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 usually try to avoid comparing bands or musicians, but I feel like there’s no way I can talk about Will Johnson without mentioning Jason Molina. The similarities are just too overwhelming.

First, both men are prolific singer-songwriters. Each front or have fronted multiple bands: Will Johnson currently heads both Centro-matic and South San Gabriel while Jason Molina led Songs: Ohia before morphing it into Magnolia Electric Co. In addition, both men have released several solo records. All told, Johnson has around 14 albums to his name while Molina has over 16 (all released over the span of about 10 years). I don’t know about you, but I’m impressed.

And second, both men write remarkably diverse music. Johnson uses Centro-matic to pump out straightforward indie rock and South San Gabriel to explore more down-tempo material. Molina wrote somber, bluesy numbers under the Songs: Ohia moniker before heading in a more “alt-country” direction with Magnolia Electric Co. Both musicians’ solo albums are sparse, haunting affairs.

Despite these overwhelming similarities, Will Johnson and his two bands aren’t as well known as Molina’s. Which is a true shame because Johnson is immensely talented. I especially like his output under South San Gabriel: it’s perfect late night music. Random weird sounds and plodding beats from drum machines complement Johnson’s odd delivery and gorgeous melodies. It all sums to create a lonely, yet strangely comforting landscape.

I’ve posted my favorite track from each of South San Gabriel’s three albums: “New Brookland” from Welcome, Convalescence, “Stupid Is As Stupid Does” from The Carlton Chronicles: Not Until the Operation’s Through, and “The Arc and the Cusp” from Dual Hawks.

[mp3] South San Gabriel :: New Brookland
[mp3] South San Gabriel :: Stupid Is As Stupid Does
[mp3] South San Gabriel :: The Arc and the Cusp