To celebrate our recent streak of wonderful weather, here’s a weekly mixtape fit for a glorious spring day. There are both up and coming wunderkinds (Avi Buffalo, Twin Sister) and established musical geniuses (Wolf Parade, Ratatat) at work on this diverse set of songs — but what they all have in common is their seasonal appeal. See for yourself after the jump, where you can download the entire mix or check out each of the ten tracks individually.
1. Tame Impala – “Runway, Houses, City, Clouds” Hailing from Oz, these three whiz kids make sweet mixes that give you a good sense of their eclectic influences, ranging from the GZA to the Bowie. Considering they’re also buddy buddy with MGMT, they might just be the next big thing.
2. Ratatat – “Grape Juice City” It’s clear that many elements of the band’s forthcoming LP4 were recorded at the same time as LP3 , but the songs sound even more masterfully choreographed and cohesive. Penultimate track “Grape Juice City” is a perfect example.
3. Wolf Parade – “Ghost Pressure” Hilariously referred to as “Beyonce” on setlists, this song mixes a brass section, slivers of various harmonies, and gold-soaked pop synths. The Canadian supergroup has been pursuing side projects like Swan Lake and Sunset Rubdown but has still managed to record a third album that’s set for release June 29.
4. Korallreven – “The Truest Faith” Taking inspiration from a stint in the tropical Samoan Islands three years ago, Daniel Tjader (one half of the Radio Dept.) and Marcus Joons whip up an ethereally blissful jam worthy of having on repeat.
5. The Green Lives – “Everybody Knows Who You Are, Anna” This Danish five-piece knows how to harmonize. With help from a school choir, they combine the breezier elements of Kings of Convenience and I’m From Barcelona and make you want to also know this mysterious Anna.
6. Twin Sister – “All Around and Away We Go” There can’t be a more accurate description of the Brooklyn quintet than “Sade meets the Cocteau Twins.” This is low-key danceable magic at its core. Download their most recent release, Color Your Life, here.
7. Villagers – “Becoming A Jackal” Conor O’Brien’s strumming sounds something like Fruit Bats meets that other Conor O, with a heavy surf influence. His lyrics and melodies also share a cryptic simplicity with Bright Eyes.
8. Sun Airway – “Put the Days Away” Managing to sound a little like a futuristic Julian Casablancas, Jon Barthmus loops fragile melodies and glassy vocal flourishes in, “Put the Days Away,” his favorite song from the upcoming album Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier.
9. Avi Buffalo – “Summer Cum” The four 19 year olds that make up Avi Buffalo string together seemingly playful plucking and soft handclaps to create a track that recalls a more explicit version of Broken Social Scene’s “Lover’s Spit,” but under a lovelocked Long Beach spell.
10. Childish Gambino – “Lust for Life” This synth-driven cover of the summery Girls single has Donald Glover further honing his vocal chops and then freestyling his way through its latter half. Consider us amped for his very possible tour with Chiddy Bang.
wunderkinds and musical geniuses the likes of Mozart (exaggeration)