Will Hackney and Kym Register of North Carolina’s Midtown Dickens have given us their “Top 10 Songs That Will Take You Home” featuring tunes by Bert Jansch, Megafaun, The Magnetic Fields and more. The band is currently gearing up for the release of their third full length record, appropriately (given their mixtape theme) titled Home (out April 3rd via Trekky Records) and were just announced on the lineup to one of our favorite festivals, Portland, Oregon’s Pickathon. Grab an MP3 of their tune “Only Brother” below and enjoy the mixtape after the jump.
MP3: Midtown Dickens- Only Brother

Midtown Dickens’ Top 10 Songs That Will Take You Home:

1. The Louvin Brothers – I’m Ready To Go Home
The Louvin Brothers possess some of the most magical voices I’ve ever heard. Its amazing that they sing so well together, considering they were so different: Charlie being a devout, humble Christian and Ira being a drunken mess. As an atheist, I think that’s why this sort of hyper-christian music is interesting to me. “I’m Ready To Go Home” is about finally ending a life of service to the lord, but its also about how difficult it is to live that way for a lifetime. I get the since that Charlie and Ira were singing the same words for different reasons. This is also a great song to listen to at the end of a long tour, for obvious reasons.

2. Des Ark – Goddamnit, Sweetheart
Staple song, and staple band of growing up in the music scene here. Des Ark started playing out when I was in high school. She was one of the women that showed me that music was accesible. Her lyrics in this tune tell they story of growing up in this area. Whiskey, drive-ins, trucks; obviously already a great song of this south. But she uses these images in ways that are real and not contrived. Des Ark’s solo records tear at the heart like any good country song, but her folk is specific, and makes me love this area even more.

3. Bonnie “Prince” Billy – My Home Is The Sea
I distinctly remember hearing this song for the first time on Pitchfork when it was released. As a longtime Will Oldham fan, I was pleased to see what different styles Matt Sweeney was bringing out as a collaborator. The guitar playing, the songwriting (and especially the incendiary double(!) guitar solo on this song) were all the best Will had ever done and also something very different. My senior year of high school, I drove around my hometown of Chapel Hill listening to this on repeat, yelling “I am under your spell! And you will have me I reckon!” out of the open windows.

4. The Bowerbirds – The Ticonderoga
All of these guys songs remind me of coming home. Their woody instruments, from Phil’s classical guitar to Beth’s accordion, and the ease of the percussion. It’s a sound that is being developed a lot of places, where musicians use folk instruments from all over to craft their own blend of folk. This song has a lot of history in it, of this area and of the music “scene” of Raleigh / Durham… I have to say though, I pump this song frequently on long drives. It may remind me of home mostly for that reason.

5. Bert Jansch- Running From Home
I was sad to hear that Bert Jansch died this year, as I had just discovered his music and just missed the opportunity to see him play live. I love how much Jansch can do with just a guitar, being a master at finger-picking. There’s something instantly nostalgic about the circular procession of “Running From Home”, and its interesting that it can remind me of my American home, even though it was written about Jansch’s Scottish home.

6. The Mountain Goats- Home Again Garden Grove
We Shall All be Healed was the first Mountain Goats album I really got into, and this song immediately stuck out to me. Its the most ferocious song on the album and also (I later learned) and obvious nod to John’s past lo-fi boombox recording style in his earlier days. We recently toured with the Mountain Goats, and it was interesting to me how many places John had home-like ties. Many places we would go he could relate a story of having lived 30 minutes South of the venue, or down the street (icluding Garden Grove). As someone who has lived in North Carolina my whole life, I can’t think of any other place as home, but John has about a dozen places that feel like home. Luckily, he also ended up settling in NC, so I know we both made the right choice.

