Wallpaper Makes MAGNET A Mix Tape

Wallpaper is an Oakland duo—trio if you count mainman Eric Frederic’s alter-ego, Ricky Reed—that merges rock with hip hop and electronica in a way that’s never forced or awkward. While Frederic once created all of Wallpaper’s music on a computer, he’s now utilizing live instruments and other musicians, and judging by new album DooDoo Face (Eenie Meenie), it was a wise decision. MAGNET asked Frederic (with help from Reed, of course) to make us a mix tape.

“I Got Soul, I’m So Wasted” (download):
https://magnetmagazine.com/audio/IGotSoulImSoWasted.mp3

This Heat “Health And Efficiency”
It’s amazing how far lo-fi room recordings in an old cold-storage unit can go. This Heat was post-punk before punk even fully established itself. Combining the remnants of krautrock with the new punk sound catching on in the late ’70s and early ’80s, this is a great introduction to the band. Video

Shudder To Think “X-French Tee Shirt”
Angular, operatic, indulgent, Shudder To Think emerged from the D.C. post-punk scene with some of the most challenging, smart music and lyrics that have ever been written. This was one of their “singles.” Give it until 1:38. Video

YG “Just Broke Up”
New signing to Def Jam, YG is an L.A.-based rapper associated with “The Jerk” movement. Or movement. Get it? This track is produced by up-and-coming San Francisco producers Skin & Bones and features both young parties on the new/next shit. Video

Mary Mary “God In Me”
Can a beat get much flyer? Heard this one on tour and was instantly mesmerized by the snare-roll work over the sub-bass-drone hits. Combine that with a strong female-empowerment vocal and that’s enough to have me hooked. Video

Hymie’s Basement “21st Century Pop Song”
Hymie’s Basement was a one-off record made by Yoni Wolf (Why?) and Andrew Broder (Fog) in the basement of some store in the Midwest called Hymie’s. Fairly certain they recorded in the basement. Yoni’s deadpan vocal comes off like the passive-aggressive mumble of someone who knows how bad things actually are and is unwilling to share with the rest of us. I don’t know what that means. Amazing track! Video

My Morning Jacket “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Part 1”
Getting into the sleepy b-side of the mix now. This was my favorite track off MMJ’s most recent studio release, Evil Urges. Taking a cue from Flaming Lips while keeping with their Southern country rock roots, the track is as urgent as an Al Green ballad. Video

Maxwell “Bad Habits”
This is the opening track of Maxwell’s new I Shaved My Head album. Fantastic, though. Less bedroom kitsch combined with a thoughtful arrangement and great harmony make this jump out as a stronger, more musical Maxwell. Video

Sly & The Family Stone “Family Affair”
One of Sly’s most minimal pieces, we hear him more as cautiously optimistic than “Hot Fun In The Summertime,” and it works. His deep baritone resonates with me, and this track functions both as a dinner-party feel-good tune as well as contemplative headphone track. Video

D’Angelo “Africa (Acoustic Version)”
You’ll probably have to get this off a message board or blog or something. “Africa” is one of my favorite songs of all time. But this version features him solo at the piano singing. It’s a candid, non-buff, look at D’Angelo the artist. It pays off.

Do Make Say Think “Anything For Now”
Night time. You’ve seen where this is going. Either drink three cups of coffee and listen to this on repeat with your eyes closed (seriously, it’s a trip) or stare at your ceiling and let yourself drift in and out of sleep. You deserve it. Video