If you thought the previous Mike Mix was a downer (which it was), wait until you hear Mike Mix 15. I don’t know what inspired it, but holy crap is it depressing. It’s also one of the longest mixes to date. Better buckle up…

Mike Mix 15 kicks off with “Untitled,” the opener from Interpol’s classic debut Turn On the Bright Lights. The track, much like the album, perfectly captures the seediness of the city after the sun goes down. “Ghost of a Shark” by Tom McRae, on the other hand, would make an excellent soundtrack to escaping the city limits at the break of dawn.

I could continue like this for the rest of the mix but I think you get the idea: the songs of Mike Mix 15 are the opposite of happy. Some of my favorites include the fiery “Bought a Bride” by Brand New, the monstrous “Dance Little Liar” by Arctic Monkeys, the dejected “Things Fall Apart” by Built to Spill, and the wistful “Forests and Sands” by Camera Obscura. If these tracks seem familiar, it’s because they all made my Top 10 Songs of 2009 list. I loved them back then and still love them today.

As always, I strongly recommend listening to Mike Mix 15 in the order presented below. Download the entire mix here or stream it using the player below! Enjoy responsibly.

But the above songs are not my Top 10 Songs of 2008 for several reason. First, it would be a little boring. Second, I would probably run into legal issues if I posted half the songs from those two albums. And third, my most-played tracks in iTunes are not necessarily my favorite songs of 2008.

With that said, I present my actual list below. The songs are ordered in a way that I think flows best. A zip file containing all 10 tracks is provided below for your convenience. Enjoy!

SHEARWATER
Rook

It’s official. With Rook, Shearwater has fully stepped out of the giant shadow cast by Okkervil River. This isn’t the first time I’ve said this, but it’s definitely true. It’s been fun watching the band’s progression. With each new release, Shearwater continues to put more and more distance between itself and Okkervil River. Hopefully, Rook is just one of many more albums to come from this incredible band.

[mp3] Shearwater :: Rooks

GRAND ARCHIVES
The Grand Archives

This may sound a little strange, but Grand Archives’ self-titled debut is like an old friend. No matter how much time passes between contact, conversations continue as though you’d just talked to your friend yesterday. And the time you spend together only reminds you why you liked this person so much in the first place. Every time I listen to The Grand Archives, I wonder why I don’t listen to it more often.

[mp3] Grand Archives :: George Kaminski

THE WALKMEN
You & Me

When I wrote about You & Me a few months ago, I said, “Right now, ‘On the Water’ is my favorite track, but this will probably change on a weekly basis.” As it turns out, I was right. My favorite song this week is “If Only It Were True.” I consider this to be the hallmark of a great album — one that reveals itself slowly in layers.

[mp3] The Walkmen :: If Only It Were True

THE RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE
Hometowns

Hometowns was a last minute addition to this list. If I had a little more time with the album, it probably would crack my top 5. But the mere fact that it even made the list stands as a testament to its amazingness. Normally I wouldn’t even consider an album I just started listening to 3 weeks ago, but The Rural Alberta Advantage is one of the best new bands I’ve heard in a long time. They definitely deserve this spot.

[mp3] The Rural Alberta Advantage :: Don’t Haunt This Place

BON IVER
For Emma, Forever Ago

Technically first released in 2007, For Emma, Forever Ago was easily my most anticipated album of 2008. And it did not disappoint. Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon) manages to do a lot with very little. He makes sounds with an acoustic guitar I didn’t think possible. He loops and layers his gorgeous vocals to haunting effect. It all adds up to one of the most original and innovative albums of 2008.

[mp3] Bon Iver :: For Emma

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH
Shallow Grave

The most impressive thing about Shallow Grave is how effortless it sounds. There must be something in the water in Sweden. Using just an acoustic guitar and occasionally a banjo, The Tallest Man On Earth (aka Kristian Matsson) walks a narrow line between intensity and beauty. It’s an impressive debut from a talented singer-songwriter.

[mp3] The Tallest Man On Earth :: Where Do My Bluebird Fly

SIGUR RÓS
Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust

I’m getting a little worried. I’m starting to hear Sigur Rós everywhere: commercials, TV shows, movie trailers, soundtracks. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. Their music is disgustingly gorgeous. And Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust is no exception. If anything surprises me, it’s that it took the TV and movie people so long to discover this amazing band.

