Matchpoint's Mixtape #9

Sorry for the long delay. No commentary this week, just lie back and enjoy the music.





Play Mixtape




1. Keep It Close To Me - Superdrag

2. Sluttering (May 4th) - Jawbreaker

3. God Damn Job - The Replacements

4. What Goes On - Velvet Underground

5. Jersey Girl - Bruce Springsteen

6. 10 Gallon Ascots - Tapes 'n Tapes

7. Delicate (Live In Dublin) - Damien Rice

8. A Boy Named Sue - Johnny Cash

Where's mixtape 9?

Instead of rushing to get out the next mixtape, I'm taking my time and selecting only the best songs for your listening pleasure. Besides, I've been busy with other projects lately, namely my Pitchforkmedia + Rhapsody mashup. I've taken Pitchforkmedia's latest reviews and added a link to play the album on Rhapsody. Pretty neat, huh? It's still in beta (as is everything these days), but plans are in the works to add more interesting features. I'll keep you posted...

Matchpoint's Mixtape #8

Belle and Sebastian, The New Pornographers, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Art Brut, Tapes n' Tapes, and The Arab Strap all played in SF last week. Incredible. Unfortunately I was only able to catch the first three. I'm sure I'll be kicking myself in two months for missing Tapes n' Tapes once Loom becomes one of my top 5 albums of the year. Oh well. You live and you learn.

In addition to missing first-rate shows, I've been teaching myself Ruby on Rails, the hot new web programing language that's all the rage these days. It's been awhile since I built an application in my spare time, but that's hopefully going to change. In a couple of days I'm hoping to uncover my latest creation, which most of you will find quite useful. Details to come later.

Anyways, on with mixtape #8...




Mixtape #8






1. Insistor - Tapes 'n Tapes
This band is turning into the 2006 edition of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!

2. Remora (Single Version) - By The Grace Of God
A throw-back from my hardcore punk salad days.

3. Hot Topic Is Not Punk Rock - MC Lars
My sentiments exactly.

4. And We Danced - The Hooters
Who let this track onto my mixtape?

5. Alone Down There - Modest Mouse
This isn't your little sister's Float On. One of many MM songs that show the dark side of Isaac Brock.

6. You Have Killed Me - Morrissey
Even though I love the Smiths, I never gave Morrissey a fair listen. This new single may change that.

7. Electronic Renaissance - Belle And Sebastian
B&S performed a great live rendition last Tuesday of this out-of-place track from Tiger Milk. It was more than welcome.

8. Friend Of The Night - Mogwai
From the new album of these Scottish emo-instrumentalist masters.

9. Helpless - Neil Young
CYHSY! closed last Friday night with a rocking cover of this classic.

Matchpoint's Mixtape #7

Ohhh... I'm in trouble. It's been three weeks since my list mixtape and I feel guilty. Some of you have asked, "dude, where's the playlist, it's been awhile." Although I've been squirreling away tracks, I was never able to find the time to publish a complete mixtape. Please accept my apology.

Not to waste your time with anymore worthless drivel...




Mixtape






1. Refuge - Endeavor
Did I get your attention? This New Jersey Hardcore band were a little too political for me.

2. Hoboken - Operation Ivy
Let's stay on the theme of New Jersey, shall we?

3. Never Going Back To New Jersey - Less Than Jake
Don't let LTJ fool you--they definitely went back to NJ

4. I Want To Hear What You Have Got To Say - The Subways
I heard these guys are big in England. They must be catching on in SF because their show is sold out.

5. You Losin' Out - Two Gallants
In anticipation of their new album I found this gem.

6. You Can't Have Me - Clearlake
Their new album is off the hook. After you're done with this playlist, listen to the entire album.

7. Off You - The Breeders
Wow.

8. I'm In Love With A Girl - Big Star
In the spirit of stealing songs from commercials, this one comes form Heineken.

Matchpoint's Mixtape #6

This week's playlist is faster and harder than usual, so beware. If you're not a fan of punk rock I implore you to still give it a spin--you might be happily surprised, especially by the lead track.

