Indie pop/rock group the Belle Sounds is the creation of singer/songwriter Noëlle Hampton. Thee band’s new EP, Black Stone, is out now, and the Belle Sounds just released the title track, which reaches back to Hampton’s roots. Now Hampton has been so kind as to make MAGNET a mix tape. Check it out below.
“Black Stone” (download):
The The (Featuring Sinéad O’Connor) “Kingdom Of Rain”
I love the drama of many of the songs from the ’80s. There was so much unapologetic emotion; it was almost theatrical at times. Matt Johnson’s voice is stunning, and Sinéad O’Connor takes this song to a whole other level. Video
The Spring Standards “Only Skin”
We met them years back in Austin during SXSW. They gave us an advance copy of this record, and I fell head over heels in love. When we were recording our first record for the Belle Sounds, we referenced this album for all of its sonic bliss. Heather takes lead on this one, but they all switch off on lead vocals. Their live show is incredible as well. Video
Shearwater “You As You Were”
I could have chosen any Shearwater song, because they are all insanely amazing, but I believe this was the first song Andre and I ever heard them play live. We are friends with a few of the guys in the band, but had no idea what to expect until we saw that first show. Shearwater is the kind of band that pisses you off because they are so damn good, it just breaks your heart. And Jonathan’s voice calls back to all of my favorite male voices of the ’80s. Video
Tupac “Keep Your Head Up”
I was friends with Tupac during the time he was at Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley. We used to drive every weekend up to this shitty little under-18 dance club in Coatati where he could rap. Sometimes, he would call me to run new material by me, or read me a poem that he had just written. He was a true gentleman, one of the kindest people I have ever known. This song reminds me of his positive, sweet nature, and his respect for women, which he wrote numerous songs about. Video
Tom Waits “Tom Traubert’s Blues”
When Andre and I first started dating, Tom Waits was one of the only things we were both obsessed with musically. Living in the Bay Area, we were in close proximity to him, but never imagined crossing paths. I saw him live one time in Oakland, and he nearly blew my head off with his powerful voice. When Andre and I transitioned from our pagers (yes, we had pagers) to cell phones, we were freaked out when Andre’s phone rang for the very first time. It was Tom Fucking Waits, calling my husband. He was interested in having Andre engineer a record for him, and Andre got to go hang with him and Kathleen in the studio a few times. I am still jealous. This is the first Tom Waits song either of us ever heard. Amazing. Video
Joseph “Cloudline”
I went to a small house concert in Austin earlier this year with this band playing. Holy crap! Three sisters who sing the perfect sibling harmonies, and are absolutely in tune with each other. I took the record home, and it has been a regular in my player lately. Watch out for these Portland up-and-comers. They are crazy talented. Video
Kristin Hersh “Your Ghost”
When I was asked to make this mix tape, this song kept appearing in my head. It was so haunting and hypnotic. I saw her perform this at Slim’s in San Francisco, solo, and it was just as mesmerizing. She gave me courage to write these kinds of songs every once in a while. Video
Cocteau Twins “Heaven Or Las Vegas”
I recently looked up the words for this song, which only magnified the fact that I have been singing all the wrong words for 20-plus years. Who cares what she is saying? Her melodies are perfection. God I love this woman, and I love this band. This particular record has been a mainstay in my musical life since it came out. I never let it get too far away. Video
