Mix from Pam - Review

Thanks, Pam! The best thing about this mix was that it was almost all totally new for me.

1. Rehab - Amy Winehouse.

Awesome beginning! I think this is my favorite track of the mix, after repeated listening. In one line of the song, she sings "I'd rather be at home with Ray" that makes me wonder if the song is part of a story, like A Grand Don't Come For Free. Anyway, I'm definitely buying more of this!

2. Our Velocity - Maximo Park

Nice dance track with an 80's feel - ooh, college days. It doesn't stick in my head, though. I have to keep playing it to remember how it goes.

3. The Birds of St. Marks - Jackson Browne

Gentle, melancholy piano song. Not my favorite of Jackson Browne, but not a bad one.

4. Inches and Falling - The Format

This was the second one to really grab my attention. I love the combination of the bouncy, sing-along chorus (I love love! I love being in love and I don't care what it does to me) and the otherwise funny, cynical lyrics. I'm definitely going to seek out more of their stuff!

5. I'll Never Be Anybody's Hero Now - Morrissey

I can't listen too much to this one for fear of overdosing on pills and vodka. One time, I asked somebody what kind of music does Morrissey do? The friend answered, "depressing, self-pitying stuff." This song must be quintessential Morrissey - No one loves me, the only person who ever loved me is dead, no one will ever love me again. Damn! I'm too old for it now, all that depression and angst - having experienced enough of it in reality. BUT. I have to admit, the song is actually kind of beautiful.

6. Annie Let's Not Wait - Guillemots

Sweet, upbeat, breezy song. Nice one!

7. Pretty - The Beautiful South

Another standout. The first time my almost 4-year-old heard it, he immediately requested it for his playlist on my iPod. This one has a country feel to it, great tune, charming lyrics. Another group I'd like to hear more of.

8. Tomorrow - James

I like this one, but it doesn't stick in my head.

9. Rootless Tree - Damien Rice

I have to remember to skip past this one when the child is in the car since "Fuck you!" features prominently in the lyrics. (Thanks for the warning!) I like the range of dynamics and emotion in this song - it's an interesting one.

10. Telephone X - Texas

The band is not actually from Texas, but rather Scotland. I really like the lead singer's voice on this lovely song about phone sex. Great melody I want to sing along with - but not in front of my mother.

11. A New England - Kirstie MacColl

This is a beautiful song about being 22 and disillusioned in love. I'd never heard of this singer, and when I googled her, I learned that she died saving her son's life in a boating accident. Maybe knowing that adds an extra layer of melancholy to the song for me. I really like her voice and style.

12. I Could Fall In Love With You - Erasure

I had just heard from a friend who went to the True Colors concert in Vegas that Erasure was the band that really brought the gay! This is a great dance tune that reminds me that disco never died. I can listen to this over and over.

13. We Are Monkeys - Travis

Love it! Cute, catchy, funny - I have a weakness for those traits in a song.

14. A Good Heart - Maria McKee

This is another song that really stood out for me. It reminded me of Warren Zevon, actually - a tuneful, piano-based almost gospel-sounding song with oohs and wahs in the background. When I googled the singer, I realized she also sang one of my favorites off the Pulp Fiction soundtrack, "If love is a red dress." I will definitely buy more of her music.

15. I Still Remember - Bloc Party

Another one that just doesn't stick in my head. Maybe with repeated listenings. . .

16. Love It When You Call - The Feeling

Great pop tune! Can't get it out of my head. Nice one to end on.

I really enjoyed this, and I appreciated the exposure to a lot of songs I would never have heard. Best new discoveries: Amy Winehouse (where have you been all my life?), The Format, The Beautiful South, and Maria McKee.