The Wombats – Party In A Forest (Where’s Laura?)
The Wombats are one of my favorite underrated bands, so I figured they would be a great start for this mix. This is the perfect song to jam to right when you wake up in the morning. “Party In A Forest (Where’s Laura?)” reminds us all of those mornings after the party you didn’t want to go to in the first place.
The Raconteurs – Steady As She Goes
“Steady As She Goes” is possibly my favorite Jack White song to date. The Raconteurs, an all-star group, know how to write and play Rock. This live video is all the proof you should need.
Bright Eyes – Shell Games
“Here it comes, that heavy love. I am never gonna move it alone.” This line is a great example of Bright Eyes’ signature way with words. The things that lead Conor Oberst sings seem to be the things we have all been thinking for years, but never knew how to put into words.
Darwin Deez – Bad Day
Although Darwin Deez is an American band from New York, they have made a much bigger splash across the pond. “Bad Day” is a refreshing take on revenge songs, expressing the duality of “Everyday ought to be a bad day for you.” and “I am sorry if it ever is.”
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Home
After a depressing song, it’s important to listen to something more cheerful. I chose the happiest song I know, “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. A song filled with love and hope, this song is a must on every love struck hipster’s iTunes.
The Shins – New Slang
A bit of a cool down, “New Slang” by The Shins holds a tiny bit of the folksy nonsense we love about Edward Sharpe, but with their own peaceful take. This is one of those songs you need to hear in big fancy headphones on full blast.
Belle & Sebastian – I’m A Cuckoo
I am slightly embarrassed to admit I only recently started listening to Belle and Sebastian. “I’m a Cuckoo” is one of those songs anyone can enjoy though; catchy, but not annoying. The perfect mix.
Typhoon – Dreams Of Cannibalism
I chose a live version for this song as well, because the first chance I had to hear Typhoon was in their NPR Tiny Desk. (Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDdO60XcqPQ) Typhoon is a relatively veteran group with some pretty sick harmonies. Definitely worth looking up on Spotify if you haven’t heard of them.
Bon Iver – For Emma
No playlist is complete without a little Bon Iver. I chose what I think is a bit of a lesser known song. It shows a different side of Justin Vernon, still capturing his beautiful lyrics, but with a bit of a different sound.
J. Geils Band – Centerfold
Centerfold is one of those songs that everyone recognizes the second it comes on. It feels like the right positive note to leave the playlist on.
