Mixtapes and Cellmates - Mixtapes and Cellmates
by Tommy Gunnarsson
published: 8 / 11 / 2007
Label:
One Little Indian
Format: CD
intro
Dull and somewhat substandard Radio Dept-influenced pop on debut album from Swedish group Mixtapes and Cellmates
When I was doing some research before going to the Emmaboda festival back in 2005, I stumbled upon the unknown (at least for me) band Mixtapes and Cellmates. I found two songs that were available as downloads, and within minutes I sat there listening to 'Static, Oh Static' and wondered if I had clicked on the wrong link, and by accident had downloaded an unreleased the Radio Dept song instead. But no, it was the correct song, and my next feeling was that it must be some kind of joke, maybe a Rutles version of the Radio Dept? It felt like a long shot, but when I listened to the second song, 'A: Pavement, B: Home' it seemed to be the only reasonable explanation. Now it is the time for the band’s self-titled debut album, and apparently some water has passed under the bridge since last time, which isn’t so very strange, as we have changed our annual calendars two times since then. On the first track 'Home', they have put the distorted vocals on the shelf and instead they seem to be aiming at filling the void that the Postal Service has left after their first, and so far sole, album. But quite soon we are back in Radio Dept Land again, with Radio Dept's frontman Johan Duncansson apparently having been forced to abdicate in favour of Bright Eyes' singer Conor Oberst. At least that’s what it sounds like from time to time, and while that is quite okay it sadly never gets much better than that. 'You Are/Just Like Me', for example, is a really good pop tune, which would have fitted perfectly on 'Pet Grief', the Radio Dept’s last album. As a bonus we get three songs from the sold out EP, 'If There is Silence, Fill It With Longing', songs that are also available on the compilation 'Retrospective;, that compiles the band’s first two EPs. Is it worth it ? Well…
Track Listing:-
1 Hold2 The Better Half Of Cynical Boys
3 Quiet
4 You Are / Just Like Me
5 I Left
6 Like Something Worth Remembering
7 Statement
8 Moments
9 Dress Up, Wear Down
10 Streetlights Saved My Life
11 Distance, Blinding Lights
12 C: And D: The Road Home
13 A Quiet Evening
Label Links:-
http://www.indian.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/olirecords
https://twitter.com/olirecords
http://www.songkick.com/users/onelittleindian
https://www.youtube.com/user/onelittleindian
https://plus.google.com/+OneLittleIndianRecords
reviews |
Soon (2010) |
Ecsstatic-sounding prog rock on new single from Swedish act Mixtapes and Cellmates who seem destined for major success |
most viewed articles
current edition
Simon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian BorlandIn Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Jack Roscoe - Interview
The Church - Interview with Steve Kilbey
Liam Gallagher and John Squire - Olympia Theatre, Dublin, 16/3/2024
Nico - Profile
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Editorial - May 2024
Zombies - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Kula Shaker - Natural Magick
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes - Dark Rainbow
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart