Lost in Summer

This is a reserved summery-slowjam playlist that goes well
with mornings, latenight bonfires, and a cerveza. 

Sorry for the lack of blog activity. 
Who would’ve thought your free time becomes
limited once you land a real job??

1. Brian Briggs – Aeo (Pts 1 and 2)
   Welcome to what is quite possible the best morning song: it creeps in gently, it is light and fun-loving, it has a repetitive rhythm… it makes you coffee.
2. Patrick Lee – Hovercraft Song 
   Just uncovered this older Patrick Lee jam.  Some of his hip-hop pieces are too glitchy for me. He is best when he keeps it straightforward and simple.  This is the getting out of work on payday jam.
3. Sorcerer – Cobra Coven
   Taking it back to Miami.
4. Sandro Perri – Changes
   Changes wins the award for the most unexpected song twist.  The chromatic breakdown in the middle surprisingly doesn’t sound out of place.  Thanks to Jack for the suggestion.
5. Umberto Tozzi – Dummi Di No (Nassau Poste80 Edit)
   If I ever landed a sweet job in the 80’s I would put this on as I exited the elevator.
6. Steely Dan – Peg
   Couldn’t resist…
7.  Sailcat – Motorcyle Mama
   You can’t listen to this without clearing the sweat off your brow with a cold Sol.
8. The War on Drugs – Taking the Farm
   TWOD are the band of the year for me (although technically Slave Ambient came out in 2011).  You could argue that a lot of their songs sound the same, but I love that sound.  As Johnny put it, “It’s like driving a red convertible in the desert while smoking a cigarette.”
9. Marco Benevento – You Must Be a Lion
   Sorry to bring you down, but I have been wanting to post this track for awhile now.  Something about it reminds me of the feeling you get when you know you are growing up.  The outro is incredible.  By the way he is playing a free show at the City Winery on July 10^th if anyone is interested.
10. AA Bondy – No Man Shall
    AA Bondy used to front a punk band. His most recent work is all acoustic, but no less punk in spirit.  Really great for night walks. 
11. The Books – There Is No There
    If I had any say I would’ve picked this song for this Oregon timelapse video – especially for the night sequences.
12. Damian Jurado – Cloudy Shoes
    Big thanks to BK for introducing me to Damian Jurado through this Berrics skate video.  Can music get any more introspective?
13. Jeff Tweedy – Sunken Treasure (live)
    Just give it a listen – preferably with no one else around.  Thanks to Hazlett for recommending the Live in the Pacific Northwest album, which is fantastic.

image: Oh Pioneer

Washed Out - Rough Trade Mix

Ernest Greene aka Washed Out released this sneak attack mix to be packaged as a bonus disc when you buy his new Within Without from Rough Trade.  It's hitting the spot right now.  I've heard the Todd Terje Horse with No Shame edit before but the DJ Steef edit is what makes this mix special.  It makes sure your foot keeps tapping while you get some work done.

Stream it here.

1. JJ Cale – Wish I Had Not Said That
2. Shuggie Otis – Strawberry Letter 23
3. America – Horse with no Shame (Todd Terje aka Wade Nicholas edit)
4. Black Sabbath – Planet Caravan (DJ Steef Edit)
5. Fleetwood Mac – Everywhere (Psychemagik Edit)
6. Alan Parsons Project – I Wouldn’t Want To Be Like You (The Twelves re-edit)
7. Kate Bush – I’m Not Here (Fred Palakon Edit)
8. Bread – Make it with you (Appo Edit)
9. Ace – How Long (Discolexia Edit)
10. Electric Light Orchestra – Letter from Spain

via Pitchfork

image: Dominique Saks

Summer Afternoon Mix

Here are some tunes to throw on while you tidy up the apartment, wash the car and have a
summer seasonal.  It's full of acoustic guitars, choir-like harmonies and carefree sentiments.

Enjoy

1. Beach House – Zebra (Teen Dream , 2010)
2. Dolphins – Galaxy Train (Galaxy Train EP, 2011)
   Australian surf rock. Nice!
3. Jacuzzi Boys – Bricks or Coconuts  (Bricks or Coconuts 7”, 2010)
   I jumped the gun and put this on a mix for friends during the winter, but it didn't really go well with the below 40 temperatures.
4. M. Ward – Get to the Table On Time (The Transfiguration of Vincent, 2003)
5. Vetiver - Everyday (Tight Knight, 2009)
   Tight Knit is one of my favorite albums ever.  It reminds me of driving to different surf spots at the Jersey Shore in our '83 Mercedes wagon.
6. De La Soul – Eye Know (Three Feet and Rising, 1989)
   Sampling Steely Dan, Sly & The Family Stone and Otis Redding in one song is ok with me.
7. Oregon Bike Trails – High School Lover (High School Lover, 2011)
   Keeping my eye on this kid.  Buy it for a buck here.
8. Vetiver - Can't You Tell (Errant Charm, 2011)
   Released last week.
9. James Yorkston - Someplace Simple (Someplace Simple EP, 2003)
10. Washed Out – Eyes Be Closed (Within and Without, 2011)
    I don't hold my breath for follow up efforts from acts like Washed Out because their first albums tend to be their most genuine but his new album is seriously impressive.  Perfect for driving at sunset. Free download (via SubPop)
11. Subskrpt – We’ll Be Fine (Throwing Stones EP, 2010)
12. The O'Jay's - Use To Be My Girl (The Essential O'Jay's , 2005)
    And now for a completely different type of feel good dance music... If this doesn't get you to move then you might not have a soul.
13. The Sea & Cake – Everyday (Oui, 2000)
    Proper acknowledgement goes to the Lost Art of the Mixtape for some recommendations.

image: hasisi park