BTW, the Wedding Present is playing tomorrow night at Slim's and tickets are still available. I was fortunate to catch them last year at GAMH and they totally rocked beyond my expectations. But what amazed me was how thin the crowd was. The hall couldn't have been filled beyond half capacity. I guess that's why this time around they scaled back to the smaller Slim's, but apparently the Wedding Present doesn't have the draw to fill that venue either.

If you read into the band you'll discover they had 18 UK hits, but I bet not a single one made an impact in the US. It still amazes me that there can still be a big difference between the UK and US rock charts. I know I'm talking about a period 10-15 years ago, but stuff like this still happens today. Sometimes there's just a latency between markets (see Arctic Monkeys). And you can make the argument, which I won't challenge, that bands from both countries have fans on the other side of the pond (see Arctic Monkeys). But in an age where access to music and music criticism is unrestricted and without borders, the US and UK markets will become more homogeneous. Now, whether that's a good or a bad thing I can't tell.

But I digress...how about some music?



Mixtape






1. The Watermark High - Elliott
I can still remember listening in awe the first time I spun this 7". Still one of my favorite songs.

2. Character - Falling Forward
Ask and you shall receive. Falling Forward (pre-Elliott) make their way onto Rhapsody.

3. I'm The One - Descendents
One of the best "2nd wave" Descendents songs.

4. Two II - Weston
I almost forgot about this album, but was happily surprised when it showed up on the recently added list.

5. Corona - Minutemen
Some say that Double Nickels on the Dime is one of the greatest albums every made. Can't say I agree, but this track rocks.

6. The Road To Hell - Ink & Dagger
Deceased front man Sean McCabe was flipping crazy, which made for an incredible live show.

7. Venus (Live in San Francisco 1978 / bonus track) - Television
What ever happened to these guys?

8. Ariel Ramirez - Richard Buckner
Ok, so I stole this one from a VW commercial, but seriously, VW has great tastes in music.

9. Mannish Boy - Muddy Waters
Curve ball of the week. A co-worker of mine put together a blues playlist, which included this classic.

Tableside Credit Card Swipey Thing for Restaurants

I’m very impatient, especially after I've finished a meal. I eat quickly and when I'm done I want to leave. Sometimes I'm in the mood to relax and let my food digest, but this is the exception not the rule. There are two obstacles in my way from leaving when I want to: slow eaters and waiting for the check.

Also, think of this--why do you still carry cash? I know why I do: small transactions (< $5) and paying for my part of the tab at a restaurant or bar with co-workers and friends. Here’s my solution--what if paying for your bill was just as easy as paying for groceries at a supermarket? This is how it would work:

1. Three of my co-workers and I sit down for lunch at a table with a swipey thing (card reader).
2. The waitress stops by and takes our order.
3. The waitress goes in the back and enters our order into that touch screen computer. When she’s done the itemized order is beamed (via wi-fi or Bluetooth, take your pick) to our swipey thing at our table
4. While the four of us wait for our food, we calculate how much each person owes. We then swipe our credit/debit cards and enter how much we want to pay, including tip.
5. By the time we're done eating our bill has already been settled and we're free to leave.

Who benefits? I obviously do, but so does the restaurant. Since the wait staff no longer has to worry about billing, they are free to tend to other service responsibilities, such as making sure I have enough water in my glass. This will generate a better overall experience for the customer and higher ratings for the restaurant.

But the biggest gain is in higher table turnover. During the busy times of lunch and dinner, restaurants will service more customers if they no longer have to wait and calculate the check once they've finished their meal.

Everyone wins! Or am I missing something?

Now I just have to figure out what to do with those slow eaters...

Matchpoint's Mixtape #5

After several slow weeks, Rhapsody is finally starting to add some quality material. In addition to to new releases (Built to Spill, Belle and Sebastian, Arctic Monkeys), some of my favorite labels are starting to make a showing. Hardcore powerhouse Victory Records showed up a couple of weeks ago and added some bands I haven't heard in a while (Catch-22, By the Grace of God, Earth Crisis, Dead Guy). Also, Louisville KY label, Initial Records (Jazz June, Elliott), has added several albums to the Rhapsody catalogue, although I'm still waiting for Falling Forward to make an appearance.

