Mixtape 01: Sunday Songs

Itching for a new post category, I thought of starting a mixtape series, similar to the frequent lists compiled by a lot of other blogs. It might overlap a whole lot with some other posts, so it might be short-lived, but I'll just have to see how it plays out. For the first mixtape, I dug out ten tracks all about the first day of the week. Coincidentally, all of these Sunday songs are excellent, with many addressing the two sides of Sundays. On one hand, it's always a sort of mental (and often physical) hangover from the previous week, wondering what to make of yourself in the interim between the past and the imminent future. On the flipside, it's a day of rest and relaxation, full of optimism for what's in store in the coming week. The playlist is of course just my own suggestion, so feel free to pick and choose your favorites and work them into your own Sunday listening as needed.

1. The Velvet Underground & Nico, "Sunday Morning" [YSI] (from The Velvet Underground & Nico)
2. No Doubt, "Sunday Morning" [YSI] (from Tragic Kingdom)
3. Blondie, "Sunday Girl" [YSI] (from Greatest Hits)
4. U2, "Sunday Bloody Sunday" [YSI] (from The Best of 1980-1990)
5. Sia, "Sunday" [YSI] (from Colour The Small One)
6. Moby, "Sunday (The Day Before My Birthday)" [YSI] (from 18)
7. The Cardigans, "Sunday Circus Song" [YSI] (from original issues of Life)
8. Stephane Pompougnac feat. Charles Schillings, "Sunday Drive" [YSI] (from Hello Mademoiselle)
9. Maroon 5, "Sunday Morning" [YSI] (from Songs About Jane)
10. Beck, "Sunday Sun" [YSI] (from Sea Change)

***Note: Links removed***

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Pedestal 06: Pizzicato Five

A lot of music tends to go in one ear and out the other, but on rare occasions a band will become an instant favorite. Whatever the reason behind it, there's nothing more satisfying than discovering a new artist that you just immediately love, especially if the group is relatively obscure and has an extensive back catalog that can be explored for years to come. A recent discovery of mine that perfectly fits this ideal is Pizzicato Five, a Japanese avant-pop duo fronted by super-classy singer Maki Nomiya and musician Yasuharu Konishi. Starting out as an obscure pop quintet way back in 1985 and eventually breaking up in 2001, the group released upwards of fifteen studio albums, and countless more compilations, EPs and collectibles. Their rapid evolution saw their sound touch upon numerous genres, pioneering the jazzy, energetic "Shibuya-kei" pop sound while dabbling in electronica, bossa nova, dance pop and indie rock, consistently maintaining a tangible kitsch factor.

The album I started on a few weeks ago, 1997's Happy End of the World, was a total impulse buy, having never really heard their songs in full and just picking the cheapest used disc I could find at the record store. To my pleasant surprise, I'm already in love with the album and all of its infinite quirks. Kicking things off, the slow-burning optimism of "World Is Spinning at 45 RPM" sets the pace for the pop masterpiece ahead. The short, clubby "Trailer Music" picks up the tempo to set up the joyous single "It's A Beautiful Day." Complete with chants of "P.I.Z.Z.I.C.A.T.O. Five!" and a rolling rhythm recalling surf rock, bossa nova and lounge pop all at once, it's the brightest song you'll hear in a while. Things get a bit moodier with "Love's Theme" before rebooting with the simple, yet extremely catchy beats of "My Baby Portable Player Sound." "Mon Amour Tokyo," the album's other single, is a bit more straightforward pop (which for P5 is still weirder than anything else out there). It gets a bit repetitive towards the end, but the silly phone introduction and singalong feel of "Arigato We Love You" keeps it interesting until "Happy Ending" wraps up the album on an almost cheekily cheerful note. Overall, an extremely addictive listen and up there with many of its contemporary greats, alongside the likes of Saint Etienne's Good Humor and The Cardigans' Life with its successful integration of retro elements for an utterly fresh sound. Though the majority of the record is in Japanese, I didn't feel lost at all, as Pizzicato Five's energetic, grab-bag sound somehow transcends language, genre and any sense of time or musical context. I already can't wait to explore them some more, starting with the US-exclusive compilation The Sound of Music by Pizzicato Five that I just picked up, so expect to see them show up in some of the more eclectic posts in the future.

