The Scrabbled: Making Fun of Each Other since '99

Tonight was a catch-up-on-music night. Run through all the blogs, check some relevant labels, read through reddit’s listentothis and music subreddits, download anything that sounds interesting. And oh my god did I find something interesting.

Lately I’ve been finding that my regular new music sources (Stereogum, Gorilla vs. Bear, and yes, Pitchfork) have been largely churning out duds. Whether I’m losing touch or they’re getting too wrapped up in specific fads or sounds remains to be scene (hiyo!), but I’ve been finding my tastes have been getting weirder and more specific.

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Has leaked! I’m hearing a lot of “best thing they’ve done since Around the Fur.” I’m sort of in doubt about that, but I’m always interested in what these guys are up to. Though some of you might be as well. Note the topics.

Just grabbed this the other day. I’m curious to see what you guys think of it, especially the pre-existing liars fans (and I know there are at least a couple of you). On my first listen through, I noticed a few cool moments, but on the whole, it didn’t really grab me. Wondering if this was anyone else’s experience or if you guys are loving it.

Note the topics.

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Have you? I’m sticking with “favorite” and not “best” cause I don’t think any of us have listened to anywhere near enough music to say what the best is.

THOUGH I SHALL TRY.

Ten sleepy, wistful tunes about suburban Jersey summers. I can’t stop listening to it. As soon as the last track is over, I start it right back up again. Grab it and put it on tonight.

I haven’t like a Flaming Lips album since the Soft Bulletin. Both Yoshimi and At War with the Mystics were unbelievably grating; the melodies too saccharine, the production too over the top and compressed. I love a band that sounds like they’re just teetering on the edge of chaos and noise, but the Flaming Lips seem to have lost their balance several times now. Mostly, they trigger my gag reflex and they give me a headache.

So imagine my surprise when I found myself loving almost every single track on their new album, The Embryonic.

I thought this was a fun one. Kevin mentioned that it might be his favorite compilation so far, and I agree with him.

Scrabbled Comp #5: Hello, My Name Is

With so many solid, modern rock tracks, this compilation definitely feels like a result of The Scrabbled’s collective consciousness. I kinda hate Kevin and Hutch for their tracks, but I commend their test of democracy. Evan, I’m glad, after all the non-reading, you came up with “Frank Sinatra”. Apologies to Sammy for the last minute drop; if you want another track on here, let me know. Matthew, thanks for reminding me about The Postal Service (same to you, Jay, for Piebald).

Solid, everybody, 21 tracks solid. I left for Salem immediately after work Friday afternoon, so this one was compiled a little last minute. You’ll notice there are quite a few tracks missing in the folder. Please feel free to help where you can. You can drop it in your folder, my folder, or the comp’s folder, just let me know. Thanks in advance.

Scrabbled Comp #4: Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Banana Phone?

So the top track, in my opinion, is the Vince Guaraldi Trio song “Great Pumpkin Waltz”. Gosia managed to match the theme and the season. A nod to Jeff for the classic POTUSA jam “Peaches” and Evan’s clever submission. Note I took it upon myself to put all three parts of “King Of Carrot Flowers”; I don’t think anyone has a problem with that (thanks Heidi). I’m curious about the Muscles track, Julia, it has an interesting title. Hutch’s spelling issues have confused me.

Please note that this post is titled the exact same as the last compilation post. I didn’t like that I had all this information about the currently-built playlist, but then had a difference title for the post. So from here on out, I’m going to use the title of the past week’s already-made album.

Scrabbled Comp #3: Are You Having Fun?

So we had some returning artists this week, which is fun. David Bowie and R.E.M. are back. I really enjoyed the Buzzcocks song (never heard it). My top pick is “Do You Wanna Dance?” Mainly because it’s a great question to ask, but also because Sammy had some options for artists, and he went Ramones.

I’m still finding a few songs. Great turnout, though. I closed up with something a little weird, since my number one choice was mentioned by Travis (and technically Christina); I blame Hutch for reminding me about video game music.

Scrabbled Comp #2: Outta This World

Best submission, in my opinion, is Mandy’s “Laika” for mere reference power. I haven’t even heard the song yet. I wish I thought of it first for Arcade Fire’s “Neighborhood #2 (Laika)”.

I wish I was at home and I could just copy/paste the conversation from my chat log, but when I first put on this album, I had a conversation with Sammy that pretty much started “Ever put on an album for the first time and know within the first five seconds that you’re going to like it a lot?” Well, maybe it wasn’t the first five seconds cause track one takes at least thirty to kick in, but I was pretty sure that if the first song was this good and sounded this good, I was going to like everything that was to come. And I did!

So I’m working on a standard format for these posts. But since it’s still in the works, I’m going to continue discussing logistics with everyone. Soon, I’ll just be listing the last week’s tracklist, and the current week’s theme. Plain and simple.

The first compilation is titled Scrabbled Comp #1: Initial Compilation. Get it? Anyway, it’s 12 tracks long, which will be the minimum from here on out. Click here to listen from your computer. Go you know where to download it.

I am going to start a weekly Monday night ritual. Every week I am going to come up with a mixtape concept and you, the Scrabbled community, will assist in its creation.

Then I’ll make it a playlist on my iTunes to be entertained by, thank you.

I haven’t had a solid album downloading session in a while (usually I get one in weekly). My past two download sessions consisted of classic reggaeton like Buju Banton, and then some 90s hip-hop/rap like Tribe Called Quest.

I’m just sitting here randomly listening to tunes from my whole collection, and I’d like something new to try. It doesn’t necessarily have to be newly released, just new to me.

I will be reviewing this as I listen to it! Cause why the fuck not. Don’t look for any great prose. Just initial impressions. Note the topics nudgenudgewinkwink.

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So I’ve been on spring break since last Wednesday. I’ve been busy with Seton Hall work, rest, reading, and the outdoors. I haven’t been online too often.

I still can’t believe that Twitter post is alive. I’m probably going to miss my Lost responsibility tonight too.

Anyway, I just stopped in Jersey City to pay rent and I made a fresh set of CDs for my car. I thought it’d be a nice thing to share, seeing as I haven’t posted anything of interest in a while.

I never liked Pearl Jam’s debut album very much. I know it’s blasphemy, but aside from playing Jeremy quite a bit, I never really felt like listening to it ever. It just didn’t do anything for me (Vs., on the other hand…)

I have always liked the overall sound of this band. Cute, breezy vocals and a hint of the doo-wop era. I’m sure it will be more of the same which is fine. Eff Tee Pee.

Was thinking about this on the way to work. when critics spout about certain classic albums, I often wonder how much they actually listen to them. Sure Nevermind is a classic, but how often do you really ever put it on? I can’t remember the last time. I must be years. Granted, this is just one album and it’s just me, I’m sure there are some of you who listen to the album with some regularity. But you get the gist.

What classics or, hell, just what previous favorites of yours never make it onto your playlist anymore?

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Billy Bragg: Mr. Love and Justice – we were lucky enough to have him release an album during an election year, since that seems to be when he tours. i think i have listened to this more than anything else released this year. seeing him live @ the Keswick was awesome and he was such a good storyteller.

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds: Dig!!! Lazarus, Dig!!! – yet another lucky touring year, as he hardly ever comes stateside. not my absolute favourite by the group, but still strong enough to keep me listening. another charming performer.