Let the Playlists begin!

iMix January 06:

1. Sucker Punch - The Pale Pacific
2. Always Love - Nada Surf
3. Flip! - Apollo Sunshine
4. Sugar, We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy
5. Behind The Wall Of Sleep - The Smithereens
6. Let Me Kiss You - Morrissey
7. Oh Mandy - The Spinto Band
8. Xanadu - Olivia Newton-john
9. Publish My Love - Rogue Wave
10. This Charming Man - Stars

Welcome to the new Year! I had fun making this mix as it represents some last minute finds of 2005 that I chanced upon while perusing other person's top 30 lists. Some gems here. Notably, the Pale Pacific. These Seattlelites have it figured out with the mellow indie pop. Just great stuff. Nada Surf also had a very strong album, though I had my reservations about them since I'd heard nothing from them since their one "hit" back in the mid 90's. Their song is gorgeous though.

Next, My good buddy Cathy showed me the way of Apollo Sunshine and all I can say is, I'm down. Everyone should buy this album. And now I will have to admit to a terrible secret shame or 2 on this list. The first is the extremely radio friendly and dangerously catchy rock tune by Fall Out Boy. I'm so not into the kiddies' neo punk sound, but I'm way into their "sugar, We're going down". The tune is so meaty that I can forgive the usual vocal stylings that characterize that genre. Continuing with the heavy guitar rock sound theme, I also hearkened back to an old 90's fave, "The Smithereens". Good things can come from Jersey, especially couched in the rock and roll motorcycle bar band style that "Behind the wall of sleep" exemplifies. Three other indie stars round out the list including the Spinto Band,(named after one of the member's grandfather), Rogue Wave (SF indie darling) and Stars. The Star's cover is an interesting and teched out version of the Smith's "This Charming Man". As a devotee of the Smiths I was "shocked into shame to discover" that not only am I amenable to the cover, but am really loving the technobeat twist to it. Speaking of the Smiths, my good friend Kristin, reintroduced me to the latest Morrissey release that I had cooed over a year ago. The "Let me kiss you" track displays how age has actually warmed Morrissey's smooth baritone to what is tantamount to the best of cognac's. It is deliciously fine and even shows growth in the constantly creative use of voice as a full blown instrument. Oh Morrissey.. so much to answer for...

Finally, don't hate me for my love of Olivia Newton John. What could be better than rollerskates and terry cloth headbands?