Pizzicato Five, "Mon Amour Tokyo" (from Happy End of the World)


From Happy End of the World:
"It's A Beautiful Day" [YSI]
"My Baby Portable Player Sound" [YSI]
"Mon Amour Tokyo" [YSI]

From The Sound of Music by Pizzicato Five:
"Happy Sad" [YSI]
"Groovy Is My Name" [YSI]

From Playboy & Playgirl:
"Such A Beautiful Girl Like You" [YSI]

***Note: Links removed***

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Preview: Beautiful Pizzicato Five

Since I won't really have a chance to do a full post until after my midterms, here's a preview of what I have in store. The past two weeks have been all about Pizzicato Five, a quirky Japanese boy-girl duo with a sound akin to Saint Etienne, bossa nova, James Bond scores, The Cardigans (circa Life) and pretty much everything that is good about pop music. An extremely prolific group, their many albums, EPs and compilations span a wide range of genres that is hard to pinpoint and even harder not to love. Before I launch into a review of some of their works, here's a taster. Taken from the Playboy & Playgirl record, "Such A Beautiful Girl Like You" is an instant singalong favorite (despite its foreign language). Check out the video below and look for the download (and others) in the upcoming P5 feature.

Pizzicato Five, "Such A Beautiful Girl Like You" (from the album Playboy & Playgirl)

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Hits 19/Mixed & Mashed 14: Hits Mixed

Apologies for the recent lack of posts. I'd much rather be posting new music (and I've got lots!) than studying for midterms, but unfortunately I've got two this week! To tide you over until my life gets back in order, here is a round-up of a bunch of recent hits in remixed form. Most are typical club and dance radio mixes, released by record labels to increase exposure of singles in different markets. The best of the bunch is undoubtedly Robyn's new single "Who's That Girl?" in a predictably amazing mix by Rex The Dog. A close second is the Ian Carey remix of Sugababes' excellent new single "Denial." Of course, I couldn't resist throwing in some Kylie, so here are a pair of great mixes by David Guetta and Sebastien Leger.

Robyn, "Who's That Girl?" (Rex The Dog Remix) [YSI]
Sugababes, "Denial" (Ian Carey Vocal Mix) [YSI]
Leona Lewis, "Bleeding Love" (Moto Blanco Radio Edit) [YSI]
Snoop Dogg, "Sensual Seduction" (Wideboys Edit) [YSI]
Natalie Imbruglia, "Glorious" (Bimbo Jones Remix Radio Edit) [YSI]
Britney Spears, "Piece Of Me" (Tiesto Radio Edit) [YSI]
Kylie Minogue, "Wow" (F*** Me I'm Famous Remix by David Guetta & Joachim Garraud) [YSI]
Kylie Minogue, "In My Arms" (Sebastien Leger Mix) [YSI]
Girls Aloud, "Can't Speak French" (Tony Lamezma Mix) [YSI]

***Note: Links removed***

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Tender Ballads 05: To A Brokenhearted Friend

This somber post is dedicated to someone I've known for many, many years, who, despite our longterm acquaintance, I'm still only just getting to know well. This friend has spent the past few years looking for that missing something, and eventually realized it was really a missing someone they were seeking out. After a number of encounters, they finally met someone who excited them, a person with passion that matched their own and a certain spark that they had never witnessed in anyone else. Alas, the timing wasn't meant to be, and nothing came of their friendship. Undeterred, my ever-hopeful friend waited and waited, holding on to the distant possibility of anything happening between them. Falling into a dangerous trap, they fervently pursued a friendship with their emotionally-unavailable crush, tricking their otherwise highly pragmatic heart and mind into believing in a potential reciprocation. After months of genuine bonding and countless mixed signals, they went out on a limb, but found that their feelings were in fact not mutual. The perfect world they had pictured as just out of reach was no more. Devastated, both by the rejection and the cruel irony of the situation, my friend isn't the same person anymore. They may never recapture the bright, idealistic flame of that first real sentiment, and the pain of that first true disappointment may never fully leave. With every day comes a new beginning, though, and I sincerely hope my friend can have the perspective and strength to recover from the unenviable trajectory of their recent past.

