Doug Spata's iPod 2013

It's been a while since I posted about the music I've been listening to. I use my iPod when I go running, so up-tempo pop and dance music works best. Nothing against ballads or classical music, but a fast steady tempo helps me keep up my pace. Here are some of the songs currently on my running mix:

1. My World by Hands Up!

There's no video for this one, but the song is really cool. I especially like the percussive, overdubbed violin ostinato. It reminds me of Steve Reich's piece Violin Phase. Also, you don't hear many pop songs (or, really, much of any music) in the key of C# Major.

2. Love You Like a Love Song by Selena Gomez

When I first heard this song on the radio I thought I was hearing a lost Donna Summer track from 1978. It has a great groove and I love those disco violins and the dubstep wub-wub-wubs give it a modern edge. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that I was listening to a Disney pop princess.

3. Brokenhearted by Karmin

Here's a cool, infectious pop song. I'm especially fascinated by the bass line, which outlines the same four-chord progression (I - vi - IV - V) without variation throughout the piece, similar to the famous ground bass in Pachalbel's Canon In D.

4. Closer by Tegan and Sara

Their new album, Hearthrob, is a real departure for Tegan and Sarah, who made their name with quiet, folksy songs. But I'm thrilled that they found the beat, making this one of the best pop albums of the year. I especially love this track for its bold, hands-in-the-air confidence.

5. Perform This Way by "Weird" Al Yankovic

I think it's generally accepted that induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is the second-highest honor one can achieve in the world of popular music. The first is having your song parodied by Weird Al. And I always like Al best when he skewers the artists themselves (like Smells Like Nirvana), rather than turning the song into something else. I think he picked a great pop culture moment to parody and I'm happy to hear that Lady Gaga was so accommodating.

6. Get Lucky by Daft Punk

Oh, Daft Punk, you crazy French robots. You've done it again. And good on you for bringing in the legendary Nile Rodgers and his funky guitar licks along.

7. Celebrate by Mika

Ohmygodyouguys. Mika put out another album. And (as usual) it is amazing. His cover of Popular from the musical Wicked is getting more attention, but I like this song which, like Get Lucky, features Pharrell Williams. It bears repeating: Mika is writing all the songs Freddy Mercury never got around to.

8. The City by Madeon

Here's a great song for running. It's a cool piece of EDM with a nice, driving beat. And the best surprise is when it ends with a piccardy third! Baroque compositional techniques in the house!

9. Nanobots by They Might Be Giants

The latest from one of my favorite bands. I'm a lifelong fan and I was lucky enough to see them live a second time this year. I hope to see them again and again as long as they keep touring. They're an unabashedly nerdy band that writes awesome songs about nerdy things. As usual, their melodies are infectious, their songwriting is inspired. It's sheer brilliance and I look to the Johns as creative role models.

Doug Spata's iPod 2012

Every year around this time, I share some songs that I've been enjoying recently. While I love a lot of music, I usually just use my iPod when I'm running, so I don't keep classical music on there. It's hard to keep a steady pace when tempos and moods keep changing, so I prefer up-tempo pop music. Here are some of my current favorites:

1. "Domino" by Jessie J.

She's like the British Katy Perry and has a really powerful voice. I'm impressed with her vocal control on the melismas and I like her subtle use of vibrato. The song itself has a great beat and fun chords.

2. "Back and Forth" by Bright Light Social Hour

This Austin-based band is really good, but there's an even better version of this song, if you can find it. Their keyboard player (who goes by the nom-de-DJ "Mirasole") did a techno-electronic remix that is truly amazing. Unfortunately, it's not available on iTunes or YouTube.  Anyway, enjoy the original version and its weird video.

3. "Maniac" by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Here's a great song to run to - I just love that propulsive bass line and excellent drumming. There's no official video for this song, but I found a really good fan-made clip that features a stuffed ferret, geometric solids, and a tea party. You're welcome.

4. "Love Etc." by Pet Shop Boys

Like a lot of Pet Shop Boys songs, this one has a wonderfully sly sense of humor and that characteristic bone-dry, sarcastic British wit. It has a great call-and-response melody and the aloof, icy cool beats indicative of great English dance pop.

5. "The Geeks Were Right" by The Faint

This is another ice-cool electronic dance tune. There's a serious environmental message in the lyrics, but the buzzing synths and mechanical beats are the real draw.

6. "Breakin' Up" by Rilo Kiley

Whispy, breathy vocals become stronger and more assured as this song progresses, moving from ennui to complete confidence. The song is about getting over a relationship and by the end, it's an all-out hand-clapping sing-along celebration of freedom. This video is kinda hilarious.

 

7. "Clap Your Hands" by They Might Be Giants

I got to cross off "see They Might Be Giants live in concert" from my bucket list last year when I attended an amazing 150-minute show that included 8 encores and every single one of my favorite Giants songs.  I've been a fan of theirs since middle school and believe that Lincoln is one of the greatest albums in all of music. The show I saw was for grown-up kids, but they still played some songs from their kids' albums, including this little gem.  There's no story or heavy meaning here - sometimes you just need to get up and clap your hands, stomp your feet, and jump in the air.

