1. "Those Were The D'oh!s"
These tend to be hit or miss with me, and although very funny, I could do without it.
OPA! RATING: N/A

2. Devin Davis - Transcendental Sports Anthem
There’s something about this that’s not clicking with me. The music is a bit chaotic in a bad way, and the vocals too weak.
OPA! RATING: 4.5 (…out of 10)

3. Destroyer - 3000 Flowers
I’m not at all a fan of spoken word as it tends to add a tackiness to the song, and this one is as tacky as they get. Awful.
OPA! RATING: 3.0

4. John Dufilho - I'm Outside
This one has some potential. It’s catchy and enjoyable but too short and repetitive towards the end. A blown opportunity.
OPA! RATING: 6.0

5. Babyshambles - Back From The Dead
This guy has such a distinct voice. I like this band a little better than the Libertines in that they don’t sound as contrived. The mix seems to be improving.
OPA! RATING: 6.5

6. Neko Case - Hold On, Hold On
Sometimes I think Neko Case should just sing a capella as her music always seems too bland. Nevertheless, her vocals make this song.
OPA! RATING: 7.0

7. The American Analog Set - First Of Four
These guys annoy the crap out of me, in a good way. I’ll explain. I never seem to get through an album of theirs in one sitting, yet a single song on a mix makes them irresistible to me. And this one’s no exception.
OPA! RATING: 7.5

8. Headphones - Pink And Brown
Ugh. Just when things started to look up, this song happens. Very bland, and the guy from Pedro the Lion needs to stop singing.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

9. Slender Means - Hidden Grove
This isn’t bad at all. It’s catchy and melodic and seems to serve its purpose. Is it memorable? No. But it does its job.
OPA! RATING: 7.0

10. The Raconteurs - Steady, As She Goes
See above.
OPA! RATING: 7.0

11. Rhett Miller - Ain't That Strange
Another momentum killer, and this one’s a doozy. Awful.
OPA! RATING: 3.5

12. Eagles Of Death Metal - I Gotta Feeling (Just Nineteen)
I suppose this one’s OK, but like someone else mentioned, why even bother with them when you can go straight to Queens of the Stone Age. The only positive thing about these guys is that they tend to sound more down to earth than QOTSA.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

13. The Minus 5 - Original Luke
Right about now, the songs just start to sound alike to me. Nothing great about this, and I’m not sure it’s decent either ‘cause it sounds like the song before it.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

14. The Ike Reilly Assassination - Farm Girl
See above. I’ll also add that this one at least tries to distinguish itself from the others with some horns. It’s doesn’t work though.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

15. "No Folk Like Prison Folk"
Oh here we go again. Actually, this mix seems to need a break ‘cause of all the non-descript power pop/rock that preceded it.
OPA! RATING: N/A

16. Cat Power - Could We
A little bit of a change of pace but still rather bland. This song doesn’t save the mix and rather brings it down to a new level.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

17. Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Honey Child, What Can I Do?
This isn’t bad actually. There’s something very soothing about it which is desperately needed in this mix. I’m starving for some variety here.
OPA! RATING: 5.5

18. The Rosebuds - Shake Our Tree
Without a doubt, my favorite song on the mix. Pop at its best: male/female vocals, hand claps, a nice rhythm, etc. Love it!
OPA! RATING: 8.0

19. Marah - The Hustle
Back to the non-descript rock, and I’m a little bummed out. Furthermore, how people on this board praised this band is mind-boggling.
OPA! RATING: 3.5

20. Portastatic - Through With People
This would sound right at home on the O.C. soundtrack, and I don’t quite know how to feel about that. Decent I suppose.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

21. The New Pornographers - Graceland
There’s a reason why this was left off the proper albums. It’s a b-side and not one that’s going to make you go out and buy the single or EP that it’s on. Very bland. Very disappointing ‘cause the New Pornographers are not bland.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

22. Spoon - My First Time, Vol. 3
I like Spoon but this is one of their worst songs. Awkward and clumsy.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