Now that I've been enough of a downer to last at least a few days, here are some tender ballads to soundtrack some personal reflection time, which we all know we need every now and then.

Coldplay, "Fix You" [YSI] (from the album X&Y)
The Fugees, "Killing Me Softly" [YSI] (from the album The Score)
Jewel, "Foolish Games" (Single Version) [YSI] (original version on the album Pieces of You)
Sia, "Breathe Me" [YSI] (from the album Colour The Small One)

***Note: Links removed***

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Hits 18: You Know Me The Best

At long last, the video for a certain blogger's favorite track of the past many months has arrived. Of course, I'm talking about Róisín Murphy's new single "You Know Me Better." I have to admit, I was expecting a video full of dancing and glam, but instead Róisín out-weirded herself yet again, delivering a clip stuffed with many of her signature ridiculous outfits. Without much of a narrative, it is regardless a visually-appealing music video that makes the best of her probably very limited budget with EMI. As this is a hits post, here are two more hot new tracks alongside it. First, Mark Brown brings in Sarah Cracknell (of amazing pop trio Saint Etienne) for an addictive dance number. "The Journey Continues" hit the British top 20 last month, and after a few listens you'll see why it was such a big airplay hit. Tabloid darling Britney Spears releases yet another winning single pretty soon. The third from Blackout, "Break The Ice" is no "Gimme More," but it does make a clear case for her continued relevance in the pop world. Featured here is a bootleg mash-up version with Justin Timberlake's "Like I Love You" that works pretty nicely. The biggest deal of all should be made about Janet Jackson's new single "Rock With U," but I'm saving that one for tomorrow's post.

Róisín Murphy, "You Know Me Better" (from the album Overpowered)


Download:

Mark Brown Feat. Sarah Cracknell, "The Journey Continues" (Radio Edit) [YSI]
Britney Spears Feat. Justin Timberlake & Clipse "Break The Ice" (Raza Remix) [YSI]

***Note: Links removed***

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Ridin' Dirty 06

As much as I love "dirty ridin'" anthems, I just don't have enough of them, hence the infrequent posts in this series (feel free to send over more dirty jams!). This batch is notable for its all-around hilarity. Whether intentional or not, these songs manage to up the filth factor while cracking me up. Dr. Dre's "Fuck You" has possibly the most priceless beginning to any rap song, with a heartfelt phone message from a pining girlfriend giving way to instant vulgarity over a phat beat. The Pharcyde's "Ya Mama" fills out the "your mama's so fat" joke with countless ridiculous punchlines, taking it too far on numerous occasions ("an afro with a g-strap" gives you an idea of the proportions). Princess Superstar's "Bad Babysitter" is wrong on so many levels, making it onto all of my filthy playlists for its comically unique brand of raunch (apologies to longtime readers, as this was featured ages ago in this series' second post). Of course, toilet humor and Peaches go hand-in-hand, so her timeless "Fuck The Pain Away" is included to round out the post.

Dr. Dre Feat. Snoop Dogg, "Fuck You" [YSI]
The Pharcyde, "Ya Mama" [YSI]
Princess Superstar Feat. The High & Mighty, "Bad Babysitter" [YSI]
Peaches, "Fuck The Pain Away" [YSI]

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Shameless 04: The Other Minogue

Most musically-informed people are at least vaguely aware of Kylie Minogue, and if nothing else remember her for either the "la la la's" of "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" or her late '80s revival of "The Loco-Motion." What most don't realize, though, is that Kylie has a little sister who's also been in the pop game for quite a while. Known for pretty much everything but her music, Dannii Minogue (I know, the spelling!) will unfortunately never be able to leave the shadow of her older and far more popular sister, no matter how hard she tries (which, compared to her big sis, doesn't seem like much at all). For those who love a good pop/dance song regardless of credibility, Dannii is always a good bet.

