This Weeks Mix Tape - Part 2

This was my second list, more of a sentimental one, these are songs that come back into circulation every now and then for me. You will probably already know them, you will probably hate them... but they played a part of my musical upbringing and thats all that matters.

1. Chicago - Sufjan Stevens
This was the first time i ever heard Sufjan, i was in the car with a friend listening to whatever crap commercial station he had set it to when i finally decided i'd had enough and changed it over to the J's, this really awesome chorus of people were singing this orchestrated head bopping number. I was blown away quickly slapping away his hand as he tried to change the station (because he didn't know who it was) and just fell in love with Sufjan after that. Its a great song and one that lasts with you.


2. The Way it is - Donovan Frankenreiter
I have a soft spot for artists like Jack Johnson and Xavier Rudd, Surf pop i guess you could call it, And Donovan is that and more, think Jack Johnson with some orchestrations and a bit of Jazz.... In 2008 i saw Donovan Frankenreiter live at Falls Festival, it was a rainy New years eve and the sun was just setting, but this only made the crowd go even more nuts as Donovan and band jammed, improvised and just had fun, the instrumental work was amazing and you could tell they were just letting go. It was one of the best performances i have ever seen and the fact that i was soaked meant nothing.

3. Closing In - The Living End
Chris Cheney has to be number one on my list of favorite guitarists, and this song shows exactly why, and this was off the debut album... enough said.

4. Don't Start a Band - Reel Big Fish
I went through a really big SKA phase. I couldnt stop listening to it, punk rock with horns... awesome. Since then i have moved into less 90's stylings but i still always keep a spot free for SKA.
Why this song? I dunno... its fun.

5. Pretty in Pink - Dresden Dolls
This song is in here for two reasons, one... i love the dresden dolls, Amanda palmer is an awesome lyricist (i know... this is a cover... not her lyrics i get it!) as well as a musician. The other reason is that i never got a chance to grow up with John Hughes films... in fact the only one i really ever watched was Ferris Bueller...until now. I just got a box set and i am finally watching  The Breakfast Club and well.... Pretty in Pink.

6. Bottle Rocket - The Go! Team
This song is pure motivation... funky dance tunes over cheerleaders, what could be more uplifting. This is one of my top Gym songs, makes working out so much easier.

7. Shizukana Hibi No Kaidoan Wo - Dragon Ash
This was the end track from Battle Royale... this film was awesome. Battle royale was the first film to get me into asian cinema and now i am surrounded by it. As for the song itself, although i dont understand it i have to admit it is really catchy. Go Japanese Hip Hop!!

8. Run Free - Hanz Zimmer
For a long while i had an obsession with Film scores and in some ways i still do. Hanz Zimmer is the master of action scores, he knows how to bring up images of chases and explosions through music as well as emotion. This was the score for the Animated Film Spirit : Stallion of the Cimmaron, (i think thats what its called) its a great peice of music and made up the soundtrack for many a trip with certain friends.

9. All coming back to me - Meatloaf
This was just a really unexpected find for me, Originally this song was written for meatloaf to sing on Bat out of hell 2.... however it wasn't and so it was given to Celine Dion... But in Bat out of Hell 3 it was returned to Meatloaf. This was an exceptional album, and i would reccomend people listen to it. Throw away your pre conceived notions, he is awesome! This song is a good example of that.

10. Scatmans World - John Scatman
I dont really have an explination for this... apparently he stuttered and thats why john scats.... enjoy. Scatfest is coming!


Sorry this is poorly written... i am still shaking from having just met MC Hammer!!!! You can find all the songs here as well in Zip.