'Tis the Swell Season!

STOP THE PRESSES!

I usually let it go a week, or 3 months, or so until I say anything on here. However, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, (you may recall weeping over their albums together as The Swell Season.. and let us not forget Once) released Strict Joy on the 27th, and subsequently completed my second, and maybe third, life. They got the name right, that's for sure. Their lyrics and melodies swell in the heart and what overflows can only be described as complete and unadulterated joy and sorrow and love and awe. It's quite impressive, really.

It's happy and heartful and souful and haunting; a candid shot of a heart on a sleeve. If you're truly aching for something that will catch all the fish hooks surrounding your heart and tug up the greatest and most genuine ardor lurking under the surface, Strict Joy will have you reaching for a Kleenex and and hand to hold. Still trying to figure out how to speak the fiery Goidelic language of love, maybe this Irishman will look at me with those deep pools of blue green eyes and sing In These Arms.... Sigh.

From Strict Joy:

1. Low Rising
2. Feeling the Pull
3. In These Arms

Cheers,

Merman

Whoaaaa Backlog.

So... It's been a while. HI!

This is what happened: A friend told me, well, he told me didn't like what I wrote. We'll let it be that. Here is how I felt: Stupid. So I stopped writing. Here is what that was: Stupid. Then I read Kurt Vonnegut's Breakfast of Champions. And I forgot all about my my friend's superiority complex.

This is what it felt like:

I remembered that crazy is awesome. Awesome and crazy are two terms that can sometimes be opposite. The former describing a moment of awe, an impressive and somewhat unimaginable event. The latter usually indicates a negative and uncontrolled aspect of a person or thing. These terms are meant to put people in boxes in which they have either put themselves or someone else has done for them. Vonnegut reminded me that I hate boxes. And also, that sometimes your opinion sucks. I'd like to pay reckless disregard to any opinions of anyone who doesn't think, well, anyone who doesn't think he's any good, and so on. This is an Ode to Vonnegut. An ode is a dedication usually expressed in the form of medias like song, poety, acting, singing, or mixtapes. Definitely mixtapes. It is meant to put someone on a box, instead of in one. Here is one to Kurt Vonnegut.

This is what it sounds like:

1. Rain Machine - Give Blood
2. Surfer Blood- Swim to reach the end
3. Islands - Vapours
4. Karen O & The Kids - Rumpus
5. United State of Electronic - Open your eyes
6. Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension
7. Coco Rosie - Werewolf
8. RJD2 - All for You
9. Fool's Gold - Surprise Hotel
10. Codes in the Clouds - Fractures
11. Yeasayer - Ambling Amp
12. Kings of Convenience - Boat Behind
13. Kurt Vile - Blackberry Song
14. The Cave Singers - Hens of the Woods
15. Broken Social Scene - Hit the Wall

Cheers,

Merman

The Hazards of Life: Death!

A couple of days ago I was bobbing along in the subway listening to this album and reading a book about death. Well, death's expression in music, and how most songs today fail to capture the appreciation and acceptance of it, anyway. I must say, the combination of these was rather humbling.  There was something about the simple and comforting lull of the guitar paired with a heart-aching folk undertone that did the trick. It stirred me to a level of calm and heavy contemplation I needed to feel the kind of emotion Graeme Thompson was talking about.

 (If you're wondering...)

Usually, my love of music derives from it's ability to lift me up,  it's capacity to enliven me beyond any other form of expression.  I usually just scour tracks for the spark of a new high. Oh, Piss off, you do it too.  Some have alcohol, and others have heroin. I, however, have a spanked-new 120 BPM pulse laid over banjos and key-tars. Okay. That's possible OD (and, I guess that'd be fitting for this post?)...But you get the picture.  I've never taken music much further than a high. Oh, believe me. Its been a deep and soulful high.  But it always has a lofty objective.

I've never really explored the feeling beyond that. You know...the feeling once the music fades. The feeling when your heart stops beating.  The very moment when you feel the light leaving your eyes. When is the last time you heard something that accepted and described death in human terms?

Well - I'm not sure if it was the words of the book, or the hushed, stirring rhythm of Blind Pilot's fortitude that got me.  But something did. And I considered it for a moment. It's a simple emotion, really, how we feel about death.  So why does it seem like the artistic expression of it got lost in 'Trying to get to Heaven' by Bob Dylan? (...by the way, I think I like reading about him more than listening to him, sorry.) Why is it that most artists today stand around twiddling their thumbs when asked about Katrina or Iraq? Why is it that every song we listen to about the most shallow levels of sex or love or anger or complacency or apathy or protest? At least, that's basically what I catch in the lyrics of my favorite songs.  And even more-so, why is it easier to write and talk extensively about death now than it is to feel it? I know I've ignored it.  Probably because I'm 23 and stupid and scared of it and I have enough modern technology to forget it exists even though it will probably happen to me when I'm 400, maybe.

