I don't have a tape player in my car anymore; sad, I know. Shit, I don't even own a tape player at all these days. If I did, I would definitely be making a mixtape for 2008. After all, it was a pretty good year in music. This mix isn't what I think the best songs released in 2008 were, but it's a collection of good songs from the past year that kept my toes tappin' and flow well together.
Since I can't actually make a tape, here's my virtual tape. Listen. Explore. Love. Purchase.
Consider this my Kwanza gift from me to all of you.
Each track will be in the form:
Song-Artist (link to wiki bio)-Album (link to album on amazon mp3)-duration
Side A:
Melt! - Flying Lotus - Los Angeles - 1:45
This is a perfect intro to the tape. It starts things off nice and slowly, but doesn't drag on forever. The album itself is pretty chill; it's perfect background music. I love listening to this album while I'm cleaning house. This slot used to be occupied by the Fight Club soundtrack.
See the sun - The Kooks - Konk - 3:36
Things are starting to pick up here. No, I'm not going 0-60 in 5 seconds here, we're just in second gear now. Now, I know that The Kooks are a British group, but for some reason I always feel that the first few second of this album are leading into a reggae disc. Anyhow, Konk, The Kook's sophomore release, is one of the 2008 must have albums IMO.
Miles Davis & The Cool - The Gaslight Anthem - The 59' Sound - 4:16
Back on the west side of the Atlantic, I'm going with The Gaslight Anthem. If Mike Ness and The Killers made an album, this is what I'd imagine it'd be like. Make sure you also check out the title track. It's guaranteed to be good, by me.
Play your part - Girl Talk - Feed The Animals - 4:44
Remember when Vanilla Ice was sued because the intro to Ice Ice Baby sounded too similar to Under Pressure? Well, maybe you don't, but even though they sound similar, they are different. Girl talk takes sampling other people's music to the next level and does so brazenly. I don't care what you think of these practices, Feed The Animals is a great album. I dare you. No, I double dog dare you to listen to this track without bopping your head like you were in Roxberry. DO IT NOW!
Sleeper Hold - No Age - Nouns - 2:26
I love this band, they remind of a young Fugazi. This whole album feels like it was recorded in a basement, which is probably why I like it so much. Anyway, this a quick track off their latest.
Bitches Brewen' - Candlebox - Into The Sun - 3:37
Wow, has it really been ten years since their last release? Yes it has. Into the sun doesn't shatter the image of Candlebox at all, but it is a solid release. If you were a fan, this is an album to check out. Bitches Brewin' is one of my favorite tracks off this album; it takes me back without actually taking me back.
So Haunted - Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours - 4:26
Then you put on your favorite old black Raybans & members only Jacket. At first glance, In Ghost Colours might seem like a standard synth-pop album, but it grew on me like an aggressive brain tumor. A brain tumor that is stuck in your head and refuses to leave. Listen to this orgasmic track/album at your own risk.
I'm Scared - Duffy - Rockferry - 3:09
This Welsh chick sure can sing. Her voice is kind of mousy and squeaky at times, but I'll be damned if she can't belt out a tune. I'm not going to say much more here *sniff* I'm fine. Serously. There's something caught in my eye.
At 27:59, it's time to flip to side B. What, did you think this was going to be a 90 minute tape? Hey man, this aint no high class operation over here. We listen to 60 minute tapes and drink milk out of the carton in this house.
