Vol. X
Each week we stream a mixtape of songs we've been listening to. Some of it is brand new... some of it ain't. So, kick back, relax and take in some tunes worth hearing. You never know what you'll find.
Tracks
The Walkmen pay tribute to Dylan on this great track from their latest. They even get lost in Juarez with bursts of Mariachi-style horns and marimba on the festive chorus. A perfect addition to any summertime mixtape.
We loved Ben Chasny's last album, School of the Flower. Here's a sneak-peek from The Sun Awakens—due out in June. It's a heavy metal/raga mash-up that leaves us drooling for the full Six Organs ride.
Blues-y electric piano grooves, reverb-soaked guitar, dreamy vocals, and an honest-to-goodness psychedelic flute freak-out—which may or may not be Ron Burgundy... We were unable to attain that information.
The one-man-band that is Ethan Marunas croons on the order of Neil Diamond or a happier Scott Walker over electronic beats. He's got some genuine wisdom to impart: The end of the line IS lonely.
Man Man are known for their three-ring circus spectacles that some folks call "concerts." This track is from their latest, Six Demon Bag, and certainly resembles Tom Waits at his most playful.
Speaking of Tom Waits... word is he's a big fan of Jolie Holland and helped her get a record deal. This track is from her sophomore effort, Escondida, and is a good example of her utterly transfixing sound.
If a song title ever fit so perfectly, we don't know about it. Don Peris scores your parents grainy Super 8 vacation films on this track from his brand new LP, Go When the Morning Shineth. Lay back...
Lou Barlow's trademark melancholy gets high fidelity treatment here—and his voice never sounded better. His influence is still widely felt and his latest, Emoh, is a reminder of that fact.
Jason Molina has been playing dark country-rock for years. He's in fine form on this track from 2005's What Comes After the Blues. Like Neil Young & Crazy Horse? Well, then... here you go.
Azure Ray's Maria Taylor struck out on her own last year and released her first solo effort, 11:11. This lilting, old-timey ditty is a fine example of her song-craft and lovely voice.
The son of legendary session bass player Bob Moore (who played with Elvis, Dylan, and Willie), R. Stevie has self-released over 100 albums since 1968! Eat your heart out Bob Pollard. This one is totally weird...
Opsvik & Jennings make hypnotizing ambient soundscapes with IDM tendencies on their debut full-length, Fløyel Files. Each listen reveals a new discovery in these thick layers. Think Eno meets Aphex Twin. Nighty night...
