Link: http://moonbeamlevels.muxtape.com/

Introduction:

I mulled over my ideas for a mixtape for a long time, considering an assortment of different themes and approaches. I began by creating a list of songs that I felt would be appropriate, and various sets seemed to emerge out of the pack. Ultimately, I decided that in the true spirit of a mixtape- overwrought, uniquely revealing and teeming with emotion- I would elect a set of songs that best represented my own feelings. One thing that I have learned from this forum is that I have come to appreciate people who articulately share their passion for music from their own personal perspective as opposed to aligning myself with those who simply like the artists that I like. Music is a deeply personal and individual experience, but this Org Music Club offers a great way to expound upon the songs and artists that have meant much more than the money we have spent on them.

As such, I have compiled a list of ten songs that have helped to guide me through my 20s. If all of this sounds overly sappy, then I guess I’m just a sappy guy. My heart is pretty much sewn on my sleeve, and these songs have soothed and consoled me through good times and bad alike. For that reason, I have chosen to name my compilation “Hymns for the Roaring 20s”, as these songs have attained a sacred status to me, and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to share them with you. Because these songs were selected to document a very particular theme, some of them may be much more familiar than songs presented in previous mixtapes. I had a completely different set of songs picked out for the purpose of sharing unknown treasures, but I had to go with my heart here. For each song, I will try to provide a personal context as well as a musical one.

1. New Order- “Age of Consent” (from 1983’s Power, Corruption & Lies)

I began my 20s as a foreign exchange student in Mexico, an experience that dramatically changed my life and really opened my eyes to new horizons. While I had been actively involved in my university’s international program, it was actually immersing myself in another culture and language that gave me the great gift of a more global perspective. “Age of Consent” captures that insouciant wonder that I felt, with its strident, triumphant guitar licks spilling over into a downright jubilant synthesized euphoria. Few artists are able to capture the emotions of pure ecstasy quite like New Order, and I feel that this song embodies that tone very well.

2. Roxy Music- “Editions of You” (from 1973’s For Your Pleasure)

Anyone who has known me for any amount of time is aware that I am quite a hyperactive person. When I would go out to clubs dancing, my reckless abandon was met with a good deal of bewilderment, and a few people asked me what drugs I was on, in spite of my stance as a total teetotaller with any type of illicit substance and alcohol. Those of you who have been out with me know what I’m talking about. I included this song to capture the manic energy that jolts through me when I’m out dancing. The opening Hammond organ chords gel with the downright dangerous bass line and Bryan Ferry’s maniacal vocal delivery, and Brian Eno’s tape effects send the whole thing careening into blisteringly colorful splendor. This song is a sort of prototype of punk, but it rocks harder and goes further than anything that I’ve heard branded with an authentic ’76 badge of credibility.

3. Echo and the Bunnymen- “Never Stop (Discotheque)” (standalone single from 1983)

I also was (and to a degree still am) an eternal idealist and optimist. I was very fortunate to grow up in a financially secure household brimming with love. I never had to face many of the hardships that so many people do. This led me to become a bit sheltered in my viewpoints and beliefs, and my idealism ran wild. I really only wanted everyone to be in perfect harmony and openly express their admiration and love for one another, as I did. This song captures a bit of my youthful naivety, with “the love you found must never stop” acting as a bit of a motto for me. Musically, I absolutely adore the way the song opens with ominous cellos before blending them with a perfectly danceable synth line. This marriage of two of my favorite instrumental palettes makes it an enduring classic for me.

