LISTEN: http://8tracks.com/sexton...ns-studies

Class is now in session!

In Advanced Modern Women's Studies we will discuss songs that have been released in the last ten years, all from very solid albums so there will be no artists that made a good song by accident. Some tracks may not be as advanced as others, but all are excellent and still need to be circulated as much as possible. Finally, all ten songs are obviously by women or bands fronted by women. Sorry men, you've already had way too much exposure. If you're not a fan of women on the mic then please move on to the next class. Your kind isn't wanted here. Let's begin:



1. "The Hues Of Longing" - Mors Syphilitica (from the LP Feather and Fate) - One of my favorite bands of all time performing one of my favorite songs of all time, the New York city-based duo of Eric and Lisa Hammer broke up a few years ago to pursue separate interests. The majesty of Lisa’s soaring operatic vocals particularly in the chorus gets me every time. Lyrically (I know it's hard to decipher without the words in front of you), it's simply a beautiful song about vegetation.



2. "Denn Die Toten Reiten Schnell" - Faith and the Muse (from the LP Evidence of Heaven) - Another band I love from the American goth scene, Faith and the Muse create many songs that are heavily influenced by classical music. Translated into English as "for the dead travel fast" (taken from Bürger's vampire poem 'Lenore'), this is an appropriately haunting track with nice rolling piano notes--gothic rock at its best.



3. "Cage In A Cave" - Rasputina (from the LP Oh Perilous World) - Rasputina are avant-garde cellists that often write songs about historical figures and events. This one is about Thursday Christian's father, Fletcher Christian, an 18th century man who was part of the Mutiny on the Bounty in Tahiti. I love hearing strings in rock music and there's a nice complexity to the way the cellos are arranged in this one, but the melody is still distinct and memorable.



4. "Eternal Flame" - Joan As Police Woman (from the LP Real Life) - Joan As Police Woman is led by former Antony And The Johnsons band member Joan Wasser and she was also the girlfriend of the late Jeff Buckley when he died. I like the serene feel of this waltz and the deep background vocals in the chorus are a nice touch too.



5. "Come, Sing Me A Song" - Sing-Sing (from the LP Sing-Sing and I) - British duo Sing-Sing sadly called it a day at the beginning of this year after releasing two albums. This song wonderfully recalls 60s-era Britpop with it's faux-horn flourishes and cooing vocals. Guitarist Emma Anderson used to be in 90s shoegazing band Lush, another one of my favorites. This is the original U.K. album version never released in the states.



6. "God Knows (You Gotta Give To Get)" - El Perro Del Mar (from the LP El Perro Del Mar) - Sweden's Sarah Assbring is the sole member of El Perro Del Mar and this song, like the entire album, also harkens back to the 60s, particularly girl-groups of that era, but with a slightly eerie modern spin. I find the chorus on this song to be especially uplifting.



7. "I Like A Boy In Uniform (School Uniform)" - The Pipettes (7" single) – I promise this is the last 60s-influenced song in the mix. U.K. girl group The Pipettes are well known across the pond, but this is a rare early single that has never been officially released on CD featuring the original lineup (Julia, Rosay, and Riotbecki), all of whom sadly are no longer in the group! An insanely catchy chorus masks the somewhat risqué lyrics of the verses.



8. "Te Quiero Mucho" - Naty Botero (from the LP Naty Botero) - Naty Botero has been often called the Colombian Kylie Minogue and it's easy to understand the comparison when listening to this song. Not a one-dimensional dance track, the muted rock and Latin guitars give it extra depth. Maybe I'm influenced by the video, but the composition sounds wonderfully bohemian to me.



9. "Gary's Song" - Alice Smith (from the LP For Lovers, Dreamers & Me) - Alice Smith's debut album 'For Lovers, Dreamers & Me' is a blend of rock, r&b, jazz, soul and blues and her song "Dreams" was featured in a few TV shows. This is another track from her album that bridges musical genres. The verses climb nicely before reaching the plateau that is the chorus.



10. "Scratch Your Name" - Noisettes (from the LP What's the Time Mr. Wolf?) - After choosing the songs for this class, I found out that this track by British punk band Noisettes was featured in the series finale of 'The Sopranos' and heard by millions of people. Good for them. Fast, driving, with inspirational lyrics, it makes a perfect anthem and closer to this lesson.

