Sufjan Stevens, What’s Not to Love? (by Eryn)

I am so happy that Sufjan won Artist of the Week, because he is so extremely talented and deserves such recognition. Many have dubbed him a “hero of indie” but this artist holds a special place in my heart. He was a gateway drug of sorts into folk music for me. Words cannot describe how touching his music is, so mellow and melodic. His voice alone is enough to send shivers down your spine. Each song of his holds a story within it, each one of them reaches out and makes you feel something new.

For those of you who have not yet experienced the musical phenomenon that is Sufjan Stevens, here is a list of 11 songs you must hear to fully understand his brilliance.

1. Decatur, or, Round of Applause for Your Stepmother! (Come On, Feel the Illinoise!) I am always a sucker for a song with amazing banjo in it, and this definitely has its fair share of that! It is so catchy though, you find yourself singing the lyrics “Stephen A. Douglas was a great debater, but Abraham Lincoln was the great emancipator” is often my phrase of choice.

2. Say Hello (with Rosie Thomas) This is perhaps the most adorable song I have heard in my life. This makes you want to be friendly to strangers in a non-creepy way. Also, as a side note, you should check Rosie Thomas out because her music is simply beautiful (I’ll write an article about her later, she deserves it).

3. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Seven Swans) Sufjan does have religious undertones, and this is my absolute favorite interpretation of this old church hymn. He takes something simple and takes it to a whole other level, yet another reason to love him.

4. Chicago (Come On, Feel the Illinoise!) Truly I don’t think it’s possible not to like this song. The background music, the voices, the catchy lyrics, everything meshes together into musical goodness only Sufjan could provide.

5. Casimir Pulaski Day (Come On, Feel the Illinoise!) Such sweet sadness in this song, it reminds you of the true nature of folk music, storytelling. This song takes your heart and runs it through the wringer.

6. You Are the Blood (Dark Was the Night) This song shows an entirely different side to Sufjan Stevens. It may have very dark undertones in the melodic composition, but it is so unique and beautiful, you can’t help but love it.

7. The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us! (Come On, Feel the Illinoise!) Again, a storytelling song. It makes you feel like you are floating. In truth, this is the song that made me fall in love with Sufjan.

8. That Was the Worst Christmas Ever (Songs for Christmas) Sure it may be July, but this song is pretty much the perfect holiday song. It truly captures an authentic Christmas experience and almost makes you wish there was some snow on the ground.

9. The Dress Looks Nice on You (Seven Swans) I adore this song because it says so much with so little. If you are a boy, put this on a CD for your girlfriend, please. It is so sweet and pretty it makes me want to cry.

10. For the Widows in Paradise, for the Fatherless in Ypsilanti (Michigan: The Great Lake State) Another song with a lot of spiritual undertones, but it is so powerful. Words cannot describe the way this song affects me.

11. To Be Alone With You (Seven Swans) Part of the reason that I love this song is because of the very first line. “I’d swim across Lake Michigan” I live on Lake Michigan. This song takes some of the very best qualities of Sufjan’s music and melts your heart with it.

Many may not be aware of his versatility. Check this out- http://www.illinoize.biz/ an awesome REmix tape of Sufjan, paired together with some pretty awesome hip hop artists. This was put together by Montreal producer Tor along with Sufjan. As an added bonus, you can download all the songs on there for free! Highly recommended.

Treadmill Dancing, Naked Bananas, and the Hamburglar: Awesome Music Videos

These are the music videos that I never get tired of watching. Some use really cool film techniques, some tell a story, and some are just plain amusing, but they all go above and beyond the typical stand-and-sing music videos plaguing YouTube and VH1 these days.

1. Here It Goes Again - OK Go

Thanks to Lindzy for inadvertently giving me the idea for this post. How much cooler can you get than choreographed treadmill dancing?!

2. A-Punk - Vampire Weekend

Could someone explain to me how they used stop-motion photography but still got the instruments and lips to sync? I'd imagine it must be hella difficult.

3. Her Morning Elegance - Oren Lavie

I never get tired of stop-motion. This one is particularly clever.

