Introduction:
This playlist is made up of songs that I generally listen to while walking around town with headphones on or when I'm relaxing. They are good for personal, intimate listening because they often take multiple plays to fully take in and appreciate all of the different elements. These songs broadly fall under the category of indie/experimental/alternative with pop, rock, folk, and electronic influences. All of them are combinations or crossbreeds of genres.
I included lines from the lyrics of each track. In addition to the instrumentation and musical sounds, the contents of the vocals are also significant to me in musical selection. I didn't realize until after the playlist was put together, that the majority of the songs relate to an overlying theme of questioning/searching/yearning for meaning, identity, and other "unanswerables" of life. I am drawn to this theme because it is prevalent in my own life at the moment. I can't really define my identity and I feel that it is fluid, always moving, being molded by my day-to-day experiences. Like the mixed genres of the playlist, I am experimental with my outward appearance, often changing my style of fashion and mashing different styles together.
1. Artist: Joanna Newsom
Song: Easy
Album: Have One on Me
Year: 2010
Label: Drag City
Joanna Newsom's pure, unique voice is like a captivating lullaby in the song "Easy." Piano gently supplies the accompaniment and rhythm and is joined by swelling strings, trilling flutes, warm trumpets, and just enough drums to liven the song. Newsom's lyrics are personal, best-suited for listening through headphones, and narrative, providing rich imagery such as "paralyzed daisy" and "river made of light."
This song portrays a "wish for the kind of life the title suggests" (allmusic.com).
"I was born to love / and I intend to love you."
"Easy." Joanna Newsom, Have One on Me. Drag City, 390, Feb 23, 2010. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gpfrxzlsldte (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/covers/have-one-on-me.jpg
http://media.avclub.com/images/events/performer/4131/joannanewsom_jpg_595x325_crop_upscale_q85.jpg
2. Artist: St. VincentSong: Your Lips Are Red
Album: Marry Me
Year: 2007
Label: Beggars Banquet
Annie Clark was a member of both Sufjan Stevens's and the Polyphonic Spree's backing bands before she released her solo work under the name of St. Vincent. The multi-instrumentalist successfully handles complex, eccentric arrangements, and on top of that she has a sweet melodic voice. "Your Lips Are Red" is a song with a feeling of tension - it is light and dark; there is an innocence but with deep sentiments. This can be heard with the lyrics: "My face is drawn on with this number two pencil... / Your face is drawn from drawing words right from my lips."
Through the start of the song, pounding drums build up excitement and the guitar and violin add anxiety. There are running piano notes that almost sound out of place. The song then calms down as Clark's angelic voice is backed by the lull of strings. The song closes with a quiet complaint "Your skin's so fair it's not fair."
"Your Lips Are Red." St. Vincent, Marry Me. Beggars Banquet, 254, Jul 10, 2007. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jvfrxzy5ld0e (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://phjess.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/st-vincent.jpg
3. Artist: Beach House
Song: Silver Soul
Album: Teen Dream
Year: 2010
Label: Sub Pop Records
Victoria LeGrand and Alex Scally of Beach House have established themselves in the dream pop genre - "post-punk and ethereal experiments with bittersweet pop melodies into sensual, sonically ambitious soundscapes" (wikipedia.org). In "Silver Soul", LeGrand's haunting, husky vocals are joined with Scally's reverberating guitar, along with a relaxed beat and synthesizer. The tone is atmospheric and soothing, though pensive."The silver soul is running through / It's a vision / Complete illusion yeah" voices uncertainty and doubt which later connects with "We're feeling moved through our skin / It's a sickness / A manic weakness yeah" suggesting that the "silver soul" may be more than a vision or illusion and that together "we" can feel it... and "It is happening again / It is happening again, oh oh / It is happening again."
"Silver Soul." Beach House, Teen Dream. Sub Pop Records, SPCD845, Jan 26, 2010. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gifixz9sldse (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://stylesoup.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/beachhouse3.jpg
http://stylesoup.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/beachhouse22.jpg
4. Artist: Broken BellsSong: Vaporize
Album: Broken Bells
Year: 2010
Label: Columbia
James Mercer of The Shins and Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) collaborated under the name Broken Bells to produce their self-titled debut album. This was an interesting experimental partnership of Mercer's vocals and existential lyrics and Danger Mouse's beats and sound production.
"A simple plan, we'd be different from the rest / And never resign to a typical life."
