Touching Toadstools

Fall 2010 Playlist

Tracklist as follows:

1. Dirty Thing - Telekinesis (Youtube)

One of the achingly catchy songs off of Telekinesis' latest EP, 'Parallel Seismic Conspiracies,' "Dirty Thing" is light and everything you're looking for in an "indie" sound... distorted and sounding like it was recorded in a basement.

2. Cameras - Matt & Kim (Youtube)

Power indie synth pop couple, Matt and kim released 'Sidewalks' in November. Following their album, 'Grand' it's hard to imagine anything better than "Daylight." While 'Sidewalks' isn't mind blowing, there are some amazing combinations of synth and orchestral sounds that are undeniably head bob inducing.

3. Telephone - Pomplamoose (Youtube)

Who can resist covers and remixes? Not ChipperDemon. Pomplamoose covers Lady Gaga. Not only is the song fresh (really, the perfect word for it), but the video is just fun to watch.

4. Lose It (In the End) ft. Ghostface Killah - Mark Ronson (Youtube)

Just when you thought Mark Ronson couldn't get any better, the Mark Ronson & The Business Intl. upcoming album, 'Record Collection' sings right to the synth loving, simple yet brilliant tunes heart. 'Record Collection' is expected to release this month featuring collaborations with Q-Tip, D’Angelo, Duran Duran and other music gods.

5. By Some Miracle - Philip Selway (Youtube)

Radiohead's drummer, Philip Selway's solo-debut album, Familial, is delightfully simple and unlike Radiohead, sweetly short. Album release from Nonesuch Records: August 31

6. Don't Turn the Lights On - Chromeo (Youtube)

Chromeo's single, "Don't Turn the Lights On" off of their album, 'Business Casual' (released August 17th), is a step down from their work off of their last album, 'Fancy Footwork,' but it is still 80's-esque.

7. Coquet Coquette - Of Montreal (Youtube)

At the end of June, Of Montreal released the single, "Coquet Coquette" off of latest album, and it sounds just like Of Monteal.

8. Down By the Water - The Drums (Youtube)

Ladies, prepare to swoon. The Drums' self titled album released in September features, "Down by the Water," a heart lulling combination of 50's and 80's music finesse.

9. Learning - Perfume Genius (Youtube)

A painfully good debut album, "Learning" by Perfume Genius, is another great product of the Seattle music scene.

10. Everytime I'm with You ft. Jason Lytle - Sparklehorse (Youtube)

Love albums beyond the grave? Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse were collaborating on 'Dark Night of the Soul' with the aim to release last year, but after a dispute with the label and two of the artists' deaths, the album was finally released July 13th. The whole album is a collection of music genius.

11. Communion - Maximum Balloon

The new TV on the Radio album released in August features several impressive guest voices. We have to say, TV on the Radio has brought it to the next level.

12. Swimming - Breathe Owl Breathe (Youtube)

Summer innocence is encapsulated in this easy breezy jam.

13. I Want the World to Stop - Belle and Sebastian (Youtube)

While it doesn't appear Belle & Sebastian have any intention of changing (not that they should), their November released album, 'Write About Love,' continues their signature sound of gentle whispering and ideal background music.

14. Winds of Change - Fitz & the Tantrums (Youtube)

Brought to you by a recent HTC commercial, "Winds of Change" by the Fitz & The Tantrums is the most recent sounding song by the band. Described as a "soul/pop band," the Fitz & The Tantrums and their album, 'Pickin’ Up The Pieces' sound like they belong at the kind of club that would feature both OutKast and James Brown.

15. Living in America - DOM (Youtube)

Once getting past images of James Brown in Rocky IV, this song beckons you down into a warm pop casserole of fuzzy blankets that will stay with you for days. Almost certain to be a sure fire, post-modern Nationalist anthem for a disenchanted generation inheriting an other-wise tasteless heritage of boojy musique. Enjoy. And enjoy again.

