The Jet Age is about to release new record Destroy. Rebuild., featuring rough, boisterous track “It Cuts Both Ways.” Frontman Eric Tischler was nice enough to put together a summer-driving-themed mix tape for MAGNET, which can be perused below. Destroy. Rebuild. is out August 28.
“It’s summer, and as I chauffeur my kids to and from camps in the sticks, I need me some driving tunes. My choices forthwith.”
The Wedding Present “Sticky”
We’re celebrating the release of Destroy. Rebuild. by performing at the At The Edge Of The Sea festival, which is curated by long-time friends and occasional tour mates the Wedding Present. I don’t know of a band with more great songs in their catalog than TWP, but here’s why I chose this one: Listen to the intro and then tell me what the speed limit is. Video
Joanna Gruesome “Last Year”
When making a record, I tend to avoid listening to new music, so I waited to pick this one up until we finished. Now my kids actually do hear this wonderful, alternately driving and cruising rocker just about every morning. Oh, those riffs, those drums, that accent! Video
Swervedriver “Last Rites”
Remember that thing I said about not listening to new music while making a record? That rule could not possibly apply to Swervedriver, who released their first new record in 18 years as we were finishing ours, and it’s a(nother) masterpiece. Adam Franklin was kind enough to add harmonies to a track on our last record (alongside Ride’s Mark Gardener!), so it’s probably not surprising that, after I heard this record, I was inspired to run back and add a bunch of harmonies to Destroy. Video
Steve Gunn “Way Out Weather”
This CD got a lot of play during soccer season, and this track is an excellent, beautiful come down once you’ve reached cruising speed. It took me a weirdly long time to figure out how to drum along to this on the steering wheel; maybe that’s why I’m the guitar player. Video
The Verlaines “Mission Of Love”
In my record collection, before there was the Wedding Present there was New Zealand’s the Verlaines. Both bands traffic in brilliant, driving guitar pop but, while the Platonic, less-is-more approach of TWP’s melodies ultimately spoke more clearly to my songwriting nature, I’ve never lost my mad respect for—or love of—Graeme Downes’ lyrically and structurally ornate songs, like this rocker, which was made for rolling the windows down. Video
David Kilgour “Lose Myself In Sound”
Speaking of the Platonic idea of guitar pop, and brilliant New Zealand songsmiths, and people who’ve been making great records for many years—crikey, it’s like I planned this!—here’s a great choogler from the brilliant David Kilgour’s most recent record. The Clean (David’s first band) are phenomenal live, but his solo records are usually equally brilliant, as was End Times Undone. Video
Thee Oh Sees “Lupine Ossuary”
This is from another record I had to wait to purchase until we’d finished Destroy, and thank God I waited, because I would’ve ripped this fuzz juggernaut off shamelessly (not to say well) over and over again. “Lupine Ossuary” is usually blaring during pick up or drop off. Other parents, you will thank me when your children grow up to be free-thinking visionaries. Video
The Who “Naked Eye”
One of my favorite songs by The World’s Greatest Rock Band. I know it might upset you to hear that, but that uncomfortable feeling you’re having is called The Truth. Beautiful, moody, atmospheric, gently heavy, and the guitar solo on the outro is just so right on. Perfect for when you slowly roll into the driveway, home, safe and sound. It all looks fine to the Naked Eye, and if it doesn’t, just take this mix tape for another spin. Video
