Bauk,
Wow, I didn't expect this nice review! I'm glad that you love several songs here. My primary consideration is whether you will like the songs on the first listen, enough to sustain interest in the mixtape as a whole. I had the impression that I quite succeeded in that aspect!
Thank you. This truly made my day!
1. Daniel Licht - Escalation
You're correct in saying that this is from a soundtrack. This is from a great TV show called "Dexter". Dexter is the most likable serial killer I've ever watched. Everything about that show is perfect, including the music. Since the show is set in Miami, the album also includes nice Latin beats. However, the real gems are from Mr. Licht himself. The musical score is sometimes weird, scary, tender, mysterious but always interesting. Escalation is my favorite from the album. I'm sure you and your father will love listening to the rest of the songs from the soundtrack as much as I do!
2. A Whisper in the Noise - As the Bluebird Sings
This is a very unique song, vocals, arrangement, everything. Although it's over 5 minutes long, I really enjoy listening to it. Maybe its because of its contrasting element, edginess and angst on one hand, and tenderness on the other.
3. Get Well Soon - Dear Temptest-Tost, Dear Weakened
I had reservations in including this one because it's more than 6 minutes long. I wonder if you could stand listening to the entire song and not tempted to skip over the track. The vocals comes only about halfway through the song and the listener might miss the better parts. However, I'm very happy that this turned out to be one of your favorites! It's really an epic number from a German band that I could not say anything negative about. I hope you get to listen to its great album, Rest Now Weary Head. This song is from the EP Songs Against the Glaciation, though.
4. Picastro - Hortur
Picastro is a relatively unknown Canadian band. I like this one because Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy) used to be member of this group. For me the vocals exudes melancholy, but the melody is quite vibrant.
5. The Kills - Black Balloon
One could remember this song for the hand claps. The Kills is a definitely a cool band. It is often compared to Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but you now know which band I'm partial to. Jamie Hince, the guitarist, also sings (but not in this one) and I tend to love his voice more than Alison's. But this one is magical and haunting! Alison sometimes reminds me a bit of Shirley Manson of Garbage.
6. Handsome Furs - Handsome Furs Hate This City
Another wonderful band from Canada! The singer here is Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade (the singer in song no. 7 is also from Wolf Parade). This is sort of a side project conceived by Dan and his wife, Alexei. What I like about this band is that it tries not to sound anything like Wolf Parade, using drum machines, less guitars and droning sounds.
7. Sunset Rubdown - Us Ones in Between
I'm really happy that you like this one. This is a personal favorite too. As I said previously, Spencer Krug is also a member of Wolf Parade and he's very visible in the indie music scene. His vocals is one most distinct I've ever heard from just about anybody. I suggest that you listen to the two Sunset Rubdown albums, Random Spirit Lover and Shut Up! I Am Dreaming. Those are the most unique records you will ever hear!
8. The Twilight Sad - That Summer, At Home I Had Become the Invisible Boy
Don't you just love the accent and the wall of sound? The Twilight Sad is a Scottish band. This band ought to be more popular than the much hyped Glasvegas. The album Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters is phenomenal. You should listen to it as well!
9. Primitive Radio Gods - Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand
I remember this was a huge hit way back in 1996. It uses B.B. King's vocals (I've been downhearted, baby, ever since the day we've met). I simply love the lyrics, makes me think every time! Sadly, Primitive Radio Gods is a one-hit wonder band.
10. Beirut - The Akara
Just about anyone knows Zach Condon! Beirut is quite a distinct band! It's my most favorite group of all time, so it's fitting to include one Beirut song in the mix! This is from the new EP March of the Zapotec/Holland.
11. White Lies - A Place to Hide
Spot on! White Lies is full of potential. Reminds me a bit of Editors, The Killers and Joy Division!
12. Taken by Cars - Logistical Nightmare
This is a Filipino band (I'm from the Philippines) and this is one is the closest to my heart.
13. Slaraffenland - I'm A Machine
I plainly love the style of singing here. I didn't enjoy the band's album entirely, but this song is amazing. This is from the Sunshine EP.
14. This Town Needs Guns - Elk
The only instrumental song from the Animals album. This Town Needs Guns is classified as a math-rock band, whatever that means. The album is really unique as the song titles include Dog, Chinchilla, Crocodile, Quetzal, Pig, Rabbit, Badger, Baboon, among others.
15. Arcade Fire - Lenin
I love the energy in this one! I'm glad that Arcade Fire is one of your top bands. What a way to close the mix! The first track is sort of dark, melancholic, so I chose a very upbeat song for the closer.
I really like my mixtape too. I hope you guys will also like it!