It doesn't have to be all that bad or unapproachable, now does it? I listened to a few tracks, swallowed hard, and I thought about how I would feel and what it might mean if I thought about death in a real way. Not fist fighting a silver back gorilla, and not flying off of a cliff in a 1966 Thunderbird Convertible holding Louise's hand (yes, I'm Thelma in this scenario).  I mean death in the understanding that it will happen, and I should probably make sense of the whole fuss.  

I guess I would treat it like any other life promenade.  I'd get ready, quibble around for something to wear - give up - and wear something comfortable like I always do. I'd make sure the people I wanted were there, you know, the friends that laugh from the gut and ask more questions than favors. Then I'd find some music everyone could live with, okay, maybe just me. Then, I think I could welcome the warm, dark, numbing wave of the waters of Lethe. I think if I was hoary and decaying I would be at peace with it all. A little tired,  a little humbled, and so grateful.  Not unlike a really, really fun, long night out? You're exhausted, but so glad you did it.  It'd be a rest well deserved, I think.  And, anyway,  it'd be the first time I shut my mouth and quit ranting. I think that'd make death a little more pleasant for anyone, really. 

So if you want to think about it... here's how a few taxpayers take a stab at death (Hah! Get it? The only things certain are taxes & de-? ...Stab at dea-?... oh well.) And Yes, I've purposely dodged the more notable ballads that Thompson mentioned in 'I Shot A Man'...savoir-faire, dudes.

1. Oviedo - Blind Pilot 

2. Godspeed - Radney Foster 

3. Tryin' to Get to Heaven - Bob Dylan 

4. The Rakes Song - The Decemberists 

5. I will follow you into the Dark - Death Cab For Cutie 

6. P.S. You rock my world - Eels 

7. A Minor Incident - Badly Drawn Boy 

8. Today - Smashing Pumpkins (had to do it, sorry.)

9. That Girl has love - Rooney 

10. If I ever leave this world alive - Flogging Molly 

11. Casimir Pulaski Day - Sufjan Stevens 

12. Let the train whistle blow - Johnny Cash  

Cheers, 

Merman

Scarlett and Pete... really?

So I never thought I'd say it... But Scarlett Johasson has an O.K. voice. To clarify, I said, "O.K."

Her track with Pete Yorn, "Relator"... Is really (cringe) not.. that.. bad..

If their album The BreakUp is anything like it, I think I might gain a little more respect for the little busty bombshell, and stick her on an adjacent shelf as Zooey. (No, not the same level, before you go Indie-pop psycho on me.)

Thoughts?

Anyway. It's not a mixtape.

But if you like this track you might also like:

1. Pomplamoose - Hail Mary 

2. Soko - I'll Kill her 

3. Kate Nash - Mouthwash (repeat!) 

Cheers!
Merman

An Aural Anatomy of Summer

By now, anyone and everyone can identify summer with a rusty click on the window AC, and the smell of SPF 30 and Rum (combined, of course). There seems to be a tradition with these smells and sounds that pack up summer neatly in their bottles and knobs, tucked away and ready for the next extended string of 80 degree days.

(Observe relaxation here)
For me, that sweet, sweet spark of summer means stepping up to the challenge of making a deck that:
A) not only captures the balmy thrill of air conditioners and sunscreen, but also
B) Proudly declare 'piss off!' to every other Marley carting carbon copy playlist that rears its ugly head year after year.

Sure, the nostalgia is comforting. But never as magical as the first time a true memory is made. So here are some new ones. A summer mapped out in 25 tracks.

Listen here

(bring it up in a new window, then come back and read along! Or just click on them..)

