Mischmasch: January 2013

 Drawing by Lewis Carroll

In a better effort to integrate Spotify into ST&SP I present the new monthly series called Mischmasch. Mischmasch was the name of a periodical that Lewis Carroll once wrote where he introduced sketches and ideas that would later become Through The Looking Glass. It's also German for a disorderly mix of things. I thought it was an appropriate title because that is exactly what this playlist is going to be. A once a month post of everything I've been listening to that previous month. There won't be any rhyme or reason, but hopefully you'll discover something new that you enjoy. Please SUBSCRIBE to the playlist on Spotify that way every month you'll be alerted that the playlist has been updated.

A Few Tracks of Note. 

The Clash - Overpowered by Funk

I made a promise to myself this year that I would finally get around to listening to some classic bands and albums that I never have given a listen to. The Clash were on top of my list. I'm still getting used to them but I really was taken by this song off of Combat Rock. I love it when punk meets new-wave. This song has a very Talking Heads 80s feel to it, a very infectious groove. 

The Smiths - Shakespeare's Sister

For the longest time I hated Morrissey. I hadn't even listened to much of The Smiths but I just remembered growing up reading about his tantrums and always thinking he was an asshole. I have really been digging The Smiths discography, mainly for Johnny Marr. That guy can skate through a guitar riff like he's an Olympic skater. I still think Morrissey is a prick but at least I now know how well The Smiths could groove. 

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Up Jumped The Devil

Never really gave Nick Cave a listen though I have always respected the idea of him. He is one of the last sort of mythic figures in rock music. These days the only way to make it is to be constantly engaging your fanbase through social media or what not. Cave appears through the ether once and awhile and drops murder ballads and other sort of sinister acts. He's like Tom Waits meets the wild west. Some of his stuff can be schmaltzy but for the most part I think he's brilliant. Expect more Nick Cave posts as the year goes on. 

Yo La Tengo - Ohm

The first great new record of the new year has to be Yo La Tengo's Fade. It's one of their shortest records but it's very well put together and sounds like a culmination of everything they have done for the past decade. Yo La Tengo has been the most surefooted band in indie rock for a long time now and here's hoping that will stay for a long time to come. 

The Sex Pistols - Pretty Vacant

I always find that I listen to harsher sounding music during the winter season. This winter has been dominated by classic punk hence The Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks, Misfits and Iggy Pop. I have never listened to Nevermind The Bullocks before this and I can easily see why it's regarded as a classic. For the time I'm sure it seemed like such a punk anarchistic statement. 

Cheap Trick - Dream Police 

Why this was the first song I listened to in 2013 is beyond me. I feel bad for Cheap Trick I feel like they get lumped in with all the other bands who made their heyday in the 70s and are still trucking today. I always saw them as a punk-ELO. Most people know them for "I Want You To Want Me" or "Surrender" but I always felt like there was a lot more to Cheap Trick than what is generally perceived. I hope the general public rediscovers them one of these days. 

Donald Fagen - Out of the Ghetto

One of my many overlooked records of 2012 was the new solo record from Steely Dan's own Donald Fagen. "Out of the Ghetto" is the album highlight for me. It shows Fagen still is making the same jazzy-funk that has made Steely Dan a success. 

Justin Timberlake & Jay-Z - Suit & Tie

Yeah, I'm talking about the new Justin Timberlake. If you don't like it, eat a dick hipsters. There are a lot of pop stars out there but only a few pop titans. Timberlake is one of them. He takes his time with his music. He's only released two records and in 2013 he'll drop number three. I'm sure it'll be a great and it'll get a ton of radioplay and deservedly so. The man knows how to make catchy music. "Suit & Tie" has multiple sections and layers to it which I think shows his growth and maturity as an artist. Can't wait to hear the rest of the album. 

Enjoy the Mischmasch and please subscribe!