Playlists – MusicGeek.org

PLAYLIST: Not all Irish groups are U2, you know

Matthew Montgomery — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:37:03 +0000

As it’s Saint Patrick’s Day — and as we’re all obviously Catholic, we celebrate this religious holiday(!) — and people’s attentions are going to be turned toward Ireland, I thought it might be nice to build a playlist with a few of my favorite bands from Ireland. Don’t worry, none of them are U2. Here are nine songs from three groups: The High Llamas, God is an Astronaut, and My Bloody Valentine.

Who are some of your favorite Irish musicians? Share them with us on Twitter or comment below.

My Bloody Valentine – “To Here Knows When” live at the Fuji Rock Festival ’08
The High Llamas – “Bach Ze”
God is an Astronaut – “Infinite Horizons”
My Bloody Valentine – “Thorn” live at the Fuji Rock Festival ’08
The High Llamas – “Nomads”
God is an Astronaut – “The End of the Beginning”
My Bloody Valentine interview after winning a Classic Album award
The High Llamas – “Sun Beats Down”
God is an Astronaut – “All is Violent, All is Bright”

Wes Anderson flexes musical muscle in The Royal Tenenbaums

Matthew Montgomery — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:00:41 +0000

Wes Anderson, film director known best for emergent classics like The Royal Tenenbaums and Rushmore clearly knows what he’s doing with film — but can we say the same about the use of music in his films?

The Royal Tenenbaums proved definitive in capturing the feel of music in a Wes Anderson film; by now, it has become a trait of his cinematic auteur theory. The overarching style — especially as it’s exercised in the film — is most crisply defined by the Mutato Muzika Orchestra’s rendition of the Paul McCartney-penned classic, “Hey Jude.” Replete with harpsichord, the track defines the mood and feel of the film as a whole.

While we may be able to attribute much of the musical consistency across Anderson films to the use of the Mutato Muzika Orchestra — the Mark Mothersbaugh-helmed production company has also made at least some appearance on Anderson’s Bottle Rocket, Rushmore, and The Life Aquatic — we can pinpoint some other important attributes of Anderson films that extend beyond Mutato Muzika.

Indeed, while The Darjeeling Limited — a film that largely makes use of Indian music and The Kinks — doesn’t feature the contributions of Mothersbaugh, there’s a keenness to the use of popular music that gives us that patented Anderson feel. Throughout the two hours of the film, we’re treated to songs from The Rolling Stones, Nico, The Velvet Underground, Bob Dylan, The Ramones, and The Clash, but it’s when we hear Nick Drake and Elliott Smith in the most tragic of circumstances that we really get a grasp on what Anderson was attempting with music in the film.

Yeah, we get The Beatles through Mutato Muzika, and it’s great, and it’s fun, and it’s poppy — there’s an overwhelming inventiveness that helps define the film. There’s no real denying that. However, when we hear “Needle in the Hay” and “Fly,” we realize that our expectations musically have been built and torn away. It’s in the surprise of suicide that we find the absolute power of pop music accompanying visuals.

The typically upbeat music set ironically against the bulk of the film — not a necessarily happy affair, and most certainly an awkward one — is clever, but when the film’s narrative and the music’s narrative coincide so strongly, we’re left staggering. The Royal Tenenbaums starts as a relatively simple affair and ends as a tale with real strength and emotion.

Through music, Anderson takes us on an unrivaled cinematic journey. The power of transition — an idea not made subtle in the film’s eventual climax — allows us to experience something that, without music, would just be a dull affair with sad, awkward characters filled with angst and ranting. Sure, it would be visually intriguing, and the character depth may even remain, but there’d not be much reason to care for the lot of them.

Instead, we’re given something with dignity, grace, and unmistakeable style. Anderson, through thematic musical elements, gives us distinguished, neurotic, and noble characters — and we’re given some reason for the undeniable sympathy they evoke.

Star Trek inspires bizarre musical efforts

Matthew Montgomery — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:00:01 +0000

Star Trek, a show that’s inspired millions of geeks around the world (myself included,) has perhaps inevitably spawned some very bizarre musical tributes. From filk to electronic remixes, Gene Roddenberry’s 1965 masterpiece has lasted 45 years, and given the success of the latest film in the Star Trek universe (even if it is set in a slightly different but importantly similar universe), it looks like it’s set to continue for some time yet.

