So to help gear up for all the fun in the sun, my latest Mini Mix highlights 3 albums that are poised to get a ton of plays as the temperature rises. Also, this post should purge the backlog of music created by my recent lack of activity. Enjoy!

PETE AND THE PIRATES
Little Death

I must’ve debated buying this album for over a month. Looking back, I don’t know why I waffled so much. Over a dozen glowing reviews on eMusic should’ve clued me in to what I was missing: effortless, off-kilter indie pop from the UK. In their debut, Pete and the Pirates have crafted an album brimming with infectious hooks and clever lyrics. “She Doesn’t Belong to Me” is a fantastic example. In just under two minutes, the band packs in more hooks and one-liners than most can fit in an entire album. The rest of Little Death is just as good.

Learn more about Pete and the Pirates at the following sites:

         

[mp3] Pete and the Pirates :: She Doesn’t Belong to Me

HARLEM SHAKES
Technicolor Health

I just started listening to Harlem Shakes but already I can tell their debut has a lot of potential (and also a beautiful album cover). The band has generated a fair amount of buzz and it is well deserved. Technicolor Health is both energetic and engaging. And while it might not break any new ground, it sounds great from start to finish (which itself is quite an accomplishment). It’s a little too early for me to say much more about the album, but I definitely look forward to blasting it in my car as I cruise around this summer.

Learn more about Harlem Shakes at the following sites:

         

[mp3] Harlem Shakes :: Strictly Game

MILES BENJAMIN ANTHONY ROBINSON
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

I’m surprised by how quickly I’ve warmed to Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. After my first few listens, I felt overwhelmed and somewhat put off by the chaotic nature of his music. The 10 songs on his self-titled debut seemed to lack both structure and melody. At the same time, however, I was also intrigued by the chaos. After the next few listens, melodies began to emerge. Right now, my favorite track is the epic opener “Buriedfed,” though I’m sure this will change as I continue to untangle this gem.

Learn more about Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson at the following sites:

       

[mp3] Miles Benjamin Anthony Davis :: Buriedfed

So I’ve decided to hit the archives. My second Mini Mix highlights four bands I’ve enjoyed over the past few months but have failed to mention on my site. These bands have one thing in common: they all fly well below even the indie music radar.

VIDEOTAPE

First started listening :: late August

Reasons for waiting to post :: Videotape’s album, My Favourite Thing, is a definite grower. At first, it sounds lazy and a little uninspired. But slowly, after repeated listens, the hooks start digging in. The waves of electric guitar start pulling at you. The sense of laziness remains but the music gradually comes to life. It’s pointless comparing Videotape to other bands because they don’t sound like anyone I know. If you enjoy the song posted below, check out the rest of the album – it’ll definitely grow on you.

[mp3] Videotape :: Night Lights

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH

First started listening :: late June

Reasons for waiting to post :: I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to write about The Tallest Man On Earth (aka Kristian Matsson), a young, talented singer-songwriter from Sweden. I’ve actually been listening to him constantly for the past few months. I think the reason for the delay is that I couldn’t pick a favorite track from his amazingly consistent catalogue of folk music. So naturally, I chose a couple. And while his music may sound a little like early Bob Dylan, it flows so effortlessly I could really care less.

[mp3] The Tallest Man On Earth :: Over the Hills
[mp3] The Tallest Man On Earth :: Where Do My Bluebird Fly

PORT O’BRIEN

First started listening :: early June

Reasons for waiting to post :: I don’t think I fully appreciated Port O’Brien until I saw them live at Treasure Island Music Festival a month ago. Despite a stellar lineup (including Okkervil River and Fleet Foxes), Port O’Brien stole the show with their raw energy and passion. These guys rock pretty hard. Which is a little surprising given that their two studio albums, The Wind and the Swell and All We Could Do Was Sing, are pretty mellow. This versatility and range speaks to their talent as musicians and entertainers.

[mp3] Port O’Brien :: Don’t Take My Advice
[mp3] Port O’Brien :: My Eyes Won’t Shut

CRANES & CROWS

First started listening :: late April

Reasons for waiting to post :: It took me a while to warm up to Paul Brandt’s vocals, which doesn’t make much sense because there’s nothing unusual about them. In fact, I now find his voice to be very comforting. Which is also how I’d describe the sound of their music in general. And unlike my initial qualms about the vocals, this actually makes sense: Cranes & Crows hail from Wisconsin, my home state. And like most people, I find the thought of home very comforting.

[mp3] Cranes & Crows :: Wrecking Ball
[mp3] Cranes & Crows :: So It Goes

As it turns out, coming up with full length mixes is not only difficult but also takes up a lot of space on my server. Also, I’ve found that attention spans tend to be pretty short. So to address these issues, I’m introducing yet another project. I call it the “Mini Mix:” 4 or 5 songs revolving around a central theme.

This post is dedicated to my Aunt Judy, who passed away March 29 and will be dearly missed.

I apologize for the long hiatus, but the songs on my first Mini Mix should make up for my absence. They are nothing short of brilliant. Upon first listen, the songs are strikingly beautiful, packed with catchy melodies and gorgeous harmonies. Subsequent listens, however, reveal an overwhelming sense of sadness and despair. I think the word that best describes this mix is bittersweet (hence the title).

Appropriately, all these songs fit my current mood: happy on the surface, yet for some inexplicable reason tinged with a profound sadness on the inside. I think I will let the songs do the rest of the talking.

• [mp3] Drive-By Truckers :: Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife
• [mp3] Hayden :: Home By Saturday
• [mp3] Sera Cahoone :: Only As the Day Is Long
• [mp3] Jason Collett :: Somehow
• [mp3] Justin Townes Earle :: Far Away In Another Town