23. Ted Leo + Pharmacists - Suspect Device
Ugh. I’ve totally soured on this guy. And this song won’t do anything to change my mind about him. It’s sloppy and forced.
OPA! RATING: 3.5

24. Okkervil River - No Key, No Plan
One of the most overhyped bands in the world. I just don’t get the love for this guy. His music and lyrics are contrived and his vocals are too forced. The song itself is decent but again, will I remember it in 5 minutes?
OPA! RATING: 5.5

25. Centro-Matic - Triggers & Trash Heaps
I love this guy’s vocals. Too bad his music is lacking. Whether it’s South San Gabriel, Centro-Matic, or simply Will Johnson, his music has never inspired me. His vocals are solid though.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

26. Sally Crewe & The Sudden Moves - Looks Fast For A Reason
Another average song with uninspiring music.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

27. Robert Pollard - I'm A Widow
This mix is ending on a down note. Very uninspiring. This song is symbolic of this mix: non-descript, average, and indifferent.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

I must say, I’m very disappointed in this mix ‘cause it came from Bob. One thing about Bob’s mixes you can always count on is that they don’t disappoint. I can’t say that about this mix, and that’s a shame.

Although, I didn’t technically hate any one song, there also wasn’t that one song that blew me away. I would’ve liked to have seen a little more variety and not the same old power pop/rock song recycled over and over again.

Finally, I also felt impassionate about this mix. It was rather uninspiring and seemed to lose focus towards the end.

OPA! RATING: 5.18 (…out of 10)

I appreciate the candor, Chris. I agree that I don't really stray very far from the same vein on this one, so that makes it a pretty polarizing love it/hate it proposition. I tried to pick songs that really stood out for me on the albums from which they came, but in the end, I think they all sound just like my taste. Or, my name...Bland (haha).

You've definitely given me some food for thought on my next mix, and that sort of feedback is always beneficial.

Don't go overboard, FT. Remember that OPA's disapproval is the mark of quality.

Nobody really asked you, old man, did they?

I'm not really a speak-only-when-spoken-to kinda guy, tubby.

1. "Those were the D'OHS!"
I might complain about the length of this if it wasn't so facking funny.

2. Devin Davis - Transcendental Sports Anthem 3/5
Devin should know you cannot have a sports anthem without a whooped WOO HOO chorus (unless, of course, it's in celebration of a team becoming champions, in which case the more nutlessly maudlin the better). So, nope. T'ain't gonna work in the sports arena. Luckily for me, I don't live in one of those. Good stuff, then.

3. Destroyer - 3000 Flowers 3/5
I wish I could pin down where that guitar riff is stolen from - 'cuz THAT is a song. Anyway, this is one of the better Destroyer songs I've ever heard. I still think Dan Bejar is a total fraud, but at least here he manages to sell the scam.

4. John Dufilho - I'm Outside 3/5
That melody line might be another example of creative thievery, but it's at the service of a decent song. Melancholy power pop that fades out before it's really had a chance to register. I dig.

5. Babyshambles - Back from the Dead 3/5
And while I'm on the subject of theft... um, Pete, Hall and Oates want their bass line back. Still, this might be the most cohesive song on the babyshambles disc, which doesn't necessarily make it the best. It's good enough, though - I've put it on a few mixes myself.

6. Neko Case - Hold On, Hold On 4/5
I love that coiling guitar that runs through this song. This is the first I've heard from Fox Confessor Brings The Flood (uh, anagrams, anyone?) and its gorgeous melody gives me hope that this new album is an improvement over the somewhat murky Blacklisted.

7. American Analog Set - First of Four 3/5
Every band needs a mission, and if American Analog Set's mission is the gentrification of the Velvet Underground, then who am I to argue? Pleasant background stuff. I'll probably pirate this for some future downtemp mix.

8. Headphones - Pink and Brown 2/5
I kinda like this guy's voice, which saves the song because the rest of it sounds like it was pieced together from the lost "minimal funk mix" that Styx discarded during their Mr. Roboto sessions.

