MUXTAPE

I've just become privy to a very cool new site that essentially works on the very basic premise of the mix tape online. Muxtape doesn't do much of anything but allow you to upload 12 mp3s that you legally own and then provides a url for you to stream them. It doesn't appear to archive playlists so one would have to actively remove songs to build new "mixtapes". I love the idea and may use it as my new de facto link for new playlists that I come up with. Hopefully many of you will follow suit with your faves!

Wherein I demonstrate how much of an NPR nerd I am

I was at the gym last Saturday morning and was listening to NPR as I usually do. Suddenly, they started playing "Save it for a rainy day" by The Jayhawks.

This particular song is one of those songs that I have a very visceral reaction to. The first time I heard it was sitting in a fancy San Francisco hotel with a good friend on a foggy July evening. Every time I hear any song from "Rainy Day Music" it takes me back to that night.

As it turned out, The Jayhawks had not returned, but Gary Louris (one of the founding members of The Jayhawks) has come out with a solo album. The NPR interview with him was kind of boring and beige - except for when he started singing. His songs have the same mix of alt-country/rock that The Jayhawks did and his voice is mellow and soothing.

I've only listened to the whole album (titled "Vagabonds") once all the way through but as of this moment some of my favorite songs are:

True Blue

To Die a Happy Man

Black Grass

DC Blues

I hope you'll take a listen - enjoy!!