"Vaporize." Broken Bells, Broken Bells. Columbia, 55865, Mar 9, 2010. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:39fyxztsld0e (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://wersmusic.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/broken_bells_cover.jpg
http://www.tram7.se/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/broken_bells.jpg
5. Artist: The Tallest Man On EarthSong: The Wild Hunt
Album: The Wild Hunt
Year: 2010
Label: Dead Oceans Records
The Tallest Man On Earth, aka Swedish Kristian Matsson, continued his roots folk style on his second album, The Wild Hunt. This song is captivating and full of emotion with his raw voice, narrative lyrics, and instrumental technique.
"Let's watch phenomenons that rise out of the darkness now... / And old machines abandoned by the ancient racists"
Chorus: "I left my heart to the wild hunt a-comin'"
"The Wild Hunt." The Tallest Man On Earth, The Wild Hunt. Dead Oceans Records, DOC040, Apr 13, 2010. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kzfixztsldde (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://www.mbvmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/tallest-man-on-earth-wild-hunt-cover-art.jpg
http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/500/26316885/The+Tallest+Man+on+Earth+TTMOE.jpg
6. Artist: Grizzly Bear Song: Two Weeks
Album: Veckatimest
Year: 2009
Label: Warp
"Two Weeks" has a gorgeous, full sound with plenty of instrumentals, ranging from traditional to electronic. The song's staccato piano notes are monitored by syncopated percussion and guitar/bass. The flowing vocals of the band are joined by Beach House's Victoria LeGrand to create a richness that is a pure treat to the ears.
"Would you always / Maybe sometimes / Make it easy? / Take your time"
"Two Weeks." Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest. Warp, 0182, May 26, 2009. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hzfexzt0ldke (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://mmmlele.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/grizzly-bear-veckatimest-cover.jpg http://microphonememoryemotion.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/3296_con_grizzly-bears21.jpg
7. Artist: Bibio
Song: Cry! Baby!
Album: Ambivalence Avenue
Year: 2009Label: Warp
Stephen Wilkinson is the electronic artist behind the name Bibio. This song is creatively layered with a jazz-sounding guitar, high synthesized notes, warbles, a beat with a hip-hop feel, and trippy flutes. Despite its complexities and eccentricities, "Cry! Baby!" has a laid-back, hypnotic tone.
"Cry! Baby!" Bibio, Ambivalence Avenue. Warp, 10177, Jun 23, 2009. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fbftxzw0ldke (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://thehurstreview.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/ambivalenceavenue_.jpg
8. Artist: Department of Eagles Song: No One Does It Like You
Album: In Ear park
Year: 2008
Label: 4AD
Department of Eagles began as two college roommates, Fred Nicolaus and Daniel Rossen, who were experimenting with guitars, samples, and recording software, "making music with the atmospheric sweep of symphonic and electronic pop and folk's intimacy" (allmusic.com). They were then joined by two of Grizzly Bear's members, Chris Taylor and Chris Bear, whose influence can be heard.
"No One Does It Like You" has symphonic/acoustic/electronic pop elements. The rhythm and background vocals create a nostalgic 60's pop song feel.
"No one does it like you / But I tried so hard"
"No One Does It Like You." Department of Eagles, In Ear Park. 4AD, 72818, Oct 7, 2008. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kpfuxzlkldke (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://mindinversion.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/in-ear-park.jpg
9. Artist: Tegan and Sara
Song: Arrow
Album: Sainthood
Year: 2009
Label: Vapour/Sire
Tegan and Sara have grown into a more musically complicated style in their recent album Sainthood. "Arrow" is a rather repetitive song but it helps create an energetic punch.
"Would you take a straight and narrow critical look at me? / Would you tell me tough love style, put judicial weight on me?"
"Arrow." Tegan and Sara, Sainthood. Vapour/Sire, 521124-2, Oct 27, 2009. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3vfyxz9aldse (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://www.eestorey.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/sainthood_eestorey1.jpg
10. Artist: Deerhunter Song: Nothing Ever Happened
Album: Microcastle
Year: 2008
Label: 4AD
Experimental noise rock band, Deerhunter, incorporated more pop in their album Microcastle. "Nothing Ever Happened" has a winding guitar melody and brisk beat. As the song ends, distorted notes take over. Overall, there is an upbeat, post-rock/indie rock feel. This is another song with a tone of yearning/searching.
