Everyday is hump day if you're lumpy...

Ahoy! The weekly mixtape is in y'all, so get it while it's hot.

In order to counter last week's filthy filthy filth, this week's mix is less with the lascivious and more with the "your smile makes me hyperventilate, I think you're dreamy." I figure it's only fair (healthy) to offer a parallel to such a saturated, intense emotion. All the music featured today comprise a soundtrack of utter dorktitude, an area I may as well have a degree in. We start off on a high note, bouncing and giggling down a hill of dandelions and puppy-love, smelling like fresh laundry and ring pops tumbling into the valley of every high school crush you've ever had. We'll reminisce over all those semi-suave socio-romantic moments we've had in life:

- Every Dance Ever (from Middle School to Prom, baby!)
- Finally working up the nerve to speak to That Classmate / Co-worker / Starbucks Clerk
- Having a surprisingly decent evening at that Dinner Party / House Party / Barbecue, totally hitting it off with that friend-of-a-mutual-friend, panicking for the entire following day over when would be the best time to call without seeming eager and really, why haven't they called me first, it's been at least 12 hours, ohmygod, they totally didn't have as much fun as I did, ohmygod, I totally had food in my teeth that entire conversation, didn't I? Ohmygod, I totally offended them with that vegetarian joke, didn't I? Ohmygod - They're calling me right now!
- Etc.


Eventually we'll round out with three of my personal favorites, tracks nine to eleven. Each song I feel quantifies very specific aspects of dorkiness.

"Kanske Ar Jag Kar I Dig" by Jens Lekman definitely targets the everyday ridiculousness I radiate, narrating awkward asides and digressions spliced with embarrassingly truthful admissions. (The song actually stutters at one point!) Following that is a duet by Josh Radin and Schuyler Fisk (also known as Sissy Spacek's daughter), "Paperweight." Their soft harmonies and lyrics are sweet without being saccharine and meaningful without being longing.



Finally, we close with Her Space Holiday's "You and Me." The entire song is just so endearing, from the story it tells to the flute solo (seriously! it was adorable!). I've heard my share of compelling and very interesting solo bands, Scout You Devil, Graig Markel, Pop Levi, and Tender Forever, but Marc Bianchi! An orchestra! I dare you to look me in the [internet] eye and tell me that after listening to "You and Me," you weren't filled with inklings of joy and hope and optimism that love is out there, completely tangible and plausible! You can't, can you? Cheerio!


Tracklisting:


1. Gatsbys American Dream - Just Like Heaven (3:00)
2. Hellogoodbye - Baby it's a Fact (3:17)
3. The Get Up Kids - Valentine (4:19)
4. Adèle - Crazy For You (3:28)
5. Lykke Li - Little Bit (4:33)
6. The Blow - Hey Boy (2:46)
7. The Get Up Kids - Close to Me (Cover) (3:24)
8. Tahiti 80 - Heartbeat (3:26)
9. Jens Lekman - Kanske Ar Jag Kar I Dig (4:45)
10. Joshua Radin & Schuyler Fisk - Paperweight (3:30)
11. Her Space Holiday - You And Me (4:36)

***12. Tom Jones - It's Not Unusual (2:00)*** Yes, it's another bonus track. Yes, it's Tom Jones. Yes, you can go ahead and judge me for listening to Tom Jones, I don't care.

Link to the Mixtape: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CN8W9QKB

P.S. That first picture of that cartoon guy...that's what happens when you type "Prom" into Microsoft Clip Art. Fun huh?