7. Mount Moriah – Hail, Lightning
Heather’s been in so many projects that I’ve loved. One that I still drop everything to see is Bellfea, a band that’s a lot heavier sonically than this project. This project may be my favorite yet. She really seems to get to her roots and (maybe it’s because I can hear them more clearly) the lyrics paint beautiful emotive pictures of what it’s like to be from this area. A few songs are about being queer in the south, which is a struggle that I admire her for using her voice to discuss. In this song you can just hear the slowness of the south. You can hear it, and admire its urgency with the tension that’s created between the electric guitar and the drums that are hanging back a little. It paints the picture of those long drives across the piedmont with nothing in between stops. Beautiful.

8. Magnetic Fields – All My Little Words
I got into these guys way late in the game… Four years ago on my way home from the wild rugged nature of the west coast the girl I was dating gifted me the first two albums on the 69 Love Songs comp and that’s all i listened to for about four months. The composition of this song (these records, really) twists folk with subtle electronic music and uses the banjo in a way that makes you forget that it’s a banjo. It stunned me to find that they were on a record label that was located 5 blocks from my house @ Merge Records.

9. Charley Patton- I’m Goin’ Home
Charley Patton was my first experience with truly old music that I felt like I could relate to. When I discovered him, I just didn’t know there was music from the 20s that I thought I could have a relationship with. Even though the recording of “I’m Going Home” is fuzzy and quiet, Charley’s voice is so expressive that I can imagine him sitting in some tavern, with no microphone, singing as loud as he could over the drinkers and socializers. That’s a feeling I can sometimes relate to as a touring musician! This is another that I often sing to myself on the way home from tour.

10. Megafaun (Feat. Christy Smith of Tender Fruit) – The Longest Day
Again, with the atypical banjo. I’m a sucker for it. Phil uses clawhammer percussively, but allows the accordion and even the shakers to take the lead at times. It’s a great song, and I’m consistently amazed at how these guys can make me love music from the south even though they weren’t raised here. The lyrics are heartwrenching but sweet, and the one that I like to sing out loud every time I hear this one is, “I ain’t never seen a night that didn’t have a dawn.” Killer.

We All Go Twang: (click here to download the full mix)

1. Shakey Graves- Passionate Kisses (Lucinda Williams) Austin, Texas
2. All Spots To Black- I Can See The Pines Are Dancing (AA Bondy) Los Angeles, California
3. Grant Maxwell and The Morning Pages- Soldier of Love (Arthur Alexander) Nashville, Tennessee
4. The Blank Tapes- Fool in the Rain (Led Zeppelin) Oakland, California
5. The Driftwood Singers- Fallin’ Rain (Link Wray) Los Angeles, California
6. The Far West- More Than This (Roxy Music) Los Angeles, California
7. Pony Boy- Damaged by Love (Tom Petty) Los Angeles, California/ London, UK
8. The Bye and Bye Band- I’m Sorry That I Love You (Magnetic Fields cover) Austin, Texas
9. Barling- Wicked Games (Chris Issak) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
10. The Fallen Stars- Another Girl, Another Planet (The Only Ones) Orange County, California
11. James Apollo- This Will Be Our Year (The Zombies) New York City, New York
12. Barnaby Bennett- Never My Love (The Association) Calgary, Canada

Click here to view the embedded video.William Shatner- Rocket Man

Elton John Goes Twang:

1. Rod Stewart- Country Comfort
2. Pollution- Ballad of a Well-Known Gun
3. Tina Turner and Ike- Philadelphia Freedom
4. Bettye Lavette & Drive-By Truckers- Talking Old Soldiers
5. Aretha Franklin- Border Song (Holy Moses)
6. The Who- Saturday Night Alight
7. Ryan Adams- Tiny Dancer
8. My Morning Jacket- Rocket Man
9. Jeff Buckley- We All Fall In Love Sometimes/ Curtains
10. Tortoise & Bonnie “Prince” Billy- Daniel
Bonus Track: Spooky Tooth- Son Of Your Father

Elton John, Lana Hamilton, wife of actor George Hamilton and Rod Stewart arrive at New York’s Studio 54 on July 11, 1978

Tina Turner, Elton John, Ann Margret, John Entwistle, Keith Moon & Pete Townshend, NYC, 1975

Elton John and John Lennon

Elton John and John Lennon

It’s the brilliant new dating (and friends-seeking) website that matches you up based on your music taste (as imported from your Last.fm profile or from bands that you have individually listed). Never again will you have to suffer through a date with someone who counts the latest releases from Celine Dion and Enrique Iglesias among their desert island discs.  A really helpful tool if you ask me (my ‘Friends’  profile is here…say hi!). Without futher ado, I give you Alex and Simon’s mixtape, after the jump.