8. "Holidays" by Miami Horror (featuring Alan Palomo)

I love love love the fat bass sound in this modern-day disco song. And speaking of weird videos...

9. "Friday I'm In Love" by The Cure

Is it any surprise that the composer of Gauntlet is a fan of The Cure? They have a reputation as a mopey English band that sings dark, sinister rock dirges and they're a touchstone of goth style, but this song is an absolutely ecstatic expression of sheer happiness. Beneath all that dark eye makeup and tangles of Edward Scissorhand hair, their hearts are little balls of sunshine. I couldn't post the official video, but this one will do nicely.

 

10. "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen

Quite simply the greatest song written by the greatest rock star who ever lived and performed by the greatest rock band ever assembled.

Doug Spata's iPod - 2011

I thought I'd keep up the tradition and make another playlist of what I've been listening to recently.  If you've read my other playlist posts, you'll remember that I use my iPod mostly when I'm running, so I tend not to have songs with slow tempos or songs that change tempos.

I used to set it to shuffle and take my bike out to the park, but I haven't done that since my accident. I'm still recovering, but I've decided to stay closer to the ground at slower speeds and take up running instead of biking.  Anyhoo, here's what I've been listening to:

1. Tell 'Em, Sleigh Bells.
My new favorite band. It's just two people making all that noise and their album is a brief, searing, 32 minutes of awesome. I like a lot of their songs, but this one is my favorite.  In fact, I appropriated their use of a power drill as a musical instrument in one of my new pieces, to be published and recorded by Alfred Publishing in the Fall.

 

2. Boy, Ra Ra Riot.

I love the propulsive bassline and the 'cello/violin duet in this one. That might be a viola, though – it's hard to tell.  This video was made at the 2010 Bumbershoot Arts Festival in Seattle. I've been to Bumbershoot twice and highly recommend it. Just get in a line and be surprised at what you see.

3. Oh No, Marina and the Diamonds

If you like Florence + The Machine you'll likely enjoy Marina and the Diamonds. Marina looks like a former Disney pop star but her lyrics are sharp as razors and her voice has a surprising urgency.  I was torn between including this song and the frank, confessional "I Am Not a Robot," but "Oh No" has video. But it's not a great video. I don't think the comic book style and Marina's glossy look match up well at all with the tough, introspective lyrics.

4. I Don't Mind It, Screaming Females

An aptly-named band!  Lead singer Marissa Paternoster has a great voice and it blends well with her distorted guitar riffs and the fantastic thumping bassline in this song. This is a great song to run to.

 

5. Crash Years, The New Pornographers

Yet another strong female singer, this time backed by a more elaborate, colorful ensemble.  And a great whistling interlude.  I also enjoy this video, which is an homage to the opening of the 1964 French film "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg."

 

6. When the Child Awakes, Mount Righteous

This large group consists of a tuba, marching percussion, and one guitar. And everyone sings.  All their songs sound like campfire sing-alongs and have wonderful melodies. I love the earnest enthusiasm that goes into their music.  And that little “whooooooop!” after each chorus.

7. Seperate, The Thermals

A great bass line, cutting guitar, and hand claps.  What more could you ask for?  Oh yeah – lacerating lyrics in one of the best angry breakup songs of the year. “Separate we are finally whole.”  Ouch!  It stings!

8. Rocket, Goldfrapp

Guilty pleasure time. I tried hard to hate this song, but it’s so ridiculously catchy that I just gave in. This song could have come straight off an Olivia Newton-John album from 1981.  Just enjoy those soft synths and let the awesome wash over you.

9. Heads Will Roll, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

This song has a great attitude and swagger. And a weird video. The werewolf in red shoes dancing on a light-up floor is an obvious reference to Thriller-era Michael Jackson, and then it gets gruesome.  The video actually reminds me of one I posted last year for Passion Pit's "Little Secrets."

10. Answer To Yourself, The Soft Pack

This song is like a self-help book set to music, giving empowering advice to a great tune and roaring guitars. It's nice to be reassured every once in a while.

Doug Spata's iPod - 2010, Part 2

Here are five more songs to finish off my playlist:

6. Blame It On the Boogie, The Jacksons.   When Michael Jackson died in September, I was one of the many people who was shocked by the news.  And when the radio was flooded with Michael's songs, I discovered this little gem.  I think it's been overlooked because it's not a Jackson 5 song and it wasn't on a solo album. It was by The Jacksons - an in-between project that didn't get as much recognition.  Still, it's a fun disco tune with a great bass line and fun harmonies.  And you can really hear the joy in Michael's voice as he takes the lead on this one.  He really had fun with this song.

