Spotify Me Part 8: Bartleby the Playlist

Spotify Me Part 8: Bartleby the Playlist

Marks Discover Weekly playlist for 10/19/2015

This week’s playlist review is going to be very short. Unfortunately, with random playlists like this, they can’t all be winners, especially if you allow movie and game soundtracks to run amok with your browser history. Those genres have a way of taking over, and corrupting any kind of suggested music you might get. So instead of following my playlist with the typical enthusiasm, I spent all week listening to other songs to try and “course correct” my Spotify account. In the meantime, lets talk about this week:

Just a Satelite
Mark Aaron James

Aquaman’s Lament – Mark  Aaron James

A common running joke for anyone who follows the Justice League is of course that Aquaman is useless. And, when it comes to fighting crime on land, he mostly is. But even though he can’t run with Batman and Superman on land, he still has quite a bit to offer a woman. Take a moment, and give the guy a chance. In all seriousness, the song is very good. Its sound is in the vein of Bare Naked Ladies with an easy going beat and a cheerful tune. The somewhat bitter lyrics have a humorous undertone that conveys a certain sarcastic attitude. The song is funny, nerdy, and catchy. I think it would make Aquaman proud, if he could listen to it underwater.

Independent Single

Happy Radio Active – The Gregory Brothers

Two covers in two weeks? Mark you’re a madman! Well yes but not for that reason. I got into bluegrass a long time ago watching O Brother Where Art Thou with my dad. That folk sound holds a very special place in my heart. At the same time I’m always a fan of covers that take a song outside of their comfort zone. So when this song came out of my car speakers, I couldn’t help but smile. The song is an almost brutally plain description of what the song actually is, which is a happy version of the original song by Imagine Dragons. This version is upbeat, cheerful, and completely contradictory to the lyrics that are being sung. And I think that’s great.

Mercury
Sneaky Records

Katrinah Josephina - Universal Hall Pass

I have been on the fence about writing about this song, right up to the point where I actually wrote about it.  Its a bizarre song that I have enjoyed listening to, but wasn't sure if I have any thing to say about it. But, Halloween is coming up, and this song fits that theme pretty well. Focusing on Demons and the consequences of seeking them out, the singers so a good job of creating a ghostly air and erie atmosphere. We are told the story of Katrinah, and her own encounter with those that live below. But for me, the best and worst part is that just as we are about to hear the conclusion of the story, we are cut off. And although we may never learn the truth of what happened to Katrinah, we are left with enough clues to infer. But after all, if the singer did tell us, she would no longer be the only one who knows.

Spotify Me Part 7: 20,000 Playlists Under the Sea

Spotify Me Part 7: 20,000 Playlists Under the Sea

Marks Discover Weekly playlist for 10/12/2015

It’s been a long week. Ok, well, I suppose this week hasn’t really been any longer than any other week. A week is 7 days. No more no less. Unless its daylight savings in which case you can give or take an hour. And why do we even still do daylight savings anymore? But for the most part, 7 days that last 24 hours make up a week. S it hasn’t been a longer week, it just feels longer. I’m sure you all needed the explanation.

However, I have still listened to music, and I have another 4 songs to present you with this week. The playlist this week seemed good at first, but I have got to warn you guy. Try at all costs to avoid listening to video game or movie soundtracks on Spotify. They will take over your radio, and your discover function like a virus. Similar to how Cake and Daft punk invaded my radio station on Pandora many moons ago.

Dawn Metropolis
Normative Records

Blackout City – Anamanaguchi

I hard about the band Anamanaguchi through the old show Bleep Bloop on college humor years ago. After a short interview with them about what their music was and how they made it happen I decided to look up the band for myself. I have been listening to them ever since. They have one singular style that they stick to, which is upbeat and cheerful electronic rock music. They create that sound by modifying cartridges to an old Nintendo Entertainment System, manipulating it to just play the music they want it to play. Then they add their guitars and drum over that.  It adds up to a pretty cool sound that is always cheerful. However I do have to say hat with all their songs being cheerful and full of 8-bit noise, many of them tend to sound very similar. Recently they have been playing with newer effects and different moods. They somewhat recently did work on the Scott Pilgrim video game soundtrack. If you are a fan of retro gaming, or electronic music in general, give these guys a listen.

Polka's not Dead
Stomp Records

Sleep is for the Weak – The Dreadnoughts

For a long time in college, all I listened to was Irish punk rock. Although that phase is over for the most part, I do still enjoy bands like Flogging Molly and the Pouges.  This song falls right into that style of music, although it is a bit more of a modern sea shanty than an Irish pub song. But I just finished a play through of Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag so I’m all about pirates right now. This song is loud, angry and full of mad energy. They use a full set of instruments to fill the soundscape they are given, and it adds up to a good strong effect. I have always enjoyed music of this style because I feel like there is a certain culture behind it that provides more emotion to the song. I really enjoyed this one, and will certainly be looking more into this band in the future.

