Themed Thursday: Numbers

This week’s Themed Thursday is a recycled theme; Numbers. Whether it be multiplication, division, counting, or applied physics, numbers are everywhere, especially in song titles. Here are our choices for this week’s edition of Themed Thursday: Numbers.

Nicholas’ Choice: Aids Wolf – We Multiply
Hailing from Montreal, this band brings a sound that sounds pretty much like a tragic car accident…hell, six cars and one double decker bus. However, somewhere along the cacophany of sound, it becomes a raw, rocking (yet experimental!) experience that may have you pressing repeat a few times. Or, you might hate it.

Adrian’s Choice: Even In Blackouts – Class of ’84
This week the lovely Anna Kubit will be choosing a song for Themed Thursday: Even in Blackouts is the recent project of John “Jughead” Pierson, former guitarist of Screeching Weasel, which is devoted to creating a unique style of “acoustic punk rock.” “Class of 84” combines a melodic duet of both female and male vocals, a catchy chorus you’re bound to sing along with, and the fast paced rhythm of punk rock, but with a much more soothing, happier, and less aggressive sound from the acoustic guitar – something everyone will enjoy!

Zack’s Choice: John Legend – Number One (ft. Kanye West)
If John Legend narrated my life, it would be exponentially more exciting and interesting. John has worked with hip-hop heavyweights and soul singers alike, and his diverse range allows him to gain fans of both genres. Plus, when he teams with Kanye, he guaruntees success.

Stay tuned for next week’s Themed Thursday.

Themed Thursdays: Songs for the Whole Family

This week’s Themed Thursday is focused on one aspect of the holidays: gathering with the family. Yep, everyone’s sitting around the tree (or keg), laughing and reflecting on past gatherings, while you slam that egg nog, trying to escape from the 246793rd time you’ve heard Mannheim Steamroller’s “We Three Kings”. No no, this is totally unnecessary — you shouldn’t have to sit down this holiday to cliche and artless music. The whole family will be able to sit down and enjoy these three gems.

Nicholas’ Choice: Belle & Sebastian – “Song For Sunshine”

I believe that every song by this band can be shared with the family. It has so many feel-good harmonies, and it turns every moment brighter. With “Song For Sunshine”, the bass and drums bring an instant groove, and an easygoing, yet driving verse. The chorus, however, explodes like a firework finale. It’s polished with the finest notes, and even dirty Uncle Al will put his beer down for it. The chorus alone would probably end any yuletide shouting match.

Zack’s Choice: The Long Winters – “Cinnamon”

Everyone in my family (my two brothers, my ‘rents, my dog) has, at one time or another, heard me playing this song on my computer and asked who it was. On our annual 13-hour-long drive to Michigan last year, I put the song on the car stereo and, to my surprise, everyone sang along. It was the sweetest, and most humiliatingly awkward moment in our family’s history.

Adrian’s Choice: will be up shortly.

Tune in to next week’s edition of Themed Thursday, and play the songs that your whole family can enjoy. It’s better than another “Holly Jolly Christmas”.

Themed Thursday: Guitar Solos

This week’s Themed Thursday theme is the art of the guitar solo. Many artists and groups have lost the desire to shred a guitar, and this is lamentable. But some musicians (such as Ted Leo, The Strokes, etc.) have been able to satisfy us with face-melting, heart-pumping guitar solos to get the blood flowing and the body rockin’. This is the worst writeup ever. Just listen to the music.

Nicholas’ Choice: Rye Coalition – Communication Breakdance

Rye Coalition prides itself on pelvic-thrusting riffs and gritty vocals in the vein of AC/DC, but this song provides a pocket allowing for an extremely tight solo near the end. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Other notable mentions of great guitar solos are Pele’s “Blacks Socks”, and Maps & Atlases’ “Songs for Ghosts to Haunt To”.

Adrian’s Choice: The Mars Volta – L’Via L’Viaquez

By far my favorite song off Frances the Mute. The guitar solo you hear about three minutes into the song is actually the work of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante. I feel bad for choosing this song because Mars Volta guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez’s guitar playing style is absolutely phenomenal and could be showcased with some other song. But this song’s combination of prog-rock, latin rhythm, and of course face-melting guitar solos, gives me the chills every time I listen to it.

Zack’s Choice: Ted Leo & the Pharmacists – Timorous Me

Ted is the master of the guitar solo, as evidenced by the fact that I had to re-listen to almost every one of his albums to choose just one guitar solo that stood out above the rest. “Timorous Me” was the obvious choice, with two absolutely incredibly dual-guitar solos, found at the 1:56 and 2:53 points of the song. I really believe that the second solo is my favorite part of any song, ever.