Anyways, here's this week's mixtape.



Mixtape



1. Can't Get You Out Of My Head [KEXP Version] [Live] [Previously Unreleased] - The Flaming Lips
The Lips somehow turn this obnoxious dance hit into something more than tolerable.

2. Crashing Waves - Karl Blau
Found this one on the Said The Gramophone mp3blog. Google it.

3. Joga - Ben Gibbard/Ben Barnett
I love anything this guy does.

4. Have You Forgotten - Red House Painters
Lead track from this amazing album.

5. Goin' Against Your Mind - Built To Spill
Built to Spill, it's good to have you back. Where have you been?

6. Circle, Square, Triangle - Test Icicles
My good friend won't stop until I say something positive about this band. It's growing on me.

7. Wait And Bleed - Slipknot
Kick out your chair and start thrashing.

8. Halfway Pretty - Elliott
Finally, some Elliott on Rhapsody. I'm petitioning them to add more.

9. 1234 1234 - Catch 22
Indie rock needs to take a cue from punk rock and encourage more sing alongs.

You're the Best, Around!

Through your travels of randomly clicking around on the Internet, have you ever found a website that just made you say to yourself, WTF? A good friend of mine found one that I wanted to share with the rest of you. Pure genius. Enjoy.

http://yourethebest.ytmnd.com/

Matchpoint's Mixtape #4

I originally started this blog with no focus other then to explore the explosive phenomena of blogging. I wanted to immerse myself in the blogosphere and I felt the best way to accomplish this was to start my own blog.

However, almost as soon as I started blogging I realized in order for a blog to be successful it needed to add value. After some brief attempts at making this an elearning blog, I settled on publishing Rhapsody playlists, or the modern incarnates of mixtapes.

Far from a success, i've managed to reach a group of readers beyond my intended audience of close friends. Now that my blog is picking up a little steam, I plan on putting more energy into it. I've also been inspired by Naked Conversations, a book i'm currently reading about the blog revolution. Not to alarm my faithful mixtape series followers, but I intend to open this blog up to non-mixtape content. This is only an intention, not a promise. Hopefully my written word is as intersting as my taste in music. More to come...

And finally, this week's mixtape:





Mixtape
(Requires a Rhapsody subscription for full access)





1. Another Sunny Day - Belle and Sebastian
Enjoy this quality track from their new album.

2. Lola - The Kinks
Unfortunately, Rhapsody does not have The Raincoat's excellent cover of this song.

3. Wave Of Mutilation - Pixies
The slowed down version is starting to grow on me.

4. I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys
There's a lot of hype around this band. The jury is still out until I hear their full length.

5. Girl - Built To Spill
A simple, lo-fi track by Doug Martsch and the Spill.

6. Back To The Lake - Guided By Voices
For some reason reminds me of Friday the 13th the Nintendo game--go figure.

7. Destroy Everything You Touch - Ladytron
I've just been introduced to this band, which I believe are playing Coachella this year.

8. Organic - Philip Glass
This is getting me psyched up for the Phillip Glass Ensemble's live

Matchpoint's Mixtape #3

This last week was a great week. Saw the coachella movie, which got me psyched up for this years festival (although, the line-up is a little poor this year). On Friday night I saw Don Carlos of Black Uhuru at Ashkenaz in Berkeley.

But the icing on the cake was the Lifetime reunion show Sunday night. Un-f*%king believable! I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I've been waiting for a Lifetime reunion since they broke up in '97. I was a little worried that the somewhat lame SF indie-rock scenesters were going to let me down, but those fears were allayed as soon as they busted into Daneursym. The show was nuts and it makes me regret not trying to catch hardcore shows more often.

Oh yeah, and yesterday was my birthday. And now for the mixtape...



