Six Degrees of Your Ipod

Six Degrees of Your Ipod

I have a theory that all music is somewhat related. Whenever you find a band they have some connection (whether it be inspiration, concert, producer, etc.) with other bands which have connections with other bands. It may be confusing but it is most likely true. The Ipod allows for all of this music to randomly dispersed.

Since I am on Spring Break, I have the opportunity to make a new category. This category will only work if I get participation. Six Degrees of Your Ipod is an easy game to play. Go to your Ipod (or other musical device) and play one song. Do not use that song. Then, after you make sure your Ipod is set to random, skip to the next song. Starting with that song post six songs on the comments and attempt to connect the first and sixth song. If I am right, you will be able to find a connection between the first and sixth. So, shall we begin.

Kevin Bacon concurs

With my list of six songs I am going to describe why I like them as well. And, since I like you guys, I will include a video of each of them. Yeah, I am that nice.

1.) “Bros” by Panda Bear

Noah Lennox, otherwise known as Panda Bear, is an experimental musician and founding member of the popular cult band Animal Collective. One thing I respect about Lennox is his sampling ability. “Bros” samples The Tornados’ song “Red Roses and a Sky of Blue,” Cat Stevens’ “I’ve Found a Love.” It also contains a sampled lyric from The Equals’ “Rub A Dub Dub.” The song is over 12 minutes long and, trust me, it is quite epic.

2.) “Welcome to the Machine” by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd’s eclectic blend of psychedelic rock and thought- provoking lyric has propelled them onto the top pedestal of my prestigious favorite bands list. “Welcome to the Machine” is off of Wish You Were Here which is a fantastic album. The song’s lyric that explores the “corrupt” music industry is foreboding and Floyd’s use of distorted guitars and keyboards adds to this odd adumbration. One of my favorites off of the album.

3.) “The Trapeze Swinger” by Iron & Wine

Singer/Songwriter Samuel Beam goes by his stage and recording name, Iron & Wine. I am glad this particular song came up. “The Trapeze Swinger” is my favorite song of his. Beam paints a bucolic photo of life and death and this dulcet tune is the perfect palette. Sweet and sobering.

4.) “Mad World” by Gary Jules

I have always enjoyed this Jules cover of Tears For Fears’ song “Mad World.” It is most popular for having appeared in the Richard Kelly film “Donnie Darko.” The song is like a melodious dirge and I can’t get enough of it.

5.) “U.S. Blues” by Grateful Dead

“I’m Uncle Sam. How do you do?” This lyric from “U.S. Blues” is one of The Grateful Dead’s best line. This song is classic Dead blues and that makes it absolutely amazing.

6.) “Blue Ridge Mountains” by Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes is the latest up and coming band Seattle-based indie rock band. These bands seem to sprout up like spring flowers. But, Fleet Foxes is special. They describe their music as “baroque harmonic pop jams” and that is not far from the truth. “Blue Ridge Mountains” is just one example of how far a sweet voice and interesting melody can take you. All the way to my Ipod and there is more where that came from.

Connection: Pitchfork Media really likes Panda Bear and Fleet Foxes. “Bros” appears on the album Person Pitch and “Blue Ridge Mountains” appears on the eponymous Fleet Foxes. Person Pitch was rated the best album of 2007 while Fleet Foxes was rated the best album of 2008. Back-to-back. I listen to some good music!