Despite a hectic 4th of July weekend, I’m excited to get back to work. And by work I mean writing about music. Which is convenient because I suddenly have lots to write about. Who knows, I might even settle into my old routine: posting a Weekly Download every week and an Artist Spotlight every month. Imagine that. We’ll see what actually happens.

One thing I know for certain, however, is that I’ll post a new Mike Mix every month. And it is with great pleasure that I present the latest installment: Mike Mix 7.

Darker and moodier than its predecessor, Mike Mix 7 might require a few listens before it grows on you. It starts quietly with beautiful songs by Tiny Television, Hurray For the Riff Raff, and Spiritualized. City and Colour’s “What Makes a Man?” transitions the mix to a louder section of music, which is anchored to two fantastic songs by Brand New. Following this intense emotional apex, the mix mellows out big time (and stays that way until it ends). I could talk specifically about the next eight tracks but don’t think it’s necessary. Each song is fantastic, otherwise it wouldn’t have made the mix. The only thing left to do is give it a listen! And then maybe another.

As always, I recommend listening to Mike Mix 7 in the order presented below. Download or stream the entire mix using the links below! Enjoy!

• 1. Tiny Television – I’m On Fire
• 2. Hurray For the Riff Raff – Daniella
• 3. Spiritualized – Sitting On Fire
• 4. City and Colour – What Makes a Man?
• 5. Brand New – Jesus Christ
• 6. Brand New – Degausser
• 7. Interpol – NYC
• 8. South San Gabriel – My Goodbyes
• 9. South San Gabriel – The Arc and the Cusp
• 10. Ida – Late Blues
• 11. The Gaslight Anthem – Here’s Looking At You, Kid
• 12. Grand Salvo – I Am Dead
• 13. J. Tillman – Vacilando Territory
• 14. Hurray For the Riff Raff – Junebug Waltz
• Download entire link