7. Human by The Killers.  I first heard this on the radio and thought I had discovered a new song by The Cure, but was surprised to learn that it was from The Killers, for whom I previously did not care.  That soaring melody got me first but the ambiguous and cryptic lyrics really drew me in.  "Are we human or are we dancer?"  My interpretation is that he's talking about the cathartic moment where an artist transcends the physical and becomes indistinguishable from his or her art as a pure force of creativity.  I've been fortunate to experience that several times and it's the goal for any musician, artist, dancer, poet, or performer.  To witness it as an audience is amazing as well.

8. Every Day I Write the Book by Elvis Costello.  Speaking of really good lyrics, here's Elvis Costello.  He's comparing being in love to writing a book and keeps coming up with clever ways to spin the metaphor further and further.  I like that the music doesn't compete with the lyrics - it's just a cool, simple groove that isn't over-embellished or over-produced.  The music is great and the lyrics are great and they come together to make something really special.

9. It Must Be Love by Madness.  This half of the list is really leaning on the oldies.  Kids, Madness was a ska band from England back in the 80's.  They were a lot of fun and influenced people like Gwen Stefani and Dave Matthews.  This wistful, romantic song is one of their best, with honest, sincere lyrics, a strong backbeat, and a really fun arrangement.  I adore the pizzicato strings (via keyboard) and that fantastic bass line with the triplets just brightens my day.  In fact, all the elements - piano, bass, drums, horns, xylophone, keyboards - are such wonderful elements independently that it gives the whole song a loose, improvisational feel while still holding together as a whole.  Just like two people in love - separate but one, independent but working together.

10. Speakers Funk by Giant Panda. These guys made my list last year and I had to include them again.  They have a great flow, a strong focus on the music, and they keep the old-school style alive.  And it's a song about music - about the joy of finding a great new song and listening to it in your car at high volume.  And really, that's a great summary of this list.  I hope you've found some of that joy for yourself!

Doug Spata's iPod - 2010

 Last year around this time I posted an iPod playlist and the response was overwhelming - I got TWO comments.  From people I didn't even know!  Makes me feel like the next Julie Powell.  I've expanded my iPod contents, so I thought it was time to do it again.  And to make things even more appealing, I'm going to include video links.

1. We Are Golden by MIKA.  Last year I discussed MIKA's song "Lollipop" and hoped that his next album would be just as good.  Well, interwebs, I had nothing to fear.  His second album may be even better, with even stronger melodies, more acrobatic falsetto, and bolder arrangements.  The album opener is a call to arms for eager, ambitious youth everywhere.  This song makes my heart jump.

2. Single Ladies by Beyoncé.  I am fascinated by this song.  The vocals are okay and the video is pretty good, but what amazes me every time I hear this one is that it uses polytonality.  There are two different key signatures going on at the same time - specifically, she's singing in E Major and the music (the synth bassline) is in E Minor.  This is a level of harmonic complexity unheard of in pop music and is usually found in the work of avant-garde modern composers like Philip Glass.  In fact, it's a technique that my favorite composer, Igor Stravinsky, used in The Rite of Spring.  Lots of rock musicians hover around the fringe of music and consider themselves cutting-edge innovators, but here's mainstream Beyoncé putting them all to shame.  Amazing.

Bonus Video!  Here's a great duo called Pomplamoose doing their own version of Single Ladies with more traditional harmonies:

3. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk.  Yet another fantastic dance tune with a lot of musical innovation to offer.  First: the hockett.  THE HOCKETT!!  Oh, interwebs, the use of hockett in this song makes me grin uncontrollably.  They present the first melody (on beats 1 and 3), then they present the second melody (on beats 2 and 4) then they combine them to make a whole new melody.  I loves me some good hockett and anyone who has played my music knows my infatuation with combined melodies.  Especially in Wait your Turn, A Hero's Welcome, and the accompaniment parts on Las Mariposas Exoticas.  The second innovative thing about this song: after the hockett section, it takes on the form of a theme and variations.  The traditional verse-chorus-verse form of most pop songs is thrown out the window in favor of a form favored by the likes of Brahms and Mozart.  Brilliant.  Have a listen:

4. Yeh Ishq Hai from the movie Jab We Met.  I came across this song while I was doing research for a new composition and used it as a reference point for Bollywood style.  The music is absolutely enchanting.  I love hearing the tabla drums and other Indian instruments, but the style is just right for my Western ears.  I've never seen the movie and I have no earthly idea what she's singing about, but I've seen the word "Ishq" show up in so many Bollywood song titles that I can only assume it means "love." It just proves that a good melody can communicate in any language.

5. Little Secrets by Passion Pit.  Not a lot of innovation here - it's just a really catchy song with a great beat, fantastic melodies, a killer synth part, and (like We Are Golden) a wonderful use of childrens' choir.  And y'know what?  That's perfectly okay.  Music doesn't have to be innovative to be great and this song is simply a whole lot of fun on its own terms.  Also: I heard the song before seeing the video and had an entirely different image in my head of how the band would look.  The song took me by surprise and then the band surprised me again.  Enjoy!

That's five songs - enough for now.  I'll think about another five for a different post.