Tag: The Smiths

R.I.P. – Andy Rourke, 59, bassist for The Smiths

Posted on by IRC Staff

Andy Rourke, the immensely talented bass player of the iconic band, The Smiths, has passed away at age 59.

Rourke’s distinctive bass lines contributed to the band’s unique sound and undying legacy.

Born in Manchester, England, Rourke was destined to become a musical virtuoso. With his innate talent and unwavering passion for music, he became an integral part of The Smiths, joining forces with Morrissey, Johnny Marr, and Mike Joyce to create one of the most influential and revered bands of all time.

Rourke’s bass playing skills were truly exceptional, characterized by melodic hooks, rhythmic precision, and a remarkable ability to infuse emotion into every note.

His contributions to iconic tracks like “This Charming Man,” “How Soon Is Now?,” and “The Boy with the Thorn in His Side” helped define the sound of The Smiths and resonate with fans across generations.

Beyond his musical prowess, rourke was known for his warm and humble personality. He had a deep connection with the band’s loyal fanbase, whose admiration and appreciation for his talent only grew stronger over the years.

Rourke’s infectious smile, genuine interactions, and down-to-earth nature endeared him to countless individuals, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

While The Smiths disbanded in 1987, rourke continued to contribute to the music industry, collaborating with various artists and pursuing his passion for creating and producing music. His talent and creativity extended beyond his work with The Smiths, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to his craft.

Rourke’s legacy will forever be etched in the annals of music history. His profound impact on the alternative rock genre and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level will continue to inspire musicians and fans for generations to come. As we bid farewell to a true musical icon, let us remember Rourke for his immense talent, his contribution to the world of music, and the indelible mark he left on our hearts.

We extend our deepest condolences to rourke’s family, friends, bandmates, and fans during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his music continue to resonate and uplift us all.

The Sunday 25 Mix, Vol. III: The Tallest Man on Earth, Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse, Caribou, Peter Gabriel, Elvis, Bright Eyes

Posted on by Max Hammer
Kristian Matsson
Kristian Matsson is The Tallest Man on Earth (actually, he's 5'11)

The profile artist for this third installment of The Sunday 25 Mix series made a huge splash in 2008 with his debut album, Shallow Graves. He is Kristian Matsson, a singer and songwriter from Dalarna, Sweden, better known to many people as The Tallest Man on Earth,  Matsson’s self-adopted moniker.

His wonderfully crafted acoustic folk songs, poetic lyrics and high-pitch, nasaly voice have led him to be compared to the one-and-only Bob Dylan. Admittedly, there’s probably not a Dylan fan in the world who can honestly say that Matsson’s voice doesn’t sound like Dylan. For some people Matsson’s likeness to Dylan may be a barrier, but the vast majority of TTMOE admirers appreciate the musician, because he’s incredibly talented, and his music, because his songs are so damn good, not because he is so perfectly Dylanesque.

During the past two years, The Tallest Man on Earth has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe with Bon Iver and John Vanderslice, and recently as a headline artist, which is just another indication of Matsson’s fairly rapid ascent to fame.  In between tours, Matsson had time to record another album’s worth of songs, which ended up on his recent 2010 release, The Wild Hunt. Once again, the critics, bloggers and fans have given his work a big thumbs up.

As with the first couple of Sunday 25 Mixes (S-25), you’ll also find songs we love from all kinds of genres, dating all the way back to mid-1950s. You’ll probably also want to see S-25 Vol. One and S-25 Vol. Two. Coming Up S-25 mixtapes featuring The Strokes and another one that will highlight the top 25 songs from the popular mixtape series – Best Indie and Alternative Rock Christmas Songs, containing over 200 indie and alternative songs.

“King of Spain” – The Tallest Man on Earth from The Wild Hunt (2010)

“For Ash” – Marnie Stern from Marnie Stern (2010)

“Hurricane” – Neil Young from Decade (2005)

Film director David Lynch, Danger Mouse & Mark Linkous (R.I.P.)

“Little Girl” – Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse with Julian Casablancas from Dark Night of the Soul (Exclusive Amazon edition – only $5.99)

“Helicopter” – Deerhunter from Halcyon Digest (2010)

petergarielsongs
“Solsbury Hill” – Peter Gabriel from Peter Gabriel: Car 1:Remastered (2010; originally 1977)

“Pistol Dreams” – The Tallest Man on Earth from Shallow Grave (2008)

“Is She Really Going Out With Him”? – Joe Jackson from Steppin’ Out (1990)

“Leave House” –  Caribou from Swim (2010)

“Funeral Song” – Minks from Funeral Song 7″ single (2010)

“The Thoughts of Mary Jane” – Nick Drake from Five Leaves Left (1969)

“Suspicous Minds” – Elvis Presley from Suspicious Minds (1970)

“Monsieur Maire de Niafunke” – Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diabate from In The Heart of the Moon (1998)

” The Gardner” – The Tallest Man on Earth from Shallow Grave (2008)

opusorange

“It’s Alright” – Opus Orange from Opus Orange EP (2010)

“Little Fat Baby” – Sparklehorse from It’s a Wonderful Life (2001)

“Mother of God” – Close Lobsters from Foxheads Stalk This Land (1987)

franzferdinandtonight

“No You Girls” – Franz Ferdinand from Tonight (2009)

“Heaven’s On Fire” – The Radio Dept. from Clinging To A Scheme (2010)

“Hand In Glove” – The Smiths from Louder Than Bombs (1987)

“Treat Me Like Your Mother” – The Dead Weather from Horehound (2009)

“So Long, Mom, I’m Off to Drop the Bomb” – Brad P from s/t debut (2009)

brighteyesliftedsoilearground

“No One Would Riot for Less” – Bright Eyes from Lifted or The Story Is In The Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground (2002)

“The Man Who Sold The World” – David Bowie from The Man Who Sold The World (1970)

“Troubles Will Be Gone” – The Tallest Man On Earth from The Wild Hunt (2010)

More S-25 Mixtapes*

The Sunday 25 Mix, Vol. I – Wiretree, Cheap Trick, Billy Idol, Wilco, David Bowie, The Kinks, Neutral Milk Hotel, Brian Eno, Talking Heads
The Sunday-25 Mix, Vol. II: Oberhofer, Belle & Sebastian, The Beatles, Dexy Midnight Runners, Yeasayer, New Order, Aerosmith
  • Some of you might have seen our thread about the difference between a mixtape and a playlist. Not surprisingly, no two theories were the same. To us, a mixtape is a collection of favorite or recommended music that someone produces, usually to share with others, and meant to be listened to uninterrupted from the first song to the last; for example, “Summer 2010 Mixtape”. Playlists, on the other hand, have a particular theme, organization or subject matter that applies to all of the songs in that playlist; for example, “Songs About Summer Playlist”.

Please tell us your explanation of the difference between a mixtape and a playlist.