4. All Together Now - The Beatles

This video is a tribute for (and literal interpretation of) this song, directed by my good friend (and Moxie & Mayhem writer) Evan Mayhew. Yours truly was the Production Assistant and makes several cameos. All bias aside, it's a really excellent music video. Here's a link to Evan's other work http://www.youtube.com/user/EvenFilms He's got some brilliant stuff.

5. 5 Years Time - Noah and the Whale

The Wes Anderson influence in this video is obvious. For those of you who don't know, Wes Anderson directed The Life Aquatic, The Royal Tenenbaums, and The Darjeeling Limited. Very quirky, absolutely hilarious films that I highly recommend.

6. 16 Military Wives - The Decemberists

Oh, Colin Meloy, how I love thee. Finally, a music video narrative that actually has an understandable and imaginative plot!

7. I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked - Ida Maria

A vintage comic book feel, strip-dancing skeletons, bananas, and x-ray glasses make this video just as irresistibly fun and bizarre as the song itself.

8. Kiss of Life - Friendly Fires

This bright and summery song has a music video packed with vibrant color and energy to match. I also dig Ed Macfarlane's sexy dance moves.

9. Daylight - Matt and Kim

This must have been really fun to shoot. I don't know how on earth they ever managed to fit that drum set in the fridge . . .

10. Supermassive Black Hole - Muse

I'm trippin' out, man!

11. When in Rome - Nickel Creek

This is one of my favorite music videos ever. It was my introduction to Nickel Creek's music, and I just love the obvious passion in their performance. You've gotta admire Chris Thile's willingness to play mandolin while lying in a puddle on the floor of a parking structure.

Ain't No Rest for the Wicked

Listen to today's tracks on Project Playlist

Today's theme is Alternative Blues. Or whatever you prefer to call folk-influenced rock with slide guitar, gritty soul, and bass beats as hot as the Southern sun. Inspired by one of my new favorite tracks (Cage the Elephant's "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" from their self-titled debut), I've tried to add both old favorites and new gems.

1. Ain't No Rest For the Wicked - Cage the Elephant

2. All Y'all - Gringo Star

3. Loser - Beck

4. When the Lights Go Out - Black Keys

5. Old Enough - The Raconteurs

6. Eyes Down - Eels

7. Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground - The White Stripes

8. Can't Keep No Good Boy Down - The Parlor Mob

9. Honey - Moby

10. Colleen - The Heavy

11. Piece of the Action - Revolush

[Enter Creative and Witty Title Here] (by Alyssa)

Going along with the summer fun theme, here’s a playlist of songs that are just fun to listen to with your girl friends. They’re songs to get your spirits up, and to help you enjoy life. It’s perfect to dance to or sing along with, or to put on while you get stuff done. So grab a bunch of friends, and turn the stereo up!

1. Dancing Queen- ABBA

2. I’m Alive- Celine Dion

3. I Enjoy Being a Girl- Flower Drum Song

4. You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman- Carole King

5. I Feel Pretty- West Side Story

6. Big Girls Don’t Cry- Jersey Boys

7. You Can’t Stop the Beat- Hairspray

8. Simple Things- Amy Grant

9. Out Tonight- Rent

10. Bowling Ball- Superchic[k]

11. Man! I Feel Like a Woman- Shania Twain

BONUS PLAYLIST

Vote for your favorite Harry Potter movie in our poll. ----->

Then check out our new Project Playlist tool featuring songs from the band Harry and the Potters (scroll waaaaaay down to the very bottom of the page). I haven't had the time to listen to all 43 tracks, so I can't vouch for the content. Listen at your own risk. But from what I've heard, they're pretty funny.

Yeah.


That's it for today . . .







Well? What were you expecting? A dissertation? It's not even a regluar publishing day, jeez. You ungrateful little -- . . . er, I mean highly valued and dearly loved readers.
~Ellie

Summer Nights in Elizabethtown (by Libby)

I love to drive. Always have. And there is no better driving than nights like these—warm summer nights with a cool breeze. I love the feeling of immersing myself completely in the night air, and isolating myself in it—the breeze a barrier between myself and the rest of the world. Then the night is mine, and I feel freer than I do any other time of day.