Tastebuds.fm’s Songs To Wake Up To

I guess this list was inspired by that feeling you get when you first wake up and there’s that residual feeling from your dream sequences, and in many cases you may even have a song stuck in your head. Well I thought it’d be pretty neat to have one of these 12 songs in your head, that or at least playing these songs just as you have awoken to begin your day in such a positive way.

1. Beirut – The Shrew
Gotta love Beirut’s attempt at making a Mariachi-esque sound.  He really nails it with this song on March of the Zapotec. The horn eruptions on this track are astounding and as usual Zach Condon delivers a stunning display of his vocals. The humdrum of the brass brings together Beirut’s classic gypsy-style orkestra stylings but this time with a Mexican ‘charro’ feel.

2. Tallest Man on Earth – I Won’t Be Found
Swedish folk artist Tallest Man on Earth delivers such a refreshing folk sound just with his trusty guitar. When he sings, it almost feels as if his lyrics have such legitimacy to them almost to the point that they could be tall tales of yonder. His unique nasal twang would easily lead you to assume he is not Swedish and of the dust bowl era.

3. Zooey Deschanel – Sugartown (Nancy Sinatra Cover)
Everyone loves Zooey, everyone. This girl is ‘so hot right now’, to quote Mugatu from Zoolander. Her whimsical voice is like the call of the sirens, luring everyone towards her fervent clutches. This Nancy Sinatra cover was also performed briefly by her character Summer Finn at a karaoke club [in 300 Days of Summer], and since watching I made a point of making it a quintessential morning song.

4. Sufjan Stevens – Chicago
What ever happened to his plan to make an album for every state of America? Ahh well you are forgiven Sufjan, thanks mostly to your amazing album Illinoise and of course with its magnificent centrepiece track “Chicago”; such a joyous track that I find so phenomenal. Stevens has the ability to evoke such a smorgasbord of feelings with this standout track.

5. Wilco – I’m the Man Who Loves You
I love it when a band can make a depressing song upbeat and lively, now that’s entertaining. This song clearly highlights the frustration of being in love with someone; such an expressive track, I like to think this track covers a guy trying to simplify the woes of his present relationship and make reconciliation with his love. I just really enjoy the arrangements and instrumentation in this album.

6. Fleet Foxes – Ragged Wood
Gotta love the Whoooaaaa-ohhhhhhhhhhhh-ohhhhhhhh at the beginning of this track, one of the many phonetic sounds that I like to associate with awakening and or some kind of rising. This song is just truly amazing. No one can deny the beautiful harmonies that the Fleet Foxes can create. This song is the the best evidence of their ability to tell a story with their music by essentially splitting the song into two exclusive parts that conveniently fit thematically with each other.

7. Calexico – Inspicion
Only found out recently this was a break up song, I guess the fact that it was in Spanish ultimately prevented me from knowing of the message in this song without translating it or asking someone. Despite the message being about getting over your first love,  I cant help but want to tango or something to this song. Alright I know this song is ALSO Mariachi-esque but hey, this was the mood I was in the week I compiled this mix-tape. Also who wouldn’t want to wake up to this song.

8. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins – Big Guns
This woman has an amazing voice, the former child actor…yes she was in that movie with Fred Savage that was made ultimately to promote Super Mario 3 on Super Nintendo,  made an album with Texan gospel singers the Watson Twins that I immediately fell in love with, oh and her looks didn’t have anything to do with it cough cough. This treasured songbird can really strike a nerve inside you, the whole album including this track just resonates such a soothing effect. Got to love the way she delivers each song with such heart and a twinkle in her eye. Not to mention the cooling southern belle harmonies of the Watson Twins.