16. Crime Pays - Bear Hands (Youtube)

‎"Crime Pays" off of Bear Hands Nov. 2nd released album, 'burning bush supper club,' exemplifies the band's evolution from simple guitar riffs to more complicated instrumental compilations.

17. I Walked - Sufjan Stevens (Youtube)

It really depends what song you hear first off of Sufjan Stevens' latest album, 'The Age of Adz' to find it crazy or genius. "I Walked" is so mastered it seems impossible that it even exists.

Bonus Track

Body Shot - Electric Six

Pollen Paste

June 2010 CD Release

The CD has a couple 80's-rific songs (like most ChipperDemon mixes) in addition to some fantastic random instrument inclusion jams. To point out some favorites: Jamaica's "I Think I Like U 2," Wolf Parade's "What Did My Lover Say?" Harlem's "Gay Human Bones," Javelin's "Oh! Centra," The Futureheads' "Struck Dumb" and, of course, the bonus tracks.

Tracklist as follows:

1. I Think I Like U 2 - Jamaica (lyrics)
Jamaica's debut album, produced by one half of Justice and the sound engineer of Daft Punk, proves to deserve their early-on attention. Their single, 'I Think I Like U 2,' is but one of their great jams. For such a simple song, you would not expect the video that goes with it.

2. Later – Dr. Dog

Creators of 'The Beach' and 'The Old Days' (two of ChipperDemon's favorite tracks ever), Dr. Dog has come out with their latest album, Shame Shame, and it's... polished. The gritty-ness that was rather endearing about Dr. Dog has been refined with a certain Flaming Lips kind of cleanness that is not at all disappointing, just different.

3. The Suburbs – Arcade Fire

The latest Arcade Fire album really only has a few great songs. 'The Suburbs' along with a couple others make the album worth the time to listen though.

4. What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Has to Go This Way) - Wolf Parade

Among the top 25 summer albums recommended by Spin Magazine, Wolf Parade's Expo 86 features this Killers-esque track. Watch out, the chorus of this song will have you randomly singing "What did my lover say?" in a low and strange way.

5. Flash Delerium – MGMT

'Flash Delirium,' is from their April released album, Congratulations. The track is pretty chill for an MGMT song, as is the entire album. Congratulations, while a mastery, is not MGMT's previous album, Oracular Spectacular.

6. Gay Human Bones – Harlem

Fans of the lo-fi and catchy riff sound will head bob to Austin hipster band, Harlem. Their sequel album, Hippies, features some real light hearted and fun jams.

7. Solitude in Bliss – Tame Impala

With a review from Pitchfork stating their new album, "toys with paisley pop, stoner vibes, and an expansive array of swirling guitars" Tame Impala's Innerspeaker is worth the check out.

8. 40 Day Dream – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Having gone to see Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros at the Orange Peel in July, this song was fantastically performed. It is the kind of song that gets buried deep into the singing later part of my brain.

9. Believer – Goldfrapp

As an 80's dance beat enthusiast with a strong Cyndi Lauper devotion, I have found Goldfrapp's latest album to be head band, leg warmer fantastic.

10. Congratulations – MGMT

Another well done song by MGMT. Despite Congratulations not being more dancy, these two tracks prove MGMT's other great song building strengths.

11. Hollywood – Codeine Velvet Club

It'a all in the crescendos for this song. All in the crescendos.

12. Oh! Centra – Javelin

"Oh! Centra do, I'm watching you, let's see what you can do" makes this song worthy of any ChipperDemon mix. You will anticipate this song coming just to sing along with this lyric.

13. From Stardust to Sentience – High Places

This is just one of those necessary songs for it's light vocals and great interluding music. There were a few gems to choose from on High Places' latest album, but in the end, 'From Stardust to Sentience' had it all along.

14. Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Well, didn't this song get popular.