Like Kylie, Dannii got her start on an Australian soap opera. Three years her sister's junior, she got her start in the music industry shortly after Kylie began scoring hits. Dannii's career as a singer got off to a promising start with Love and Kisses in 1991, scoring four UK top twenty hits with its singles, including the ironically-titled "$ucce$$." Her follow-up album Get Into You, despite continuing her debut's upbeat mix of pop and dance, failed to find chart $uce$$. Released after four singles, including the top ten hit "This Is It," it missed the top 50 in both the UK and Australia. She disappeared from the music scene after losing her record deal, showing up often in the tabloids and infamously posing nude in the pages of Australian Playboy. Dannii eventually returned in 1997 with the more mature club sounds of Girl. Preceding it was her biggest hit yet, the top five "All I Wanna Do," however the album was met with low sales and little $ucce$$ outside of the club charts.

After another hiatus, Dannii collaborated with Riva on the huge international club hit "Who Do You Love Now?" An instant $ucce$$, it reignited her music career and got her a six-album deal with London Records. She returned in 2002 with the addictive dance cut "Put The Needle On It," and solidified her comeback with its follow-up "I Begin To Wonder," just narrowly missing out on her first number one hit in the UK. Her fourth album Neon Nights hit the top ten in England and went gold, and her run of top ten hits continued with her next two single releases. Her club success soared to new heights, propelled by the popular mash-ups of the album's singles (including the first to ever be allowed to sample a Madonna track). Suddenly, and with little explanation, she switched labels to dance independent All Around The World. Though a follow-up album to Neon Nights was supposedly imminent, it never materialized. Instead, she released two one-off collaboration singles and eventually a compilation of hits and new tracks called The Hits & Beyond. It was met with minor $ucce$$ and has since been followed by two limited-release singles, both of which have undeniably flopped due to lack of promotion. With no new music on the horizon, Dannii has most recently released a series of back catalog items, including Unleashed, a collection of unreleased tracks and mixes, and deluxe re-issues of Girl and Neon Nights, much to the joy of her fans. It may be a while before she gets back on top of her musical game, so take the opportunity to look back and see what the minor Minogue has to offer. There's a reason she's known by many as a trashier, more clubbed-up version of Kylie, but no reason to deny yourself of this truly guilty pleasure!

From The Hits & Beyond:
Dannii Minogue, "Baby Love" (Silky 70's 7" Mix) [YSI]
Dannii Minogue, "$ucce$$" (7" Version) [YSI]
Dannii Minogue, "All I Wanna Do" [YSI]
Dannii Minogue, "I Begin To Wonder" (Radio Version) [YSI]
Dannii Minogue Vs. Flower Power, "You Won't Forget About Me" (Radio Edit) [YSI]

From Unleashed:
Riva Feat. Dannii Minogue, "Who Do You Love Now?" (Riva's Bora Bora Edit) [YSI]
Dannii Minogue, "Put The Needle On It" (Cicada Vocal Edit) [YSI]

Bonus:
Dannii Minogue Vs. Jason Nevins, "Touch Me Like That" (Radio Edit) [YSI]

For the excellent Dannii mash-ups with classic Dead Or Alive and Madonna songs, check out the recent post Mixed & Mashed 13.

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Dear Ibiza 11: Spring Kandi

Spring is here, which (at least in California) means lots of sun and, by necessity, lots of big, upbeat dance music. Here is a selection of some of my favorite spring-appropriate tracks featured on past Hed Kandi compilations. For those who haven't heard of Hed Kandi, it's a popular dance label based in the UK that regularly puts out themed compilations filled with only the best dance music. In the past few years, under the new ownership of dance giant Ministry Of Sound, some of the albums haven't been up to the old standard and have gone a bit commercial, but their vast back catalog and still-consistent quality control ensure a huge library of classic titles. The tracks here are picked for their very "up" sound, perfect for sunny listening, and are taken from their excellent Disco Kandi and Beach House series (plus one Serve Chilled track). My favorite Hed Kandi theme, Twisted Disco, isn't represented here, but look out for some of those cuts later on. The music can speak for itself, so I won't explain too much this time. For an excellent update of a house favorite, look no further than the "summer bootleg version" of Basement Jaxx's classic "Good Luck." StoneBridge provide some essential Latin flavor, while Ian Pooley and Moony are perfect for days when it's actually warm enough to enjoy the weather. Last, for a taste of summer, check out Defender's awesome "Bliss."