1. Something Good Can Work - Two Door Cinema Club 
Whoa! That's bright, thank you first blinding days of sunshine...
2. Roman History - Pet Lions 
You'd never know it wasn't a classic, but it's definitely just as fun. Even if you don't like pop, its summer, you let it slide.
3. Us - Regina Spektor 
Oh, how beautiful summer can be. This track puts the A-to-the-V for all the pretty things.
4. Silver Lining - Rilo Kiley One of those perfect early July Friday evenings, where you're still coy enough to get giddy about patio parties.
5. Medicine- Starfucker  ...But after a few on the deck, someone busts out the happiest dance music they can find on short notice, and so it starts.
6. Silver City - Ghostland Observatory 
Get at least: 40 into it... then you won't skip it, and or the 5th tequila shot that launches idol feet onto the dance floor.
7. I (Joe Beats Remix) - Andrew Bird 
Mr. Bird makes it onto roughly 1/3 of my mixes, even the popped up versions of his nectar.
8. Sunship Balloons - The Flaming Lips 
Out of the many to choose from, this is the one Flaming Lips song I'm allowing, because I have a feeling that there is more potential for new memories.
9. Shotgun - Pete Yorn 
A solid, uncharacteristically optimistic release from his new album, released, you guessed it, this summer.
10. I don't know what I can save you from - Kings of Convenience 
And since we're relaxing in hammocks and whatnot, everyone needs some major chord packed strumming euro-alty crooners to wash down the rum...
11. Please, please, please let me get what I want - The Smiths 
God. Don’t you just want to stand in the middle of a room and feel that unapologetic inconvenient idiotic spark of attraction coming from a hazy stare, a couple of drinks, a late night, and a poor decision on a jukebox?
12. Always like this - Bombay Bicycle club 
And then the next day you realize you got caught up in the moment and you hit those sunglasses harder than anything. Ever.Oh and if you ever wondering what'd it's be like to dance with me, watch the video.
13. Stanger Lover - Ghostland Observatory 
By far the funkiest summer jammy jam. For midsummer when you've finally unwound and felt pure gratification of the season.
14. Shot in the back of the head -Moby 
Something about July allows a fun little thing to happen in your brain that November is far too miserable to do: total connection to the breeze, the warmth, the sky, the grass and you mind... and it's all clear and open.
15. The Girls - Calvin Harris 
Go ahead. Go to any club this summer. You probably hate this song by this point. But every summer has a sticky one. And this one is it.
16. Reckoner's Encore - Jaydiohead 
And this is just fucking cool. Don't worry white folk. Move Ov-a Justin Timberlake, it's cool for white people to listen to hip hop again.
17. Pop Song - Starfucker 
Somewhere between the first drink at home and the ill-conceived cab ride home that overdraws your account. (Which you didn't account for a $90 tab anyway, who knew?)
18. Breakin' Up - Rilo Kiley 
Its okay, guys. It's nearly August, and it's okay for you to listen to girls.
19. Friday I'm in love - The Cure 
Okay. You've gone most of the summer with some new tunes. I guess you can have a little reminiscence peppered in.
20. Folding Chair - Regina Spektor 
Another phenomenal summer release.
21. Pot Kettle Black - Wilco 
It's early August. The humidity is finally out of the night air, and you've subconsciously moved from excitement to contentment.
22. Ragged Wood - Fleet Foxes 
It's prime season for a bonfire, without the sweat rag.
23. Reasons to love you - Meiko 
I know. You're not ready to let go of summer, and here are a few reasons why (sappy, poppy reasons for which you have no explanation, other than you can't get away with this shit any other time)
24. The Shining - Badly Drawn Boy 
...But if September must come, Let's watch the leaves flash a brilliant, glowing fade in the most beautiful display of perfection and poetry you've ever seen.. Much like this song.
25. A -Cartel 
And remember every foolish escapade and drunken evening along the way. I know.. Slip on that first hoodie and head down to the bar for one more...

The Insubordinate Mixtape

Breaking the rules, Merman Style.

Don't even start with me this week. Chances are:

1) I won't have a single entertaining thing to say, and

2) I'll erroneously assume you knew about the past 3 days I've had and I'll go Battle Royal on your ass.

Have you ever had a week where you start off mischievously rebellious...and end up with a list of slipshod accomplishments and a docket that looks not unlike Mulberry's Mishap Manifesto? Not familiar with it? Oh, here!

2 busted knees.

In hindsight, maybe wearing kneepads ONCE during a volleyball season would have helped.

At least, that's what I thought when the blood was streaming down my shins.

Tuesday: It's not Sunday!

(and it's safe to consider that maybe, you should have gone into work 2 hours ago)

Apartment keys are FOR WANKERS.

Especially those who have gross negligence to the fact that you can't unlock a door in Astoria FROM NEW JERSEY.

The myth of the 8 hour work day:

Let us please make it 10! And not. complete. a. single. thing.

Dear client, please sign over 14 million on my faulty contract, cheers!

Your welcome, Madoff.

Hygiene says wha?

In light of my Tuesday/Sunday mix up, I successfully evaded 3 days worth of dreadfully cleansing showers.

