Every time I make a new Mike Mix I’m amazed by how much good music falls through the cracks over time. After all, only a small number of songs on each mix have been featured previously on my site. There simply isn’t enough time to write about them all.

Which is why I love making these mixes so much: songs that otherwise would’ve remained permanently buried finally see the light of day. The 14 tracks of Mike Mix 09 are no exception. Many of them are appearing on my site for the first time; most of them should’ve been posted months ago.

With all that said, it’s time to introduce Mike Mix 09.

Despite its quiet start, Mike Mix 09 packs quite a punch. “Lookout Mountain” by Drive-By Truckers rocks incredibly hard; “Else” by Built to Spill bounces around nervously; and “Only In Dreams” by Weezer builds to an epic climax. At the opposite end of the spectrum, “My Lady’s House” by Iron & Wine plods along gently while “The Blackest Crow” by Justin Rutledge quietly refuses to end (in a good way).

As always, I highly recommend listening to Mike Mix 09 in the order presented below. Download the entire mix here or stream it using the player below! Enjoy!

I hope most of you have heard of Elliott Smith. For those of you who haven’t, go watch Good Will Hunting. At almost every pivotal moment in the film, listen to the background music and you’ll hear Elliott Smith. His music has a hushed intimacy that’s hard to forget.

Sadly, Elliott Smith is no longer with us. He committed suicide in 2003, ending a deeply-troubled life that produced several albums of gorgeous, heartbreaking music. He has clearly influenced many of today’s artists – see Iron & Wine for the most striking similarities.

I’ve decided to post a very old song by Heatmiser, one of Elliott Smith’s previous bands. The song is a hidden track from the album Mic City Sons called “Half Right.”

Just like Good Will Hunting, I love everything about it. Great melody, infectious acoustic riff, and excellent lyrics (“I was sticking up for my friend, when there’s nothing much to defend” and “Cuz when I talk to you on the phone, well it’s just like being alone”).

It’s definitely one of my favorite Elliott Smith songs, which is saying a lot. If you like this, also try Either/Or and From a Basement On a Hill.

[mp3] Heatmiser :: Half Right