[mp3] Sigur Rós :: Illgresi

FLEET FOXES
Fleet Foxes

The first time I heard Fleet Foxes I got a little angry. They sounded eerily similar to early My Morning Jacket, which I did not appreciate. But because I was desperate for some classic MMJ, I decided to give them a try. I’m glad I did. The more I listen to them, the less they sound like MMJ. It took a little time, but Fleet Foxes’ soaring vocals and melodies definitely grew on me. Much more than I ever imagined.

[mp3] Fleet Foxes :: Your Protector

SERA CAHOONE
Only As the Day Is Long

For the record, Only As the Day Is Long could’ve easily held down the No. 1 spot on this list. 2008 was the year I discovered the beauty of Americana/folk music and, without a doubt, Sera Cahoone was the highlight of this incredible genre. Sadly, I never featured her on my Artist Spotlight series as I originally planned. I just couldn’t find the right words (and doubt I ever will). Just know that Sera writes simple, gorgeous, heartbreaking music.

[mp3] Sera Cahoone :: You’re Not Broken

FRIGHTENED RABBIT
The Midnight Organ Fight

There’s not much more to say about these guys that I haven’t already said. Maybe the only thing left to do is justify why they grabbed the top spot. On a typical album, I usually figure out my favorite track(s) within the first few listens. But on The Midnight Organ Fight, this didn’t happen. It is truly a complete album, which in the age of the digital single is a remarkable achievement.

[mp3] Frightened Rabbit :: Heads Roll Off

In order to return my blog to its usual format, I need to clear out the backlog of music created by my summer hiatus. This post should bring you up to speed on some of my favorite albums released in the past few months. It won’t be poetic, but then again, housekeeping rarely is.

MY MORNING JACKET

After the massive disappointment that was Z, I expected very little of My Morning Jacket’s latest album Evil Urges. After several months of listening, I can honestly say Evil Urges doesn’t suck. In fact, it’s pretty solid. The band continues to distance themselves from the sound they perfected on At Dawn, which, at least for me, is disappointing because that’s the sound I originally fell in love with.

I think, however, I’ve come to terms with their new direction. Seeing them live at the Greek two weeks ago definitely helped. These guys put on an amazing show. One of the many highlights that night was an incredible version of “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2,” the epic closing track on Evil Urges. The studio version of this song is posted below.

[mp3] My Morning Jacket :: Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2

THE WALKMEN

On You & Me, The Walkmen not only perfect their sound but finally feel comfortable with it. And they sound as if they’ve just shaken off an epic hangover: their new album contains a sense of weariness and regret not present in previous albums. Maybe The Walkmen have grown up.

If so, it’s for the better. You & Me is their most consistent, and ultimately, their most rewarding album to date. Ironically, its consistency might also be its biggest turn-off. Songs sometimes bleed too much into each other. It takes repeated listens before tracks distinguish themselves. After nearly two dozen spins, I’m finally there. Right now, “On the Water” is my favorite track, but this will probably change on a weekly basis.

[mp3] The Walkmen :: On the Water

SHEARWATER

Similar to The Walkmen, Shearwater sounds like they’ve finally figured themselves out. With the release of Rook, Meiburg and his band fully step out of the shadow of Okkervil River. I’m only disappointed it took so long.

There is a lot going on under the surface of Rook. The shear gorgeousness of the music often masks a strong undercurrent of anger and frustration. Which is part of the reason I like Shearwater so much: their ability to combine beauty and violence is striking. The title track from Rook, which is posted below, captures this balance perfectly.

[mp3] Shearwater :: Rooks

SIGUR RÓS

Sigur Rós has yet to release a disappointing album. With every new CD, they manage to explore new territory while at the same time maintaining their core sound (My Morning Jacket should take a lesson from them). The first few tracks on Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust, for example, can almost be described as joyous, which is definitely new territory for the band.

This mood, however, doesn’t last long. Soon the band retreats to familiar ground, slowing the flow of music to that of a glacier. “Illgresi,” the track posted below, resides on the slower second half of Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust and features the band at its simplest: a pretty acoustic guitar riff, some violin flourishes, and Jónsi’s plaintive vocals.

