This is my mixtape. I give it to you knowing that, when you listen to all the songs, and hear how the lyrics relate to our relationship, I am no doubt certain you will fall in love with me forever.
The following aren't necessarily songs that all came out in 2008, but rather, some of MY favorite songs of the past year so far. I have discovered a lot of new music that I haven't been able to get out of my brain (more on that in a future post), so I figured I would put together this comprehensive mixtape. All songs can be downloaded illegally using BitTorrent technology ;)
Side 1.
1 - Ace Enders and A Million Different People - Body Like Mind
Nothing like some good hearted pop-rock to start off a compilation. Download his free EP above.
2 - The Copyrights - Kids of the Black Hole
Pop-punk with a harmonica coming out of nowhere? Yes please.
3 - Attack in Black - Hunger of the Young
Seriously, I just heard these guys for the first time last night. Really dig this song.
4. Satanic Surfers - The Sing-Along Summer Song
If there's a better "Drive around during the summer and play it really loud" pop-punk song out there, I haven't heard it yet.
5. Ghosts and Vodka - Futuristic Genitalia
Somewhat of an instrumental intermission. God I love the guitar sounds on their record Addicts and Drunks.
6. Hot Water Music - Poison
Ok, time to get back to the music that makes you want to scream every lyric. Perfect song to do so.
7. The Lillingtons - Codename: Peabrain
Easily the best band that I've discovered in 2008. One of the best songs, from one of the best pop-punk records ever, Death by Television
8. Cap'n Jazz - Little League
Affectionately known in my radio classes as The Kitty Cat Song. A perfect blend of aggression, guitars that go nowhere and everywhere at the same time, and ridiculousness.
9. The Gaslight Anthem - Blue Jeans and White T-Shirts
Couldn't possibly come up with a better closer to Side 1. One of the few songs that, as lame as it sounds, still gives me goosebumps every once in a while.
Side 2.
1. The Gaslight Anthem - Great Expectations
Off their new record The '59 Sound, which comes out August 17th. The record is so good, it's made me ponder whether or not The Gaslight Anthem is now my favorite band.
2. City and Colour - ...Off By Heart
Yeah, it's a wussy acoustic song. But only fake macho tough guys refuse to acknowledge the fact that Dallas Green's voice has never sounded as good as it does in this song.
3. Crime in Stereo - Unfortunate Tourists
Bleak as hell, a perfect contrast to the last 2 songs.
4. Teenage Bottlerocket - Social Life
Probably one of the funnest bands to listen to right now, Teenage Bottlerocket. No surprise, since they are a descendant of The Lillingtons.
5. American Football - The One With The Wurlitzer
Time for another intermission. Oh, by the way, if you don't like American Football, you are a Communist.
6. The Methadones - Poor Little Rich Girl
If this type of music was played on mainstream radio, this song would be such a big fucking hit.
7. Into It. Over It. - Dude-a-Form
Probably the most unique indie music story of the past 9 months. One of the members of The Progress, writing a song every week for a year. This is one of my favorites out of the 39 he has put out so far.
8. Smoke or Fire - The Patty Hearst Syndrome
A first listen to this song, and you would never think of them as a Fat Wreck band. Found this song thanks to Pandora.
9. The Lillingtons - Stay Tuned
Yep, another Lillingtons song. And a perfect way to end any compilation or mixtape.
So there you have it, my mixtape for the first half of 2008. Conspicuously absent was Alkaline Trio, whose new record I haven't quite given a full, in-depth listen too.
