Culture Brats Presents... 30 Songs That Spell Words

Here's something to get you ready for the 2013 Scripps Spelling Bee!

New Music Fridays: Mixtapes, "Elevator Days"

Culture Consumption: The Burning Of Rome And Mixtapes

Hello and welcome to Culture Consumption, my weekly look at the best of pop culture!

Song Of The Week

The Burning Of Rome, "Norman Bates" (NSFW)

Album Of The Week

Mixtapes, How To Throw A Successful Party
I had never heard of Mixtapes six months ago; since then, I've fallen head over heels for the band. They are simply amazing, pop-punk perfection. How To Throw A Successful Party was originally given as a free download with preorders for 2011's Maps & Companions, but on October 30th, you'll be able to purchase the nine-track acoustic album. If you were a fan of Even On The Worst Nights, you'll love this too.

Favorite tracks: "6 P.M. (How To Enjoy The Scenic Route)," "10 P.M. (Safe)," and the anthem "5 A.M. (How To Throw A Successful Party)"

Seven Questions In Heaven With Mixtapes

A few weeks ago, I received a copy of Mixtapes' Even On The Worst Nights. I had never heard of the band, but something told me to give it a listen and I'm so glad I did. What I found was thirty-nine minutes of pure pop punk perfection, painting a perfect picture of teenage small town suburban life. Since then, I've played it damn near nonstop and it has become my favorite album of 2012. Today, I'm happy to be spending Seven Questions In Heaven with Ryan Rockwell from Mixtapes.

Describe your music for our readers who may not be familiar with you.
Well we are a four-piece band who plays rock music. When we started, I wanted us to find some mix of being a Midwestern punk band along the lines of Dillinger Four, Rivethead, etc. and a '90s indie rock pop band a la Gin Blossoms, Promise Ring, etc. I'd like to think we have kind of accomplished that!

Who are your musical influences and idols?
My musical influences would be Screeching Weasel, Dillinger Four, Suicide Machines, Hold Steady, The Weakerthans, Counting Crows, Promise Ring, Wheatus, Gin Blossoms, Less Than Jake, etc. Those are the bands that made me want to write the stuff I am writing.



What was the first album, cassette, or CD you bought with your own money?
Counting Crows' August And Everything After and they are still my favorite band of all time. I have a stomach tattoo from that record, it still holds up! My second one, however, was Ace of Base's The Sign. Oh yeahhhhh.

Mixtapes, "Even On The Worst Nights"

From 2012, here's Mixtapes with "Even On The Worst Nights."

Enjoy!