Spotify Me Part 17: A Playlist Carol

Spotify Me Part 17: A Playlist Carol

Mark’s Discover Weekly Playlist for the week of 12/21/2015

It’s a short Entry this week, due to me being in a place with not a lot of internet, and also because its Christmas! I deserve a break! I did quite a bit this week! Lost at Dutch Blitz, taught my Grandparents to use a camera, and dealt with one very rowdy dog. But there is one thing that really takes the cake for my Christmas vacation, and that was escaping from Communist Russia.

But really, I did go to a place called Escape OKC and if you are ever in the Oklahoma City area give this place a try. They have multiple rotating themed rooms that contain puzzles and hidden secrets. You have an hour to solve the puzzles and get a code that lets you out of the room. We did every thing from decoding messages to finding hidden safes. If you like puzzles or role-playing, you have to try one of these places. Escape rooms are popping up all over the place so look into some that might be near you. Then, after that, 3 days late, I found some Internet, and posted this entry.

Dead Mans Party
MCA Records

No One Lives Forever – Oingo Boingo

The only reason I ever started listening to Oingo Boingo is because Bill Nye did the Cha Cha to Weird Science on Dancing With the Stars. He was eliminated the very next episode, much to my dismay. It truly hard to watch your childhood heroes fall. However, it did introduce me to a band that I knew existed in the back of my mind, but never looked into seriously. First thing is first; they’re weird, but good. Their songs run on the longer side of the norm, and can often be a bit repetitive. No One Lives Forever certainly runs a little long, and does tend to focus on a specific set of lyrics. However, enough complex sounds and twists are thrown in through out the song in order to keep things interesting. Also, as its appearance in the aforementioned show would suggest, a lot of their music is great dance party music. For some, this song and band may be a bit out there, but if you are willing to accept your invitation to the weird party, then this is a band you need to look into.

The Lost One
Sky Bucket Records

Those Days are Gone and My Heart is Breaking – Barton Carol

This song reminds me quite a bit of Hey There Delilah and in a way Cats in the Cradle. It’s kind of a love child of the two songs. Similar to Hey There Delilah, the song is a letter, written to a friend who is far away. Compared to Cats in the Cradle, the song laments the many regrets of its author, such as not being around for his son, making promises he never kept, and running away from his responsibilities. And in the vein of both mentioned songs, this song is heart wrenchingly sad. Every aspect of the song adds to its sad nature, the wavering voice of the singer, the steady quite guitar, and the melody that never seems to end on a satisfying note. Listening to the song, it’s easy to become upset with its narrator, but at the same time, you want to empathize with him. He seems weary after his travels and mistakes, wizened by the harsh lessons life has taught him. In truth it seems like this song would be flat out miserable to listen to, but I think every one would agree that there is a proper time and place for sad songs like this.

Smile
Ki/oon Music

Ready Steady Go – L’Arc~n~Ciel

I usually try to stay away from video game music. I have reviewed it in the past, but I am of the opinion that songs from soundtracks work very well in the context of the movie or game they are featured in, but often fail as a stand-alone song. And because its unfair to judge them outside the context that they were created for, I try to avoid talking about them on this blog. However, it should be noted that this song was not only originally an independent song, but is featured in a game that is all about music, a “Japanese cheer squad game” called Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! These games are all about rhythm and timing, and use good stand alone songs similar to how Guitar Hero or Just Dance would. And because of that, this song is fantastic at doing just that, being a good song. Its fast, and loud, but has that cheerful optimistic melody that so many Japanese rock songs have. If you are interested in the song give it a listen! If you are interested in the game, take a look at Elite Beat Agents or similar titles that are eaiser to get a hold of in America. Unless you live in Japan, which would be cool! Imagine having readers in Japan! Imagine having readers…

Spotify Me Part 16: A Song of Ice and Playlist

Spotify Me Part 16: A Song of Ice and Playlist

Mark’s Discover Weekly Playlist for the week of 12/14/15

As you may have noticed, I write a god many of these at the last minute, usually while watching movies on television. So, to surfeit your curiosity, this week TV treated me with a double feature of both of the new J.J. Abrams Star Trek movies. Weird thing though, the played the second one first, followed by the first. And remember, playing episodes out of order can really do a number on a SciFi series. I trust I need not clarify.

