The 10 Track Mixtape Thread (Song Lists Without Links Will Be Deleted)

[Bulldog]

Originally Posted by CaseNumber:825

My Present Top Ten Tracks
Considering many of who are confused by the music I listen to. Or intrigued by the sheer number of Asian artists that occupy my top lists on Last.fm I have compiled together a list of my current favourite songs from each of my top artists, just in case any of you want to have a listen at some great Asian music.

I have next to no Asian music in my library. I'm officially intrigued - downloading now...

[Molecules]

alright casenumber you J-pop/British comedy stalwart

My overall impression of J-pop is no longer entirely negative, just indifferent lol, but more informed thanks to your enlightening compilation. I don't think this was the super-squeaky day-glo dancepop my cousin was talking about.

There are a lot of different sounds at work, and I noticed you threw in some Chinese and Korean tracks as well which was good, it certainly wasn't all awful.
First off my main objection to this music is the shrink-wrapped, factory-line pop feel to it. I've never been huge on manufactured pop as a musical style, I don't actually know how many of these singers produce their own stuff if any?

The songs don't suffer from lack of writing talent (I'm sure the singers had the best writers and session musicians Sony Japan or whatever has to offer) but it is clearly produced for maximum fidelity to jostle for your attention with Asia's radio sensations.
Which is fine... it's just that the amount of musical re-appropriation on offer probably unnerved me I'll admit. For example one minute you'll be listening to a Timbaland-esque R'n'b club anthem (I own and enjoy some of Timbaland's landmark contributions to pop - Aaliyah, Writing's on the Wall etc), the next an Asian Britney Spears with buzzsaw synth faux-guitar line, the next a cheesy pop ballad with thrash metal backing?

It's all a bit overwhelming, and like I said it just feels very synthetic on a number of tracks, as if these women are not singing in their own true voice but that of some chuckling Simon Cowell-type exec (probably smoking a cigar with a Persian cat on his lap) trying to replicate Beyoncé's sales figures with native singers.

Having said all that if I'm in that kind of mood there are a couple of songs here I would happily have on rotation in a Western pop playlist; I've never been fond of the Japanese preference for melodrama though... what's that weird name for Japanese metal where they all wear really extravagant costumes? Special K or something? It's like emo gone kabuki, fun to look at but torturous to listen to.
Bands like Dir En Grey, the Ayumi Hamasaki song reminded me a bit of that but was much more fun to listen to.

I'll probably have more track-specific comments in a while, I've just had this on in the background and not really been paying attention to which song is which until just now!

[CaseNumber:825]

Originally Posted by Molecules

alright casenumber you J-pop/British comedy stalwart

My overall impression of J-pop is no longer entirely negative, just indifferent lol, but more informed thanks to your enlightening compilation. I don't think this was the super-squeaky day-glo dancepop my cousin was talking about.

There are a lot of different sounds at work, and I noticed you threw in some Chinese and Korean tracks as well which was good, it certainly wasn't all awful.
First off my main objection to this music is the shrink-wrapped, factory-line pop feel to it. I've never been huge on manufactured pop as a musical style, I don't actually know how many of these singers produce their own stuff if any?

The songs don't suffer from lack of writing talent (I'm sure the singers had the best writers and session musicians Sony Japan or whatever has to offer) but it is clearly produced for maximum fidelity to jostle for your attention with Asia's radio sensations.
Which is fine... it's just that the amount of musical re-appropriation on offer probably unnerved me I'll admit. For example one minute you'll be listening to a Timbaland-esque R'n'b club anthem (I own and enjoy some of Timbaland's landmark contributions to pop - Aaliyah, Writing's on the Wall etc), the next an Asian Britney Spears with buzzsaw synth faux-guitar line, the next a cheesy pop ballad with thrash metal backing?

It's all a bit overwhelming, and like I said it just feels very synthetic on a number of tracks, as if these women are not singing in their own true voice but that of some chuckling Simon Cowell-type exec (probably smoking a cigar with a Persian cat on his lap) trying to replicate Beyoncé's sales figures with native singers.

Having said all that if I'm in that kind of mood there are a couple of songs here I would happily have on rotation in a Western pop playlist; I've never been fond of the Japanese preference for melodrama though... what's that weird name for Japanese metal where they all wear really extravagant costumes? Special K or something? It's like emo gone kabuki, fun to look at but torturous to listen to.
Bands like Dir En Grey, the Ayumi Hamasaki song reminded me a bit of that but was much more fun to listen to.

I'll probably have more track-specific comments in a while, I've just had this on in the background and not really been paying attention to which song is which until just now!

