I’m taking a break from my normal geek ramblings to share my 2007 Mix Tape. Side A includes my favs from the charts, while side B explores the lesser-known acts I admire. Rock on!
Side A – Radio Play
1. 1234 – Feist
I’ve loved this Grammy-nominated Canadian since her day’s with Broken Social Scene, and thank Apple for sharing her talent with the world.
2. Stronger – Kanye West ft. Daft Punk
Despite his cry-baby attitude at this year’s VMAs, Kanye West knows how to mix French robot rock.
3. Apologize – Timbaland ft. One Republic
This sentimental ditty even had my Starbuck’s baristas rocking out at 6 a.m.
4. The Way I Am – Ingrid Michaelson
Here’s another corporate shout-out…this time for Old Navy. Thanks for the great “sweater song.
5. Crank That – Soulja Boy
Everyone from my eight-year-old cousin to the University of Texas football team loves to this dance.
6. Music Is My Hot Hot Sex – Cansei De Ser Sexy
Even though this song came out in 2005, it became popular this year thanks to an Apple commercial. Be sure to check out more songs, like “Computer Heat,” from CSS.
7. Give it to Me – Timbaland ft. Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado
Hot! Hot! Hot!
8. You Don’t Know What Love Is – The White Stripes
Everything Jack White touches turns to gold. Well, except for the horrible movie “Cold Mountain.”
9. Dashboard- Modest Mouse
Seattle indie rockers mixed the road trip song of the year: “The dashboard melted, but we still have the radio!”
10. Just Fine – Mary J. Blige
The queen of modern soul churned out an excellent “Girl Power” single.
11. Kiss Kiss – Chris Brown feat. T-Pain
While a better dancer than singer, I had to give some love to this young Usher-esque star.
Side B – Rarities
1. Young Folks – Peter, Bjorn & John
PB&J’s entire album, “Writer’s Block,” will make you whistle while you work.
2. My Favorite Book – Stars
Warning: This is the most romantic song of 2007 that won’t make you hurl.
3. So You Say – The Bird and the Bee
60s-inspired electronic pop never sounded better. Look for more from this great band recently featured on Grey’s Anatomy.
4. Silver Lining – Rilo Kiley
Indie front woman Jenny Lewis (yes, the girl from the 1989 movie “Troup Beverly Hills”) pours her heart and soul into the band’s fourth pop-rock album.
5. Yeah Yeah – BodyRox Ft. Luciana
This high-energy dance song makes even the most uncoordinated wall-flower shake their booty.
6. You Got Yr Cheerybomb – Spoon
Austin-native (and major heart-throb) Britt Daniel leads his band to another sock rockin’ release.
7. Come Around – M.I.A. ft. Timbaland
Dubbed “The Peaches of Sri Lanka,” this stage-diving, crazed pixie highlighted ACL Fest this summer.
8. Ghetto Ways – Scissors for Lefty
These San Fran sweeties stole the show at SXSW 2007 and continue to gain popularity by touring with groups like the Smashing Pumpkins and Interpol.
9. Impossible Germany – Wilco
Jeff Tweedy will break your heart with this lonely folksong.
10. 15 Step – Radiohead
The best song by these generation-defining legends on their new album “In Rainbows.” Thanks for the discounted copy, guys. Damn the Man…Save the Empire.
11. Get Innocuous! – LCD Soundsystem
The name says it all.
12. Come On Petunia – The Blow
The girly rock CD is guaranteed to stay on your 80 Gig iPod for years.
13. Satan Said Dance – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Despite a disappointing-performance at ACL, these indie gods rock this tune.
14. +81 – Deerhoof
Horns and Beeping Noises never blended better than on this poppy single. Another great find by the Kill Rock Stars label.
15. Nantes – Beirut
The eclectic instruments and vocals by these world folk gurus are inspiring and perfect for dinner parties.
