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Posts Tagged ‘Fleet Foxes’

Mix 22Hey there! Baeble has just put up my latest mixtape. It’s a fun one! Here’s the track list:

1. Air – “Do The Joy”

2. Discovery – “So Insane”

3. Javiera Mena – “Como Siempre Sone”

4. La Roux – “Bulletproof”

5. Sin Fang Bous – “Clangour and Flutes”

6. Fleet Foxes – “Blue Spotted Tail” (Live on BBC 6)

7. Elephant Stone – “Bombs Bomb Away”

8. Jeniferever – “Green Meadow Island”

9. The Rural Alberta Advantage – “Frank, AB”

10. Jenny Lewis – “See Fernando”

Click here to listen!

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Written for The Yellow Bird Project:
December 26th, 2008 by themiddledistancerunner

Seasons Greetings My Merry Music Lovers,

The time is here, for my albums of the year. Sorry, Christmas makes me feel like rhyming. Anyways, I have finished my schooling and can once again indulge in the things I love (music, books other than textbooks etc). After much deliberation I have come up with a list of my top albums of the year. Like my list of my favourite songs of the year, the list is simply all my listens added up to see what I listened to the most throughout the year. I’m not saying these are the “best” albums, just my favourite. I think it’s pretty obvious what my album of the year is judging by my previous two lists (EPs and songs) and the picture at the top of this post which depicts a pretty fleet looking fox, but if you haven’t already figured it out, take a look:

20. Noah & The Whale – Peaceful The World Lays Me Down

To start us off is the debut album by a talented little group of music makers from England, Noah & The Whale. I love pretty much every song on the album, and Laura Marling’s beautiful voice sparkles here and there throughout the album, making it shine ever brighter. A promising start for these guys and I hope to hear a lot more from them in the future. I had the privilege of seeing them play live in New York City and wow what a show.

19. Tyler Ramsey – A Long Dream About Swimming Across The Sea

Next is an album that I listen to every time I have had the need to just take a step back and calm down a little while. It is by guitar extraordinaire Tyler Ramsey. Ramsey also serves as one of Band of Horses’ guitarist. A truly talented musician and a great debut album by him.

18. Laura Marling – Alas I Cannot Swim

If you don’t know who Laura Marling is by now you must be living under a rock. Her debut album is just pure beauty, and she is only 18 years old. I can’t wait to see what she will have for us next. In her spare time she has been making guest appearances on the albums of some pretty awesome bands. Mystery Jets, Noah & The Whale and Mumford & Sons have all collaborated with Marling and it seems as if everything she touches turns to gold.

17. Plants & Animals – Parc Avenue

This one is the debut album from my fellow Montrealers, Plants & Animals. I fell in love with this album over the summer while I was interning in New York City. I remember strolling down 3rd avenue on bright sunny days listening to Parc Avenue. Good times. Ok I’ll stop being cheesy now. Seriously, this album is pretty incredible and if you haven’t already, you should give it a listen.

Plants & Animals – Feedback In The Field

16. Department of Eagles – In Ear Park

Number 16 on my list is by a band called Department of Eagles. If you are a fan of Grizzly Bear, then Department of Eagles is right up your alley. You see, the bands share the same lead singer, Daniel Rossen, and because of this have a similar sound. There are obviously differences between the two bands but I was really impressed with this album. “No One Does It Like You” is among my absolute favourite songs of the year.

Department of Eagles – No One Does It Like You

15. Horse Feathers – House With No Home

Number 15 is just a beautiful album that I listened to to death this year by a band called Horse Feathers.

Horse Feathers – This is What

14. Vampire Weekend – Self Titled

Vampire Weekend was another one of my bands of the summer. It’s funny, when I first listened to this album I wasn’t that impressed. Maybe I just felt like it didn’t live up to the hype. Then one day I just got it and it quickly became one of my favourites of the year.