Mixtape



1. Chanbara - At the Drive-In
ATDI prove that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, aka Mars Volta and Sparta.

2. Whirlwind - Rancid
I still remember picking up this tape (yeah, a cassette tape) at my first hardcore show.

3. It's The Sun - The Polyphonic Spree
Try to catch the Spree on Austin City Limits on PBS. This version doesn't do it justice.

4. You Can't Get Stoned Enough - Kind of Like Spitting
I have nothing clever to say about this one.

5. Willie - Cat Power
Although her new album is a little more country then I'd prefer, it's starting to grow on me.

6. Promise - Mirah
Great song from a band I’m just starting to explore.

7. The Toilet Song - The Bouncing Souls
Who's gonna throw the toilet off the roof?

8. Big Sur - The Thrills
Irish band singing about the great Pacific coast?

9. Don't Sit Next To Me Just Because I'm Asian - The Bruce Lee Band
I've been waiting so long for this track to make it to Rhapsody.

Matchpoint's Mixtape #2

I've changed the name of my blog, and hence, the name of my mixtape series as well. It also gives me pleasure to announce that my mixtapes will get syndciated on Rhapsody Radish, an amazing resource for Rhapsody users. Robert seems to have an endless supply of time to build playlists of all kinds. Want a playlist of the most popular Bar Mitzvah Songs? He's got it. Check it out--you won't be disappointed.





Matchpoint's Mixtape 2
(Requires a Rhapsody subscription for full access)





1. Made-Up Dreams - Built To Spill
I heard that BTS's new album is a return to the Perfect From Now On days. Let's hope so.

2. Quickcheck Girl - The Bouncing Souls
On my top 10 song list of all time. If you get a chance, check out the LP version on Maniacal Laughter.

3. Keasbey Nights - Catch 22
These guys are from my home state of New Jersey. It's amazing they never blew up like Saves The Day.

4. Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before - The Smiths
My first favorite Smiths song. Definitely not the last.

5. Made Of Stone - The Stone Roses
Would Oasis exist without this band?

6. Police And Thieves - Junior Murvin
Heard this at a club last week and knew it had to be on this week's playlist.

7. Grace Cathedral Hill - The Decemberists
Saw Collin Melloy last Friday night, so it's fitting I add one of his songs. This one takes place in SF.

8. Laser Beam - Low
This album impresses me more every time I listen to it.

9. My Companion - The Shaggs
Ok, I know it's crap, but you have to read the artist profile on Rhapsody.

Mixtape 7

I know, I know, it's been awhile since my last post. For all of those folks begging for the latest installment of my mixtape series, this one's for you.

BTW, I never got around to publishing Mixtape 6. Who knows, it might surface one day.




Mixtape 7
(Requires a Rhapsody subscription)



1. This is Just a Modern Rock Song - Belle and Sebastian
Perhaps my favorite non-LP B&S track.

2. The W.A.N.D. - The Flaming Lips
It's been a while since the Lips released their last album. This is a good teaser.

3. Hounds of Love (new mix) - The Futureheads
Are the Futureheads the new Clash? Perhaps. This is a great cover song of a band your sure to hear a lot more of.

4. Sovay - Andrew Bird
His newest album really grew on me while I was in Europe.

5. Sweethearts On Parade - M. Ward
M. Ward is amazing and this track is a clear example why.

6. Razorblade - The Strokes
This is a good song, but I know I've heard that chorus before, but I can't remember where?

7. Mandy - Barry Manilow
Oh yeah

8. If I Could - Mineral
IMHO, the greatest emo song ever written.

9. A Newfound Interest In Massachusetts - Get Up Kids
I cannot listen to the breakdown without flailing my arms on the air drums.

Mixtape 5

Ok, I know I said I would post a new playlist each Monday but it was a busy week. So here it is, the last mixtape of '05. Let's get to it:



Mixtape 5



1. New Born - Muse
Good mixtapes kick your ass with the first track. You won't get up after this one.

2. Piazza, New York Catcher - Belle And Sebastian
Combines two of my favorite things: San Francisco and The New York Mets.