9. The Arcade Fire – Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
For some reason this song reminds me of a sunrise, someone viewing a sunrise from a window sill. I remember the first time my friend showed me Funeral by Arcade Fire, I was like ‘What is This?!?!?!’ , this song truly reminds me of GOOD MORNINGS.

10. Kings of Leon – California Waiting (Studio Version)
Love this song, such a summer classic that just makes you want to go surfing and have bonfires on the beach Daniel Larusso style.Now I don’t want to step on any toes here but this song came out when I actually gave a crap about Kings of Leon, let’s just say that I didn’t really bother to listen to their other tracks after the 2nd album, but hey that’s me. Nevertheless their first 2 albums were some of the best albums I listened to growing up and I hold such early morning good time memories to this great track.

11. Iron and Wine – Tree by the River
Such an uplifting song, gotta love Iron and Wine’s lo-fi Americana sound on this album. The surface meaning of the track is clear, a past love in which he lost touch with. This song definitely merits large amounts of repeated listens.

12. Rilo Kiley – Go Ahead
Ahh we find ourselves coming back to Jenny Lewis, this time with her band Rilo Kiley. Although this track is quite minimal as it just features her voice and an acoustic guitar, unusual for this indie rock outfit. This song is like a gentle push out the door if you ask me, a reassuring nudge in some kind of direction saying ‘you can do it!’ haha. Oh Jenny Lewis.

1. “For Better, For Worse” -Old Man Markely
2. “Gone Gone Gone”-Nikki Lane
3. “A Love Song From Miguel”-David Serby
4. “Postcards” -The Sadies
5. “Strange Street”-Broken Numbers Band
6. “Drunk Flowers”–Eastside Hayride
7. “Hey Lowdown”-Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
8. “Lancaster Stomp”-Olentangy John
9. “No One To Drink With”–Mike Stinson
10. “Rain Rollin”–Eilen Jewell
11. “Rolling Green Hills”–Brennen Leigh
12. “Poor Black Mattie”–Restavrant

Leeds band Arthur Rigby and the Baskervylles have given us their “10 songs to listen to over a large breakfast and strong coffee on a lazy Sunday morning following a heavy night on Saturday and looking forward to an afternoon laying on grass in the sun with a beer. ” I literally stumbled onto the band a couple of months back. I walked into the venue and the entire audience was holding hands and swinging their arms in the air, chanting along to one of Rigby’s sweet tunes. I was so taken aback that I actually paid to see them the next time they came through town (something I don’t do often folks), and was once again compltely charmed. Though there are a bit out of the realm of most When You Awake bands (leaning more towards the Arcade Fire/The National vibe), I predict really good things for this group. If you happen to be in London tonight, they’ll be playing at the Enterprise over in Camden. I’ll be there, hands in the air. Their mixtape is after the jump.

Arthur Rigby’s Top 10 songs to listen to over a large breakfast and strong coffee on a lazy Sunday morning following a heavy night on Saturday and looking forward to an afternoon laying on grass in the sun with a beer:

1. Elbow- Mirrorball
Put this track on with a heavy head and stomach full of breakfast to enjoy the hangover cigarette watching the plumes of smoke disappear into the shafts of sunshine! The dreamy piano will tinkle you into relaxation!

2. Heather Woods Brokerick- Turned
This is such a pretty song. Heathers sublime vocals rest over a delicate guitar line, soothing the hangover whilst giving a chilled sound track to a sunny afternoon.

3. Loch Lomond- Wax & Wire
This song is relaxing and energising all at the same time. When I listen to it I [Katie] am transported to a place of rolling hills and amazing views with the sea breeze in my hair.

4. Sigur Ros- Hoppipolla
Not only are the beats easy on a Sunday morning head but the huge euphoric sound scape takes the mind from the upside down stomach in a rather beautiful way!

5. Sly & the Family Stone- Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
Just ’cause it’s so darn good. Some Larry Graham magic bass on there! Performance/Production/Interpretation second to none. I think it suits a lazy, hazy Sunday!

