Oh Facebook. Another silly website for us young, hip, trendy, socially inclined folks to waste away our lives on. Facebook may have angered many a user with its recent switch up of design/format, but those loyal (that's a number in the millions) brave the digital realms of new and dangerous features (including translations into foreign languages... like Pirate English). One tried and true feature is that of groups, and one tried and true group which has been around for a good year or two is the Apple Students group. Not only do they feature some neat deals on Apple hardware for registered college students, but they have a tradition.
Every year, as the school year begins, Apple offers up a nifty selection of the "best new music" in a big bundle for group members. Now, last year was when Apple set up this ritual, and iTunes offered up a PHENOMENAL playlist! Nada Surf, She Wants Revenge, Taking Back Sunday, Girls In Hawaii, Amusement Parks on Fire - I think they had the Arctic Monkeys, but my memory fails me - Asobi Seksu, Brandi Carlile, Camille, Cartel, Ima Robot... There were many more, but let's face it, they did a smashing job.
Well, apparently the interns who helped the suit-&-ties with music selection were replaced, because frankly, that excellent music taste has gone out the window. If this is the best representation of rising artists and good new music, well, it'd be better off for some folks to stop listening. Don't get me wrong, there are a few good songs. I mean, I have to praise their selection of "Broken Heart" by Motion City Soundtrack. "Black & Gold" by Sam Sparro is dancey, very fun, and a gem on the playlist. Nelo was alright, Manic Street Procession always perks my ears, Brazilian Girls are quite funky and quirky (like an English speaking version of Lucy and the Popsonics), and The Gabe Dixon Band sounds eerily like a southern version of Ben Folds Five or something.
But this is a 24 song playlist - which is longer than many an LP these days - and beyond the aforementioned, iTunes' attempt to woo new listeners is a pretty drab attempt. There should be a rule with leading a playlist with a song by Finger Eleven, soaked thoroughly in bubblegum pop. Country can be a catchy genre at times, but "She Left Me For Jesus" by Hayes Carll is definitely not a good representation. Marié Digby's regurgitated pop is about as spicy as recycled plastic, while Your Vegas has apparently been listening to Hot Fuss on repeat. Charlotte Sometimes? Neil Halstead? Black Tide? The Bridges? You can do better, Apple. Tech N9NE and Killer Mike are a flat out disgrace to rap.
It's a tragedy, really. Unless you just woke up from a coma, and you are hard up for some new music during recovery, or you're just really desperate to fill empty space on your iPod Nano, I sincerely suggest you do not download this. I can only express thorough disappointment.
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A Voilà! Solution
If you're a regular reader, you'll know I'm not the type of person to remark on things I don't like. I have a lucky habit of not disliking the music I find. But when something like this happens, I can't help but lament; I can't help but want to make things better somehow! Well, I'll take a shot. Here is Voilà!'s recommended Back To School Playlist. Find this great music instead of the silly iTunes Sampler, and actually enjoy your music!
The rule: iTunes' samplers are directed toward a mainstream, pop-centric audience. They feature up and coming artists and a few weird, intriguing bands, and keep the mood of the playlist generally happy and upbeat. I've got to do the same! So no wild avant-garde or post-rock here. Just some good, fun, wholesome pop/alt-rock/dance/hip-hop.
Don't Tell Me To Do The Math(s) - Los Campesinos!
Making Love With Time - The Je Ne Sais Quoi
Leave The Light On - Priscilla Ahn
Not So City Life - Pants Yell!
If I Had Eyes - Jack Johnson
Trepabalcones - Bam Bam
When The Child Awakes - Mount Righteous
Oregon Girl - Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Modern Day Saint - Via Audio
When I Was A Soldier - Weather Underground
Everybody Else - Care Bears On Fire
Your Girlfriend's Car - Throw Me The Statue
Habanera - Kate Nash
I'm Good, I'm Gone - Lykke Li
For Halloween - No Kids
A Cause Des Garçons - Yelle
D.A.N.C.E. - Justice
Bassment Party - The Cool Kids
ハイウェイ - Quruli
Little Giant - Vampire Weekend
Margo Left in Bed - Brown Recluse Sings
A Thread Cut With A Carving Knife - Stars
Anchors Dropped - Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
Come Around - M.I.A.
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