sum the greater mixtape #5

Welcome to Mixtape #5! We’re going a bit less mainstream this week, so I hope you’re with me — many of the artists even I know very little about, but hopefully their music speaks for itself.

I’ve also gotten feedback from a number of folks who really want the individual mp3s from the mixtape. While I don’t feel comfortable posting them here (it detracts from the mission of only providing mp3s when there’s an equitable exchange with the fans), I’ve decided to experiment with providing them to the email subscribers of the mixtape. So, if you’re a subscriber, you’ll get the single mp3 mixtape download and the mp3s of individual tracks. If you’re not an email subscriber, you can join by entering your email at right.

As always, keep the feedback coming, both to me and your friends!

<3 / ∑>

Get Busy Committee - “My Little Razorblade”

I’ve been bugging their manager for a month, waiting on the go-ahead to release this song. My favorite rap record of the year. Oh, and it’s coming out on an uzi-shaped USB stick. Seriously. Get this and other tracks free on their website.

Delhi 2 Dublin - “Apples”

I found this track in my research of all SXSW artists last year, and was inspired to go back and buy the whole record when my friend (and budding Bollywood star) Vivek released some of his new tracks last week. I’m a sucker for Irish music, and Indian beats are tough to match; put the two together and it’s heaven on a drunken dancefloor.

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down - “When We Swam”

I’m unsure if this is pt. 2 of their first album’s hit “Swimming Pools,” but it’s nothing short of brilliant. I can always count on Thao to put me in a good mood. San Franciscans can (and should) catch them at Treasure Island Music Fest, and others can catch them on their current nationwide tour — dates and tunes here.

Existensminimum - “1993”

I went on a hunt last week for the best music in Sweden (as they appear to just be cranking out incredible acts these days) and stumbled upon this gem. I know very little about the band (well, it’s just one guy), but the album is eclectic and brilliant the whole way through. The lead single is glittery electro-pop, but you’d never know it from this dark and driven tune. Get the rest of the record here and discover for yourself.

Freelance Whales - “Generator ^ First Floor”

I have little to say about this band beyond what I first read about them: “Freelance Whales are like Arcade Fire for your little sister, only your little sister is in college now and she’s actually pretty cool and has tons of hot friends.”

This Is Ivy League - “The Richest Kids”

I was absolutely floored when I found out this was a side project from one of my least favorite bands, Cobra Starship. In spite of that, I really enjoy this track. Simple (preppy) poppy goodness. Listen to more here.

Jookabox - “Phantom Don’t Go”

This is one of those I know almost nothing about. But I had to post it anyway. They’re from Indianapolis (midwest represent!) and have the whole speaking in the phantom’s language thing down, so maybe they can persuade it not to go? Listen to more here.

Matias Aguayo - “Rollerskate”

Saying Matias Aguayo is worldly is a bit of an understatement: he was born in Santiago, Chile, grew up in Cologne, Germany, and now splits time between Buenos Aires and Paris between tours as a DJ. He blends all these influences into a layered gem in “Rollerskate.” Become his fan on Facebook to get more updates.

SUNBEARS! - “I’m Alive!”

If the exclamation marks weren’t indication enough, SUNBEARS! are two excited and generally happy dudes from Florida who want to share sunshine and hugs with the world. Luckily, they’ve made it easy for you to help them in their quest by offering a pay-what-you-want offer for their music here.

Islands - “Tender Torture”

Yep, more Islands. I told you it was coming. But can you blame me? Have you picked up their record yet? If not, DO IT!

Girls - “Big Bad Mean Mother F*cker”

I censored the title for the kids, but there’s no censoring the low-fi surf rock goodness of this track. What about this record? You get it yet? Come on people!

Kinetic Stereokids - “Twisted Thoughts”

Of course these cats are from Chicago. Something about their chilled out emo hip-hop rock vibe pointed in that direction from the beginning. Not that that’s a bad thing, by any means. As the sample in the song repeats, “Relax […] it’s a very pleasant feeling.” Chill to more of their tunes here.

Robots With Hearts - “Downward Spiral”

Oh, don’t mind me, I’m just stringing mildly ominous underground hip-hop tracks together. You know you love it — simple acoustic guitar samples, fresh and diverse beats, and the lyrical mastery of iCON. Check out more tunes at MySpace.

The Dimes - “Damrell’s Fire”

Portland’s The Dimes have put out a few solid records, but their newest, The King Can Drink The Harbor Dry, promises to be their best. This track in particular hit me hard, and it’s only the start of the record. But don’t let me talk you into it, listen to more tunes!

Kinch - “Carolina Cannonball”

I posted another track from these guys’ latest EP, but this one has been on repeat this week as I prepare to return to Charlotte this weekend. Very excited, and I’m always down to have a good excuse to play Kinch far too often. Oh, and hey — you can get all their music free on their website! All they ask (very nicely, of course) is that you come check them out live when they come to town.

Charlotte Gainsbourg - “IRM”

Ok, so I have a mild crush on Charlotte Gainsbourg. Who doesn’t? She’s a talented actress and a lovely singer. You can get this track free on her website.

Small Black - “Despicable Dogs”

I just (finally) posted this track on the blog, in honor of their album release today. Be sure to pick up the record, and if you happen to live in the NYC area, check them out around town.

Local Natives - “Stranger Things”

I love these guys, both as musicians and people. I know few musicians who work harder than these guys, and still make their harmonies seem downright effortless. The UK is in for a treat when their debut record, Gorilla Manor, hits there next month. Folks in the US will have to wait a bit longer, but should be able to catch them on tour sooner. If you haven’t already, be sure to pick up their hit single “Sun Hands” here.