9. Simple Means - Hidden Grove 4/5
This song comes in perfectly after "Pink And Brown". I'm liking this a lot. Mostly for the killer chorus. Well, maybe it doesn't so much "kill" as prod angrily with a sharp stick. But I'm still liking it.

10. The Raconteurs - Steady, As She Goes 4/5
"Look over there! (Where?)" Oh yeh, Joe Jackson's gonna be pissed, but that pouty prick wasn't doing anything with this bassline anyway. I really like how Benson's voice works off of White's. This album could be very good.

11. Rhett Miller - Ain't That Strange 3/5
Rhett's gotta learn to color outside the lines. Once he figures that out - and I think he will - he's gonna get interesting. In the meantime, this sort of aggressive power pop should be right up my alley, but it kinda leaves me cold. That is strange.

12. Eagles of Death Metal - I Gotta Feeling (Just Nineteen) 4/5
I don't know how this stuff works. It's repetitious as all hell, and the singer sounds like a cartoon bee with a drinking problem. But, damn, it's gold, Jerry, GOLD.

13. The Minus 5 - Original Luke 4/5
I'm glad to see Scott MacCaughey finally eking out a career that people outside of the PacNW can enjoy. He's been an unsung treasure for 20 years (and holyfuck yes, it WAS that long ago that I first heard "Young Fresh Fellow's Theme" - so thumbs down to the cruel passage of time). Thumbs up otherwise.

14. The Ike Reilly Assassination - Farm Girl 4/5
Ike can do no wrong. Even when he does wrong he's right. I don't know what some people expect out of rock 'n' roll - power steering and anti-lock brakes instead of 4-on-the-floor perhaps - and I don't care. You either have the rock or you don't. Y'either get it or you don't. Don't blame Ike if you don't. Blame your damn parents.

15. "No Folk Like Prison Folk"
I'll complain a little about this one.

16. Cat Power - Could We 4/5
Best thing I've ever heard from Cat Power. Mang, that studio band reeeally had to mute themselves not to drown her out though.

17. Isobel Campbell/Mark Lanegan - Honey Child, What Can I Do? 4/5
Mark Lanegan has this rich baritone that adds sorrowful depth to practically anything. Isobell Campbell, on the other hand, coos anonymously like every girl who's ever joined a high school glee club. I guess that contrast works - grizzled molo vs. everygirl - but those strings almost tangle the whole enterprise in schmaltz.

18. The Rosebuds - Shake Our Tree 4/5
Pretty cool for what it is. I'm just not sure what it is. Somebody's whacking an anvil for the beat, and some children snuck into the studio for the chorus. I cannot responsibly condone whacking an anvil around the presence of children. Even if "whacking an anvil" is a euphemism, somebody's gonna get hurt.

19. Marah - The Hustle 5/5
Please refer to the Ike Reilly comments. And blame your education system as well.

20. Portastatic - Through With People 4/5
I know how Mac feels. This is way better than I expected, seeing as I pretty much dismissed Superchunk as talentless dicks a long time ago. Now I gotta reassess. So thanks, FT, for giving me homework, y'bastid.

21. The New Pornographers - Graceland 3/5
I remain mostly unimpressed with the New Pornographers. They're okay. And I wish them every success, natch. This song is no better and no worse than everything else they've ever put out. An overly busy arrangement, no real emotion, Newman's clipped sense of melody (which generally bails out just BEFORE the hook), and typically solid construction. It's po-mo pop without any heart. All surface, because depth requires a stance, and stance plays havoc with ironic detachment. Kids today, I tell ya.

22. Spoon - My First Time, Vol 3 4/5
I would've liked this on Gimme Fiction in place of "Was It You?", but I guess then the album wouldn't have worked as well when you played it in reverse order. Spiralling it from the center outwards, however, would've been awesome.

23. Ted Leo + the Pharmacists - Suspect Device 3/5
Not the definitive version, of course - I doubt anybody, including Ted, expected this to eclipse Stiff Little Fingers. I'm glad you included this on the mix, FT, 'cuz Ted played this when I saw him live and I've always wished for a memento.

