So, Luke was, for several years, under the impression that these things were done through shuffling one’s iPod, so we started with Spiritualized and went from there.
1. Spiritualized, “Cop Shoot Cop”
We decided to start with this track because it’s awesome. But really, “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space” is an incredible album. This, the last track on that album, opens with a laid-back “Talk Talk” groove, which progresses to a sprawling, spaced-out, drugged-out freak out. Drug albums can do no better.
2. John Zorn, “End Titles”
To be quite honest, neither of us knows this song from “Film Works Vol. 3” that well. But it’s one and a half minutes long, so we just listened to it like five times. This, Josh assumes, is obviously in Zorn’s Film Works series, which is essentially music for small scale, small budget films that he liked. Marc Ribot’s detuned, twangy guitar is the focus. Music for a post-modern “Roadhouse.”
3. Smashing Pumpkins, “Today”
Oooh, great pick iPod!! Luke and I love the Smashing Pumpkins, regardless of Billy Corgan’s recent activity – specifically, everything after 1995’s “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.” The opening dynamic shift – one guitar to probably 100 – hits Luke every time. Well, not really, but whatever. Also, Peter, Jake, Luke and I beat this song, all on expert – even vocals – with five gold stars in Rock Band 2. We know, impressive.
4. Rick James and Teena Marie, “Fire and Desire”
To paraphrase this song: “Wow, it’s really good to see you again baby, and I must admit, looking very, very, very nice these days. I guess life must be treating you well. Oh me? Well I’ve just been doing the same old thing. I got a new lady now, and it’s a little different than it was when I was with you. I used to loooooooooovvvveeeeeee them and leave them, that’s what I used to do.”
5. Talking Heads, “Cities”
Yeah! This is from a bootleg – Aug. 24, 1979, Berklee School of Music, Boston – that would eventually lend material to their live release “The Name of this Band is Talking Heads.” Phish used to cover this song, which is how both Luke and I came to appreciate the greatness of it. Look over there! A dry ice factory! Good place to get some thinking done!
6. Paul Hindemith with Christian Lindberg, “Sonata for Trombone and Piano, mvt.4”
I can’t believe this came up, but it probably should be titled “Sonata for Piano and Trombone” – Nick Towns knows what I’m talking about. You know? Oh, and this one’s on Josh’s recital.
7. Madlib, “Painted Pictures (Art)”
The Beat Konducta. 1:40 of nastiness. Madlib releases so much good material, Luke just doesn’t get it. This is Vol. 1-2, by the way. I mean, there are 40 tracks on this album or something.
So I guess that’s what our iPod spits out on shuffle. Okay, it was all on Josh’s iPod, chill.
What’s on your iPod?
