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June 29th, 2006

Guest Mixtape: Mike Park

Virgil and I are big fans of Mike Park and Asian Man Records. We were honored to do an interview with him recently and he has now given us a new mixtape for you to check out.

I(virgil) just wanted to note that I had asked Mike to select 12 to 14 of his favorites songs that he has released over the past 10 years. These are those songs and he has a short description about each song if you choose to read on. Thanks Mike!

Listen to Mike’s mixtape.

Ahhhh.. here goes:
1.ALKALINE TRIO-TROUBLE BREATHING from the album GODDAMNIT:
I would listen to this song on repeat for a good 6 months. I still don’t know all the words because I’m an idiot. In fact, the only song I know all the words for are the Brady Bunch theme.
2.MU330-FATHER FRIENDLY from the album CRAB RANGOON:
A fist pumping anthemic song that talks about the clouded history of the catholic church
3.THE BLUE MEANIES-ACCELERATION 5000 from the album KISS YOUR ASS GOODBYE:
Holy moly. The first time I heard this song, I was so blown away. Listen to the friggin kick drum.
4.THE BROADWAYS-15 MINUTES from the album BROKEN STAR:
This song has that umppphh.. is that a word umpphhhh…? Political and inspiring it gives me energy when I hear it. Kind of the same effect of when I first heard LAND MINE by FIFTEEN.
5.CHRIS MURRAY-One Everything from the album 4 TRACKAGANZA:
Chris plays traditional SKA better than anyone in the world. Hear that HEPCAT. I’m serious.. This guy has more soul in his white Canadian body than any Jamaican rudeboy. It’s scary.
6.COLOSSAL-Human Jackson from the album COLOSSAL:
Just listen to the guitars. Beautiful
7.GOOD FOR COWS-Le Tigre from the album BEBOP FANTASY:
Not many people who listen to asian man records would expect to hear a stand up bass and drum instrumental band released, but fuck it. I don’t care. This is the best band around. Catch them on tour with XIU XIU. Listen to the groove. NYC circa 1962, jazz….
8.KOREA GIRL-Reunion from the album KOREA GIRL:
So beautiful. The words speak so true and the sound is so soothing. Listen, relax, and yup..
9.POLYSICS-Black Out Fall Out from the album NEU:
This band first of all is the best live act in the world right now. Believe me when I say they are every hipsters dream come true. But fuck those hipsters cause this band is too good. Just listen to the cross between Blondie, DEVO, Kraftwerk, and King Crimson. Yeah, you heard right. KING CRIMSON
10.POTSHOT-Radio from teh album POTS AND SHOTS:
The first album from this Tokyo pop ska band. This album rules. Every song is so energetic and exciting. Just listen and you’ll be smiling bigger than you have in years.
11.SLOW GHERKIN-Trapped Like Rats in Meyers Flat from the album SHED SOME SKIN:
10 piece ska band blasting in your face. Before they broke up, whenever they played this song I’d friggin be skankin’ so hard. Oh gosh. What it’s like to be young, but I guarantee if they played again I’d get these old bones up on the dance floor for this song.
12.TOYS THAT KILL-Brain Attracts Flies from the album FLYS:
I don’t think I’ve ever heard a TOYS THAT KILL song that I dislike. They play punk rock the way it should be done. And how is that you ask? I don’t know… I just like the way they do it. FUCK that.. Listen kids…. I know everything. Toys That Kill are the best.

Written by Sean Klassen