13. The Dears – Missiles

The Dears are back and better than ever on their newest LP, MISSILES. The band has been completely rebuilt from the ground up, while keeping the foundation of Murray Lightburn and Natalia Yanchak and adding an array of talented musicians from all different places. What we are left with is a group of seriously talented musicians who have created a really great album. This may in fact be my favourite Dears record to date.

12. Ratatat – LP3

I waited for this album to come out for so long that when it did come out I was so excited that I listened to it non-stop for weeks. That being said, it is quite the album. I don’t know how it ranks among the other two Ratatat albums but it is definately a fresh new sound for them that makes this album stand apart from the other two.

11. Blitzen Trapper – Furr

This was an album that I was reluctant to listen to at first, because I wasn’t crazy about Blitzen Trapper’s first release. But after hearing a couple of songs on satellite radio I decided to give it a try. I was happy I did because this album is pretty amazing. I had the chance to see them play when I went to see Fleet Foxes opening for them awhile ago, but I left after Fleet Foxes’ performance. Looks like that was a bad decision on my part.

Blitzen Trapper – Furr

10. Dr. Dog – Fate

Number 10 on my list is Dr. Dog’s album Fate. This is just an amazing album from start to finish. The highlights on it for me would have to be “The Old Days” and “The Breeze”, but every song on this album is worth a listen. Just an all around solid album.

9. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago

You won’t find too many top album lists without this album on it. Bon Iver exploded onto the scene this year. Songs like “Flume” and “Skinny Love” have been permanently on my mind as I often find myself singing or humming them to myself. You can see how much bigger they got within the year. The first time I saw them play was at a small venue in Montreal called The Cabaret. A few weeks ago I saw them play in New York City at the prestigious City Hall, one of two sold out back to back shows at the same venue. By the way, have you seen the awesome design they did for YBP?

8. The Dodos – Visiter

Even though The Dodos album cover looks like it was created by a child, the album itself is as far from childish as it gets. These songs are rife with emotion, lead by the incredible guitar playing of Meric Long and Logan Kroeber’s tribal drumming. And as good as they sound on the album, you have to see them live to fully appreciate them. I was lucky enough to do so and all I have to say is…”The Season”.

7. Born Ruffians – Red, Yellow & Blue

I’m not sure how popular this album was because I don’t know that many people who listen to Born Ruffians but I was in love with this album the second I heard it and I am still in love with it today. “Little Garcon” is probably my favourite, but the rest of the album is great as well.

Born Ruffians – Barnacle Goose

5. Man Man – Rabbit Habits

What could possibly be bad about a new Man Man album? It seems as if these guys just get better and better with time. Their first album was okay, their second was great and their newest album, Rabbit Habits is stellar. What I love about Man Man is that they always keep you guessing. For example, who expected that amazing xylaphone action in “The ballad of Butterbeans”? This is another example of a band that is great on the album and even more amazing live. If you have a chance to see these guys live you must do so.

Man Man – The Ballad of Butter Beans

4. Pinback – Autumn of the Seraphs

This was arguably my most anticipated albums of the year. Pinback has been one of my all-time favourite bands for a long time now and the idea of a new Pinback album just gets my hyped. I don’t know if this album will go down as one of my favourite Pinback albums, but it is definitely worth a whole bunch of listens.

Pinback – Bouquet

3. Pete & The Pirates – Little Death

Number 3 on my list is a wonderful little album by some awesome Brits that go by the name of Pete & The Pirates. I really became obsessed with the album for a good while this year. I’m not sure what makes these guys so likable. Their music is just exciting. They might be my favourite British band of the year. They also have two new songs on their myspace page called “Blood Gets Thin” and “Jenny” that are worth a listen, check it out.

2. The Hush Sound – Goodbye Blues

The Hush Sound at number 2. Who would have thought. Their first two albums reminded me too much of Panic at the Disco, but on their newest album, Goodbye Blues, lead singer Greta Salpeter takes the reins and is featured much more prominently then the band’s other male singer. They may be too poppy for some, but I love it and think they are well deserving of my number 2 slot.

