Mix Club Round 6 – CD from Nicole

OK I know I should have posted this months ago, and the next round is now underway, but I really must post my review of round six. So to tide us over until our round seven CDs arrive, here it is.

When my CD arrived in the post, I looked at the track listing and thought that there was a recurrent theme, it’s not hard to miss (just look down below). What I didn’t know then was what the reason was. I thought I’d worked it out when I read Nicole’s blog and realised she was an LA ex-pat living in London. I didn’t know until the other day, when I ‘fessed up to be lazy about getting around to writing my review that when she put the CD together she was feeling homesick.

This however is one great CD IMHO, thanks Nicole…

California Dreamin’ - The Mama’s & Papa’s

Classic track have always loved this, even if it does get considerably over-played on “oldies” radio stations. Great start, love this mix already.

L.A Woman - The Doors

I am a huge Doors fan, and this is one of my favourites. Another hit.

Hotel California – Gipsy Kings

Not The Eagles version, which I was actually quite glad of, because a bit like California Dreamin’ that gets too much air-play. This version is however perhaps better than the original? Always a bit risky saying that and often so often proven not to be the case (anyone remember Madonna’s version of American Pie?), in this case the Spanish guitar and vocals do bring a special touch not present in the original, although not quite sure why they switch back to English for part of the chorus, perhaps because it doesn’t translate (Such a lovely place, such a lovely place). Three hits in a row, where does this mix go now?

Only to one of my all time favourite performers!

California – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, were a group that I was listening to around one of the pivotal moments in my life. It was summer and Free falling, Learning to Fly, Running Down the Dream, were constant companions on my cassette tape walkman as I mowed neighbourhood lawns. I’ve loved them ever since, and through them all the members of The Travelling Wilburys. Now running four for four.

No Peace Los Angeles - Mike Dougherty

OK, I’ll be honest, this wasn’t an instant hit. I didn’t like it the first few times, but it’s a grower. The more I listened, and I mean listened to the words the more it grew.

Los Angeles, I’m Yours – The Decemberists

I’d not heard of The Decemberists until some one asked Girl on a Train for her top tunes of 2007, she listed them as part of recommendations, and I took a leap and found that I enjoyed them too. This track was new though, but as good as the others.

California – Josh Ritter

A most chilled track. An audio tour of California. Loved it.

Come A Long Way – Michelle Shocked

I’m not a fan of Michelle Shocked I’m afraid. If I hadn’t read the track listing before I’d played it, it might have been OK because I did like the tracked, and it fitted really well with the CD as a whole, I just had to overcome my prejudice! So eyes closed another hit for this CD, but I’m not going to convert to being a Michelle Shocked fan just yet.

California – Rufus Wainwright

Heard of him, but never his music. Again this one fitted well with the rest of the mix, and left me wondering whether to track down more. I haven’t done so yet, but it’s just the sort of CD I might pick up in a sale, and then end up with even more in my collection as time goes by.

Screenwriters Blues – Soul Coughing

A change of pace, with a song relying much more on it’s lyrics than the instruments played. It’s quite addictive though.

California Sun – Ramones

Again another case of heard of, but not the music. This time I don’t think it captured me enough to want more, it just made me think of a cheap Beach Boys take off. Unfortunately the only miss on the whole CD.

Walking in LA – Missing Persons

Back to winning ways, another hit.

Los Angeles Waltz – Razorlight

I hadn’t heard this Razorlight track before, despite having at least one of their albums in my CD collection.

Beverly Hills – Weezer

It’s always a tad embarrassing when you catch yourself on the train, joining in to the track that’s playing on your headphones, and realising that (of course) no one else can hear what you can. Another hit (and embarrassing moment, thanks Nicole ;) )

Why You’d Want To Live Here – Death Cab for Cutie

Never heard of them or their music before this CD, but an instant favourite, and one of the best on the CD. Really great track, great lyrics, tunes and whole package really.

California Stars – Billy Brag and Wilco

Perfect reduction in temp after the previous track, and another hit. Great mellow tune.

In California – Neko Case

Another one that I’ve never heard of before, and another new discovery. I really enjoyed this track, and will definitely be seeking out more of her[?] music.

Blues in LA – Cecil Grant

This was great. Just like an old 78rpm record and perfect for this CD. Another hit, and a reminder to me why I like blues music.

Surf Beat – Dick Dale and His Del-Tones

A great track to end on, and another one that I’ve never heard of, but will be tracking down some more. All instrumental and just great, a bit like the closing credits of a movie and California. This whole CD is great and I really loved every minute of it. Incredible ratio of hits to misses, only one miss on the whole CD.

I didn’t know it at the time, that Nicole was feeling home-sick when she put it together, I hope it gave you as much pleasure as it has given me.