Mixtape Madness: On Missing
A new monthly curated mixtape for your listening pleasure.
Dear Reader,
I’ve added this new segment to the mail-outs where I curate a 10 song mixtape for you on a theme. It will be for paying subscribers only from next month -thought i’d just give you an irresistible taste of what’s to come first. Some of the songs you may already know and love, some of them will make your ears bleed and perhaps one or two might become a piece of treasure that can carry you through the week like a talisman or it might give new meaning to a worn out view. To begin with, I’ve chosen the theme of being apart, some special songs about missing people, like so many of us are at the moment -I’m especially missing YOU and being able to perform in your cities and meet you after shows! I’m feeling sentimental and kinda 60s/70’s vibes. Sending you all so much love and strength to keep you going in this weird new reality we’re navigating.
x
Holiday Sidewinder
The Master’s Apprentices: It’s Because I love You
An Australian classic that chokes me up every time I hear it. “It’s because I love you, not because we’re far apart” is a perfect lyric and “Do what you want to do, be what you want to be, yeah” the only thing we ever need to hear.
The Lovin’ Spoonful: Darling Be Home Soon
The first time I heard this was when my first manager, a sweet disgruntled Glaswegian, suddenly put his headphones over my ears on a a long flight where I was feeling particular blue about being apart from a loved one. It hit the spot so hard. Even though the lyric “since I toddled” makes me cringe.
Ananda Shankar: Missing You
Anyone with a record collection that knows me, has probably made me a mixtape at some point. I made a habit of asking people for mixtapes to try and learn and discovery as much as I could from trusted sources. This beauty came from my godfather, who I hadn’t seen in years. He’s fed me most of the mind blowing tracks in my life, the great counter culture educator. Ananda is Ravi shankar’s nephew (and I guess -Norah Jones’s cousin?).
INXS: Never Tear Us Apart
Another Australian classic, because I’m missing my hometown and my family in Australia so very very much. The music video for this song was filmed in Prague, just before the wall went down. I’m hoping the wall around fortress Australia will come down soon too!
Carole King: So Far Away
My father bought me this record on vinyl. He’s not the musical one in the family, so it’s always really interesting and special to me when he picks something out. An astute selection for me, a young songwriter… Carole, the best of the best, was instantly an inspiration to me for writing quality enduring songs, and an invite into the world of a professional songwriter (who wrote for other artists as well as herself). She captures the sentiment I’ve felt more often than not, when I’m travelling and returning to old cities- “Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?”.
Keith Richards: Over The Rainbow/The Nearness of You
Pickled Keith, in his sweet smokey voice, so genuine. The softness and warmth of this is like a knitted blanket being thrown around you.
The Pretenders: I Got To Sleep
I saw Chrissie Hynde live, and she did not dissapoint. Black leather pants, legs eleven, and a voice that could cut through glass. Her performance was electric. The horns on this track are iconic, the sense of longing -insatiable.
The Mamas & The Papas: Dedicated To The One I Love
I discovered this track just when I needed it, to fill my heart with everything it was saying. That often happens. Songs find you when you need them. Mama Cass and Michelle Phillips are the sound of angels. Those harmonies destroy me.
John Cale & Brian Eno: Spinning Away
I’m pretty sure a fan slid into the DM’s with this record a couple years ago, knowing I was a John Cale fan, and I couldn’t stop listening to it. It instantly transports me to that time in my life. Sao Paulo, Berlin… Spinning Away. I was lucky enough to support John Cale at a show in Tasmania (he was very kind to us) and watch an incredible key note speech he gave with a powerpoint presentation of his life and work. A true genius, that I continue to find new things in and hear with new ears.
The Jubilees: It’ll All Be Over
Well, because it will be and “we won’t have to cry no more”. Patience. I discovered this record from it’s cover (which was featured in a book on Vinyl Vanity Pressings -the original independent releases). They were remarking on the use of this specific sunset photograph that appears on multiple records covers for different groups. I tried to recreate/reference it a bit when we were doing a photo shoot for the Kokomo cover.
Well, my friends, there’s your special ten. Enjoy
xxx