Mixtape 43

about

Typically, the way I make these is by finding the tracks I most want to listen to, or spend more time with, and dropping them in over the course of the month. Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s the state of the world, but this collection skews slow and tranquil, with lovely string arrangements, deep analog synthesizers, and hypnotic vocal effects. I suppose the songs that have felt the best this month have been the songs that have brought a sense of calm or peace to my life. Of the bunch, the song that has cast a spell over me more than any other this month is “Wash,” by Jon Bellion. It’s meditative and full of these lovely production moments. There’s this amazing contrast in the call and response vocals, the first loud and almost-yelled, and the response a quiet, near-mumble. It’s two sides of the same coin of desire: the impulse to shout your feelings from the rooftops and the deep and shy intimacy of letting someone really know you.

Justice’s latest album release has been one I can’t put down. It’s a heavy electronic dance album with some intense synthesizer tracks, but each collaboration is wild and unique. They do collaboration really well. Mannequin Love is the track included here, featuring The Flints, a band I discovered through this collaboration.

This playlist is bigger on strings than usual. It’s a good way to get in your feels.

hidden gems

Sabali - Amadou & Miriam

The blind couple from Mali: these are two legendary musicians who created some incredibly unique music. Their tones seem as influenced by their home country as by the indie scenes I grew up loving. If you’ve never heard of them, this 2008 song is a great introduction to a fantastic discography.

Confessions - Sudan Archives

With an intro like a film score, this lush song has an excellent payoff in its chorus. Sudan Archives is an artist that has managed to blend a wide number of genres in a way that is unique and beautiful.

Bread & Roses - Mr. Hudson

I’ve always loved this production. With the acoustic guitars panning back and forth, the tasteful boom bap beats, and the vocals of an old crooner, this song is beautiful - why not give blood, make love, and don’t think twice?

It’s Been a Little Heavy Lately - Joesef

I recently opened up the New York Times, read every headline on the front page, and thought only about what a nightmare version of this world it depicted. “It’s been a little heavy lately” is a sentiment I think we can all relate to a little more than any of us would like.

Tracklist

1. Sabali - Amadou & Miriam

2. Wash - Jon Bellion

3. Roddy - Djo

4. Mannequin Love - Justice, The Flints

5. Blame - Gabriels

6. Confessions - Sudan Archives

7. La Serenissima - Scaramucce

8. Bread + Roses - Mr Hudson

9. It's Been A Little Heavy Lately - Joesefs

10. Swangin' On Westheimer - Don Tolliver

11. Alone & Unafraid - Eliza

12. Love Is Strange - Buddy Holly

13. Wolf Like Me - TV On The Radio

14. Do You Feel About The Same - R. Stevie Moore

15. Red Velvet - Maeve

16. Printemps été - Jean Leloup

17. drifting - Night Tapes

18. Waves - Alfie Neale

As always, if you find something you love on this playlist, let me know in the comments, I like sharing what you like.