6. Ok Go- This Too Shall Pass (Marching Band Version)
As the head begins to collect itself and the fresh air is calling, this tune is what fun sounds like! And an amazing video to boot ..!

7. The National- England
An absolutely spellbinding track that needs full attention lying on the couch, eyes closed and the smell of fresh coffee filling the nostrils.

8. Idlewild- Live in a Hiding Place
Dumping the washing up in the sink for later, and heading on out the door, blasting this tune into your ears.

9. Noah and the Whale- Blue Skies
Lyrically brilliant song about break-ups and moving on in life … very similar to getting over a hangover!

10. Efterklang- I Was Playing Drums
This song really does sound better in the sunshine, the lick is so catchy it’ll bounce around your head until every little ache has been obliterated!

mp3: Arthur Rigby and the Baskervylles- White Houses

In honor of their gig tonight at the Echo in Los Angeles, Miles Seaton from Akron/Family has given us his “More Music From Hot Places” mixtape, featuring tunes by Miles Davis, Sly and the Family Stone, Geto Boys and more. I’ll let Miles take it from here: “I love the idea of a central theme in a mix – though at the time that I was asked to make this, most of what I was listening to were long form abstract compositions from a friends amazing collection of new age cassettes – so a 10 song mix would have been an all night commitment. But as the northeast winter wore on, I started to get more and more restless with the subtle shifts of the crystal vibrations collection…I started to ache for a beat and bass line. Which led me back to the slinky sweaty dream of summer. From free jazz jungle calls all the way to the big easy via Soweto, Ghana, NYC, LA (what what?!), and even a little stop off in Trenchtown, this is my tonic for the hinterlands.” Check out the mix and Akron’s complete tour dates after the jump. For more info about tonight’s show, click here.

Akron/Family’s More Music From Hot Places:
 
1. PHAROAH SANDERS - BAILOPHONE DANCE
I had to put this track up top. The animal calls always crack me up but the conviction with which this music is played is astounding 

2. HALLELUJAH CHICKEN RUN BAND - GORE IRO
This was my introduction to the music of Zimbabwe. Every part of this song feels like it’s singing. When i worked at a coffee shop, every time I played this music everyone that came in would just smile, little kids wanna dance to it, I wanna dance to it! 

3. AFRICAN BROTHERS DANCE BAND - MMOMBROWA
The lazy clave in this jam just KILLS me. So laid back, I instantly want to be wherever these dudes are singing to me from. The harmony is just beautiful. 

4. MILES DAVIS - BLACK SATIN
Ok. Back to the street. The weird tape cut from the tablas and sitar into one of the most muscular grooves on earth, the jingle bells the (possibly coke fueled) overt aggression that always makes me walk with a little more swagger when it’s on my headphones.  This music has a sense of danger that most bands these days just avoid even considering…. but these dudes can PLAY. 

5. ESG- COME AWAY 
Where my girls at? I know that LA has mad love for these Bronx sisters..as do I. the beat and the almost deceptively simple playing had me at hello – a perfect cure anyone in a hyper cerebral phase of their life.. remember that ass of yours? shake it! 

6. GETO BOYS - MIND PLAYIN TRICKS ON ME
Long before I had ever moved to new york, I heard this song on rap attack! A late night rap show on what is now KEXP in seattle I have always loved this song, but someone put it on after we played one night in Knoxville Tennessee and I was shocked to discover that I knew all the words.. I love the lack of chorus, and the noir theme, it’s like Poe for Bushwick before anyone you knew besides your dealer lived there.  

7. SUSAN CADOGAN - FEVER
I’m just gonna say it, I think Lee Perry may have been the greatest reggae producer of all time. This particular track just ooze summer to me. The sexy lyrics really take on a new urgency under the care of Susan Cadogan, I can see her swaying to the gritty beat, maybe closing her eyes.. 

8. SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE - JUST LIKE A BABY
There is only one thing that this song means when I comes on at our house. Hands down one of the sexiest recordings of all time. Sly is in such top form here. The bass is way too high for any commercial mix the spooky organ in the back. This is hottness defined. It’s what i don’t or wont say here that made me choose this song. This entire album (there’s a riot goin on) is one of the best albums of all time. 

9. GUILDED SPLINTERS- I WALK ON
Finally we land in New Orleans. Dr. John is one of those artists that I didn’t really discover until I was mid 20′s because I had only heard some radio hit that betrayed is utterly inventive psychedelic nature. When I heard this record (Gris Gris), I was blown away. The entire thing feels like a film the background singers the eerie sax melody.. this is what New Orleans feels like to me. Ghosts every where, mist and vines hanging across the streets.. voodoo, or magic if you are looking for safety.. 

Akron/Family Tour Dates
Apr 6 Echo Los Angeles, CA
Apr 7 Soho Restaurant and Music Club Santa Barbara, Ca
Apr 8 Independent San Francisco, CA
May 16 Paradiso Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS
May 17 Le Botanique Bruxelles, BELGIUM
May 20 Café De La Danse Paris, FRANCE
May 21 Le Rockstore Montpellier, FRANCE
May 29 Brudenell Social Club Leeds, UNITED KINGDOM
May 30 Bush Hall London, UNITED KINGDOM

Susan James has given us her “Top 10 Songs for a Sunny Country Picnic” featuring tunes by Paul Simon, Incredible String Band, The Dillards and more. James will be celebrating the release of her new record, Highways, Ghosts, Hearts & Home tonight, Tuesday, February 15th at the Echo in Los Angeles and it’s fixin’ to be quite the affair with guest sets from I See Hawks in LA, Old Californio, Tony Gilkyson and more.  Check out the mix and more info about the show after the jump.

Songs for a Sunny Country Picnic:

People always think of the beaches in SoCal when they think of California. We have some beautiful places with rolling oak covered hills and pine tree mountains as well as the mysterious desert. It’s a beautiful sunny day, pack that picnic basket, gather your friends, hop in the car, head out of L.A. Maybe up to Santa Ynez, Wrightwood or ?? Enjoy the sun & nature, share a laugh, throw a Frisbee, have a good time. Here’s a good soundtrack to enjoy it by.

1. Jackson Browne- The Road and The Sky
From the album Late For The Sky, which gave us an amazing collection of heart-achingly lovely songs, “Late For The Sky,” “Fountain Of Sorrow,” “For A Dancer,” and “Before The Deluge,” I chose this Eagle-esque rocker that was the only lighter moment on that album. Backed by an amazing cast of friends: David Lindley, Don Henley, J.D. Souther, and other stellar folks, it’s also a testament to a circle of musician friends who cared for and supported each other. Something that a lot of you know is important to me and how I operate.

2. Leo Kottke- The Driving of the Year Nail
From the 6 And 12 String Guitar album. Man, talk about an instrumental that sounds like perfect road trip (or picnic!) soundtrack. Leo Kottke has been a huge influence on me and the way I look at guitar. Yes, that’s all I want to do when I hear/see him perform, is just LOOK at it, because there’s no way to pick it up and play it like him. You can try, but no one plays like Leo.

3. Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton- The Last Thing on my Mind
Were they the perfect duet partners or what?! Sweet. ’nuff said.

4. The Dillards- Sunny Day
Thanks to Bryan for turning me on to this song. It’s been on constant rotation ever since. My daughter LOVES this song also, and asks for it every time we hop in the car. The slightly psychedelic vibe in this excellent folky tune makes it irresistible to me.

5. Velvet Underground- Who Loves The Sun
From the Loaded album. Well, it’s a heartbreak song, but they mentioned the sun so it came to mind. Could this be one of the most commercial sounding songs that the V.U. did? Perhaps… until that wacky little bridge comes in! Love it.