[mp3] Sigur Rós :: Illgresi

#10 Shearwater – Palo Santo

Palo Santo is a definite grower. While Jonathan Meiburg’s haunting vocals may take a little while to get used to, they will soon become one of the main reasons you like Shearwater. And similar to the vocals, the excellent melodies only fully reveal themselves after several listens…

[mp3] Shearwater :: Nobody

#9 Beach House – Beach House

This album really came out of nowhere. At its core, Beach House is an incredibly simple project. The band consists of two members. The instrumentation rarely expands past an organ and drum machine. The songs plod along at a snail’s pace. Add to all of this some heart-wrenching lyrics and you have the perfect winter album.

[mp3] Beach House :: Apple Orchard

#8 M. Ward – Post-War

M. Ward is one of those artists who, with each new album, manages to both hone and expand his sound. Therefore, it was no surprise that Post-War kicked ass. And while it sounds different than its predecessors, it’s a typical M. Ward album through and through. In other words, more timeless, beautiful indie rock from one of the best singer-songwriters out there.

[mp3] M. Ward :: Post-War

#7 Clipse – Hell Hath No Fury

Let me first say that I do not identify with any of the lyrics on Hell Hath No Fury, which focus mainly on selling cocaine and spending ridiculous sums of money (from the sale of said cocaine). Unlike most hip-hop albums, Clipse don’t waste time on pointless skits and interludes. The twelve tracks never let up, especially if you find yourself hitting the repeat button when the wild ride ends.

[mp3] Clipse :: Hello New World

#6 Joanna Newsom – Ys

In one of the more ambitious projects of 2006, Joanna Newsom’s Ys features only 5 tracks, each of which are at least 7 minutes long. Similar to Beach House, I never thought I’d listen to, let alone enjoy, an album like this. Tracks center around Newsom’s high-pitched, squeaky warble and her harp. Despite this unconventional arrangement, I find something oddly enchanting in Newsom’s delivery. You’ll either love it or hate it.

[mp3] Joanna Newsom :: Emily

#5 The Decemberists – The Crane Wife

I must confess: I wanted to hate The Crane Wife. Much like Sufjan Stevens, the Decemberists either hit or miss the mark. While Colin Meloy’s lyrics are top-notch, the songs tend to wear thin once the story becomes familiar. Meloy’s best moments are also his most personal ones (see “I Was Meant For the Stage” from Her Majesty). Luckily, The Crane Wife hits way more than it misses, though I’m still hoping the next Decemberists’ album is a more personal affair.

[mp3] The Decemberists :: Sons & Daughters

#4 Califone – Roots & Crowns

After at least 15 listens, I’m still coming to appreciate Califone’s Roots & Crowns. It’s not a difficult listen, but you actually have to listen to it in order to absorb it. I have the bad habit of putting music on in the background and forgetting about it. And since nothing on the album grabs you immediately, I felt nothing after several listens. But like most great albums, Roots & Crowns is a grower. While the track posted below is technically not on Roots & Crowns, it’s very representative of the album’s sound.

[mp3] Califone :: Ladders

#3 The Twilight Singers – Powder Burns

This shouldn’t be too surprising of a choice – I mentioned in my previous post that Powder Burns would make my Top 10 Albums of 2006 list. And here it is. The #3 slot. There’s not too much more to say about the Twilight Singers that I haven’t said before. They are one of the most under-appreciated bands out there today. Please give them your undivided attention.

[mp3] The Twilight Singers :: Forty Dollars

#2 Grizzly Bear – Yellow House

Wow, this is a long post. I’m kinda running out of things to say and laziness is setting in. Which reminds me: Yellow House is a lazy album. Not lazy in that nothing happens, but lazy in that it doesn’t rush to get where its going. Songs develop slowly, and take several twists and turns before coming to a close. Grizzly Bear sound like a softer, mellower My Morning Jacket, which is probably why I like them so much.

[mp3] Grizzly Bear :: On a Neck, On a Spit

#1 TV On the Radio – Return to Cookie Mountain

Even before its release, Return of Cookie Mountain had album of the year written all over it. I may have mentioned in my Weekly Download post about TV On the Radio that I was digging the album. That was a few months ago but nothing has changed since then. Return to Cookie Mountain rocks. It’s the exact opposite Yellow House. Confused, angry, and disgusted, Return to Cookie Mountain is a challenging yet ultimately rewarding journey.

[mp3] TV On the Radio :: I Was a Lover

Any thoughts?

Slacking aside, I’ve been listing to a lot of new music lately (surprise, surprise). I’m still working on the top 10 Songs and Albums of 2006; there were a lot of great albums released at the end of the year. So in the meantime, enjoy what I call “The New to Me List.” It’s composed of bands I discovered in 2006, though they have been around for much, much longer.