The Hush Sound – Break The Sky

1. Fleet Foxes – Self Titled

Fleet Who? Ya right. This has been the year of the Foxes. Throughout the year we have been treated to one of the best EPs of the year, in the Sun Giant EP, as well as an amazing debut self-titled LP by Fleet Foxes. Songs like “Mykonos”, “White Winter Hymnal”, “Your Protector” and “Oliver James” have been on continuous repeat throughout the year and I was lucky enough to see them play live twice in Montreal. I’m so excited about this band and what will come from them in the future.

Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal

Fleet Foxes – He Doesn’t Know Why

So there you have it. Fleet Foxes sweep the series. They have produced my favourite EP, LP and song of the year. I’m so happy for these guys. Now I would like to pay tribute to a few more albums that either just missed the top 20 or were released too soon to be a part of this year’s list. Here are some albums that deserve honorable mention…

Yeasayer – All Hour Symbols

Girl Talk – Feed The Animals

Santogold – Santogold

The Tallest Man on Earth – Shallow Graves

Alaska in Winter – Holidays

The Welcome Wagon – Welcome to the Welcome Wagon

Tv On The Radio – Dear Science

Radiohead – In Rainbows

Now that you know pretty much everything that I listened to throughout the year it’s your turn! What are your top albums of the year? I’m sure there’s plenty I’ve forgotten.

Until next week…

The Middle Distance Runner

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Written For the Yellow Bird Project:
December 6th, 2008 by themiddledistancerunner

In the second installment of my “Best of 2008” series, I will be unveiling my top songs of the year. Just to warn you, this is a list of my most listened to songs. It’s not a list of what I think were my favourites throughout the year. Also, I only put one song by each band or artist. If I didn’t do this the list would be almost exclusively Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver. Other than that there aren’t really many surprises except for a few bands here and there where I thought to myself, “wow did I really listen to them that much?” Anyways, without further ado, here are my favourite 20 songs of 2008:

20. Stars – The Night Starts Here

I remember first hearing this song while in London. I was immediately addicted. It quickly became the song of the trip. By the way, have you heard Stars’ new EP called the Sad Robots EP? It was number 3 on my list of the top 5 EPs of 2008. You should really check it out.

19. Laura Marling – Cross Your Fingers

If you don’t know who Laura Marling is yet than you are really missing out on one of the top new artists of the year. She writes some of the most beautiful songs, and she is only 18 years old. Unbelievable talent.

18. Hot Chip – Ready for the Floor

This is my favourite song from Hot Chip’s new album, Made in the Dark. I don’t know if the album as a whole will stand up to their amazing previous album, The Warning, but it is nevertheless pretty damn good.

17. Chairlift – Bruises

This song is just catchy as hell. Every time I see that Itunes ad, the song stays in my head for the rest of the day. The rest of the album isn’t bad either. It’s called Does You Inspire You. Give it a listen.

Chairlift – Bruises

16. Plants & Animals – Bye Bye Bye

This one is by my fellow Montrealers, Plants & Animals. I absolutely love their debut album, Parc Avenue, which was nominated, but didn’t win the Polaris Music Prize. Have you seen their performance on Pitchfork TV’s “Don’t Look Down”? Check it out here.


15. The Hush Sound – Break The Sky

I don’t know if anybody knows about them, but I love them. Catchy tunes, singer with an outstanding voice, what more do you need?

The Hush Sound – Break The Sky

14. Horse Feathers – This is What

I became obsessed with this band for a good 2 months. Haven’t really listened much to them since then, but I still consider this one of my favourite songs of the year.

Horse Feathers – This is What

13. Dr. Dog – The Old Days

How can you not love this song? The whole album is amazing, but this was definitely my favourite and most listened to track on it. Check out this awesome performance:

12. Miniature Tigers – Hot Venom

I recently got into this band. They are really poppy and catchy as hell, and I love every minute of it. This song is a cute little ditty about falling in love….and venom.

