The Fourth of July

A few songs to get you in the mood to pop some fireworks, grill a couple of hot dogs, and pound some American brew, none of that import crap either.

Happy Fourth of July weekend.

Disclaimer...these songs are not taking the place of the '08 Summer Mix.

All Songs streaming in the White Box (top Right)


1. Summertime- DJ Jazzy & Fresh Prince
2. Summer- Modest Mouse
3. It's Summertime- The Flaming Lips
4. Gorgeous Summer Jogging- Islands
5. Summer Babe- Pavement
6. Summer Days- Phoenix
7. Heavy Metal Drummer- Wilco

Lets not Forget about the French.....revisited

Below is from a post I made last summer around this time. I love this country and am ready to see some major Changes for the better in the next year. Go Obama!

Still want to point out the French thing see...below

On the topic of Independence Day, I thought it would be appropriate to give a shout out to the French. Many people regard the French as being rude or too proud, even folks who have never set foot in the country.

I think this. There are polite people and rude people. Different cultures behave differently, maybe French just keep to themselves a little more. Yes they're are a proud country and they should be. We're a proud country too. Yes, the French do expect visitors to try and speak their language. (that sounds very familiar)

My point is......we should always stay in good company with the French. They were good pals when were trying to become a country. Its partly because of France that we are a country today. They had a Navy, and they defeated the British at the Battle of Chesapeake. The British surrendered at the next battle (Yorktown) because of this.

Sorry about the silly rant. So, what the hell does this have to do with music?

Well, what better way for you to give our French friends a high five then by listening to some French artists. There is no better way.

On a sidenote, I looked and looked for a song by Gerard Depardieu but couldnt find anything. Instead I had to settle for Phoenix, Stereolab, and The French Kicks.

The French Kicks are in no way from France but they have French in their name and I really enjoy them. Besides, you can't give the French all the credit.

Give me some feedback. Did I come on to aggressive?

Phoenix - Summer Days
Stereolab - Les Yper-Sound
The French Kicks - Close to Modern

The French Kicks - So Far We Are

Vanderslice

Really into John Vanderslice today. Particular these two tracks-

Tablespoon of Codeine & The Minaret. Both are beautiful.

Both streaming in white box to the right.

Working on a 4th of July mix...hopefully it will be ready by the 4th.

The Great Northwest

The kind folks at The Kora Records sent over a press kit and album for The Great Northwest (out of Portland, OR). The album, The Widespread Reign of the Great Northwest is due out July 29th and is led by a gentleman named Brian Coates (interesting bio).

The album is spacey, mellow, eerie at times and occaisonally has a faint familar sound of the Dandy Warhol's slower stuff. Note, album was mixed at the DW's oddotorium in Portland and Peter Holmström or (Loew), the DW's guitarist is also featured on this album.

The lead single should grab your attention and is even hypnotizing at times (in a great way). So, do yourself a favor...grab a beer and listen to the lead single here- Chief John.
Its also streaming in the top box to the right.

One of my favorite songs from this album so far is titled "Know What I mean". Its a crunchy yet melodic tune that reminds me a little of Grandaddy's Am180. Listen here- Here

The Joggers (New Songs)

A few songs from the Joggers' Tour Only CD have been floating around and I'm glad to say I've finally got my mits on a couple. Also, there is a pretty interesting interview with the Joggers, courtesy of Funeral Pudding out of Austin.

I've posted multiple times about this group and each time I listen to these guys or hear something new it always surprises me that they're not more popular and even a bit frustrating, but hopefully this year or next year they will get the attention they deserve or find a label that is a good match. Pure talent from everyone in this quartet.

The two songs I speak of are streaming in the top box to the right.

The First is- "Talking at Keith"

The Second is- "Top O the Cat"

Montage to myself

Below is a video assignment for Work and is titled "Montage to Myself"

We were asked to make a video and post it to youtube, then our blog. "Montage to Myself" is random pictures of myself that I had on my computer.

The song is by White Denim- "Sitting"which can also be heard on the recent Gare Bear Sounds '08 Summer Mix

Summer '08 Mix

Since Memorial Day I've been trying to complete my Spring / Summer '08 mix, but now that I've finished its June and time to drop the Spring. I love listening to and creating mix tapes oh so much but they take a while for me to craft and never sound the same in the end as they began.

Even though its summer time this isnt necessarily your summer dance mix, in fact it starts a little slower and easy listening like, but if you're patient and let each song play out you'll hopefully be snapping your fingers midway through so dont worry it has its fair amount of pop as well.

FAQ section:

What time would this mix be good for?

Saturday....late afternoon heading into the evening before placing steak on the grill

What type mood should i be in when listening to this?

Relaxed

What to drink with this mix?

Zon or a summer or white ale for Beer. Pinot Grigio for wine

Now to the mix:

There are 11 tracks on this mix and it runs slightly under 40 minutes so its an extremely easy listen. While putting this together I went up to 15 tracks, but they werent fitting and I was just starting to add new songs i liked but had to hold back because it was getting to be convoluted and all over the board. Not all of these songs are brand new either- 4 are from 2008, 4 are from 2007, 2 from 2006 & 1 from 2005.

Without further delay here is the Summer mix. Feel free to download each song by- Right Clicking, "Save Target As". This will also be streaming in the Music box to the right if you're not into downloading this.

1. Rob Crow- Up

I've talked about him before and mentioned I really like his solo album. This song is beginning to make its way into movie trailers and commercials.

2. Pseudosix- Under the Waves

A recent summer favorite that is calm, but also has something very powerful midway through especially at the end..

3. Black Lips- Cold Hands

Reminds me of an old 60's outlaw song....running in the summer heat from the law in a comfortable cadiallac.

4. White- Rabbits- Tourist Trap

Blends nicely with the two songs around it and what a better song for those summer road trips. I kind of like Tourist Traps.

5. Beirut- Postcards from Italy

Beautiful nostalgic song. This song felt right to swing the mood upwards. At the 2 minute mark it turns colorful and pushes the rest of the songs in that direction.

6. White Denim- Sitting

Picks up okay from Beiruts "Postcards" Starting to become one of my favorite songs of the year

7. French Kicks- Abandon

I like this song off their latest album and it could almost go anywhere but it makes for a tastey White Denim & Midlake sandwich

8. Midlake- Young Bride

This is an older song but I've always liked it and it fits nice as the 'ol 8 hole.

9. Dr. Dog- Heart it Races

This band continues to impress me. This is a Architecture of Helsinki cover, but I actually like their take of the song better

10. Brendan Benson- Cold Hands (Warm Heart)

Jack White gets most of the credit for the Raconteurs, but Brendan as a writer and musician adds his pop to the group. Here's a song from his 2005 solo album

11. The Helio Sequence- Back to This

I cant get tired of this song. Each time i hear it i enjoy it, it makes for a nice ending to a summer mix

I hope you enjoy and get as much pleasure as i did creating this. I'd love to hear any thoughts or areas that you enjoy. Please also send any songs you dont feel fit or should be in a different order. I'm curious to hear.