4. Kraftwerk- “Computer Love” (from 1981’s Computer World)

After I got my bachelor’s degree, I took a year off to refocus and determine what I wanted to do next. It was at this time that the new org launched, and I spent countless hours engaging in discussions about music, life and love with a host of orgers, many of whom I have now met and grown to regard as dear, dear friends. However, there was one particular orger whose impact was impossible to ignore. I never had planned to fall in love with someone I only knew through the internet, but boy, did it happen! In spite of my skepticism, I could not help myself from falling in love so deeply with the org’s own Diva. From the time I was four years old, I had prayed every day to find a lifelong companion, and through the months, Tracy presented herself to be someone who completely outshone every facet I had hoped to find in a wife. Our nascent relationship was on full display on the org with our shameless flirtation, and when we eventually met up, I knew we would be husband and wife one day. While the lyrics of this song don’t really fit, the tenderness inherent in the sound sells it completely. This song is hugely important to me for other reasons as well. I have long been a fan of synthesized music and have heard countless diatribes by musical blowhards spouting off about how cold and lifeless synths (and the entire 80s) are. It almost sounds as if this song is a challenge to such “organic instrument” elitists to not be moved by its warm textures and wistful melodies. In the wake of the “Disco Sucks” movement, “Computer Love” stands proudly as a triumph of the notion that beautiful, emotionally evocative music can be crafted with the use of any kind of instrument. The different octaves seem to play the roles of different characters, and their interplay is magical- starting off almost hesitant and shy before swirling into a whirlwind of ecstasy. The passage from 3:20 until the end of the song is pure bliss.

5. Arcade Fire- “My Body Is a Cage” (from 2007’s Neon Bible)

By far the most difficult thing I have ever had to face is the death of my father. In February of 2004, he had a massive stroke while I was in the last few months of my Master’s program. He slipped into a coma, and after he came off of life support and the ventilator, we were told that he still had brain activity, but that he could not move or speak because of the damage to his lower brain stem. So basically, he was trapped in his own body, and there was no proverbial “plug” to pull. It was a harrowing experience for my entire family, and wondering what thoughts and/or capacity he had still haunts me to this day. This song reminds me of that time and the lyrics resonate with me as if they are sung from his perspective. Mercifully, he passed away 23 days after the stroke, and the “Set my spirit free! Set my body free!” climax at the end really chokes me up. I love you, Dad.

6. The Velvet Underground- “Heroin” (from 1967’s The Velvet Underground & Nico)

Over the next few years, our family endured three more deaths, one to suicide. I really felt emotionally ravaged during this time, and sank to new lows of depression. While I would never take my own life or resort to drug use, the desire to escape was still quite strong. This song, in torrid detail, voiced my feelings when words could not. That constant, sharp viola string seemed to mimic my own heartstrings. As the song slowly builds its momentum, the percussion replicates the apparent rush of the heartbeat from heroin use. It then opens up into a section that delivers the most raw and fractured depiction of a scarred heart that I have ever heard, as the violas begin to wail in torment while Lou Reed’s initial plodding lyrical exposition becomes a frenzied panic, culminating with “all the dead bodies piled up in mounds”. The song’s inclusion may raise some eyebrows, as it is quite well-known, but I ran a VU poll a few years ago and there was a very limited response, so while this song is widely hailed as a classic in many circles, it perhaps does not get the attention it deserves around here.

7. Eurythmics- “Julia” (from 1984’s 1984: For the Love of Big Brother)

Gradually, the sheer anguish gave way to a more plaintive sorrow. While I had always loved this song, it gained new meaning for me around this time. Annie Lennox has been a heroine of mine for a long time, and the icy, chilling hollowness of this song has always captivated me. It captures the abject fear of an uncertain future in Orwell’s dystopic nightmare so well, with the stark string melody sounding like a medieval omen against the backdrop of the foreboding bass descent. The song embodies why I believe that Eurythmics were trailblazers of the 80s, with its thick atmosphere, precise execution and genre-blurring, singular vision. Echoing the enchanted beauty of Bowie’s Berlin-era material, I always seem to return to this, and its brilliant parent album, near the start of winter.

