http://8tracks.com/novideo/rise

1. My Denial - Human Drama
2. Bad Things To Such Good People - Pedro the Lion
3. Jesus - Brand New
4. Rise - Azure Ray
5. Sirens - The Lost Patrol
6. Nite and Fog - Mercury Rev
7. Meltdown in A Major - The Dears
8. True Love Waits - Virgo Loves Cancer
9. Flirted With You All My Life - Vic Chesnutt
10. If So... - Happy Rhodes

First, thanks for allowing me to participate and I’m greatly looking forward to seeing and hearing what everyone puts together for this project. I enjoyed putting this mix together, although it forced me to make some hard choices – I’m sure that will be the same for everyone. The 10-song limit definitely requires the mix to be disciplined and focused. Lately I’ve been making shorter mixes anyway – 12 songs usually. Albums like Parade or In Rainbows, and countless others which clock in at around the 45 minute mark, are complete, compact, and utterly tight. I think the 10 song concept lends itself to this… so it was all about cutting the “fat” and figuring out which songs were the strongest and worked the best together.

I’m not very good about explaining why a particular song moves me, so I’ll just give a few basic thoughts on each one. I absolutely love each one of them, and I like the way they complement each other and make a whole.
The overall mood is fairly dark and intense. The songs all come from vastly different places, but a common thread ties them. Not a specific theme or narrative or anything like that, just more of a feeling. Each song contains tension and power. They all represent a moment of crisis, or perhaps catharsis, for the narrator/singer. One of the things I love about them all is that each one is completely believable; not a moment rings fake.

I like the fact that most of the songs have an almost dreamlike quality, but the mix is weighted by moments of stark clarity. I think it needs the more focused tracks – ‘Bad Things’, ‘Flirted’ – to add weight and gravity and bring it back down to earth. I structured it like a Side A, Side B with 5 songs each, and tried to make sure it was balanced and had a flow that works but thematically and musically.

The title and art came after the track list was done. After I had the songs more or less selected and sequenced, I searched for possible images that fit the mood of the mix, and found one that I liked. I manipulated it a little bit, and I think it came out kinda cool. “Rise” just seemed the obvious choice for the title. It’s ambiguous. The song lyric is “don’t ask me to rise” – and the photo of hands reaching desperately out of the water to the surface, we don’t know if he is drowning or surviving – a notion that fits the songs on this collection rather well, I think.

OK that’s enough from me - - I hope you enjoy it, and keep a Xanax handy, you might need it!!


My Denial
Human Drama (the project of singer/songwriter/musician Johnny Indovina) is one of the most criminally overlooked artists of the last 20 years. Indovina is a terrific songwriter. His voice is extremely expressive and sometimes he can over-emote, but he’s very much reigned in here. This track is tense and taut, like a barely dampened smolder that threatens to ignite at any moment, but is kept under control. It has a warm, almost Doors-y vibe that I’ve always loved. I won’t last another second.. I can’t stay another day.

Bad Things to Such Good People
David Bazan of Pedro the Lion is an incisive songwriter, able to transform everyday situations and realities into compelling music. To me, the central question of this song is the definition of “Good people” - - all in the eye of the beholder. All the while, the good lord smiles, and looks the other way.

Jesus
Brilliant track by the group Brand New. It builds to a strident climax, the tension rising until it kinda overflows. Love the imagery here. Feels so personal and the performance really sells it. I know you're coming for the people like me

Rise
One of my favorite tunes. Utterly gorgeous. Love the keyboard, like a humming pulse, giving the song an otherworldliness. It floats along in a dream. And of course the vocals – beautiful, deeply felt, ethereal. Any smokers in the room? Take a hit and put on this mix. I think you’ll be happy. I can't stand, your shadow is too heavy to lift.

Sirens
Movie music for a movie that doesn’t exist. I love the vibe, love everything about it. Ethereal and swirling, beautiful melody. A song that I’ve played dozens of times and never get tired of hearing. Dancing in the mists. I suggest everyone immediately purchase everything you can find by The Lost Patrol, a NYC-area indie band that deserves to be heard. Reaping what I sow.

Nite and Fog
Mercury Rev - - great band. I first became a fan of the prior album, “Deserters Songs”. The follow-up “All is Dream” has a much dreamier sound, but with a dark, sinister undertone. I’ve always thought Tim Burton should direct a film using this album as a soundtrack. Nite and Fog… beautiful and bitter. I suspect there are two sides to this story. In a more just alter-world, dreamy melodic smart pop songs like this would actually, gasp, hit the charts. In the dark I've driven her to madness.

Meltdown in A Major
The Dears are an amazing band, and this track is one of their finest. The vocals are intense and impassioned. It builds from a simple piano intro to a searing, harrowing crescendo. I love songs like this where the artist is obviously feeling every moment and loses himself in the music. And I wonder... is this song in the key of A Major? Maybe one of you music heads can tell me. Just say the words beamed down from above.

True Love Waits
Cover of an old Radiohead song that they’ve never officially issued (except in a live acoustic version). Brought out of its skeletal form by an obscure indie band called Virgo Loves Cancer to great results. It’s raw but their recording presents the song in an incredibly poignant way. Thom Yorke’s gift for melody is often overlooked, and True Love Waits is one of his loveliest. So much yearning in the vocals here. I’m not living, I’m just killing time.

Flirting With You All My Life
We have a song sung to Jesus earlier, why not one to Death? When I mentioned songs being believable, here is the strongest example. It reads less like a personal diary entry and more like a direct beam into the artist’s soul. That artist is the late Vic Chesnutt, who is here warding off death plaintively, insisting he’s “not ready” when only a few months after the song’s release he would take his life (barely a month ago, on Christmas Day 2009). It’s riveting and absolutely heartbreaking. He seems to be to be holding on by his fingertips. Too bad he let go. Everywhere I go, you're always right there with me.

If So…
Avoiding the “Big Ending” here. I liked the idea of ending the mix literally in the middle of a thought - If So, dot dot dot. Ominous and unsettling. None of the crises are resolved, none of the questions are answered, and we don’t know how the story ends. It’s messy just like life, and appropriate for the first mix, with many more to come. Beyond that, I just love the song, and Happy’s gorgeous vocal. The emotion and power that she can put into the song while keeping it very restrained and subtle is amazing. Her voice is pure and lovely. I'll never hate you, I'll never think of you and I'll never grieve.

So that’s it! Send me an Orgnote if you want an alternate link. Thanks for listening and reading, and looking forward to some great mixes from y’all.
- Chris/NoVideo

ORG Mixtape Project home thread: http://prince.org/msg/8/329108
[Edited 2/14/10 8:20am]

1. My Denial
Human Drama
(Solemn Sun Setting, 1999)

In my safe haven I'm protected
Free to take another breath
Answers to all my questions running rampant
Simple as it may seem
I cannot run
I cannot hide
I'm an angel
I'm the devil
And both I deny

Beating heart, can it beat any faster?
Sometimes I wish it would just stop
Long stand the walls of my denial
Long stay the scars that it leaves
I cannot run
I cannot hide
I'm an angel
I'm the devil
And both I deny

I won’t last another second
I can’t stay another day
If there's cause let it be ever shouldered
Sometimes I don't know what I want
I cannot run
and I cannot hide
I'm an angel
I'm the devil
And both I deny



2. Bad Things To Such Good People
Pedro The Lion
(Winners Never Quit, 2000)

My jail shoes on
The well kept cemetery lawn
Both of them weeping
Their one good son now was gone
The irony to see my dad down on his knees
Crying out to Jesus
But Lord, I've always done what's right

And all the while
The good Lord smiled
And looked the other way

When we were kids
I did my best to make them proud
It just wasn't in me
I could not fly straight to save my life

Their big success is now their biggest failure
Their golden child has been dethroned
Their reputation is now in ruin
Their tower to Heaven has come tumbling down

And all the while
The good Lord smiles
And looks the other way
And looks the other way

3. Jesus
Brand New
(The Devil and God Are Raging Inside of Me, 2006)

Jesus Christ, that's a pretty face
The kind you'd find on someone that could save
If they don't put me away
It’ll be a miracle

Do you believe you're missing out?
That everything good is happening somewhere else
With nobody in your bed
The night is hard to get through

And I will die all alone
And when I arrive I won’t know anyone

Jesus Christ, I’m alone again
So what did you do those three days you were dead?
Because this problem is gonna last
More than the weekend

Jesus Christ I’m not scared to die
But I’m a little bit scared of what comes after
Do I get the gold chariot
Or do I float through the ceiling

Or do I divide and pull apart
Cause my bright is too slight to hold back all my dark
This ship went down in sight of land
And at the gates does Thomas ask to see my hands?

