Mixtape: bad baby

As I put together the baby mixtape for my friend, there was a few songs that just didn't make the cut for obvious reasons. So they got put on the second CD, I gave her. Just in case things got so bad she had to let out some frustration.

1. Accidents - Alexisonfire

What if the baby wasn't planned?

2. You Are Pregnant, You Are Dead - Xiu Xiu

3. You Children Are Waiting For You To Die - McLusky

4. Rubber Baby Bugger Bumpers - Austrian Death Machine

Why not an Arnie cover band singing about baby stuff? I was so close to putting "Who is your daddy and what does he do" on here.

5. Birth Plague Die - Trash Talk

 

6. Birth Defect - Helmet

I saw them play this song live about the same time I made the mixtape, so it stuck in my head

7. Afterbirth - Closure in Moscow

8. Baby's First Coffin - The Dillinger Escape Plan

9. When My Baby Smiles at me I go to Rehab - Frenzal Rhomb

10. My Birth - Swans

Needless to say, this mixtape did not get played.

Mixtape: babies

When my friend got married, my job was to be the driver for the lovely bride and her family. Part of the deal was I had to make a mix tape for the trip. This mix tape ended with the Final Countdown blaring as the bride left the car.

She was so impressed that when she fell pregnant she asked me to make one for the delivery room. I put a lot of thought into this. My first idea was to time it with contractions: short, loud grindcore songs for the pain, soothing music for the time in between. That was vetoed (apparently not many people like grindcore?) and instead I made this mix.

Coincidentally, a mixtape club I'm in saw the co-founder having a kid around my month! So this got double play. I now leave it here for your enjoyment.

1. The Seed 2.0 - The Roots (ft. Cody Chesnutt)

This song is pure smut, delivered with such smooth and lovely music. It's all about getting pregnant.

I push my seed in her bush for life
It's gonna work because I'm pushin' it right

2. Teenage Pregnancy - Cake

Coming up with songs about babies and giving birth wasn't easy. Especially when the person requesting the mix is a music teacher. Sometimes I went with obvious song titles, so there's no real reason to explain this choice. But the underlying idea of the mixtape was to cover the baby from conception to delivery.

3. You Can't Hurry Love - Phil Collins

After you've found out you're pregnant, you just want the baby now! (at least I presume, I've never experienced it) Everything is still cheerful and upbeat.

4.  When My Baby Comes - Grinderman

When the pregnancy starts moving on, you get a bit moody and emotional and start planning and fretting about everything. Who says moody and emotional better than Nick Cave?!

Even better, some of the lyrics are accidentally about babies. Pooping on things.

When my baby comes
There is an ancient question behind her eyes
That I can't even begin to describe
(Hey, don't do that on the carpet!)
When my baby comes

5. (Baby I've Got You) On My Mind - Powderfinger

As the pregnancy progresses that baby is all you think about, as all of your Facebook followers will happily point out to you (generally with a groan and an eye roll).

6. I Can't Wait to Get Off Work (to see my Baby) - Tom Waits

The baby is almost at work and the dad spends all day, by the phone, with a packed bag in the car, just waiting for that call to get to the hospital...

7. The Final Countdown - Europe

It's a well known fact that I can't make a mixtape without the Final Countdown. I pretty much always finish with it, but in this case it worked right here at this point. Just before the baby's delivery.

8. Waiting Room - Fugazi

One of the sexiest bass riffs ever recorded, it also captures the frustration of waiting in the hospital.

9. Push It - Salt n Pepa

If you don't know what this is referring to in the context of this mixtape, you must have failed school.

10. I Don't Want to Push It - Sonic Youth

I love this band, but I was surprised to find any context at all that they would work on a mixtape about giving birth. But here you go. As the doctor is yelling to push, the poor, exasperated mother has just had enough.

11. Hatching Baby Raptor - John Williams

This is a bit of a stretch, even for me, trying to work my favourite movie into a mixtape about giving birth. But this magical music when the raptor emerges from the egg in Jurassic Park represents the bliss when the baby is first put in its mother's arms.

12. The Screamer - Bouncing Souls

The music and lyrics of the song itself is a bit out of place, but the title says it all. The baby starts crying. All hell breaks loose. 

13. Special Delivery - The Offspring

No matter how much the goddamn baby cries and pukes and poops you're still going to love your special delivery, as I've witness with my friends and their newborns.

It'll blow you away - You're gonna fall for me

14. Cry Baby - Cee-Lo

I've been told newborns cry all the time. I'm not sure of this, I tend to avoid babies, but I'll take everyone's word for it.

15. Kicking and Screaming - The Presets

As the parents and the baby get settled and sleep becomes a premium, the parents can build up anger just as quick as their offspring.

16. Baby's Got A Temper - The Prodigy

Some parents get unlucky, their baby just won't shut up.

17. Come to Daddy - Aphex Twin

When I first envisioned this mixtape, this was the first song that popped into my head. It seems the best way to end it though, as the baby came to its dad (my friend) for the first time.

