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Pop Rock Nation

Author: Pop Rock Nation

  • Greg’s Midyear Mixtape

    Not too long ago our fearless leader Mike posted a list of his ten favorite albums of the midyear. I thought about doing the same, but decided to steal a different page out of his playbook instead. See, at the end of 2006 he made two mixes full of the best songs of the year. I figured I’d take the same concept and use it to showcase the best records of 2008 (so far). …You know what? Screw that idea. Here’s a bunch of songs that show why 2008 has been a kickass year for music.

    1.) Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – We Call Upon the Author
    2.) Flight of the Conchords – Inner City Pressure
    3.) One Day As A Lion – Ocean View
    4.) Atmosphere – Guarantees
    5.) Jean Grae & 9th Wonder – My Story
    6.) Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
    7.) Martina Topley-Bird – Carnies
    8.) Beck – Chemtrails
    9.) Nas – America
    10.) Coldplay – Lovers In Japan / Reign of Love
    11.) Al Green (Feat. Anthony Hamilton) – You’ve Got the Love I Need
    12.) Mars Volta – Agadez
    13.) The Roots (Feat. Dice Raw & Peedi Peedi) – Get Busy
    14.) Robyn – With Every Heartbeat
    15.) Portishead – Magic Doors
    16.) Sigur Ros – All Alright

    That’s about all I’ve got to say.

  • Journey to the Discotheque Vol. 1: 10 Song Shuffle

    Last weekend I was at a family get-together. Somewhere along the way MP3 players became a popular topic, which caused my dad to pose the immortal question, “Who the hell cares what’s on my iPod?” Now chances are pretty good if you’re reading a music blog you already know the answer to that, but pretending that you don’t since I can’t think of any other way to open this up: it’s because it allows you to know a person without actually knowing them.

    For example, if your iPod is loaded with songs from Type O Negative, Burzum and Scandinavian death metal sensation Vordghackf, it means you have you several pentagrams carved into your arm, like to write overlong and half-racist internet dissertations on why “rap music” sucks, and it’s only a matter of time before you shoot up the post office you’re inevitably working for. If your iPod is loaded with songs from George Jones, Daddy Yankee and Godsmack, it means you’re going through a mid-life crisis and can’t decide whether you want to want to embrace a conservative adulthood or put up the façade that you’re twenty years-old again, ‘cos god forbid that you should accept your age and move on. Finally, if your iPod is loaded with nothing but Ani DiFranco, it means you’re one of those feminist types with a butch haircut, lots of beads and a huge ass (stolen courtesy of “That’s My Bush!”).

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  • To All The Fathers

    Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers in the world. I commend all the fathers who are doing the right thing for their families and being the role model they need to be for their children.

    I had my first child when I was just 23 years old and in just two weeks, he turns 9 years old. While my husband skills could use some oil to get the kinks out, my father skills are on point. I really embrace the father role and it’s something I’m good at. I try to relate to my kids in the same ways that my dad related to me, which was through different activities. I’ll throw the ball around with them, but I’ll also color with them, play video games with them, write with them, and do whatever they want to do. I make sure that I help out in their class, coach their teams, and just let them know that no matter what they choose to do, I’ll be there.

    One of my favorite daddy songs is Will Smith’s take on the old Bill Withers and Grover Washington Jr. track, Just The Two Of Us. Let’s all celebrate the dads today.