“Omaha”
from the album The Loon
2006
iTunes
Download a free MP3 of “Omaha” from the band’s website
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Tapes ‘n Tapes are bridging the gap between lovers and fighters. With a promise to “fight for lovers’ rights,” they tumble through their new album, The Loon (self-released), with all the lusty frustration of a teenager still living with Mom and Dad. This isn’t typical boy-meets-girl fare; Josh Grier’s shuddering, fuzzy vocals tell disjointed tales of sailors, loggers, and circus men. Maybe it has something to do with being scruffy twentysomethings wrestling with monogamy (or a lack thereof), but the band exudes a perverse sort of sensuality: two parts pleading lament, one part cuckolded howl. This is love Pixies-style. In other words, don’t pop this disc in if you’re hoping for an intimate encounter with a happy ending. Your chances are better with what follows, the band’s annotated version of the ultimate wooing mix tape. Designed for a 60-minute cassette, their compilation could set the mood for your next evening of candles and silk sheets. Okay, so you’ll have to get up and flip it over halfway through. The extra time it took to perfectly time and dub all those songs still makes it sexier than a CD. And if you need longer than an hour, hats off to you.
An Evening of Love with Tapes ‘n Tapes
(Please use with discretion.)
SIDE ONE
1. Death From Above 1979, “Sexy Results”
The brothers Tapes don’t believe in messing around. If you’re gonna take the time to woo a lady, you want to get to the point.
2. Prince, “I Wanna Be Your Lover”
Come on, it’s Prince. Key lyric: “I wanna be your lover.”
3. Interpol, “Untitled”
First you have to let her know that you’re confident. Then you have to show her your sensitive side.
4. Stevie Wonder, “As”
If Stevie can’t win her over, you ain’t got a chance. Why did you invite her over in the first place? Damn.
5. Buddy Miles, “The Way I Feel Tonight”
“Oh, you do like Stevie. Would you like to take a seat on my bed?” For best results: Wait for the sax solo, stretch, and place arm around her shoulders.
6. Palace Music, “New Partner”
“Aw girl, don’t cry. You know you’re always on my mind.”
7. Replacements, “Kiss Me on the Bus”
Don’t be shy, just put it out there and let her know. Playa, please!
SIDE TWO
8. Sleater-Kinney, “Modern Girl”
Hold it…slow down.
9. Wilco & Billy Bragg, “California Stars”
You know who wrote this song? Woody Guthrie.
10. The Beatles, “I Will”
“Who knows how long I’ve loved you?” About 45 minutes.
11. Cee-Lo, “All Day Love Affair”
woo ‘w vb 1: to sue for the affection of : court 2: to solicit or entreat esp. importunity 3: to seek to gain or bring about ~ vi : to court a woman — woo-er : n, see also: Cee-Lo
12. Tears for Fears, “Head Over Heels”
I got a fever and the only prescription is more flanger!
13. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Maps”
If she doesn’t like this song, then she has bad taste in music, and maybe you should be thinking twice.
14. Les Savy Fav, “Sweat Descends”
Shit! This thing’s almost over. Swing for the fences.
15. Stephen Malkmus, “Baby C’mon”
Naw! Are you for real? I thought we made a connection. Damn.
16. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, “How Long Do I Have to Wait for You?”
You’re gonna miss me, girl.