I know you're coming in the night like a thief
But I’ve had some time, O Lord, to hone my lying technique
I know you think that I’m someone you can trust
But I’m scared I’ll get scared and I swear I’ll try to nail you back up
So do you think that we could work out a sign
So I’ll know it's you and that it's over so I won't even try
I know you're coming for the people like me
But we all got wood and nails
And we turn out hate in factories
We all got wood and nails
And we turn out hate in factories
We all got wood and nails
And we sleep inside of this machine

4. Rise
Azure Ray
(Azure Ray, 2001)


Today I'll crawl out of bed
I can't stand your shadow is too heavy to lift
Maybe we'll go for a ride
You said you'd take me nowhere
I said that suits me just fine
I know you've always been near
Whispering secrets I know I’m not supposed to hear
Hold your heart with two hands
Give it to me only to disappear

Look how low I've sunk
don't ask me to rise
I'll lose you when I'm high

Look how low I've sunk
don't ask me to rise
I'll only lose you when I'm high

All alone in the dark
Love survives only when we are apart
Your voice still sounds in my ears
Soft explosions that blossom with the beat of my heart

Look how low I've sunk
don't ask me to rise
I'll lose you when I'm high

Look how low I've sunk
don't ask me to rise
I'll only lose you when I'm high

5. Sirens
The Lost Patrol
(Launch and Landing, 2007)

I swam in cyclones eye
I dove straight in
Oh spinning to and fro
Didn’t think too much
Could I let you know

Something in your gaze
Set the sirens free

Oh to die a thousand deaths
And oversee a million more
A new bitter bud
Soon turned red
Reaping what I sow

Something in your gaze
Set the sirens free
Like an army of waves
Come to capture me

Sweet conscience
Tells its tales
Good conscience
Nevermind
Cause you made me blind

Something in your gaze
Set the sirens free
Like an army of waves
Come to capture me
Like an army of waves
Come to capture me

6. Nite and Fog
Mercury Rev
(All is Dream, 2001)

If God moves across the water
The girl moves in other ways
And I'm losing sight of either
Nite and fog are my days

I wanted only to be gentle
But I gave her jealousy and rage
Who knows exactly what I'm after
Nite and fog are my days

Wisemen want faith, fools want gold
Sailors want water, but you want it all

I tried to guide my love by starlite
And soon my live became a maze
Osiris and Orion were your favorites
Nite and fog are my days

Vampires want darkness,
Monsters want souls
Spiders want corners
But you want it all

She turns half nude to find me naked
But I can see she wants me in other ways
In the dark I've driven her to madness
Nite and fog are my days

I hope you see your ship come in
May it find you and never lose it's way
But I would make a poor captain
Nite and fog are my days

Vampires want darkness,
Monsters want souls
Spiders want corners
But you want it all


7. Meltdown in A Major
The Dears
(Missiles, 2007)

Is this a cry for help?
are you gonna die?
It's okay to think that once in a while
No one knows just how you're suffering.
They're drunk on the streets tonight
So who cares just how you're suffering.

Just speak the words,
Beamed down here from up above.
Even though people think you're wrong
I know you're on to something.
Most people are saying you're wrong,
I know you're on to something.

I think the world of you.
I think the world of you.
(Just say the words beamed down from above)
I think the world of you.
(Just say the words beamed down from above)

Even though people say you're wrong,
I know you're on to something.
Most people are saying you're wrong,
I know you're on to something.
Most people think you’re wrong
I know you’re on to something
Most people think you’re wrong
I know you’re on to something



8. True Love Waits
Virgo Loves Cancer
(Virgo Loves Cancer, 2006)

I'll drown my beliefs
to have you be in peace
I'll dress like your niece
to wash your swollen feet

Just don't leave
don't leave

And true love waits
in haunted attics
and true love lives
on lollipops and crisps

Just don't leave
don't leave

I'm not living
I'm just killing time
your tiny hands
your crazy kitten smile

Just don't leave
don't leave

Just lonely
lonely


9. Flirted With You All My Life
Vic Chesnutt
(At The Cut, 2009)


I am a man, I am self aware
And everywhere I go
You're always right there with me

I flirted with you all my life
Even kissed you once or twice
And to this day I swear it was nice but clearly
I was not ready

When you touched a friend of mine
I thought I would lose my mind
But I found out with time that
Really, I was not ready

Oh death, oh death, oh death
Really, I'm not ready

Oh death you enter me
Death's unmade those dear to me
And tease me with your sweet relief
You're cruel and you are constant

When my mom was cancer sick
She fought, but then succumbed to it
But you made her beg for it
“Lord Jesus, please I'm ready”

Oh death, oh death, oh death
Really, I'm not ready

Oh death, oh death, oh death
Clearly, I'm not ready


10. If So
Happy Rhodes
(Ecto, 1987)

I ask you
Now tell the truth
I ask you
Was it worth the price you paid?
If so...