1. Dark Materia — “The Picard Song”
What. A. Song. This one needs no introduction — it’s probably the best Star Trek-inspired track to date. This mashup of classic Jean-Luc Picard quotes compiled by Dark Materia is great; it’s not his only output — he also produced two tracks you’ll find later in this list.

2. The Firm — “Star Trekkin'”
I loved this song as a kid, but now, it’s a little grating. If you want to annoy yourself and every single person around you for a few minutes, give this a spin. I can only imagine how my mother must have felt.

3. Tachyon Beam — “Darmok and Jalad”
This is a nice little folk tune about a brilliant episode of The Next Generation, “Darmok,” wherein Captain Picard is forced to examine his implicit assumptions about language and communication. While this song doesn’t reach the intellectual heights of the episode, it is a nice reminder of the episode.

4. Butchy B — “Lasar Rock (Star Trek Rap)”
This may be the single-most ridiculous piece of music ever crafted. Enjoy.

5. Dark Materia — “The Worf Song”
This effort from Dark Materia isn’t quite as fine-tuned as “The Picard Song,” and it certainly hasn’t seen the same popularity, but it’s a very nice contribution to the canon of Star Trek-related music.

6. Data’s “Lifeforms” song from Star Trek: Generations
This is why Data either really, really needs an emotion chip at all times … or shouldn’t have one at all. One of the two. At any rate, Data’s “Lifeforms” song defines Star Trek: Generations — a cheesy attempt at pleasing Star Trek fans of all types.

7. Dark Materia — “Frame of Mind”
This is another great remix from the creator of “The Picard Song” and “The Worf Song.” Set to scenes of the magnanimous Commander Riker from the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Frame of Mind,” the remix plays through the story of the episode with some real electronic verve. Where “The Worf Song” and “The Picard Song” are very much about the eponymous characters, “Frame of Mind” is about both Will Riker and the great episode.

8. Stovokor – “For the Glory of Qo’nos”
Klingon metalcore played by people in Klingon getup, and they’re named after Klingon “heaven.” Need I say more? Perhaps it’s a worthy successor to Viking metal — time will tell. (I’ll give you a hint: It’s a niche market.)

Mark Linkous, Sparklehorse leader, commits suicide, leaves musical legacy

Matthew Montgomery — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:43:36 +0000

Mark Linkous, leader of rock group Sparklehorse, committed suicide yesterday in Knoxville, Tenn. He leaves a musical legacy that spans four full-length albums as Sparklehorse and two in collaboration with Danger Mouse and Fennesz. Linkous also worked as a producer, notably with outsider music favorite Daniel Johnston. Share your thoughts on the death of Linkous below.

PLAYLIST: Music, working combine for entertainment, productivity

Matthew Montgomery — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:00:02 +0000

Few things change your working environment more than good music. In my experience, music is often an essential part of work, whether I’m working on some routine data entry, trying to plow through that last line of code, or getting a last-minute news feature ready for publication. Here’s a short list of some of my favorites.

Pavement – “Spit on a Stranger”

When I’m working, I need something that will capture my attention but not demand it — Pavement’s “Spit on a Stranger” somehow hits on the right side of the line: It’s something rare. A catchy melody and evocative guitar work define this song, and over the past few days of working, I’ve not been able to turn it off.

Weather Report – “Birdland”

Good fusion jazz is invaluable in my work routine. It’s upbeat, poppy, but not annoyingly so — and there’s not a chance it’ll lull me to sleep with soothing sounds.

My Bloody Valentine – “Soon”

My Bloody Valentine flows perfectly into the background when I’m hammering out a web page: Not only does it help me keep my focus, it drowns out any distraction — for obvious reasons. Their patented wall of guitar noise provides that impenetrable density you need when you just need to get over that last hurdle in your project.

Stereolab – “Wow and Flutter”

I love Stereolab. Do I need more reason? Also, this video is really weird. Check it out.