Well, for those of you who love to drive, and need a good some good tunes, I believe I have found the ultimate CD. It is the soundtrack of Elizabethtown. Now, Elizabethtown’s producers seem to have made two such CDs, but I’m talking about the one entitled Elizabethtown: Music from the Motion Picture. It’s got a red cover; it’s not the one with a “Vol. 2” label, with (beautiful) Orlando Bloom on the front.

In the movie, Orlando Bloom’s character, Drew, receives a homemade CD with many of these songs from his love interest, Claire (Kristen Dunst), along with directions and a detailed, personalized map, to take him on the road trip he tells her he’s never been on. “I want you to get into the deep beautiful melancholy of everything that's happened,” she tells him.

So . . . enjoy!

1. 60B (Etown Theme) - Nancy Wilson

I generally don’t enjoy purely instrumental songs as much those with lyrics, but this song is an exception. Sweet guitar melodies are intertwined to create a song that can’t not make you envision someone on a journey.

2. It’ll All Work Out - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

I love this song’s opening lyrics: “She wore faded jeans/and soft black leather/ She had eyes so blues they looked like weather/ When she needed me I wasn’t ‘round/ That’s the way it goes/ It’ll all work out.” In about six lines, a whole bittersweet romance is chronicled, and the song only gets better. With its mostly-guitar background, it incorporates an instrumental backdrop that sounds almost Japanese; strangely, it mixes in perfectly with this almost-country ballad.

3. My Father’s Gun - Elton John

A song that feels like the epitome of old southern America. It tells the story of a fallen father/soldier during the Civil War, Elton asserting “It wouldn’t do to bury him where any Yankee stands.” He cries “I’d like to know where the riverboat sails tonight .” It’s impossible to not get completely wrapped up in the sorrow and pride that said narrator feels for his Confederacy, even if you are a northerner through and through.

4. Io (This Time Around) - Helen Stellar

A song that could be soundtrack to any emotional scene in any movie. Really, any. The lyrics are simple, concise, but words that anyone wants to relate to: “ You can be anyone/ This time around.”

5. Come Pick Me Up - Ryan Adams

A song that lives up to the hype about Ryan Adams. He weaves harmonica riffs amongst melancholy lyrics about a confused, insomniac, and lonely life to create a truly modern blues song.

6. Where to Begin - My Morning Jacket

In short, a quiet song. For a few seconds, the singer’s voice almost seems to echo a blues-y Elvis. Lyrics are free for interpretation.

7. Long Ride Home - Patty Griffin

Patty Griffin does wonderful things with words and acoustic guitar in this song—the story a sad, but upbeat (somehow) ballad about a woman’s dead husband, and her thoughts on the long ride home from his funeral. She reminds us that anything can happen when you aren’t expecting it.

8. Sugar Blue - Jeff Finlin

The opening chords suggest a song with a harder edge, but the lyrics which follow are those of a wanderer, in love perhaps—the song softening quickly. “The raven’s song, it breaks the night/ And I rise from me through broken hues” he sings.

9. Don’t I Hold You - Wheat

A song about the sometimes futility of love. The song is fairly fast-paced (for a song about lost love), tinged by desperation.

10. Shut Us Down - Lindsey Buckinham

A different style of vocals, but laced with the same acoustic guitar in most of the CD. The words pick up pace as the song progresses, becoming more and more urgent, more and more frantic. “Oh, I won’t shut us down/ No I will stay around/ As long as I can” he tries to reassure his lover.

11. Let It Out (Let it All Hang Out) - Los Hombres

A fun, upbeat song, ideal for day driving in the country. To enjoy this song, just find a two-lane highway cutting through farm fields, roll down the windows, and, most importantly, lay on the accelerator.

12. Hard Times - eastmountainsouth

The song on the CD that sounds like a campfire song, reminiscent in some moments, of the campfire classic “Linger. “Hard times come again no more,” female vocalists harmonize.

