nujabes

Mix Tape Monday: Chicken Noodle Soup

Posted on by Get Set Go

Are you sick?

 Alright then. Consider adding these songs to your convalescing routine. That’s right! In addition to hot tea, soup, medicine, and large quantities of tissues soothe those eardrums of yours. They need love too. Wrap yourself in the fuzzy blanket of sound and forget about that headache and how cold it is outside.

Christophe Mae – On S’Attache. While Christophe’s quirky falsetto may not be for everyone I really enjoy his style (a sort of Jack Johnson jam session sort of vibe.) Plus he’s on a beach. It’s impossible to be sick and on a beach right? Check out Tombé Sous Le Charme.

Akdong Musician (also known as AKMU) – Melted. This sibling duo has taken South Korea by storm. Try Galaxy and Give Love for a more bubbly sound and a reminder that even if you’re sick the world is a pretty great place.

Nujabes – Aruarian Dance. Too sick to process lyrics? Look no further. This Japanese DJ and producer has got your back. These tracks are about as soothing as you can get. Counting Stars and Mystline will provide similar auditory relief.

Carla Bruni – Quelqu’un m’a dit. This Italian lady is a singer, actress, model, wife of Sarkozy. She nails the breathy French sound in this track and in Raphael as well.

Jhameel – White Lie. An all around renaissance man Jhameel has a vast musical range. I love many of his more upbeat rock/pop tracks but for those chill days try  Waves, and Poison.

The Chieftains – Sea Image. When you are on the road to recovery this Irish band always puts a spring in my step and me in a better mode. Listen to Boil the Breakfast Early or Chase Around the Windmill  just be warned you may be moved to dance a jig or two!

Any comfort songs I missed? Add them down below!

Mix Tape Monday: Reppin’ Rap

Posted on by Get Set Go

In my high school years I would stumble across the occasional amateur rap battle or two during lunch or between classes. I attribute the excitement of those fleeting moments of grass roots rap to the birth of my love of rap (and previously mentioned amateur beatboxing dreams).

The songs listed are much better than anything I ever heard in high school and way beyond my own ability (oh to be able to lay down such cutting and clever rhymes!). While I still can’t rap (well) I can at least listen to these songs, nod along, and practice a line or two.

 Ok or maybe not.

Salome MC – Price of Freedom. Both an artist and a musician this Iranian lady writes some rebellious rhymes covering everything from society, artistry, and ever present existential ambiguity. Like this? Try  Gonahe Vojod.

Swings – Fallin (feat Jay Park). The self titled “Punchline King” of South Korea lives up to his name with some hard hitting lines. Feeling this? Try 이겨낼거야 2 (Victorious 2)  and 달리자 (which also features many other famous Korean rappers).

Ana Tijoux – Somos Sur (feat Shadia Mansour). This French-Chilean rapper has been all over NPR lately and rightly so! I love her tracks 1977 and Shock as well.

Supersci – All Year Next Year. The 60’s almost Beatles-like electric tune to this Swedish rap group’s song immediately caught my attention. Want more? Listen to On The Grind.

Cut Killer– Nique la Police. This track mixed with Edith Piaf’s classic “Je ne regrette rien” speaks volumes about the tension surrounding modern French identity. Duly famous for the gorgeous shot it was used in the film La Haine (which go see now if you haven’t).

Shing02 with Nujabes – Luv (sic) Part 2. For all you smooth, chill beats lovers out there Shing02 is for you. Anime watchers out there may recognize him from Battlecry the theme of Samurai Champloo. There are six parts to the Luv(sic) set. Check out the full set here.

 

Whew! I may have bit off more than I can chew. There is a ton of excellent international rap and hip hop to choose from so stay tuned for updates. In the mean time leave your reactions or suggestions below!