sum the greater mixtape #7

Happy November! It’s 70 and sunny in San Francisco, which completely confuses me, but I can’t complain. This mix was compiled on the day after Halloween after I had listened to Fleet Foxes, so be warned — it’s not one for the dance clubs. Hopefully you’ll dig the somewhat haunted vibe and send me feedback on what you like/dislike. I’ve gotten a few emails and love hearing from you. We were also lucky enough to get some coverage from my friend April at The Hipster Home, a great blog about all things crafty and delicious — welcome to all of you who began subscribing after reading there :) Per her request, I’ve added times to the tracks so if you’re listening to the mix and hear something you like, you can easily figure out which track it is.

As always, you can download this mix from the right column.

<3 / ∑>

The Very Best - “Julia” (0-4:05)

More from the team of Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya & Radioclit. I’ve been getting into both records from this band, despite only understanding the occasional word. It’s fascinating to hear some of the influences of African music on today’s indie rock so explicitly called out by overlaying samples. Listen to more here.

Evan Votas - “Astro” (4:05-7:58)

You’ve heard from Evan Voytas here a couple times before, but this time he goes spacial with a light falsetto over airy synths. Somewhat different vibe from some of his other tunes, but every bit as good. Keep up with Evan on Tumblr.

Phantogram - “When I’m Small” (7:58-12:01)

Barsuk Records (home of Ra Ra Riot and Death Cab For Cutie) had fallen largely off my radar for the last couple years, but have reemerged by signing bands like Phantogram and Ramona Falls. Phantogram is a duo (Sarah D. Barthel and Joshua M. Carter) from Saratoga Springs, NY. They have an EP out, which you can listen to more of here.

The Raveonettes - “Last Dance” (12:01-15:46)

Vice Records, either because of or in spite of their affiliation with Vice Magazine, has some incredible talent on their roster (King Khan, The Almighty Defenders, Black Lips). The Raveonettes are no exception, and their latest, In and Out of Control, is even more approachable than their previous records, without losing any of its power. You can stream the whole record here.

The XYZ Affair - “Evening Life” (15:46-19:27)

This Brooklyn-based band might not be doing anything crazy, but they’re a lot of fun and that personality shines through. They’ve got a great video for this track, and you should contribute to their effort to self-fund their next record on Kickstarter.

Choir of Young Believers - “Action/Reaction” (19:27-23:58)

These Danes are enjoying a bit of success on the back of this single, landing opening spots for John Vanderslice and Mew. Look for a new full-length soon, and in the meantime stream some more tunes here.

I Am Your Autopilot - “Think Of The Words” (23:58-27:38)

Mmmmmm handclaps. I can’t get over the mix of electronic and organic in this track. These guys, from Manchester, have put together a fairly diverse album, but this is definitely the standout track in my book. The rest is still worth a listen or two here.

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - “Albatross, Albatross, Albatross” (27:38-32:56)

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to use this track in a mixtape (either for sum the greater or otherwise). It’s been on repeat on my iTunes for a good six months or more. These Seattle natives have a bit of an RX Bandits sound, but with a more rock-oriented than psychedelic bent. Well worth many listens here.

Auletta - “Meine Stadt” (32:56-36:26)

Let me know if you can’t stand all these foreign language songs I’ve been sprinkling in lately — I just think it’s cool that we live in an age when we have access to music from all over the world. Heck, I can’t tell you anything about the band because I don’t speak German, but they write some catchy tunes. All available at your fingertips.

Lonely Drifter Karen - “The Owl Moans Low” (36:26-37:32)

I’ve always admired the ability to pack a truly wonderful song in a 30-90 second package. Belgium’s Lonely Drifter Karen does exactly that, though she also has longer songs that are worth checking out as well.

Larkin Grimm - “Ride That Cyclone” (37:32-41:31)

Larkin Grimm has a great story, and it has influenced some great music. She was born in Nashville, but grew up in Appalachia as the daughter of a fiddler and a hippy. She charmed her way into Ivy League schools, but ditched in favor of exploring Alaska. Every time she came upon a new adventure she wrote a song about it. You can hear more of those songs here.

Mum - “A River Don’t Stop To Breathe” (41:31-46:12)

Iceland is known for producing beauty, and Mum is no exception. Layering strings, industrial percussion, and harmonies, they produce some of the most gorgeous melodies I’ve heard in ages. Listen to more here.

Pink Mountaintops - “Execution” (46:12-50:03)

British Columbia’s Pink Mountaintops are masterful songwriters and produce a brilliant mix of heavy guitar and soft vocals. They’re the sort of band you’d want to see in a barn or a church. Listen to more here, and be sure to pick up their latest LP Outside Love.

Meeting Of Important People - “I Know Every Street” (50:03-52:01)

This Pittsburgh trio sounds like Rogue Wave teamed up with The Morning Benders in all the right ways. They’ve got a sweet video involving a whole lot of cardboard, and you should check out more tunes here.

The Wilderness of Manitoba - “Bluebirds” (52:01-55:49)

Is there a battle of the provinces going on in the indie-folk scene? Which is better — The Rural Alberta Advantage or The Wilderness of Manitoba? Strangely enough, this band is from Ontario. I’m lost, but mostly in their harmonies, which is a good thing. Get some more goodness here.

Mason Proper - “Fog” (55:49-59:39)

There’s something innocent about frontman Jonathan Visger’s voice that makes the juxtaposition against the dark, rolling drums and bass incredibly appealing emotionally. The sound lives up to the visual of the fog, and carries over beautifully to their other songs as well.

Nurses - “Manatarms” (59:39-1:03:21)

Portland’s Nurses would be an ideal band to plop down in your living room, hand them a guitar and a tambourine, and say “Amaze me.” They do so much with so little. Check out more of their tunes here.