3. It's A Hit - Rilo Kiley
Frankly, it's the only song I've really listened to by Rilo Kiley, but it rocks.

4. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Death Cab For Cutie
Token Christmas song.

5. Deep Sea Diver - Grizzly Bear
Rebirth of The Beta Band.

6. You Vandal - Saves The Day
Big up to this band from my former scene.

7. Building - Sense Field
On every Sense Field album there is at least one upbeat track.

8. Get Big - Okkervil River
Song of the week (er, two weeks).

9. Never Understand - Jesus and Mary Chain
Finally, some good Jesus and Mary Chain on Rhapsody.

10. Cut Dead - Jesus and Mary Chain
Double take.

Mixtape 4

More upbeat than last week. The composition of this mixtape does not follow my typical fast-slow-fast-slow progression, but instead it's an good example of when the parts are greater than the sum. I'm totally fine with that.

In other news I found out yesterday that Lifetime, my favorite hardcore band from high school, is not only playing several more reunion shows (they broke up in '97, but played three reunion shows this summer), but will play them in California. On January 29th (one day before my birthday) they'll be taking SF by storm at Slim's. I already secured 4 tickets. I'm counting down the days.




Mixtape 4
(Requires a Rhapsody subscription for full access)




1. Glosoli - Sigur Ros
Atmospheric with a mighty crescendo. Classic Sigur Ros.

2. Get Over You - The Undertones
My second favorite Undertones song. The hook is the rhythm section in the chorus.

3. September Gurls - Big Star
I wish I had this on 8-track.

4. In The City - The Jam
A classic 80s song from 1977.

5. What Do I Get? - The Buzzcocks
You might have recognized this one from a recent car commercial.

6. Moscow - Orange Juice
Rounding out a 5 song block from the 70s is this catchy instrumental.

7. For Real - Okkervil River
My pick for song of the week 8 months over due. Better late then never.

8. Broken Breads - New Pornographers
My favotie Dan Bejar track from Twin Cinema.

9. Sock Hop - All-Time Quarterback!
A gem from this mediocore album.

10. A Long December - Counting Crows
For no other reason other then it's december.

Neutral Milk Hotel - Demos, Covers, and Live Songs

I recently uncovered a huge collection of demos, covers, and live mp3s from Neutral Milk Hotel. I decided to create a WebJay playlist and embed a flash mp3 player on this blog to play these songs. Just hit the play button. Enjoy!

Mixtape 3

The tracks on this playlist are more laid-back than normal--it was a rough week. Excellent choices nevertheless.





Mixtape 3
(Requires a Rhapsody subscription for full access)



1. Black Cab - Jens Lekman
He's typically compared to B&S. Try, but you won't get the chorus out of your head.

2. There's Too Much Love - Belle And Sebastian
Ah, how convenient--some B&S. Turn up the volume and let the spastic dance commence.

3. Fake Palindromes - Andrew Bird
The song that stuck the most after listening to his last album.

4. I Love How You Love Me (written by Phil Spector) - Jeff Mangum
The beginning of a Jeff Mangum (NMH) block. Excellent Phil Spector cover.

5. Engine - Jeff Mangum
Jeff's strength is his soulful vocal style, which shines on this track.

6. Naomi - Jeff Mangum
A hightlight from Neutral Milk Hotel's On Avery Island. Also check out Gardenhead.

7. Ole - The Bouncing Souls
Punk rock version of this classic futbol stadium anthem.

8. Per Second Second - The Wrens
In honor of last Friday's show.

9. Where Eagles Dare - Misfits
First of many Misfits appearances in this mixtape series.

10. Salesman at the Day of the Parade - Rogue Wave
A nice, breezy, catchy track from Rogue Wave's last release.

Mixtape 2

Back again. I decided to publish this one early since I'll be on vacation until Monday.

This was a short week so I had to dig deep, but the mix turned out great. Be sure to check out Oh Mandy by The Spinto Band--my favorite of the week.




