Two weeks ago, esteemed music staffer Matt Kivel printed a
mix-tape, half of which was comprised of British bands, the other
half American. The problem? Matt’s name was erroneously left
off of his mix, which was printed beside no fewer than two pictures
of myself. So with all due respect, this week I present my mix: A
contrast of the old stalwarts of American music versus the
up-and-comers. Some of the choices are obvious: You’ve
probably heard of Chuck Berry, Neil Young and Johnny Cash. The
point, however, isn’t obscurity, but comparison: As great as
Bob Dylan’s “My Back Pages” is, it’s nearly
as entertaining to hear Califone deconstruct it on “Michigan
Girls.” Not all the songs have direct analogs, but the
message should be clear: America’s rich music tradition is
being re-imagined by a legion of young upstarts, and their work is
as transcendent and indicative of the American experience as their
forbears’. – Andrew M. Gaerig
Old America
1. Brown-Eyed Handsome Man — Chuck Berry
2. Mustang Sally — Wilson Pickett
3. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down — The Band
4. (Sittin’ On) ) The Dock of the Bay — Otis
Redding
5. Feel Flows — The Beach Boys
6. Cinnamon Girl — Neil Young
7. Folsom Prison Blues — Johnny Cash
8. I Just Want to Make Love to You — Etta James
9. My Back Pages — Bob Dylan
10. Lodi — Creedence Clearwater Revival
11. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer — John Lee
Hooker
12. Dark Was The Night — Blind Willie Johnson
New America
1. When the Lights Go Out — The Black Keys
2. New Drink for the Old Drunk — Crooked Fingers
3. Michigan Girls — Califone
4. Just Be Simple — Songs: Ohia
5. Outfit — The Drive-By Truckers
6. Whatever — Masta Killa
7. Sex, Love and Money — Mos Def
8. Holland, 1945 — Neutral Milk Hotel
9. Good Woman — Cat Power
10. Wild Pack of Family Dogs — Modest Mouse
11. Get By — Talib Kweli
12. Forever — Circulatory System
Total time: 79.51