15. Stranger – Dr. Dog

While, 'Later' is probably the favorite off of Shame, Shame, 'Stranger' has a magnetic chorus power that was just too hard to deny.

16. Struck Dumb – The Futureheads

Just really like this band. The Futureheads' new album is pretty similar to their last, and maybe not as good as their first, but it's just so hard to say no to Clash-a-likes.

17. Rocket – Goldfrapp

When it came to choosing a Goldfrapp song to feature, it was impossible to pass off the music video for 'Rocket.' I encourage you to check out the rest of the album.

Bonus Tracks

Print a copy of the cover (including the tracklist)

Threats of a Snow Flake

The February 2010 CD Release

After a month of posting songs up on the facebook page, compiling a CD's worth of all new music was pretty easy and it's safe to say that every song is spankin' new. There were a lot of fun surprises with the month, Danger Mouse shmoozing it with James Mercer to create Broken Bells, or the past ChipperDemon featured band, the Muslims re-emerging as the Soft Pack.

A note on the mix: I'd say overall the CD has an undertone of TV on the Radio and stays pretty close to the "indie" genre, making it in some way, a bit monotonous but hip, none-the-less. Some of the highlight bands from the mix are La Roux, Broken Bells, and because she's just so damn cool, Janelle Monae.

Tracklist as follows:

1. Blue - We Are Wolves (lyrics)

This jam was released back in October of 2009. The other hit track, 'Holding Hands' off of We Are Wolves' album, Invisible Violence, has quite a different tone. 'Blue' almost has a TV On the Radio quality to it, but better.

2. Cult Following - Bluebrain (lyrics)
Cult Following by Bluebrain. Bluebrain, formerly the Epochs, is said to sound a little like TV on the Radio, which I can hear. I think they've got more of an electro sound, though.

3. Promises - The Morning Benders (lyrics)
'Promises' can get kind of lost within the mix of other songs due to its lulling effect, which is a shame because it really is a wining song. "I know this won't last a second longer than it has to" is a line that will charm you again and again.

4. Broken Horse - Freelance Whales (lyrics)
Weathervanes, Freelance Whales' debut album that released this month is fairly reminiscent of Iron and Wine. Their sound isn't new, but it is pleasant.

5. Little Lion Man - Mumford & Sons (lyrics)
'Little Lion Man' by Momfurd & Sons has been getting quite a bit of attention lately. The single off of their upcoming album has one Paste Magazine journalist gushing about the song 'getting her' while the track was a pick of the week over at Spin Magazine. I'd say the attention is worth it.

6. What's In It For - Avi Buffalo (lyrics)
The line, "You are tiny and your lips are like little pieces of bacon" made my day yesterday. Otherwise, the Avi Buffalo track, 'What's In It For?' (off of their debut self-titled album coming out in April) has a whiny overall tone but the satire and lazy guitar mostly make up for it.

7. Life Magazine - Cold Cave (lyrics)
Not among the newer songs on the mix, 'Life Magazine' has an undeniable beat that it is hard not to enjoy. "I'm not going back" will chant you through the song bobbing all along.

8. I'm Not Your Toy - La Roux (lyrics)
A little more for the ladies, this track is so freakin' catchy. Listening through Hype Machine I ended up hearing about 3 different versions of this song and then this exact song several times in a row, and I loved every second of it. Almost impossible to sing along to, it's just hip swaying, forebrow crinkling 'cause your singing so hard good. La Roux also has a few other awesome songs such as, "Bullet Proof."

9. Twenty Two - Wakey!Wakey! (lyrics)
'Twenty Two' is off of Wakey! Wakey!'s latest album, Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said the Last Time I Saw You. It's pretty catchy, so listen with caution.

10. Be Brave - The Strange Boys (lyrics)
I love the sound of this track. The lyrics are nothing to get philosophical about but between the Beach Boys guitar sound, the lead singer's voice, and the chorus background; I can't help but bop to this song.

