So I’ve decided to hit the archives. My second Mini Mix highlights four bands I’ve enjoyed over the past few months but have failed to mention on my site. These bands have one thing in common: they all fly well below even the indie music radar.

VIDEOTAPE

First started listening :: late August

Reasons for waiting to post :: Videotape’s album, My Favourite Thing, is a definite grower. At first, it sounds lazy and a little uninspired. But slowly, after repeated listens, the hooks start digging in. The waves of electric guitar start pulling at you. The sense of laziness remains but the music gradually comes to life. It’s pointless comparing Videotape to other bands because they don’t sound like anyone I know. If you enjoy the song posted below, check out the rest of the album – it’ll definitely grow on you.

[mp3] Videotape :: Night Lights

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH

First started listening :: late June

Reasons for waiting to post :: I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to write about The Tallest Man On Earth (aka Kristian Matsson), a young, talented singer-songwriter from Sweden. I’ve actually been listening to him constantly for the past few months. I think the reason for the delay is that I couldn’t pick a favorite track from his amazingly consistent catalogue of folk music. So naturally, I chose a couple. And while his music may sound a little like early Bob Dylan, it flows so effortlessly I could really care less.

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

PORT O’BRIEN

First started listening :: early June

Reasons for waiting to post :: I don’t think I fully appreciated Port O’Brien until I saw them live at Treasure Island Music Festival a month ago. Despite a stellar lineup (including Okkervil River and Fleet Foxes), Port O’Brien stole the show with their raw energy and passion. These guys rock pretty hard. Which is a little surprising given that their two studio albums, The Wind and the Swell and All We Could Do Was Sing, are pretty mellow. This versatility and range speaks to their talent as musicians and entertainers.

[mp3] Port O’Brien :: Don’t Take My Advice
[mp3] Port O’Brien :: My Eyes Won’t Shut

CRANES & CROWS

First started listening :: late April

Reasons for waiting to post :: It took me a while to warm up to Paul Brandt’s vocals, which doesn’t make much sense because there’s nothing unusual about them. In fact, I now find his voice to be very comforting. Which is also how I’d describe the sound of their music in general. And unlike my initial qualms about the vocals, this actually makes sense: Cranes & Crows hail from Wisconsin, my home state. And like most people, I find the thought of home very comforting.

[mp3] Cranes & Crows :: Wrecking Ball
[mp3] Cranes & Crows :: So It Goes