It’s been a big week for SciFi, as Star Wars: The Force Awakens was just released in theaters. I have seen it, and I liked it. And that is all I’m going to say. But to celebrate the new film, you will notice that the first song in this article is about war, and is by a band called Stars. I did this on purpose and did not “just notice the coincidence afterwards and claim it like I always do” so just leave it alone already. Its been an interesting week.

In Our Bedroom After the War
Arts and Crafts Productions

In Our Bedroom After The War – Stars

 The first song of this week’s article is sad quiet and sweet, but has a hint of joy. It matches to an extent, the emotion felt when, as the title describes, the war has ended. And although I feel as though I have never truly seen a war end, I imagine the emotions run a zigzag over the broad line between happy and sad and everything in between. It starts out quiet, and builds over time. It’s like waking up feeling calm and safe after having lived in fear for so long. Anything seems possible. There is joy for the end of an era of destruction and death, but at the same time, mourning for the loss that will always come as a result of war. This song doesn’t capture that perfectly, and in my opinion, no song ever will. However the song does do a good job of generating emotion, passion, and energy. It genuinely is moving, and deserves recognition for that.

And the Moon Was Hungry
Obscura Records

King – The Romanovs

Moving on, we arrive at a song that is cool, classy, and smooth. It’s a bit like James Bond even though it doesn’t match the style. The style instead is a bit like Evanescence but less loud. Instead the song moves at the pace of a confident strut, slowly and with conviction. Arid strings and light piano work in unison with distortion and electronic effects to create a full and satisfying soundscape. Even though you can’t place an exact emotion on the song, there is energy. And not only that, but the song paints a picture. When I listen I can’t help but imagine all kinds of strange and interesting visuals to accompany the music. The song has a sinister feel, the voice of the singer hinting at political plots and schemes. Honestly, sometimes when I really like a song it can be hard to describe exactly why. I’ve tried my best worth your time, I promise.

Datarock Datarock
Young Aspiring Professionals

Computer Camp Love – Datarock

Ok, so, imagine Grease the musical, but with more nerds and computers, and you have this song. I mean, they actually use quotes from songs in the movie, so I’m being very serious. However, it’s up to debate how serious the song is. I can’t quite tell if this is social commentary or parody, but to be honest, parody is a form of social commentary so that debate may not be worth our time. The point is that the song is nerdy while cool, and smart while funny. The electronic melody is smooth and dark. In fact, without the tongue and cheek lyrics singing in a more upbeat and cheerful melody, the songs atmosphere would be completely different.  The song is cool, but not in a perfect way. It seems a bit more like what kids who are trying to be cool would sing, but carried with a confidence and style that makes it work. Also, I have to disclose that I have no clue what I am talking about as I have never been what most people would refer to as “cool”.

Dangerous Days
Blood Music

Humans are Such Easy Prey – Perturbator

This is actually for me a really funny story. You see I was listening to a song on YouTube at work, (either The Hit by TWRP or HE^RT by Starcadian I can’t remember which) and a song by this artist came up as a suggested video. After listening to the artist for a while, I got really into the 80’s electronic vibes mixed in with more modern sound devices. When this song came up on my playlist, I was very excited for a chance to talk about it. This song seems to be an tribute to the Alien series, pulling what I’m pretty sure is a sound bite from Ripley. The song then rips right into dark, fast paced, suspenseful electronic beats and melodies. The clear 80’s instrumentation is mixed with what seems like either 8 or 16 bit sounds in order to create what sits between an 80’s movie and a video game soundtrack. One of the tings I like most about this artist is that they treat the electronic sound as a way to tell stories and paint pictures rather than just give a dance beat. And the best part about that is, in this case you could still dance to it. Its good, high quality music that I have been very into recently, and hope to keep listening to in the future.

Spotify Me Part 15: A Playlist Carol

Spotify Me Part 15: A Playlist Carol

Marks Discover Weekly playlist for 12/7/2015

Winter has been interesting so far. You may remember that in a recent article in this series I talked about a winter storm so big it had a name. Well let me give you an update on what winter has brought to the Chicago area since then: a whole lot of nothing. In fact, it’s been so nice, an ice carving competition that I was looking forward too was cancelled due to the conditions. The ice skating rink was closed! However, we had driven quite a ways, and people wanted to e on the ice. So, in a mini outdoor mall, people gathered in the spirit of cold, and without any skates, braved the ice.

