stg mixtape #11

Hey everybody -

Sorry (or you’re welcome) for the week off last week — I had a few people say they needed a week to catch up, and I had the good fortune to be able to spend last Sunday-Wednesday in Ireland hanging out with Modest Mouse. So much fun, really great dudes. Anyway, at a time when everyone is posting their favorites of 2009, I’ve unintentionally assembled a playlist made mostly from 2008 and 2010 releases. I started making this mixtape for a girl, which is how some of the best mixes come about — I hope you dig it as much as I do.

Also, big hellos and thank yous to all the new followers, which I believe can be attributed to this lovely mention on Indiescreet’s “10 Influences On Your Music Taste in 2010.” Make sure you guys join the mailing list (top right corner of the homepage) so you get the individual track mp3s each week!

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1. Yeasayer - “Madder Red” (0-4:02)

This is the third track from the Brooklyn band’s forthcoming (very highly anticipated) LP Odd Blood. Check out their crazy video and get the lead single “Ambling Alp” free here.

2. Mason Proper - “Alone” (4:02-7:23)

I’ve been on a Mason Proper kick of late. Their record came out last year, but it’s still awesome and highly relevant — they’re like White Rabbits, but better. Be sure to check out more here.

3. The Drones - “Nail It Down” (7:23-14:16)

Another from last year, I can’t get enough of these Australian rockers. If you EVER get the chance to see them live, do it. You can get their single “Minotaur” free here.

4. Fleet Foxes - “Drops in the River” (14:16-18:29)

Yep, still more 2008 goodness spilling over, and another great band to see live (harmonies make me quake). Rumor has it they’ve got a new record in the works for next year.

5. Beach House - “Norway” (18:29-22:32)

I mentioned this last mixtape, but there are two amazing tracks on Beach House’s otherwise forgettable 2010 release Teen Dream, and this is the other. The duo is touring Europe extensively in the early months of 2010. Get those dates and more tunes here.

6. Modest Mouse - “Guilty Cocker Spaniel” (22:32-26:34)

Coming from their latest release of material that was recorded during their last few album sessions, this was a very fun one to see live. Check the video I took of “Paper Thin Walls” here.

7. The Rural Alberta Advantage - “The Deathbridge in Lethbridge” (26:34-28:46)

Seeing these guys Wednesday. So stoked. More Canadian goodness here.

8. Dr. Dog - “My Friend” (28:46-34:18)

This is one of those records that took a long time for me to warm up to and now I absolutely love it. Very much looking forward to their next record in 2010. Listen to more here.

9. Golden Silvers - “Please Venus” (34:18-39:17)

The first track on this mix actually from this year, this is London’s Golden Silvers at their best. The rest can be found here.

10. Surfer Blood - “Twin Peaks” (39:17-42:50)

Astrocoast continues to spin on repeat in my iTunes. Undoubtedly, this is one of their simplest hooks, but don’t count it out before you get to the second and third sections of the tune. More here.

11. White Denim - “Regina Holding Hands” (42:50-46:20)

Probably the least rock-n-roll song from these Austin rockers, it’s still quite brilliant. I think my ears are still bleeding from seeing them at SXSW last year, but you’d never know it from this gem. Get the heavier stuff here.

12. The Limousines - “Very Busy People” (46:20-50:26)

SF locals The Limousines are generally like a poppier version of The Postal Service, but this song is absolutely a stand-out. Everything about this song is glorious, from the unbelievably catchy hook to the social criticisms in the lyrics. Check out more from them here.

13. Toro Y Moi - “Causers Of This” (50:26-53:27)

A lot of folks are getting very excited for Columbia, South Carolina’s Toro Y Moi and his two new albums in 2010. This is the title track from the first. I’ll admit it’s taken me a while to really dig the band/dude, but then I was horribly hungover last weekend and the music hit the sweetspot. Peep more tunes here.

14. Yeti Lane - “Lonesome George” (53:27-57:06)

This three-piece from Paris is deserving of far more notoriety than they’ve garnered to this point. Perhaps 2010 will be kinder when their debut album hits stores (generally having an album helps ;) ). Catch a few more tunes here.

15. Of Montreal - “City Bird” (57:06-59:27)

In all my Of Montreal listening, I had completely missed this track. I was very happy to discover it last week on their 2004 album Satanic Panic in the Attic. It’s far more intimate a sound than is most commonly associated with Of Montreal, which is refreshing. More here.