Apparently she played this CD while giving birth!

Now there was a bonus CD, with the songs that just didn't make the cut... And you can view it here.

Mixtape: Sick day

So there I was a few hours ago, unable to get out of bed. I finished my book and nothing else was within reaching distance but my phone. No music, no entertainment and it hurt too much to get out of bed. So I started trying to think what songs I could turn into a mixtape about being sick. I had about 3 ideas and then I hit a blank wall (I blame the painkillers). So I turned to Twitter. And now, I present to you, my crowd-sourced sick day mixtape!

 

(Thanks Court, one of my favourite songs... Can't believe I didn't think of it)

The only time Kylie will be on my blog, outside of Nick Cave reasons. Thanks Kim!

Mixtape: The Break-Up Part 2

Well it happened again. A break-up. Which made me revisit the playlist I made last time. Man there were some great songs on there, that covered all the feelings I had. This time around it's a different situation, but it hasn't stopped me making a playlist of new break-up songs!

I was tempted to just list every Brand New song ever (which is my defacto sad soundtrack) but I decided to challenge myself instead.

1. Dangers - (Love Poem)

This album is just pure emotional angst, from the first lyrics to the very end. But there's a theme throughout the whole album, with just small samples that pop up between songs, which culminates right at the end. Sure, it's not a proper song, but it's a great way to start it.

It's so nice to wake up in the morning and not have to tell somebody you love them, when you don't love them anymore

2. Descendents - Everything Sux

Before songs about teenage angst were cool, the Descendents were writing about it. And when your heart is broken, it really does feel like everything sucks today.

My girlfriend's moving this morning
I don't think anything is gonna be okay today
Everything sucks todayGot up on the wrong side of life this morning
Nothing today is gonna go my way

3. Finch - Letters to You

A lot of break-up songs come from my youth. Like this, quite possibly the poppiest song Finch ever wrote (and their most mainstream successful, if memory serves me right). Later on, with their second album about the most random stuff (I think it was drug influenced) they would become one of my favourite bands. But with their first album, it was quite cliche heartbreak/emo.

I'm writing again these letters to you aren't much, I know
But i'm not sleeping and you're not here
The thought stops my heart
Do you notice i'm gone?
Where do you run to so far away?
I want you to know that I miss you, I miss you so

4. I Killed the Prom Queen - Say Goodbye

Yes. It's cheesy metalcore. But back in the day this was MY cheesy metalcore. I loved this album by I Killed the Prom Queen. Most of it was comparing love to death, as was the fashion back then. And this song helps you get some of the break-up related anger out.

So we say goodbye
Heartstrings severed just as quick
As they were discovered
I'll break my own fall, to keep you, picture perfect
Just don't wake me up now

5. Wilco - I am Trying to Break Your Heart

When it's time to get sad, quiet and reflective, what is better than the wavering quality of Jeff Tweedy's voice? His voice in this song just captures the raw edge of emotion that you sit on during a break-up.

I'd always thought that if I held you tightly
You'd always love me like you did back then
Then I fell asleep and the city kept blinking
What was I thinking when I let you back in?
I am trying to break your heart
But still I'd be lying if I said it wasn't easy

6. Bob Dylan - Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

Oh Dylan. Is there anything you can't sing about without making it beautiful? This song was him explaining why he left his girlfriend at the time. Right now, I'm imagining this song is exactly how she's feeling.

But I wish there was somethin' you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay
We never did too much talking anyway
So don't think twice, it's all right.

7. My Chemical Romance - Honey, This Mirror Isn't Big Enough for the Both of Us

Where as Mr Dylan gave us a poetic side of being the dumper, Gerard Way is showing the chaotic break down of a break-up. This song was the first real track (not including the instrumental opener) from their first album. Like a lot of break-up songs, it comes from the teenage emo years of my life. I still love this album unashamedly.

And you can cry all you want to, I don't care how much
You'll invest yourself in me, we're not working out
And you can't touch my brother and you can't keep my friends
and we're not working out
This time I mean it, never mind the times I've seen it

8. The Walkmen - The Rat

Another song of the 2003-2005 period of my life. It was big for me. I moved back to Australia from the USA, leaving behind someone dear to me as well as everything I knew. This song was so different from everything else on their debut album, and it hit a nerve with me. I may have wept when I finally saw this song live last year.

You've got a nerve to be asking a favor
You've got a nerve to be calling my number
I'm sure we've been through this before
Can't you hear me, I'm beating on your wall?
Can't you see me, I'm pounding on your door?

9. Atreyu - Right Side of the Bed

Ahh. Far out. 2003 again. Kind of cheesy metalcore again with overtones of death. But it's just good.

I can see her now, Dancing around, her drink in hand.
All her baggage in tow, I just want to forget and let go of all the love the joy,
the pain. I took your guilt and placed it into me and now I kiss it goodbye.

