This is my first Blog. The real name is Scott. I chose the alias because I thought it was cute. I have an awesome dog, who is some hound mix, and I will try to "sniff" new music out of realms of record stores and the internet. I guess for any first timer let me make my intentions clear ; ) I want to use this blog as a way to share new, old, and some of my favorite music. I am going to post record reviews and all around musical round-ups. I have never done something like this before. I want to take advantage of Spotify. I will share my playlists and other things via Spotify. Why? Because it is easy and FREE. It is the best way for you and I to get connected musically so that is how I am doing it. I would not be turned off by some constructive criticism concerning anything. Content, overall style, or maybe I just post shitty music and you want me to know it is garbage. Let me lay out one of my biases right now. Sometimes I can be a sad-sack and listen to a lot of mellow, dark, and moody things. So if you get sick of it give me a virtual slap and say "CHEER UP AND LISTEN TO THIS!"
Given the time of year and the weather I will start with my beginning of summer playlist. This playlist includes multiple aspects of summer. Hot days, cool nights, love, and the anticipation of more to come.
Here is the Spotify Playlist: Summer Time Begins
Junip: "Suddenly" This song is off of their new self titled record. The ethereal and spacious sound of this track paired with Jose Gonzalez vocals are like drinking a Hefeweizen on my patio in the cool Summer Breeze (and yes you are supposed to sing Seals and Croft to yourself with that one).
Gogol Bordello: "Through the Roof 'n' Underground" This song expresses some of that anticipation I brought up earlier. In the song we are escaping the past and the traps of a former life. So lets just say Fuck Winter and what is left of spring in these wacky times and get started with summer.
Justin Townes Earle: "Can't Hardly Wait" This song just always makes me think of summer. I heard this cover and it really spoke to me. The mandolin really nails the guitar hook and Townes Earle's voice just works. It doesn't have the edge that Paul Westerberg from the Replacements has but I think that's why it works.
The Cave Singers: "Seeds of the Night" This song is perfect for a summer day. With the wavering lyrics the words seem less important than the texture offered. The bass line throughout makes the song feel as though it will never end but it is so pleasant that I don't want it to. This song is taking a long drive through the hinterlands of the United States in the summer time. Just "thinking of heaven. Thinking its night".
M. Ward: "Bron-Yr-Aur" Well, Its M. Ward on a guitar playing a great cover of an amazing Zeppelin tune. Shut up and give me a margarita.
Kurt Vile: "Never Run Away" Kurt Vile is relatively high energy on this tune and that is why I am including it. It is a love song with a soft guitar lead, which just invites you to sink into, and a drum beat that keeps your foot tapping and your head bobbing.
Eddie Vedder: "Rise" Now what is summer with out a good folk song. Fucking relax, have a drink, and watch the breeze dance with the leaves in the trees.
The Talking Heads: "This Must Be the Place" Its 2 in the morning and the night is nearly at a close. You have been drinking since about 11 o'clock. You might still be having a good time but really you are just tired. Its time to head home.
Bomba Estereo: "Bailar Conmigo" Maybe its cliche to put a dub inspired song on a summer playlist but I dont care. This song is good. The layered instrumentation and lush electronics work. I don't understand Spanish but her flow could not be stopped by the hoover dam. This song makes me want to move.
The Dead Milkmen: "Punk Rock Girl" This song reminds me of being sixteen. Give me a skateboard.
