Tag Archive for Mythical mix tape

20th May 2012

Prefab Sprout – The king of Rock ‘n’ roll

Classic 80’s track, these guys really know how to put together a catchy tune. Great video here too, perfectly of it’s time. 

When she looks at me and laughs, I remind her of the facts. I’m the king of rock’n’roll. Completely…

Short post today. Feeling pretty jaded after a big weekend, a big month really. I had an excellent day yesterday, despite the disappointing result. The Ulster fans made for a wonderful atmosphere and the team should be proud of a great season. They just came up against a superior side on the day. 

RjK

21st March 2012

Steely Dan – Deacon Blues

I have been channelling my inner magpie recently, being smitten almost exclusively by songs that are shiny and new. This meant it felt right to revisit something a little more vintage today. You don’t get much more iconic and influential than Steely Dan.

I just love how languid this is, it makes me think of a lazy summer day. If only it were one of those today…

They got a name for the winners in the world. I want a name when I lose. They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, call me Deacon Blues…

RjK

7th March 2012

The Beach Boys – Darlin’

It seems like I have posted a lot of new artists (as well as Diana Ross) recently. So I thought it might be good to post something classic. I don’t know that you get more classic than The Beach Boys.

It took me a while to realise that they were more than just boyish surf melodies. But listening to Pet Sounds blew my mind. I can’t overstate how much I recommend you check them out. Their music is so rich, frequently the contrast between sweet melodies and wistful lyrics is startlingly effective.

I am off to see Mayer Hawhorne in Scala tonight. I will let you know how I get on later in the week.

RjK

Aside

Paula Cole* – Where have all the cowboys gone? (GPF)

I have read a lot about Lana Del Rey recently, she seems to be almost ubiquitous. This made me curious about her and so I investigated. Her music was okay but what struck me was how the song I heard reminded me of this, a real blast from the past.
Hearing it brought me back to school days and summers. It is cheesy but impossible to get out of your head.

Where is my lonely ranger? Where have all the cowboys gone?… 

RjK

*Artist #380

Aside

The Blue Nile – Heatwave
 

This came into my head today. The Blue Nile are a less than prolific but wonderful Scottish band. They make music that is subtle and full of feeling. It somehow just seems true. I would highly recommend taking some time to investigate them.

This is taken from A walk across the rooftops, which is one of my very favourite albums of the 1980’s.

RjK

22nd January 2012

Air – All I need

This is perfect, mellow Sunday night listening. It is taken from the spectacular Moon Safari album by French chill out pioneers Air. Apologies for the slightly strange video, it was the best I could find. 

RjK

Paul Simon – The cool, cool river


This is taken from The Rhythm of the Saints, probably the album that influenced my musical taste most in 2011. It opened my eyes to world music which was quite a revelatory awakening.

I really like the contrast in the song between the hushed, almost dreamlike opening and the dramatic, exhorting finish that the song builds to. 

And these streets, quiet as a sleeping army, send their battered dreams to heaven, to heaven, for the mother’s resless son… 

RjK

22nd December

Was (not was) – I feel better than James Brown

I am back home for Christmas and I am writing this from my parent’s house. As such, I thought it would be fitting to post the song that most reminds me of the mix tapes my father made for long childhood car journeys which I have written about extensively.

I think this stands out most because of the uniformly wacky lyrics. It is typical of this eclectic duo, who are more than just a novelty act and put out some pretty great poppy electronica music.

I was attending Mardi Gras with Fidel Castro
Buxom cross dressers threw fake gold coins at our feet
As we discussed the fate of the revolution
Suddenly, CIA men dressed in bikinis
Tried to stab us with fountain pens
Fidel blew mustard gas from his cigar
And immobilised the lot of them
19 tequilas later we had a deal
Havana goes back to the mob
And Fidel and I open a chain of Kentucky Fried Chicken shops

 

Wow!

RjK

Don Henley – The boys of summer


Again today, this probably not the most apt song to post on a frigid December night. However it has been on my mind recently and particularly the song’s opening (an all time favourite) is irresistible to me. I am aware that it is a little cheesy but it’s also kind of splendid at the same time. A perfect microcosm of 80’s music.

Nobody on the road, nobody on the beach. I feel it in the air, the summer’s out of reach. Empty lake, empty streets, the sun goes down alone. I’m driving by your house though I know that you not home…

/RjK

Aside

Gerry Rafferty – Baker Street

Was out for dinner with two very old friends tonight in Paddington and on the way home I passed through Baker Street underground station. I can never go through there without hearing the sax in this song, and maybe hoping to bump into Sherlock Holmes. It may be a little cheesy but it is also wholly irresistible. I have been meaning to post if for a while anyway as Gerry Rafferty sadly died earlier in the year. RIP. 

RjK