Milds" - Cataldo
02. "Let's Pretend We're Bunny Rabbits" - The Magnetic Fields
03. "Lust for Life" - Girls
04. "Sister" - Vetiver
05. "Blood" - The Middle East
06. "Hi-Fi Goon" - Throw Me the Statue
07. "Cousins" - Vampire Weekend
08. "I Can't Talk About It" - El Perro Del Mar
09. "Daniel" - Bat for Lashes
10. "Nobody Could Change Your Mind" - Generationals
11. "Walking on a Dream" - Empire of the Sun
12. "Blood Bank" - Bon Iver
13. "All is Love" - Karen O and the Kids
14. "To Kingdom Come" - Passion Pit
15. "When We Swam" - Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
16. "Idiot Heart" - Sunset Rubdown
17. "Fables" - The Dodos
18. "Kick Drum Heart" - Avett Brothers
19. "Put Me In Your Play" - Ferraby Lionheart
20. "Paper Planes" - M.I.A.
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