10. Los Campesinos! - Romance is Boring

Not about a break-up per se, but more about the slow death of love that both of you seem to ignore until it gets to that fatal point.

You're pouting in your sleep, I'm waking still yawning
We're proving to each other that romance is boring
Sure there are things I could do if I was half prepared to
Prove to each other that romance is boring

11. Billy Talent - The Ex

I'm not at this point yet, but I imagine I'll be following the course of the lyrics in this song pretty closely.

Why would she put me through such torture,
I would have given my life for her,
She was the one that knocked me over,
Now I'm alone sitting on the corner

12. The Get Up Kids - Mass Pike

You want real sad emo? You get old school Get Up Kids. All of the emotions. Especially when someone does it with a montague of pictures of love.

I wonder when I wander home If I'll be fit to drink alone.
Sleep with my memories, Pictures, apologies.
For every minute yesterday, Regret reminds me anyway.
If I remember anything, I'll make mistakes again. 

13. Bomb the Music Industry! - I Don't Love You Anymore

This song has always won my award as the best fan-made video ever. It's been stuck in my head since seeing BTMI! in February and I haven't been able to stop singing it. I hope it didn't become a pre-cursor for everything. The Lost line also resembles me way too much. And a bit of ska in a mix tape is always good to cheer up the soul.

I don't love you anymore.
No this isn't some mistake.
For the past two months I've just been getting drunk
And watching Lost and then getting even drunker just so I can fall asleep.
Every second I'm with you I get an ache in my head
And I spin in my bed and again and again and again and again.

And all the money I spend is my money again
I'll understand what is said when I'm out with my friends.
And at the end of the night, baby I'm'a gon' drive 'em home.

And all the time that I waste repeating mistake
And the ridiculous taste and the look on my face.
I'm gonna take it back.
Baby I don't love you no more.

14. No Doubt - Don't Speak

It's well known that Gwen and the bass player who's name escapes me were dating before the release of this album. This song beautifully documents the break up.

You and me
We used to be together
Everyday together always
I really feel
That I'm losing my best friend
I can't believe
This could be the end 

15. New Found Glory - Hit or Miss

Pop-punk. Of all the genres I listen to, I don't think you'll find as many whiny sounding songs about love and regrets. New Found Glory is probably the best of them all.

Have I waited too long
Have I found that someone
Have I waited too long to see you

Maybe it's for the best
Maybe it's not for anything
It wouldn't be so bad to take this right from me

16. Rod Stewart - Maggie May

Time to move away from my teenage years and into the classics again. This song, as far as I can tell, is about the failed fling between a young male and his older, richer lover. It captures the moment when Rod is deciding to end it.

I know I keep you amused but I feel I'm being used
Oh maggie I couldnt have tried any more
You lured me away from home just to save you from being alone
You stole my heart and that's what really hurt

17. The Vandals - My Girlfriend's Dead

The worst part of any break-up is telling everyone about it. Having to explain why it happened. The Vandals had a novel solution: pretend she's dead.

I once had a girlfriend,
But then one day she dumped me and everywhere
I'd go people would ask me where she was.

I don't want to talk about her.
Someone always asks about her.
So I tell them all my girlfriend's dead.

18. The Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love (With Some You Shouldn't've)?

Apparently heartache has been around for a long time. Even with the early punks in the 70s. 

I can't see much of a future
Unless we find out what's to blame
What a shame
And we won't be together much longer
Unless we realize that we are the same

Ever fallen in love with someone?
In love with someone
You shouldn't've fallen in love with

19. Arrows - Pour Me Into a Taxi

My friends have been getting depressed and emo to Arrows for years. I never understood why. I guess I first heard them when I was happy, through a friend that worked with the guitarist. But now even the tones of the guitar just make me weepy. The lyrics don't share the heartache when being read. Put it together as a narrative with the music and it just encompasses the whole feeling of the end of love.

There’s a photo by your bed of the two of us in Europe and it scares me to think of how many different men would’ve cast their eyes upon it on a Sunday morning. " When we sat on the curb outside my Sister’s house, did you really think I loved you?" "Are you that optimistic, or are you just that fucking naive?” you asked me.

 

Rob: a mixtape

The blog's been even quieter of late, but this time it's for a reason. A very sad reason. Rob, a long-time blog reader who's greatest complaint to me was "you post too much, I can't keep up. Just tell me the good parts" passed away in a skiing accident last week.

Not only was he a blog reader: he was a close friend, one of the first people I met at university, and he also slept mere metres from me as he was my housemate. Not as close as this picture... which sees me passed out at a friend's 21st.

Rob had a varied taste in music, almost as much as mine. We went to a tonne of concerts together: Presidents of the USA, Tool, Rage Against the Machine, Get Up Kids (a few weeks ago), Mars Volta, and many more than I can remember. We were even going to go to Dropkick Murphys/Lucero in the next few weeks.

