This is The Ottoman Shotgun mix. The name may sound bizarre but it fits perfectly for this compilation. It's quite simple, the ottoman and the shotgun, two possessions that all of us should own. Both these products result in kickback, but while one is from a need for relaxation, the other results from tension. And that's what this mix is, a juxtaposition of both those feelings. The release of said feelings result in these 17 tracks, all of which are best played in lounge elements with low-lighting (preferably lime green or reddish tint). Also necessary for ultimate experience, attractive brunettes with blue eyes and a good amount of foul language. Now let's get gutter...
It's audio film-noir; it sounds like it's in black and white and heavily shadowed. With a chanteuse at the mic, the music made is mysterious yet sexy garage rock. Blend Nico and The Velvet Underground with the indie sound and you get this LA band.
THE CLASH, "RADIO CLASH"
The 70s punk legends pull off a funky base riff-saxophone combination of dynamic proportions. Still, the lyrics remain politically charged.
PORTISHEAD, "GLORY BOX"
I used the live version of this song because it simply sounds better than the album version. The strings' progression goes well with Beth Gibbons soprano voice. To top it off, the drum breakdown that smoothy transitions into verse is a thing of beauty. Even the crowd recognizes and gives needed props.
CEE-LO, "UNDER THA INFLUENCE (FOLLOW ME)"
Just after departing from staple Southern rap group The Goodie Mob, but prior to his role in the cross-genre Gnarls Barkley, rapper/singer Cee-Lo put out an eclectic album pushing the limits of hip-hop. It's title, Cee-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections. Here Cee-Lo sings over distorted guitar and chaotic drum patterns. Keep an ear out for the very impressive piano solo.
TV ON THE RADIO, "THE WRONG WAY"
The horn section mixes well with drums from the jazz age. How can you hate on an album with the coolest title ever, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes.
DOES IT OFFEND YOU, YEAH?, "WE ARE ROCKSTARS"
This British band comes across with sirens similar to The Bomb Squad (Public Enemy's production unit). The big difference between the two is that DIOYY breaks out the 80s synth vocals...and of course adds cowbell.
ERIC B. & RAKIM, "FOLLOW THE LEADER"
The rising and falling of the bass, the bell ringing, the fazer effects, the ever increasing trumpet sample, and Rakim flowing over all of this. He's the bridge between simplistic 80s rap and the East Coast hip-hop renaissance of the early 90s.
CLINIC, "DISTORTIONS"
The electronic beat and catchy chorus overcome the droning single note that persists through this track like a flatline. Quite ironic considering this band performs in medical masks.
MASSIVE ATTACK, "PROTECTION"
In the flick High Fidelity, John Cusack placed this song in his top 5 opening tracks to any LP. And why shouldn't he? These are the trip-hop pioneers and this song kicks off the sub-genre quite proper.
THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE QUEEN, "HERCULEAN"
A super group for music nerds: the bassist of The Clash, the drummer behind Fela Kuti, The Verve's lead guitarist, and at the helm, Damon Albarn (the frontman and brains behind Blur and Gorillaz). Great song writer, great song.
LE TIGRE, "DECEPTACON"
Electro pop-punk with a lead singer screaming soprano. It sounds like a lost track off Kill Bill. This Brooklyn trio brings out a catchy distorted punk bass, upbeat lyrics, and the classic 80s turntable break. How can you go wrong with "Wanna disco?! Wanna see me disco?!"
RJD2, "SMOKE & MIRRORS"
He's a hip-hop DJ who crafts actual songs. Under the independent hip-hop label Definitive Jux, RJD2 has been able to dig in the crates so deep he's made an originally moody masterpiece.
BECK, "TIMEBOMB"
It's not on any of his albums. He just decided to put out a random single that's off the meat rack.
THE RAPTURE, "HOUSE OF JEALOUS LOVERS"
New York rock group that utilizes the cowbell. Plus twangy guitars and a disco beat that makes everyone move.
PENDULUM, "PROPANE NIGHTMARES"
Highly-synthesized house music meets rock. Spanish trumpets to start it off, pulsating drums throughout, and a synthesized hook that never lets up.
BLUR, "AMBULANCE"
The first song off their last album. Some of the best lyrics I've ever heard. Please have patience with this one. It takes a while to kick in but once you hear that horn, it's worth the wait.
DELTRON, "MEMORY LOSS"
Oakland hip-hop legend Del the Funky Homosapien teams up with Dan the Automator and Kid Koala to create a post-apocalypse concept album. The story: Deltron Z, former soldier now government renegade, fights a system of bland music controlled by corporations bent on ruling the universe in the year 3030. The bridge is performed by Sean Lennon (John's son), and he sounds just like his dad. Now can we please, "Get open, like the ocean."
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