Happy birthday to me. . . good friends hit me up, and good music kept me goin'.
The Strokes - Is This It (Live From Bonnaroo '11)
Solid intro to a playlist referencing turning a page, adding another notch on the belt. Plus, I was there.
The Beach Boys - I Get Around
A song I've been bumpin' since I was 8.
Boards of Canada - Hi Scores
Chill, ambient, heavy beats that kept me mellow.
Stevie Wonder - For Once In My Life
Just a damn good song. As gleeful as it gets.
Kanye West - Runaway (feat. Pusha T)
How solid is this song? Only perceived as a downer if you let it get to you. Breaking this one down...one of his better beats/songs/messages.
Pete Yorn - Murray (Live in Chicago)
Got chills watching this. The sign of a damn good performance.
Erykah Badu - Otherside Of The Game
Had to chill it out a bit. Her voice... the word "sultry" comes to mind. I find it comforting like when your hands are dry and you slide 'em across cold steel. Just relaxes you. This song's the same way.
The Bravery - Swollen Summer
Had to brighten things up a bit. This song'll get you movin'. Loud, fast, obnoxious...just how I like my women.
311 - Loco
Keepin' it on that upbeat tip, these guys have been with me since day 1.
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Otherside
Birthdays, as they rack up, bring about reflection. I'll hop off my soapbox in a second, but I gotta say that, for better or worse, I can't help but look back on where I've been and where I'm at now. The thought has highs and lows and almost always ends on an ambiguous note, not unlike this song.
*NOTE: These songs came up on shuffle, with no more than two songs between them. This took no time at all to put together and because of the sheer luck that that took, I had to toss 'em together.
Average White Band - Pick Up The Pieces
Can't help but think of Swingers when I hear this. Looking forward to celebrating soon.
The Black Keys - Money Maker
New one from them. Will soon be featured in strip clubs and party playlists everywhere.
Motion City Soundtrack - Time Turn Fragile
Just a solid "What's it about?Fuck it, let's drink" song.
Honors English - Flyin' High (feat. Lupe Fiasco)
A new one, for those that are sick of radio hits, but still want a radio hit.
Check this guy's site out. You'll be blown away: Honors English
Spoon - Trouble Comes Running
Maybe the most reliable band that I know of.
Mute Math - Typical (Live on Letterman)
Seeing this actually happen changed my perception, not only of the band, but of Letterman's show. The drummer was, for a moment, not human and was a conduit for insanity via cymbal crashes.
!VIDEO BONUS!
Sugar Ray - When It's Over
Just enjoy it, dammit.
Pharrell - Frontin' (feat. Jay-Z)
The kinda party I'd love to have for my birthday. . . that he has on a Wednesday.