Tortoise – TNT

TNT is easily one of the greatest post-rock albums of all time, and its inclusion couldn’t be contingent upon a single song. It’s energetic, innovative, experimental — but more than that, it’s listenable, and it can sit in the background without much to trouble you. Don’t make your first listen of TNT too distracted, though — give it a few spins before you try to work alongside it, and you’ll find it’s considerably easier.

Ben Folds Five – “Kate”

There’s something very nice about singing while you work — I suppose this song might not work so well if you work in an office, but when I’m working at home, there are few things better than being able to sing along with some Ben Folds Five while I work.

David Lynch, Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse project rumored for summer release

Scott Mathews — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:16:10 +0000

Dark Night of the Soul is an album written by Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse that was planned for release with a book of photos by David Lynch. The book of photos was released in early 2009. Due to disputes with the record label, though, the album was not released with the book of photos — instead a blank CD-R labeled: “For legal reasons, enclosed CD-R contains no music. Use it as you will.”

The album is now rumored for release for Summer 2010. From what we’ve heard of the album so far, this is nothing like the Broken Bells collaboration of Danger Mouse and James Mercer. It has a dark, surreal feeling — full of complex layers of mind-bending sounds and faraway vocals, all quite fitting for a David Lynch art project.

The album features a wide range of artists, including James Mercer, The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Frank Black of the Pixies, Iggy Pop, Nina Persson of The Cardigans, Suzanne Vega, Vic Chesnutt, David Lynch, Scott Spillane of Neutral Milk Hotel and The Gerbils. (NPR)

The book, Dark Night of the Soul is available for purchase on their official website, www.dnots.com. You can also listen to the entire album at NPR.org/music.

PLAYLIST: Having trouble waking up? Try our energetic playlist!

Matthew Montgomery — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:00:30 +0000

Do you have trouble waking up? I do. Of the many strategies I’ve tried for waking up at a proper time — some more successful than others — one of the most successful, aside from having cold water unexpectedly sprayed on me, has been finding a few catchy, exciting pop songs to jolt me into normal life. In no particular order, here are seven of my favorite songs that help speed my waking process.

Radiohead – “No Surprises”
A veritable classic of our time, “No Surprises” floats you into a waking state with a staccato bell-like guitar introduction. There’s a reason it’s one of the most recognizable introductions in modern rock music, and when I’m waking up, I always find it important to listen to something at least vaguely recognizable. I hate being startled into my day.

Arcade Fire – “Wake Up”
Is this one too oblique? Maybe, but it’s still a damn good song to hear as you drift back into consciousness. There’s something about the driving guitar, the faux-choral arrangement, that blanket of warm distortion. Give this a whirl in your wake-up routine, and I’m sure you’ll notice a certain hopefulness pervade through your day.

At the Drive-In – “One Armed Scissor”
When you just can’t bring yourself to wake up normally to something a bit more calm, inject some energy into your day with this frenetic piece of post-hardcore goodness. If you’re prone to startling as you wake, this might not be the best choice, and it might not be the most calming musical choice for your routine. Still, if you’re either just waking up too late and need something, take this route. Or some nice black metal; that would work, too.

Yo La Tengo – “Beanbag Chair”
From 2006’s I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass, “Beanbag Chair” is among the best of Yo La Tengo’s pop-laden work. The bouncy piano and simple harmonies may provide the needed boost for you to get up, get your day in order, and get out of the house. Clocking in at three minutes, this song has the perfect balance for the average sleepyhead. Alternately, if you want something a little earlier in Yo La Tengo’s catalog, try “Autumn Sweater,” from 1997’s I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One.

Broken Social Scene – “7/4 (Shoreline)”
The bass line that dominates this song’s feel is more than just effective for waking up — it’s damn catchy, too. Try not to put too much bounce in your step as you head off to your next coursework — it’d be a shame to put a damper in your day by tripping.

Belle and Sebastian – “Step Into My Office, Baby”
Everyone loves Belle and Sebastian, right? This is Belle and Sebastian at their pop-laden best, unafraid to be seen smiling and whistling in the early morning — not even thinking to grumble about coffee. Maybe it’s infectious.

Weezer – “Surf Wax America”
I should probably make some joke here about surfing into your morning … but I’m not even going to try.