Miniature Tigers – Hot Venom

11. Man Man – Top Drawer

How insane is Rabbits Habbits? Without a doubt one of my favourite albums of the year. This song is tied with “Mister Jung Stuffed” for most listened to song on the album. I was lucky enough to see them play live with Yeasayer opening. Yeasayer was just ok. Man Man was INCREDIBLE. One of the best live shows I have ever seen. If you get a chance to see these guys live, please do so. You won’t regret it.

Man Man – Top Drawer

10. Islands – Pieces of You

My favourite song on the new Islands album, Arm’s Way. Love the strings.

Islands – Pieces of You

9. The Dears – Money Babies

This song, along with “Demons” and “Lights Off” are my favourite songs from the new Dears album, MISSILES. I think it actually may be my favourite Dears album to date. Have you heard about the new Dears band members? Pretty talented company.

8. Vampire Weekend – Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

I really could have picked any song from Vampire Weekend’s stellar self-titled debut album, but I think this just might be my fave. Afro-poppy goodness!

7. Tokyo Police Club – Graves

To be honest, I liked Tokyo Police Club more before they released their debut album, Elephant Shell. The album, does have some goodies though. And they’re Canadian, so they get extra points.

6. The Dodos – The Season

This song is just completely ridiculous. I was lucky enough to see the Dodos play it live at Sala Rossa in Montreal a few months ago and it completely blew me away. It is arguably the best single song I have ever seen played live. You can’t really get the same feel from watching a video, but hopefully this will give you an idea:

5. Pete & The Pirates – Bears

Awesome song by some talented Britts called Pete & the Pirates.

Pete & The Pirates – Bears

4. Pinback – How We Breathe

I love Pinback and everything they have ever done. It’s kind of weird how they are a completely different band live, but I still love them. This is the song I have listened to most off of their new album, Autumn of the Seraphs.

Pinback – How We Breathe

3. Born Ruffians – Little Garcon

I don’t know what it is but this song has a certain charm that just grabs me. By far my favourite song on Born Ruffians’ excellent debut LP, Red, Yellow & Blue.

Born Ruffians – Little Garcon

2. Bon Iver – Flume

This song could have easily been my song of the year. I got to see Bon Iver play in Montreal a few months ago and wow what a show. And lucky me, I’m seeing them play again on Thursday, this time in New York City, with the Tallest Man on Earth opening.

1. Fleet Foxes – Mykonos

But of course the best song of the year is by Fleet Foxes. So far they are 2 for 2 in my “Tops of 2008” lists. Their Sun Giant EP is my EP of the year, and now “Mykonos” wins for song of the year. Will they sweep the board with the best album of the year? Stay tuned to find out.

Now that you know mine…what are your favourite songs of the year?

Until next week…

The Middle Distance Runner

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Written for the Yellow Bird Project:
December 1st, 2008 by themiddledistancerunner…

Well folks, the year is winding down once again. I feel like just a few months ago we were ringing in 2008, but the truth is that another year has passed us by. This will be my first post in a series of posts celebrating “The Best of 2008”. To start off the series, I’d like to talk about my favourite EPs of the year. There have been quite a few EPs released this year to keep us going while we await new full lengths from our favourite artists. Artists such as Andrew Bird, Final Fantasy, The Decemberists, Antony & the Johnsons, Animal Collective and Coldplay have all released EPs this year. Some have been better than others, but they have mostly been solid. So here is my list of the Best EPs of 2008:

5. Animal Collective – Water Curses EP

Starting out the list is Animal Collective’s Water Curses EP. The first two songs on the 4 song EP are amazing and the last two are just so so, but what makes this EP so special is the title track of the EP, “Water Curses”. This song is among my favourite all-time Animal Collective songs. They could have just put out the EP with this being the only song on it and I would still consider it a great success. I may be building this song up too much. You’re probably going to listen to it and be like…”Ok it’s not that good”. So forget what I just said. This EP is terrible. “Water Curses”? Awful, Awful song….