8. Annie- “Heartbeat” (from 2004’s Anniemal)

If ever there was a case of music as therapy, this song is it for me. Being the crazy list maker that I am, I came across this little gem after seeing it reign supreme on Pitchfork’s song list of 2004. After investigating her background a bit, I quickly became enamored with Annie’s music. I’ve posted my review of her debut album many times, but the bottom line is that its mere existence is an absolute triumph given the circumstances governing its creation. Her first few singles were released as collaborations with her boyfriend, and they had begun to work on what would become Anniemal together when he died of a rare heart disorder at age 23. Nevertheless, she was able to pick up the pieces and bring forth an album full of fun pop songs that work both as infectious throwaway ditties as well as inspirational and uplifting anthems given the context. Her journey helped me to come out of the haze and reconnect with my more innately positive outlook on life. Hearing her urgently repeat "feel my heartbeat" near the end is incredibly touching to me knowing the manner in which her boyfriend died. I recorded my own piano version of this song onto a CD and was able to give it to Annie in person at a concert in DC. She seemed extremely touched by it, and through a few other subsequent conversations with her, I’ve come to really appreciate the nature of music as a truly God-given gift.

9. LCD Soundsystem- “All My Friends” (from 2007’s Sound of Silver)

In 2006, I immigrated to Australia to be with my beloved Tracy. It was a very difficult decision to make, as it marked the beginning of one era and the end of another. This song captures all of the pain associated with such a move, and my memory of hearing it for the first time while driving to work is one of the most vivid musical memories I have ever had. Here is an excerpt from my review of the Sound of Silver album: “There are certain moments in life that seem to stop the world spinning- their magnitude is such that they usurp all focus and filter out all distractions. I've had a lot of those moments in the past few years- the death of my father, immigration to another country and my blissful wedding day are among the most notable. Usually these moments are reserved for events of grand proportion, but sometimes something much less significant can trigger a heightened awareness or, hell, an epiphany of sorts. I was fortunate enough to have one such moment grace me this year, and that it came from a source as unexpected as LCD Soundsystem makes it all the more special. A frenetic piano loop acts as the engine for the juggernaut of ‘All My Friends’, the album's behemoth of a centerpiece, whizzing the listener through the twists and turns of life. The instrumentation slowly builds with a melodic bass line that would make New Order proud and some starry percussion that conjures the magic of Bowie's ‘Teenage Wildlife’, before setting the stage for this heartfelt tale of the ache of aging. The story starts innocently enough with blissful nostalgia, but gradually evolves into a manic concession of how quickly life slips away. A wide emotional breadth is cast, with healthy doses of glee, dejection, desperation, defiance, majestic grandeur, charmed reminiscence and self-deprecation churning in the cauldron. Five years spent trying to get with the plan are mirrored by five more in attempts to reconnect with friends, which quickly become ten years dropped "as fast as you can" and a midlife crisis fomenting a 3-month trip to France. Every lyric here is a winner, succinctly cutting and as visceral as the searing guitar wails that intensify the mood. There is no catharsis to be found here and the exasperated pleas of ‘if I could see all my friends tonight’ are left unresolved as the locomotive percussion slowly chugs to a halt. And that, my friends, is a moment that can be better described by the vision of my jaw agape than by any words that could emanate from it. Wow.”

10. Gorillaz- “Demon Days” (from 2005’s Demon Days)

So where does that leave me now? I still retain that internal optimism and idealism, although it is now shaded with more experience and therefore complemented with a deeper understanding of why it is important to remain positive. I owe it to God and my beautiful family both here in Australia and back home in Michigan for their steadfast love and support. This song is probably the most worthy of being deemed a hymn, with its gospel chorus and spiritual themes. The entire Demon Days album captures the latent paranoia and fear rampant in this new decade better than any other album that I have heard. I could go on for pages about the brilliance with which this album was constructed, playing as much like a classic horror album as a rock record. This song acts as the uplifting epilogue. “Pick yourself up- it’s a brand new day! So turn yourself round, don't burn yourself, turn yourself. Turn yourself around into the sun!”

And that's all, folks!

ANN!!

Amazing, and I haven't even listened to the songs yet.
In the words of our Goofy Governator, Aaah'll be bach.



tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

TRON said:

Nan!

theAudience said:

It may not be to your liking (I seem to recall you not being too impressed with the LCD Soundsystem track a while back), but I put my soul in it! I'm really excited for your contribution- I know I'll learn a lot!

