Mixtapes
Discussed: We’re Not Buying The Glossy Goodlookingness The Pierces Are Selling, The The Made These Band Names A Bit Redundant, Conversing Indirectly With Music Supervisors, Fertile Interactions Between Art and Music, Circular Vinyl Platters of Money Sucking Goodness, Joey Beltram: Techno God, Make Sure You Get The Deluxe 2CD Version On Sanctuary Records
BACK TO THE FUTURE, INDEED
None dare argue with the proclamation that Alexandra’s slavish devotion to the current, the happening and the so-called “hot”, may have once been appropiate for the other lesser shows she’s worked on, but this remains a myopic approach for ‘Gossip Girl’, which takes place in a city with a vast history of incredible music. Sure, casual backwards glances have been made on the soundtrack, but rarely. So for this edition of our Mixtape, we’ve really outdone our selves, trolling through B’s personal archive to offer up classics from New York’s storied history, perfectly fit for the world of GG.
impLOG – Holland Tunnel Drive (1980)
With only two releases, these two dudes make quite an impression with this 9 minute No Wave masterpiece from these backing band members for James White/Chance. This perfectly summates the particular feel of the titular tunnel and the city it functions as such a life line for. Here’s the type of stuff Dan Humphrey needs to be listening to: more New Beat and less Emo Shlock.
Bush Tetras – Too Many Creeps (1980)
We clearly have a thing for NY’s 80s Post Punk and No Wave heyday, but we especially have a thing for the legendary label 99 Records, and this (usually) all-female group was amongst their finest. Taken from their debut 7”, it’s another song that could only have come from New York, with lyrics we feel Blair Waldorf would particularly identify with.
One of the forgotten golden ages of music in New York, was the late 80s and early 90s explosion of house and techno. Entirely more human and homemade feeling than what passes as the stereotype laden techno today, Joey Beltram, the studio genius and DJ behind this and many other classic aliases of the era, would have had a ferocious night out on the town with Chuck could they have gone to Limelight together.
Moondog – Gygg (recorded anytime between 1950 – 1980)
To attempt an adequate explanation of the remarkable life that was Moondog (Louis Hardin, 1916 – 1999) is too grand of a task to undertake here. A minimalist pioneer and influence on all of 20th century music, he dressed like a Viking and recited poetry on Manhattan street corners, created elaborate mythologies and composed in Braille as he was blind. Either Vanessa knows someone like this now, or has an annoying dirty squatter friend who idolizes him.
Jackson C. Frank – Blues Run The Game (1965)
While technically recorded in England, Mr. Frank spent a lot of time in the 60s Downtown Folk Scene and hailed originally from upstate. He only left behind one transcendentally beautiful and heartbreaking album and suffered one of the most tragic lives imaginable – from rags to riches to rags and then some, clearly this should be on heavy rotation for Nate.
So, there you have it Alexandra, we’re again making your life incredibly easy for you. Get your henchpeople licensing away!
XOXO.
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5 SONGS FOR ALEXANDRA (GG MIXTAPE, VOL.1)
Discussed: Music for The Weekend, The Impending Sonic Transformation of Gossip Girl, Our Unrivaled and Fully Available Consulting Services, Photo-Mashups 2.0
Out of the pure goodness of music loving hearts, we’ve included a list of 5 tracks (on our new music player!) we’d like to see featured on upcoming episodes, from New York’s finest…
Department of Eagles – No One Does It Like You – 4AD
A good melancholy number from the Grizzly Bear related side project, sure to to please Dan Humphrey and his poetry writing, hand wringing, Faulkner-reading minions.
Phenomenal Handclap Band – Any song
I suppose the argument could be made this is like the indie equivalent to the Mark Ronson record – only a trillion times better, what with guest vocalists from the Blues Explosion, TV on the Radio, L’trimm, and Si Se. Alexandra – I can sense your music boner from here! This would spell sure fire success and immediate mega cred for you.
Mr. Douglas’ dapper disco affair fits the setting of the city perfectly – this one’s a fun no-brainer, I expect it to feature on an imminent episode no doubt.
Runaway – Brooklyn Club Jam (Brennan Green’s Version) – DFA
Juan Maclean – The Simple Life - DFA
So you’ve dabbled in the DFA waters with LCD Soundsystem, why not fancy taking an extended dip in the disco deep. Jacques Renault and Marcos Cabral’s original jam gets an emphatic piano re-rub here from Brennan Green that could liven up any of the nighttime/club scenes.
Juan Maclean’s ‘Simple Life’ would basically fit as an ideal backdrop for Blair Waldorf, at any and all times.
So, Alexandra, in closing, that’s just five for free for you. If you want more or have any other questions, feel free to contact us. We read the comments section, so will be looking for you in there.
You Know We Love You,
XOXO,
B&C
