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Mix Six: “Arty-Farty”

Ted Asregadoo February 13, 2008 9

mixsix.gif DOWNLOAD THE FULL MIX HERE

Looking through my soon-to-be-a-dead-format CD collection, I noticed a few discs that could be labeled arty-farty — or artsy-fartsy, if you like the letter S. Why not throw them into the blender and see what kind of mix pours out …


“Language Is a Virus,” Laurie Anderson

I used to be a huge Laurie Anderson fan. So much so that I bought United States Live and, for some reason, never listened to it. I guess I’m a fair-weather fan, but I always liked the fact that she tried to do a pop song in the ’80s, and MTV actually played the video every now and then.

“March Into the Sea,” Modest Mouse

I remember that when this band was initially getting mainstream exposure, many people were comparing them to the Talking Heads. I can hear the similarities, but I don’t think David Byrne could’ve come up with this great line: “If food needed pleasing you’d suck all the seasoning off. Suck it off!”

“The Dreaming,” Kate Bush

Mid-’80s Kate Bush falls under the category of “College Years: Crushes.” There’s just something about her that I find appealing — in an arty-farty way, of course. I know that I featured Kate in a recent mix, but I’ve always loved how she was able to not only blend some wonderful styles of music in this song but also phrase the lyrics in a way that it’s not clear she’s singing in English.

“Lay My Love,” Brian Eno and John Cale

Leave it to Brian Eno and John Cale to come up with an appealing pop sound complete with lyrics that make you wonder what kind of person would describe him or herself in this manner when professing love to someone: I am the termite of temptation / I multiply and fly my population / I am the wheel / I am the turning / And I will lay my love around you.

Um, call the police!

“It’s Nearly Africa,” XTC

If I were to assemble my own personal “Greatest Hits” mix of XTC songs, I don’t think this one would be on there. However, if I made a “Greatest B-Sides” I think I would lead with it.

“Kyrie Eleison,” Sinéad O’Connor

With all the artistic changes Sinéad has made since she peaked in the early ’90s with “Nothing Compares 2 U,” I think it’s easy to forget that she can really use her voice in a lovely way.

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  • DavidRagland

    Nice mix. Lots of my favorite artists.

  • http://www.popdose.com 1Py_Korry1

    Thanks David!

    I haven't listened to XTC's “It's Nearly Africa” in a long time, but it did bring a smile to my face when I punching around the track selection on my CD player.

  • Gina

    I loves me some Kate Bush! Great mix, Py!

  • http://www.minneapolisfuckingrocks.blogspot.com/ tara

    Someone please explain the Kate Bush thing to me. I've tried, I really have. and other than the song 'Hounds of Love' and her vocals on Peter Gabriel's 'Don't Give Up,' I guess I just don't see the appeal.

    I also love that Modest Mouse album. “Lonesome Crowded West” is my favorite.

  • http://www.popdose.com 1Py_Korry1

    I don't think I can, Tara. She's kind of an acquired taste. Some really can't stand her music 'cause it's just too odd, but others (like me) really enjoy the weird detours she takes. Modest Mouse is known for unconventional song styles, so it kind of surprises me that you like MM, but can't warm up to KB.

  • http://www.popdose.com 1Py_Korry1

    Thanks Gina!

  • http://360sound.blogspot.com 360Sound

    Wow – you nailed my collection. I guess I now have to claim the artsy moniker..
    Doesn't it seem that most people that “don't get” Kate Bush haven't heard her, beyond one or two tracks? They seem to be more put off by the concept of Kate Bush than Kate herself, for some reason. Note to those: Go get “The Sesnual World”, put on “This Woman's Work”, and tell me what you don't get about that? Then, try the rest of that record, especially “Deeper Understanding” and the title track. You're OK, right? You even LIKED it, didn't you? From there, it's not too far to “Suspended In Gaffa”, and it's worth the trip…
    On another note, GREAT call on the Eno/Cale – always loved that song, and anything off of “English Settlement” works just fine.

    Go on with your arty self, Py…

  • http://360sound.blogspot.com 360Sound

    Wow – you nailed my collection. I guess I now have to claim the artsy moniker..
    Doesn't it seem that most people that “don't get” Kate Bush haven't heard her, beyond one or two tracks? They seem to be more put off by the concept of Kate Bush than Kate herself, for some reason. Note to those: Go get “The Sesnual World”, put on “This Woman's Work”, and tell me what you don't get about that? Then, try the rest of that record, especially “Deeper Understanding” and the title track. You're OK, right? You even LIKED it, didn't you? From there, it's not too far to “Suspended In Gaffa”, and it's worth the trip…
    On another note, GREAT call on the Eno/Cale – always loved that song, and anything off of “English Settlement” works just fine.

    Go on with your arty self, Py…

  • http://360sound.blogspot.com 360Sound

    Wow – you nailed my collection. I guess I now have to claim the artsy moniker..
    Doesn't it seem that most people that “don't get” Kate Bush haven't heard her, beyond one or two tracks? They seem to be more put off by the concept of Kate Bush than Kate herself, for some reason. Note to those: Go get “The Sesnual World”, put on “This Woman's Work”, and tell me what you don't get about that? Then, try the rest of that record, especially “Deeper Understanding” and the title track. You're OK, right? You even LIKED it, didn't you? From there, it's not too far to “Suspended In Gaffa”, and it's worth the trip…
    On another note, GREAT call on the Eno/Cale – always loved that song, and anything off of “English Settlement” works just fine.

    Go on with your arty self, Py…