24. Okkervil River - No Key, No Plan 4/5
I thought Black Sheep Boy was an admirable failure. It's ambition was great, but it didn't quite succeed in translating that ambition into a 100% effective collection of songs. Its high points were pretty fucking high, though. This song implies the band is continuing to reach for the stars, so I'm on board for the journey.

25. Centro-Matic - Triggers & Trash Heaps 4/5
One of the best Centro-matic tunes I've heard. Is this off their new one? I'm gonna have to track that down.

26. Sally Crewe & the Sudden Moves - Looks Fast For A Reason 4/5
Another album I've gotta find. The Spoon freak in me loves this. I can see why others might find it pretty meh.

27. Robert Pollard - I'm a Widow 4/5
To me, Pollard's comparable to Carl Newman: he can make constructs of rock songs but can't quite muster up a real rock song. This one comes pretty close to proving me wrong but, y'know, close only matters in horseshoes and handgrenades (and, by extension, in albums by former drummers for the Replacments).



Anyway, I'm really enjoying this mix. The only complaint I've got is that the sound levels are way down compared to every other mix I've received, so I can't pop this small masterwork in random play. Fix dat shit, Bob, 'cuz our tastes are pretty similar!

Thanks!

Rads, your generous review made putting that mix together all worthwhile!

I listened to a lot of this today again since I had it in my car and (although I don't normally do this) made a few small updates in my reviews.

I like the Marah, Isobel Campbell/Mark Lanegan, Ike Reilly, and (especially) the American Analog Set songs more than I initially realized.

Bob, your hazing was the catalyst I needed to make time to do this. Ever thought about a career in collections?

This damn mix built a nest in my car’s cd player and has been on heavy rotation since receipt.