Tune in to next week’s edition of Themed Thursday, and enjoy Guitar Solos.

Themed Thursday RISES FROM THE DEAD!

Themed Thursday, a tradition since the creation of All Things Go, has risen from the dead and is returning. For those of you readers not familiar with Themed Thursday, each of the writers (Adrian, Nicholas and myself) choose a themeand then each choose a song to fit that theme. The theme this week is rising from the dead, in honor of the return of Themed Thursdays. Enjoy.

Adrian’s Choice: Gatsby’s American Dream – Speaker for the Dead
Perhaps the most epic track off the band’s astounding Fearless Records debut Volcano. I love everything about this song, especially towards the end when they bring back the reprise from “Fable,” an earlier track on the album. However, what makes this song so beautiful is its representation of the album’s metaphorical theme. I really hope this band isn’t dead – Gatsby’s have proven themselves to be an intelligent band, so I’m really interested as to what concept these guys may tackle next.

Nicholas’ Choice: Hella – 1-800-Ghost-Dance
This song is chock full of amazing. One guitar, one drummer. What can really come of this, one may wonder. Well, put this track on, light a few candles, and make sure you’re at least arm’s length away from your neighbor, cuz this be dancey. Wake the dead!

Zack’s Choice: mc DJ – Zombies
mc DJ remixed most all of Sufjan Steven’s incredible release, Illinois, adding basslines, beats, and, occasionally, slowing down or speeding up the track to create completely new and interesting takes on already quality songs. “Zombies” is one of the finer tracks on Illin-Noise, and perfectly fits the theme.

Themed Thursday: Cars

This week’s Themed Thursday is a little bit more open then the previous few. Normally, we only choose songs that have the theme in the title of the song, but this week, we are expanding our horizons. These songs are about driving, but don’t necessarily reflect that in the title. So fasten your seatbelts, start your engines, and prepare yourself for this weeks Themed Thursday: Cars.

Adrian’s Pick: (will be up shortly)

Alex’s Pick: None More Black – With the Transit Coat on

Ok so I’ve already posted this song, but it was the first thing that came to mind when I was told our theme was cars. With the exception of a drive with Ryan yesterday, this has been the only song I’ve played in my car for the past 4 days. My brother and sister are starting to get a little pissed about it.

Everett’s Pick: Ima Robot – Black Jettas

I chose this song because my car is a Jetta, and even though the lyrics see Alex Ebert bitching about how all his ex-girlfriends drove black Jettas and how they’re so common and blah blah blah, my Jetta is silver so I don’t care. And, I mean, it’s a pretty sweet song.

Austin’s Pick: Bitchin’ Camaro – The Dead Milkmen

The Dead Milkmen are brilliant. I picked Bitchin’ Camaro because not only do they make fun of Def Leppard, but they do some great improv rambling for two minutes before the song actually starts. I love it

Ryan’s Pick: Wilco – I’m a Wheel

Enough has been said about Wilco by just about everybody. This song was an obvious pick for me because it actually sounds like you’re driving when you listen to it. It’s also a great song for the spring (and summer’s only a couple weeks away).

Zack’s Pick: The New Amsterdams – Asleep at the Wheel

If you haven’t noticed, I really love any indie band that uses banjoes. My good friend Nicole introduced me to this cd, Worse for the Wear, about two years ago, and I’ve been in love since. This song is short and to the point, and is one of my favorites from Matt Pryor’s other band not named Get Up Kids.

Until next week.

-The All Things Go Team (Austin, Adrian, Ryan, Alex, Everett, Zack)

Themed Thursday: Animals

This week’s theme is quite a doozy. We each had about 30 songs that couldve worked for this theme, but we each had to narrow it down to one, so we bring you only the finest in this week’s Themed Thursday: Animals. Thumbs up, let’s do this.

Austin’s Pick: Austins pick will be up in a few hours.

Alex’s Pick: The Twilight Singers – That’s just how the Bird Sings

I’ve started listening to The Twilight Singers for the same reason I’ve started listening to countless bands: Someone I really admire loves them and so I decided to give them a listen to feel cool. I’ve got to say, mimicking people really has no down sides when you find out about bands like this… Except for that time I bought a Combat Wounded Veteran album. Holy crap that was a bad call.

Ryan’s Pick: Q and not U – Ten Thousand Animal Calls

Ryan was not available to write this so I (Zack) will write it for him. Ryan loves Q and not U. This song has an animal in it. Tada.


Adrian’s Pick: Test Icicles – Boa Vs. Python

It’s a shame these guys broke up, because they had such a promising future. “Boa vs. Python” is one of my favorite songs on their first and only album.