6. Mungo Jerry- In the Summertime
Loved this song when I was a kid. Love it now.

7. Paul Simon- Was A Sunny Day
Every summer as I was growing up, my family would stay in the sleepy beachtown San Clemente for the summer. There was this great hippie health food store called the Sunshine Health Bar in Laguna Beach, and I have fond memories of this song in heavy rotation there. It seems it was always on, while I bought a peanut butter shake ( sounds weird but it was GREAT), or a ‘Monkey Flip’- (some sort of shake with chocolate, peanut butter, banana, who knows what else!).

8. Richard Buckner- Gauzy Dress In The Sun
Such a beautiful song. Richard and I have toured together, and among the memories of those times was a crazy debauchery driven night in Juarez, Mexico ( a NO GO zone these days), but I digress, that’s another story! This is from his Bloomed record. Richard is truly a fantastic one-of-a-kind writer, and a great guy.

9. Incredible String Band- Log Cabin Home In The Sky
From the Wee Tam And The Big Huge record. The Incredible String Band always put a smile on my face. It sounds like the past, but it reminds me of the future…

10. Jamie Hartford and Pat McLaughlin- Back In The Good Old Days
This is one of many great songs written by Jamie Hartford’s dad, John Hartford. I love this one. I couldn’t find a recording of John Hartford doing it, but I think Jamie and Pat’s version is great also.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Every year, we release a special Valentine’s mixtape called Music For The Morning After that is inspired by our favorite part of the holiday.  No,  it’s not the flowers, boxes of chocolate or candlelight dinners that gets us. It’s waking up with your loved one the morning after — without any of the pressure of V-DAY looming overhead. This year, we decided to shake things up a bit and ask some of our favorite bands to record a brand new track or cover exclusively for the mixtape (and with just a handful of days to do it!). Of course, they came through and we are very happy to present their brilliant bedroom recordings that were made exclusively for you,  our wonderful readers.  From all of us here at When You Awake, we hope you have a wonderful day (and morning after) filled with love.  If you missed the previous year’s mixes, be sure to check out Music For The Morning After: Volumes One,  Two and Three. Mixtape cover by Patrick Gerrity.

Music For The Morning After: 2011

1. Shakey Graves- Chinatown
2. Leslie Stevens and the Badgers- Someday Soon (Ian Tyson cover)
3. The Morning Pages- Here By The River
4. The Smart Brothers- My Girl
5. William Tyler and Alexis Powell- Wish It Had Been A Dream (Louvin Brothers cover)
6. Hi Ho Silver Oh- It’s You I Like (Mister Rogers cover)
7. Strand of Oaks- This Must Be The Place (Talking Heads cover)
8. Roadside Graves- This Morning
9. Hor$eplay (feat. Amanda Jo Williams)- Baby Baby Love Love
10. The Driftwood Singers- When The Roses Bloom in Dixieland (Carter Family cover)

Bonus Tracks (updated February 15th):
1. He’s My Brother She’s My Sister- Wake Your Heart
2. Tommy Santee Klaws- Violent Son
3. Olentangy John- Long Low House
4. Zachary Lupetin (of Dustbowl Revival)- Be My Girl

Los Angeles’ own Whispering Pines have given us a mighty fine mixtape of tunes that they may cover on any given night, including tracks by Waylon Jennings, JJ Cale, Fleetwood Mac and more. You’ll have the chance to possibly hear one of them live when they perform tomorrow night, February 15th,  at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. Also on the lineup are When You Awake-favorites Mountain Man, Haroula Rose, Kim Churchill and Jeffertitti’s Nile. Check out the mix and more info about the show after the jump.

Songs You May Hear Covered By Whispering Pines On Any Given Night:

1. Manassas- Johnny’s Garden
Written by Stephen Stills and supposedly inspired by the live-in gardener residing on the estate he had purchased from Peter Sellers in the early 70s. The mind runs wild with Being There comparisons (one of my favorite films). Did this man also inspire Seller’s performance a decade plus later? I think so. Must have been a helluva dude. Joe Z. locks down and re-invents the wandering Dallas Taylor drums when the Pines play this song. Bliss-out in nature. -jb