It was kind of magical in a strange way. To see people cautiously walking across the icy surface with smiles on their faces. Kids would often fall, but got back up with joy and determination. Chicago proved that just because winter refused to show up, didn’t mean we would be cheated of the fun it had to offer. I came to the realization that I hadn’t walked on ice since my college curling days, and since I had forgotten my camera, I decided I may as well be a part of it. Then a security guard kicked us all off the ice and we decided to go home and watch Ant Man.

Six Demon Bag
Ace Fu Records

Engwish Bwudd – Man Man

With what seems to be a strange retelling of “Jack and the Bean Stalk”, Engwish Bwudd roars in to this week’s playlist. It is unapologetically obnoxious in the best way possible. The song starts in with western saloon piano, while the singer stars yelling lyrics in an almost unintelligible voice. And once you figure out what the singer is saying, it doesn’t necessarily mean you understand what he’s trying to say, although there do seem to be references to some father issues. This song blasts through your speakers like a drunken roommate falling thought your door. Many people probably find this song rude and annoying. But for me, it’s just fun to listen to.

Contraption Vol 1
Beats Antique Records

Extra Extra – Beats Antique

The band Beats Antique can do some pretty weird stuff from time to time. Maybe some don’t consider it that odd, but for me gas mask burlesque is just a bit much. However, the band can make great music, and for that I will put up with some out of place military gear. Beats Antique specializes in meshing jazz and electronic with a hint of Middle Eastern influence. Extra Extra is a down and dirty party song. Raunchy Sax and brass over heavy bass tones give the song a heavy feeling. The drums are light and fast, but the song is even paced and driven. And this album has other songs that are just as good. They are worth taking a look into. Just know that if you go onto YouTube, you might see odd gas mask dancing, and I will not let you blame that on me.

Soundtrack for the Voices in
my Head Vol 2
FiXT Music

Senorita Bonita – Celldweller 

I actually thought there was something wrong with my radio the first time I heard this song. But then the skips start to seem less random, and the song got really good. The electronic elements are great, but I do with that the Latin guitar elements had a bit more of a presence. There are also rock elements that work well with the electronic sounds. But it also seems like the song ends as soon as it gets going, only lasting a short minute and a half. The song is good, I enjoy listening to it, and I love the idea that the artist is exploring. I just wish they had taken it a bit further.

Travelers in Space and Time
Yep Roc Records

Told You Once – The Apples in Stereo

Even though this song only came out five years ago, it alludes to a style of music that you would expect to come out of the 70’s. The song has a smooth groovy flow that carries thought the entire tune. The tune is also really catchy, and can easily get stuck in your head. The lyrics touch on classic themes: love, jealousy, and misplaced affection. It’s a song you could imagine hearing at a disco. But at the same time, you can tell the song is modern due to the styles of the vocals both natural and electronically augmented portions. There is something to be said for people who are able to create songs in the style of a different era, but there should also be something said for people who are ushering old genres into current day. Its really cool to see what new recording and sound technology can do to the musical styles of history. But even if music history isn’t your top interest, this song still remains a catchy groovy dance tune that any one can enjoy.

Spotify Me Part 14: The Da Vinci Playlist

Spotify Me Part 14: The Da Vinci Playlist

Mark’s Discover Weekly Playlist for the week of 11/30/2015

This has been an interesting playlist. Many of the songs surprised me, not in that they were good, but in that there ended up being more to them than I had originally suspected. One song is from the soundtrack to a movie that is impossible to get a copy of. Another ended up being one degree away from Moon Hooch, a favorite band of mine. Yet another song described a mythical town that ended up being more real than I suspected. It was a fun adventure of puzzle solving and research for me. I was a kid in a candy shop.

But before I get to that, I also discovered a few other things that I really want to mention. One is a podcast by the name of The Black Tapes. The podcast is similar to Serial but with ghosts and stuff. I don’t want to say too much about it other than try not to research the podcast until you have finished listening to it. You don’t want to ruin anything until the end. Next is that if you have ever been in or are going to a town called South Bend, Indiana (which I hear has a fairly well known college?) then there are two places you need to see. One is a restrain called J.W. Chen’s. The service is amazing and the food was incredible. The owner takes every order herself and is very present in managing the store. The second is a book store called Erasmus Books. Trust me, it’s going to feel like you are walking into someone’s house at first, but it’s a must see if you are a fan of books in any way. I picked up a few nature guides that I’m ecstatic to put to use. But we have to remember, this is a music blog, so:

