Mixtape Vol. 15
July 29th, 2008
3 comments
A day late, but hopefully still good. This is probably my most “alternative” mix with only one song that sounds electronic/techno and that could be argued.
You can purchase this mix (or individual songs) from here: 
Johnny Flynn – Tickle Me Pink
Album: A Larum
Singer/songwriter from Britain, he is the frontman for Sussex Wit which recorded this record with him but he is the one credited. Fun upbeat song with cute lyrics, “pray for the people inside your head, for they won’t be there when you’re dead.” I really enjoyed the whole LP, A Larum.
Conor Oberst – I Don’t Want To Die (In The Hospital)
Album: Conor Oberst
Another LP that is good all the way through. Conor Oberst is better known as Bright Eyes and hails from Omaha, NE. He is an amazing songwriter known for lyrics that have entire stories weaved into them. Another fun tune.
She And Him – Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?
Album: Volume One
Duo consisting of folk artist M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel. Her voice is absolutely beautiful and quite distinctive.
Bon Iver – Skinny Love
Album: For Emma, Forever Ago
An intentional misspelling of the French for “good winter”, Bon Iver is Justin Vernon, alternative singer/songwriter. His voice has an earnest feel to it that goes well with his folk sound.
The Gaslight Anthem – Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts
Album: Señor And The Queen [EP]
This band from New Jersey reminds me of a slightly alternative Bruce Springsteen. In fact, I think if someone didn’t know any better they could mistake this song for something from The Boss.
Dr. Dog – The Old Days
Album: Fate
Philadelphia indie pop band. People like to compare them to Pavement but with a folk grounding.
Brendan Canning – Hit The Wall
Album: Something For All Of Us
Singer/songwriter out of Canada, Brendan is a founding member of Broken Social Scene and has recorded in several other bands as well. This song shows his smooth vocals over a rocking dance beat.
Davey La – Rotten In Denmark
Album: Rotten In Denmark (EP)
Another British singer/songwriter (I can’t seem to get away from them). Just released his first solo EP after leaving the Ambershades. Pretty straight forward alternative rock sound.
The XYZ Affair – Evening Life
Album: Trials
First time I saw this label, Pop Underground. Always looking for new ways to describe “alternative.” This Brooklyn based band became famous due to a video featuring cameos from several former Nickelodeon actors.
Black Kids – Look At Me (When I Rock Wichoo)
Album: Partie Traumatic
Another band that broke through thanks to the internet, people were talking about this band from their myspace page before much else was known about them. Obviously 80s revival, but good 80s revival. This band calls Jacksonville, FL home.
Icy Demons – Crittin’ Down To Baba’s
Album: Miami Ice
Hypno-rhythmic, experimental rock. The band members come from Chicago and Philadelphia.
Wakey!Wakey! – Crazy (Gnarls Barkley Cover)
Album: The Bootleg Series Vol. 3: Live At Bowery Ballroom
I’m a sucker for covers. Wakey!Wakey! is from NY and this is actually a live recording. The band is known for pianos, violins, and heartfelt ballads. You can download their entire live EP for free here.