So for some odd reason, it fell on me and a few close friends to pick out the music for his memorial. It was tough to shortlist it all down, but we finally put together a mix tape for him. RIP Captain.

1. Audioslave - I Am the Highway

As I helped clean out his room the other day, I found tickets for Chris Cornell in a few weeks. He was a huge Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine fan, so this song combined both perfectly (and with that little bit of sombre edge too).

2. Incubus - Wish You Were Here

Well... we do Rob.

3. Pearl Jam - Black

If you get the feeling that Rob liked his 90's alternative rock bands... well you'd be right. And this song is just bloody sad. I can't hear it now without getting a little teary.

4. Rage Against the Machine - Beautiful World

Rob was a huge Rage fan. I remember going with him to the Big Day Out to see this band. The gates to the D were closing early and it was a crush to get in... Unfortunately I was the only one to get in at the time. Tim and Rob had to sit on the outside and watch it. I still kind of rubbed that in to him every now and then. As for this song, it is a Devo cover, but the only really soft song Rage have.

5. The Mars Volta - Televators

One of the first (if not the first) gigs I went to with Rob was the Mars Volta at the Arena. 3 hours of the Mars Volta. I had a swollen head and had just gotten out of the emergency room, but dammit, nothing was going to stop us. We saw the Mars Volta a few times together over the years.

6. The Roots - Don't Feel Right

This was a recent addition to Rob's musical collection. Only this year did he start listening to rap music, I think from the suggestion of his workmates. He borrowed my Roots CDs and apparently this was one of his favourite songs.

7. The B-52's - Rock Lobster

As long as we were going to pubs, we'd always put this song on. And drink during the "down, down, down" part.

8. Frank Sinatra - Come Fly With Me

Rob was a huge "Frankie" fan (as he would say). He would always ask for Frank Sinatra to be put on when I was digging through my vinyl. And of course, the Captain was a pilot. So this song is doubly fitting.

9. Queen (ft. David Bowie) - Under Pressure

Not much can be said of this song. It's another one we always put on the jukebox.

10. Sarah Blasko - Always Worth It

Amongst us, Rob will forever be known for his love of female singer-songwriters. I am not sure, but I have a feeling Sarah Blasko really started it for him. He loved her music.

11. Stone Temple Pilots - Interstate Love Song

Another of that great era of 90's bands he loved.

12. Bjork - Hyperballad

His love of female singer-songwriters had nothing on his love of Bjork. I struggle to understand her at the best of times, but I was with him when he finally saw her and her magnificent stage act.

13. David Bowie - Starman

I couldn't help but sneak another Bowie song in. Although it's about flying to the stars, it can still apply to our favourite pilot.

14. Muse - Feeling Good

One of the modern bands Rob loved was Muse and I was also lucky enough to see Muse with him. A lot of their "space jams" aren't too appropriate, but this cover is.

Rob, there was hundred more songs I wanted to put on here, but I hope this does you some justice mate. Miss you already. RIP.

Mixtape: Floods

As I am sure you are aware of (and probably sick of me saying) I was caught in the great Brisbane flood of 2011. In fact, I'm still waiting for my apartment to be livable again (hopefully a week). I thought it'd give me an excellent opportunity for a mix tape, but I'll be honest, most people don't write songs about floods. They write it about girls. And drugs. But luckily there are a few songs out there about floods, so I've put them together.

But before we begin, here's a boat that got stuck in a park near my house.

As always, you can view more flood photos on my Flickr.

Before I start, I will admit that some of these songs only mention floods in passing. But fuck it, it's my mixtape, I can put whatever I want on it. And also thanks to those few people who helped me out, especially Jane and her bored work googling. My lack of internet has made it difficult to find music that didn't involve me simply typing in "Flood" in Winamp.

1. Creedence Clearwater Revival - Who'll Stop the Rain
Because seriously,

as long as I can remember rain's been pouring down

, especially this summer. It's been like 8 days in a row with hardly any rain right now, and I'm starting to miss it.

2. La Dispute - Said the King to the River
As Clus said best, "pick any song from that album, they're all basically about floods." And due to my excitement about finally seeing them twice this week, of course I'll add it. And of course I've been listening to it all week. But here's why it got in:

"Rise!" Said the King to the River,
"Never let up! No, bring us a flood and bring it hard!"
"Freeze!" Said the Wind to the Water,
"Never give in! No, build us a bridge!
And build it strong and angry.
Let it stills the King's decree.
Oh, you must contemplate the current

3. Led Zeppelin - When the Levee Breaks
What's a good mix tape without Zeppelin? Nothing.

When The Levee Breaks I'll have no place to stay

And because when the levee did break I had no where to stay.

4. Dangers - Opposable
Included because I love the album and for this lyric that plays on American Pie:

Drunk drive my Chevy to the levee
Let the flood come and sweep me away

5. John Lee Hooker - Tupelo
A very old little folk/blues number. But a classic describing a flood in a town called Tupelo in 1936.

