> Catfish Haven made us a mixtape!

Catfish Haven made us a mixtape!

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 11:22:49

Catfish Haven Videos

The Chicago rock trio Catfish Haven takes their name from the rural trailer park nestled on the southern tip of Missouri where singer George Hunter spent his early childhood. Their new album, Tell Me, is an infectious soulful bluesy garage-bar rock record (Listen to “Crazy For Leaving”) that could only have come out of the windy city.

We needed to know what the guys from Catfish Haven would put on a mixtape... and here it is:

1. Roy Orbison - "Running Scared"
You can cut the tension with a knife during the opening guitar chords of this classic. The tune blossoms from there into a complete triumph as the character wins his love in the end. You can actually see the story unfold and feel the anxiety and insecurity that can come with a relationship.

2. Sam Cooke - "Get Yourself Another Fool"
Reminiscent of a goodbye letter, this is the sound of a man at the end of his rope who just wants his life back. The slow burning tempo appropriately keeps a somber mood, reflecting the heartache in Sam's voice.

3. Velvet Underground - "Beginning to See The Light"
A simple groove that doesn't shy away from repetition and that's a good thing. Too often great parts of a song are compromised for the sake of song length and structure. This has an unapologetic vibe which shows Lou Reed delivering the goods like only he knows how.

4. Martha Reeves and the Vandellas – “Tears On My Pillow"
There is an urgency in Martha's voice that transcends most female vocal groups of the 60's even in this ballad she demands that the listener know what is tearing here apart, reminding you that her tears are not in vain.

5. The Bar-Kays - "Holy Ghost"
If you're looking to shake some ass and tear the roof off, look no further. Amazing production was always a strong point with this former Stax house band, but this song is a thumping journey through time and space.

6. Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Proud Mary"
Though it's been covered and revamped there's nothing like the real thing. By now it's more of an American traditional, which I'm certain will be around long after you and I. Proud Mary is the definition of easy going.

7. The Pixies - "Caribou"
At first listen it's not certain what directions the song is headed in, but it soon falls into place and introduces you to a world where rock n' roll has no boundaries. A chilling experience to say the least.

8. Toussaint McCall - "Nothing Takes the Place of You"
This masterpiece brought me to tears when I first heard it. The title alone says everything. Nothing can be added or subtracted. As close to perfect as a song can be.

9. Angelo Badalamenti/Julee Cruise - "The Nightingale"
Any fan of Twin Peaks understands the relevance of the soundtrack to the series. This song is a small piece of heaven gliding along. It's a dark, beautiful and very calculated vision.

10. King Crimson – “In the Court of the Crimson King"
A true epic and just when you've been given time to catch your breath, it simply pummels you, setting the standard for the quiet-loud dynamic.

Thank you to George Hunter of Catfish Haven for sharing this playlist with us. Their new album is available now in the ARTISTdirect store!