sum the greater mixtape #1

While blog posts on sum the greater all contain widgets allowing fans to join a band’s email list in exchange for an mp3 (what I believe to be an equitable exchange), it’s not always easy to get clearance from great artists to do so. As such, there are many great songs that I can’t post directly on the blog. Instead, each week I’ll be publishing a mixtape with some of my favorite tracks of the moment, regardless of whether or not they are on this blog individually. Please email me at sumthegreater@gmail.com with any feedback you might have — I want to keep you all happy :)

You can download the mixtape on the right side of sumthegreater.com and get a new mixtape each week in your inbox.

Track breakdown for mixtape #1:

Discovery - Swing Tree

Discovery consists of Rostam Batmanglij and Wes Miles, who spend most of their time in Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot, respectively. They recorded an LP over the course of three and a half years, and you can hear the whole thing on their website.

Phoenix - 1901

France’s Phoenix has had breakout success with their latest LP, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. They’ve been selling out shows all over the world, and continue to tour relentlessly. Hear more on their MySpace.

Hesta Prynn - Le Coq Aux Folles

I had the pleasure of meeting with Julie (aka Hesta) a couple weeks ago, and she is undoubtedly positioning herself well to become everyone’s favorite female indie hip-hop rocker. Inspired by the Beastie Boys and Tegan and Sara, she has more fun with herself and her music than most others out there. Pick up her preview EP here, and get a zebra shirt while you’re at it.

Fitz & The Tantrums - Breakin’ The Chains Of Love

White boy soul singers are becoming more and more popular these days, and Fitz is no exception. Currently touring with Flogging Molly, he’s even made a fan of Adam Levine of Maroon 5. Pick up a free sampler from their (Topspin-powered ;) ) website.

Miike Snow - Cult Logic

I’m honestly shocked Miike Snow isn’t bigger by now. These Swedes have been behind the scenes for a while, producing mega-hits like Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” Now playing their own tunes, Miike Snow has put together one of the best pop records in a very long time. It’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite, as every song is a hit. Hear more at their MySpace.

Your Nature - Cherokee Blood

This one’s off the blog, but it’s also one of the best, and most promising, songs I’ve heard in a while. Brooklyn-based Your Nature flat out shred, and half the band isn’t even of drinking age. Hear more here, and it looks like they just put their debut EP up for sale here.

YACHT - Psychic City

YACHT (Young Americans Challenging High Technology) formed in 2002, but didn’t get their current sound/feel until 2008. Thank goodness they found it. Jona Mechtolt of Marfa, TX and Claire Evans of Portland, OR insist that “YACHT IS NOT A CULT,” but you can see how someone might want to start one around them (plus they use triangles a lot — you sure they’re not a cult?). Hear more here.

Grammatics (feat. Blue Roses) - Inkjet Lakes

Another favorite from the blog, I’ll let you read the post here to get more background and download the mp3 for free.

The xx - Crystalised

One of the most hyped bands at the moment, The xx have a dark and subtle way of constructing pop songs. I didn’t really get it on first listen, but after a few times through, the intricacies and beauty started to really come through. Their record is incredibly mature for a debut album. Listen to more here.

hunz - The Commotion

Australia’s hunz is an independent electronic musicians who also does visual design and motion graphics to tie into the music. I almost want to go to Australia just to see that in action. He’s also kind (and smart) enough to give away this album for free in the hopes you’ll buy the debut album.

Sleepy Sun - New Age

This is another guitar-heavy rock album that takes a bit of time to really sink in; but once it does, it’s heavenly. I see the record store a few blocks from my apartment carries their debut EP on vinyl — might have to go pick that up right now. For those who aren’t San Francisco residents, you can hear more here and pick up their full length Embrace on iTunes.

The Drones - Oh My

Keeping it heavy, The Drones are my favorite band that I’ve discovered in the last year. I’ve even had the pleasure of working with them. Gareth’s lyrics are unlike any others — somber, cynical, and smart. Once you get past the heavy Australian accent, you hear the genius. “People are a waste of food / You’ll never hear the end / They’re only ever happy / When they’re burying their friends / And they take take take / But they never take a hint / The ice caps getting skinny / Still they’re not concerned / They’re very near extinct.” Listen to the whole record and download it here.

Stornoway - Zorbing

I must admit, I know very little about Oxford’s Stornoway beyond the sheer beauty of this song. Their debut album comes out September 28th, and I will certainly be picking it up. Hear more here.

Mumford & Sons - White Blank Page

I stumbled into a glorious show from these brits at SXSW in the lobby of my hotel — I just wanted to take a nap, but couldn’t ignore their soaring harmonies. Since then, they’ve gotten some love from British radio, and should have a record out in the near future. Hear more here.

Volcano Choir - Island, IS

More greatness from my home state of Wisconsin and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. This project actually pre-dates Bon Iver, but is just coming out now. Justin recorded this with friends from Collections of Colonies of Bees in his home studio, just like the Bon Iver record, but CCB added a lighter, more electronic musical backdrop than Bon Iver’s standard guitar and drums. The result is gorgeous. The record comes out on the 22nd, you can pre-order it here.

Foreign Born - Early Warnings

LA’s Foreign Born are another band I must admit knowing little about, despite adoring every track I hear from them. The music sort of speaks for itself. Listen to more here.