Did you read about the flood?
It happened long time ago, in a little country town, way back in Mississippi
It rained and it rained, it rained both night and day
The people got worried, they began to cry,
"Lord have mercy, where can we go now?"

6. Passion Pit - Swimming in the Floods
Why not a bit of hipster-electronica to dance to while flooding?

What can I do?
The river's overrun
We're swimming in a flood, you know?
I thought I felt your touch
But the water's rising up

7. The Saints - (I'm) Stranded
I really don't need to explain this one. Because so many of us were stranded on our own. Stranded far from home.

Bonus irony points for it being a Brisbane band.

8. Bleeding Through - There Was a Flood
Normally when metal sings about floods, it's about floods of blood. And you know what, Bleeding Through obviously stick to that formula. But you can still make parts of it about water flooding.

And breath-by-breath I'll rise to keep your flood away from me

9. The Bled - My Assassin
It's from an album called Found in the Flood. I had to find a way to put something from this album on the playlist. Luckily their most popular (I think it went on MTV) song had the following lyrics:

Maybe you could finally be the one who reaches in and saves me from the flood.
Collapse. This is our last chance.
There's no time for relapse, just listen for the flood.
If not us, can I just save you?

10. I Hate Myself - Caught In the Floods With the Captain of the Cheerleading Squad
With a band name and a song name like that, you'd imagine a crappy pop-punk band. But no, I Hate Myself is a classic mid 90s emo band from Florida. And if you don't know mid 90s emo, think of the Get Up Kids.

The lyrics are quite funny actually. It's about being caught in a tree with the captain of the cheerleading squad (obviously) and making small talk. And it's awkward high school small talk.

11. Trivium - Tread the Floods
Typical metal song about floods number 2, mainly about death. But I included it because it has floods in the title and it is from my favourite Trivium album, the Crusade.

Tread the floods so you can hope to seize,
Your own reality,
Before it escapes thee,
Watch yourself drown in disarray,
It's time to break away,
Or we all will die today.

12. The National - Runaway
This song is from their amazing 2010 album, High Violet. And like most National songs, it's got that moody kind of feel about it. Perfect for contemplating the floods.

what makes you think I enjoy being led to the flood?
we've got another thing comin' undone

You can download the whole mixtape here.

Mixtape: The history of punk

Through the ages there has always been the classic musical fight: which punk band came first? Did the British do it with the Sex Pistols? Or the Americans with the Ramones? My old boss and I used to get in verbal arguments about this with 2 bands in mind, he said Brisbane's own The Saints, I always maintained it was Iggy Pop and the Stooges from Michigan.


Hilary told me she enjoyed my last mix tape, the ones about the 90s, and she asked for one that was a history of punk. So I thought I'd do it scientifically: bands by the order of the year they formed. This should settle the argument once and for all, at least based off my poor internet research. Some of these songs aren't from the early days, but let's face it, how many bands first songs and demos are good? Especially back before there was any cheap way of recording them. So here it is, Chuck's history of punk.

1. ? and the Mysterians - 96 Tears

Formed in 1962, 96 Tears came out in 1966. Sure, it's not what we now know as punk, but back then it was new and exciting. It was raw garage rock and nothing like the country music of the time. This music was what your parents back then were never allowed to listen to. And to settle which country came first, they were from Michigan in the USA.

2. MC5 - Kick Out the Jams

Formed in 1965 and released in 1968. Their first album of the same name was recorded live. And how do you know it was punk? They were kind of tuning their guitars as this track gets going and then they kick it off with a swear word before unleashing their raw energy. Can you imagine, 45 years ago, an album starting with a swear word? And to settle the argument again, MC5 stands for Motor City Five. The Motor City being Detroit, Michigan. Do you see where I'm going with my punk history? It all started in Michigan.

3. The Stooges - Gimme Danger

Formed in 1967, this version is from 1974, the live album Metallic K.O., which was one of (if not) the last shows they performed before breaking up. The Stooges, with Iggy Pop as their frontman, were also from Michigan. I've become obsessed with Iggy since reading his biography and he is who I think took punk from the streets of Michigan to the world. They were like nothing of the time. Not only did they start the music of punk, they started the whole idea of putting on a show. Iggy is still known for his outrageous perfomances behind the microphone.

4. Devo - Uncontrollable Urge

Formed in 1973, this song is from their debut 1978 album Q:Are we Not Men? A: We Are Devo! Most of us know them for their slightly more new wave 80's-ness and their upside down flower pot hats. But they were still punk. But like a lot of early punks, they kept maturing with the times and updated their sounds. I guess that's why they are still alive these days. Also, I dreamt about Devo performing last night. It was weird. But that's because they were in a Futurama episode I saw the other day. And they are from Ohio, USA.

