stg mixtape #8
Ahoy there! How is everyone this fine Monday? I’m hoping this mixtape will help spark a fantastic week for you all. For my part, I’m headed to LA for some business and some fun in the sun (it is sunny there, right?). Admittedly, this mixtape is all over the place — from kids songs to British hip-hop to indie dancehall grooves. On a whole, I think it’s a bit more positive than last week’s mix (the second half especially — gotta ease into Monday a bit), which is why I wanted to make a concerted effort to get it to you in time to start your week on the right foot.
As always, you can download the mixtape by entering your email in right rail of the blog (and stay subscribed so you can get the individual mp3s of the tracks from the mixtape each week).
Like what you hear? Consider telling a friend. Or a few. Or you can just talk to me. I’m a good listener :)
<3 / ∑>
Sean Bones - “Dancehall” (0-3:36)
Brooklyn’s Sean Bones was initially known for playing bass in Sam Champion, but he’s built quite a brand for himself — in addition to this band, he’s got a clothing line (specializing in a Jamaican style of shorts) and starred in the movie Wah Do Dem, which won the LA Film Festival this year. He’s touring the east coast now — dates and tunes are listed here.
White Rabbits - “Rudie Falls” (3:36-7:00)
This track was the most recent post on the blog, as I was fortunate enough to catch the band last week. They played an outstanding set, and even closed the encore with their friend and producer Britt Daniel (frontman of Spoon) taking the stage to strum a guitar, sing a verse, and join on a chorus. Rawk.
Yeasayer - “Ambling Alp” (7:00-10:59)
Yeasayer are perennial blog darlings, but giving away this track (the first off their highly anticipated next album) free through their website spurned a massive run on the blog charts, and also meant tons of email addresses added to their system. Get the track free here and pick up some sweet merch while you’re at it.
The Sound of Arrows - “Into The Clouds” (10:59-14:43)
Sweden continues to churn out hitmakers (we may need to do a Sweden-only playlist), and The Sound of Arrows are poised to join the elite. Their electro-heavy space pop traipses the line between club jams and crawl-under-the-covers-into-your-magic-fort music. Listen to more here, and pick up this single on some sexy white vinyl.
Lake Heartbeat - “Mystery” (11:22-14:43)
I just realized that nearly everything I wrote for the previous song could be repurposed for Lake Heartbeat — they’re also Swedish, and also produce some great electro space pop, though they trend far more towards the tunes that are just for you and your closest friends to enjoy together. Check out more here, and they’ll even give you their “Blue Planet” single for free.
Penguin Prison - “Animal Animal” (14:43-18:47)
I was sold on this track as soon as I heard the line “I wish Mike Tyson was my friend.” Then doubly sold when the artist’s name referenced penguins (though I don’t like the idea of putting them in prison). He’s a NYC artist and produces some shimmery pop goodness. Interestingly, this single comes out on November 23rd accompanied by a remix from The Sound of Arrows (see above). You can get this track and remixes of Golden Silvers and Marina & The Diamonds tracks for free here.
Your Nature - “Forward Motion” (18:47-22:59)
These guys are no strangers to this blog, and have been on repeat on my iTunes for a few months. Can’t get enough. As with most favorite records, your favorite tracks rotate, and this is my tops at the moment (though “Cherokee Blood” is probably the all-time winner).
Sweet Trip - “Conservation of Two” (22:59-25:38)
San Francisco shoegazers Sweet Trip might not be doing anything revolutionary, but this jam fits nicely into any chill evening. They haven’t updated their MySpace in a while (like, not since their new record came out), but you can hear some of their older tunes here.
Ellie Goulding - “Under The Sheets” (25:38-29:22)
Maybe it’s my ADD, but this song (and Ellie’s voice in particular) reminds me of two adjectives I love: sparkly and shiny. She’s developing quite a following in the UK, and I’m sure fans of La Roux and Little Boots will be hearing a lot from her in the near future. Of course, if you want to hear more from her now, you can always go here.
Wild Beasts - “Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairvoyant” (29:22-33:21)
Hailing from Leeds, Wild Beasts are the latest in Domino Records’ recent dominance of the avante-garde indie rock scene. As with many other Domino artists, they aren’t the easiest band to listen to on the first pass, but after a few spins you begin to appreciate the brilliance and maybe even love the quirks. Give it a go for yourself.
Gotye - “Learnalilgivinanlovin” (33:21-35:39)
Blending modern pop with 60’s Philadelphia soul, Australia’s Gotye creates an instantly lovable sound that can only be summarized in a cartoon. Luckily, one fan already has.
The Holloways - “Jukebox Sunshine” (35:39-38:08)
Embodying all that is great about brit-pop, The Holloways blast back onto the scene with this gem, following their hit “Generator” from a few years back. New sound? No. Deep lyrics? Absolutely not. Catchy as hell? You bet your shiny pants. Rock some more here.
They Might Be Giants - “Meet The Elements” (38:08-41:26)
Yes, I have included a song about the elements from a kids record on this mixtape. And yes, it is awesome. As with their previous kids records, Here Comes Science makes it incredibly easy for parents and kids to enjoy the same music, and learn! Yes, I’m a nerd/geek, but hopefully you are too. I mean, heck, you’ve put up with me thus far. I’m sad to be missing them this weekend (I’ll be in LA), but you should definitely see a live show, be it for kids or adults (yes, they do both, often in the same day).
Little Red - “Coca Cola” (41:26-43:48)
Simple. I like it. More here.
Jamie T - “Chaka Demus” (43:48-47:23)
Certainly there’s a distinct sound to a lot of British hip-hop, and Jamie T doesn’t stray far, but he does make it a bit more fun than The Streets and poppier than Dizzee Rascals’ club bangers. Check out more here.
The Señors of Marseille - “Davey” (47:23-52:05)
I could have sworn I had heard this song before. I hunted for what it was a cover of. I have yet to find it. All I know is these are some of the happiest Brooklyners I’ve come across. It may have something to do with the fact that they tour on bicycles. Make them even happier by checking more tunes here.
The Duchess and the Duke - “Let It Die” (52:05-54:27)
Had this track come out a year earlier, it would have been the lead track on the Juno soundtrack. Alas, it will have to settle for closing out the 8th sum the greater mixtape. They’re on tour for a bit, and you should probably check them out. Just don’t make pregnant teenager jokes — they won’t get it.
