Hello loyal blog followers. Thank you for the kind inquiries as to where this week’s Mixtape Monday was. Thank you for your concern when it didn’t pop up Monday morning in your feeds. It warms my heart that you love it enough to miss it! We had some site issues, but looks like we’re back in business! Instead of faking today as “Monday,” just going to call it what it is… Wednesday… Humpday… So get over the hump of the week with this week’s playlist! Also, be on the look out for a very special playlist this weekend of Christmas tunes to play as you gather ‘round the tree with family and friends!
Without further ado… here’s this week’s mixtape… listen here on Spotify!
1. The Goo Goo Dolls - “Better Days”
For my Buffalo friends and followers, here’s a great tune from the hometown group. I had the pleasure of seeing them for free about a year and a half ago when Switchfoot opened for them at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and definitely put on an awesome show!
2. The Joy Formidable - “Whirring”
The Joy Formidable recently came to Providence… and unfortunately I had to miss it! The trio from the UK have a great sound and, from what I’ve heard, put on a great show! Love the vibe on this song.
3. Vampire Weekend - “Holiday”
In honor of the season, here’s a track named after that special day of significance. Yep any holiday in general. This is a fun quirky tune off their 2010 album, Contra.
4. Phish - “Bouncing Around The Room”
Here’s a phenomenal live track from the Vermont-based rock/jam band. Originally released in 1990, this version comes from 1995’s live album, A Live One. It definitely conveys the message of the title, bouncing around the room.
5. Pinback - “Fortress”
I first heard this song from the indie rockers out of San Diego, California on a house music soundtrack for one of Switchfoot’s tours a few years back. The guys really groove on this 2004 track from 2004’s, Too Many Shadows.
6. Obadiah Parker - “Idioteque”
Here’s a phenomenal cover of one of my favorite Radiohead songs. This has been covered by many great bands. I definitely recommend you also look up Fiction Family’s cover on YouTube. Parker’s cover, was recorded live for his 2007 live album.
7. Escala - “Live And Let Die”
I first heard this instrumental version of Paul McCartney & Wings classic tune while my wife was listening to Pandora on her computer. I was blown away by the 2009 cover by the electronic string quartet from London, England.
8. Broken Bells - “The High Road”
I was first introduced to this duo at the recommendation of Derek Webb. The indie rock alternative super-duo is made up of Brian Burton(better known as Danger Mouse) and the lead vocalist/guitarist for indie rockers The Shins. Their self-titeld debut, which this track comes from, was, in my opinion, one of the best albums of 2010.
9. Brandi Carlile - “Dreams”
I love the vibe of this next song from Carlile’s third studio album, Give Up The Ghost. This track caught my ear while I was sitting in a Starbucks this week. I immediately brought out my Sound Hound app and was pleased to see that it was from this incredibly talented singer-songwriter.
10. The Kinks - “Father Christmas”
I guess this isn’t quite the most festive holiday song, but it surely is a rockin’ one. The 1977 tune from the English rockers tells the story of a department story Santa Claus who is beaten up by a gang of poor kids who tell him to give them money instead of toys. It is kind of a message song about commercialism and hardship, as at one point, a child asks the narrator of the song to give their father a job for Christmas. Definitely one of my favorites from The Kinks.
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! Don’t forget about the Christmas mixtape coming this weekend! 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!