I'm gonna listen, but does the muxtape expire? I don't have time at the moment...

TRON said:

btw, great mix, Ian.

heartbeatocean said:

Good question! I think they do expire, but I'm not sure on the time limit.

errant said:

You probably know all of these songs already.

Moonbeam said:

i know a few of them. i've probably heard all of them

Moonbeam said:

hope i have time to catch everyone's!

I'm glad you posted this, cause Ive seen a couple of these artists names mentioned many times before (namely Annie and Arcade Fire) and its good to finally see what all the fuss it about

My Body is a Cage it a phenomenal song! I love the built up of the music and the simplicity of the vocals. But aside from this song Im really enjoying the overall mix

I like hearing songs by these artists I see you mentioning alot

Moonbeam said:

Mine has been up two months now...

Listening/reading...

First thoughts; we could come from the same household. Serious. I got all the songs on there, I just have different connections to them.
-----

Okay, my first spin.
Even though not every song is my fave by that particular artist, you have managed to put together a tape that captures and conveys your soul pretty well, as far as I know it. In combination with your text, these songs sometimes take new meaning and I can totally feel what you felt when tapping into the power of these songs.

Biggest connection to me is how you 'feel' your collection and how you are connected to these songs. Many of the people here will have what we have; that they pour a part of their soul into the music they love; connected to it with memories and emotions.

So, I love your comp, even the quirky songs. [grin] My faves are Julia, Editions Of You and Never Stop.

Great mixtape, matey.
[Edited 7/21/08 1:33am]

HamsterHuey said:

I depends on the traffic as well.

Lemme check: mmh, can't seem to find it. Oh well...

HamsterHuey said:

listening to it (again) right now.

Nice Job, Moonbeam.

i was already familiar with about half of the tracks on your mix. And though i've heard alot about them, i never really took the time to dig into New Order, Echo and the Bunnymen & Arcade Fire (they been receiving a lot of hype for the past couple of years, i should stop and listen).

New Order - great track, I'm a fan and like almost everything they've done! On this track they weren't as electronic yet, I love the guitar. Bernard Sumner never was a great singer, yet his voice fits.

Roxy Music - never have been a fan, I have issues with Brian Ferry. Didn't know this track, it doesn't do much for me, I especially don't like the saxophone!

Echo & The Bunnymen - never been familiar with their work either. I never really liked what I called the 'new wave throat-voices' that you heard a lot in this genre of British music. Not a fan, but a funny little track. I don't know whether there's a video for this song, if there is I can only imagine it to be very bad.....bad hairdo's, staccato dances, men with make-up and synthesizers.

Kraftwerk - pioneers! What can I say more?? Love it!

Arcade Fire - I loathe this band with a passion. I had never heard of them when Herman dragged me to a show of them here in Amsterdam. From the first notes the played I couldn't stand them! I can't see/hear the brilliance that everybody's talking about. All I hear is arty-farty music and they must have one of the least sympathetic frontmen in rock.....can't stand him!
The music doesn't do anything for me.

Velvet Underground - another classic song. I only knew the live version of this song and always liked it. Lou reed is not really a singer, he's a story-teller.

Eurythmics - love this song! Annie Lennox has the voice of an angel.

Annie - this song makes me happy! Annie's fun, featherlight, unpretentious and totally enjoyable

LCD Soundsystem - my favorite on this muxtape! I love it, love it, love it!!! I got Sound Of Silver immediately when it was released and listened to it continuously! Stellar track, James Murphy is one of my new heroes!

Gorillaz - Damon Albarn should have stuck with Blur.....if he weren't such an ass, maybe Graham Coxon would have stayed and they would have spared us from Gorillaz! I'm sorry.....
[Edited 7/21/08 14:40pm]

abierman said:

Great review! Great writing Aksel, love your approach!