Everett’s Pick: The Unicorns – I Was Born (A Unicorn)

Unicorns may not be my favorite mythological beast (which is the same as an animal), but they are definitely one of my favorite bands. My love for the new defunct Unicorns and their offshoot, Islands, is pretty well documented over at Good Weather for Airstrikes, and this is the song that originally sold me on the group.

Zack’s Pick: Minus the Bear – Monkey!!! Knife!!! Fight!!!

Minus the Bear is one of my girlfriend’s absolute favorites and for good reason. These guys mix plenty of genres and are, in my opinion, a really unique and creative band. Not only does “Monkey!!! Knife!!! Fight!!!” fit the theme, it’s also my favorite MtB track. I don’t have the faintest idea as to why these guys aren’t huge.

We hope you loved the theme this week. Remember, we need more suggestions, so keep ’em coming, and keep reading. Until next week.

-The All Things Go Team (Adrian, Alex, Austin, Everett, Ryan, Zack)

Themed Wednesday: Body Parts

This themed thursday is not on a thursday at all. I know you all are saying “But Zack, thats just crazy!” and it is. Crazy as a fox. But this thursday is a special day, and there is a special mix coming that day (tommorow), so get all excited. I’d also like to take this time to mention that Everett, of GWFAS, has been added to the man-stable that is All Things Go, and he will be contributing every week to both the Themed Thursday and any of my (Zack) mixes, much like our collaboration on the Valentine’s Day Mixtape. A formal welcome with a taste of Everett’s music will be coming on Friday, but everyone welcome Everett into the world of mediocrity, laziness, and sheer unintelligence that is All Things Go.

This week our theme is body parts. There must be a mention of body parts in each song title, whether it be limbs or organs. This can go in any direction, so watch out. Themed Wednesday: Body Parts begins now…
Everett’s Pick: Junior Senior – Move Your Feet

If you are in a bad mood and you listen to this song, it will be as if the fog has been lifted and nothing exists in life but pure, unadulterated ecstasy


Alex’s Pick: The Pixies – Broken Face

For a long time (until Christmas this year), I had trouble getting into The Pixies. I didn’t really like what I heard, and didn’t see any reason to really look into them further. Then I heard this song, and have been hooked since.

Adrian’s Pick: These Arms are Snakes – Drinking from the Necks of the Ones You Love

This band is insane! Really, I can’t find anything else that really sounds like them. Born from the ashes of Botch and Kill Sadie, These Arms are Snakes puts on one of the greatest live shows that I’ve ever seen. It’s like having sex, playing video games, and eating Taco Bell at the same time. Awh yeah. Honorable mention to their other songs, “Your Pearly Whites” and “The Shit Sisters” (I’m not sure if that counts or not).


Ryan’s Pick: The 101er’s – Keys to Your Heart (Version 2)

And you thought I couldn’t post anything else involving Joe Strummer! Guess again. This is from his pre-Clash (gasp) band The 101er’s, and was released as a single in the UK after his departure from the band.


Austin’s Pick: Interpol – Hands Away

This is one of Interpols more epic songs. The faint vocals slowly come to life beneath the heart-wrenching build up, creating a sound that digs deep.


Zack’s Pick: Her Space Holiday – Something To Do With My Hands

This was a hard choice because there are so many body parts songs to do. I went with HSH ’cause they have a really unique sound, and don’t get enough credit throughout the blogosphere. Special mentions to Ted Leo’s “Squeaky Fingers” and The Knife’s “Hearbeats”.

We hope you guys enjoyed our Themed Wednesday this week, and I’m happy to welcome Everett to the All Things Go Team. Until next week…

– The All Things Go Team (Ryan, Alex, Austin, Zack, Everett, Adrian)

Themed Thursday: Colors

So theme for this thursday is a little more abstract. Previously we have done songs to listen to while doing something (singing in the shower, etc.) but this week we are going in a different direction. We each are posting a song, any song, that has a color somewhere in the title. These songs can be completely unrelated, but they share a common theme in that each song is colorful. Also, this theme gave me the excuse to post the above picture. Here are our selections for this week’s Themed Thursday, Colors.

Alex’s Pick: Blonde Redhead – Pink Love

I love me some Blonde Redhead. Love them vicious. I also love grammatically incorrect sentences. (Note: this song and artist features three colors! bonus points!)

Adrian’s Pick: Q And Not U – Black Plastic Bag

So many choices for this category, but since Q and Not U happens to be in it, they take the prize. This is one of my favorite, more fast-paced songs off of Different Damage.

