mix: hopes so high
image via cabriolets
all .mp3, ♫ for individual songs, .rar at the bottom.
enjoy!
1. Elvis Costello and the Attractions: Party Girl ♫
I've been relapsing on my Elvis Costello addiction and this song is one of my favorites. Great songwriting and piano-bluesy rock.
I know I shouldn't be raising my hopes so high,
But I've seen the hungry look in their eyes.
They'll settle for anything in disguise of love.
2. Broken Bells: The High Road ♫
Danger Mouse and The Shins' James Mercer collaborate on this song. Love the skittering beat in the background and the vocals, but the sing-a-long chorus drives the whole song.
Cause they know, and so do I, the high road is hard to find.
3. Neon Trees: Animal ♫
Found these guys through the SXSW playlists that have been going around and loved the quick beat. Great dance-a-long track with a really well done build up. I like the vocals, too.
Oh, what are you waiting for?
Take a bite of my heart tonight.
4. The Gossip: Dimestore Diamond ♫
The Gossip does such catchy, head-nodding songs. I love the twangy guitar that runs the whole song against flat drums. The whole focus of the song is great story-telling, too.
You can call her broke, you can call her poor,
But everybody knows that she ain't cold no more.
5. Cold War Kids: Hospital Beds♫
I went back and listened to this song after hearing the Florence + the Machine cover, and the two bands approached this song so differently it's hard to compare them. This version is very piano-driven and the constant drum beat in the background makes it feel colder, somehow.
I've got one friend laying across from me.
6. Florence + the Machine: Hospital Beds (Cold War Kids Cover) ♫
I think I like this version better? It's so sparse and driven by this acoustic guitar and a tambourine every now and then. It's a lot more upbeat than the original version, but maybe a little more aching, too. It's also half the length of the original song, somehow.
Put out the fire, boys, don't stop, don't stop.
Put out the fire on us.
7. Friendly Fires: White Diamonds ♫
Catchy, catchy indie electronica. The stumbling guitar in the background hits me just right, as well as the chorus-y background vocals.
They were strong, they could take on the world and put up a fight,
And even the clouds couldn't stand in the way when they held on tight.
8. Handsome Furs: Cannot Get Started ♫
This song old, but so good. Fuzzy beat in the background, cool vocals. I listen to it in the morning when I'm dragging through all the boring, early stuff.
It is a mass production, all the blank little minutes align.
On and on 'till the evening where it's black and orange light.
9. Low Millions: Statue ♫
The Low Millions used to be one of my favorite bands and when I heard they were coming out with another album (after a forever wait), I pulled out their first album again. This remains one of my favorite songs on there. Kind of mainstream alt rock, but I love the lyrics and the emotion.
The weatherman says goodnight, the Empire State Building's turning off it's lights.
The refrigerator stops, and suddenly it's quiet.
10. John Butler Trio: Don't Want to See Your Face ♫
From their recently leaked new album (another forever wait). Reggae rock, amazing guitar, crazy vocals. Very clean bluesy rock. The chorus sells me on this song, but the clapping beat definitely helps. And, god, did I mention the guitar?
You think I love you, you think I need you.
Damn, no, get out the door, don't want to see your face no more.
11. Naive New Beaters: Just Another Day ♫
British rock with the requisite sing-along chorus and bouncing beat. I just love the accents. This track is fun and bright, definitely for cheering up.
Getting close, don't erase, this new day's a second chance.
12. Red Hot Chili Peppers: Scar Tissue ♫
My spring song, no matter how old. This is one of those tracks that I come back and listen to every year. Always worth having at hand.
Push me up against the wall, young Kentucky girl in a push-up bra.
Fallin' all over myself to lick your heart and taste your health.
rar