This isn’t a competition. It’s a collaboration.
Here's the 21st instalment of the bi-weekly Mixcloud series where I go back to the iTunes organizational system I had setup when I used to run a 24/7 internet radio station, and then I shuffle up a selection of 95-tracks that have been rated as 'Mix Tape Radio approved' and put together an 18-track HI54 Mixed CD.
“I say quit trying so hard to get people to like you. Trying to befriend the people who don't want to be your friend is draining. Focus on people who make you feel welcomed. I promise it will make you feel much better in the long run.”
EPS 092 of THE MIX TAPE RADIO SHOW kicks off with a beauty cover from Deer Scout, and before you Hanging Valleys close things out, you'll hear tracks from Hoops, The Golden Dregs, Sam Moss and a whole bunch more.
Adam from songsfortheday asked some people to make him a Winter mix + answer some questions about the making of that mix and I did exactly that (in 2015). So grab your headphones and a blanket to curl under, because this episode goes deep into those winter feels, whichever year you’re in now.
“Truly a very autumnal album, percolating with rural nostalgia and pastoral dreaminess. You can almost feel the late afternoon sunshine on your bare arms, as perfect field recordings of birdsong and creeks flow past while zither melodies and strums wash over you. Absolutely gorgeous.”
Episode 123 of The Mix Tape Radio Show features 8 gems shuffled out of the ongoing HI54 Mix CD ‘WHEN I SAID I LIKED "COUNTRY" MUSIC’ - ft. Garrett T. Capps, Lucinda Williams, Todd Snider, Guy Clark + a bunch more proper-country-flavoured headphone goodness.
“If you live near any mountain rivers, go find a safe place to cold plunge in them. i moved to the Appalachian mountains this year and spending time submerged in icy cold streams has become my new favorite pastime.”
“I’ve been playing around with that weird state right before I wake up in the morning, when I start stirring and coming out of deep sleep. I’ll focus on feelings of universal wholeness or “imagine” the sensation of a enveloping cosmic love.
“Algia Mae is a living legend. Her spunk comes through in innuendo-soaked lyrics and perfect Piedmont finger picking.”
“Go for a walk every day, even if it's only 15 minutes. No phone, no music, no podcast, find a nearby green space if you can, just walk and breathe and listen and exist.”
After being away for a few weeks, I finally made it home… and then immediately came down with COVID. And since I am isolating in the bedroom of a small 1-bedroom flat (so as not to get my partner infected), I’ve decided it best to postpone all blogging duties until I’m testing negative and able to fire up the ol’ iMac in the COVID-free office / living room.
