Monday Mixtape, Vol. 193

All sorts of stuff on this week’s mixtape to absorb! I had never listened to Deafheaven until this past week, and I really dig their new album. They’re best described as shoe-gaze rock (although many categorize them as metal, which I imagine comes from their previous albums because this album doesn’t have much metal sound albeit some screaming and kick ass distorted guitars), and if you like the band Nothing, these guys are for you!

My buddy introduced me to The Brook & The Bluff, and I think this track from their 2019 album is the best. Great rhythm, good singer, upbeat.

More Kacey Musgraves for all those who didn't get enough of her on last week’s mixtape.

Remember Sneaker Pimps?? Remember the greatest song that every 90s kid should know?

Well they’re back with their first album in…checks Spotify…double checks Spotify…19 years!! I need to listen to it a bit more because they have their own sound, but if you like “Fighter,” listen to the rest of the album.

And finally, a band that is slowly becoming one of my favorite bands, The War On Drugs. They’ve released two new singles from their forthcoming album on October 29th. They are on an epic run as their last two albums were phenomenal. Each year, I love both albums more and more (and I still need to listen to their three earlier albums much more.). Also, the markings of a special band is when they’re even better live. These guys are a must see in concert.

That’s all I got. Enjoy the week!

Monday Mixtape, Vol. 118

Apologies for my absence, it’s been a hectic few weeks, including a trip to NYC and a new puppy! Her name is June. Anyhoo, I got some great music for you, starting with the one, and truly only, Colter Wall, a young man of just 23 years with a voice of syrupy bourbon and bass. WOW when you hear this guy. Definitely check his new album out.

There’s an indie supergroup named boygenius comprised of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridges, and Lucy Dacus, and their album has little tinges of all of their sounds while being led by Baker’s (her looooooooooooNNNNNNNGGGGGG!!!! words that she’s known to sing can stretch for over 10 seconds and the scream just gathers steam as it goes (listen to “Stay Down” at 3:11 where “down” is clocked in at about 11 seconds), it’s an equivalent “wow factor” to rappers who can do a verse on one breath because they’ve mastered how to breathe into through their nose while rapping) vocals and craftsmanship. The two tracks I put on this week’s mixtape were my two faves.

I’m so happy with Young the Giant, they just released their fourth album, and it’s got to be their second best album (it’s going to be VERY hard to ever top their first album which was close to flawless and had JAM after JAM and my fave YTG song, “Islands"). There isn’t any letdown on this album, it’s paced well and has a distinct sound and numerous great songs. My favorite might be their last track on the album, “Mirror Master,” what a catchy tune.

Fleet Foxes technically just released “Icicle Tusk." As you might be able to hear, this sounds like early Fleet Foxes, and sure enough, it was made back in 2006, two years before they even released their debut album. Beauty of a song. Robin Pecknold’s voice is in my Top 5 right now.

Empress of’s sophomore album is MUCH more poppy than her debut, a somewhat disappointing surprise. That’s not to say these aren’t good songs, but I’m disappointed because her last album was so weird and unique, whereas this album (and the song on this week’s mixtape “When I’m With Him”) could have be sung by so many different pop vocalists.

Finally, The Belle Game is a band I discovered years ago because their debut album, "Ritual Tradition Habit, was this somewhat dreary, reverb-soaked, distorted sound with beautiful vocals. I’m listening to “Wait up for You” right now, and what a song!

Have a great week all!