stg mixtape #10
This week’s mix assumes the pace of a wonderful Thanksgiving day: starting out quickly and joyfully, slowing down into intimate digestion, tripping out on a movie you’re barely awake enough to follow, then finishing with a reflection on the love you’ve felt over the course of the day (and all the other things you’re thankful for). Or at least that’s the vision. Make of it what you will :)
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As always, you can download the mixtape (and sign up to get future mixtapes’ individual mp3s via email) by clicking the “Download Now” button in the right column.
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1. Chiddy Bang - “All Things Go” (0-2:55)
A couple of Philly boys, these Drexel grads have one of the hottest indie hip-hop records/mixtapes making the rounds these days in The Swelly Express. This is the lead single, but the whole album is worth your time. Cop it free here.
2. The Very Best - “Boyz” (2:55-6:23)
More from The Very Best, as they’re one of the freshest sounds around. This one is off their first (self-titled) album, which I can’t seem to find in any online retail stores. Shame. At any rate, listen to more here.
3. Ou Est Le Swimming Pool - “Dance The Way I Feel” (6:23-9:33)
This trio from Manchester are brimming with dancerock goodness. They’ve earned opening spots for La Roux, among others, and will no doubt make a splash when they release a record. Check out the video for this track here.
4. Surfer Blood - “Swim” (9:33-12:30)
I was lucky enough to catch these Florida rockers last night, and they had that look about them of “ok, we’ve got these incredible songs and know how to play them…now what?” In other words, you could tell it was their first nationwide tour (they’re only 19), but they still rocked. Their debut, Astrocoast, is my most played record of late, and is sure to be an early favorite for best of the year in 2010. Listen to more here.
5. Ramona Falls - “I Say Fever” (12:30-16:53)
The video for this song first got me hooked, but it’s a great track from this Portland band who recently dropped their debut LP on Barsuk. Listen to more here.
6. Cold Cave - “Life Magazine” (16:53-19:48)
I must admit having this record in my iTunes for months before a suggestion from Yvynyl convinced me to give it a shot. And now I’m very thankful I did. Chalk up #2 for Philly on this week’s mixtape already, and check out more here.
7. Chief - “Mighty Proud” (19:48-22:47)
This track has been a staple of my listening routine lately, but hadn’t found the right spot on a mixtape til now. These guys hail from Santa Monica and signed to the hottest indie label around, Domino, for their debut next year. No doubt you’ll hear more from them soon. Or now.
8. Gypsy & The Cat - “Jona Vark” (22:47-26:17)
This Melbourne duo is finally starting to get a bit of much-deserved attention, even earning a spin on Mark Ronson’s radio show. Admittedly, this track is far from deep, but it is impossibly catchy. Peep more of their goodness here.
9. Beach House - “Used To Be” (26:17-30:14)
It seems like everyone has already decided the Beach House record is the best of 2010. You know, before 2010 starts and all. I don’t even think the record comes close to best of 2009 (then again, I didn’t like most of the Grizzly Bear record either), but a few songs are flat out gorgeous, including this one. It’s simple, but powerful. Check out more of their stuff, including the great lead single “Norway,” here.
10. Le Loup - “Morning Song” (30:14-34:56)
Any number of tracks from Le Loup’s debut Family could have been on this mixtape, but “Morning Song” seemed to fit best. The DC-based band offer a spiritual mix of harmonies and folk instruments to create a sound like a more fully orchestrated Bon Iver. Check out more of their goodness here.
11. Rose Melberg - “Bear In A Cave” (34:56-37:18)
Rose grew up in Sacramento, but now calls Vancouver home. She was in various Portland indie bands in the 90s, but has been recording solo for the last few years, and is doing a mighty fine job on her own. Check out more of her tunes here.
12. Dark Sparks - “Crying In The Spotlight” (37:18-40:10)
Sheffield’s Dark Sparks are a tough band to put a finger on — they border on indie, alternative radio rock, and even emo. One way or another, they have an appealing sound and will undoubtedly continue to grow in the UK. Listen to more here.
13. Espers - “Colony” (40:10-44:29)
Espers is another band I had only sort of listened to before a prodding from Yvynyl. Their brand of psychedelic folk may not be one for all moods, but if it catches you at the right time, it goes deep. Chalk up #3 on the mixtape for Philly, and listen to more here.
14. Summer Dregs - “Bones” (44:29-47:59)
Ok, I have no idea how this track wound up on my computer. The band doesn’t even have 1,000 plays on MySpace. All I know is these Chattanooga residents have written some wonderful, summery, good time electrofolk. Rock some more here.
15. Your Nature - “Lighthouse Garden” (47:59-52:03)
Yes, you should know these Brooklyn lads by now. If you don’t, check more here.
16. Lissie - “Little Lovin’” (52:03-56:32)
Lissie, like me, grew up in the Midwest and now lives in California. I heard this track for the first time last week when my iPod was newly synced and set to random, and immediately decided it was going on the next mixtape. Something about the way it starts out beautifully and builds intensity connects with me. Does it for you? Try some more of her tunes here.
17. Generationals - “Nobody Could Change Your Mind” (56:32-1:00:14)
New Orleans-based Generationals play some great, dirty, upbeat tunes. Their debut, Con Law, has loads of gems, of which this is one. Listen to more here and grab some free mp3s.
18. Tim Williams - “Murderous Air” (1:00:14-1:04:41)
Tim Williams had open heart surgery in 2008 and quickly converted to writing far more upbeat music as a result. I, for one, am thankful he did. Check out more of his tunes here.