I know some of you are big lyric-heads so here are the words to Mors Syphilitica's "The Hues Of Longing" which are difficult to make out:


Not so strange a plot of loam where nothing
Even tresses, did sprout, did bloom
The many colors of longing

Firm to the lax ground and gravel
Reached roots of expanding desire
Kissing the stones’ cold vigor

A column mounted, offering branches
Limbs alone, without leaf or needle
But fruit grows ripe, sometimes the always
Often will send sweet self to the ground

And new showers of what fortune’s sweet cloudburst
Suffered the branch to bear a boon
The many colors of longing

Leaving plainly a sweet and grown fruit
Ripened blooms of expanding desire
Duty bound stock and bough

A column mounted, offering branches
Limbs alone, without leaf or needle
But fruit grows ripe, sometimes the always
Often will send sweet self to the ground
Feeding Fowl, feeding the herd
Desire never ends its blossoming
And blooms its bulk again
Nourishing all who hunger

I've both greatly looked forward to and dreaded your mixtape for awhile, because I knew you'd pull out some of the most obscure acts under the sun. I hope I'm ready.

This looks good. Can't wait to listen.

Lammastide said:

I took it easy on you guys. Only the first few artists I think are relatively unknown. And it seems like a lot of orgers already know about Alice Smith, but I included her anyway.

No Lykke Li?

No Goldfrapp?

No Siouxsie?
[Edited 9/22/08 15:52pm]

MikeMatronik said:

Fooled you, didn't I?

Goldfrapp and Siouxsie were too obvious. Lykke is not quite there yet. I think her album is good, but not great. I like her better live than on record.

I cannot believe you made me listen to 10 songs by females in a row . Cool . And I am surprised you already knew in advance what would be my favourite song .

Ha ha, I love this mix, especially Rasputina, Joan as Policewoman, Naty Botero and Alice so there

ZombieKitten said:

You and Martina both liked Alice! Martina hated the Pipettes song. You might not want her around Max anytime soon.

It was Max that likes that song, right?

The first 3 groups I've heard and like. I looooove Rasputina! They are one of my fave groups. I haven't heard the other artists, so I'll give a listen since the link page is blocked here at work. I'll write an update later tonight.

sextonseven said:

the funny thing with him is we listened to that whole mix in the car on the way to Aldi. Then weeks later, after not hearing it again, I was singing I like a boy in uniform, and he said he wanted to hear the spanish song because he likes it so strong is his memory and association! He loves Naty, actually the whole family loves her (we like Animal best now, and Dinosaurio), even extended family and the man that painted the house

I ADORE this mix ~ Rasputina, I've loved for a very long time, Faith and the Muse ~ I have a friend that was offered a job with them but didn't want to face the long road trips, Alice Smith ~ on my list of gotta seek out soon. I too was surprised there was no Siouxsie but this mix is insanely good. I'll be back later in the week with more assembled thoughts ~ thank you!!!!

Ok, I shouldn't be orging this much, since I'm actually in Amsterdam right now posting this from the wifi in my flat. But I had to chime in and leave some comments on this mix.

Firstly, great job on the concept and song selection. I like the title "ADVANCED MODERN WOMEN'S STUDIES" very You[!] if I must say so. When I think of women artists with style and concept, I tend to think you.

That said, I will be honest, my tastes kind of dictated how I tackled this mix. Now I'm kind of the opposite, I love the male voice/presence in pop, and I tend to unabashedly fetishize it. But I'm very much into angular pop and style, so I'm really feeling the back section of your mix. Specifically the tunes from Joan As A Police Woman (I knew a guy in the UK that FAM'd off of her for a while, so it was good to finally digest her), Sing-Sing, Perro and The Pipettes. That whole section is my fave. "I Like A Boy In Uniform (School Uniform)"[!!!] is right up my alley because I love sunshiny sounding songs lost in blissful abandon... and extra points with the '60s bent. It would be awesome if a guy was singing this song with the same felicity and pubescence as the Pipettes. However, ABSOLUTE TREAT listening to it. You win with that!