5. The Saints - (I'm) Stranded

Formed in 1974, this song blew them up (especially in Britain) in 1976. And the best part? They are from Brisbane! I know this is from Wikipedia, but Bob Geldof has been quoted as saying, "Rock music in the Seventies was changed by three bands — the Sex Pistols, the Ramones and The Saints" (I know it's a wanker saying it, but he speaks the truth).

6. Ramones - Blitzkreig Bop

Formed in 1974, this song is from 1976. Surely you all know about the Ramones. From New York (where are the Brits on this list?) most people will say they are punk. Anything before them just paved the way for the Ramones.

7. Radio Birdman - Non-Stop Girls

Formed in 1974, this song is from their 1977 album Radios Appear. Another Australian punk band, this time from Sydney, they pioneered indie rock and punk in Australia. To this day they still spontaneously perform, including a Big Day Out appearance a few years ago.

8. Talking Heads - Psycho Killer

Formed in 1974, this song is from the 1977 LP. Another early punk band in the style of Devo, who went on to change their style to match the changing times. David Byrne, the main creative output of Talking Heads, slowly went the way of art rock with non-sensical lyrics and put out some amazing LPs, which I still listen to regularly. From New York.

9. Blondie - Atomic

Formed in 1974, this song is from their 1979 album, Eat to the Beat, which was their 4th LP. Their early albums were very punk, but they quickly went the way of disco and new wave. Heck, they even had one of the earliest charting rap songs ever in Rapture. Two things you should know about them: Deborah Harry is hot and they are from New York.

10. Sex Pistols - Anarchy in the U.K.

Formed in 1975, this song is from the timeless album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, released in 1977. Finally! A UK band! We had to wait over a decade, but it was worth the wait. The Sex Pistols were everything that was punk. The lifestyle, the attitude, the music, the middle fingers in the air and the anarchy. Sure, they weren't the first, but they were the biggest, the best and the ones that made punk punk. Pretty much everyone that saw this band play formed a band. And the next few bands were all in attendance at the same concert.

11. The Undertones - Teenage Kicks

Formed in 1975, this song was a single in 1978. I'll be honest, I know very little about this band. This song was originally in my playlist as a Buzzcocks song, but I was proven incorrect. Apparently they are Irish.

12. Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love?

Formed in 1976, this song was on their second album Love Bites in 1978. They were the first punk band to come out of Manchester, which over time became one of Britain's hottest area for music from people pissed off at the world. They are most widely known for this song, which is a curse and a blessing. This song is amazing (especially for a break up song) but it also hides the other great songs they have written over the decades.

13. The Clash - Should I Stay or Should I Go

Formed in 1976, this song is from the really popular 1982 album Combat Rock. Rumour has it that they met at a Sex Pistols gig, the same gig where most of the crowd went on to form punk bands, most of which formed the basis of British punk. They obviously went on to big, big things, with some of their songs featured on Triple M almost daily. Following their demise, Joe Strummer and Mick Jones went on to make some great music as solo artists too. If you get the chance, get Joe Strummer's album (with the Mescaleros) called Rock Art and the X-Ray Style. It's amazing. RIP Joe.

14. The Damned - Smash It Up

Formed in 1976, the song was released as a single in 1979. The Damned were another British band of the original punk scene, they used to play in bands with members of the Clash and Chrissy Hines from the Pretenders. When they first formed, they were even going to audition Sid Vicious for the lead singer position, but he never showed up. Over time they have become more of a rock band, incorporating cabaret and psychedelic rock.

15. Bad Brains - Attitude

Formed in 1977, this song is from the 1982 debut self-titled album. From Washington DC, they pioneered hardcore punk. Originally starting as a jazz fusion band (I shit you not) they are famous for combining reggae, dub, metal, punk and hardcore with their rastafarian religion. As a punk band they went places not many other punk bands went before them: they played faster, they played more technical and they didn't just limit themselves to one style. I was so disappointed when they cancelled their Australian tour earlier in the year.

16. Black Flag - Fix Me

Formed in 1977, this song is from their 1978 EP Nervous Breakdown. Probably best known for their lead singer who joined in 1981, Henry Rollins, Black Flag pioneered American hardcore as well as the punk do-it-yourself ethic. Everything they did was on their own label.

17. Dead Kennedys - Too Drunk to Fuck

Formed in 1978, this song is from the album Holiday In Cambodia from 1980. This song is the reason they didn't get signed to a label at an early age (obviously for it's profanity). From California, they mixed satire, politics and criticisms of life into their songs. For those of you playing at home, you may recognize the lead singer Jello Biafra from his announcements over a lot of the old Offspring albums (think Intermission).

18. Descendents - Bikeage

Formed in 1978, this song is from their 1982 absolute classic (I have the vinyl and love the shit out of it) album Milo Goes to College. From California, they were one of the first bands to mix hardcore sounds with a bit of melody and lyrics about everyday things. Basically, they invented pop-punk. I am so excited to see them on their first ever Australian tour in a few months!