Animal Collective – Water Curses

Animal Collective Myspace

4. Andrew Bird – Soldier On EP

Next we have the brilliant multi-instrumentalist/whistler extraordinaire, who is back with this excellent little EP to tide us over until his next full length album, which will be entitled Noble Beasts and is slated for a January 27th, 2009 release. I have this feeling that nothing Andrew Bird puts his hands on can turn out bad. I have loved pretty much everything I have ever heard from him and this EP is no exception. “The Water Jet Cilice” is pure beauty in song. Check it out.

Andrew Bird – The Water Jet Cilice

Andrew Bird Myspace

3. Stars – Sad Robots EP

I absolutely love this EP. Stars have always brought the drama and this EP is no different. It is comprised of 5 new songs and a new live version of the Stars classic, “Going Going Gone”. I was also lucky enough to be able to see Stars perform some of the songs from this EP live in New York City a few months ago. I am really eager to hear what the next Stars album will sound like. I really hope it goes in the same direction as this excellent EP.

Stars – Undertow

Stars’ Myspace

2. The Decemberists – Always the Bridesmaid (A Singles Series) EPs

This is a series of 3 EP’s of odds and ends that obviously wouldn’t fit on the new album that the Decemberists are working on entitled Hazards of Love, which will be released in March 2009. Colin Meloy has always been a fan of the EP, releasing a number of them before this one, including his Colin Meloy SIngs series, in which he covered songs of Morrissey, Shirley Collins and Sam Cooke on three EPs. This series of EPs is quite spectacular if you ask me. I really like every song on them. My favourites would have to be “A Record Year” off of Volume 3, and the cover of the Velvet Underground’s “I’m Sticking With You” off of Volume 2. Valerie Plame is also a pretty awesome song. You can find that one of the first volume.

The Decemberists – Record Year

The Decemberists Myspace

1. Fleet Foxes – Sun Giant EP

And the winner is….of course! This one’s a shoo-in. Just an amazing EP from start to finish. “Mykonos” is still arguably my favourite Fleet Foxes song period. It looks like Fleet Foxes are going to clean up this year in most of the “Best of 2008” lists. Check in soon to see if they top the list of best song of the year, or best album of the year.

Fleet Foxes – Sun Giant

Fleet Foxes Myspace

Honorable mention goes to the Another World EP by Antony & the Johnsons, the Plays to Please EP by Final Fantasy, and the No Way Down EP by Air France.

So Fleet Foxes take best EP of the year…what a surprise. These guys are just amazing. I really hope they keep it up on whatever they decide to release next. The next thing I’m working on is my list of the top songs of the year. After that I will reveal my list of the top 20 albums of the year. It’s actually quite fun to look back and see what you really listened to a lot of during the year. You should do it too.

What are your favourite EPs of the year?

Until next week…

The Middle Distance Runner

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Sorry for my lack of blogging lately. School and laziness have taken over for the time being. But fear not, the flood gates will open soon and you will hear lots and lots of glorious music. For the time being here are some new videos from some great artists that I think you may enjoy:

Fleet Foxes – He Doesn’t Know Why (from Fleet Foxes):

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Ratatat – Shempi (from LP3):

Radiohead – The Reckoner (from In Rainbows):

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Final Fantasy – The Butcher (from upcoming This Spectrum, 14th Century EP):

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Antony and the Johnsons – Another World (from upcoming Another World EP):

Vodpod videos no longer available.

New Pornographers – Mutiny, I Promise You (from Challengers):

Vodpod videos no longer available.

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Well hello there kind fellows. I have finally found a few seconds to take a few of the songs that I have been listening to a lot this past month and putting together a monthly mixtape for your listening pleasure. So here it is. I hope you like it. I think it’s got some very nice songs if I do say so myself.