1. N/A
2. Devin Davis ~ Transcendental Sports Anthem – Yup, just enough garage, geetar, background hollers, and cheers to warrant the word “anthem” in the title. I like. 3/5
3. Destroyer ~ 3000 Flowers – Most indubitably not anthemic, making the transition pretty abrupt from the previous track. Bejar’s recording the vocal twice for the hip stereo effect can be grating at times. That said, I’ve really been grooving on “Rubies”, and the vocals end with more than a minute left in the song (save Dan’s “Okay, that’s good” at 2:43). I really dig the closing jam. 4/5
4. John Dufilho ~ I'm Outside – Poppy, beachy, catchy, brief. Nice. 4/5
5. Babyshambles ~ Back from the Dead – Every time this song starts, my initial reaction usually involves some smarmy “the Smiths want their opening riff back” comment (I know, slightly different bass line, but still…). Anyway, once the vocals start, the tune’s not half bad (until I hear that damn intro again). Let’s go with 2.5/5
6. Neko Case ~ Hold On, Hold On – Much love for Neko. I’m sure this amazing live. 5/5
7. American Analog Set ~ First of Four – Great little driving tune. 4.5/5
8. Headphones ~ Pink and Brown - Mix is hitting a groove now. Never heard this when it was initially released; Bazan’s still preaching, and while it’s a bit keyboard-heavy, I really like it. 4/5
9. Slender Means ~ Hidden Grove – Again, a bit keyboard-heavy for my taste, and there’s a bit to much repetition in the chorus and ooooh’s for me to see this as anything but run o' the mill radio pop. 2/5
10. The Raconteurs ~ Steady, As She Goes – Dammit! As much as the intro reminds me of Joe Jackson’s Is She Really…, the tune quickly takes a rocking turn, and repeated listens have me upping the volume every time it pops on. Joe Jackson, though. Right? 4/5
11. Rhett Miller ~ Ain't That Strange – What is it about tambourine over smoking guitar solos that warms my heart? The song definitely rocks, but I’ve had trouble getting into it on a repeated basis. 3.5/5
12. Eagles of Death Metal ~ I Gotta Feeling (Just Nineteen) – Hmmmm, I’ve tried to get into this, but can’t. 2/5
13. The Minus 5 ~ Original Luke – This one stood out for quite a long time and has stood the test of time for me. 3.5/5
14. The Ike Reilly Assassination ~ Farm Girl – Great lyrics but sounds quite a bit like the last couple of tracks. I sense that it would stand out a bit more if didn’t follow consecutive tracks with a similar sound. 3.5/5
15. N/A
16. Cat Power ~ Could We – And how. Much more upbeat than I expected, but man, has this one grown on me. Fuckin’ halfway to Motown sound and Chan’s layered vocals – it really delivers. I recently read a blog article that called Chan’s voice an 'American treasure', and I 100% agree. I’ve hit “repeat” on this one many times. 5/5
17. Isobel Campbell/Mark Lanegan ~ Honey Child – Another great track and a solid transition. The dichotomy of their voices is amazing. 5/5
18. The Rosebuds ~ Shake Our Tree – Tough transition from the beauty of the last two tracks, but this one ground itself into my brain. I give. 4.5/5
19. Marah ~ The Hustle – This is the second mix containing a Marah track, and I’ve enjoyed both. May have to investigate further. 3/5
20. Portastatic ~ Through With People – This one was a pleasant surprise. Great driving tune. 3.5/5
21. The New Pornographers ~ Graceland – Come on, I can’t match Rad’s review! All I’ll say is that it ain’t they’re best effort. 3/5
22. Spoon ~ My First Time, Vol 3 – This feels like it wants to rock harder than it does. I love most things Spoon, but this one never takes off. 3/5
23. Ted Leo + the Pharmacists ~ Suspect Device - Pretty solid version. 3/5
24. Okkervil River ~ No Key, No Plan – This one comes and goes, and I barely notice it. Have heard a lot of great things about them, but this doesn’t motivate me to look further. 2.5/5
25. Centro-Matic ~ Triggers & Trash Heaps – Lumbers along nicely. Strong lyrics. 3.5/5
26. Sally Crewe & the Sudden Moves ~ Looks Fast For A Reason – Not very complex, but I like this one as well. 4/5
27. Robert Pollard ~ I'm a Widow – I abandoned Bob’s solo material after Motel of Fools (yeah, a mistake on my part, but I wasn’t a fan of that particular release). Anyway, this tune and the others I’ve heard off of From a Compound Eye incented me to pick it up. Damn glad I did. 4/5

As I listen, I can’t help but notice an underlying Spoon sound throughout the mix. Open space, distinct bass lines, keyboards, handclaps, maracas. I really enjoy listening to this, and it’s a testament to the consistency of your taste. It does run a bit long and some of the transitions are abrupt, but who gives a shit – the lion’s share of tracks are pretty fucking good, and it's a solid soundtrack to driving. Thanks, mang.

My apologies to Bob, but I've continued to listen to his mix and after several more listens, it's grown on me.

Soild mix. If I have the time today, I'll put together a revised review.

Thanks for the review, Bart! And thanks for the reconsideration, Chris!

1. "Those Were The D'oh!s"
These tend to be hit or miss with me, and although very funny, I could do without it.
OPA! RATING: N/A

REVISION: It’s actually quite funny. Again, is it necessary? Normally, I’d say no, but Bob gets such a kick out of these, I’d hate to break his heart. This wouldn’t be an FT mix if it didn’t begin with a Simpsons’ reference.
OPA! RATING: N/A

2. Devin Davis - Transcendental Sports Anthem
There’s something about this that’s not clicking with me. The music is a bit chaotic in a bad way, and the vocals too weak.
OPA! RATING: 4.5 (…out of 10)

REVISION: This grew on me after several listens. It’s a catchy power pop anthem, but it’s still not one of my favorites. It’s a decent start to the mix though.
OPA! RATING: 6.0 (…out of 10)

3. Destroyer - 3000 Flowers
I’m not at all a fan of spoken word as it tends to add a tackiness to the song, and this one is as tacky as they get. Awful.
OPA! RATING: 3.0

