Word
DVINO Mixtape
"The Beast Mix"
If you didn't have a chance to catch my mixtape contribution in July's edition of DVINO Magazine, here it is, in its full glory. Although it's only 13 tracks long, I originally started with a list of about 25 or so. I cut it down to a list that fit a "summery" kind of vibe. I've also posted a player with the mix, including some of the songs I ended up cutting out. Enjoy!
Ahh summertime ... a time for shorts, sandals and tanktops, a time for relaxation, trips to the beach, and cold beer – and if you're a Laredoan, it's a time for blazing 100 degree scorchers. But if you’re like me, summer is also a time for music. With all the countless music festivals, concerts and bar shows, summer is definitely a music lover's season. This is the time when you can rekindle relationships with your favorite tunes, as well as discover new ones to add to your life's soundtrack.
This mixtape contains a combination of old favorites, new favorites (mostly via Devil’s Night Radio), and a few local tracks, all of which will be rattling my windows as they come blaring through my stereo all summer long. Can you feel that God-awful Laredo sun stinging your skin yet?
Sublime - "Doin' Time"
Alright. Let’s start with the most obvious song on my list. This Sublime classic is perpetually on my summer soundtrack. Summer can be really good to you, or it can be really cruel. “Doin’ Time†is definitely about the latter, with a tale about summer lovin’ gone sour, sung over George Gershwin samples and a breakbeat.
Devo -Â "Uncontrollable Urge"
What is this?!! A song by Devo that’s not “Whip It?†Yes … and a good one too. The song's driving riff and singer Mark Mothersbaugh's "yeah's" to start the song really get me going, and make this such a fun listen.
Automatic Weekend - "Lying Eyes"
This is the first local track on my list. Automatic Weekend has been around for a little over a year, but their garage-blues sound has quickly left a mark on our local scene. On "Lying Eyes," singer Adrian Romanos croons "Who else is gonna buy your lying eyes?", officially sending off a devious woman out his door and out of his life. I especially like the mini-buildup that starts the chorus. By the way, you can download this for free off Automatic Weekend's website. Shameless Plug: automaticweekend.com
Pavement - "Summer Babe"
Pavement is one of my all-time favorite bands. As an indie music fan, these guys are indie-rock royalty to me. If there's one Pavement song that you should have blasting out of your speakers while you drive the L-town streets, it's "Summer Babe." It's Stephen Malkmus at his finest.
Temper Trap - "Sweet Disposition"
I fell in love with this song almost as soon as I heard it. This song has such a lush sound, I can't help but to feel at ease when I listen to it. They'll be at Austin City Limits this year, and I can't wait to check them out live.
Crash Kings - "Mountain Man"
I was able to catch Crash Kings last December as they were opening up for Rooney, and found myself impressed at how much a piano-driven band could really rock out. Needless to say, I became an instant fan. "Mountain Man" stood out from their set because of its fat bassline and extremely catchy chorus. I dare you to listen to this song, and not have the urge to sing.
Black Flag - "TV Party"
Who can’t love a song about television and beer? A bouncy bassline, Henry Rollins raspy voice and handclaps somehow all come together to form this incredibly fun song. Perfect for those nights spent with friends in front of the tube.
Shazz! - "12.21.12"
Usually, a song about doomsday wouldn’t seem like appropriate party music. Unless, of course, you’re local act Shazz! and you’ve layered your lyrics over a cumbia beat. With “12/21/12,†Shazz! tries to answer the question, "What do you do when the world is coming to an end?" The answer is, well, dance, duh! Shameless Plug: myspace.com/shazzband
Bollock Brothers - "Harley David (Son of a Bitch)"
My co-workers and I recently discovered this late 80’s golden nugget of a song, and it has quickly become one of our favorites. Complete with references to James Dean, Elvis Presley, Marlon Brando and pure debauchery, this is the perfect song to start off a night out with your boys.
The Specials - "Ghost Town"
I probably should’ve chosen “A Message to you, Rudy†by the Specials just because it references my name, but “Ghost Town†features a wicked main riff that has taken up permanent residence in my head. This ska classic is a definite must-have on your iPod.
The Get Up Kids - "I'm a Loner, Dottie, A Rebel"
If Pavement is indie rock royalty, then you can make the case that The Get Up Kids are emo rock royalty ... back when emo was less about eye-liner and skinny jeans, and more about heartfelt lyrics and crunchy guitars. When it comes to this original brand of emo, few come close to The Get Up Kids energy and musicianship. Plus, any song that's named after a line from "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" is cool in my book.
Bones -"Party Broken Hearted"
Local singer/ songwriter, Bones is mending a broken heart by having a party. The guests include misery, melancholy and sympathy. This song is off Bones' latest EP "Please Dispose of Me Properly" and really shows of the rocker's clever songwriting ability. While he sings about the pain of a breakup, he also acknowledges that the pain won't last forever, and refuses to invite the dumper to the metaphorical party in his broken heart. It's a song for the dumped, and a snarky kiss-off, all wrapped up into one ballad. Shameless Plug: myspace.com/disturbones
Hall & Oates - "You Make My Dreams"
What can I say about the song? It just belongs on every mixtape. The first few seconds of this tune immediately put a smile on my face, and I can't help to feel like it's gonna be a bright shiny day ... and that's what summer is all about.
Rudy Murillo | Contributor