Basement Jaxx Feat. Lisa Kekaula, "Good Luck" (Summer Bootleg Version) [YSI] (from Disco Kandi 05.04)
Ian Pooley, "Heaven" (Tonka's Bass&Beats Tool) [YSI] (from Beach House 04.04)
Moony, "Dove (I'll Be Loving You)" (T&F vs. Moltosugo Club Mix) [YSI] (from Disco Kandi 05.02)
StoneBridge Feat. Isabel Fructuoso, "Clorophilla (Put A Little Love)" (T&F vs. Moltosugo Mix) [YSI] (from Disco Kandi 05.04)
Defender, "Bliss" [YSI] (from Serve Chilled 59)

Check out Hed Kandi's website for more great dance music!

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Mixed & Mashed 13: Minogues Mashed

For whatever reason, both Kylie Minogue and sister Dannii's music always works well in mash-ups. From Kylie's acclaimed "Can't Get Blue Monday Out Of My Head" to Danni's club hit "Begin To Spin Me Round," their vocals always make for ace bootlegs. The featured tracks today are a new mash-up of Kylie's "Love At First Sight" (this time her vocals aren't present!) with Madonna's classic "Like A Virgin," which might not sound too hot at first, but won't leave your brain after a full listen. Moloko's Ibiza classic "Sing It Back" meshes surprisingly well with Kylie's "In Your Eyes," in a mix that switches between the verses and beats of the songs. Dannii's well-known mash-ups stem from her Neon Nights singles. The first is a mix of her hit "I Begin To Wonder" with Dead Or Alive's "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" that stormed European club charts upon release. The second, and my favorite of this bunch, mashes her "Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling" with Madonna's "Into The Groove," famously becoming the first song ever allowed to sample a Madonna track. Nice work, bootleggers!

Madonna Vs. Kylie Minogue, "Like A Virgin At First Sight" [YSI]
Kylie Minogue Vs. Moloko, "Bring It Back In Your Eyes" [YSI]
Dannii Minogue Vs. Dead Or Alive, "Begin To Spin Me Round" (Radio Edit) [YSI] (from the compilation Unleashed)
Dannii Minogue Vs. Madonna, "Don't Wanna Lose This Groove" [YSI] (from the re-issue album Neon Nights Deluxe Edition)

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Hits 17: A DJ, A-Punk and A Ballad (or Two)

Lately I've been trying to think of ways to diversify the posts on this blog (feel free to suggest new categories), and also might want to switch up the layout and background a bit. It's all up in the air, though, and probably won't get changed at all until the weekend. In the meantime, before I zone out and toy with the site, here's a handful of new and upcoming hits. First up, recent Grammy-winner Mark Ronson tackles Radiohead's "Just" along with Phantom Planet singer Alex Greenwald. While not as immediate as his last few singles, it is an interesting revisit with a funny video that parodies Radiohead's original. Vampire Weekend, who so far hold the title of best debut of 2008, released their new single "A-Punk" this week in the UK. With a jumpy video, it elevates the track beyond mere album status, though I personally would have preferred a different single pick. Last up are two new(ish) sort-of-ballads. Leona Lewis is set to release the double A-side single "Better In Time"/"Footprints In The Sand" next week in the UK. It's all being done in support of Sport Relief, and her enormous popularity, coupled with the former track's ace construction, should ensure lots of help for charity. Meanwhile, in the US her debut single "Bleeding Love" continues to climb the charts, rapidly gaining in both airplay and downloads. It looks like the Leona Lewis invasion of America is upon us! Finally, Kylie Minogue is at last looking to release her recent tenth album X in the US. Its first single, strangely for Kylie, is actually a midtempo R&B track called "All I See," rather than the storming dance numbers she's known for in the rest of the world. Unfortunately, her label felt the need to bring in a rent-a-rapper (Mims) for US radio play, but I'll forgive her for selling out if it gets her the attention needed to bring dance back onto US airwaves. Plus, the song itself isn't bad, it just isn't what she's best at by any means (speaking of which, any opinions on the new Madonna song?).