REVISION: Definitely better than my initial impression of this song. How much better? A little, but I don’t hate it as much as I did before. I’ll give him an extra point for his work in the New Pornographers.
OPA! RATING: 5.0 + 1 = 6.0

4. John Dufilho - I'm Outside
This one has some potential. It’s catchy and enjoyable but too short and repetitive towards the end. A blown opportunity.
OPA! RATING: 6.0

REVISION: I really like this one more now. It’s catchy as hell and makes me want to find him and give him a congratulatory blow job. It’s that good. I’m also going to seek out some of the Deathray Davies releases. A higher rating if it wasn’t so damn short.
OPA! RATING: 8.0

5. Babyshambles - Back From The Dead
This guy has such a distinct voice. I like this band a little better than the Libertines in that they don’t sound as contrived. The mix seems to be improving.
OPA! RATING: 6.5

REVISION: That voice, how can anybody hate it. The man is a nut job but his music is undeniably good. I can’t also deny that his lifestyle is quite the turn on for me. An extra point for that.
OPA! RATING: 7.0 + 1 = 8.0

6. Neko Case - Hold On, Hold On
Sometimes I think Neko Case should just sing a capella as her music always seems too bland. Nevertheless, her vocals make this song.
OPA! RATING: 7.0

REVISION: I don’t disagree with my initial opinion but this song has grown on me more than any other on this mix. The woman is a musical goddess. Also, an extra point for her affiliation with the New Pornographers.
OPA! RATING: 8.0 + 1 = 9.0

7. The American Analog Set - First Of Four
These guys annoy the crap out of me, in a good way. I’ll explain. I never seem to get through an album of theirs in one sitting, yet a single song on a mix makes them irresistible to me. And this one’s no exception.
OPA! RATING: 7.5

REVISION: My opinion hasn’t changed about this one. The Set are what they are. An extra .5 for improving slightly.
OPA! RATING: 8.0

8. Headphones - Pink And Brown
Ugh. Just when things started to look up, this song happens. Very bland, and the guy from Pedro the Lion needs to stop singing.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

REVISION: Another grower and another reason why I shouldn’t write reviews on one or two listens. Gazan’s voice has grown on me, and the music isn’t bad either. One of the bigger growers on the mix.
OPA! RATING: 6.5

9. Slender Means - Hidden Grove
This isn’t bad at all. It’s catchy and melodic and seems to serve its purpose. Is it memorable? No. But it does its job.
OPA! RATING: 7.0

REVISION: This was one of my favorites and it still is. It’s catchy as hell and I was wrong – it is memorable. I just hope this song doesn’t come on if I’m ever alone in the room with you, Bob. It won’t be pretty. See John Dufilho review for refernce.
OPA! RATING: 9.0

10. The Raconteurs - Steady, As She Goes
See above.
OPA! RATING: 7.0

REVISION: All I can is WOW! Just WOW! One of the catchier songs on the mix, along with Slender Means. Brendan Benson should never do another solo record cause this absolutely rocks. Although, I like it before, it’s still one of the biggest growers. Excellent.
OPA! RATING: 9.0

11. Rhett Miller - Ain't That Strange
Another momentum killer, and this one’s a doozy. Awful.
OPA! RATING: 3.5

REVISION: This one did not improve much for me. Although it’s not as bas bad as I originally thought, it’s just not that great of a song. Rhett Miller is decent but there’s something a little polished about him that I don’t like. He’s John Mayer without the Top 40 hits.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

12. Eagles Of Death Metal - I Gotta Feeling (Just Nineteen)
I suppose this one’s OK, but like someone else mentioned, why even bother with them when you can go straight to Queens of the Stone Age. The only positive thing about these guys is that they tend to sound more down to earth than QOTSA.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

REVISION: Nothing much changed for me with this one as well. Decent enough I suppose but see my review above.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

13. The Minus 5 - Original Luke
Right about now, the songs just start to sound alike to me. Nothing great about this, and I’m not sure it’s decent either ‘cause it sounds like the song before it.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