The Cage
Asto Records

Eleanor Rigby – Dirt Poor Robins

Keeping with this weeks apparent theme of loud punk music, we move right into a cover of the Beatles classic Eleanor Rigby. This song has always had dark themes, mysterious sounding lyrics, and a moody atmosphere. Sometimes it seems odd that the Beatles should be the ones to first write and play it, with their style typically being more cheery. Since then several bands and singers have played this song putting their own spin on the interesting and remorseful words. The Dirt Poor Robins have taken the song, turned up the volume on their amps, and laid down a hard, dark punk rock attitude that matches the lyrics pretty darn well. The sound that they create manages to be both sad and angry, helping them lay out the emotional struggle that the “lonely people” are going through. There are allusions to the original instrumentation through out if you listen closely enough to catch them. Over all, the Dirt Poor Robins have created a good modern spin on an old classic.

We are the Royals
Supernova Records

Underwear –Royal Republic

This song is loud, fast, and proud. And although high school is never mentioned once in the lyrics, I can’t help but be reminded of all the “teen rebellion anthems” that we used to listen to back in the early 2000’s, even though it was released in the far more recent year of 2010. The song has all the quality of those original songs of angst and anger. It’s loud, rude, unapologetic, and fast. It gets the blood flowing and the body moving.  It reminds me of songs that bands like the offspring would release. If you enjoy garage rock, and rebellious anthems, give this song, and the band as a whole a good look.

(The album artwork in this article is not owned by the authors of this blog, but by the producers of the albums themselves.)

Spotify Me Part 6: To Playlist a Mockingbird

Spotify Me Part 6: To Playlist a Mockingbird

Mark’s Discover Weekly playlist for 10/5/2015

I went diving this weekend. It was SCUBA diving, with the tanks. It was fun. I saw some fish. Now I have a headache, and I’m writing this article between Commercial breaks of Iron Man 3. Apparently there is going to be a new season of Fargo. That’s exciting. I should finish the first season.

This weeks play list was all right. There were a few good songs but to be honest this is going to be a shorter list than usual. That just happens sometimes, and it’s ok. We are all going to be all right.  So just calm down already, and stop screaming. It doesn’t help the headache. And I’m pretty tired.

Dan Bern
The WORK Group

Jerusalem – Dan Bern

This is another song from the Welcome to Night Vale podcast that has come up a few times already. They choose good music so I don’t have to defend myself. But as for this song, I really like it, and remember liking it when I heard it on the podcast for the first time. It’s a humorous take on the New Testament, and the coming of the Messiah. But at the same time, it’s a song that gets you thinking. A man claiming to be the second coming rambles on and on about love, and how possible reasons you should not test God’s love. The style is similar to Bob Dylan in a way, with folk sound in the instruments and in the singer. Give it a listen; it’s certainly worth your time. That means you Lizz.

Intiut
Barsuk Records

I Say Fever – Ramona Falls

It started out kind of slow. I almost skipped it, but I’m really glad I didn’t. This was certainly my favorite on the playlist this week. After the acoustic guitar has been given its fair turn, the distortion kicks in with a full dark sound. The song is a good amount of loud while remaining of a fun and mysterious soundscape.  The lyrics are also fantastic, offering advice based on the singers regret for having waited to long. The music matches the torture, or fever, that the singer must now suffer, having lost out on his chance at love. I love the emotion and feel behind this song and can certainly relate to the message (comments on next song not related). 

Good and Evil
Quack!Media

Turn the Lights Off – Tally Hall

I haven’t listened to Tally Hall in a long time. Haven’t been able to honestly, reminds me of an ex. But after hearing this song, I am reminded of how much I like the band back when I listened to it. They remind me of They Might Be Giants in the sense that the lyrics are a puzzle, and you have to do a bit of work to figure out what they actually mean. That is greatly helped by the fact that the music is also obnoxiously catchy. The band has been inactive for quite some time now with most of the members moving on to their own endeavors. For example, one band member Rob Cantor sings I’m Gonna Win, which I mentioned in part 2 of this article series. He is also responsible for the Actual Cannibal Shia Lebeouf song. The band is quirky and fun, so certainly look them up and give them a try.

Open Up
Epic Network Music

Open Up (Original Mix) – Pheeno

This song actually caught me off guard in a way. It’s a great electronic song that uses a great soundscape. The first few measures of the song are smooth and flowing. But after that the listener is thrown into a new swing beat that changes the game just a bit. For many people that may not be the biggest deal but for me it left a serious impression. Sometimes with songs like this I feel like the hardest thing to do can be standing out amongst the rest of the electronic music out there. But that beat change did the job for me. It was hard for me not to move along to the beat while driving to and from work. People in adjacent cars judged me.  Still a good song though.

