2008 Musical Elitists Mixtape Invitational

Two years have passed since the first Mixtape Invitational, and thanks to some interest from generalmalaise and a bunch of interest from my fellow Elitists, it's time to bring this thing back.

Fortunately, we've learned a little of what to do and what not to do from the previous Invitational. CarsCat, nkh, MNez and that weird Haarry fucker have all given some great ideas to make this one run a little smoother, so some of the rules have changed. Read below - they are very simple.

1. Compile a mix of songs into a playlist that is 45 minutes are less. Any mixes longer than 45 minutes are immediately disqualified. It's best to have your mix of songs in mp3 format, if possible. None of that .wma shit.

2. Compress this mix using a program like Winzip (or, on a Mac, by right-clicking and choosing "Compress...").

3. There will be a sign-up below this first post that I will edit as people send me private messages picking the week that they wish to sign up for. There is room for 15 competitors. That gives this competition a time-frame of approximately 15 weeks (4 months). We'll give or take a week or so depending on any holdups. Also, more slots can be added if the interest is high.

4. Once it is your turn, I will send you a private message telling you to upload your mix to a host-server (mediafire, badongo or sendspace work well - there are lots of choices). You will then do as I command. After you upload the compressed mix, send me the link through a PM. I will post the mix for you. Accompanying the link, please send me the name of the mix, the track listing, the genre or theme, and any other information that you would like us to know. You will know approximately when it will be your turn to upload the mix because the sign-up sheet will have dates organized by week. Also, it must be said for CYA purposes, but once downloaded please delete the files after a day if you do not own them.

5. Within the span of a week, people will download your mix and listen to it. They will then critique it as judges. If in that week, your mix does not get five critiques, we will extend the listening period. Judges can choose whether or not they want to judge a particular mix based on their own feelings. If hip hop is not their thing, then they may want to not judge a hip hop mix.

6. There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging). The total points that can be awarded in each category range from 0 to 5. The overall score is calculated by adding the four scores.

7. Overall mix scores are calculated by adding up all of the total scores from each judge and dividing by the number of different judges for that mix times two. Sounds complicated I know, but bear with me. Look at the equation below, where X=the number of judges, Y=the total number of points from the scores, and Z=overall mix score.

- Y/(2X)=Z
- 146 total points/(2*10 judges) = 7.3 overall score

Doing the times two on the judges make it a ten point scale with decimals.

8. Keep this thread clean from anything but judging. The thread for concerns, random comments or trash talking is here.

9. Have fun!

BONUS: Compilers get one extra point added to their total score if they create artwork to go along with their mix, giving them 21 potential points per mix instead of just 20.

SCORING BREAKDOWN:
a) Song Selection (0-5)
b) Creativity (0-5)
c) Fluidity (0-5)
d) Consistency (0-5)
e) Total Score (a+b+c+d)+(1*)
*if you include artwork

Play That Funky Square Wave, White Boy
A mix by Haarry



Tracklist
1. White Noise - Love Without Sound
2. End - euro inferno
3. Soft Pink Truth - Whip Me Down (Baitbus Remix)
4. Nero's Day At Disneyland - Wrapped Around The Pole
5. Almyghty Myghty Pythons - Amp
6. Mouse on Mars - Wipe that Sound
7. Emperor Penguin - E.D.G.A.R.
8. Lootpack - Weededed
9. The Cansecos - Faster Than You Go Down
10. Jahcoozi - Fish
11. belladonnakillz - let u go
12. Forss - Flickermood
13. Squarepusher - Love Will Tear Us Apart


mediafire.com/?yiycwaltntw

To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of the link that is posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Saturday night (March 29) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading, and let the games begin!

Things Could Be Better
A mix by beelzbubba




1. Sly And Robbie - Smiling Faces
2. Ernie and The Top Notes - Things Could Be Better
3. A Tribe Called Quest - Jazz (We've Got)
4. Sun Ra - Angels & Demons at Play
5. Abyssians - Satta Massagana
6. Olu Dara - Your Lips
7. One Be Lo - Born & Raised
8. DJ DangerMouse - Encore
9. Chico Magnetic Band - Cross Town Traffic
10. Otis Taylor - Three Stripes On A Cadillac
11. Andrew Cyrille & Maono - Metamusician's Stomp
12. Material - Words Of Advice

mediafire.com/?jse1edldmbn

or

rapidshare.com/files/103465713/thingscouldbebetter.rar

To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of one of the links that are posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Saturday night (April 6) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading!

