Monday Mixtape, Vol. 18

There's no denying this first track by soul singer Allen Stone. Try to deny it. You can't! (Though I listened to the rest of his album and wasn't too impressed - "Upside" is by far the best song on the album.)

I still don't know much about San Diego's TV Girl, but this track is like a mix between Panda Bear and Belle & Sebastian.  It's dance-y yet a bit trance-y, and if you dig it, they just released another track, "Natalie Wood," which you should check out!

"Kodiak" is classic indie. A flowy guitar with a simple snare lets the younger Jeff Tweedy-like vocals pace a track that would best be heard on a beach with a beer. It reminds me of that simplicity that Real Estate has perfected.

After hearing Mumford & Sons at Outside Lands, I once again revisited their new album. Hearing an album live is like meeting someone on Tinder. Maybe they look nothing like their profile pictures and you're left confused and disappointed, but maybe their beauty has even more depth after connecting with them and you're left feeling even better than you came. (For the record, I still think Wilder Minds is a regurgitation of Coldplay's X&Y (which for the record, isn't an insult but not exactly a compliment either).)

I just love Badbadnotgood. I've spoke about them before in my 5 Faves Ghostface Killah writeup, but if you like jazz, check out the discography from these Canadians.

A seven minute rap song? I love the aggressive start and change of pace. Good way to end a mixtape!