My beats are off the hizzle
Today is July 13, and summer is more than half over for everyone except those that graduated and have no job and are just plain sad. The rest of us will soon be back at school. Even though we will do pretty much the same thing we do now, our moments of guilt free fun are running on winged feet.
My summer in the City has been more than worth it, considering the current level of non-existent activity in my home town. Though business as usual caused me to stay, this summer has been anything but, and given my proclivity toward reflection, I have had plenty of time to remember my time thus far.
Anyone at a summer barbeque knows that music is crucial. The less-temporal time period of summer should be no different. And so, completely originally, I present my summer Mix-Tape: "So Far." This summer has been a complete and total shit show, and my soundtrack reflects it. With a few sentimental favorites thrown into key plot movers, this record moves. Enjoy
1.The Weakerthans
"Everything Must Go"
As an opening track, it doesn't get much better than this Canuck classic. It sets a great tone for early May, just like the emotional yard sale the lyrics depict: "All things must go! My semester grades! My good sense! My clothes! My dignity!" I'm still banned from Qdoba.
2.The Allman Brothers Band
"Hot 'lanta"
When May roles into June, the weather heats up, just as this track builds from organ to melting geet solo. No road trip is complete without this track. Particularly the road trips to the shore, where the back seat is high and grooving to anything on the deck. Don't ask.
3.The Arcade Fire
"Wake Up"
When the toke-heads have dozed, and you're ready to get the beer pong table heated up, The Arcade Fire gets everybody moving again with this slowly building chest thumper.
4.The Band
"Ophelia"
You've hit your stride. Everyone is clamoring for beer, funk, and fun. This classic will deliver all three. This is also about the time the herb comes out again. Be honest: who can say no to The Band?
5.Taking Back Sunday
"You're So Last Summer"
Aside from being the biggest song amongst my high school friends since God, this song is just plain perfect. That girl at the bar with the attitude throwing back Long Islands never saw it coming. Those who know the song know what "it" is. She deserved it. She did not "Tell All [her] Friends".
6.Jimmy Eat World
"Blister"
We're midway through and the repetition is sinking in. The overt connotations of depression, severance, and contempt are Jimmy's arena, and this song delivers. Despite these adjectives, the major chords and head nodding drum beat show that there are good times ahead.
7.Led Zeppelin
"Bron-Y-Aur Stomp"
Had a breather. Take it back to the planks, and the booze. Plant and Page are at their best here, mixing bluegrass guitar with good an actual stomp, you can't nap anymore when this one comes on the box. Get up. Grab a drink.
8.Modest Mouse
"Tiny Cities Made of Ashes"
It's your birthday, and you're rounding third into drunk. This is the point in the movie where the camera is about to fall over. Everyone is subject to your tirade, after all, "the world is my ashtray."
9.Reggie & the Full Effect "Master P, Pick up the Phone"
Everyone has that night that doesn't make a whole lot of sense. This one is mine. Swimming in Swann Fountain seemed like a good idea at 11:30, sorry Fairmount Park Management.
10.Steely Dan
"Kings"
Shit, I need a nap. Reflection, part un.
11.Bear vs. Shark
"Buses/No Buses"
Alright, I'm awake. Throw it into third and lets move. Like my best, this one starts with a guttural urge, and ends with me, and the band, drunk, asleep, in the middle of my living room floor. This is a recurrent theme.
12.Nick Drake "Place to Be"
I am listening to this song right now. It helps me think. Wait, I am close to a transcendental moment. No, it passed. I need a beer.
