Morning Light Rail Commuters Share Their Tunes With NewTimes

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Kholood Eid
Joe Chavez of Phoenix listening to music on his commute Friday morning on the Light Rail.
​These days, people are plugged in like The Matrix -- only they're plugged into their iPods, smart phones, and mp3 players rather than machines on an underground ship. Our detachment from the real world is never as obvious as when strangers are jumbled together in a public space.

And this especially holds true when it comes to public transportation.

Although you may be sitting elbow-to-elbow with a person on either side of you, a form of escapism lies within reach -- in your chosen soundtrack. And sometimes, folks are curious to know what their fellow passengers are listening to. So Up on the Sun rode the Light Rail from Phoenix to Tempe (and back) during Friday's morning commute, asking music listeners, "What song are you listening to?"

There was a huge variety in music taste as well as in the individual passenger portraits. Stay tuned for a list of suggested songs for the ride.



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Megadeth, "I Thought I Knew It All"

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Song: Megadeth, "I Thought I Knew It All"
Context: This track is from my favorite Megadeth record, 1994's Youthanasia, which was recorded right here in Phoenix. I touch on the recording of this record in this week's music column, which is all about how Dave Mustaine is Metal's MVP. Megadeth - I Thought I Knew It All by diezzl

Lil Wayne, "6 Foot 7 Foot"

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Song: Lil Wayne, "6 Foot 7 Foot"
Context: I'm seeing Weezy tonight. Can someone tell me what the fuck bananas have to do with the verses on this song? I've consulted Urban Dictionary on the matter and the only connection to slang I see is that the song is about a banana boat, which is apparently a word for a gay cruise. Does this follow "Lollipop" as a song that seems very gay-friendly and will one day be revealed as such by Lil Wayne in Rob Halford-like fashion? Or is there something else that makes this Bangladesh beat meaningful?  Six Foot Seven Foot Feat. Cory Gunz by NYCetracks

Fake problems, "Soulless"

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Song: Fake problems, "Soulless"
Context: Fake Problems will be at Hard Rock Cafe downtown tomorrow night. Fake problems - Soulless by totosarg

The Stone Foxes, "I Killed Robert Johnson"

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Song: The Stone Foxes, "I Killed Robert Johnson"
Context: San Francisco's Stone Foxes have been impressing us for awhile. Glad to see them back in town tonight opening for The Black Keys.
I Killed Robert Johnson by The Stone Foxes

Local Natives, "Shape Shifter"

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Song:Local Natives, "Shape Shifter"

Context: Local Natives who are actually natives of Los Angeles, will open for Arcade Fire tonight. Here's one of the better tracks from their Gorilla Manor record, which you can stream in its entirety here.
Shape Shifter by Local Natives by infectiousmusicuk

Arcade Fire, "Sprawl II" (Mountains Beyond Mountains - Tommie Sunshine's Quaalude Mix)

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Song: Arcade Fire, "Sprawl II" (Mountains Beyond Mountains - Tommie Sunshine's Quaalude Mix)
Context: Arcade Fire. Comerica Theatre. Tomorrow. Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) [Tommie Sunshine's Quaalude Edit] by tommiesunshine

Cage The Elephant, "Aberdeen"

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Song: Cage The Elephant, "Aberdeen"
Context: I really like this song from the new Cage The Elephant record. Looking forward to seeing the guys open for The Black Keys in Mesa this week. Aberdeen - Cage the Elephant by mssngpeces

Michael & Janet Jackson Vs. Gorillaz, "Stylo Scream" (Stanwik Mashup)

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Song: Michael & Janet Jackson Vs. Gorillaz, "Stylo Scream" (Stanwik Mashup)
Context: Janet Jackson comes to Comerica Theatre tonight. Her 1995 duet with Michael, "Scream," has always been one of my favorite tracks by either Jackson sibling -- very underrated. And remember that video? Super cool. Check out this mashup remix that also has some Gorillaz in it. Michael&Janet Vs Gorillaz - Stylo Scream (Stanwik Mashup) by Stanwik

Aaron Lewis, "Country Boy"

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Song: Aaron Lewis, "Country Boy"
Context: The insufferable fakeness of this terrible song is the focal point of a piece in this week's issue. The Tea Party bullshit and the sample of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" at the end are only part of the reason why -- picturing this nu metal dbag on a tractor actually bothers me more. Ironic that Lewis loves 'Merica so much since he's pretty much the embodiment of everything wrong with this country. Aaron Lewis - "Country Boy" by thecollectivesounds
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