REVISION: I’ll admit, this one grew on me a little. I seem to groove to this song without even noticing so it gets an extra point.
OPA! RATING: 5.0 + 1 = 6.0

14. The Ike Reilly Assassination - Farm Girl
See above. I’ll also add that this one at least tries to distinguish itself from the others with some horns. It’s doesn’t work though.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

REVISION: Not much change here either. It’s not as good as the Minus 5 song but still rather good. The horns add depth to the song.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

15. "No Folk Like Prison Folk"
Oh here we go again. Actually, this mix seems to need a break ‘cause of all the non-descript power pop/rock that preceded it.
OPA! RATING: N/A

REVISION: Again, harmless fun, but I’m not a fan of non-musical tracks in the middle of the mix.
OPA! RATING: N/A

16. Cat Power - Could We
A little bit of a change of pace but still rather bland. This song doesn’t save the mix and rather brings it down to a new level.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

REVISION: Ms. Chan really has never made any sort of impression on me. I find her music boring. With that said, this song isn’t that bad. It adds another element to the mix but not enough to make it noticeable. A little better than I thought.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

17. Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Honey Child, What Can I Do?
This isn’t bad actually. There’s something very soothing about it which is desperately needed in this mix. I’m starving for some variety here.
OPA! RATING: 5.5

REVISION: Similar to Cat Power, this song adds a nice change of pace to the mix but it seems too brief to even bother. Nevertheless, the small sample is still quite pleasant.
OPA! RATING: 5.5

18. The Rosebuds - Shake Our Tree
Without a doubt, my favorite song on the mix. Pop at its best: male/female vocals, hand claps, a nice rhythm, etc. Love it!
OPA! RATING: 8.0

REVISION: This song gets better with every listen. I just want to rip my clothes off and have sex with a Mormon. Excellent!!! It’s official, I’m buying all their albums. Where should I start, Bob?
OPA! RATING: 10.0

19. Marah - The Hustle
Back to the non-descript rock, and I’m a little bummed out. Furthermore, how people on this board praised this band is mind-boggling.
OPA! RATING: 3.5

REVISION: I’m still not convinced that this band deserves the praise it’s received on this board, but I can understand it a little more now. It really grows on you after repeated listens. And there’s something very soothing about it.
OPA! RATING: 6.0

20. Portastatic - Through With People
This would sound right at home on the O.C. soundtrack, and I don’t quite know how to feel about that. Decent I suppose.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

REVISION: I’m still getting an O.C./emo vibe from this song which is affecting me in a negative way, but I can’t get past how passionate the vocals are and with the conviction this guy is singing those words. He’s definitely through with people and I believe him.
OPA! RATING: 7.0

21. The New Pornographers - Graceland
There’s a reason why this was left off the proper albums. It’s a b-side and not one that’s going to make you go out and buy the single or EP that it’s on. Very bland. Very disappointing ‘cause the New Pornographers are not bland.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

REVISION: That chorus, WOW! This song is all about the chorus which I hadn’t noticed the first time around. The New Pornographers rule!
OPA! RATING: 6.5

22. Spoon - My First Time, Vol. 3
I like Spoon but this is one of their worst songs. Awkward and clumsy.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

REVISION: I hate to say this cause I love Spoon, but this may be the worst song on the mix. Who woulda thunk it. There’s just nothing good about it. It’s not doing anything for me. Sorry Britt.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

23. Ted Leo + Pharmacists - Suspect Device
Ugh. I’ve totally soured on this guy. And this song won’t do anything to change my mind about him. It’s sloppy and forced.
OPA! RATING: 3.5

REVISION: I don’t know, I’ve soured on Mr. Leo. It’s improved a little since my review but not enough to make me change my mind about him.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

24. Okkervil River - No Key, No Plan
One of the most overhyped bands in the world. I just don’t get the love for this guy. His music and lyrics are contrived and his vocals are too forced. The song itself is decent but again, will I remember it in 5 minutes?
OPA! RATING: 5.5

