Howdy loves -

I really meant to post about half this mixtape right after SXSW. Alas, my music collection has hit full on diaspora status. I had to download about 90% of these tracks onto the computer I’m writing this post from tonight (even though I have them elsewhere) so I could upload them for streaming and download. I’ve been using Rdio a lot more lately (though it definitely makes me feel uncool with its limited library of small indie bands, I do so love its convenience), so those of you who also use Rdio and want to listen there can check it out here.

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1. Thao & Mirah (feat tUnE-YarDs) - “Eleven”

What do you get when you put the bay area’s three most talented females together? THIS.

2. tUnE-YarDs - “Gangsta”

You’ve been hearing me preach the gospel of tUnE-YarDs for ages, but the new record, W H O K I L L, is absolutely epic. It makes you wonder what world Merril lives in, lures you into that world, scares the living crap out of you, then rests you back home, more comforted than you’ve ever been before.

3. EMA - “Milkman”

Don’t f*ck with EMA.

4. Hooray For Earth - “True Loves”

I found this song on a bus checking out homie Yvyvnyl’s Tumblr. He had posted one of the most epic videos I’ve seen in a very long time, and I thank him for that.

5. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - “Skeletons”

After the most impressive debut EP I’ve heard in ages, DEJJ have completed and released their full-length, It’s A Corporate World. It definitely lives up to (very high) expectations, as does their epic live show. Don’t let the name fool you, these dudes are legit.

6. The Generationals - “I Promise”

I can’t tell you how stoked I am to finally see The Generationals next week. I attempted to see them three times at SXSW, and was foiled each time (time change, full venue). Their debut, Con Law, is incredibly fun, and their latest, Actor-Caster, keeps the fun while showing added maturity in the songwriting.

7. Painted Palms - “All Of Us”

Arguably the hottest band in SF right now, Painted Palms have already toured with Of Montreal, despite only having a single EP and having never played live together nine months ago. Adding a modern twist to classic surf sounds, Painted Palms are near pop perfection.

8. 1,2,3 - “Riding Coach”

Very clearly carrying the influence of their hometown of Pittsburgh, 1,2,3 write some beautiful guitar-driven songs with a snarky edge.

9. The Antlers - “I Don’t Want Love”

Hoooooly crap. You just don’t hold that high a note that long in that dark a song. Except apparently you should.

10. Twin Shadow - “Castles In The Snow”

I can’t say enough about Twin Shadow. They’re the real deal. Check out the Yours Truly video from SXSW I was lucky enough to witness.

11. The Wombats - “Jump Into The Fog”

The Wombats have a history of writing great British pop songs (proven by a platinum record, amongst other awards), and this number off their latest effort is no different.

12. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - “FFunny Frends”

This is one of the most polarizing bands in recent memory amongst my friends, but I can’t figure out from the sound why that is. Instead, I suspect it’s their overt hipsterdom that turns some friends off. Whatever, they write some good songs, so I can’t hate.

13. Architecture In Helsinki - “Contact High”

For fans who were hoping AIH could bring another song as deliciously poppy as “Heart It Races,” “Contact High” is an absolute treat. For new folks, welcome to the dance hall for nerds.

14. Grimes - “Vanessa”

This was another incredible Yours Truly shoot I witnessed recently (the video isn’t done yet), primarily because Claire is so talented and successful a performer, yet so nervous and unassuming in conversation. We had a great time talking about her home town of Montreal and her desire to be incredibly prolific (she’s certainly capable, and well on her way). She, in turn, provided an incredible performance in a warehouse basement a couple blocks from my apartment.

15. Evan Voytas - “Tomorrow Night We’ll Go Anywhere”

Evan and his band are the only folks I’ve ever seen get insistent calls for an encore from an entire audience at SXSW — and they were the first band at a day party! I was certainly one of those folks cheering, and will continue to do so in any way possible. Bathe yourself in this jam’s sleazy goodness.

16. Seapony - “Dreaming”

I caught the end of Seapony’s Yours Truly shoot (the part where I show up with cookies as they’re packing up the van), but the next weekend, this was the first song I heard on the radio as I pulled into San Antonio, TX. I couldn’t believe how out of place it felt, but I felt pretty out of place, too, so it fit.

17. Simon & Garfunkel - “You Can Tell The World”

My mom reminded me of this one while I was home last weekend. My parents definitely have a fun mix of records — it’s all the bands you know from the 60s, but almost none of the most popular albums.

18. Kurt Vile - “Baby’s Arms”

Um, watch this.

19. Frank Ocean - “Novacane”

The most recently added member of LA’s hottest urban music collective, Odd Future, Frank drops some serious R. Kelly vibes.

20. The Head and the Heart - “Lost In My Mind”

Yes, one more Yours Truly shoutout (sorry, it’s how I spent my SXSW) — seeing these guys in their element makes all the difference.