Don't Haunt Me Mix

Here's a little well known secret: I detest the costume portion of Halloween to the point where I haven't had a costume since high school. However, as long as there are Midnight Milky Ways I'm ok with the candy part. I also like pumpkins and scooping out the guts in case you were wondering. The other part I especially like are the mixes that come out of working around a spooky theme. I'm just as excited about this year's mix as the previous two.

Stream all three mixes in one playlist on spotify. Of course it's missing some of my favorite songs due to the usual spotify issues, but that's why I reuploaded the old playlists so you can download all three.

2010: Songs About Ghosts: original post // Download ZIP // Stream on Spotify

2011: Dancing in the Graveyard: original post // Downlad ZIP // stream on spotify

2012: Don't Haunt Me // Download ZIP // Stream 15 of 22 songs on Spotify

Tyler Lyle - Medusa (site)

The Maldives - Blood on the Highway (site)

The Oh Hellos ( download album at bandcamp)

Communist Daughter - Ghosts (site)

Us Baby Bear Bones - Rain (bandcamp)

Harlem - Friendly Ghost (site)

Tea Cozies - Muchos Dracula (bandcamp)

Ben Howard - Esmerelda

Ben Howard is sharing a new song from his EP, 'Esmerelda', a song he's been playing during his live shows. Much like the video it's dark and a bit menacing. It's a beautiful and twisted song that sounds like it was too dark for his debut album, but it's too stunning of a song to have not recorded. The angry sea in this video is a perfect backdrop. The new EP is titled Burgh Island EP and if it's limited vinyl (1000) you want, you'll have to wait for December 10th. Or you can buy now via iTunes if you're in the UK or get it November 6th if you're elsewhere. (via The Music Hoarder)

Sóley - I'll Drown

Sóley's 'I'll Drown' was one of my favorite songs of 2011. More recently a dramatic and stark, black and white video for the song was released. She's touring with other NMC favorites Of Monsters & Men through Iceland, Canada and the east coast of the US. Be sure to check her out. I still get completely lost in this song.

Sóley - I'll Drown

Sambassadeur - Memories

Sambassadeur is releasing a doube A-side 7". "Memories" is the first song with plenty of saxophone that has the right degree of cheesy while remaining a completely enjoyable and catchy song. Enjoy.

Balto - Cavalry

I've been listening to this EP for weeks. It's always nice when you get five lovely songs rather than see someone try and fudge some filler songs to make a full length album. While all the songs have something to offer, I've been giving 'Cavalry' the repeat treatment.

Bandcamp // Site

So if you see me start retreating 

See the shadow cross my eyes 

I’m gonna place a bet on wine, I'm gonna take my own advice 

And if I’m lucky I can see your lantern shine

Lord Huron - Lonesome Dream

"I run through a wooded isle
and chase the sunlight mile after mile,
and I feel like I know this place
As the tree line breaks into wide open space."

First thing this morning I took off for a run to test my lungs in the thin Colorado air.  It seemed like a good time to finally give the new Lord Huron album a solid listen. Seconds after I pressed play, I was beaming and bursting with a joy that brought tears to my eyes. Colorado always makes me feel good, but the combination of Lord Huron, the scenery, my friend's dog for comapany, and the mile high air made me feel like my heart was exploding. I can't remember the last time I smiled a big cheesy smile during a five mile run.

Nothing soothes my soul like songs built on a heaping mountain of wanderlust. This album gives people trying to find their footing in the real world some solid ground to travel upon. Mountains come up often in the songs and each time I caught myself glancing westward towards the Rocky Mountains that hold so many of my memories. The timing of this first listen couldn't have been more perfect.

I realize I haven't told you about how well these songs are crafted, but just trust me that they are. Sometimes the feelings brought on by the music are what matter the most.

"Run away with me, it'll all make sense."
Buy Lonesome Dreams // Amazon

Free Energy - Dance All Night

Free Energy will always own a large part of my summer of 2010, a summer I remember with a freakish accuracy. It'll be an interesting change of pace to have a new alum of theirs out in the dead of winter this January. It'll be sure to keep you warm, or at least dancing/bopping/singing along.

Rhye - The Fall (live)

This new music from Rhye is a live version of 'The Fall' that is simply that husky charming voice and the piano. It's very stripped down and just as beautiful as everything else we've heard. Find Rhye on Facebook.

Broke For Free - The Gold Lining

I'm trying this thing out. I'm not going to write all that much anymore. The writing has been what's holding me back. When I started out all I wanted to do was share the music I enjoyed with other people, I've never been particularly proud of my song or album reviews anyway. Now that I've already written more than I intended to, have a listen to this.


This song is a five minute walk on a warm autumn day with the sun coming through the leaves at just the right angle.

Broke For Free - The Gold Lining (site)

And in case you've been living under a rock and haven't seen this video, then you should. I smiled, I cried, my heart was warmed. It's beautiful. 

The Leftover Sun Mix

I have no idea what music I've been listening to. My turntable broke, I haven't been reading emails, I don't like biking with headphones, and when I want background noise I just let itunes shuffle without much thought or preference. Music and me kind of broke up for approximately 52 days, but I think we're getting back together soon.

Download ZIP

Balto - Smokestacks (bandcamp)
Neil Halstead - Full Moon Rising (site)
Poliça - Lay Your Cards Out (site)
Velah - Skeleton House (site)
Al James (of Dolorean) - If You've Got The Money (site)

Correction...Above is the absurdly long mix I wanted to make. I've been listening to it for a week trying to figure out what to cut so that I'd be able to upload it. I'm mostly happy with the condensed version, but I figured I'd let you see both. There's also a secret track #17 that I'm sure you'll love. Enjoy.