13. Jesus Was a Crossmaker - The Hollies

Elizabethtown features several versions of this song. This one begins with tame church hymn-sounding vocals and progresses to a spirited gospel version.

14. Square One - Tom Petty

Just one more mellow, something-of-a-love-song song. In some verses, he seems to mimic Cat Steven’s quiet melodies and story-telling style. “Square one, my slate is clear/Rest your head on me my dear/It took a world of trouble, it took a world of tears/It took a long time to get back here” he sings.

15. Same In Any Language - I Nine

The movie features various version of this song . . . which is great. The acoustic riffs and lyrics tell the story of a wanderer, her unquenchable wanderlust, and her realization that brotherhood and camaraderie are universal—“The same in any language/ Wherever you go.”

A Surprisingly Listenable Playlist (by Evan)

Dear Moxie Readers,

It looks as though I've been suckered into creating a playlist for you people. I only like quality music, so you should enjoy it (provided you enjoy quality music).

1. Lights Out - Santigold

A surprising add for me, I must admit, but the wicked cool video and catchy chorus caught my attention. You may have heard this song on the new Budweiser Lime commercials.

2. Lover in the Snow - Rivers Cuomo

Ah yes, a simple rock song from the prolific Rivers. You may know him best as the lead singer from Weezer. This song is off his album Alone - The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo, an album he recorded at home while he was . . . well, who knows what he was doing . . . Anyways, it's simple and catchy and the rough guitar just reeks of angst.

3. Variation On Commemorative Transfiguration and Communion at Magruder Park - Sufjan Stevens

No one can drag out a title like Sufjan. This song is a beautiful tribute to John Fahey, a prolific guitarist. WARNING there is HYMN content! So all atheists are strongly advised to plug their ears and hum loudly. My favorite part is the third theme.

4. Head Over Heels (In This Life) - Switchfoot

A great Switchfoot song; not much more I can say here.

5. Walk Away - Ben Harper

Ahhhh, such a great song. Filled with an abundance of adages and aphorisms. "And it's so hard to do and so easy to say, but sometimes - sometimes, you just have to walk away." Ben Harper's rusty voice combined with the sound of gently plucked guitar strings always makes for an incredibly calming and dynamic atmosphere.

6. This Modern Love - Bloc Party

A wonderful ballad that is done in a style that only Bloc Party could achieve.

7. Lakes of Canada - Innocence Mission (Sufjan Stevens)

This is a beautiful song that I have only recently discovered. The original is good, but I personally prefer Sufjan's cover on the roof of Cincinnati's Memorial Hall (which I have linked you to).

8. Wake Up - The Ditty Bops

I don't think you could fit more clichés into a song if you tried.

9. 20 Years of Snow - Regina Spektor

This song is trippy beyond belief, but oh-so-good. I love the piano during the line "he's a dying breed."

10. On Ice - Chris Thile

This song is from one of Chris Thile's (mandolin extraordinaire of Nickel Creek) solo albums Deceiver. In this song we get the treat of hearing what a distorted electric mandolin sounds like (or so I want to believe).

11. There There - Radiohead

Very Radiohead, my favorite part is the "there's someone on your shoulder," line; it makes me smile.

So there you have it, I didn't really pay any attention to see if the songs would sound coherent together . . . but you can't have everything, can you?

Music You're a Moron If You're Not Listening To (by Preston)

Blowing in from Newfoundland (it's in Canada), is a Celtic/Punk/Pop/Folk force known as Great Big Sea. Lead by a pair of talented vocalists, Sean McCann and Alan Doyle, Great Big Sea plays a blend of energetic original songs, as well as songs based on the Irish, English and French heritage that their region is known for. And while I dig the original stuff, they truly shine in these more traditional songs. Unlike some of their Celtic compatriots, they stay close to the oringal intent of the songs, leaving electric guitars out of it. (Sorry, Dropkick Murphys, I love you anyway . . . ?) With more than sixteen years worth of albums, there's no shortage of great music to dig up, but I highly recommend tracks like "The Mermaid", "Straight to Hell", "Captain Kidd", and "The Old Black Rum". For a little slower fare, "England" is a can't miss. They've even got a great cover of REM's hit "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)". In short, if you don't give this band a shot, you don't deserve your ears.