I know you loved me
Darling
But I need to know
Did you mean to hurt me so?
If so...

Go away way very far
away, take your leave
I'll never hate you,
I'll never think of you
And I'll never grieve

Did you want it all?
Free love
Did it satisfy?
Was it your
intentions to
deceive?
If so...

You made me happy
You made me cry
You gave me hope
Was my happiness a lie?
If so...

Go away way very far
away, take your leave
I'll never hate you,
I'll never think of you
And I'll never grieve

I'll never grieve the loss
I ask you
Now tell the truth
I ask you
Was it worth the price you paid?
If so...

Woohoo!!!

I can't wait to hear this!

I've listened. Jotting down my thoughts now.

I'm listening too

listening right now

...

Kool! I'm checkin' it out...





...

You have Vic Chestnutt in your mix. You win.

Can't wait to dig in.

Oh I love the title picture. The album must be good as well. Let me give it a go.

woo-hoo, hope ya'll enjoy it!

Vendetta1 said:

Truly an amazing artist. A songwriter of unflinching honesty.

I'm listening to Rise by Azure Ray... never heard it... (like most of the mix)

Stunning song




thanks

I'm listening right now too.

This may be the first time I've ever seen Human Drama mentioned on the org.

sextonseven said:

SNOB!

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Maybe.

Human Drama were big in the goth scene here back in the 90s. I never got into them, but can see their appeal to others. Like Bob Dylan.

sextonseven said:

Yeah, they were sorta lumped in with the goth scene, not sure why exactly. When I think of goth I think of more 80s type bands like Specimen, Sex Gang Children, Fields of Nephilim, etc..

The first HD album, Feel, was somewhat in that vein, similar in some ways to Gene Loves Jezebel, etc.. but then they went in a much more acoustic, melodic direction with 'The World Inside' - definitely one of my favorite albums of the 90's. Indovina is a killer songwriter, my only complaint is that sometimes it gets a little bit over-emotive.. but when i get in the right mood, i love listening to Human Drama.

He's got a new group called Sound of the Blue Heart, and they've released 2 albums, one just in this past year... both excellent.

Oooh, I'm anxious to listen to this! I don't think I know of any of these artists, aside from Azure Ray
Will give a review later!

I loved your mix. I had never heard many of these artists before so thanks for enlightening me. Azure Ray and Mercury Rev stood out to me the most although I very much enjoyed the lyrics of the song, "Sirens" as well. "Rise" put me in this very chill mood and I just wanted to sit, drink coffee, and write. "Nite & Fog" was my most favorite. They lyrics painted Burton-esqe pictures in my mind as you've already suggested. "Osiris and Orion were your favorites..." For some reason, that line just stayed in my head. "Sirens" was just a beautiful song. I felt the depth of the emotion from the lyrics. Such love. Great mix!

Moonstar319 said:

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to listen

I agree, with Sirens, I really feel the emotion strong. There's a great live version on YouTube that is worth checking out. Raw performance but I really like it.


[Edited 2/10/10 16:52pm]

I was looking forward to this mix, as I really respect NoVideo's taste, having posted such great decade lists and so forth! Moreover, I had never heard a single song by any of these artists before, although many of them were on my radar. Here are my favorites:

"My Denial": I really like that Doorsy piano in the middle! It adds an element of spookiness to the song that I really enjoy.

"Jesus": That climax is indeed intense! Very visceral and honest.

"Rise": Plaintive and beautiful, it really tugs at the heartstrings! Gorgeous pick.

"Siren": My favorite so far! Instantly memorable, with a lot of depth. I want to play it again! It makes perfect sense as the closing song of the first side.

"Meltdown in A Major": Another sublimely gorgeous track, filled to the brim with a sort of sorrowful hope. Me likey!

