mixtape songs /

When I come across music sections on “corporate” sites I am always skeptical. I assume the only thing they have to offer are reviews about top 40 artists and shows I could care less to see. AOL’s The Interface offers quite the opposite.

Just thinking of AOL makes me think old school, cheap, and shitty tv ads, however the artists showcased wiped those thoughts clean. They feature live sets and interviews with artists such as: M. Ward, The Hold Steady, Grizzly Bear and TV on the Radio. Granted not all the artists are worth checking out so take this site with a grain of salt, but free live sets from awesome bands are something no one should pass by. Below I have linked the individual live TV on the Radio songs, the full podcast and a link to subscribe to The Interface.

Listen to the entire show (live performance and interview)
TV on the Radio - Wash the Day Live
TV on the Radio - Young Liars Live
TV on the Radio - Province Live

Subscribe to The Interface Podcast

First off, lets start with the video. Watch Grizzly Bear - Knife. While watching, try to answer these questions:

1. Are they trying to get something across?
2. Do I care about these questions?
3. Does the music video match the song?
4. Will I tell someone to “listen to the song first, the video isn’t very good”?
5. Should this be dropped in the fractal forest at shambhala?
6. Does this video rip my face off?

I don’t remember where I came across this video but its by the awesome website: encyclopediapictura.com make sure to check it out. Check out some of the making of photos as well.

I asked a couple fellow mixtaper’s to review the video, heres what they had to say:

“This video makes me think of those old science fiction movies you see from the silent era. It should be in black and white stop-motion animation, with dramatic changes to the music when the villain appears. Or, just some gentle freak-folk and no plot. Either way.” - Nathan

“This video is quite interesting but I was sure in for a surprise. I thought this was supposed to be a movie about a guy who makes a suit so he can live in harmony with bears. I realized pretty quickly that I was in store for something much more disturbing; they don’t keep many bears in the desert, it’s much too hot for them and there isn’t enough honey comb. This documentary makes public the story of Astar, a robot that can put his arm back on, who tried to stop Walt Disney and his crew from building The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I had heard that someone died on this ride, but I thought they were too tall or just weren’t wearing their seatbelt.” - Brant

What do you think?

Lookalikes, Kaare Iverson and Jesse Helfrick spent a hot and heavy night compiling a sexy mixtape podcast of dance beats for you. Check for transitions…can’t find them? That’s because they rule at Garage Band. No Biggie.

You can subscribe in itunes or view the Mixtape Songs Podcast Feed

Podcast #8 - Doppel Dance

(Continued)

Nathan’s latest podcast brings you some of the best lo-fi rock around. Enjoy!

You can subscribe in itunes or view the Mixtape Songs Podcast Feed

Podcast #7 - Unicorns are people too

Dave being the romantic he is, put together a mixtape podcast that will have you reaching for a box of kleenex and thinking about the ones you love. Join Dave as he takes us on a journey from Rush Hour to Mt. Heart Attack.

You can subscribe in itunes or view the Mixtape Songs Podcast Feed

Podcast #6 - I will stay by your side

(Continued)

Explosions in the Sky, the band who brought us the Friday Night Lights soundtrack and some of the best post-rock albums around, are at it again. Today they released a new album entitled All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone. If you can’t get enough of the other Explosions in the Sky albums then All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone is worth checking out. If you want something new, evolved and fresh, then stay clear. On first listen I couldn’t help but think that I had heard it all before.

Explosions in the Sky - Welcome, Ghosts
Buy Explosions in the Sky - All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone

It’s a bit late to be writing a post about this song but I can’t help it, I like it too much. Arcade Fire - Cars and Telephones, recorded about seven years ago as a demo, leaked and slowly circulated around the net. The Arcade Fire were taken back when people started requesting for it live, surprised anyone had even heard it. It still stands as one of my favorite Arcade Fire songs, the low-fi recording and the simplicity of the song backs up the honest lyrics about relationships.

Make sure to check out the Arcade Fire this weekend on Saturday Night Live, Feb 24th.

The Arcade Fire - Cars and Telephones
The Arcade Fire - Cars and Telephones Live Video (updated, thanks Phil)

Dustin wants you to dance. Prepare yourself for a mixtape podcast featuring music not at all suited for valentines day! Julia this one goes out to you.

You can subscribe in itunes or view the Mixtape Songs Podcast Feed

Podcast #4 - If there were two of you, which one would win?

(Continued)

Earlier this week, a video called Scratch was brought to my attention by a co-worker. This full length documentary covers everything from the roots of hip hop and turntablism to the current world DMC championships. Since hip hop has such a huge influence in the mixtape world, I figure it would be of interest. I am not sure if this is an illegal rip of an actual video for sale. If anyone knows where Scratch can be purchased please leave a comment and I will add it to this post.

Watch Scratch Documentary

Want some great tracks for your next mixtape? John Vanderslice who manages Tiny Telephone recording studio, is an incredible photographer and musician, has an entire live set for download on his site. Recorded in 2005, the set includes some great tunes like: My Old Flame, Pale Horse and Me and My 424. If you like him live, be sure to buy an album.

John Vanderslice - Live at the Independent Show
John Vanderslice - My Old Flame (live)