Seeing as everyone else is doing it, I guess it’s time for the Akuhei Bakery Autumn Mix!
Also known as “Old & New Songs I’m Currently Obsessed With” or, for the less twee and indie, “A Bunch Of Songs Which I Found On My Computer”.
Download It! (52.9MB)
TRACK-BY-TRACK-ANALYSIS (sort of)
1. Kanye West - Good Morning (Intro)
Opening track of Kanye’s new album, Graduation. Minimaist beats, his usual sublime rhymes (err, which are better than mine), and, as the title suggests, a good intro song.
2. Geinoh Yamashirogumi - Kaneda
From the soundtrack to seminal 80’s anime Akira; tribal drums and apocalyptic chanting suit the film pretty well, I’d say.
3. Lightspeed Champion - No Surpise
Dev “Test Icicles” Hynes suprises with tender alt-folk. Unsuprisingly, he’s toured with the likes of Bright Eyes and his debut album is produced by one of their on-again, off-again cohorts.
4. They Might Be Giants - Don’t Let’s Start
Whoever thought they’d top the Malcolm In The Middle theme tune? I didn’t, foolishly, and only remembered about the group after hearing the song Experimental Film. This song is one of many greats they put out in their long, ecletic career.
5. Bob Dylan - The Man In Me
Already posted on the blog before, so short and sweet: Big Lebowski soundtrack, soul backing, raspy-voice Bob. Awesome.
6. Lupe Fiasco - I Gotcha (Blackwho? and Yambeard Rework)
Pretty-damn-good Lupe track made better with a jazzy reworking. But jazzy in a good way, not jazzy in the tat-my-Dad-likes way.
7. Beck - Loser
I love Beck. He rocks my socks. His first hit, which music fans who were around in the 90’s are probably sick of, but I love.
8. Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks
Yes, overplayed, re-released far too many times and, arguably, overexposed, but God-damn if this isn’t a near-perfect song
9. The Besnard Lakes - Devastation
Candian husband-and-wife duo make beautiful, apocalyptic (there’s that word again…) music. I first heard them on the Sound Opinions podcast, and haven’t looked back since.
10. Dizzee Rascal - Wannabe (featuring Lily Allen)
Rascal (using his “surname” sounds slightly less silly than saying “Dizzee”) puts is spin on the “I’m a better rapper than you, you gangsta poser” cliche of hip-hop (which we’ll see more of on the last song). Raised up by Rscal’s self-deprecating, hilarious lyrics, and a cameo appearnce by Lily Allen.
11. Supergrass - Caught By The Fuzz
First heard years ago, forgot about, then reminded by Hot Fuzz credits. Best song about cocaine since White Lines.
12. Geto Boys - Damn It Feels Good To Be a Gangsta
Also previously featured on the blog. Misoginyst, sexist, glorifying violence - everything about gangsta rap I tend to loathe. But I friggin’ love it here.