PLAYLIST: Hung over the day after Valentine’s Day

Matthew Montgomery — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:13:53 +0000

By Ashlie Meredith and Matthew Montgomery

While Valentine’s Day holds a certain appeal to many in love with love, for others, it serves as a precursor to a nasty hangover. It’s inevitable when you drink that much. Hey, lucky us, Valentine’s Day fell the day before Presidents Day! Working while nursing a pounding headache and a churning stomach doesn’t exactly improve mental productivity.

Spiritualized – “I Think I’m In Love”

I think this song is most potent with lyrics like, “I think I’m in love — probably just hungry.” The song continues in this vein. It’s pessimistic, and when hung over, who isn’t pessimistic?

The Rural Alberta Advantage – “Drain the Blood”

If you’re not so hung over that you can’t bring yourself to listen to some frenetic indie pop, this short, not-too-distressing tale of vague heartbreak isn’t so abrasive as to provide a new approach to your relationships, but it won’t make you vomit (more) from overt enthusiasm.

The Good Life – “Album of the Year”

Sometimes hangovers are good for slowing you down. It gives you time to reflect on all the dirty details of the night before. And while you’re at it, why not take a good hard look at everything that went wrong between you and that special someone. Just don’t call them… again. This song explores the complexities of long-term relationships while reminding us to “laugh until it stops hurting.”

The Flaming Lips – “Waitin’ for a Superman”

Nursing a hangover, waiting for a Superman? Hold on the best you can, because The Flasming Lips offer their unique spin on life; we can see it as a tale of the tension that comes along with late-night Valentine’s Day phone calls. Surely the Lips meant something a bit more ethereal, but this uplifting, engaging track will power you toward healing that heartbreak.

The Mountain Goats – “No Children”

You probably listened to the song several times the night before, but hung over on the day after screaming along to John Darnielle’s storytelling lyrics, they take on an ironic hopefulness. Yeah, it’s surprising.

Alanis Morrissette – “You Oughta Know”

Any girl can tell you, that after a dramatic break-up — or just a less than satisfying MSN chat with your “sometimes boyfriend” who live in another state (ahem) — nothing feels better than screaming along to this 90’s staple. Its especially fun to emphasize that F-word in the second verse, and the fast drums are at the perfect pace for angry-dance-cleaning. You’ve gotta take the garbage out eventually — of your apartment and your love life!

Tim and Eric – “Sit on You”

Sometimes, it’s better to, well, laugh.

Saves the Day – “Rocks Tonic Juice Magic”

The title of this song is strangely similar to what you might have been drinking last night, though the magic may have faded somewhere after Drink 7. Angry, misogynist pop-punk is always the perfect cure for romantic disillusionment! I would actually recommend listening to the entire 1999 classic–AP listed it as one of the top 10 most influential albums of that year.

Pavement – “Range Life”

Stephen Malkmus, master of all things indie rock, hits lyrical hangover gold with this song, which yearns for a quieter, less hellishly paced life. It’s unapologetic in no small way, and when you’ve a nasty hangover and can’t quite justify the previous night’s results, there’s nothing better.

Atmosphere – “Sunshine”

The lyrics of this song aren’t subtle. Slug describes waking up to a hangover and upon encountering the good weather, realizes: life ain’t so bad. This simple, fun hip-hop song will encourage positivism despite bleak prospects.

PLAYLIST: Top 5 POTUSA songs for Presidents day

Jared Montgomery — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:07:24 +0000

In honor of President’s Day, we here at MusicGeek have compiled a list of the top five songs (in no particular order) from The Presidents of the United States of America. So, without further ado, here they are!

1. “Peaches” from The Presidents of the United States of America
Peaches is one of those sunny day songs that just makes you want to lay in the grass and eat a particularly juicy fruit. Bringing some of their best thick tones, this track is an alternative rock classic.

2. “Love Delicatessen” from Pure Frosting
In this track, The Presidents depart from their typical three-piece sound and add in acoustic guitar and even a bit of piano. The lyrics are full of innuendos and are particularly catchy. Complete with a bluesy break down, this is one track you can’t miss.

