PEDRO THE LION: IT'S HARD TO FIND A FRIEND
What a beautiful friggin' record. David Bazan is a genius. Everything Pedro the Lion has done and every solo album has been so good, but this record is just chock full of the most amazing songs. Whenever we wanted to chill and just relax, this is the one we agreed on. One of my favorite songs ever written is on this record. Big Trucks.
https://jadetree.bandcamp.com/album/its-hard-to-find-a-friend
CAYETANA: NEW KIND OF NORMAL
We would put this on to give us a kick in the butt and put us in a good mood. The joy of hearing music from a band of friends versus an industry hack job of individuals whom are only together on tour or rehearsal. I love Augusta's voice. It's so unique. I can't compare it to anyone else and that's a good thing. Allegra's groovy bass lines, Kelly's driving drums, and Augusta's beautiful guitar make for a wonderful listen.
https://cayetana.bandcamp.com/album/new-kind-of-normal
THE PROMISE RING: NOTHING FEELS GOOD
I have to disagree with the title because this album makes me feel so very good. It's a wonderful sing along record and also one where everyone would always say "Oh, this is so good" whenever we put it on in the van during a long drive. I was lucky to be on tour with the band on the very last Promise Ring tour (since they've done a handful of reunion shows) and they're such good people in addition to great music.
https://thepromisering1.bandcamp.com/album/nothing-feels-good
KATE BUSH: HOUNDS OF LOVE
Our keyboard player Megan turned me onto Kate Bush. I was familiar with her work here and there, but I wasn't very knowledgeable and still am a novice, but got a chance to listen to a lot her music on tour. Now I listen to Hounds of Love all the time. Every song is a hit. Her voice is so powerful, the lyrics so beautiful – it might be the perfect album.
https://open.spotify.com/album/5BWl0bB1q0TqyFmkBEupZy?si=OACRZyzhRkemqSxo-tNGLA
BIKINI KILL: PUSSY WHIPPED
Another record we would blast when we were getting sleepy while driving. It would rev up the energy and, to be honest, give us motivation to kick ass at the show. I mean just listen to REBEL GIRL and how can you not feel energized: "When she talks, I hear the revolution! In her hips, there's revolution! When she walks, the revolution's coming!"
https://bikinikill.bandcamp.com/album/pussy-whipped
R.E.M.: MURMUR
Probably more famous for their hits like It's The End Of The World As We Know It or The One I Love. Those later albums I never cared for, but this early R.E.M. gem is a magical record. I force fed it to the younger members of Ogikubo Station in hopes that they would love this record as much as me. I think they were half/half on their appreciation, but that's okay. They'll figure it out one day.
https://open.spotify.com/album/4Mw9Gcu1LT7JaipXdwrq1Q?si=3VscODOpSPe8Ag-XmywrTg
JOAN JETT: BAD REPUTATION
The title track has admittedly been overplayed by TV/movies/wrestling (Ronda Rousey intro music), but I still love hearing it and find myself playing air guitar when I hear the song. But this album is so much more than just Bad Reputation. So many good songs. Let Me Go, Jezebel, Don't Abuse Me. I love the growl in Joan's voice with still such a pop sensibility.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1gB28ytYFQElaXngAfeYep?si=K1lVevE4RieuKWbf0lw47Q
THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS: LINCOLN
We listened to more TMBG than any other band on tour. Maura and Megan reignited my love for this band. In addition to Lincoln, we listened to a ton of Flood, S/T, Apollo 18 and even their children's albums. Maura and Megan would sing along adding crazy harmonies. It was awesome and it even inspired us to record a cover of Doctor Worm.
https://open.spotify.com/album/4Cj20TT5RtLkn1qVxehT8e?si=1ukCv7qMSYqClVFAmGMeHQ
OINGO BOINGO: NOTHING TO FEAR
Hopefully folks are familiar with Danny Elfman's new wave/punk-ish band Oingo Boingo from the 80s. Try to top songs like Private Life and Nothing To Fear. Such cool songs. Especially Nothing To Fear… That punk-ish energy over the crazy horn lines. We would often put just this song on in the van cause we all knew the words. It was very Wayne's World, but with Oingo Boingo instead of Queen being sung. Hearing this musical genius who has composed orchestral pieces for hundreds of movies in this raw and amazing medium is so cool.
https://open.spotify.com/album/14BomeBLJVLqsgVSdrC6Wc?si=bFiaZcC6RvG5gSHnURa_MQ
THE SPECIALS: S/T
The classic debut record by The Specials produced by Elvis Costello is probably the most well known SKA record in all of SKA history. How many times do you hear this on the sound system between bands, at DJ nights, and of course while you’re driving? An instant pick me up. Immediate sing alongs. Every song is a hit. Still stands up today as well as it did 40 years ago. What a record. https://open.spotify.com/album/438rUpZvWR5C1O2piZn1Ui?si=UrBu5sPDTYmH_u558IZbEA
A massive thanks to Mike Park for taking the time to write this top ten for us. His new band with Maura Weaver of Mixtapes, Ogikubo Station are touring the UK for the first time in June. Check out one of these dates and go and see them – it's one not to be missed.
Ogikubo Station June 2019 UK Tour Dates:
17.06.19 – Portsmouth, Edge of the Wedge – tickets
18.06.19 – Exeter, The Cavern – tickets
19.06.19 – Southampton, Joiners – tickets
20.06.19 – Brighton, Prince Albert – tickets
22.06.19 – Cheltenham, Frog and Fiddle – tickets
23.06.19 – Swansea, Crowleys Rock Bar – tickets
24.06.19 – Bristol, Exchange – tickets
25.06.19 – London, New Cross Inn – tickets
26.06.19 – Leicester, The Soundhouse – tickets
27.06.19 – Stafford, Redrum – tickets
28.06.19 - Manchester, The Castle – tickets
29.06.19 – Glasgow, The 13th Note – tickets
30.06.19 – Edinburgh, The Banshee Labyrinth – tickets
Ogikubo Station online:
http://www.facebook.com/ogikubostation
http://www.instagram.com/ogikubostation
http://www.twitter.com/ogikubostation
This was so much fun to do. thanks for having me.
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