Greetings, Salutations and welcome to this week’s edition of Mixtape Monday! The time in the week where you get to hear what I’m listening to this week… well in this instance. If you haven’t noticed already, what I listen to is very eclectic. Here’s my latest offering for you! Yes YOU the listener. Please give me feedback and share with me what you’re listening to as well.

As always… listen to this week’s mixtape on Spotify!

1. The Polyphonic Spree - “Light and Day”

Brace yourselves. Let’s start the week off with a band that’s way out there. The Polyphonic Spree are, get this, a 24-piece symphonic choral chamber pop rock group out of Texas. They were formed in 2000 by former Tripping Daisy singer/guitarist Tim DeLaughter. This is just an all-around fun track, which has been featured on TV shows, ads and movie soundtracks, very much in the vein of classic groups The 5th Dimension and The Association. 

2. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - “The Impression That I Get”

Ska lives! With the return of Five Iron Frenzy and other such bands, ska is again on the rise. Another band knocking on the door of nostalgia are The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. They just released a brand new album and in honor of that, here’s their classic track “The Impression That I Get.”

3. Kaiser Chiefs - “Ruby”

If you play Guitar Hero, then you’ve heard this next track. “Ruby” by Kaiser Chiefs is one of those tracks that you can’t get out of your head(or stop playing on GHIII). This has that ol’ school new wave sound. I’ve wanted to put this track by the boys from England on a mixtape for weeks and finally got the chance. You’re welcome.

4. Gorillaz - “19-2000”

Ever want one of those tracks that you can just bob your head to and get in a groove? This is that track. Get ready to get up and dance… not a fast dance, just a sweet slow groove, like something out of those ol’ summer Coke commercials. Hard to believe that this “virtual band” from England has been around for over 10 years. Gorillaz is an English-based visual project consisting of four animated members. The musical side of things is directed by Damon Albarn of The Good, The Bad, & The Queen and Blur fame.

5. Young The Giant - “My Body(Two Door Cinema Club Remix)”

I’ve featured Young The Giant on past Mixtape Mondays, but they needed to be added to this mix. This track comes from a great Remix EP that you can get for free over on NoiseTrade. Enjoy and spread the word.

6. Flobots - “Handlebars”

Here’s an incredible track from an alternative rock and hip-hop group out of Denver, Colorado.  Band member Jamie Laurie describes this song as “the idea that we have so much incredible potential as human beings to be destructive or be creative.” Please give this track a listen, check out the lyrics, and examine it for yourself.

7. Snow Patrol - “Open Your Eyes”

I had the great pleasure of seeing Snow Patrol open for U2 a couple years ago at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA on the U2360 Tour. It was a great gig! I had kind of forgotten about these chaps from Northern Ireland until recently when I heard this track on “Saved By the Belding,” a great short film about four naive young men who journey to California in hopes of finding the truth about the infamous Rod Belding of “Saved By The Bell” fame. Rod, as you may or may not recall, was the substitute teacher brother of principal Mr. Belding. I highly recommend checking this short out(click on the title able to see it) if you were a SBTB fan and also enjoy this track from Snow Patrol!

8. MUTEMATH - “Tell Your Heart Heads Up”

Another great track from their most recent release, Odd Soul. Another great track with a great groove. I love the guitar riff and percussion. The boys from New Orleans continue to impress me.

9. Cage The Elephant - “Aberdeen” 

The Kentucky-based Cage The Elephant have had a few hits in their relatively short existence. Known for the 2009 hit “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked,” they bring it again with their current smash “Aberdeen.” I love the grunge and rock sound of this band.

10. Dave Brubek - “Take Five”

And now for something completely different… well sort of.  Here’s one of my favorite jazz songs of all time. I love the groove of this tune and the catchy saxophone melody with infectious percussion and piano. It is hard to believe the tune was originally recorded 52 years ago in 1959. Enjoy.

There you have it… another mixtape in the books. As always, let me know what you think… and go back and check out past mixtapes as well! Remember to become a fan of this blog on Facebook and follow over on Twitter for the latest updates and exclusive content!

Have a great week and spread the word about this blog!