Also, some recommendations with other female fronted acts. Please, check out Lucky Soul. Ali Howard is the front woman of this UK outfit and the songs are gorgeously crafted, '60s inspired and happy yet heartbreakingly bittersweet. Gets compared to Pipettes without shame, but its awesome because she is backed by men who croon and have style (lol). Ali is the star, though, and it's totally her show, you have to listen to it. Please hear the tracks "My Darling, Anything," "The Great Unwanted" and "Lips Are Unhappy" -- some of the most gorgeous ballads I've heard this era. Also I was watching TV in Copenhagen and Gabriella Climi's "Sweet About Me" was pretty cool, it deserves your attention, if you haven't checked her out already.

Good job on this mix!

P.S. And, of course, you know I wore out that NOISEttes track and album. You know that.
[Edited 9/22/08 21:57pm]

and I like what Mara likes

Mors Syphilitica - the track you chose is my all-time fave! I love dancing to that right after Die Form's Cantique. Great choice!

Faith and the Muse - Monica Richards has such a beautiful voice and it needs to be heard by more people. Very soothing track.

Rasputina - My favorite track on the cd. There's something to be said about a female fronting a cello rock band. I love Melora's disctinct voice. So quirky. I think having her daughter's song Nov. 17dee was a nice addition to the Frustration Plantation album.

Joan as Police Woman - I had never heard her before. Wow. I love that jazzy sound and her voice! I could groove to that to chill at night, but reminds me more of a cold rainy day sitting by the window.

Sing-Sing - They have a cool vibe going on. Another one I'd never heard. Kinda reminds me of Cibo Matto sound on the Stereo Type A album.

El Perro Del Mar - I liked the instrumentation on this. Another good one to chill to and another unfamiliar name to me. Kinda reminded me a smidge of Blonde Redhead.

The Pipettes - Ok, this was hella fun! I am totally digging this!!!! I like the old-time sound and the catchiness of it.

Naty Botero - OMG. I am totally diggin' this, like big time. Just sitting in my chair, it got my hips going. I gotta definitely buy stuff by her. Sounded a bit like Bebe w/ the sassiness in her voice.

Alice Smith - She's got a nice yearning voice. Reminds me of going to the bar after a hard day at work. Good to unwind to.

Noisettes - These girls rock! I bet they'd be fun to see live. I like the attitude in this song.

Thanks for introducing me to some new sounds!

sextonseven said:

I really liked 2 other songs as well . And Max might change his taste in music once he grows up .

Interestingly, and you know this, but I think we are the only 2 acts in this gig that had no men in our mixes

1. "The Hues Of Longing" - Mors Syphilitica - Loved this right away. And THANK YOU for the lyrics on this song because, my God there is so much soul searching that can be done in every. single. lyric! Gorgeous imagery, invoked by the simple act of nature Very very comforting First thing I thought when I heard this was Dusty Trails, which is the Keyboardist from Luscious Jackson, Vivian Trimble, and Josephine Wiggs formerly of the Breeders. It just reminded me of how comforting that whole album is. Want to hear more of this band

2. "Denn Die Toten Reiten Schnell" - Faith and the Muse - The Goth world is one of my most neglected and least explored This stroked my vampiric sensibilities

3. "Cage In A Cave" - Rasputina I. am. a. history. freak! Heard the name Rasputina but this is the first thing I've heard by her/them. Now I got to check out Thursday Christian's Father's Mutiny! Very Rock Opera, which can be annoying but I dig this chick's voice so all is forgiven

4. "Eternal Flame" - Joan As Police Woman On first glance I thought this was Joan Jett I was just shocked that this was her! Then I read your little write up. Whew! Just absolutely lovely. Again, all about the voice and the arrangement is supreme

5. "Come, Sing Me A Song" - Sing-Sing NO. YOU. DIDN'T! Loves got a hold on me and there's nothing that I couldn't be without your love I loved the Sing Singles when you sent it to me but this song grabbed my nuts and wouldn't let go! I was having eargasms galore on this track and I even cried that is just how much I love this song!!! Seriously, you have no idea how hard I bawled on that shit and for a long time too

Such a simple simple song, yet evoking all manners of flourish You do not know the shocks of pleasure the first time I heard the horns break through at 1:23. I was already a mess and that just escalated shit I do prefer the version that you sent without the flourish during the chorus because the vocal delivery really is enough to convey the message Just a little something is lost for me not hearing the purity of their voices during that part of the song. But just excellent you included this!!!! I had no idea you would

6. "God Knows (You Gotta Give To Get)" - El Perro Del Mar I still have 4 songs to go but I think this will probably be my least favorite track on the mix. Not complex enough Yes, I was right. My least favorite.