11. Shark's Tooth - Archie Bronson Outfit (lyrics)

After an epic hiatus, Archie Bronson outfit is releasing their latest album, Coconut, on March 23rd. 'Shark's Tooth' is their released single off of the album; sounding like some of their delicious older works.

12. Cold War - Janelle Monaé (lyrics)

With a mix of OutKast reminiscent music and a pop diva voice, Janelle Monaé's 2010 album is already ruling the pop circuit. this is a fairly catchy track, prepare for head bobbing.

13. Wrong - Mr Beasley (lyrics)
Mr Beasley is definitely a fun find. The tracks 'Wrong' and 'Right as Rain' have such a delightful ring to them, it's hard not to fall in love with this United Kingdom duo.

14. Answer to Yourself - The Soft Pack (lyrics)
The Soft Pack have gotten quite a bit of attention, and 'Answer to Yourself' is almost a hate love song. It's just a little too typical sounding, yet so perfectly so that I can't help singing along.

15. Vaporize - Broken Bells (lyrics)
'Vaporize' is one of the debut singles off of the James Mercer and Danger Mouse collaboration entitled, Broken Bells... which explains why it sounds so much like the Shins. The album is supposed to release in March. Definitely worth a listen.

16. Go Do - Jónsi (lyrics)

Paste Magazine included Sigur Rós's frontman, Jónsi's new solo effort-ed single, 'Go Do' in their 'Seven Great Snowy Music Videos'... and for how wintery February has been, it seems quite fitting.

17. Forest Green Oh Forest Green - Holly Miranda (lyrics)
The complexity of this song, both lyrically and musicly, are what bring this track it's great strength. This is one of those songs that could probably play twice or even thrice before you would notice it's on repeat.

18. Heaven Can Wait - Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beck (Grizzly Bear Remix) (lyrics)
The original version of this track is good but when I heard the Grizzly Bear Remix I actually thought that I was mistaken the first time and that THIS was the master version, it was so good. Then again, it's hard not to like most things linked to the name Grizzly Bear these days.

19. Marchin' In - Lo-Fi-Fnk (lyrics)
Swedish duo, Lo-Fi-Fnk, follow up their 2006 album with a bit less of dance-ness. The song, 'Marchin' In' has a lot of classic sounds and such a light melody that makes it hard to not enjoy.

Bonus Tracks

Candy In the Kitchen - Blair

The High Road - Broken Bells

Don't Call It a Come Back... Yet

So, it's been a while. I came across a couple, or a whole cd's worth, of songs that I liked. Specifically, I really enjoyed the new Spoon single and also the single from Ok Go's new album and then it was just song after song of, "this is good." Thusly, I put together this mix and then I decided to call it a ChipperDemon compilation.

Enjoy!

1. A.M. 180 - Grandaddy (lyrics)

2. Will You Please Be There For Me - The Reindeer Section (lyrics)

3. Nine - La Dispute (lyrics)

4. Finish Line - Fanfarlo (lyrics)

5. Heart of Chambers - Beach House (lyrics)

6. Cards and Quarters - Local Natives (lyrics)

7. Love Me Through - Port O'Brien (lyrics)

8. Written in Reverse - Spoon (lyrics)

9. I Want You So Bad I can't Breathe - Ok Go (lyrics)

10. Just a Growin' - Young Man (lyrics)

11. Kings of Animals - Small Black (lyrics)

12. Min, Drips - Neon Indian (lyrics)

13. Boogie - Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears (lyrics)

14. I Start to Run - White Denim (lyrics)

15. And the Hazy Sea - Cymbals Eat Guitars (lyrics)

16. Hi-Fi Goon - Throw Me the Statue (lyrics)

17. Just Like You - One In A Googolplex (lyrics)

18. The Drum - The Impossibles

19. Phantom Other - Department of Eagles (lyrics)

20. Line Em Up - Joell Ortiz featuring Cory Gunz