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Jeff Malone’s Best of the “Magic Mix Era” (2006-2009)
I have been doing best-of shows on Jeff Malone’s Magic Mix for the past four years, with a top 5 countdown for each year. Now, with the Magic Mix’s four-year run coming to an end, I have compiled a list of the top 25 songs of the “Magic Mix Era,” i.e., the four years that I have previously done best-of shows for (2006-2009).
My expertise in music is most strong when it comes to rock, and that is where my taste tends to migrate towards as well. The Best of the “Magic Mix Era” is thus a rock-based list. There are some exceptions, but it is best to consider this list as the top 25 songs of 2006-2009 that are either rock songs or friendly to the rock genre.
Do you ever wish you could just sit down with a band and talk with them about their record? You know, get a little more insight into their inspiration, their connections, their sentiments. I know I have many times…
We have a new #1 for this week. Frightened Rabbit slowly made its way to the top spot this week, knocking off fellow UK band Mumford and Sons. We also see a huge debut from Queens, NY based band Freelance Whales. This week’s top 40 is inspired by Phil Mickelson. He showed us this week that he is truly a great American hero! Congrats, Lefty!
I was sitting in a friend’s dorm the other day with approximately 4 or 5 other people when a startling yet predictable phenomenon occurred. None of us were paying any particular attention to the background music that was playing from an adjacent computer. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, each one of us began to sing, move, and hum, all in harmony and melody with each other. The results were almost frightening, and it took each of us off guard considering we had not planned this in any way. What could have caused this strange event, you say? Yes, it was none other than “Semi- Charmed Life” resounding around the room. Scientists have been baffled for years by this phenomenon. Studies show that it is physically impossible to not join into the music when subjects hear that doo-doo-doo, du, du-du-du-doooo off the beginning of “Semi-Charmed Life.” While I give Third Eye Blind some credit for wanting to recreate that same mystique they managed to develop so well on their self-titled, I’m also a little sad at how they failed to do so and in turn put a little blemish on their legacy. Ursa Major, the first release of their two-disc set, isn’t a horrible record by any means, but it is a blight on that alternative band that you sang along to so many summer nights.
As individuals that are often very fervent and passionate about music, it’s easy to underestimate the value of pure, unadulterated, enjoyability. It’s by no means a simple quality to convey, and certainly doesn’t take anything away from the music, but, simply put: what is complex often takes precedence over the simple in the world of those passionate about music and vice versa in the mainstream. Sadly, this leads us to sometimes forget about those greats that simply evoke emotion, whether it be through a cliché style or through means we’re so used to hearing.
We have a plethora of new releases this week with some big time names! MGMT’s sophomore album “Congratulations” hits the shelves this week as does new music from Coheed and Cambria, Kate Nash, and Cypress Hill (who, to me, will always be insane in the membrane (insane in the brain!))! Crank ’em up!
Broken Social Scene have never been a band to go lightly on extravagance. The Canadian conglomerate of a band that began with 2 art-rockers quickly grew into a joint mish-mash of indie all-stars from a wide scope. With the sexy songstresses from Stars and Metric, it’s also worth mentioning that Broken Social Scene probably have one of the prettiest rock line-ups (sorry, Hayley Williams). This assortment of indie royalty grants Broken Social Scene the ability to experiment a little, and rarely do they pass up this opportunity. Forgiveness Rock Record is a rich display of Broken Social Scene’s many talents and areas of interest, from blaring horns sections to lighter pieces where Emily Hainses’ soft voice is most prominent. Yes, it’s also probably not too far from what you’re expecting to hear if you were one of the vehement fans of You Forgot It In People (then again, fans indifferent to YFIIP are few and far between). And in no way can you count this steady, tranquil progression against Broken Social Scene. Forgiveness Rock Record may not grant many gasps in shock and awe, but the group’s latest is sure to leave the rest of 2010 a target to catch up to as far as indie goes. 
France’s Celeste have been busy in the business of uneasy tension. Their third full-length album in 3 years, Morte(s) Nee(s) continues in the tried-and-true tradition of harsh, melancholic, and brooding music. In 2010, Celeste reveals themselves to be more than simply a mirror of their French screamo counterparts Sed Non Satiata or Amanda Woodward. A tinge of black metal can certainly be felt here or there, but Celeste is really a screamo band at heart – and it fully embraces this quality on Morte(s) Nee(s). Heavy and dissonant, Celeste craft a distinct sound that’s sure to turn many away. The brooding atmosphere gets tiring, sure, but it never feels redundant or overused throughout the album’s 42-minutes. 
Released in early March, the newest album from Groove Armada entitled Black Light reveals a darker side of the electronic duo. This time around, the group collaborated with vocalists featuring Nick Littlemore and SaintSaviour. What makes this album unique is that there are no purely instrumental tracks, and there seems to be a theme that flows through each song. This theme radiates a feeling of love lost in tracks like “Cards to Your Heart” and “Not Forgotten,” both featuring vocals by Nick Littlemore.
This week, we see little change up top. Mumford & Sons continues their dominance for another week as they keep getting bigger around the world! I couldn’t think of what would inspire the top 40…but its Russell Crowe’s birthday this week, so that’ll do. At my signal…UNLEASH HELL!