This one's for you, Queen of the Mixtapes

Last week, I ripped into an envelope from our very own "Lizziegreeneyes":http://mog.com/Lizziegreeneyes to find 17 tracks of glorious tunage. One of life’s greatest treasures is a mixtape (she’d have a fit if I called it a CD). Her timing was wonderful – the mix was the perfect companion for my moving/packing activities. The best part – more than half of the songs were brand-spanking new to my ears :)"Das Testament des Dr. Mabuse (13th Life Mix) / Propaganda":http://mog.com/music/Propaganda/Outside_World/Das_Testament_des_Dr._Mabuse_%252813th_Life_Mix%2529How did I not know Propaganda before now? This song is a great way to set off a mix. I was baited by the first line, “Why does it hurt when my heart misses a beat?,” and completely hooked by about 45 seconds in. The chorus “sell him your soul, never look back” is frighteningly compelling. And then there’s that electronic drum break! Killer."The Kill / 30 Seconds To Mars":http://mog.com/music/30_Seconds_To_Mars/A_Beautiful_Lie/The_KillBack in my teen years, I had the BIGGEST crush on Jordan Catalano (Jared Leto’s character in My So-Called Life). When I heard that he and his brother were forming a band, I was intrigued. The first album didn’t really grab my attention, so I kinda forgot to check back up on them. Then I started hearing them on Sirius. I’ll admit, I normally glaze over a lot of the new rock, but there’s something so gripping about Jared’s vocals. My little brother was listening to this CD with me this weekend, and I noticed that it’s now his myspace song. He must approve as well."Orestes / A Perfect Circle":http://mog.com/music/A_Perfect_Circle/Mer_De_Noms/OrestesThere’s no mistaking Maynard’s voice. The first time I heard A Perfect Circle on the radio, I didn’t know who the hell they were but I _knew_ that was the frontman from Tool. I also knew I really really liked their sound. I have devoured everything they’ve put out since Mer de Noms. “Orestes” is beautiful and haunting. Josh Freese’s constant yet subtle drum lines, Howerdel’s simple yet spine-tingling guitar work, and of course Maynard’s flawless delivery. Another excellent choice by Ms. Greeeneyes."What Jail Is Like / The Afghan Whigs":http://mog.com/music/Afghan_Whigs/Gentlemen/What_Jail_Is_LikeWhile I’ve admitted Greg Dulli has quite the vocal presence, for some reason, I’ve resisted The Afghan Whigs. Until now that is. This song rules. I love the contrast between the distorted guitar and the piano. And the lyrics, discussing shared needles, infatuation, loneliness. My favorite is “you think I’m scared of girls, well maybe, but I’m not afraid of you.” "Gin / Amy Correia":http://mog.com/music/Amy_Correia/Carnival_Love/GinLizzie, girl, how did you know that gin was my first and foremost favorite alcohol? Amy is another artist who I’ve managed to miss out on thus far. It’s kinda sad how very few females I listen to. “Gin” is amazing musically and lyrically (and alcoholically heh). This song is so smooth you don’t even need tonic water ;o) Amy’s voice has that sweet yet raspy quality that I like in my women. I will definitely be adding more of her stuff to my playlist. "Rolling / Soul Coughing":http://mog.com/music/Soul_Coughing/Lust_in_Phaze%253A_The_Best_of_Soul_Coughing/RollingThere are some songs that just don’t sound good until you hear them in a car. On my first listen of the mix, I thought this song was kinda repetitive and it didn’t really stand out. Then I heard it while I was driving, and before I knew it, I had the volume cranked way up. "Shadows / Terence Trent D’Arby":http://mog.com/music/Terence_Trent_D%2527Arby/Wildcard/ShadowsThis one blew me away. I’m sure this man has no problem whatsoever getting laid. That voice…mmm mmm. The blend of the orchestral sounds, the beat, and that hot voice makes this song classify as a masterpiece in my book. And the lyric “Yes my love is strong, I will roll it for you if you don't smoke it” has to be one of the best ever. Yet another A+ pick by Lizzie. "Believe The Lie / Umphrey’s McGee":http://mog.com/music/Umphrey%2527s_McGee/Safety_In_Numbers/Believe_The_LieIt’s no secret that I’m a sucker for all things jam band. I’ve only managed to see Umphrey’s McGee once, but I’m hoping to make that twice here in a week or so. Even if you’re not a big fan of the jam, this song is fast-paced and rockin’ enough to grab your interest. These guys are very talented, and this song showcases their skills spectacularly. There