Austin’s Pick: Wilco – Red-Eyed and Blue

This theme thursday was really fun for me. I didnt realize i had somany songs with colors in the title. I choose Red-Eyed and Blue by Wilco, because not only does it have TWO colors in the title, but it is a great song, and Wilco is one of my all time favorite bands. Okkervil River “Black” and “White Plains” by John Vanderslice were close, but Wilco is just too amazing to say no to.

Ryan’s Pick: New Black – Red Bandit

Here’s a band that I have been thinking deserves a little more attention (it isn’t that new but i wanted to post about them). From Chicago, New Black combines bad-assity with attention grabbing music. This isn’t the best song of theirs, but it’s a song with a color in the title.


Zack’s Pick: Jens Lekman – Black Cab

An absolutely incredible song + an underrated musician + the color black = the perfect Themed Thursday choice. This song is going to find it’s way onto an All Things Go Mixtape in the near future, but I thought I’d give those of you who haven’t yet listened to Jens a little taste of greatness. I also seriously considered The Shins “Pink Bullets” and “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1” by the Flaming Lips, but i did that last week, and “Black Cab” is more incredibler.

Yet another stunning edition of Themed Thursday is in the books. Remember folks, we’re taking suggestions for themes, as we are fresh out of ideas. Until next week…

-The All Things Go Team (Austin, Adrian, Zack, Ryan, Alex)

Themed Thursday: For the Family

This Themed Thursday is all about the people who give us the most, love us unconditionally, and sometimes pose for embarrassing pictures, our parents. Everyone’s parents are different from one another, but I am sure all of us have had the lovely experience of defending a band we love but our parents can’t stand. However, how many of us have bands or songs that we love and our parents equally love? This Thursday we are all sharing songs that both we and our parents love to rock out to together.

Alex’s Pick: The Weakerthans – Our Retired Explorer (Dines With Michel Foucault In Paris, 1961)

I listened to Reconstruction Site non-stop over my sophomore summer, not because I loved the CD (although I did and do) but because my mom and dad could not get enough to it. The Weakerthans are one of the few bands that my entire family (all six of us) will listen to in total silence because we all love what we hear. This song in particular is mine and my mother’s favorite.

Ryan’s Pick: Q and not U – Wonderful People

I picked this song for two reasons:
1) It’s been a while since I’ve shared music with my parents.
2) It’s the only song I’ve played randomly on my computer to have every member of my family ask me who it was.

Adrian’s Pick: The Arcade Fire – Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)

My grandmother owns her own copy of Funeral. This is her favorite. ‘Nuff said.

Austin’s Pick: Snow Patrol – Chocolate

What parent wouldn’t love this song? My mom jams to this absolutely beautiful song by a band whose music is fun for the whole family.

Zack’s Pick: The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. I

This was a difficult choice, because both of my parents enjoy most of my music. My dad loves Postal Service and Ted Leo, among others, and I frequently burn indie mixtapes for my mom. She has, however, requested that Yoshimi be put as the first song on every mix I give her, no matter the theme. Thusly, I chose her favorite.

Themed Thursday: Embarrassing Songs

This week’s Themed Thursday will let you see a new side of the All Things Go Team. You will get to see songs that we are embarrassed to have on our computer, but love anyways. These songs can be overplayed garbage that we still love, or music from artists who we really shouldn’t. This allows you to discover the darker, more trashy sides of the five of us. Here are our selections for this week’s Themed Thursday, Embarassing Songs.

Alex’s Pick: Le Tigre – Deceptacon

I’m generally pretty embarrassed by the fact that I listen to Le Tigre (quite often actually) so I figured they would make a great addition for this Thursday. Deceptacon, in my book, is one of those you just can’t help but love. It’s also great for car rides, and I requested it every 10 minutes while we were driving up to beach a few weeks ago.

Ryan’s Pick: Be For U (B4U) – Breakdown

This song makes me feel like a young japanese school girl, and anything that can do that deserves my love and shame.

Adrian’s Pick: Backstreet Boys – Get Down (You’re the One for Me)

(Description written by Zack) I’ve got nothing to say to this. Adrian chose Backstreet Boys. He trumps all of us.

Zack’s Pick: Eric Prydz – Call On Me

This song is absolutely amazing and you know it. For those of you indie/emo kids who can’t or don’t want to dance, put this on and try real hard to keep still. It’s impossible. “Call On Me” is so infectious, you can’t help but pump a few pelvises or shake your groove thing. Even better than the song is the incredible video, featuring absurdly attractive women doing the most sexual workout routine ever (watch it HERE). Yes I am embarrassed to have this song, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love it with all my heart.

Austin’s Pick: Austin was not available when we made the post, so his song will be up either later tonight or tommorow. Sorry.

Stay tuned for next Thursday’s theme.

– The All Things Go Team (Austin, Adrian, Alex, Ryan, Zack)