Atlas Sound – Winter Vacation - Let’s start this mix off with a little reminder of winter. This slow churner comes from the solo project of Bradford James Cox from Deerhunter. This sonic atmosphere of ambience has so much to pick out of it, but only works as its magnificent whole.

Born Ruffians – Hummingbird - Next, an upbeat groover from Canadian indie-rockers Born Ruffians takes us away from the chill and right into a warm happy place. The “uh-uh-oh-oh’s” from singer Luke Lalonde are sure to get you smiling, and bopping along.

Fleet Foxes – Mykonos - Now, after all that joy, we need a cool soother. This Seattle five-some are perfect for this. Taking their cues from CSNY, they create calming melodies in a style which they like to call “baroque harmonic pop jams.” Harmony, oh yes.

She & Him – This Is Not a Test - When Zooey Deschanel decides to record an album, she chooses M. Ward to work with. Resulting is the Volume One album of her ‘60s pop type of songs. “This Is Not a Test” certainly sounds this way with its simplicity…take a listen!

Miracle Fortress – Little Trees - Another calm one, this song has vocals very similar to Loney, Dear with music providing a similar simple cheer as well. You will certainly get lost in its breezy feel.

Ra Ra Riot – Dying Is Fine - Time to pick up the beat a bit with another groover from a band from Syracuse University. The seven members play a variety of instruments, and with how they use their strings, they get a fair comparison to Arcade Fire. You’ll definitely be a-toe-tapping here.

Plants and Animals – Good Friend - Even more Canadians bring this song with light intensity. You can feel it in their vocals and in the continuous plunking of the guitars. If that’s not enough, wait for the arrangements at the end.

Grand Archives – Sleepdriving - Easily the saddest sounding (and easily the best) pop song I’ve heard in awhile, this one comes from former-Band of Horses’ member Mat Brooke and his new band. Its bittersweet harmonies and slow progressions should completely cloak your ears with amazement.

Destroyer – Leopard of Honor - Daniel Bejar is back with his own odd style of song-writing (and his odd voice, of course). He tells his story set to truly Destroyer music until the song fades away with some nice “la-la’s” from Bejar.

Man Man – Doo Right - Just Honus Honus at the piano, playing and singing his song about heartbreak, “Doo Right” is another truly unique Man Man song. A perfect closer to this mix.

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