April 2015: Curmudgeons of the World Unite!

in

"Listening to the news this month, it was obvious that something terrible was happening in the Mediterranean. Naturally, the indifference and hostility towards immigrants is not the sole expertise of Europeans, although they definitely seem to have perfected an especially potent formula. I like to imagine that the defiance and strength of this song could be a kind of battle cry for those who actually make it off of one of those death boats."

Featuring: Blake Mills, Mbongwana Star, Punch Brothers, Ava Luna, and more. 

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March 2015: No Trip to SXSW

in

"I would argue that these two songs (and these two bands) are essentially attacking the same puzzle, but with radically different tools. How does a rock band tackle R&B/Soul in 2015?"

Featuring: Shamir, Norman Blake, GZA, José González, and more.

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Scott McNiece

in

"It's been forever since I just made a list that is simply 'some favorites from recently released albums' - nothing too themed or directed or boxed in - just a handful of tunes from artists who've been sounding really good to me. Here we go..."

Featuring: Diggs Duke, Viet Cong, Alsarah and the Nubatones, Isaiah Rashad, and way more. 

Check out a full interview here.

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March 2014: Damon Albarn & Post-postmodernism

in

Even though it was kind of like eating candy for me, I felt slightly guilty about the retro focus of last month's playlist, with its severe dearth of new music. This month I renewed my commitment to finding new music, and also devoted energy to researching some new sources, a few of which I'll mention below. Looking at this mix now, I wonder if I've swung too far in the other direction - but that anxiety is assuaged by what I think is a pretty tight, well-paced mix.

Featuring: Xenia Rubinos, Sharon Van Etten, Black Milk, John Lurie, and more. 

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