"I've ignored the mainstream cause it's just full of shit right now," writes Nick McCarthy, "but I'll come back round to it I'm sure. Enjoy your lunch." Thanks Nick, we did: despite the pate being open for five days now the maturing process had greatly enhanced flavour. Now then, you might know Nick McCarthy as being a quarter of Franz Ferdinand, but we'd heartily recommend you explore his eccentric Box Codax project, which recently released an excellent LP under the name of Hellabuster - you can find out more about that at the Box Codax website. Scroll down below the mix for Nick's explanation of his choices.
Quietus Mix 33: Box Codax Give Something For The Wednesday Afternoon Blues by The Quietus on Mixcloud
Steve Reich – 'Six Marimbas'
Suddenly got into this again. I'm going back in time. I don't know. Just can't listen to anything other than classical radio just now. Who can't love marimba arpeggios.
Margo Guryan – 'California Shake'
A beautiful classic to me for a hot afternoon in bed.
Steve Reich – 'Music for Mallet Instruments, Voices and Organ'
More marimbas.
Mal Waldron -'For Eric Satie'
I played with Mal Waldron once in Munich with a band I used to tour with called Embryo. A famous Krautrock group. The vibraphone player Christian Burchard used to tour with Mal in the 60s. Both these men had a massive influence on me both with their music and their attitude. Mal also used to be Billie Holiday's accompanist. Fuck!
Richard Strauss – 'Salome, Ich Will Nicht Bleiben'
Just a weird classical song. I studied at the Richard Strauss Conservatoire. Maybe that's why.
Djaosch Macholi Orchestra – 'Ruby'
My old jazz band. I wrote this song for my wife.
Hank Schmitt-in-der-Beek, Sebastian Kellig, Nick McCarthy – 'Ulli/ Lunsenzyklus'
This is the final song in the German musical 'der Lunsen Ring' I just wrote with my pals from the Fatherland, in good old fashioned Wagnerian writing style. Leitmotifs jumping around all over the place.
Albert Ayler – 'Spirits'
My favourite free jazz/folk saxophonist.
John Lennon - '#9 Dream'
Where would we be without dreams, where would we be without John Lennon.
Neil Sedaka – 'Going Nowhere'
Maybe the first time I realised lyrics could just be weird.
Metronomy – 'She Wants'
One of the new songs from my favourite new band. Metronomy is the best thing that's happened to new music. I love the whole thing. I love everything they do. Every piece is connected somehow. And it's a beautiful atmosphere created for all our lost hearts.
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young – 'Ohio'
Just moves me. It seems like there's a political time coming around again. At last we have someone to be against.
Carl Orff – 'Gassenhauer'
German classic. I was brought up in Munich.
Billie Holiday – 'I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me'
I was a Billie Holiday day fan before I knew Mal Waldron. Not sure if he plays on this recording.
Eric Satie – 'Gnossienne'
I've come back round to Eric Satie. After it being such an advert song I went of him for a bit. But he was a forward thinker of his time and I love him.
Ravel – 'Prelude'
Ravel is maybe my favourite classical composer. I love dreamy bursts.
Everly Brothers – 'I Wonder if I Care As Much'
I remember cruising down route 606 and my friend hank putting this on. It worked.
Margo Guryan – 'Northbound Success Merry Go Round'
Another classic from Miss Guryan.
The Supremes – 'It's Time To Break Down'
The Supremes are sexy.
Gregor Staub - 'Mega Memory'
I tried to remember things better with this tape as I can't stop dreaming even if I want to listen to someone. This tape is funny. Might work still.
Glenn Gould – 'Goldberg Variation 1'
He made me realize that you can be a rock star in classical music as well.
Das Weisse Pferd - 'The I Love You Song'
My dear friend Federico Sanchez aka Federchen. his amazing album is out now. Check it at Echokammer label.
Neil Young – 'Are You Ready For The Country'
One of my first summer songs.
Daniel Johnston - 'Some Things Last A Long Time'
Something to cry.
Badalamenti, Angelo & Kinny Landrum – 'Dark Lolita'
Good night.