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1. Dr. Dog – The Old Days
This is the perfect song to kick off my July mix. It is off of Dr. Dog’s brand new album, Fate. It sort of has a reggae vibe to it. Really nice song that I’ve been listening to on repeat.

2. Elliott Brood – Write it all Down For You
I came across this band while I was perusing the July edition of Exclaim Magazine. I decided to check them out, and again my instincts were correct. I have been listening to their excellent new album, Mountain Meadows, a lot lately.

3. Middle Distance Runner – The Sun and Earth
Well guys, you made it! Haha, just kidding. I just feel stupid for not knowing about you sooner. I’ve been listening to this band’s Self Titled EP and first full length album, entitled Plane in Flames, a lot lately. This song is my immediate favourite, but check out the song “Naturally”, which you can hear on the bands Myspace Page.

4. Bowerbirds – In Our Talons
I just saw these guys open for Bon Iver last week and was really impressed! They have a nice sound to them.

5. Crystal Castles – Untrust Us
Sometimes it takes me a while to listen to bands that have a lot of hype. I’ve been hearing about Crystal Castles everywhere lately so I just had to check them out. And I am very glad I did because they are pretty friggin awesome. If you like electronicky stuff, this song is for you.

6. Caribou – After Hours
I could have picked any song off of Caribou’s new album. But I was listening to this song last night so I chose it for my mix. There is a good chance that his new album, Andorra, will win this year’s Polaris Music Prize.

7. Ratatat – Montanita
Probably one of my favourite songs ever. Don’t know why.

8. Au – rr vs. d
They kind of have that off the wall, Animal Collective kind of feel. Except they don’t really sound anything like Animal Collective. I dunno, I’m just always looking for stuff that’s new and exciting and that’s exactly what Au give us.

9. Kathleen Edwards – Buffalo
Pretty song. Her new album, Asking For Flowers, is also among the final 10 nominees for this year’s Polaris Music Prize

10. Fleet Foxes – Mykonos
No secret here. Saw Fleet Foxes Live this month. Obsessed with Mykonos. Nothing I can do about it. Perfect song to close out my second monthly mixtape.

Hope you enjoyed it. Let me know what you think.

Also, I am leaving for London tomorrow. I will be there for a week. Hopefully I will have internet access there and I will be able to update my blog. But if you don’t hear from me, don’t send out a search party okay?

Take care of yourselves!

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I know this is my second post about Fleet Foxes this week. But I have been absolutely obsessed with this song ever since seeing them perform it live. It is now by far my favourite song off of their Sun Giant EP and may even be my favourite Fleet Foxes song period. Go see this band live.

Fleet Foxes – Mykonos

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This was one hectic night of concert going. I had tried to buy tickets numerous times by calling Divan Orange and asking how to buy and every time the girl on the phone would tell me the only way to get tickets is to buy at the door. So this is what I did, but by the time I arrived at 9:00 PM (for a 9:30 start time with 2 openers) the show was sold out. After befriending some Swedish fans who had a sign that said “We Came All The Way From Sweden For This Show, Need Tickets” I simply waited until the time was right. Lead singer Robin Pecknold got the Swedes in, but I was still ticketless and very much wanting to see this show. So between the first and second act, I took my girlfriend by the hand and we simply walked in. To our surprise nobody stopped us, and that was that. We were in.

Boy was I glad we got in. What a show! I had seen them play once before at La Sala Rossa and while it was a great set, they were opening for Blitzen Trapper, there wasn’t that many people there and they didn’t really make a connection with the audience like they did last night. It was one joke after another at last night’s concert. The band had the audience cracking up on many occasions and vice versa. And the music was just superb. They played most of the songs from their Sun Giant EP and self titled debut LP. The highlights for me were “Mykonos”, “Blue Ridge Mountains”, “He Doesn’t Know Why” and a stunning version of “Oliver James” in which the rest of the band left the stage as Robin belted out the song, really showcasing his vocal abilities. The crowd cheered for what felt like 2 full minutes after the song finished.

