With their sunny melodies and mellow riffs, Paper Lions are a band anyone could get into. After forming in 2007 and playing in clubs all across North America, Paper Lions have found their shape and have released sophomore LP My Friends via the Fountain Pop label. We’ve already given you a taste of these guys by letting you get your hands on a free mp3 of a song off the LP, “Philadelphia.” We’re sure you’re craving more from these guys by now, so check out the mix tape that guitarist Colin Buchanan has made for MAGNET.
The The “This Is The Day”
The mixture of sounds on this track is pretty wild. Super prominent synth bass and programmed drums alongside accordion and fiddle, all tied together by that ’80s sheen. I’ve not heard anything else from The The, but I really love this song. The singers’ voices and the simple chorus lyric get me every time. Video
OutKast “SpottiOttiDopaliscious”
This track has been on constant rotation on my iPod. From 1998’s Aquemini, long before the mega hits of “B.O.B” and “Hey Ya,” this song is totally different from anything else on the album. The horn line is incredible (the first person to sample it in a modern pop hit will be a millionaire!), and the lyrics in the spoken-word sections strike the perfect balance of sincere and silly. All in all, it make for one sexy jam! Video
Them “Here Comes The Night”
I’ve been listening to Them a lot this summer. The sound of all their records is just so damn good. Van Morrison’s voice was so young, brash and nasally. He had more rock ‘n’ roll in him than soul at this point in his life. Video
Prince “Pink Cashmere”
I’m a big Prince fan. I’m not ashamed to admit it. That little weirdo never ceases to surprise me, and when I dig deeper into his catalogue there are always hidden gems to discover. For example, this song was put as a bonus track on this The Hits/The B-Sides compilation that came out in the ’90s. Like most Prince songs, the lyrics are hyper-sexual. This one focuses on his desire to make the girl of his dreams a coat of pink cashmere and read her bedtime stories. The strings are excellent (reminiscent of some of the stuff on Beck’s Sea Change), and in true Prince fashion, he finishes it off with a face melter. Video
Gwen Stefani “The Real Thing”
Love, Angle, Music, Baby came out when I was in grade 10. I wasn’t much of a fan at the time, but as the years have gone by, I’ve found myself really appreciating the pop genius of this album. “The Real Thing” is a deep album track and is pure ’80s-influenced Blondie-esqe pop. The album had about six singles, I think, and I’m surprised this one never got the push. Video
Donovan “Wear Your Love Like Heaven”
Poor Donovan’s rep will always be tainted by Dylan documentary Don’t Look Back, which is a shame. That movie will live on forever (because it’s awesome) while Donovan’s music is slowly forgotten (because it’s almost awesome). I will say there is something vaguely lame about him, but he really does have some beautiful songs. The organ, xylophone and clarinet in this song are examples of his great taste for wacky instrumentation and flair for classical. Early Dylan comparisons are thrown out the window when you hear a track like this. Video
Etta James “Take Out Some Insurance”
This is taken from the Who’s Blue? Rare Chess Recordings compilation. It’s Etta pre-“At Last” and syrupy stings days (which is great, too). This stuff is a little more soul and Motown inspired. So many great songs on this album, most of which include the word “fool” at least once. Etta trusted no one. Video
Breakbot “One Out Of Two”
Breakbot might be the best electronic producers going right now. His full-length that came out this year is chock full of funky soulful dance grooves. I’m really happy this type of music is being re-imagined for the 21st century. Every little detailed of his music simmers with clarity and confidence. This song reminds us that it’s high time the guitar solo came back. Video
George Duke “Reach Out”
My friend Willow showed me this song. It’s been a summer favorite for sure. It’s just great ’70s grooves. Now you see where Breakbot takes his cues. Video
The Zombies “Changes”
This is one of my favorite songs from the incredible album Odyssey And Oracle. It has incredible unexpected harmonies. Such basic instrumentation really brings their fantastic voices to the forefront. I’ve always wanted to cover this song. Video