are so many layers; it just keeps getting better the more you listen to it. "Reverend Girl / The Verve Pipe":http://mog.com/music/The_Verve_Pipe/Villains/Reverend_GirlI used to listen to The Verve Pipe like crazy. Then “The Freshmen” got so overplayed I basically retired the Villians album and have never looked back. Hearing this song made me wanna dig that album up and give it another spin. Brian has got a great voice – perfect for that 90s alternative sound. And the lyric “3 am cellophane” means so much more to me now than it did back when this album came out :$ "Quiet As A Mouse / Margot & The Nuclear So And So’s":http://mog.com/music/Margot_%2526_The_Nuclear_So_And_So%2527s/The_Dust_Of_Retreat_%255BPA%255D/Quiet_As_A_MouseNever heard of this group before this mix. I haven’t listened to anything else by them, but this song was a good enough introduction to make me curious. The guitar is hard, the voice is smooth, and the jazzy trumpet is a cherry on the top."Cradle And All / Ani DiFranco":http://mog.com/music/Ani_DiFranco/Not_A_Pretty_Girl/Cradle_And_AllAnother great female vocalist that I’ve been away from for too long. This song is unforgettable – the second I heard the opening guitar riff, a wave of emotion came flooding back. Ani’s music was there for me through some rough times, especially the Not A Pretty Girl album. For awhile, I was just filled with too many memories when I listened to her. It’s been long enough, though. Ani needs to come back into frequent rotation. There just aren’t words to describe how powerful and amazing this song is."Deep Enough / Live":http://mog.com/music/Live/V/Deep_EnoughThis song starts off quietly, and then just comes at you like a freight train. Live is one of those bands that I’ve never sought out too much, but I’m always pleasantly surprised when I hear them. And let’s face it, “Lightning Crashes” was one of the best songs of the 90s. I have to admit, I haven’t listened to any of these new albums, but this song is enough to pique my interest."Violaine / Cocteau Twins":http://mog.com/music/Cocteau_Twins/Milk_%2526_Kisses/ViolaineI feel like I’m floating from the first note. It’s absolutely hypnotizing. Elisabeth’s voice is beautiful and mesmerizing. Heaven or Las Vegas is the only CT album that I have, but if this song is any indication of Milk & Kisses, I need to grab that one as well. "Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It / Phish":http://mog.com/music/Phish/Gettin%2527_Jiggy_Wit_It_%2528Single%2529/Gettin%2527_Jiggy_Wit_ItI didn’t even get to see Phish in their prime, but I’ve listened to enough live recordings to say I was there in spirit. For a few of my college years, this band was what I was listening to at least 75% of the time. Leave it to Lizzie to pull out a rare cut that I haven’t heard in eons. It starts and ends with Page teasing that great Argent song, “Hold Your Head Up.” In the middle you’ve got the Fresh Prince’s hit, “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” and I hear that voice and can instantly picture Fishman and his mu-mu haha. Phish was one of the most entertaining bands in history – the proof’s in the pudding."Theme De Yoyo / Cinematic Orchestra":http://mog.com/music/Cinematic_Orchestra/Cinematic_Orchestra/Theme_De_YoyoWhen a song starts off with some hot keys that are up there with the likes of Ray Charles, you know it’s gonna kick your ass. And then when the bassline kicks in with those relentlessly funky sax & horn attacks, you know you’re a goner. This song is short (2:23), but it packs a hell of a punch. Probably my favorite discovery of the whole disc."Pavement Tune / The Frames":http://mog.com/music/The_Frames/Set_List/Pavement_TuneI want my life to make more sense to me. A simple lyric, but it means so much. I have been meaning to check out more by The Frames, but I just needed a kick in the rear like this song. I wish I could say more, but the Chardonnay and music is marinating and rendering me speechless. We’re almost through here folks, just one more song… "Teenage Hustling / Tori Amos":http://mog.com/music/Tori_Amos/American_Doll_Posse/Teenage_HustlingMadame Greeneyes saves the best for last on her mixes. Tori is a goddess, and this song off of her newest album just rocks my world. It’s guitar-laden and hardcore, and the lyrics + delivery = pure bliss. Talk about a girl crush, Tori is my ultimate girl crush. She’s a M-I-L-F don’t you forget. *Lizzie – this CD rules and I can’t thank you enough!*