If you have a chance to see Fleet Foxes play in the near future you must do so! As good as they are on the album, their live show is just something else. I have a feeling this is the last time I will see them play a small venue like Divan Orange. They are already playing Bowery Ballroom in New York, which is a pretty big venue. Next time they come to Montreal they will probably play La Tulipe or something of that size. If you were at the show last night you should feel lucky to have been a part of it.

Here is a video and a half from the show last night. My phone died half way through “Your Protector”. Sorry. But I got the whole “White Winter Hymnal” for you.

White Winter Hymnal:

Your Protector (first 2 minutes):

The show was so good, you almost forgot about how disgustingly sweaty you were throughout…..almost.

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Summer is officially here! And what better a way to ring in summer than with my first ever monthly mixtape! This mixtape is composed of the songs that I have been listening to most over the past month. As you can see, my musical choices are very seasonal. Pretty much all of the songs on my mix are happy summer jams. But don’t worry, it wont always be this cheery (just wait until fall). So enjoy these tunes, some old, some new, all very appropriate for partying the night away (or slip n’ slide).

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1. Fleet Foxes – She Got Dressed
This remains one of my favourite Fleet Foxes songs, even though the full length is brilliant. It is the first song off of their self titled EP that was released in 2006. I actually prefer this EP to the critically revered Sun Giant EP. Anyways, this is an awesome song. At least i think so.

2. Coldplay – Viva La Vida
So far this is the track that I really like on the new Coldplay album. It may have something to do with this amazing Apple Ad. Nevertheless, great song. Now the question remains…is this for real?

3. CSS – Rat is Dead (Rage)
This is the first taste of the new CSS album. I like this song a lot. Hopefully the rest of the album will be as good. I had a dream last night that Lovefoxxx quit the band and that she wasn’t on the new album at all. Weird.

4. The Ting Tings – Fruit Machine
Catchy little summer jam. I don’t care what Pitchfork says, these guys are awesome.

5. M.I.A. – Paper Planes
I’m kind of obsessed with this song. This and “Jimmy” are pretty much the only songs I like on M.I.A.’s new album, but this is song is just gangsta!

6. Hot Chip – Ready For the Floor
This song just kicks ass. As does Hot Chip’s (not so) new album.

7. Cut Copy – Feel The Love
I fell in love with this song a few months ago and then I totally forgot about it. Until I was out shopping in NYC and i heard it in the store Forever 21 (I was waiting while my girlfriend was trying on clothes), and I couldn’t remember how I knew it or who it was by. So after much thought I finally remembered that is was Cut Copy. There’s nothing I hate more than hearing a song, being able to sing along, and having no clue what it is.

8. MGMT – The Youth
I have finally succumbed to MGMT. Ever since I saw them open for Of Montreal 3 years ago, I have been seeing their name pop up here and there but I never really took notice, because of that performance that I didn’t really care for. It turns out they actually make some pretty nice music, as I have recently discovered. This is song is pure greatness.

9. Rose Melberg – Each New Day
This is just a completely beautiful song, by one half of the Softies. I honestly can never get enough of the Softies.

So there you have it. I hope you like my first ever monthly mixtape. If you would like me to send you a copy of this mix just give me your email and it’s yours.

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This is very exciting as I have become a huge Bon Iver fan after falling in love with his debut album For Emma, Forever Ago. Within the last few weeks Bon Iver has been featured on Black Cab Sessions and on La Blogotheque’s Take Away Shows. This guy really gets around! Take a look at these awesome performances:

Black Cab Session:

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Take Away Show:

Vodpod videos no longer available.

For the rest of this Take Away show click here for part 1 and click here for part 2

And those guys over at Black Cab Sessions are doing pretty well in my book as their last three featured artists are among my favourites. Take a look at Fleet Foxes and Micah P. Hinson rockin’ the cab…

Micah P. Hinson:

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Fleet Foxes:

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