Music from the Unrealized Film Script "Requital"
A mix by tmills
This is the official soundtrack to my new epic police drama starring myself and my good friend Daniel as two rogue, Memphis police officers trapped on the wrong side of the law in a battle against police corruption and terrorists. Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral, Miami Vice) is slated to direct.



Tracklist*
1. Plastikman - Memphis City Nights [Intro]
2. Moby - On the Hunt
3. Eric Clapton - New Recruit
4. Mogwai - Bad Cops
5. Goldfrapp - Time Out from the World [Love Theme from Requital]
6. Ellen Allien - Infiltrate the Headquarters
7. Up-C Down-C Left-C Right-C ABC + Start - Rooftop Shootout
8. Slowdive - Man Down
9. Kronos Quartet - Lone Wolf
10. Alexandre Desplat - Requital
11. God Is An Astronaut - Corruption Comes to an End
12. Boards of Canada - Partners for Life
13. Foo Fighters** - No Way Back [End Credits]

*Tracks have been renamed to reflect the scenes in the movie
**I unfortunately did not retain 100% creative control, so my producers forced me to add a Hollywood ending to the soundtrack; otherwise an elitist like myself would never have included the Foo Fighters!

badongo.com/file/8714245
Thanks Mark!

To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of the link that is posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Sunday afternoon (April 13) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading!

Sing Me a Story
A mix by CarsCat
Cat kindly requests that you make sure to arrange the tracks in the order presented in this post when you download the mix, as her ornery computer would not let her fix them in that position. She also would like you to try to listen to the lyrics, as this is a mix of story-songs.



Tracklist
1. The Hold Steady - Cattle and the Creeping Things
2. Johnny Cash - 25 Minutes To Go
3. Talulah Gosh — Talulah Gosh
4. Bob Dylan - Bob Dylan's 115th Dream
5. Sonic Youth - In The Kingdom #19
6. Belle & Sebastian - Me And The Major
7. Talking Heads - Found a Job
8. Sparks - Hasta Mañana, Monsieur
9. The Kinks - Dedicated Follower Of Fashion
10. The Decemberists - Grace Cathedral Hill
11. The Replacements - Androgynous

sendspace.com/file/mfr4wf

To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of the link that is posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Sunday afternoon (April 20) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading!

The Random Mix
A mix by themcrob
For a little explanation... I just put my iTunes on random, let it pick 15 songs, trimmed and slightly tweaked the order. Other than that, it is unchanged from the randomly picked songs. I tried making a thematic mix, and failed (one was called "love like cigarettes" and another called"shoeglaze"). I guess if this mix has a philosophy, it is that machines are our superiors (this may have something to do with my upcoming post graduation unemployment). Don't worry, none of this is reflected in the choice of songs.



Tracklist
1. Max Roach - Tender Warriors
2. Seefeel - Time To Find Me (AFX Remix)
3. The Jesus & Mary Chain - Fall
4. Yo La Tengo - Autumn Sweater
5. The Band - Ferdinand the Imposter (outtake)
6. Brian Jonestown Massacre - It Girl
7. The Boo Radleys - Bluebird
8. The Chills - Pink Frost
9. Marvin Gaye - Ain't That Peculiar
10. Supergrass - Moving

sendspace.com/file/ahyehf


To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of the link that is posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Sunday afternoon (April 27) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading!

Lavender Moments
A mix by knkwzrd
This mixtape has one track, made up of a bunch of stuff that will remain a mystery. The title of that track is a moving picture. I can't enter that in iTunes or what have you, but that is the title. I'm not going to try to explain it any more than that.




Tracklist



mediafire.com/?100yxx29jmj

To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of the link that is posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Sunday afternoon (May 4) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading!

A Modern Spiritual
A mix by generalmalaise
You might ask ‘but what’s spiritual about track x?’ to which I would reply "Aha, well exactly," while stroking my chin. But if you’re after a more tangible unifying theme, I can offer that each of these tracks makes me feel closer to God, and if you don’t like them you’re going to go to hell.




Tracklist
1. James Pants – Murder
2. Serge Gainsbourg - Requiem Pour Un Con (remix 91)
3. Fujiya & Miyagi – Collarbone
4. Studio - West Side
5. Juggaknots – Never
6. Department of Eagles – Origin Of Love
7. Adrian Orange – While You Live
8. Barr - Half of Two Times Two
9. Reverend Charlie Jackson – God's Got It
10. Casiotone for the Painfully Alone – Graceland


sendspace.com/file/ouawdx

To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of the link that is posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Sunday afternoon (May 11) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading!

