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Nathaniel Whitcomb: Motion Collage

While checking out the Mutual Benefit record that I told you about yesterday it came to my attention that the artwork was put together by one Nathaniel Whitcomb. His work mainly consists of a lot of different collage undertakings; many of which are what he calls Motion Collages. Though they are slow paced, they provide a nice bit of additional life to some already engaging pieces of work. Take some time to go through the plethora of collages he has made fro Holy Spirits, Mutual Benefit and (especially) Monster Rally.

Mutual Benefit Split

It recently came to my attention that Mutual Benefit has released another musical excursion on Father/Daughter Records. The album is a split 12" shared with Holy Spirit - so maybe it's just half an album but it's still new and it's still quite enjoyable.

You can preview or order the album here or snag an individual track below.. part of it reminds me of Grandaddy and that's about the highest praise I can give.

yk mix: Ready For It Mix

Somehow I managed to miss compiling and posting a mix during the month of February. I'm going to blame it on my insane level of work commitments during that time and the fact that I just simply don't consume music in the same way as I have in years past (though, technically, can we count Concentrate as my Feb submission?). I'm content to have a handful of new things come my way and really settle in with them for awhile instead of trying to cram a load of newness down my ears all the time. Maybe I'll revert to my old ways sometime but, for now, this is my latest offering.

Ready for It is a compilation of music I've been listening to with great regularity that brings pleasure to my ears. No over-arching theme to bind it beyond that but I think it fits together rather well. Enjoy!

[ Single MP3 | Single M4A | Individual MP3 ZIP ]

1. Gruff Rhys - Shark Ridden Waters
2. Smith Westerns - Weekend
3. The Dodos - Black Night
4. Thank You - 1-2-3 Bad
5. Spoon - The Ghost Of Your Lingers (Blogotheque version)
6. Tristen - Matchstick Murder
7. Grouplove - Colours
8. White Denim - Drug
9. Telekinesis - Fever Chill
10. Jay Reatard - Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh
11. Mogwai - Rano Pano
12. Toro y Moi - New Beat
13. Millionyoung - Tokyo 3
14. Jensen Sportag - Everything Good
15. mutual benefit - Birdwatcher

Music for Procurement

Austin / Columbus lo-fi do-gooder mutual benefit has released another set of six songs entitled i saw the sea. All created as a tribute to the ocean and his now land locked state of mind. If you're on the lookout for an album to play while you sit and stare out into the infinity; this is a great candidate.. fitting given the subject matter. Her Majesty of Sound is a site dedicated to showcasing shows in the Charlotte, NC area. They've just released their first podcast showcasing local talent. It's similar to what I do over at We Own This Town but, obviously, highlighting bands from a different region. It is a mentality and a cause I can totally get behind. Download it here or stream it here. Studio mate Matt Lehman has had his mix Sunny Days added to the ever growing pile of goodies over at Designers MX. Go give it a listen if you're pining for fewer snowy / rainy days.

Kassette Klub Sampler

Kassette Klub decided to kick the new year off with a proper introduction between themselves and you, the potential listener. They've posted a downloadable sampler on their blog - complete with artwork contributions from Leslie Tychsem. If you aren't familiar with the likes of Burywood, Mutual Benefit or Sleep Good; this is a good place to start.

Mutual Benefit - Spider Heaven

The latest release from Mutual Benefit is a sweet lo-fi batch of songs "recorded in the midst of an ongoing existential crisis in midwestern basements, parks, and attics." Spider Heaven is a quick listen - just under 20 minutes - but it's one of those records that is perfect for starting your day slowly or for lulling you out from consciousness. In other words, it's best listening to during the quiet times of your day.

Sleep Good - Skyclimber

I love it when you encounter a music recommendation and it immediately sticks. Mutual Benefit posted a heads up on the new album from Austin band Sleep Good, Skyclimber - noting that the entire album was recorded analog and never touched a computer throughout production. While that's a fun fact it doesn't necessarily change the appeal of the music - only creates a vague aesthetic. However, the fifteen tracks contained within the record are a harmonious, poppy-and-languid little escapade. If I had to cite similar brethren I'd go with Dr. Dog, Plants and Animals, etc. They certainly aren't copping their sound but they could tour together and it'd be a nice fit. Easily considered $5 well spent for the entirety of the record... go listen.

yk mix: Summer Nights V

For the past few years I've always put together a mix for the Summer Mix Series called Summer Nights - a collection of songs meant to be listened to on a warm evening; great background music while hanging with friends or just sitting by yourself contemplating whatever it is that you may have to contemplate. Basically, it's a very low key mix of music - originally started as an offset to the more upbeat mixes that I put out regularly.

Long story short, Summer Nights V is available for you to download; either as individual tracks or one single mp3 mix. It's also up on the mix series if you'd like to leave a comment there.

[ Download Separate Track Mix ]

[ Download Single Track Mix ]

1. Duncan Browne - Guitar Piece
2. Blitzen Trapper - Farthest Shore
3. The AM - Chanay
4. The Antlers - Shiva
5. Majestico - Head & Feet
6. Twin Sister - Lady Daydream
7. Autolux - The Bouncing Wall
8. Pete Drake - Forever
9. Dark Night of the Soul - Everytime I'm With you
10. Apostle of Hustle - Baby, You're In Luck
11. mutual benefit - Drifting
12. The Morning Benders - Mason Jar
13. Phantogram - 10,000 Claps
14. Supergrass - Fin
15. Slowmotions - We Have An Island
16. George Harrison - I Don't Want to Do It (acoustic version)
17. Deerhunter - Cover me (slowly)
18. Film School - Ms. Connection
19. Richard Swift - Above & Beneath

Mutual Benefit

I've been enjoying this quick, lo-fi, EP from mutual benefit; an outfit out of Austin, TX. It's laid back, atmospheric but still engaging enough to keep you with it. Perfect for a warm summer night. And the EP is free, so why not nab it?

Related: also familiarize yourself with Burywood's There Exists An Abstraction Ladder. Both courtesy of Kassette Klub.