_(1) Monday Night Mix with Luke and Lana.
(2) Comin’ at you every Monday night/Tuesday morn’ from 12a-2a
_(3) Take home your very own mnmixtape via this weekly column. A/B, 30 mins per side
SIDE A
DANCING ON THE CUSP OF WINTER
For the A side this week I’ve chosen to find a lighter side of the cold with some beautiful new wave/twee/post-punk selections! (There’s a bit of the darker stuff in there too so don’t worry). Check out all these fresh releases to brighten up your week! -Luke
1. Ping Pong Club ‘Skylight’
Found this incredible 4 piece based out of Bandung, Indonesia, and I was immediately captured by the playfulness of their sound and catchy songwriting. While still a fairly young group, I highly recommend keeping up with these young songmakers.
<a href=“<a href=“http://pingpongclubtheband.bandcamp.com/album/demo”>Demo” class=“redactor-linkify-object”>http://pingpongclubtheband.bandcamp.com/album/demo…</a> by Ping Pong Club</a>
2. Haley Blais ‘Severance Pay**’**
Another demo selection, Haley Blais whispers warm melodies over the surprisingly comfortable combination of synth bass, ukelele, and strings. With a crystal voice, she manages to find a wonderful sense of rhythm on “Severance Pay” without needing any drums to guide her.
<a href=“<a href=“http://haleyblais.bandcamp.com/album/zero-charisma”>Zero” class=“redactor-linkify-object”>http://haleyblais.bandcamp.com/album/zero-charisma…</a> Charisma by Haley Blais</a>
3. Wall of Stars ‘Blur’
A two piece out of El Monte, California, Wall of Stars comes with just the essentials: jangly guitars, melancholy hooks, a driving bass, and a filtered drum machine. Knowing when to let vocals come to the front and when to wash them out is an under appreciated skill IMHO.
<a href=“<a href=“http://wallofstars.bandcamp.com/album/center-of-heaven”>Center” class=“redactor-linkify-object”>http://wallofstars.bandcamp.com/album/center-of-he…</a> of Heaven by Wall of Stars</a>
4. Thought Beings ‘Holiday’
A bit of 80’s nostalgia never hurt anyone :) With stunningly smart vocal lines and a wickedly impressive snare, Thought Beings brings a groovy holiday-season tune that’s perfect for wistful snow-angel making and melodramatic hot chocolate drinking. Do they have this snowmobile in a digital pink?
<a href=“<a href=“http://thoughtbeings.bandcamp.com/album/holiday”>Holiday” class=“redactor-linkify-object”>http://thoughtbeings.bandcamp.com/album/holiday”>H…</a> by Thought Beings</a>
5. Emily Underhill ‘Toronto’
A more somber approach to the winter months, “Toronto” is a standout track from Emily Underhill’s newest release, Dissolve. Her haunting vocals sit atop a massive composition, conducting the instruments as they paint a cinematic forest scene for us to explore.
<a href=“<a href=“http://tusksofficial.bandcamp.com/album/dissolve”>Dissolve” class=“redactor-linkify-object”>http://tusksofficial.bandcamp.com/album/dissolve”>…</a> by Emily Underhill</a>
6. Glen ‘Go Boy’
Berlin post-punk project Glen delivers a long and low story throughout their über-recent 5-song release Crack. Weaving in and out of time/tempo, the group definitely isn’t afraid to use time as just another parameter, and it pays off in this groaning, almost overwhelming project.
<a href=“<a href=“http://glen1.bandcamp.com/album/crack”>CRACK” class=“redactor-linkify-object”>http://glen1.bandcamp.com/album/crack”>CRACK</a> by GLEN</a>
SIDE B
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY
Soft rock or easy listening? Soft drink or soda pop? This week’s Side B is full of stocking stuffers for the whole family - from near and far, aged young and old. These tracks that will make your Dad (Pop?) go “mmm” and your brother swipe-yo-track Shazam. But wait a minute - (zooms out) is that a ‘16 Corolla or a ‘76 Integra? -Lana
1. Psychic Mistakes Glitterball for its Crystal Sister - Monika ‘Lonely World
2. Natural Bobtail Anonymous’ Invite-Only Christmas Party - Richenel ‘Autumn
3. Upholster my Furniture in Sucked Balloons - A.R. Kane ‘A Love from Outer Space
4. Turtlefurred VHS - Letta Mbulu ‘Normalizo’
5. DVR’d Grace Tenores De Oniferi ‘Su Determinu’
6. Family Trip(tophan) - Mariah ‘Shinzo No Tobira’
Lana Harris and Luke Martinez DJ/write/beyond for the Record Hospital. Record Hospital has air 10pm-5am every weeknight.