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 07.

Darker and moodier than its predecessor, Mike Mix 07 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 07 in the order presented below. Download the entire mix here or stream it using the player below! Enjoy!

I can hardly believe it. This is the 100th post on my site. I never thought I’d make it this far. And to celebrate this special occasion, I’ve decided to do something I normally avoid at all costs: posting tracks without first writing about the artists.

The 10 songs below have dominated my speakers over the past few months. But for various reasons, I haven’t featured any of them on my site (until now, of course).

• [mp3] Peter Broderick :: And It’s Alright
• [mp3] Mark Farina :: Dream Machine (featuring Sean Hayes)
• [mp3] Lil’ Wayne :: Tie My Hands
• [mp3] Frontier Ruckus :: Dark Autumn Hour
• [mp3] Phosphorescent :: Wolves
• [mp3] William Fitzsimmons :: Find Me to Forgive
• [mp3] Spiritualized :: Sitting On Fire
• [mp3] Titus Andronicus :: No Future
• [mp3] The Gaslight Anthem :: Here’s Looking At You, Kid
• [mp3] Andrew Bird :: Take Courage

As the above track listing indicates, the mix is a little eclectic. Download all 10 songs in a zip file here. And as always, if you like any of the above songs, please support the artists!

So I have a theory that there are two basic responses to breaking up with someone: sadness or anger. The first reaction produces the kind of music I normally listen to — sorrowful, introspective stuff — while the second produces punk music.

And I support this theory with the following observation. I’ve never really warmed to punk music. The reason for this is simple: I’m a moper. My response to most situations (including break-ups) is sadness. I rarely get mad — unless I happen to be driving. As a result, I have a hard time identifying with angry, bitter music.

Or so I thought. A few years ago I stumbled upon Deja Entendu by Brand New. While I remember cringing at some of the louder, heavier tracks (especially the ones with screaming), I really enjoyed the album’s slower songs. Especially “The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot” and “Play Crack the Sky.”

But lately I’ve been warming to the entire album (including the screaming). It’s just too good — amazing hooks, epic riffs, and heartbreaking lyrics abound. It took a few years, but I’ve finally come to appreciate both the quiet and loud moments of Deja Entendu.

The song posted below isn’t necessarily my favorite track from the album, but it features the band sounding both quiet and loud. There’s even some screaming!

Note: For those of you worried about the direction of my blog, rest assured. At my core, I’m still a moper (and always will be). But every now and then I feel like screaming and rocking out.

[mp3] Brand New :: Me vs. Maradona vs. Elvis