Okay, so I’ve not been the best blogger this week- I’ve managed to make it the entire week without a single post. I have my reasons (excuse) though- I’m on vacation! I’ve not gone anywhere exotic though. Rather, I’ve opted to spend my days off between my local and the pool. Enjoying World Cup matches, beer, and sun. But I wasn’t about to skip the Friday Mixtape, even if I am on vacation. This is week 26 - half way through the year, and as such, I thought I make a mixtape of some of my favorites from the year so far (yes, it’s because I haven’t been online all week, and have nothing new to put into a mixtape). It’s a very rough order of my favorites, along with the date that each first appeared on a mixtape.
I managed to scrounge up some cover art this week- actually I planned this one in advance. Flickr.com user Hi-Phi’s marble-and-steel image of the number 26 (which actually looks like it was 96 at some point, but adapted later).
This week’s mixtape is a little short, and I’m sorry for that. It’s been a very busy week for me, with lots of work and World Cup things going on. I have manged to find nine tracks for you all though- it’s quality, not qualtity that counts, right? Many of this week’s tracks could be considered ‘emo’ or ‘pwwer rock’, but never fear, SquirrlFood is not going emo. It all really started while parusing the catalogue of Fueled By Ramen artists, including last week’s favorite mixtape artist The Hush Sound, which lead to the inclusion of Paramore and October Fall in this week’s mix. Myspace contributed acts Single File, Brightwood and The Merediths. We’re From Barcelona is just too catchy not to include (check out the video), and I threw in the Regina Spektor track…well, I don’t know why, but it’s there. Finally, I picked up the Smoosh album a few weeks ago as a novelty, but wasn’t sure what to think of it. I can now say that for two sisters who aren’t even in high school yet (ages 12 and 14), this is pretty amazing- and Find A Way is a better song than some indie-pop bulshit I hear from adults on a regular basis. If these two keep it up, and don’t marry their back-up dancers, they’re likely to be HUGE by the time they’re able to vote.
Atlanta photographer Brooke Novak’s picture of the Cotton Mill Lofts is dark and ominous, and in with the emo qualities of this mixtape (which really makes the I’m Form barcelona track out-of-place). She’s got a great eye for composition, and captures some stunning images. Brooke’s flickr site has tons of great photos, and her Atlanta set has some quality shots of SF’s locality. I have no doubt that her work will grace the cover of SFFM again in the future.
Paolo Nutini is from Paisley, Scotland, and he’s only 18, even if he sounds much older. He’s been on stage with the likes of Squirrelfood favs KT Tunstall and Amy Winehouse, and has already been called “the next James Blunt”. His video for the single Last Request is really cool- one of those under four-minute movies that tries to tell a story, and even has a twist in the end. (EDITED: Google video stopped working)
He’s going to be doing live webcasts from his site, starting today at 7:30 PM GMT (that’s 2:30 PM EDT). Go to www.paolonutini.com for more.
Okay, in case anybody hasn’t figured it out, I’m a football fantic, and World Cup rules my world right now. Tomorrow is the most important match the US National Team will play in this year’s tournament- because if they don’t win, it will be their last (even if they do win, it still takes an Italy win tomorrow to move into the knock-out stage- where they would likely face favored-to-win-it-all team Brazil). I’ll be in Fado early tomorrow to watch the match, hopefully with a large group of other spirited Americans. If you can’t ditch out of the office to catch the match live, you can follow the play-by-play online on the BBC website. Best of luck to the US team tomorrow!
I occasionally find myself flipping back and forth between the Tonight Show (Leno) and Late Night with David Letterman to see who’s got the best musical guest- and so often I catch Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra playing King’s X between show segments. Paul and the band are always playing something during the bumpers before commercial breaks, but this song seems to be a favorite. I can understand why- it’s a hell of a fun song to play, especially as a drummer. King’s X was one of my favorite bands before college, and the whole grunge era. I still keep their whole discography on my iPod for those days when I feel a bit nostalgic or just want to rock out to some minor 7ths. Anyways, everytime I hear it on Late Night, I think about posting it, but never get around to it. So today is the day.
I'm excited about this week's mixtape becuase it's got some really fresh sounds on it, that I've jus tnot been able to stop playing! I'm really loving Eskiimo these days, and Patience is constantly in rotation on my iPod. The Hush Sound are signed to one of my favorite labels, Fueled By Ramen, and curently on tour with Panic! At The Disco- those of you going to the Atlanta show next week would be well-advised to show up early to see them. Anna Tabbush and Erland are some amazing singer-songwriter talents coming out of the UK. Tabbush blends traditional Irish sounds into her songs beautifully, while Erland's music is honest and easy. Simply Luke Leighfield plays with Get Cape Wear Cape Fly! and some other bands, but still finds time to write and produce his own amazing songs. I don't even remember how I first heard of Kyler England (who's not English, but American), but her song What You're Looking For snuck onto my iPod just grew on me. A million or so MTV-soaked teenagers probably already know about Five Times August from his inclusion in the Laguna Beach quasi-reality TV series, but I'd never heard of him until this week. I hate MTV. John Ralston is a featured artist on myspace music this week, and worth checking out. UK indie-rocker Von Kleet has self-esteem issues, but I still like Friends and Enemies.
Straying from my usual flickr.com art, I found this image in a collection of surrealistic advertising images. Obviously, the football tie-in couldn't be ignored, and I grabbed it. I have no idea what company did it, or what the ad was for…just fit the whole World Cup theme of the month.
