Photo by someone who isn’t me

If it’s December at You Ain’t No Picasso, then it’s time for Mixmas! Every year I like to turn YANP over to some of my favorite bands to showcase some of their favorite songs through a themed mix. They pick a theme, five songs that fit the theme and then share a little about why they picked each one. This year I’m also giving away a YANP shirt, so check below for the hint about tomorrow’s mix.

MP3: Deerhoof – Let’s Dance the Jet (Mikis Thedorakis cover)

Deerhoof fill up a large, otherwise unoccupied space in my heart. I honestly think my musical compass would be fairly lost without them in my library. As such, it’s an extreme pleasure to have Satomi join us today to share some of the best songs she’s received lately in mix CDs. It’s a wide variety of mostly rare stuff, so unfortunately I couldn’t track down two of them. If you’ve got an MP3 or a link, drop me a line and I’d be happy to host it! But for now, here’s the leading lady of one of my favorite bands!

“Best Songs From My Friends’ Mix CDs” by Satomi from Deerhoof

Ultimate Spinach – (Ballad Of) The Hip Death Goddess [YT link]
The beginning of the song reminds me of Anton Lavey’s “The Satanic Mass”. It’s spooky and beautiful. I love whispering singing with tremolo guitar… double “death” effects. Jeremy from Dymaxion has a great collection of 60′s music. He gives us a mix cds every time we visit nyc. I can’t wait to go back! but next time, I would like to request that he include track names!

Bosavi Musicians – Really Hungry!
This guitar music from Papua New Guinea make me want to sing along. It’s a song you want to sing everyday. Modern music sounds fat and complicated. Living music like this doesn’t need any kind of boost. I can imagine the Bosavi musicians to be honest and pure from this recording. The title is just great too. [Song given from Greg Saunier's ipod.]

Bolot Bairyshev – Alas
Traditional music can sound strange to foreigners. It’s the case. This Mongolian man does throat singing and play guitar but listen… “alas, Alas…”unique! The cover is amazing!!! Check this out

He is playing guitar inside his coat. He beats vogue. Extra info – He also has 16 other sisters and brothers. [Song given by Saya from Tenniscoats and OneOne.]

MP3: King Geedorah – No Snakes Alive
King Ghidorah is one of my favorite monster. MF Doom did such a good job using electronic organ samples from Godzilla. Great sounds!!! [Song given by Sam Mickens]

Raymond Scott – Cindy Electronium (1959) [YT link]
Hooray! I love Raymond Scott!! Piko. Piko. [Given by Eri from Nymph.]

Tomorrow’s hint: the next contributor has added his wit and wisdom to every Mixmas since the beginning. This year he and his bandmate starred in a series of comedic shorts for MTV UK and put the finishing touches on their third major label LP, due out in 2010.