The East-West Summer Mixtape (part I)

[Pic: Steez, 2008]

Gangster rap artists of the nineties had it all wrong. Instead of battling over sexual prowess and thug efficiency, they should have focused their lyrical diatribes on a genuine difference between the East and West coasts: summertime.

Out West, California lays claim to a crisp wave of scorching dry heat that catalyzes countless pool parties and endless outdoor romps. Musically, think of the crunchy beats, snare drums, and clean samples immortalized by Dr. Dre and Pharcyde.

Back East, a blanket of humidity slowly engulfs DC and New York, ushering in warm nights, a sanguine attitude towards life after months of winter, utter laziness, and a flood of inchoate interns. East coast summer begs for the sort of tracks that literally drip with the pervasive moisture here. Think dubbed out beats, heavy reverb, and deep rolling basslines.

In a two part mixtape, I bring together the best tracks to compliment summer on both coasts. Look for some Beta Band and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble next time.

[To download mp3s, open the link in a new window, and then download. All files are CD quality when possible.]

• Chris Isaak - Wicked Game (Trentemoller Dubby Games Remix)
• The Clash – Guns of Brixton
• Steel Pulse – Your House
• Jamiroquai – Drifting Along
• The Shins – Sea Legs
• Brian Eno – Deep Blue Day
• Polly Scattergood – Please Don’t Touch (Golden Filter Dub Mix)
• The Pharcyde – Passin’ Me By (Hot Chip Remix)
• Al Green - Love and Happiness