Anyway, in the spirit of completely and ever so eloquently fucking up my own universe this week, I've decided to make a mixtape that also ignores most benchmarks for any sort of merit or logic. Well, except the music won't actually suck.

1. And The Hazy Sea - Cymbals Eat Guitars
   
   
   
2. Even Rats - The Slip
   
3. Love Dog - TV on the Radio
   
4. No One's Gonna Love You - Band Of Horses
   
5. Better - Regina Spektor
   
6. Sarah - The XYZ Affair
   
7. All My Friends - The XYZ Affair
   
8. Blackout City - Anamanaguchi
   
9. Heavens to Purgatory - The Most Serene Republic
   
10. Ghosts - Fanfarlo
    
11. Little Round Mirrors - Harvey Danger
    
12. City Lights - Method Man & Redman
    
13. How to Embrace a Swamp Creature - The Mountain Goats
    
14. By the Skin of my Yellow Country Teeth - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
    
15. The Rake's Song - The Decemberists
    
16. Keys to the City - Go! Team
    
17. 2080 - Yeasayer

But Hayley! It's so good! What ever could be wrong with it?

1. Using the most generic compilation artwork, ever.
   
2. Mixing opposing genres indie, pop, hip hop, nerdcore. That's cool, right? Oh shut-up. It's not even graceful.
   
3. 2 of the same artists back to back.
   
4. The last song is actually just tacked on my mistake, and I don't even like it that much.
   
5. ZERO transition. And too many songs.
   
6. Repeat offenders/ obviously stolen songs from friends' playlists.
   
7. Revealing that little/no effort went into song choice/order/blog as a whole this week!

....and can I JUST say, if I hear the phrase "Audio Confectionary Treat" ONE more time this week. WHO SAYS THAT?

Love,

Miffed' Merman.

Post-Bonnum Depression

It's been a while since I've made a mix. And my ear pipes are kinda clogged up with weeks worth of hoarding harmonious tunes. After my last Dickens-worthy post, I couldn't take the brain activity anymore. I ducked out of NYC for a redneck tour of Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennesee. Which included Bonnaroo... (Life changing post on that to follow soon...) However, no theme today. Just some really, really good albums. I could think of something witty and cute to make you listen, but you really just owe it to yourself to listen to these albums.

Passion Pit - Manners

This album is an NYC summer neatly packaged into cellophane wrapper. Just get up and dance your ass off. Or, for you rural folk with cars and such, pick a sunny Saturday afternoon and blast generously. I recommend Little Secrets & Moth's Wings & Sleepyhead

The Grizzly Bears - Veckatimest

This Album is absolutely phenomenal. Really, up and coming indie bands: just try a job in finance for now. You'll have better luck competing in that industry with Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest on the market. If you ever wondered what the Beach Boy's might sound like if they got their start in New York in 2009, listen to two weeks

The Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca

Genre bending vocal virtuoso delight. Every song sounds like it could be from a completely different music universe. With, of course, their trademark of surprisingly pleasant trainwhistle harmonies and haunting strings mixed effortlessly with a little wishbone, and a little backbone. Go for Cannible Resource & Stillness is the move.

Iron & Wine - Around the well

My God. It's just so good. Folk. Hot tub listening. The Second coming of Christ. Whatever. Just listen to the Trapeze Swinger & Love Vigilantes. Heart rate? Down. Heartstrings? Pulled.

Kiss Kiss - The meek shall Inherit whats left

... well it's not out yet. But you should surely education yourself by listening to their 2007 album, Reality Vs. The Optimist

I fully endorse Says my Doctor and Satellite to get you started. They've got a theatrical set of balls. And I like it.

The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love

The Decemberists gave me a gift that I don't think any other band has given me. True, honest to fucking blog goosebumps all over at a live show. While I was initially on the fence about the alternative cornerstone, their live performance of The Hazards of Love toe to tip at Bonnaroo was by far the best concert experience I've ever had. Some like moshing, some like to expand their minds in every way shape and form during a show, but I just want to music to move me. This show reminded me of the pure unadulteration joy of music, sans any other concert attractions. Listen to The Wanting comes in waves & isn't it a lovely night. Make sure you've got some good headphones, sit down at a nice spot in the park on an early warm evening, and enjoy.

Fanfarlo - Resevoir

If you like any of the previous music listed here, and you've yet to know Fanfarlo, don't worry. It's only a matter of time until they blow the folk up right in your face. This is the best British (I think?) album that I've heard in a long time. Check Harold T Wilkins, or how to wait a long time.