Mike's Mix CD V.6 or what I'm listening to

As most of you know, I’m a music aficionado. Okay, maybe not, but I do know my band and song names pretty well.

Alright, that aint true either. Remembering song titles is an impossibility for me. But at least I can tell you the names of the lead singers for most of the popular bands today.

Dang it, that’s a lie too. Actually, I’m kind of a wank when it comes to music, mostly because I can’t remember names very well, so when I hear it on the radio, it’s amazingly difficult for me to pull the name of a band from my hat, or the name of the song even.

Never put me on your team if the game is music trivia, that much is certain.

But I do think I have good taste in music and what I like. I’ve got enough sources of stimulation in this regard, from my iPod, to XM radio, to Jango. I have to say that Jango, among other such services (like Pandora) has really helped me find new artists out there that I would have otherwise missed out on.

Jango is sort of a social network for music listeners, and while you listen to tunes, you see other people interested in the same bands you are, and by exploring their tastes, you can discover new music and new people. From Jango I’ve found awesome new bands like Silversun Pickups, Youth Group, Shout Out Louds and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Anyways, my iPod is usually not updated often, maybe every 4-6 months, but I try hard to keep finding new music to add to it. I find that if I continue listening to old stuff, I end up bored with whatever I have on there. Thus I’m constantly on the hunt.

I also keep an evolving Mix CD, where I add new stuff and take off old stuff here and there to always have the freshest songs in my truck. Of course I love my iPod, but there is something fun in making a real Mix CD, sliding it into your deck and blasting it away.

So two years ago I started this little CD project. I think it first began when I was headed out to a bachelor party in Las Vegas. Instead of flying, I decided to drive up and back, on my own, to give myself and the new truck a nice road trip experience together. If any of you have had a vehicle that you absolutely adore driving, than you might understand what I mean.

I put together a sweet CD for the trip, which I claimed (only to my wife) was the best mix CD ever made. By me. Well, of course it didn’t take too long for it to get old and tired, so I kept losing the songs I got sick of, and added new stuff I found.

So here we are, with Version 6, or V.6 of Mike’s Mix CD. I am of course hesitant to start blogging about my mixes, because one’s musical tastes tend to get more scrutiny than what movies you like or what shows you watch.

I tend to lean toward the Indie music scene, although I do get into a few mainstream bands.

Here it is, in all its glory. Hope you enjoy it and maybe find a new band or two along the way.

Mike’s Mix CD V.6 (or what I’m listening to)

1. Long Road to Ruin – Foo Fighters

This is my favorite song from their newest album, Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace. I just love the pace of it. A good opening to a mix CD.

2. Hey There Delilah - Plain White Tees

This one is probably on its way out in the next version. I just enjoy the simplicity and originality of it.

3. Well Thought Out Twinkles – Silversun Pickups

The Silversun Pickups are my latest favorite band. I just purchased their newest CD, Carnavas, and am almost to the point where I like every song on the album. They have a very garage-door sound, with a sort of heavy electric guitar. At least, that’s how I describe it. They are awesome. Heard about them on Jango, then found out they opened for Snow Patrol, my favorite band of all-time.

In fact, if you want to get a taste of their stuff, here is a video below that was directed by Joaquin Phoenix of all people. The song is called Little Lover’s So Polite.

4. Open Your Eyes – Snow Patrol

As I just said, I love this band and saw them in concert last year which was like a transcending experience for me. This is one of my favorite songs they do, and I tend to always have one Snow Patrol song on any CD I do.

5. Sam’s Town – The Killers

I love The Killers and this song and the other one I have on here are just great, upbeat tunes. A cliche maybe, but I love to listen to this one once I hit the freeway on a Friday after I get off work, with the windows rolled down. I could fly.

6. Middle of Nowhere - Hot Hot Heat

These guys opened for Snow Patrol at the concert last year and I like a few of their songs. They aren’t awesome, but Middle of Nowhere is a catchy tune. The lead singer looks a bit like Carrot Top (pictured right).

7. Dark Come Soon – Tegan & Sara

Been a huge Tegan & Sara fan since I found their older album years ago. Their latest is The Con and I like a good 5-6 songs off it. Tegan and Sara are both sisters and I just enjoy their amazing vocals.

8. Speed of Sound – Coldplay

I’ve heard that Coldplay is a chick band or something, or that liking them means I’m a girl, but I can’t help it. I think they are great and love many of their songs. This one is from their X&Y album.

If I’m a girl for liking them…well, then call me Danny Noriega.

9. Falling Slowly – Glen Hansgard/Marketa Irglova

From the Once motion picture soundtrack, this won Best Original Song at the Academy Awards this year.

10. Lazy Eye – Silversun Pickups

Another nice Silversun Pickups song.

11. Read My Mind – The Killers

I love the way this starts off a bit slow…and then jumps into a fast-paced song.

12. Sorry – Youth Group

An indie band out of Australia. I love this song but realize I haven’t explored much of their other songs, as this is the only one that seems to pop up on Jango. Gonna have to buy the album this came from, Casino Twilight Dogs.

13. Shut Your Eyes – Shout Out Louds

If I had a “favorite song” at the moment, this would be it. Awesome beat, quick-paced and I just love the lead singers voice. The Shout Out Louds are from Sweden and I’ve just come to realize I dig bands from Europe in general.

Here is the video of this song, for your enjoyment.

[youtube VBFa-OaF7KE]

14. All I want it You – Barry Louis Polisar

This is a cute little tune from the Juno soundtrack. And it’s so very indie that it’s almost beyond indie. Folk indie.

15. Call it Off – Tegan & Sara

Just a beautiful little song.

16. Anyone Else But You – Michael Cera & Ellen Page

I end it on the sweet little duet by Michael Cera and Ellen Page at the end of Juno. I don’t know what it was, but just seeing two people (even in a movie) just sit and play a neat little song together is magical.

You can watch it below and feel the magic. Of course, if you haven’t seen the movie, you might want to wait. Up to you.

[youtube nBDbUVXXp-U]

Well that’s it. I plan on doing these a few times every year, or at least when enough songs change on it to be useful to post. I may not be a music expert, but I am definitely passionate about it and what I like.