7. "I Like A Boy In Uniform (School Uniform)" - The Pipettes Of course, I loved this They're a white version of Cibo Mato!

8. "Te Quiero Mucho" - Naty Botero Spanish Rap?! I guess it's a good thing I know what the title means cuz I really don't need to try and figure this song out Love it

9. "Gary's Song" - Alice Smith You beat me to the punch! But I didn't choose this Alice Smith Track Sorry, but I'm going to save my Alice Vamping for my thread One of the most outstanding tracks on her album for sure. Love the idea of her walkin down the street and just COMMANDING SHIT LEFT AND RIGHT! And yet, she's sensible enough to ask what the hell happens if they start that ball rolling. What a sensible broad!

10. "Scratch Your Name" - Noisettes

Her voice reminds me of Sia Furler Never knew Sia had any edge! This is a great great track. I want to own that album right. NOW!

I am going to stay away from the songs I know from this mix and choose "The Hues of Longing" as my favorite. You crack me up, it's not a song about vegetation, but I guess it is This mix project is something staggering for me, as you will see in my presentation and it wouldn't have happened the way it did without your input and suggestion. I love you very much for being a part of one of the most amazing things to happen to me this year Oh yeah, I owe Anx too but considering I'm missing all my front teeth and scratch my ass with a stick through my overalls, I don't know if he'll ever know

Oh yeah,

ok, so this school computer isn't workin with my headphones right now, so I'll have to return to this...but I was anticipating your mix and I'm so pumped to see that I atleast somewhat familiar with 70% of your artists
so I can't wait to hear this later!!!

I admit that I only listened to one mix...hermans...but I feel tempted to listen to this one.

MikeMatronik said:

Do it! This mix was the first one I listened to and it made me listen to another one this morning .

thekidsgirl said:

I wish you made a mix

ZombieKitten said:

Naty should release her album in Australia. She already has a fan base there!

Mara said:

Thank you very much for taking the time to listen while you're abroad! It was difficult finding a version of "Scratch Your Name" without the segue into the next song like on the album version. I ultimately bought the promo single on ebay for $2 or something.

I'll definitely check out Lucky Soul. Thanks for letting me know about them.

Moonstar319 said:

"The Hues Of Longing" is my #4 favorite song of all time. And the Faith and The Muse track is #10 on my list. I love both those songs a lot.

I saw Rasputina live for the 11th time last month and they have a brand new lineup. No more Jonathon on drums.

I honestly have no idea why the Naty Botero CD hasn't been released in the states. I think it's fantastic! It's available on iTunes, but not everyone likes digital.

Serious said:

I know you liked a few others. I had no idea though that listening to so many women at once would be such torture for you.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

You write the most incredible, heartfelt reviews!

When I saw that you picked Alice Smith for your mix, I started to sweat a little. At least we didn't choose the same song.

I see what you mean about the remix of "Come, Sing Me A Song" that was on the comp I sent you, but I like this one more because all the effects makes it sound more retro-60s which is what I'm very much into at the moment. I had no idea the song would have such an impact on you!

I admit my description of the Mors Syphilitica song could have been more specific. All the lyrics to the songs from their last album used to be on their website, but when they broke up, they took their site down and now those lyrics can't be found anywhere! I happened to have the the words to "Hues Of Longing" only because I printed it out from their site years ago. I wish I had done it for all the songs from that album. My eyes literally teared up the first time I heard that song. I had all their previous albums which were more death-rock/goth, but they really softened their sound on their final album and the results were lovely.

MikeMatronik said:

You should listen to it!

I'd listen to yours if you ever got around to posting it back online.

Thank you everyone for listening and posting your comments. It's nice to see some people different than the usual suspects on this thread. I wonder how they knew about it?

sextonseven said:

you know what is weird, until this thread I didn't even notice it was all women

ZombieKitten said:

You listen to a lot of women too, don't you? I think the comp you sent me was at least 50/50. Listening to women is second nature for us. Nothing strange about it at all.