Apparently, the thought of downloading a mixtape with Paris Hilton in it scared a lot of people last week, as only 12 people wanted SFFM23. Unfortunately, what you missed was the awesome track by Eskiimo. This is really a shame, as I’ve been loving this track for a good month now. I’d be remiss if I didn’t repost it now. Eskiimo are a trio from Manchester, England with some pretty diverse music influences referenced on their myspace: Joni Mitchel, The Cure, Frank Sinatra and 50 Cent all mke the individual lists of members Katie, Simon and Jules. Perhaps it’s this musical diversity that makes their own music so rich. Combining elements from indie-rock, pop, and sample-based music has created a unique sound that easily pleases the ear of fans of every style. Patience is a piece of brilliance, working back-and-forth between the male and female vocals of Katie and Simon, who are backed by a string section that builds on the tension of the lyrical stand-off between them. The song culminates in a hand-clap and acoustic guitar hook that immediately brings Scissor Sisters to mind. Pretty, which made the mixtape last week, is luxurious blend of downtempo beat, funk guitar, piano and strings- all backing Katie’s delicate lead vocals. Their Patience EP is out now in the UK, look for an album on Mercury records coming soon!
I just looked at my own site, and have realized that I’m going to post the next mixtape tomorrow, back-to-back with the previous mixtape. A whole week gone by, with NO POSTS!?! It’s sad, but I’ve just not had any time to write posts. The primary reason for this is the same as why half the world’s productivity has been reduced to probably half of it’s norm: the World Cup tournament! When I would normally be listening to new music or Zane Lowe, I’m watching or listening to matches. On top of that, I’ve got work up the- well, you get it.
All excuses aside, there are some new albums out this week that are worth listeing to- I’ll let the music bloggers that aren’t preoccupied with football guide you:
The Hot Chip album is finaly released this week as well- their single Over and Over appeared on the SFFM back in March, and is still a personal favorite. In fact, it’s been ranked as the 7th best song of the year so far by Mocking Music.
Leah of Confessions of a Music Addict likes Rhett Miller, and she’s in NYC this week to see him (Rhett’s album The Beliver was out in February, but I just wanted to give Leah a shout out- and fill some space). The Late Greats ripped a live set from KEXP by Miller and posted it for you to listen to this great singer/songwriter here.
Finally, my great admiration goes to Heather at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends for her ability to keep up her blog, integrate World Cup posts into it, and post David Holmes music.
It’s Friday again, but more importantly, the World Cup kicks off today. I’ve been terribly busy all week, trying to get work done before my extended weekend (taking Monday off to watch the Group E matches at Fado). As a result, I didn’t post about how I actually find the new Paris Hilton track kinda catchy (I know, shoot me now). Nor did I write about the new Outkast track, or the Guster album that doesn’t come out for two more weeks, but that Rhapsody has available exclusively. I also did have time to write about the Manchester, England group Eskiimo- who I’ve had in regular rotation on my iPod for weeks now, but haven’t had time to post about how freakin’ awesome I think their songs are. There’s been lots of new music out from Donovon Frankenreiter, Juana Molina, and Plan B too, but I’ve not posted anythigng about them yet. I am totally in love with Holly Brook, who’s album dropped on Tuesday- and I’ve been listening to all week, but haven’t posted anything new on. So, as you can see, I’ve been busy, and my blog has suffered. Expect this to be the case through July 9th- not that anything but football matters until then.
My favorite artist of the year, Lily Allen, makes another appearance on the mixtape- with the first repeat entry of the year. LDN was the first Lily track to appear in the mixtape, and with the launch of her new website, featured radio spins, and the upcoming album launch, I’ve put the album version of the single (previous version was demo) on the mix. Across the pond, she’s making big waves with her second single Smile (the video is wicked). Lily will be doing a live session with Giles Peterson on Radio 1 on June 18th.
My name is Jamie, and I'm just trying to share my love of great new music. Files are for sampling purposes only, and intended only to promote music. If you are the copyright owner of a sound file and would like me to take it down, let me know and I'll gladly comply.
jamie on June 30th, 2006
Okay, so I’ve not been the best blogger this week- I’ve managed to make it the entire week without a single post. I have my reasons (excuse) though- I’m on vacation! I’ve not gone anywhere exotic though. Rather, I’ve opted to spend my days off between my local and the pool. Enjoying World Cup matches, beer, and sun. But I wasn’t about to skip the Friday Mixtape, even if I am on vacation. This is week 26 - half way through the year, and as such, I thought I make a mixtape of some of my favorites from the year so far (yes, it’s because I haven’t been online all week, and have nothing new to put into a mixtape). It’s a very rough order of my favorites, along with the date that each first appeared on a mixtape. 
This week’s mixtape is a little short, and I’m sorry for that. It’s been a very busy week for me, with lots of work and World Cup things going on. I have manged to find nine tracks for you all though- it’s quality, not qualtity that counts, right? Many of this week’s tracks could be considered ‘emo’ or ‘pwwer rock’, but never fear, SquirrlFood is not going emo. It all really started while parusing the catalogue of 
I occasionally find myself flipping back and forth between the Tonight Show (Leno) and 
I'm excited about this week's mixtape becuase it's got some really fresh sounds on it, that I've jus tnot been able to stop playing! I'm really loving 
Apparently, the thought of downloading a mixtape with Paris Hilton in it scared a lot of people last week, as only 12 people wanted SFFM23. Unfortunately, what you missed was the awesome track by 
The 
Leah of 
borrowing stealing from othe rmusic blogger.
It’s Friday again, but more importantly, the 