I'm glad with the Annie inclusion. You and MikeMatronik were the only orgers who talked about her.

All my friends is such a great song also.

Congrats. Very well-balanced mixtape

thekidsgirl said:

Thanks! I wish you had gotten in on this and given us all a mixtape to enjoy!

HamsterHuey said:

Not every song here is my favorite by the artist I selected, either! I just went with songs that had gained importance to me throughout this past decade.

What I love about this venture is exactly what you mention- the connection that each person has to their music is wonderful to behold!

HamsterHuey said:

yikes! I'll have to listen to Huey's first. time...where does the time go...

abierman said:

I don't think there is an official video for the song. I actually really like all of the new wave voices, particularly when compared with the ear-splitting whining that is in vogue for rock music of the past 6 years or so (Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy, Panic At the Disco, etc.)



I can understand the criticism or their music. I guess for me, their music was very cleansing, particularly the Funeral album. While a lot of it isn't really my forte from a genre-perspective ("Keep the Car Running" comes to mind), the messages won me over.



Check out my review! Sound of Silver has never left my car since its release!



I couldn't disagree more! There are very few Blur songs which move me, but the freedom from restriction that Albarn felt with Gorillaz really seems to come through in the music. While the first album was merely cool, Demon Days is a modern-day classic.

Miserablism said:

Thanks! Annie isn't very well-known, but she's quite loved by the people who do know her!

Moonbeam said:

That MikeMatronik dude is like the allmighty god of pop music knowledge...

Moonbeam said:

I agree with you 150% here!

Moonbeam said:

I can hardly wait for new material. Also, their live-shows are quite something!

Moonbeam said:

Ok, not everything from Blur was good, especially not their typical Britpop stuff when they were competing Oasis. Their older stuf and the album 13 were quite something. I guess I just don't like Gorillaz' approach to music.....and I like Graham Coxon!

Miserablism said:

I always thought he was quite full of himself.

This could have been the soundtrack to my high school crush! The first part of this, at least, reminds me of my very first love. His name was Mark Bray and I was just lovesick over him. Of course nothing ever happened because he was straight and I was gay but I will never forget when I found out I had him in my accounting class.

We were on opposite sides of the room but even still I was elated. The teacher offered everyone a chance to pick their own seats and there was a mad rush for people to sit next to their friends and she finally asked if everyone was satisfied with the seating, there were basically no complaints. So she started counting and assigning people seating by numbers and of course, she turned the whole seating arrangement upside down so friends didn't sit next to friends. Well my number landed me at the same 2 chaired desk as my crush!!!

The first 4 songs weren't those you'd hear in the neighborhood I grew up in but it was during high school that I was exposed to what I call "white music". Before anyone gets in a snit, all I'm saying is that the mexican gang bangers in my neighborhood weren't listening to this stuff but the white kids from the rich part of town were. Anyway, the first part of your mix brought back memories of the life I never lived and the first boy I ever loved

I liked what you said about "computer love" Of course, the part about beautiful Diva, but especially the part about people who discredit and minimize music that is electronic in nature. I really agree with that and feel it is as valid an expression of music especially since there are some things that are beyond the human reach organically and electronics open up a totally different frontier. It's like the difference between the sky and the oceans. Each are very different but they are both worlds in which creatures live and thrive in equal abundance

I revere your thoughts on "My Body is a Cage". I know how deeply affected your family was/is over your father's passing. I only wish I could have given your family the comfort that your family gave me when my cousin was killed. This part of your mix made me cry.