Mark Ronson feat. Alex Greenwald, "Just" (from the album Version)

Download: Mark Ronson feat. Alex Greenwald, "Just" [YSI] (from the album Version)

Vampire Weekend, "A-Punk" (from the album Vampire Weekend)

Download: Vampire Weekend, "A-Punk" [YSI] (from the album Vampire Weekend)

Download: Leona Lewis, "Better In Time" (Sport Relief Remix) [YSI] (from the album Spirit)
Download: Kylie Minogue feat. Mims, "All I See" (US Radio Mix) [YSI] (from the album X)

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Serve Chilled 08: Cocktail Hour

It takes a great DJ to match the exact mood of a situation with the appropriate musical backing. This is especially true in bars, where the soundtrack can often make or break the entire feel of the place. The hippest places usually opt for a middle ground between cutting-edge house music and chilled beats that wouldn't overpower the room. Here are a selection of tracks that fit this template well, and could easily play at any cocktail party or trendy bar. They're a bit too chilled for a club, but perfect for lounging. Featured on one of Hed Kandi's Beach House albums, The Cuban Brothers take a sizzling beat loaded with drums and cymbals and overload it with Latin flourishes for a great barside (or poolside) number. The ever-strange Pizzicato Five evoke Swingin' London and 60s film scores in the bombastic "One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Barbie Dolls," and playing it will be sure to earn you cool points. Gabin take a familiar jazz line and give it an instantly addictive electronic update in "Doo Uap Doo Uap Doo Uap." Like the Gabin track, Freedom Dub's excellent "Emotional Rescue" is taken from a Hôtel Costes compilation, and, as the mix albums intend, it's a great fit for a lounge environment. Invite some friends over and enjoy!

The Cuban Brothers, "A Million Stories" (Diesler Mix) [YSI] (from the Hed Kandi compilation Beach House 60)
Pizzicato Five, "One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Barbie Dolls" [YSI] (from the compilation Everything Is Nice: The Matador Records 10th Anniversary Anthology)
Gabin, "Doo Uap, Doo Uap, Doo Uap" [YSI] (from the compilation Hôtel Costes 5)
Freedom Dub, "Emotional Rescue" (2 Many Beats Remix) [YSI] (from the compilation Hôtel Costes 9)

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Covered Up 09/Tender Ballads 04

As recent posts confirm, I've been in the mood for a lot of tender ballads lately. Sinéad O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U," a Prince cover, has taken its hold on my playlists, and as a result I've been investigating more cover songs that double as heartfelt ballads. Stereophonic's take on the same track is almost as emotional, and while it can't meet up to Sinéad O'Connor's level of devastating sentiment, it is a nice live take that gives new dimension to the otherwise same-y band. Aimee Mann's cover of Coldplay's classic "The Scientist" sticks pretty faithfully to the original version, but her captivating voice makes it a worthwhile revisit. The most exciting pick is pop group Girls Aloud's Live Lounge cover of Robyn's hit "With Every Heartbeat." Another example of why Girls Aloud are a cut above the others, it is due to be featured on their "Can't Speak French" single (previewed earlier here).

Girls Aloud, "With Every Heartbeat" (Robyn with Kleerup Cover) (Live on Radio 1's Live Lounge) [YSI]
Aimee Mann, "The Scientist" (Coldplay Cover) (Live) [YSI]
Stereophonics, "Nothing Compares 2 U" (Prince Cover) (Live on Radio 1's Live Lounge) [YSI]

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