It's true that not all of them write their own lyrics.... but surprisingly a lot of them do.... the ones that do write their own stuff are (From the artists in that playlist):

Koda Kumi
Ayumi Hamasaki
Ai Otsuka
Utada Hikaru
OLIVIA
misono



A-mei & BoA occasionally write their own stuff


You'll notice that there are more Japanese singers that write their own stuff. You'd be surprised at the sheer number of artists that do take more control over their work in Japan. The major factory-produced artists are the pop groups such as Hello!Project, a project made for the endorsement of the Hello Kitty products. They still make catchy songs, but they're not one of my favourites.
I think it's a strange rumour that Japanese artists don't write their own stuff, only mde BECAUSE of the Hello!Project fad.

You'll also notice, if you looked at most of these artists other works, that they are so diverse. They can go from pop, to rock, to RnB, to electronica.... and I'm only talking within one artists discography. Koda Kumi and Ayumi Hamasaki are especially known for this.


And yeah the weird Japanese rock groups that dress up are known as Visual-Kei artists..... I've never been a fan, can't say as I ever will be.

[jackhammer]

If you have winrar/zip then all thes files can be upped as a single file and downloaded as one too.

http://www.musicbanter.com/announcem...pilations.html

[CaseNumber:825]

I've just now uploaded the zipped folder of all the songs


Download Here

[Molecules]

Originally Posted by CaseNumber:825

I've just now uploaded the zipped folder of all the songs


Download Here

copped. You'll hear back about this, I promise to be brutally honest . My cousin lived in Japan for a while and she says the J-Pop drove her up the wall lol

[CaseNumber:825]

Originally Posted by Molecules

copped. You'll hear back about this, I promise to be brutally honest . My cousin lived in Japan for a while and she says the J-Pop drove her up the wall lol

It generally depends what you hear while you're there

What type of J-pop in particular.... artists like Koda Kumi, Ayumi Hamasaki, Ai Otsuka and Utada Hikaru never stick to one genre.... they like to branch out... which is something I've always admired about Asian artists

[LoathsomePete]

Gothic Country Mixtape

Pinebox Serenade - Lost Pines

Newer band I found, had a really tough time getting this CD in the less than legal manner. Very well written lyrics with a bit more of a full sound than most bands due to the fact that they have 7 members.

Elliott BROOD - Wolfgang

Arguably the first band that really got me interested in the gothic country genre. This trio from Toronto (wow try saying that 5 times fast) put out their first EP "Tin Type" in 2002 and their first LP "Ambassador" in 2005. 2008 saw their newest, and in my so unhumble opinion, their best work "Mountain Meadows". These guys are usually the first band I use to introduce people into the world of Gothic Country.

Munly & the Lee Lewis Harlots - Big Black Bull comes Like A Caeser

One of the newer bands I was given, but smitten after the first listen. These guys really are the epitome of Gothic Country. This song in particular was one that stood out on the first listen.

Corb Lund & the Hurtin' Albertans - Student Visas

To be fair, Corb Lund doesn't really fit into the Gothic Country sub genre but he's an absolutely amazing song writer and guitar player. If you're interested in history then you'll really enjoy the album this song is off of "Horse Solider! Horse Solider!".

Corey Smith - Drinkin' Again

Again, another artist who could be classified any which way, country, chill out music, folk, etc. I chose this particular song because of the song content, a man who falls off the wagon and doesn't really give a damn cause he's well... drinkin' again.

The Interpestuals - Stow Away

A personal favourite of mine, this immensely awesome but sadly defunct Calgary band is another one I use to indoctrinate people into the wonderful world of alternative country. Only one album, this band seemed to just fall off the face of the Earth, but not before leaving a particular bitter song that everyone can't help but sing along to despite the lyrical content.

O'Death - Angeline

One of the rare O'Death songs that isn't fast paced with a squealing fiddle and pounding drum. Awesome band in general if you can get past the singer's "Hillbillyeqsue" voice.

Two Cow Garage - Folksinger's Heart

Again, another band who isn't truly a Gothic Country, but is awesome none-the-less. This song in particular resonates well with me.

Those Poor Bastards - Sick & Alone

True to their band name this duo pretty much sums up everything that Gothic Country claims to be. Taking country music back to the raw basics these two write some of the most depressing songs I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. With a voice like he's channeling Johnny Cash moments before death, Lonesome Wyatt is one of the pinnacle singers in this movement. Oh yeah and they're both legal Pastors just for added amusement.

.357 String Band - Wishin I'd Die

More of a bluegrass (or blackgrass if you'd like) this group is a very eclectic blend of bluegrass, outlaw country, with hints of the newer Gothic movement. One of my favourite bands for driving.

Gothic Country Mixtape.zip

I hope you enjoy it.

[lucifer_sam]

Holy fuck Demonoid this mixtape is completely stellar. I'm enjoying every minute of it -- unfortunately I don't have it in the right order so I already had to hear the closer but this thing is completely insane - in a very good way.

EDIT: and I'm gonna snag that mixtape Pobody's Nerfect, it looks fantastic as well.

[4ZZZ]

Cheers to CaseNumber:825 and Pobodys_Nerfect

Looking forward to both of these.