When I posted my first Mike Mix a year ago, I promised to release a new one each month. You might’ve noticed, however, that I’ve posted only ten mixes so far (excluding this one). Normally, I’d apologize for being lazy, but given the general lack of activity on my site, I’m actually pretty pleased with myself. Ten out of twelve ain’t too shabby.

Perhaps you’ve also noticed that Mike Mixes usually follow one of three patterns. They either: (a) start happy and end sad; (b) start sad, become happy in the middle, and then end sad; or (c) start and end sad. Judging from these patterns, it appears as though I can only handle happiness in short bursts. One of these days I’ll make a mix that is entirely happy, just don’t hold your breath.

With all that said, I’d put the latest installment in the series in the (a) category. After two consecutive mixes full of dark and dreary songs, Mike Mix 16 provides a much needed shot of happiness to the series. Just in time for summer!

Mike Mix 16 kicks off with “Next Exit,” the opener from Interpol’s sophomore album Antics. This might sound a little cheesy, but I really like listening to “Next Exit” as I’m driving to the city for a night out with friends. I’m not a big partier, but the opening notes of the organ always get me pumped. The next few tracks keep pace with (and even eclipse) the opener. “Poison Cup” by M. Ward is the benchmark by which all love songs should be judged. “Walkabout” by Atlas Sound features a melody so catchy you’ll need a lobotomy to get it out of your head.

By now you might be wondering when Mike Mix 16 transitions from happy to sad. Look no further than track 8, the über-depressing “Lost Cause” by Beck. Other highlights from the second half include Horse Feathers’ delicate cover of “Orphan Girl” and Deer Tick’s heartbreaking “Smith Hill.” Despite the shift in tone, the second side of the mix punches just as hard as the first.

As always, I strongly recommend listening to Mike Mix 16 in the order presented below. Download the entire mix here or stream it using the player below! Enjoy responsibly.

1	Interpol :: Next Exit
2	M. Ward :: Poison Cup
3	Modest Mouse :: People As Places As People
4	Josh Ritter :: Golden Age of Radio
5	Timber Timbre :: We’ll Find Out
6	Atlas Sound :: Walkabout
7	Memory Tapes :: Green Knight
8	Beck :: Lost Cause
9	Horse Feathers :: Orphan Girl
10	Gillian Welch :: Everything Is Free
11	Calexico / Iron & Wine :: Sixteen, Maybe Less
12	Deer Tick :: Smith Hill
13	The Everybodyfields :: Birthday
14	Molina & Johnson :: Lenore’s Lullaby
15	Horse Feathers :: Different Gray
16	The Antlers :: Cold War

Hell, you might even call this straight-up country music, except I fear that that label could repel potential listeners. After all, how many times have you heard or said, “I listen to pretty much anything except country music.”

Instead of going on one of my nonsensical rants about why the majority of country music sucks, I’m going to use this post to explain what I think good country music should sound like. Specifically, why I love each and every one of the tracks below. As always, enjoy in the order posted!

Without a doubt my favorite Josh Ritter song, I had an extremely difficult time writing his Artist Spotlight without mentioning this song. A rollicking country rocker, “Golden Age of Radio” starts the mix off on an upbeat note. “Have mercy on this boy who did it all by the book but still kinda has his doubts”

[mp3] Josh Ritter :: Golden Age of Radio

Another classic Josh Ritter song, “Me & Jiggs” even mentions sitting on the porch. When I listen to this song, I’m reminded of all the good times I’ve had with friends in the past. “Sitting on the porch singing Townes Van Zandt”

[mp3] Josh Ritter :: Me & Jiggs

This is the song that got me hooked on Drive-By Truckers. One of their more mellow tracks, “Danko/Manuel” serves as a nice transition to the slower songs coming up. It also serves as a great introduction to an amazing band. “I ain’t living like I should”

[mp3] Drive-By Truckers :: Danko/Manuel

Possibly the twangiest song on the mix, “Can’t Have It” only reinforces why I love The Everybodyfields: great melodies and vocal harmonies. “Can’t sleep if my eyes won’t let me”

[mp3] The Everybodyfields :: Can’t Have It

Similar in sound to the previous song, “Annabelle” features the gorgeous vocals of Gillian Welch as she laments about bad luck and hard times in the South. “Until we’ve all gone to Jesus we can only wonder why”

[mp3] Gillian Welch :: Annabelle

Another powerful Truckers song, “Sounds Better In the Song” deals with letting go of a love who has moved on. Acoustic and intimate, the song is a nice change of pace for the band. “A heart that wants to live and a soul that wants to give can’t just sit at home alone”

[mp3] Drive-By Truckers :: Sounds Better In the Song

NOTE: If you download only one track, make it this one! “I Can’t Sleep” is perfection. Words cannot describe the love I have for this song. The lyrics are about as personal and affecting as they get. “I can’t sleep ’cause I don’t dream of you anymore”

[mp3] The Everybodyfields :: I Can’t Sleep

The title of this track pretty much tell the story. If you aren’t sold on the Drive-By Truckers by now, there might not be any hope left. “Well I ain’t really falling asleep I’m fading to black”

[mp3] Drive-By Truckers :: Goddamn Lonely Love

A great story about a booze-smuggling son and his untimely encounter with the cops. Despite its subject matter, “Out On the Highway” is surprisingly emotional and affecting. “Out on the highway, son be careful, your mother sure loves you”

[mp3] The Everybodyfields :: Out On the Highway

Not originally part of the mix, this song brings everything full circle. Amazing how different the live version sounds, which is no doubt a tribute to Josh Ritter’s talent.

[mp3] Josh Ritter :: Golden Age of Radio [live]

If I could redo my “Southern Twang” Regional Mix, I would include this song. Simple, heartbreaking Americana.

[mp3] Gillian Welch :: Revelator