You know it’s time to put out another mix when someone (I’m so sorry dude, I suck at names — please email me!) comes out of nowhere (ok, maybe I was just distracted) and tells you there’s a girl inside a nearby restaurant who loves your mixes and wants to meet you. I have to admit, the only thing keeping me from publishing these more often is the headache of downloading MP3s, uploading them to Topspin, correcting all the metadata, and building and updating the widgets for streaming, email collection, and download. This one had been sitting in my Rdio account for about a month. Does anyone have any interest in being an “intern”? I pay in beer. It would help a lot and mean more music for everyone :)

At any rate, it’s been an extraordinary week of music thus far in SF. Monday, I saw my friends Kinch open for Jimmy Eat World (who played Bleed American from front to back) at The Fillmore. Tuesday was Painted Palms, Pepper Rabbit, and Braids (while Nurses and Dominant Legs played across town). Wednesday was Active Child and Chad Valley (whom you’ll meet on this mix). And on and on. I hope you’re all out supporting your favorite bands, and I hope this mix helps you discover a few more worth checking out in person.

<3 | ∑>

PS - These mixes are now also available on Rdio and Spotify, for those streamingly-inclined.

1. Generationals - “Ten-Twenty-Ten”

I don’t think I can add anything beyond what I’ve already said about this New Orleans band — they’re awesome. I finally got to see them live, and they definitely bring it as much as you’d hope they would. If you get a chance, GO!

2. Blood Orange - “Forget It”

I first heard this record on one of The Hype Machine’s awesome pre-release premieres, and immediately fell in love. Any record that starts with a chorus of “I am not your savior, baby girl” and an effortlessly epic guitar solo in the bridge is sure to please.

3. Girls - “Honey Bunny”

Are Girls my favorite San Francisco band? Nope. Do they write some damn good songs? Yup. Is this one of them? Fer sher. Will I stop talking in questions? Depends on how nicely you ask.

4. Dominant Legs - “About My Girls”

I’ll post some stuff off their new (highly worthwhile) record on future mixes, but I couldn’t go another mix without getting this track out there. The lead singer of Dominant Legs used to be in Girls, and both are at the forefront of the SF music scene.

5. Wallpaper - “2 Pair A Shades”

Staying on the local SF tip, I cannot get enough of this Wallpaper record. It makes me laugh, dance, and maybe even cry a little bit. Maybe. This track in particular is just so catchy it should be illegal. Who wants to start doubling up on sunglasses with me?

6. Chad Valley - “Now That I’m Real (How Does It Feel?)”

Chad Valley, who also leads Jonquil, doesn’t have much in the way of stage presence, but that doesn’t mean he lacks the ability to get a crowd moving. His beats and keys get your feet and hips moving, then his voice comes in and overpowers your head and arms. It’s almost unfair how easy he makes it seem.

7. Active Child - “You Are All I See”

There are shades of Jonsi in Active Child’s live show (though they can’t yet afford the full band setup and have to sub in some electronics) — soaring vocals, unique string sounds (in this case from a harp), and impeccable songwriting. Their latest album of the same name is on constant rotation in my collection these days.

8. Young Galaxy - “Peripheral Visionaries”

I know precious little about Young Galaxy, and frankly couldn’t get into the record beyond this song, but this song would not leave my head for weeks.

9. Gardens & Villa - “Black Hills”

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen an opener get an encore (last time was Katzenjammer at Summerfest a few years back), and it’s especially rare on a band’s first tour. Gardens & Villa pulled that off, then dominated the crowd with a cover of “Cars.” Can’t wait to see them again when my homie EOTB hosts them at Bottom of the Hill.

10. Bombay Bicycle Club - “How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep”

BBC has been the most requested band on this blog, and I’m finally on board with their latest record. But now you guys have to suggest something else ;)

11. Givers - “Saw You First”

Everyone loves Givers. How can you not? They’re adorable, write great songs, and play their hearts out. Look for big things from these guys in the future.

12. Pepper Rabbit - “Rose Mary Stretch”

Though they claim to be from LA (fair, they live there), a lot of Pepper Rabbit’s inspiration (and recording) comes from New Orleans. Think they ran into Generationals? :)

13. Boy & Bear - “Milk & Sticks”

Man, I want to see what happens when Sweden and Australia have a musical love-child. Boy & Bear are another great Australian export — they’re absolutely blowing up down under, and are finally touring America in support of their debut album, Moonfire.

14. Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside - “Cage”

Dirty Radio is about as appropriate of an album name as I’ve heard in quite a while. The Portland-based band writes instant-classic radio-worthy songs with a sound to match, but Sallie brings that extra passion with her through the lyrics that can’t help but shower you in the dirt and grime she and the characters she sings about have been through.

15. Jumbonics - “Last Night” (Strokes cover)

Hat tip to Kramer for this find. I haven’t heard a lot of Strokes covers in other genres — someone had to do it, right?

16. Mr. Little Jeans - “Single Ladies” (Beyonce cover)

I gotta say, as a guy I find this laissez-faire approach to the lyrics far more intimidating (and thus powerful) than Beyonce’s original in-your-face version.

17. Little Dragon - “Little Man”

Much like Mr. Little Jeans, Little Dragon thrives off building tension by hitting notes with more of a hover-and-tap than a strike. Check out the live version we recorded with Yours Truly.

18. Adventure - “Rio”

I was first turned onto this song via the epic video. You may want to start there, too.

19. Other Lives - “For 12”

It’s no secret that Other Lives is an incredible live band. They play a plethora of different instruments and bring them together into some of the fullest sounds you’ll find. They’ve been (very appropriately) on tour with Bon Iver of late. Definitely check them out if you can.