I also liked the way you spoke about this forum and how it really engenders a musical community outside Prince's music unlike any forum that any of us have found. Because of the relationships formed within this forum, and especially through exercises like the one we are currently engaged in, I bought Anniemal blind because you recommended it LOVE that you were able to connect to her music and later connect to her personally. I got to do that with one of my Musical heroes last year and it is truly remarkable to be able to touch someone who has touched you without even knowing they did

My vote for Favorite song is "Demon Days". It sounds so epic. I've only heard a few of their tracks and this is not what I expected. AT. ALL! I am buying this album immediately I have a mix titled "Sunshine" where the focus is to keep together, keep strong, never stop believing, welcome the warmth and care of the proverbial sun. I really really relate to your optimistic sense of self. In my 20's I was very idealistic and optimistic to a fault. Age has a way of jading you and stealing your dreams. Sometimes I have to struggle to find that place, but when I listen to music the way that you do, I am brought back to my sunshine each and every time. Music keeps my dreams and my soul alive and I am so happy you got to participate in this because it reminds us all not to ever give up…..

I think this mix is extrememly balanced musically and again, full of stuff I'm not really familiar with. I love that the mixes so far have been so different. Loved your mix incredibly

!!!!!

.
[Edited 7/22/08 17:36pm]

Got an hour, have a drink, listen, org and review! Good times!

First off, wow, this is quite a personal mix you made! I'll try just to discuss the music, if possible.

I was looking forward to your mix, since you are handled with a lot of respect around here. I also remember you and some orgers were submerged in that lastfm, no, ratemymusic site! I remember you had quite the collection, so I was excited to have you onboard!

I know this is prince.org and that guy reigned supreme in the 80s, but Prince is one of the few artists I tolerate with that 80s sounds. Also, punk music is kinda hard on my ears as well. So, here goes!

1. New Order- “Age of Consent” (from 1983’s Power, Corruption & Lies)

Nice, good popsong. Good opener, starting off with something accessible.

2. Roxy Music- “Editions of You” (from 1973’s For Your Pleasure)

Oy! Ow!

3. Echo and the Bunnymen- “Never Stop (Discotheque)” (standalone single from 1983)

Great song! I will delve into Echo. Love the music, the voice is soooo 80s!

4. Kraftwerk- “Computer Love” (from 1981’s Computer World)

I know of Kraftwerk, but didn't really bother because of their sound. However, I have to agree with your linernotes: "It almost sounds as if this song is a challenge to such “organic instrument” elitists to not be moved by its warm textures and wistful melodies."
It does sound beautiful! That melody at the beginning, what Coldplay song is that? I'm sure they used it!

Furthermore, you married Diva! Damn, I always loved her avatar! However late, congrats anyway!

5. Arcade Fire- “My Body Is a Cage” (from 2007’s Neon Bible)

I saw you had this album as the best of 2007. Wow, haunting beautiful song.

6. The Velvet Underground- “Heroin” (from 1967’s The Velvet Underground & Nico)

As you anticipated, I was not familiar with this song (as with most of VU's catalogue). Probably because it isn't my cup of tea. That constant note bothers me!

7. Eurythmics- “Julia” (from 1984’s 1984: For the Love of Big Brother)

I like Annie's recent records. I never ventured in her past, because of that 80s sound. This song tells me I really shouldn't be afraid. Love it. What you said about Kraftwerk and their tender electro sounds, seems to apply here as well.

8. Annie- “Heartbeat” (from 2004’s Anniemal)

I am intrigued by the background info for this song. I believe I've seen Annie get some mentions here before and I've heard about the (underground) hype surrounding her. I loved that album, but somehow she disappeared from my musical radar. She's back now! I always linked her to Jem. Both easy, accessible, sweet pop girls.

9. LCD Soundsystem- “All My Friends” (from 2007’s Sound of Silver)

I wanted to like LCD, but I just really don't. I loved your write-up however, and lyrically I understand why you included it here. The music is just too monotonic for me.

10. Gorillaz- “Demon Days” (from 2005’s Demon Days)

Great ending, musically as well as within the context of your story. My fave of the comp! I loved the first gorillaz, and my respect for Albarn grew with that album (along with some other projects he had going at the time). Somehow I viewed it as a one-off experiment and never gave the following albums any attention. Perhaps I was wrong to do so!

Beforehand I figured I would discuss the music pur sang, but I noticed your write-ups did enhance the music considerably! Thanks for your honesty and openness!