Grody Mix
A mix by illbeintheair




Tracklist
1. Pissed Jeans - Wachovia
2. Emeralds - Lawn of Mirrors
3. Japanther - Pleased to Meet You
4. Brainbombs - Jack The Ripper Lover
5. Factums - Roman Soldier
6. Pink Reason - motherfucker
7. Sic Alps - Stories
8. Ssion - Street Jizz
9. Sick Llama - Barf
10. Religious Knives - Luck


sendspace.com/file/jx6rcq

To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of the link that is posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Sunday afternoon (May 18) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading!

We Like Minimalism
A mix by nkh
This is a collection of ambient/relaxing tracks. It would be best listened to late at night, or first thing on a lazy Sunday morning. I will post a full track list later in the week, a few of the tracks should be easily identifiable, others might not be. Enjoy!




Tracklist
Hidden until after voting is complete.

sendspace.com/file/n5bev4

To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of the link that is posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Sunday evening (May 23) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading!

The Lottery Revisited
A mix by gloathcrusade
The theme of this mix deals with social traditions and roles. Not every song is directly connected to the theme, but I think the overall sound contributes to what I was going for. “The Lottery” is a short story by novelist Shirley Jackson. “[It] contrasts commonplace details of contemporary life with a barbaric ritual known as the ‘lottery.’” There are many debatable issues at hand in the story but I focused on the absurdity of many of our most prized traditions. So, please listen and enjoy yo’selves.




Tracklist
1. Noir Desir - A l’arriere des taxis
2. Throwing Muses - Ellen West
3. Swans - My Buried Child
4. Rasputina - Doomsday Averted
5. Devotchka - Reprise
6. Jacob Dumb – Munly
7. Oil on Panel – Woven Hand
8. Rykarda Parasol - Hannah Leah
9. PJ Harvey - Man-Size
10. The Breeders - Roi
11. The Dancing Did - squashed things
12. Sleater-Kinney - Funeral Song

mediafire.com/?tlfyj0inwud

To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of the link that is posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Sunday afternoon (June 1) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading!

We're Not Here to Fuck the Band, We Are the Band
A mix by MNez
The rationale behind this mix is that female bands are often skimmed over and not given enough credit. This one puts that notion on its head; it has a male opener and then follows it with all female acts. (I'm very sad that I couldn't find any room for Liz Phair but I wanted to branch out into songs people may not have heard.)




Tracklist
1. Dan Deacon - The Crystal Cat
2. Le Tigre - Let's Run
3. Bikini Kill - Carnival
4. Love Is All - Make Out Fall Out Make Up
5. breeders - Doe
6. Excuse 17 - Code Red
7. L7 - Moonshine
8. The Long Blondes - Lust in the Movies
9. Be Your Own Pet - Becky
10. The Apples in Stereo - Rainfall
11. Sleater-Kinney - Modern Girl
12. Chris and Mollie - Nowhere
13. Nico - These Days

badongo.com/file/9885431

To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of the link that is posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Sunday afternoon (June 22) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading!

Forgot to Take Out the Trash
A mix by 80sfraud
"Forgot to Take Out the Trash" is a mix about Kids, being a kid, feelings associated with being an angsty teenager and such. Some of the songs are obvious picks, some not so much, and some have a few key lyrics that fit into the theme of the mix. Just typical teenage bullshit.




Tracklist
1. The Replacements - Kids Don't Follow
2. Days of... - Dream Girl
3. Aspe - Patchwork
4. No Trend - Teen Love
5. Husker Du - Amusement
6. Jawbreaker - Chesterfield King
7. Sebadoh - On Fire
8. The Moutain Goats - Fall of the Star High School Running Back
9. Gray Matter - Gray Matter
10. Descendents - Bikeage
11. Braid - Jimmy Go Swimmer
12. Mt. Eerie - A Sentimental Song
13. Halo Fauna - Exposure, Processing, and Recording

mediafire.com/?mrp0b9jregd

To download this mix, add a www(dot) in front of the link that is posted above. The mix will be up all week and voting can be submitted to me as late as Sunday afternoon (July 6) via PM.

There are four categories for critique: song selection (how good the songs on the mix are), creativity (is the mix filled with obvious song choices or is it an interesting combination of songs, and also is there a connecting and creative theme at work), fluidity (how well the mix flows together), and consistency (does the mix have spotty high and low points or is it consistently interesting and engaging).

Happy downloading!