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April 12th, 2006

Bands You Need to Know, the mixtape

1. Sean Na Na “Double Date” from My Majesty
2. Of Montreal “Wraith Pinned To The Mist And Other Games” from The Sunlandic Twins
3. Beulah “A Good Man Is Easy To Kill” from The Coast Is Never Clear
4. Elliott Smith “A Fond Farewell” from From A Basement On The Hill
5. Neko Case “Star Witness” Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
6. Jets to Brazil “You’re Having The Time Of My Life” from Four Cornered Night
7. Lifter Puller “Back In Blackbeard” from Soft Rock
8. The Cardinal Sin “Eye-Opener” from Hurry Up and Wait
9. Gatsby’s American Dream “Theatre” from Volcano
10. The New Amsterdams “From California” from Worse for the Wear
11. Jenny Lewis With The Watson Twins “Melt Your Heart” from Rabbit Fur Coat
12. Ghost Buffalo “Bones” Ghost Buffalo

Indie HQ Mixtape #1

Sean has been hosting mix tapes on his website for some time now. We decided to bring the mixtape to indiehq and will soon be calling upon labels, bands, and friends to submit their own. I hope you enjoy this first mixtape. It really illustrates the kind of stuff I get into these days and hopefully will turn you onto a song or two. Below is an explanation of why I selected what I selected:

Sean Na Na “Double Date” from My Majesty – You might know him as Har Mar Superstar, but I will always remain true to his time as Sean Na Na. I first heard Sean Na Na on a Kill Rock Stars comp called “Jackson’s Jukebox” which pulled a track from his split with Mary Lou Lord. That song was great, but it wasn’t til “My Majesty” was released by Troubleman Unlimited that I dedicated my loyalty to Sean Na Na. This track is the first track and really showcases his strong influence of R & B and Indie Rock. His lyrics paint a story which shows life being cruel and crazy. The entire album is amazing and is one I listen to all the time.

Of Montreal “Wraith Pinned To The Mist And Other Games” from The Sunlandic Twins – Of Montreal is best known for their Elephant 6 association, but my friend Stabba would always rave about them and so during a visit to my local record store, Wax Trax, I piecked up The Sunlandic Twins. The album is very, very good, but it wasn’t til I was listening to Sirius Satellite radio show, Left of Center, that I truly fell in love with this song. I work from home on weekday mornings and while doing so I have “Left of Center” spinning the entire time. This song is so catchy, fun, and you want to listen to it a million times. This is currently my favorite song.

Beulah “A Good Man Is Easy To Kill” from The Coast Is Never Clear – I found out about Beulah after their demise, but I am so glad I did. I had heard of them during their prime and read a lot of praise, but I just never got around to listening to them. This album and Yoko have become favorites and this song is so freaking catchy and kind of twisted all at the same time. I am not sure if any of the guys from Beulah are working on other projects, but if anyone knows, please let me know. They are incredible songwriters that really understand melody.

Elliott Smith “A Fond Farewell” from From A Basement On The Hill – What can I say about Elliot Smith that hasn’t been said? I celebrate his entire catalog and although this final album took some time to grown on me, it might be one of my favorites. This song in particular is the perfect departure for Elliot. So many people have been influenced by his music and so many will continue to be inspired. I recommend purchasing everything Elliot has done.

Neko Case “Star Witness” Fox Confessor Brings the Flood – I first found out about Neko Case through my love for the New Pornagrapher’s first album. I later found out that she was a solo performer and that she had put out a few country albums. My wife and I saw her perform at the Bluebird Theater and it was magical. I have recently picked up her latest album and listen to it all the time. This song could be my favorite of hers, but the entire album is golden!

Jets to Brazil “You’re Having The Time Of My Life” from Four Cornered Night – I was a super Jawbreaker fan so when word leaked that Blake had started a new band, I was more than excited. Jets first tour was with Promise Ring and everyone could not wait. Their first album had not yet been released when they came to Denver and I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t disappointed by their first performance. Luckily, I gave their first album a chance and it really grew on me and helped get me into music other than punk rock. This 2nd album might be my favorite Jets to Brazil album and this song is such a great way to start an album. I am sad that I won’t be seeing Jets to Brazil anymore and hope that the powers that be inspire Blake to write music again. The world needs it.

Lifter Puller “Back In Blackbeard” from Soft Rock – I recently wrote about Lifter Puller and mentioned that they were a band that you need to know. This is the first track I ever heard as it was on an Adeline Records compilation called “might as well, can’t dance.”. This song inspired me to pick up “Fiestas and Fiascos” which is one of my all time favorite bands. You will recognize a lot of what makes Hold Steady great when you hear this track. “Back in Blackbeard” was re-released when Lifter Puller put together Soft Rock, a collection of comp tracks, eps, and bsides. Although I recommend everything Lifter Puller, make sure you begin with Fiestas.

The Cardinal Sin “Eye-Opener” from Hurry Up and Wait – I love this band and am honored to be distributing their debut album which will be in stores April 25th. The band is the 2nd coming of the Replacements and do Alkaline Trio better than Alkaline Trio these days. I really hope for the very best for this band as they have become good friends and their label, Grey Flight, are like our brothers from another mother. Their first Ep was great, but this album really is the shit! I love every song, but figured this would be a great introduction to what to expect. Do yourself a big favor and buy this album!

Gatsby’s American Dream “Theatre” from Volcano – A friend of mine used to do a label called Little League Records (LLR) and they put out an ep from Gatsbys that become one of my favorite records. The record is no longer in print so hopefully it will see light soon, but Gatsbys one upped themselves by releasing Volcano on Fearless Records. I had a hard time picking a track and almost selected “Shhhhhh! I’m Listening to Reason” as I absolutely love the breakdown in the middle of the song that has handclaps, but this first song starts off the record so well and is definitely one of my faves. We are releasing this record on vinyl soon which I am so stoked to be a part of.

The New Amsterdams “From California” from Worse for the Wear – The New Amsterdams released a new album recently and although it is good, this is my favorite record of theirs. I was always a Get Up Kids fan so when the New Amsterdams started making music, I picked up everything they did too. This album is my favorite of theirs and this song is just so good.

Jenny Lewis With The Watson Twins “Melt Your Heart” from Rabbit Fur Coat – I wrote about Jenny Lewis as a band you need to know and have listened to this album about a million times. I saw her perform in Denver and was absolutely in love. There isn’t a bad track on the record and I love a bunch so much, but this is just a beautiful song that I figured would be a good way to mellow out the mix.

Ghost Buffalo “Bones” Ghost Buffalo – Ghost Buffalo are on Suburban Home and released one of my favorite albums. This song is my favorite on the record and definitely one of the more mellower tracks. I just love Marie’s vocals on this song. It contains beauty and sadness in a way that is haunting and caring.

Thanks for listening and reading. We will be bringing more mixtapes in the near future

Written by Virgil Dickerson