We’re very excited and honored to be presenting this mixtape (alongside Mostly Junk Food and Potholes in My Blog) by one of our favorite musicians, the wonder that is Datahowler. He’s crafted this one in honor of the heatwave/drought that Texas experienced this summer from which they are just now recovering. In his own original work he draws from a myriad of influences, so it’s only fitting that this would be an eclectic bundle of joy. More than just a mix, it’s an explorative journey of sound. Stream it through his bandcamp here, or grab the .zip of mp3s. He’s also nominated for two Dallas Observer Music Awards (Best New Artist and Best Electronic Artist) so show him some voting love here. In addition, he has a few free albums floating around on his bandcamp, so dont sleep.

Tracklisting:

Beck – Mixed Bizness
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – How Can U Luv Me
The Players Association – The Things You Get Me To Do
Eugene Wilde – Personality Split
Broken Bells – The Ghost Inside
Apples In Stereo – Joanie Don’t U Worry
Javelin - Lindsay Broham
Ariel’s Pink Haunted Graffiti – Round & Round (Datahowler Edit)
Ivy – It Must Be Magic
Bibio – Light Sleep
Dirty Gold – California Sunrise
Toro Y Moi – You Hid
Madlib – Do You Really Think (Datahowler Remix)
Botany – Waterparker
Bonobo – Terrapin
SBTRKT – Wildfire
Sun Glitters – Everything Could Be Fine
The Union – Fences (Remix)
Shlohmo – Places
Tobacco – Hair Candy
Com Truise – Datebar
Star Slinger – Mornin
Flying Lotus – Melt (Datahowler Edit)

I had been eagerly awaiting the Broken Bells album ever since I heard the first single, “The High Road” way back in December. Well after an entire album, and a road trip to Texas, I’m still impressed. As James Mercer is involved, there is an element of The Shins that peeks through on some tracks, but overall it’s easy to view this as a completely separate endeavor. Tracks are richer, darker, and more complex. After hearing their interview on NPR‘s All Songs Considered, I am even more sold on their collective musical brilliance. Having this drop on the same day as the new Gorillaz made for quite an epic day in music.

Now off to drive the last few hours to Austin, if you’re there, holla!

What, was this track delivered in a time capsule straight from the 60s? The duo Broken Bells (featuring Danger Mouse and James Mercer of The Shins [neither of whom can do any wrong in my opinion]) released this track off of their forthcoming album for free on their website earlier this week. In all honesty, after hearing of this collaboration, I was expecting a little bit of an electro-pop explosion. That’s certainly not what I received, but I’m not disappointed in the least. This song is clean and simple, and the beat contains a hint of funkiness. It’s low-key and positively delightful, and I can’t wait to hear what else they’ve dreamed up. Oh, and Merry Christmas! (if that’s your thing…)

Broken Bells – The High Road