Wednesday, July 26, 2006

All Things Go Night Drive Mixtape Two

This mix took me less than two hours to compile, but somehow the post has taken me almost two months to make. The All Things Go Night Drive Mixtape was so successful and had such positive feedback that I decided to have another go at the theme. As I've said before, I believe that there is no better time to listen to music then a long drive at night with nowhere to go and no place to be. Here is the All Things Go Night Drive Mixtape Two All Things Go Night Drive Mixtape Two (.zip) 1. Band of Horses - The Funeral From the first note to the irregular tempo to the high vocals, this song has everything a masterpiece of a night drive song needs. I haven't listened to much else by Band of Horses, but after hearing this, I'm interested to see if anything else they've put out can match the emotion and originality of this song. 2. Sia - Breathe Me Derek originally introduced me to Sia with this song, featured on his M3 Volume 5. I didn't really give it a chance then, which was a horrible mistake. "Breathe Me" just exudes beauty, and Sia's soft, sometimes quivering voice, teamed with a floaty piano melody make for a perfect night drive song. 3. Slow Runner - Streamlined I recently posted on these guys, and will be doing an interview with them soon if all goes well. If you read the post, you will realize that I have become infatuated with Slow Runner, and while this is not my favorite song of theirs, it is certainly the most fitting for a late night drive. Recommended for lovers of The New Amsterdams/Straylight Run's quieter stuff. 4. Architecture in Helsinki - Maybe You Can Owe Me Architecture in Helsinki may be battling Of Montreal and The Unicorns for indie rock band with the best absurd noises and sound effects in a song, but "Maybe You Can Owe Me" is a more straightforward, yet still beautiful, song. The sing-song, almost whispering vocals, and constant echo usage make for a fantastic night drive song. 5. Z-Trip/Run Run Run - Fade Into You Z-Trip, featured on the Cannabliss Mixtape, is back again, this time with his "remix" of Run Run Run's "Fade Into You". While the original version is more quiet and soft, this version is superior, and puts me in a contemplative mood. Did I mention I love everything about pianos? (Also, this is another song i learned how to play on piano.) 6. Four Tet - Iron Man This is far and away my favorite song on the mixtape, and has been playing constantly in my car for the past month. Keiran Hebden AKA the genius behind Four Tet turns a downright dirty Black Sabbath classic into a beautifully constructed four minute and fourteen second eargasm. Notice how subtle the melody of the acoustic guitar matches the original Iron Man. I listened to this song 6 times in a row on the long bus ride home at night from New York City a few weeks ago. 7. Zero 7 ft. Jose Gonzalez - Left Behind God bless Jose Gonzalez. I know my favorite Mexican Swede was featured on the first Night Drive Mixtape, but his incredible voice (and guitar) had to make another appearance, this time with Zero 7 (who were featured on the Garden State soundtrack, for all you hipsters). The two blend quite nicely on this song, which can be found on Zero 7's newest release, The Garden. This song is perfect for putting your hand out the car window (preferably a Volvo) on a starry night with a scenic backdrop. 8. Ben Harper - Another Lonely Day I know what you're thinking; "Ben Harper is so not cool." Well shutup. Ben Harper is the epitome of cool. He may appeal to a different audience, but anyone who enjoys Iron & Wine or Jose Gonzalez should fall in love with this song. While the message isn't exactly peachy, it still brings back fond memories for me, especially on long night drives. 9. Imogen Heap - Hallelujah This song, featured so gloriously on the season finale of the OC, is Imogen Heap's humble rendition of a classic. While Jeff Buckley's version is more well known, I believe that Immy's voice (a capella) holds up quite nicely. Be sure to keep your eyes open through this one, and keep the tears in. Nobody likes a crybaby. 10. Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - Biomusicology I had the incredible privilage of seeing this song played live (5 times), and I can honestly say that this song is one of the best I've ever heard. From the opening chord to the violin-ridden bridge to the unparalleled climax, Ted has created a masterpiece so fitting for this mixtape that I actually hate myself for not putting it on the first mixtape. Once again, I bow down to the beauty that is Theodore Leo. Thanks again for checking out the mixtape and sorry I have been so out of it with updates. Also, keep a look out for future mixtapes, including, but not limited to, hip-hop, instrumentals, and guilty pleasures. Have a nice drive, and buckle up. It's the law. -Zack

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would highly recommend listening to Band of Horses' entire new CD. Most people do think Funeral is the best song, but I love it all.

Anonymous said...

You guys sure do use sucky fonts...a lot.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing...for the fonts comment..i apprecaite the effort!

Anonymous said...

Holy hell that's a beautiful cover, the Four Tet version of Iron Man. I'd love to just leave that on in the background and wait for people to slowly figure out what song it is.

Anonymous said...

beautiful selections.

the production on 'breathe me' is ridiculous.
i've always loved four tet's work... especially with beth orton.
jose gonzalez is heartbreaking... his summerstage performance was sick... and those lyrics for 'heartbeats'... unbearably bearable.
he made that scattered zero 7 album tolerable.
imogen is lovely, indeed.
i love ted... 'me & mia' always makes me smile... can't wait to see him again here in manhattan.

and if you're so in love with the piano...
gotta check out craig armstrong's piano works.
sublime.

Anonymous said...

this iron man song sounds mighty familiar..

Anonymous said...

it's what i sang to you before we made love

Anonymous said...

Jose Gonzalez is an Argentine Swede, not a Mexican Swede.

*sigh*

A. B. Chairiet said...

The first Night Drive Mixtape was pure perfection, and this one makes for a damn fine sequel. :)

Gorgeous...I love every single song, especially the Band of Horses track. After hearing it, I listened to their entire album, and it's pure perfection as well.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful new music, and for sharing your thoughts on each song and artist.

Happy Sunday,
~ Ash

evan said...

i love that sia song.

Anonymous said...

four tet does a killer percussion filled remix of breath me. i heard that one first, and then the original.

Anonymous said...

I haven't heard the mix yet (it's currently downloading) but I just wanted to ask if you drive a Volkswagen, since that's what I think those console photos are from.