Mixtape 2
(Requires a Rhapsody subscription)


1. Ziggurat Traffic (Without sample) - The Joggers
I can't figure out whether I like this band or not

2. Getting Nowhere Fast - The Wedding Present
I've been looking forward to listening to this album for awhile. This song was the first to catch my attention.

3. In This Home Of Ice - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Hypnotic and catchy with a great finish.

4. Someday You Will Be Loved - Death Cab For Cutie
One of the few highlights from Death Cab's new album

5. Gloria: In Excelsis Deo - Patti Smith
The female Iggy Pop?

6. Garageland - The Clash
WTF is a bullsh*t detector?

7. Complete Control - The Clash
Clash block. IMHO one of The Clash's top five songs.

8. Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues - Mclusky
Warning! Do not play this while driving.

9. Oh Mandy - The Spinto Band
You may have recognized the intro from a Sears commercial. Don't let that turn you off.

10. Nowhere Man - Low
Where is Alan Sparhawk on this track.

11. Thunder Road - Bruce Springsteen
In honor of The Boss's 30th anniversary of his breakthrough album.

Mixtape 1

As promised, the first mixtape in a long line of weekly mixtapes.


Mixtape 1
(Requires a Rhapsody subscription)



1. California Uber Alles - The Dead Kennedys
Inclusion inspired by the Punk Rock Orchestra

2. Regress No Way - 7 Seconds
Old-skool hardcore

3. Just Like You - Weston
Every couple of years I come back to this album

4. Walking With A Ghost - The White Stripes
White Stripe's cover of Tegan and Sara's song of the same title. Pitchfork prefers WS--I think they're wrong

5. Jus A Rascal - Dizzee Rascal
Explosive track by this cockney-laden rap artist

6. Be My Head - The Flaming Lips
I espcially like the subtle use of echo on the vocals

7. Grey Ice Water - Sun Kil Moon
Mark Kozelek's slowed-down version of this Modest Mouse song illuminates the genius of Issac Brock's songwriting

8. At Least That's What You Said - Wilco
Live version of the best song from Wilco's last album

9. Pictures Of Matchstick Men - Status Quo
Timeless dreamy psych-pop from the 60's

10. Sliver (Solo Acoustic Demo) - Nirvana
The only version available on Rhapsody of this great Nirvana track

11. Lisa Says - Velvet Underground
Live version outshines the original

12. Soma - Smashing Pumpkins
Just in case you forgot about this album...

What about this idea for the blog?

On the ride home I began to think about my blog and how I haven't posted in over a week--ok, maybe it's been two weeks. The problem with blogs, especially ones that have no overriding theme is coming up with interesting, useful content to publish. Since I hadn't established a direction, it was very easy for me to neglect my blog and hence, no new messages in over a week.

So I came up with a plan. According to The Tipping Point, social epedemics are caused by three groups of people: mavens, salesmen, and connectors. Mavens are experts on a subject. Salesmen pursuade others on the merits of the subject. Connectors build and facilitate the social network for information to flow between people about the subject. I've recognized that I play the connector role in "tipping" trends in music--at least amongst my small group of friends.

My plan then is to create weekly "mixtapes", a Rhapsody playlist of ~10 songs published each monday. These songs can and will be anything I find interesting in that week period. New and old, obscure and popular, rap or rock--anything is fair game. My hope is that you will find my mixtapes interesting enough to come back each week to grab the next one. I may post about other topics, but as a guarentee you'll get a new mixtape every week.

Stay tuned...

NPR: Wikipedia, Open Source and the Future of the Web

I've just started listening to the webcast from today's Talk of the Nation, featuring Chris Anderson (Editor-in chief of Wired and long tail proponent), Jimmy Wales (founder of Wikipedia), and Nicholas Carr (a major critic of IT). So far, so good. Here's the show's summary:

A new wave of Internet sites, like Wikipedia, invite their users to interact and contribute facts and opinion and edit each other. It's a more democratic way to present information. But is it more accurate?