19. The Exploited - I Hate You

Formed in 1979, this song is from their 1985 album Horror Epics. Formed by an ex-Scottish soldier they were a very political hardcore band. As the band went on, they became a crossover thrash band, showing that the anger never really left. They are still active and putting out music and I would love to see them. Even 31 years after they formed! For those of you playing at home, Lisbeth in the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo movies (the Swedish versions of course) wears a shirt bearing their distinctive logo: the skull with a mohawk.

I hope that settles it! Of course it won't, as this is purely my interpretation using my musical tastes and based off the years they formed. I'd like to hear what others think though.

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90's Mixtape #4: Bands that got big

As many one hit wonders as there were in the 90s, there were plenty of bands that became huge, from genres that would normally not have gotten big. Imagine in 1990 seeing Green Day and thinking how huge they would become? It just boggles the mind. This selection is of bands that have become huge since then, maybe not to the level of being played on Nova, but to the level of being considered gods of their genres.

1. Ben Folds Five - One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces (3:54)

Ben Folds was the sound of university students of the 90s. This track, one of his heavier ones, was the opening track to the album that made him huge, the one that had that sobby song Brick on it.

2. Alice In Chains - We Die Young (2:32)

Nirvana was the biggest band in grunge, Pearl Jam possibly the second. And the third, without a doubt, was Alice in Chains. I still remember when the lead singer Layne Staley died in high school, most of my friends had to go home to mourn. It was a huge moment for us, as Alice in Chains was the working class rock music of our area.

3. At the Drive-In - Metronome Arthritis (4:01)

Probably one of the best bands, ever. They had a massive hard working ethic, and apparently gave the most legendary on-stage performances. This was a track that was recorded just before the sessions that gave them their critically acclaimed, and unfortunately last, album Relationship of Command. Before this song they were scrappyish post-hardcore. After this track they defined a style. They then broke up to form the bands Sparta and the Mars Volta.

4. Deftones - Root (3:41)

This track is off of their first album, when they were a burgeoning hardcore band. Still one of my favourite albums, I play this on guitar almost every day. Eventually they calmed down into an electronic/ambient hardcore band that they are now. They’ve become their own genre.

5. Blur - M.O.R. (3:27)

Woohoo! These guys made Brit-rock famous. Unfortunately they wrote the bogan anthem Song 2, but the rest of the album was full of amazing British rock. The lead singer is now the Gorillaz, amongst other bands.

6. Bush - Bubbles (3:02)

Another British band, but more of a grunge one. They hit the time huge in America with a song called Glycerine, but this song is off of the Mallrats soundtrack. The lead singer ended up marrying Gwen Stefani of No Doubt, got happy, stopped writing good music and is now an actor.

7. Fugazi - Give Me The Cure (2:59)

Fugazi formed from the ashes of the short-lived hardcore band that invented straight edge (they even wrote the song that NOFX covers): Minor Threat. Although not the relentless hardcore of Minor Threat, they introduced indie and melody to create some quiet, yet still hard songs. They still kept the hardcore ethic though, every concert they play is all ages and cheap as chips. That’s the only way they’ll play. They are truly in it for the music, even after 30 odd years.

8. System Of A Down - Sugar (2:33)

You know System of a Down. Their first album though, especially this song, was at the forefront of my drug days in the 90s. The album, this song too, was basically about bad drug trips. This one is about mushroom men.

9. A.F.I. - Malleus Maleficarum (4:01)

I also hope you know A.F.I. Before they were glam-punk, they were a great west coast hardcore band. I wish I had known them during these days.

10. Nine Inch Nails - Big Man With A Gun (1:36)

Nine Inch Nails were so huge in the 90s (and so feared) that I remember my teenage books (Animorphs in particular) always had the loners, the losers, or the trouble makers listening to their music.

11. Modest Mouse - Doin' the Cockroach (4:18)

Modest Mouse in the 90’s were a balls to the wall noise-rock band with existential lyrics that either made you think or got you lost. But halfway through each song the lead singer Isaac would just lose it, and play as much noise while yelling as he wanted to, until he pulled it up slow. Not as good these days, but still an amazing indie band.

12. REFUSED - New Noise (5:09)

The single off their groundbreaking album, the Shape of Punk to Come. They actually showed us in this album the music scene 10 years on, and like any great band releasing an amazing album, they broke up immediately afterwards. Oh, and Swedish. You should listen to this whole album, it is just hardcore royalty.

13. Poison The Well - Artists Rendering of Me (3:20)

There was nothing like the hardcore of today before Poison the Well. And they are still going strong.

14. Beastie Boys - Sabotage (2:58)

Yeah, they mainly do hip-hop. And got huge off it. But this is a great little track with an awesome video clip.

15. Incubus - You Will Be A Hot Dancer (4:17)

Incubus are now a pretty boring indie band. But when they started, they mixed together funk and metal in a brand new way. Their bass player is one of the few reasons I ever bought a bass guitar.