REVISION: Don’t get me wrong, I still think this guy sucks. He’s contrived and borders on emo for me. BUT…this song has really grown on me. It’s not as non-descript and polished as his most of his stuff. Great addition to the mix but don’t fool yourself to think that he can deliver for a full album.
OPA! RATING: 7.0

25. Centro-Matic - Triggers & Trash Heaps
I love this guy’s vocals. Too bad his music is lacking. Whether it’s South San Gabriel, Centro-Matic, or simply Will Johnson, his music has never inspired me. His vocals are solid though.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

REVISION: Mr. Johnson should just give up on his solo career and just work on Centro-matic. He’s got something here. His vocals are breathtaking and his lyrics are nice and witty. Definitely, one of the biggest growers for me.
OPA! RATING: 7.5

26. Sally Crewe & The Sudden Moves - Looks Fast For A Reason
Another average song with uninspiring music.
OPA! RATING: 4.5

REVISION: Another grower. I like vocals a lot. It’s a pretty decent song but it doesn’t leave much of an impression.
OPA! RATING: 5.5

27. Robert Pollard - I'm A Widow
This mix is ending on a down note. Very uninspiring. This song is symbolic of this mix: non-descript, average, and indifferent.
OPA! RATING: 5.0

REVISION: Although it is the best of closers, this song in itself is fine. Mr. Pollard is a genius so I can’t kill him. Best part of the song is the bridge. WOW! An extra point for his work in Guided By Voices.
OPA! RATING: 5.5 + 1 = 6.5



I must say, I’m very disappointed in this mix ‘cause it came from Bob. One thing about Bob’s mixes you can always count on is that they don’t disappoint. I can’t say that about this mix, and that’s a shame.

Although, I didn’t technically hate any one song, there also wasn’t that one song that blew me away. I would’ve liked to have seen a little more variety and not the same old power pop/rock song recycled over and over again.

Finally, I also felt impassionate about this mix. It was rather uninspiring and seemed to lose focus towards the end.

REVISION: I must admit, I originally didn’t love this mix due to the fact that there was not much variety, making it difficult, at times, to differentiate the songs. But once I allowed the songs to engrave themselves into my brain, the mix revealed itself as being a very solid enjoyable one. There are several amazing songs and some above average ones, but not one bad one in the bunch.

Overall, I will continue to listen to this mix as it’s one of my favorites of the exchange. Good job, Bob, and my apologies for not giving your mix enough listens to write a proper review.


UPDATED OPA RATING: 6.68 (…out of 10)

You should start by putting back on your clothes. Seriously, though, that's actually the only album of theirs I have. So, I guess start there.

Thanks so much for the re-review, Chris! I'm glad you came around on it, much like you did with that second Starlight Mints album (remember how much of a grower that was for you?).

Remember, FT, OPA's approval is the mark of quality.

Goes both ways, doesn't it? (There's an OPA! joke in there somewhere...)

You're an idiot.

I have to agree. This is probably my fav song to come out of the mix exchange and one of my fav songs right now. If only it was longer.

Hey rads, looks like we're back to

Honest question: why the revisions, OPA? Couldn't you have just listened, let it soak in, and come up with the "revised" conclusions? I'm not criticizing, but I'm just wondering. I've noticed that if I'm in a cranky mood while listening to someone's mix, my review tends to show that, so I turn it off and give it a fresh listen later.

perhaps a better question for opa:

How come FT gets 2 reviews before I get one?

Or are you going to be doing a lot of these revisions? You were pretty harsh on some of your reviews.

Well to Opa's credit, I had to revise my review of FT's mix as well.

yeah, apparently not enough of the much-revered international music genre.

I'll answer all your questions in one post...

Dana, I thought I had given FT's mix enough listens but after revisiting his mix last week, I noticed that I liked it a lot more than I orginally did. Originally, Bob's mix wasn't clicking with me. The songs sounded the same and I wasn't really getting into it. And like I said, last week, it was a totally different story. I guess it's also because I had so many mixes to listen to that I didn't give each mix enough listens.

Billy, I do inted to revisit the mixes I've already reviewed and if my opinion changes drastically, then I will revise.