La Del Ruso - Ai No Bakudan
The El Pais list. Last week El Pais made a small note about MdM uniqueness and originality, in which what this list is about. As the only playlist blog on the scene so far, I think I will post this question to everybody out there as an exploration. What makes a playlist a good playlist? Of course there are basic elements such as beat, rythm, keys, styles, recording quality, etc that usually follow certain transition rules to prevent clashing. But beyond that, what is it? What makes a playlist a list deeply satisfying to listen to instead of mildly amusing? What's a "unique" list?I tag a small list as a conversation starter. This is a typical list I like to built. (Downtempo/electronica with catchy opening, no more than two styles in a list (tango/idm), minor keys, the tempo doesn't change much, it has some traditional instruments mixed with synthetics, recent IDM works, mix between bigger name and newer less known artists and lyrics that make certain thematic sense. The mood ends in soft chill leaving impression of 'good mood')
01. Gotan Project - La Del Ruso
02. Sporto Kantes - Mundo
03. Four Tet - Sun Drums and Soil
04. Screech (UK) - Ai No Bakudan Remix
05. Thievery Corporation - Marching The Hate Machines
image credit: MontanaRaven
5 Comments:
At 3:11 AM, March 26, 2006,
Stinky Jim said…
MDM always has cracking tunes and a focus that many seem to lack, much appreciated from deep in the pacific of bass (NZ). Particularly loving the sporto kantes, i keep on getting great tracks and remixes of theirs but, even when searching in france last year, can't get hold of full albums or 12"s. Please don't hesitate to fling up any more of their tracks on up, it is truly appreciated.
as for your questions re- playlists. i believe the most important thing is to not overthink. keys and styles may be of some import but sharp focus and the undeniable stench of passion are what drives the engine of a good playlist. it seems you are well aware of this already.
thanks
keep on keeping on
jim
At 11:56 AM, March 26, 2006,
Moka said…
I've never watched high fidelity but I've been told that all the movie deals with mixtaping and records.
But nowadays mixtapes are lost, people have changed the way they listened to music since the mp3 boom began. I guess a good playlist is all about transition, no abrupt endings, you also need to respect the overall mood of the music. I've also observed when performing as a "dj" on parties that the progression in the music playing is very important, if you want people to listen to the harsher stuff you need to start adding it in subtle ways but never abuse their eardrums. I know this is all obvious stuff but many people keep forgetting it, they just click shuffle on their ipods and forgetting about everything. I think shuffling is cold and impersonal.
Nice songs, prove you don't need any advice on doing playlists squashed.
At 5:15 PM, March 26, 2006,
Unknown said…
Moka said...
I've never watched high fidelity but I've been told that all the movie deals with mixtaping and records."
It's a romantic comedy movie, somewhat funny. (fear of commitment, growing up, and music choice, etc. The main character has a habit of making 'playlist' as sort of fail safe neurotic activity.)
----
about playlist, specially the more abstract playlist (not for dancing or party beat, but 'mood' and 'texture', etc.) poses an interesting challange.
for eg. the idea of 'relaxing', 'seduction', 'elegant' or 'end of life' and how they translate to music list without keep picking the obvious songs that monotonously talks about it.
I guess the only way to do it is building the lists and see what works and what doesn't
At 5:34 PM, March 26, 2006,
Anonymous said…
my ipod is full of playlists that evoke a memory, a time, a person, whatever...all very personal to me, yet I have been asked to make copies of many of them. Sometimes it all just works together, and instinctively you know that a playlist will do what you want it to do. this website is really "on", and seems to just get it. thanks for the music and the motivation to continue piecing together great tunes.laloca
At 12:26 PM, August 10, 2006,
gothrobot said…
Simply beautiful...
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