1. "Fall on Me"--R.E.M., Life's Rich Pageant (1986):
Seeing R.E.M. live in 1987 literally changed my outlook on music and my musical taste. I was a casual, radio fan of R.E.M., liking songs like this one, "Can't Get There from Here," and "Driver 8." However, seeing them live engaged me with their music in a different way. I was a freshman in college, and they literally welcomed me to the world of "college music." Though I am not sure I can clearly define the term, for me it pointed to the whole world of music that was not on the radio that I knew existed but ignored. At the same time, I began working as an "alternate DJ" at the college, alternative radio station and realized that I needed to broaden my horizons. Even though this song is not one from their 1987 album, Document, it is one of those classic, radio songs that planted the seed for me and ultimately led to me exploring all of the band's other music. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "Wavelengths"--Cymbals Eat Guitars, Lenses Alien (2011):
Cymbals Eat Guitars is one of my favorite new bands. This album is their sophomore effort. Though less edgy than their first, the maturity of the songs makes it a great record. The singer's voice and guitar playing are highlights. My friend, Kevin, turned me onto them. They are supposed to be amazing live, but I have yet to have the pleasure. Someday. This song is solid but not a favorite, SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "For Tension"--Superchunk, On the Mouth (1993):
The ipod must sense that this blog entry is a special one. On the Mouth is the first album that I bought by Superchunk and is the tour that I saw them on for the first time. I believe this is the last studio album that they released on Matador before releasing exclusively on their own label, Merge Records (now home to Spoon, Arcade Fire, Bob Mould, et. al.). "For Tension" is absolutely a highlight of this album and still on rotation in their live shows. 100% SHUFFLE GOLD!!
4. "The Apt."--Times New Viking, Rip It Off (2008):
Coincidentally, Times New Viking also moved from Matador to Merge. This album is their Matador release. The newer album that is on Merge Records, Dancer Ecquired (2011), is a much more accessible album for me. This song, like the rest of the album, is a little more noise rock than I usually like. MEH.
5. "Equinox (Unreleased John Coltrane Cover)"--Archers of Loaf, Vee Vee (Deluxe Remaster) (2012):
Originally released in 1995, this album received the remaster treatment and was released in 2012 by, once again, Merge Records. The remastered version contains b-sides and rare tracks, including this Coltrane cover. As an instrumental cover, it does not fit with a typical Archers song, but in celebration of an overall very strong anniversary shuffle with great bands across the board, Archers of Loaf has to at least get a SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
**NOTE: Though I am not posting as regularly as when the blog began two years ago, I still love this process and opportunity to write about music. Thanks for reading.