2. Bob Dylan- New Pony
This is a blues that never hits the IV chord. From a totally under-appreciated Dylan album Street Legal; “Senor” is another standout track from this record. I saw Mike Campbell play it once. Outstanding. -jb

3. Waylon Jennings- Black Rose
Black Rose is a Billy Joe Shaver tune done up by Waylon. Classic. I discovered Waylon’s brawn baritone in my NYC days. I picked up his bio on my way through Nashville while driving back to California. I proceeded to binge on ol’ Waymore’s stories of life and music the rest of the way back… needless to say, the legend was solidified. All the ladies want him, all the men, well… Waylon forever lives in my mind as the archetypal voice for the open road. With Ralph Mooney blessing the steel and Richie Albright pocketing the trap, Waylon records are timeless country. When I think I’ve got to get out of this Godforsaken city, I know “The devil made me do it the first time, the second time I done it on my own.” DWB

4. Tom Rush- Driving Wheel
A cover standard written by English-born, Canadian-raised folk singer David Whiffen. Tom’s beautiful take on this folk masterpiece will forever keep Kleenex in business. Add some slide guitar, churning hammond, dobro, a graceful drum and bass groove, and perhaps one of my favorite horn lines and you’ve got yourself the best version ever recorded. -BF

5. Fleetwood Mac- Tell Me All The Things You Do
Great melodic guitar figures from Danny Kirwan’s magically defective mind. God bless, brother. I think this song is an early example of the ‘parked wah-wah’ technique on the melody. This may pre-date Mick Ronson’s extensive (and majestic) use of this effect by a year or so. The song is also notable for its impossible-to-forget lyric. We like to ‘stretch out’ on the outro jam and quote some more guitar meistros. Peter Green, B.B.King, Duane Allman, Terry Kath… in that order. If it’s wrong, then I don’t care to be right. -jb

6. Steve Young- Lonesome Onr’y And Mean
I got to see Steve Young perform a couple times in 2010. Once at a screening of the great film Heartworn Highways and once in a café with Van Dyke Parks. Both were instances that I like to call magical L.A.-centric moments. L.A., don’t hate… appreciate! One of my favorite songwriters, he sings and plays better than ever today. He’s also a really nice dude whose paid some dues of his own in the neighborhood we now call home. He likes to play Warren Zevon’s “Carmelita.” Now, about that Pioneer Chicken stand on Alvarado… -jb

7. Gram Parsons- Big Mouth Blues
Gram Parsons was a trustifarian from the South. Despite his pampered upbringing, he wrote some good tunes that NYC hada lot to do with… or something like that. Of course, he finagled the bees knees of studio cats from Elvis’ band for his record. Good job, Gram. But let us not forget about his upstanding and bonafide working-class touring band featuring the Colorado wonder kid Jock Bartley. Thanks again, Gram! -DWB

8. Allman Brothers- In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
It speaks for itself, really. If you listen with the right ears you might never be the same again. It happened to me. -jb

9. Little Feat- Easy To Slip
Outrageously great drum beat from Richie Hayward. I think he also sang the high harmony part and, brotha, that’s high. I know ’cause I tried it. I would love to see footage of the original band performing this song but haven’t found anything. Dancing Cacti. Overalls. Shakers. Groovy Hats. Himmler’s Ring?! A Spark Plug Socket Sliding on a Cheap Strat. Lowell, we need ya. Groove on, Inara. -jb

10. JJ Cale- Crazy Mama
Short, sweet, and cooler than Jesus, “Crazy Mama” from JJ Cale’s legandary first LP is just that. A swamplike bluesy tune that embodies the essence of the deep, dark south in just 2 1/2 minutes. No bells and whistles, just straight up, finger lickin’ grooves. Hey Clapton, hope you’re taking notes. -BF

Click here to view the embedded video.Whipering Pines- Crazy Mama

Click here to view the embedded video.Mountain Man- Animal Tracks

Click here to view the embedded video.Haroula Rose-The Leaving Song

Click here to view the embedded video.Jeffertitti’s Nile- Mountain Jam

Click here to view the embedded video.Kim Churchill- Ocean