16. Maxïmo Park - Graffiti (2:46)

Ask girls my age about this band. They love them and so do I. But for some reason, their cabaret style just gets the girls.

17. Spiderbait - Shazam! (2:03)

Australia’s favourite band, whenever the drummer was singing they produced much better and heavier songs like Shazam!

18. Beck - Sexx Laws (3:41)

Beck is just one of those artists that is around a lot, and has been for years. He’s put out weird electronic music, he’s put out acoustic music, he’s put out rock music. But the album I best remember him for is where this track came from, full on big-band trumpet style music. Probably not your taste, but it’s just fun with a bit of a risqué subject.

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90's Mixtape #3: Poppier crap

I know it’s not quite your scene, but wasn’t the whole idea of this to expose you to new music? Some of this you will hate, that I can guarantee. But whatever, I like these songs dammit.

1. Diana Ah Naid - I Go Off (3:09)

An Australian one-hit wonder. I still see her touring these days, but I have no idea why. Apart from this song I doubt anyone knows her. But that doesn’t detract from this pissed-off chick with an acoustic guitar song.

2. bis - Action And Drama (Album Version) (2:28)

Thank you. I had forgotten how much I loved Bis until I was going through my 90’s music. This song was on Triple J years ago (they even played Hey Hey It’s Saturday), but they are probably known more for a song no one would put together with them: they wrote the Powerpuff Girls theme song. Remember that cartoon? It’s what is known as twee, which is basically happy pop music.

3. Days Of The New - Touch, Peel And Stand (4:57)

A post-grunge band. This song was huge in the states when I lived there. Post-grunge basically means grunge, but softer. Lots of acoustic guitars.

4. Harvey Danger - Flagpole Sitta (3:38)

For years I thought this was a cover of a 1960’s pop song. But no, it’s a 90’s indie band with a one hit wonder that you just know without ever knowing. If you know what I mean.

5. The Black Heart Procession - A Light So Dim (7:52)

I didn’t know these guys in the 90s. I didn’t know these guys for most of the last decade. I’ve just recently stumbled across them and their moody post-punk style indie. It’s gloomy. I can imagine they wear a lot of leather jackets and play in a lot of dingy bars.

6. The Cardigans - My Favourite Game (3:39)

Sweden is my favourite country by far, they just make some of the best music. Ask one day, I could make you hours upon hours of awesome Swedish mix CDs. This band got popular on a song in the Leonardo Di Caprio Romeo and Juliet Soundtrack. But they also released a lot of better rock songs like this one.

7. Björk - Hyperballad (5:21)

It’s oh so quiettttttttttt. Shhhh. Shhh. This is a more electronic and kind of sweet lyrics song by the crazy Icelander.

8. Blind Melon - No Rain (3:39)

My first year college roommate was obsessed with this band. And to be honest, I’ve still only heard this one song. I think this mix CD is full of one-hit wonders. This was a number 1 for a long time I’m pretty sure.

9. The Bloodhound Gang - I Wish I Was Queer So I Could Get Chicks (3:44)

I actually have this as a CD single I bought when I was a kid. Pure hilariousness.

10. Bruce Springsteen - The Ghost Of Tom Joad (4:27)

Bruce is normally known for his stadium style rock anthems. But this song, is just so quiet and haunting (now that’s a bad pun, but true). It’s another side of the Boss that you just don’t see. That and it’s been covered a lot, so you know it’s a good song.

11. Catch 22 - Dear Sergio (2:33)

It’s ska, but I find it more punk than ska. I actually wish more ska was like this instead of that Reel Big Fish crud.

12. Crash Test Dummies - Afternoons And Coffeespoons (3:54)

Another post-grunge band, best known for their annoying as fuck MMMMM song. You’d know it if you heard it.

13. Cruel Sea - The Honeymoon is Over (3:05)

Australian rock band featuring the very talented Tex Perkins on vocals. He is the voice of rock and blues in Australia in the last 20 years.

14. Everlast - Ends (4:33)

A white boy rapper, he started in a band called House of Pain that had a hit called “Jump Around.” I guess he then learnt how to play a guitar and write some more introspective songs.

15. King Missile - Cheesecake Truck (1:11)

Not really “music” King Missile do comedic spoken word poetry.

16. Lavish - Homosapien (3:00)

Another Triple J 90’s one hit wonder. I think it was in some movie, but I can’t quite remember.

17. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - The Rascal King (2:46)

A bigger ska band from the 90’s, but once again, these guys tended to lean more towards playing punk than ska. This song is actually from the Clueless soundtrack, which is what I was considering burning you instead, because it’s just full of damn good music from the 90s. And is one of my favourite movies.

18. Monster Magnet - Powertrip (3:31)

I thought I had missed my chance seeing these guys live, but it turns out they are yet another band brought from the dead to play at Soundwave next year. They do acid/stoner rock: I guess that means it is slightly nonsensical lyrics with more interesting sounds in their guitars instead of just distortion and heaviness.

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