"If So": Those "ah ah"s are just chill-inducing!

This mix is everything it was advertised to be- full of subtle tension and simmering intensity that really works its way under your skin. Great job!

1. My Denial - Human Drama
I loved this song right away! It is melodically lovely, and made me think 'wow, I wish I could put this on my mix' The lines "I'm an angel.
I'm the devil. And both I deny" really stuck with me.

2. Bad Things To Such Good People - Pedro the Lion
Not bad. To me, this might sound superficial, but the guitar far outshines the vocals, so it was tough to focus on the lyrics, but after reading them and listening to the song again, I could appreciate this more.

3. Jesus - Brand New
Very somber vibe to this song. I don't love it, but I can admire all the feeling and passion put into it.

4. Rise - Azure Ray
Mmm, I like this very much! Sound like a fallen angel singing to me Very lovely song. The simplicity of it is just right.

5. Sirens - The Lost Patrol
Ohh, this is one of my favorites of your mix.It's in keeping with the mellow, somewhat dark theme, but still has a bit of bump to it.

6. Nite and Fog - Mercury Rev
The things I like most about this song are the poetic lyrics, and how happy the music sounds in contrast to their content.

7. Meltdown in A Major - The Dears
Nice song, but no major thoughts here

8. True Love Waits - Virgo Loves Cancer
This has a sweeping sound to it that I'm loving! The breathy, vocals are absolutely dreamy as well. Are those strings I hear? This song is wonderful to my ears

9. Flirted With You All My Life - Vic Chesnutt
Very interesting song with an even more interesting and dismal story behind it. Reading the lyrics while taking a second listen, I actually started feeling a bit teary

10. If So... - Happy Rhodes
Great ending, with another gorgeous voice. Sound is very haunting and ethereal, and I was actually a bit disappointed when the song ended.


Nice mix! Most of these song I probably would have never come across, but several of them I quite liked.

For me, the standout tracks were definitely:

My Denial, Rise, Sirens, True Love Waits, and If So...

Moonbeam said:

I was thinking the same thing, but I didn't know what to call them so I just didn't mention it!

thanks guys, glad you are liking it! I'm not surprised that Rise and Sirens are among the faves so far.

And yeah, If So... lovely. If you haven't checked out Happy Rhodes, i'd recommend it for sure. She gets those inevitable Kate Bush comparisons, but her style is very different even though her voice is certainly similar.

Of your songs, I think "My Denial" and "Jesus" capture the theme of your mix in the most interesting way: Caught in that moment of crisis, with two forces warring inside of you. This verse, from "Jesus," is particularly interesting:

"Or do I divide and pull apart
Cause my bright is too slight
to hold back all my dark 

This ship went down in sight of land 

And at the gates does Thomas ask to see my hands?"

...The person did try but couldn't hold out... and when he arrives in the afterlife, will St. Thomas want some show, as he did from Jesus, of how much that person actually did truly suffer in life? ...And what might Jesus think about this all? Rich stuff.

Moving on, I guess I'm in the minority in that "Nite and Fog" sticks out as one of my two favorites. I think the lyrics are a tad "reachy" -- but I guess I prefer a lyricist who tries too hard to one who gives us middle school-caliber drivel. Also, I'm loving the drum sound and that (faux?) string arrangement.

My other favorite would have to be "True Love Awaits." I'm not crazy about the female vocal, but I love that chord progression and the guitar riff in the opening bars. This definitely makes me want to refer to the original with Thom Yorke on vocals.

Vic Chestnutt. I knew nothing about him. What a fascinating - and sad -- story. I'm definitely gonna check out more of his stuff.

My first impression of the mix is it's pretty good. Some great stuff on here actually. I'll give it a second listen and write some comments later.

Lammastide said:

Glad you like it, thanks for the comments!

The Radiohead version of 'True Love Waits' is terrific. The live acoustic version can be found on their live EP "I Might Be Wrong." There is a studio version floating around the interwebs that is a full band recording with an arrangement similar to what Virgo Loves Cancer does (they obviously heard this unreleased take.) I hope they get around to recording a proper studio version and releasing it.

Glad you like the Mercury Rev tune... that album is spectacular from start to finish, definitely worth picking up.

sextonseven said:

Awesome

Moonbeam said:

Thanks much, can't wait to hear yours as well!!

thekidsgirl said:

ahhh what a perfect description of this song... it does sound like a fallen angel, for sure.