"Adjust your eyes to the state of things / Focus on depths that was never there / Nothing's easy nothing's fair"
Image Sources: http://static.boomkat.com/images/150188/333.jpg
http://2manyweirdos.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/deerhunter.jpg
11. Artist: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic ZerosSong: Janglin
Album: Up From Below
Year: 2009
Label: Rough Trade/Beggars
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros are an 11-piece group that are reminiscent of "the Summer of Love" of the late 1960's - communal style living and free love. "Janglin" is a light-hearted tune led by frontman Alex Ebert's gritty, rebellious voice which is joined by the lively chorus of the other members.
"And now we're out to be the masters / For to set our spirits free - set free"
Chorus: "We want to feel ya! / We don't mean to kill ya! / We come back to heal ya - Janglin soul"
"Janglin." Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Up From Below. Rough Trade/Beggars, 937482, Jul 14, 2009. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3jfwxzl0ldae (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://static.boomkat.com/images/226276/333.jpg
http://wersmusic.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/edsharpe.jpg
12. Artist: Charlotte Gainsbourg
Song: Me and Jane Doe
Album: IRM
Year: 2009
Label: Elektra
Charlotte Gainsbourg's IRM was a collaborative effort with Beck, who wrote, arranged, produced, and largely played for the album. The album received its title (which means "MRI" in French) after Gainsbourg was in a near-fatal accident which led to a (successful) brain surgery in 2007. The lyrics and mood of the album are rather stoic but defiant and warm."Me and Jane Doe" has a gentle acoustic guitar, simple but lovely vocals with a chorus backing it, light percussion, and chimes that grace the ending of the song.
"I'd cross the desert to the sea / Learn to speak in tongues something / That makes sense to you and me"
"Me and Jane Doe and Rousseau / We've got nowhere to go"
"Me and Jane Doe." Charlotte Gainsbourg, IRM. Elektra, 522709, 2009. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hifuxzqsld0e (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://sonicsmorgasbord.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/charlotte-gainsbourg.jpg
13. Artist: Dr. Dog
Song: The Pretender
Album: Easy Beat
Year: 2005
Label: Park the Van
Dr. Dog blends classic rock hooks with indie rock. "The Pretender" has a catchy melody and a "Beatles-esque" influence. The guitars, bass, keys, and drums all play strong roles in the song and the band members know how to deliver.
"I only want you to be obvious / I only need you to let go"
"We don't need the morning / and we barely need our names"
"The Pretender." Dr. Dog, Easy Beat. Park the Van, 1, Mar 15, 2005. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hzfqxqqsldae (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://cdn.pitchfork.com/media/2608-easy-beat.jpg
http://wknc.org/blog/post/wp-content/uploads/drdog.jpg
14. Artist: Other Lives
Song: Paper Cities
Album: Other Lives
Year: 2009
Label: TBD Records
"Paper Cities" is a moving song with somber vocals and lyrics matched with the comforting sounds of acoustic guitar, morose cello, piano notes that fall like rain, and drums that keep them all together.
"This war you've made won't last / And your country's just lines on a map / They're drawn up, they don't last"
"People come together / Reminds us we're the same"
"Paper Cities." Other Lives, Other Lives. TBD Records, 8808821654, Mar 31, 2009. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gjfuxzukldae (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://www.everyview.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/other-lives-self-titled.jpg
15. Artist: Atlas SoundSong: Walkabout
Album: Logos
Year: 2009
Label: Kranky/4AD
Frontman of Deerhunter, Bradford Cox, uses Atlas Sound as his solo alias. For the song "Walkabout", Cox worked with Animal Collective and Panda Bear's Noah Lennox. The result was a warm, fuzzy-sounding, experimental pop song with a catchy beat and melody, though it still has a rawness about it.
It offers a bright note to end the playlist on, compared to the first track.
"To go away and not look back and think of what the others say / To go ahead and change your life without regard to what is said / And everyone must do the same/ you find yourself lost again..."
"Walkabout." Atlas Sound, Logos. Kranky/4AD, 138, Oct 20, 2009. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kxfpxzwald0e (Apr 6, 2010).
Image Sources: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/files/2009/10/logos.jpg
Conclusion:
These songs are audiotopic for me because of their hybridity and exploration of musical conventions. Many of the lyrics have an existentialist nature and imagine a world without the social constructs that we are faced with. They provide a space for me to feel that my differences are acceptable and assure me that it's okay to not have clear-cut answers. And, simply, because they make my ears feel good.
Sources: see individual tracks
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