Mono

My discovery of the Japanese post-rock band Mono may very well have saved this year in music for me. I was desperately looking for something worthy of obsessing over. When I heard One More Step and You Die for the first time, I knew Mono was it. Their collaboration with world’s end girlfriend (called Palmless Prayer / Mass Murder Refrain) features my favorite song of 2006, “Part Five.” I thought about including it in the Top 10 Songs of 2006 podcast, but it’s almost 20 minutes long.

[mp3] Mono & world’s end girlfriend :: Part Five
[mp3] Mono :: Sabbath

The Twilight Singers

I know that I’ve blogged about these guys before, but I feel the need to do it again. The Twilight Singers rock. Their album Powder Burns is definitely making my Top 10 Albums of 2006 list. Not to mention they also released a fantastic EP called A Stitch In Time in October. I highly, highly recommend checking them out if you passed on them the first time (the mp3’s are posted again below).

[mp3] The Twilight Singers :: The Lure Would Prove Too Much
[mp3] The Twilight Singers :: Fat City (Slight Return)
[mp3] The Twilight Singers :: Forty Dollars

Neko Case

2006 will go down in history as the year I started listening to bands fronted by female musicians. I don’t know why I held out for so long (actually, I know exactly why), I’m just glad I finally gave in. I guess Neko Case is responsible for the change. Her rootsy brand of indie rock features her gorgeous vocals, which remind me of … wait, what am I talking about, I don’t know any other female singers.

[mp3] Neko Case :: Hold On, Hold On
[mp3] Neko Case :: Star Witness

Shearwater

I originally started listening to Shearwater because I desperately wanted to find more music by Okkervil River. With the release of Palo Santo, Shearwater is no longer just an Okkervil River side project. In fact, the album sounds nothing like Black Sheep Boy. And while my love of the River may have initially drawn me to Shearwater, I’ve come to appreciate the ‘Water for what they truly are: a great band.

[mp3] Shearwater :: Nobody

Cat Power

I hate cats, which is why I also hate cat power. Not the band, but the thought of giving power to cats. Turns out the band Cat Power is quite good. I especially like the song “Good Woman.” I first fell in love with the live version, but after hearing the album version with its children’s choir, I think I like studio cut better. I can’t wait until my eMusic downloads refresh so I can finally listen to 2006’s The Greatest.

[mp3] Cat Power :: Good Woman
[mp3] Cat Power :: Good Woman [live @ KCRW]

There were many other great bands I discovered in 2006, including Calexico and Destroyer. I would also include Bishop Allen, but I feel like 2006 was their breakout year, thus violating the “been around for much, much longer” rule. Anybody wanna add to the list?

Whenever I am about to begin a new stage of my life, I always get a little depressed. It doesn’t matter how excited I am, it still happens. Tomorrow I officially start grad school at Cal, which could be a particularly rough transition seeing as how I spent last winter snowboarding in Tahoe. Add to that the fact that, for the last month, I haven’t been able to find an apartment and you can potentially see why I’m bummed.

My second podcast definitely reflects my current mood. It’s a mix of slow, somber songs – both old and new. I titled it “Late Night Drinking” because I feel that the songs were originally recorded under those conditions. It’s definitely mood music; listen to it late at night on your headphones for full effect. Sorta the exact opposite of my first podcast, which I feel works anytime.

Here’s the track listing:

1. My Morning Jacket :: Strangulation!
2. Brand New :: Play Crack the Sky
3. Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s :: A Light On a Hill
4. The National :: Lucky You
5. Ryan Adams :: Oh My Sweet Carolina
6. The Mountain Goats :: Sometimes I Still Feel the Bruise
7. The National :: Daughters of the Soho Riots
8. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals :: How Do You Keep Love Alive
9. Shearwater :: Wedding Bells Are Breaking Up That Old Gang of Mine
10. Jeff Hanson :: Something About
11. The National :: About Today
12. Songs: Ohia :: Blue Chicago Moon

Directly download my podcast here. Visit the archives here.

PS – I wanted this mix to be an enhanced podcast, meaning you can easily skip from track to track within the mp3, but I couldn’t get it to work. Hopefully I can figure it out by next month. Also, there will be no Weekly Download on account of the podcast. Bonus points to anyone who reads this far into the post, and extra bonus points to whoever can guess which of the 12 tracks is my all-time favorite song.