I absolutely love making new Mike Mixes every month but for some reason always dread writing about them. Maybe I’m overwhelmed by the shear quantity of music in each mix, or maybe I’m suffering through a debilitating case of writer’s block. Either way, it’s annoying and needs to end. Especially since I don’t plan on halting Mike Mix production any time soon.

With that said, the latest installment in the series upholds the fine tradition established by its older siblings. Mike Mix 13 is instantly accessible, uniquely diverse, and endlessly rewarding. Think I’m exaggerating? I might be, though you won’t know for sure until you check it out yourself. But first, here are some quick details:

The first half of Mike Mix 13 is surprisingly upbeat. It kicks off with a trio of bombastic, hypnotic pop songs by indie heavyweights Andrew Bird, The Dodos, and Annuals. Next follow a pair of lo-fi gems by The American Analog Set and Blur. I especially like “Caravan.” It sounds like a long, trippy journey through the desert. So pretty! Rounding out the first half of the mix are two amazing tracks by the late Jeff Hanson and one by Carissa’s Weird.

The second half of Mike Mix 13 is unapologetically twangy, starting with a country-fried slice of perfection by Justin Rutledge. The next song, “Quattro (Worlds Drift In)” by Calexico, is the perfect soundtrack to traveling down a lonely, dusty highway at twilight. Following this is Cat Power’s incredible cover of “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love WIth You)” by Hank Williams. A couple of epic barn burners by Wye Oak and Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson lead into a pair of quiet Dylan-esque numbers by Deer Tick and Vandaveer, closing the mix on a very sweet note.

As always, I highly recommend listening to Mike Mix 13 in the order presented below. Download or stream the entire mix using the links below! Enjoy responsibly.

• 1. Andrew Bird – Fake Palindromes
• 2. The Dodos – Two Medicines
• 3. Annuals – Springtime
• 4. The American Analog Set – Born On the Cusp
• 5. Blur – Caravan
• 6. Jeff Hanson – Welcome Here
• 7. Jeff Hanson – I Just Don’t Believe You
• 8. Carissa’s Wierd – Fluorescent Lights
• 9. Justin Rutledge – A Letter to Heather
• 10. Calexico – Quattro (World Drifts In)
• 11. Cat Power – Still In Love
• 12. Wye Oak – For Prayer
• 13. Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – My Good Luck
• 14. Deer Tick – Nevada
• 15. Vandaveer – Beverly Cleary’s 115th Dream
• Download entire mix