Note from Ellie: Thanks for the article, Preston. Sorry this was posted late! I was at the midnight showing for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. 'Nuff said.

Weekend Shenanigans (by Ellie)

This week I've decided to treat you all to a Friday Double Feature instead of your typical Thursday/Saturday playlists. Which is my sugar-coated way of saying I was too busy to do more than one playlist this weekend. But you still get the same amount of new stuff, so who's complaining? Here are 22 tracks that are perfect for dancing, driving, chilling, jamming, going out, staying in, and everything in between. Enjoy!

1. I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas

The parties at my college are totally this crazy/fun/raunchy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMxASjxRk1w [I'd warn all of you younger readers of my blog to not watch this music video, but who am I kidding, you've all read Twilight. It's really not too much dirtier.]

2. Ice Cream - New Young Pony Club

3. Dance Anthem of the 80's - Regina Spektor

4. Fascination - Alphabeat

5. The Night Starts Here - Stars

6. We're Here to Save the Day (feat. Asher Roth) - Constellations

7. Friday Night - Lily Allen

8. Saturday Nite Riot - Pink Spiders

9. No You Girls - Franz Ferdinand

10. The Future Freaks Me Out - Motion City Soundtrack

11. Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell (Wallpaper Remix) - Das Racist

This is quite possibly the most awful yet charmingly ridiculous song I've heard in a while.

12. So Insane - Discovery

So it turns out that Discovery is the side project of Vampire Weekend keyboardist/producer Rostam Batmanglij and Ra Ra Riot singer Wes Miles. I kid you not. Look it up. I know, right?!

13. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys

Here's the video from when they played Glastonbury (sorta like the British version of Woodstock) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onJud5Jb5nQ

14. Bad Fever - Asteroids Galaxy Tour

15. Creator - Santigold

16. One, Two, Three, GO! - Belanova

17. Kill the Director - The Wombats

18. Pumpkin Soup - Kate Nash

19. Alcohol - CSS

20. Cobrastyle - Teddybears Stockholm

21. Short Skirt/Long Jacket - Cake

I found a video of random people on the street listening to and telling researchers what they think about this song. Funniest thing ever: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd34vJohGXc

22. Love Today - MIKA

COMING SOON

~SUFJAN STEVENS WEEK~

With 24 out of 95 votes, Moxie & Mayhem fans have chosen their next Featured Artist.



It's gonna be epic.

July 20th - July 26th

As American as Apple Pie and Twinkies (by Ellie)

1. Volunteers - Jefferson Airplane

2. For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield

3. Moonlight Serenade - Glenn Miller

4. I am a Man of Constant Sorrow - O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack

5. California Dreamin' - The Mamas & The Papas

6. Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry

7. Subterranean Homesick Blues - Bob Dylan

8. The Liberty Bell - John Philip Sousa [this is also the title credits music for Monty Python's Flying Circus]

9. Devil in Disguise - Elvis Presley

10. Land of 1000 Dances - Wilson Pickett

11. Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Alexi Murdoch: Give him some ear time! (by Eryn)

I must admit that I am a huge fan of NBC’s show The Office, and therefore a huge fan of John Krasinski, but who isn’t? His new movie Away We Go promises to be a combination of excellent plot, great chemistry between himself and Maya Rudolph, and of course, an amazing soundtrack featuring none other than Alexi Murdoch. It is definitely worth your while to give him a listening to before going to see this flick. He is reminiscent of Nick Drake, another great indie musician, but definitely has his own flavor. His new album Towards the Sun dropped at the beginning of last month. His melodic vibe and mellow voice together are just the right kind of music to relax to on a warm summer night. Not to mention he is a brilliant lyricist.

Here are a few links to check out regarding Alexi Murdoch:

http://www.aleximurdoch.com/index_site.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgsT-klFnXY (live version of “All My Days” one of my favorite songs of his)