Sunset Blood
Starcadian, Rob O'Neill & Mike Frankel

He^Rt (Album Mix) – Starcadian 

The original motion picture soundtrack to an 80’s film called Sunset Blood was released on October 31, 2013. A few things might peak your interest from that statement. For example, why was the soundtrack released so long after the fact?  Why are copies of the enigmatic Sci Fi thriller so hard to find? These are the questions that were running through my head during a half hour research session that ended with me discovering the truth: the movie Sunset Blood was never released, nor did it ever truly exist in the first place. And that is really a shame, because now I can’t think of a movie I want to see more. Sunset Blood then becomes a different kind of experiment in music making. It is written to be in the style of an 80’s film soundtrack, but is in fact its own standalone album. However, the fact that the movie does not exist cast a mysterious light on the electronic tones that the album presents. Instead of recognizing the music from a classic film, we the listeners are forced to imagine the kind of film that the music was written for. To comment specifically on He^rt, the song suggested to me, it is slow and soothing. It has a romantic atmosphere, thought the lyrics preach uncertainty in the singer’s life. Just listening to the song, and from my first glance at the album cover, I had actually believed it was an 80’s era electronic pop song. If the song hadn’t been able to lure me into looking for an exact release date, this paragraph would likely be much different. And while no actual movie may exist, the music video for this song is recorded in the style of the 80’s, complete with all the advantages and disadvantages of the technology available at the time. The description of the video reads “I make ear movies,” a humorous yet meaningful comment on the idea behind the music. This song, not to mention the album as a whole, is a very interesting exploration into the culture of music, film, and science fiction culture.

The District
Atwork Music

Fool’s Gold (Feat. Too Many Zooz) – Manicanparty, Too Many Zooz

While the singers voices and styles remind me of more modern indie vocalists, the instrumentation takes inspiration from big band jazz groups of the past. I’m’ not sure if this was the first or second song I listened to this week, but it was the first song I knew I was going to be writing about. This song makes you want to move, get up and dance. The drums in the song are ever present, keeping the song at a fast driving pace. And although the vocal styles do feel more modern, they never feel out of place. The horns roar in creating that partly like big band atmosphere. The Horn section, or the featured Too Many Zooz, can really create a rugged and dirty brass band sound, having also done some work with another band I like called Moon Hooch. The vocals come from the group Manicanparty, who have more often worked with that modern and distant sounding indie music. If you were to listen to the independent work of either group, you would never have put them together. However, the groups have a powerful synergistic effect that you do not want to miss out on.

hyperstory
Pureland Records

A Happening – Hyperstory

Slow, calm, collected, and cool, A Happening contains the relaxing energy of someone who is just too cool to be bothered by the problems the rest of the world is experiencing. The song is characterized by a steady electric organ beat that runs through the song. However, other small instrumentations such as distorted child singing or light electronic bells make the song feel just a little dark. The beat is overly casual, as though it couldn’t be persuaded to move any faster. There is an aloof and uncaring atmosphere about the whole song. They lyrics hint at more, something is happening, but the singer of the song doesn’t really know what it is. He has better things to do than to find the answer. It’s funny that I like this son because it doesn’t really make me feel anything, at least not in the way that other songs I like usually do. Other songs make me happy, sad, or angry; this song makes you not care. IT makes you feel distant, as though you were floating not too far away from the earth, but far enough away to no care about it. It’s a new emotion in music I hadn’t really explored before, but certainly an interesting style of music to think about.

The Sunlandic Twins
Philter

Oslo in the Summertime – Of Montreal

In this song, similar to the above mentioned song, there is a vague sense of indifference. However, whereas the above song can be described as cool and casual, this song is more unnerving. The synthetic tones that lead the song off have an ominous nature that never leaves, and is actually the last thing you hear as the song fades away. The lyrics seem cryptic at first, with descriptions of a strange town that seems unreal. However, Oslo is very real, and is in fact the capital of a very real and well known country called Norway. Due to Oslo’s northern latitude, Oslo experiences 18 hours of sunlight during the mid-summer, hence the title of the song. Knowing this does change the nature of the song slightly. The mysterious tone of the song fades as you realize it’s more a description of the difficulties of living in a place with sunlight that that dissolves the night as early as 4 am. The song also references other aspects of Oslo life such as sun lamps, difficulty sleeping, and vacationing in other parts of the world until the town becomes more livable. The song even contains mention of the high immigrant flow into the country, causing the cities high growth rate. But because of those synthetic tones, the high and light voices, and the minor chords, the song paints a real town like Oslo in a very surreal light, turning reality into fantasy.