3. “Video Killed the Radio Star” from Pure Frosting
Although not a POTUSA original track, this amazing cover of The Buggles’ great hit takes on a life of it’s own. Replacing the synth sounds of the original with The President’s signature thick guitar sound really brings this track into it’s own class.

4. “Some Postman” from Love Everybody
This track came into the scene in 2004, after the reformation of the band in 2000. This track is a perfect example that even after all these years, they haven’t lost sight of their brilliant style. The song details the story of a postman that steals every love letter he comes across.

5. “Kitty” from The Presidents of the United States of America
This being the first track from their first record, I felt it appropriate to end the list with it. The track was definitely a sign of what was to come: unique lyrics with a thick crunch from the guitar and bass. Since that first track, The Presidents of the United States of America have come a long way and haven’t disappointed their fans one step of the way.

PLAYLIST: Valentine’s Day

Scott Mathews — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:49:11 +0000

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love for many and a reminder of loneliness for others. In the spirit of love and loneliness, I have organized — in no particular order — some of the best indie love songs over the last 10 or so years or so. Each of these songs are draped in melancholy while also delivering a powerful and heartfelt message of love. Throughout my life, I have used these same tracks to wallow in sadness, whereas now they supplement my feelings to the one I love.

So, whether you are feeling down and out or deeply in love, this playlist will help you make it through the day.

1. Radiohead – “Lucky”
A song I often listened to when lost and lonely. I now clearly see the very powerful and forward-looking message Thom Yorke passionately delivers.

2. Augustana – “Coffee and Cigarettes”
Escape and love: the clear message behind this song. Escape from ourselves for some, escape with love for others. Beautiful.

3. Nada Surf – “Weightless”
Not necessarily a love song but the meaning comes across as such whilst one is/becoming twitter-pated. Listen to the lyrics clearly, and you’ll see it’s rather sad.

4. Neutral Milk Hotel – “Three Peaches”
This song makes me cry. It is beautiful — draped with love and melancholy. This song gives you a deep sense of being alone but with great desire for love.

5. Weezer – “Only In Dreams”
A very Weezer take on a love song (they are Weezer, after all.) This is my favorite of their many love/love lost compositions.

6. Wilco – “I Got You (At the End of the Century)”
To be honest with myself, I can’t find a hint of sadness in this track. The lyrics are sung with great meaning and backed by an upbeat and powerful set. I often find myself singing this song at the top of my lungs to my girlfriend (in the safety of the car, at least — cheesy!)

7. The Flaming Lips – “Do You Realize?”
The entirety of this song is a question. “Do you realize…?” It asks us to view ourselves at face value — to view our love as something that will fade or die. It begs for us to enjoy our love or our life without love. “It’s hard to make the good things last…”

8. The Postal Service – “Such Great Heights”
A song about a distanced love, maybe a love that is unrecognized or de-prioritized. This song gives hope — or is it false hope?

9. Iron and Wine – “Naked As We Came”
Sam Beam’s delivery of this song mixes our emotions with thoughts love and death. We become one again with the earth while retaining great love.

10. The Decemberists – “Of Angels and Angles”
A beautiful song about falling in love. Pretty straightforward.

11. Elliott Smith – “Everything Reminds Me of Her”
This song is terribly sad and beautiful. Elliott’s words draw forward strong connection to who one loves — a connection that may be lost or is lost.

12. Tegan and Sara – “Take Me Anywhere”
A song of hope — or loss — for love. It begs for the opportunity to fall in love — begs for attention: “I’m full of love and longing… Take me by the hand…”

13. Muse – “Falling Away With You”
Again a song rife with love and love lost. Hope and destruction of hope. The beginning of a new life of love — the crumbling of the same love.

14. The Weepies – “World Spins Madly On”
The Weepies created a piece that encompasses the feeling of loss of control in life. Whether that loss of control is caused by a new love or a lack of motivation towards life itself. Another beautiful song with a wide variety of possible messages.

15. Rocky Votolato – “Streetlights”
Beautiful words by Rocky Votolato… Begging for a new chance or a new beginning — hoping for renewal or creation of a missing part of life.

16. Bon Iver – “Skinny Love”
Ending on a sad note… as love often does. A song of love that did not survive despite great effort — overcome by lack of effort to retain something great.