You know that point when your iTunes gets so filled up with awesome stuff that you can't possibly listen to everything that's in there with any kind of regularity? Where, like, you put it on shuffle and then you hear a song and you're all, "OHHHH right, I love this song! But I forgot about it!" Right.

Well, that's been happening to me lately and there's so much good stuff I want to share, I thought I'd just go ahead and create a mixtape for y'all. Enjoy!

"Nothing Really Happened" - Math and Physics Club
"So Caroline" - The Posies
"Lonelily" - Damien Rice
"The Kids We Used to Be" - Phineas and The Lonely Leaves
"Do It Better" - Imperial Teen
"If It Was (A Matter of Mind)" - The Rave-Ups
"Hold On" - Yellow Ostrich
"The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine" - Spoon
"Run" - Ben Kweller
"Closet Cutter" - Mike Viola
"Sigh" - Verlee for Ransom
"Connection" - The Brunettes

Play this mixtape on Spotify.
{I once again tried to include an iTunes link, but sadly only 9 of the 13 songs are available on there. auuuuggghhh} 

So... what songs have popped up on your shuffle lately that you're suddenly loving again?

Ahhh….summer. There's nothing quite like cranking up a bouncy, happy song on a sunny day - whether you're in a car with the top down, or taking a sunshiny sidewalk stroll with your earphones firmly in place. Sadly, once again this summer,  the sunny days in Seattle have been few and far between (Hello, July?). Here's to hoping this beach and BBQ-ready virtual mixtape I put together will keep you feeling warm!

1. The Drums - "Let's Go Surfing" - Summertime EP (2:55)
{tig} {listen} {buy}

2. Bow Wow Wow - "I Want Candy (Kevin Shields Remix)" - Marie Antoinette Soundtrack (2:40)
{listen} {buy}

3. The Submarines - "You Me and the Bourgeoisie" - Honeysuckle Weeks (3:22)
{tig} {listen} {buy}

 

{more tracks after the jump}

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Okay, guys. Here’s the thing: I am writing this recommendation based solely on my love for The Brunettes. We’ve mentioned Throw Me the Statue here on TIG a few times before and I’m sure they’re a mighty fine band, and uh, Nurses sound great too, but my point is – GO. SEE. THE. BRUNETTES. They’re an adorable band from New Zealand and they are chock-full of great lyrics and fun, poppy goodness.

Seriously. Exhibit A:

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You know what’s funny? When I first heard Throw Me The Statue’s new album Creaturesque, I was immediately struck by the tracks that hearken back to the feeling of mornings spent listening to Built to Spill and drinking too much coffee. Knowing that Phil Ek helped produced it reveals where that sensory memory sprang from. I guess that’s not really funny. But more on that later— Creaturesque will be out August 4th on Secretly Canadian.

In the meanwhile this Seattle band will be hitting the road as co-headliners with New Zealand band The Brunettes in support of the new album. Before they go, they will be playing a handful of Seattle shows. A full list of tour dates and the track listing of the new album is listed below. With all these opportunities and a good cause to support (A Drink for the Kids at Vera), you really have no reason not to see an upcoming lo-fi power-pop Seattle band play at home before they blast off this Sound.

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at CMJ 2007

This was my second year attending the madness, and here are my highlights from the first half of the week, including Wild Light, Elk City, the Brunettes, and more!

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They play New York tonight and tomorrow (oh, you New Yorkers with your battling NYC and Brooklyn scenes) and I can't capitalize and bold loudly enough that you should GO TO not one -- but BOTH SHOWS... and report back... and take pictures.

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Not terribly excited with this early offering, but you know I'll be all over the Brunettes; and, if they're not trumped by other bands I want to see more, will also probably try for Spoon, Xiu Xiu, Eisley, Dan Deacon, and Deerhunter (though of course they'll all be playing sets at exactly the same time in venues far far away from one another, because that's just the way it is).

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Aversion posted a great review of their brand spankin' new record this morning.

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