The Moon is Disgusting
That 1 Guy

Butt Machine - That 1 Guy

I really just had to write about this song. The thing about this song is you would expect it to be parody or comedy and maybe some people would consider it to be so. But for me this song was just as good and catchy as any other on this list if not better tan some. After all "just cause its a butt, don't mean it's a joke." Its a great song thats fun to listen to and gets you moving. Don't be fooled by a name, and give this song a good listen. Dance with your friends and get that butt moving.

(The album artwork in this article is not owned by the authors of this blog, but by the producers of the albums themselves.)

Spotify Me Part 5: Playlist for Algernon

Spotify Me Part 5: Playlist for Algernon

Mark's Discovery Weekly playlist for the week of 9/28/2015

I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time. My memory isn’t the most reliable. If you compliment my shirt I have to check to see which one I’m wearing. And if it isn’t my favorite shirt I get a little disappointed. I also have no clue why I’m telling you any of this. It’s 11:00 on a Sunday night and I’m writing this post during the commercial breaks of a TV showing of the classic film Hook.  What is this?

Oh right, it’s a music blog. Almost forgot. The playlist was good this week! There were a few songs on it that I had seen on my playlist before, so that was a bit disappointing. However, it might just be some splash back from the recent update. For the most part, I was excited to hear the songs that the play list had to offer this week.

Calling Out to You
Quince Records

Sore Feet Song – Ally Kerr

This song might be my favorite form the list this week. It starts out delightful and sweet. Just someone signing about all of the great lengths they have gone to be with the one they love. The guitar beat is light and playful, and peaceful. But then, when the song reaches the chorus, the guitar changes. It falls into a slower, sadder tune that almost breaks your heart. I love songs like these, because even though it’s a quiet, slower song, it holds a great amount of emotional power. You get a dose of the struggle the singer has gone through. The song gives you the ability to empathize with him. And although I love the lyrics to this song, the instrumentals are so spot on that I honestly think I could feel most of the same emotions without them. This is a truly touching song that I haven’t been able to get enough of this week.

Flight of the Conchords
Produced by Mickey Petralia

Robots – Flight of the Conchords

Don’t worry, this is not the first time I have listened to Flight of the Conchords. Not even the first time I’ve heard this song. It is however, the first time I have noticed that the bands name is a play on words. How did I miss that? Anyway, I really enjoy this song. The Chonchords have a great sarcastic humorous tone that is right in line with my weird sense of humor. For example, the elephant joke in this song might be my favorite part of the whole song. I also really enjoy the assertion that the year 2000 is the “distant future”.  This song is great for a laugh. And If you enjoy it, and you haven’t heard of The Conchords already, I insist you look into them more.

Lust in Phaze
Rhino Entertainment

Circles – Soul Coughing

Although I am fairly certain I have never heard this song before, at the same time I feel like I have. It was a weird blast from the past for me. It’s a style of song that was very popular right out of the 90’s, and into the early 2000’s. I feel like its something I would have listened to on a Hit Clip. You remember those? Hit Clips? Anyway, I like this song. It’s similar to something like Blues Traveler but I don’t feel like I’m 50 when I listen to it (no offense to Blues Traveler, I like them also). The song is catchy, steady paced, and fun to listen to.  It’s a nasty one that will get stuck in your head, so get ready for that. But its better to have a good song stuck in your head than a bad one.

Hexadecagon
Peek-A-Boo Records

Fuguefat – The Octopus Project

So, I know I’ve been sore about songs being repetitive before. And this song is about as repetitive as it gets. But for this song it really works. There are small mixes and added instruments though out, which helps. But more than that, the song builds. It builds to ad a sense of urgency that you can feel. Every time I listen to this one, I get the feeling that there is somewhere I need to be, or something very unfortunate is going to happen. Without being sinister or dark, this song still manages to capture a small category of fear, the fear of missing something, loosing something, chasing and failing to catch something. And for me, a song that can capture a moment or a feeling in the way this song does is truly incredible.

The Near Future
I Fight Dragons

Jimmy and Sally – I Fight Dragons

People have been telling me for about 2 years now that I need to listen to I Fight Dragons. And for some reason I keep putting it off. If I’m honest, it’s because I’m getting a bit tired of video game nostalgia music. And from people’s descriptions, I figured that was really what this band was. But those descriptions truly sell this band short. This band is actually just what I needed. The song Jimmy and Sally incorporates video game noises, but isn’t about video games, which is what I have been waiting for. This song is exciting, fast, catchy, and touching. I listened to it several times just to make sure I really liked it and I do. I keep trying to find other ways to say this, but it’s a real song. It’s written to tell a story and convey an emotion. It tells a sweet story about musicians, and falling in love, similar to any song out of the 80’s. It rocks hard, swings well, and is just a damn good song.

(The album artwork in this article is not owned by the authors of this blog, but by the producers of the albums themselves.)