Solstice

Yes, it's been a long time. But by now you probably have a shiny new red ipod nano just waiting for some good tunes to munch on. Which is where I come in.

Here's the link to download the mp3. It expires in two weeks, so get it while it's hot.
http://download.yousendit.com/25BB328D6150C31E

Playlist
1- andrew bird - imitosis
one of the best tracks from this prolific chicagoan's rich new album, "armchair apocrypha"; i especially love the cool lyrics in this song.
i should really dig out that old "andrew bird's bowl of fire" cd i got from a very prescient friend years ago.
2- dj shadow - this time (i'm gonna try it my way)
true to form, even shadow himself doesn't know who's singing that groovy vocal sample. is there anything hipper than a mysteriously unlabeled dusty old record?
3- rock kills kid - i turn my camera on
kid throws rock, rock lacks sense of humor.
a good pop song.. i really like the buildup at the start.
4- iron & wine - innocent bones
this whole album is just lovely, all soft and fluid and complex with interesting lyrics. one of my favorites of the year.
5- shout out louds - please please please
don't pretend you're not singing and dancing along. now get their new album already!
6- janove ottesen - go tell her
what's the deal with scandinavians who sound more american than me? no canadian jokes please.
7- maritime - tearing up the oxygen
if you think this band sounds sort of like the promise ring but a bit more mature and a lot more optimistic, you're on to something. their album "we, the vehicles" has become a staple for me, and their newest album, "heresy & the hotel choir", is pretty great as well.
8- beirut - scenic world
this creative indie band's music always sounds to me like it's coming from the edges of a foggy mountain forest in eastern europe. i especially like this particular version, from the "lon gisland" EP
9- ratatat - nostrand
this one randomly popped up in my itunes and somehow just flowed so interestingly from the previous track.
10- bloc party - flux
a new one from our britpop friends. this ultra-digitized track is better than coffee, and makes me feel five years younger. ah, simpler days.

Nothing like fresh new music to get through those long cold winters - so let me know your suggestions or comments!

Viva Zapata (updated link)

After another long hiatus, here's a nice little mix to play on your nice little record player. Who needs sleep, anyway?


Here's the link (works for 2 weeks):
http://download.yousendit.com/83972531585329B2

Playlist
1- i'm from barcelona - oversleeping
story of my life! plus, this band is adorable.
2- ludacris/jackson 5 - grew up a screw up/reach in
one of my favorite tracks from this super fly mash-up album. dig it!
3- peter, bjorn, and john - the chills
i still really like this swedish band, even though i just heard 'young folks' playing at the mall recently. sigh.
4- klaxons - golden skans
rumor has it these guys have already started a guest list for their end of the world party in 2012, and guess who's got connections? not sure if it's something to get excited about, exactly..
5- phoenix - one time too many
yet another. enjoy!

Save the Manatees (updated link)

This mix is full of springtime giddiness - so don't say I didn't warn you!
(Also, it may possibly be playing in a rental car near you..? But that's a story for another day. :)) Hope you love it.

Here's the link to download:
http://download.yousendit.com/ABF0EF120691D9A0

Playlist
1- modest mouse - dashboard
I don't usually say stuff like this, but this time the critics are right. If you buy one album this year so far, it should be the new Modest Mouse album. It's just such a delight. That album has been my best friend for a good couple of months already.
2- k-os - dirty water
No, I don't just love him because he's Canadian! This song is one of my favorites; I love the ebb and flow of the bass and guitar riffs. From his earlier album, Joyful Rebellion.
3- sharon jones and the dap kings - how long do i have to wait for you?
Mmm, this song is such fun! Definitely worth the embarrassment of being caught singing along in the car at full blast, windows down. Hypothetically, of course.
4- firefox ak - what's that sound?
A fun, short little confection that always makes me smile.
5- peter, bjorn, and john - young folks
Yet another testament to the mysteriously ubiquitous greatness of Swedish bands. Apparently this song won the Swedish Grammy for best video recently. Plus, if they were an acronym they would be PBJ.
6- the kooks - she moves in her own way
Once again, pop music at its very best.
7- the decemberists - o valencia
This band's lyrics and storytelling are so great. Even in simple, bright melodies like this one, they're such poets.
8- regina spektor - on the radio
No, I never fell asleep while on the air. At least not while playing November Rain, thank you very much.

Lemontrees (updated link)

It's been a while, but here's a brand new little confection for your listening pleasure. I love each of these songs, and I hope you will too. Would love to hear comments - or requests for next time!

Here's the link to download:
http://download.yousendit.com/D798DFF913ACE4F3

Playlist
1- k-os - the rain
Deliciously rich and mournful. A fantastic old-school soul ballad from one of my favorite eclectic hip-hoppers and fellow Canadian K-os. He's coming to Chicago next month - anyone want to join me at the show?
2- gift of gab - left side of the brain
From Gab's limited edition mixtape Supreme Lyricism. I just love listening to this album all the way through - his flow just tumbles over you with this endless energy.
3- the manhattan brothers - ishumelosheleni
A joyful singalong from this South African doo-wop group, hugely famous in 50's South Africa although almost completely unknown to whites at the time. One of my favorite discoveries from my past life in radio.
4- joe strummer - redemption song
A lovely cover of the classic, from the late great lead singer of the Clash. His voice and the original tune work so well together.
5- firefox ak - the draft
She's cute, young, and Swedish, and she makes pretty electronic music. This is one of my favorites from her album, Madame Madame!
6- the futureheads - skip to the end
I love this song, which is fun and dancey and retro and dark at the same time, and the lyrics are just so true! Naaaa na na naaa na na!

Exclusive re-releases - get 'em while they're hot!

Here are my recent podcasts again for your downloading pleasure - I've updated the links so you can actually download them now, if you haven't already (gasp). Playlists for the mixes are in earlier posts below. Let me know what you think!

Flatland (10-07-06): http://s1.upload.sc/request/7f8d84359e89cb441eaa87a34e8c78b7

Mus Musculus (10-23-06):
http://s1.upload.sc/request/61792fc97b173025307fdad4ad9f49b9

Infinite (12-13-06):
http://s1.upload.sc/request/61c7359cc9951676dfec517d5729a9dc