Author: H.G.O.

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“Circles” by The Snuts

"Circles" by The Snuts

Artist: The Snuts

Song: Circle

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: West Lothian, Scotland

Release date: February, 2024

Comment: The Snuts’ brand new album, Millennials, is without a doubt an early contender for album of the year. I chose “Circles” as the song to feature on this post since they’ve officially launched it as a single with its own music video (featuring Scottish actor Tony Curran). However, I could have chosen any other track, such as “Novastar“, “Millionaires”, “WGO“, or “Right Hand Girl“, and this list doesn’t even include the album’s lead single, “Gloria“. I’m telling you, the record is full of musical gems. I can’t believe I wasn’t aware of this Scottish band until this year!

If, like me, you were not familiar with The Snuts before, I can tell you that they started in 2015 while the members were still in school. The four-piece quickly gained a reputation for their high-energy live shows and infectious anthems. Their debut album, W.L., released in 2022, shot straight to number one on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying their place as a band to watch. With their sophomore album, Millennials, they are proving now that they’re far from being a one-hit wonder, as they can consistently deliver music that resonates with music fans worldwide.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

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Navigating Life Changes and the Future of The Alternative Mixtapes

When this blog started almost four years ago, we were still in the early stages of the pandemic, and I found myself with lots of extra spare time and little to do. Fast forward (almost) 4 years, and the situation has changed drastically for me. Even though COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, the pace of life has mostly returned to the hectic levels it used to have, and on top of that, I now have a toddler who is quite a handful. Because of all of this, spare time nowadays is more precious than ever, and I find myself rarely wanting to spend it on updating this blog. It’s not just the act of writing a new post, but also listening to hours and hours of new music, from both established and new artists, updating social media channels, and email exchanges. Believe it or not, all of that takes a toll.

This is why I haven’t been very active lately, and quite honestly, it will probably stay that way. I have just renewed the web hosting for one more year, but I did it mainly because I didn’t want The Alternative Mixtapes to simply disappear. I will continue to write about some new songs I like sporadically for the next year or so, but chances are that this will be the last dance. I haven’t made up my mind yet, but it’s leaning that way.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll start feeling joy again for writing new posts, but only time can tell. In the meantime, expect some new musical gems coming soon.

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“morro bay” by sad dad

"morro bay" by sad dad

Artist: sad dad

Song: morro bay

Genres: #indierock

Influences: Alvvays, carwash, DIIV

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Release date: February, 2024

Comment: If you love jangly guitars, this song is for you. Drawing from Alvvays‘ “Blue Rev ” album, this Swedish duo formed by John Dahlbäck and Erik Ljungqvist composed and self-produced a quintessential indie-rock tune that’s almost impossible to get out of your head. “morro bay” is the lead single off sad dad‘s forthcoming debut album and as any good lead single does, it leaves you wanting more.

John and Erik wrote “morro bay” to express the difficulty of a friendship ending when people start going in opposite directions. Despite the sad subject matter, the track comes accompanied by a music video that the duo had a lot of fun recording. Someone once told them they weren’t sarcastic enough, and that inspired them to make the silly video you can watch below.

Check out “Morro Bay” and see if it gets stuck in your head too! Keep sad dad on your radar – their debut album is coming soon!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“Like a Painting” by Head Sound

"Like a Painting" by Head Sound

Artist: Head Sound

Song: Like A Painting

Genres: #dreampop #shoegaze

Location: New York, United States

Influences: Slowdive, Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine

Release date: January, 2024

Comment: Memorable songs have a distinctive feature that makes them instantly recognizable. “Like a Painting” is one of such songs, and its distinctive feature is mesmerizing guitar line that hooks you from the first note. The incredible part is that this is the debut single of this fresh-faced band straight out of New York: Head Sound. Just imagine what magic they’ll create with more time playing together!

Influenced by icons like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, this shoegaze quartet crafts melodies that soar atop layers of lush guitars. “Like A Painting” is like their love letter to MBV, inspired by vocalist Richard’s deep dive into their music. But here’s the thing: Head Sound isn’t just about shoegaze: they also explore Americana and Experimental genres, showcasing their artistic versatility through alternate bands featuring the same members.

New Yorkers might recognize this song from local station WEXT, but the rest of us can join the party too! Listen to “Like a Painting” right here!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Indie
  • Pop

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“One For Me” by Dea Doyle

"One For Me" by Dea Doyle

Artist: Dea Doyle

Song: One For Me

Genres: #indiepop

Influences: Katy Perry

Location: London, United Kingdom

Release date: November, 2023

Comment:  Dea Doyle, a West London native, has been creating quite a buzz in the music scene with her clever lyrics and unforgettable choruses. In her latest single, “One For Me,” she showcases her talent and versatility.

“One For Me” is a delightful surprise, much like the unexpected love it narrates. The song encourages listeners to embrace spontaneity and the thrill of the unknown. With its charming blend of light-heartedness and warmth, and a catchy chorus that lingers in your mind even after the song concludes, the track undeniably makes it clear that Dea Doyle is one artist to watch.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Pop

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“Shy” by Teo Salfinger

"Shy" by Teo Salfinger

Artist: Teo Salfinger

Song: Shy

Genres: #neoclassical, #relaxingmusic

Influences: Max Richter, Ludovico Einaudi, Philip Glass.

Location: Leipzig, Germany

Release date: December, 2023

Comment: Teo Salfinger is a German composer who crafts neoclassical landscapes with a minimalist touch, where his melodies often carry a melancholic beauty reminiscent of evocative film scores. Just before Christmas, he released “Petite Dances“, his third studio album, with ten little gems encapsulating this. “Shy” is just one example, and the main reason why I chose it as the featured track over the others is that it is cello-based, and I have not written about many cello tracks here. If you enjoy the work of Max Richter and Ludovico Einaudi, two of Teo’s influences, I highly encourage you to check out the whole album.

“Shy” appears to have been crafted specifically for contemplative moments, when the entire world fades away and you are left with your own thoughts. Each cello strum paints a dream, a velvety realm of calmness and quiet understanding. This isn’t a song about grand pronouncements; rather, it’s a composition that celebrates the beauty of introspection. Close your eyes and enjoy!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Relax

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Top 25 songs that soundtracked my 2023

The Alternative Mixtapes: Top 25 songs of 2023

Top 25 songs that soundtracked my 2023

Happy Holidays.

Fueled by the fantastic year-end charts of Mr. Keith Law and Eclectic Music Lover, I was inspired to craft my own list of the 25 songs that soundtracked my 2023. To streamline things (and maybe sneak in a bit of personal indulgence), I’m focusing solely on releases after October 2022. It’s not strictly a “most played” list, but that undoubtedly cast a long shadow here. You’ll recognize some familiar tunes that were featured here this year, but I’ve sprinkled in some hidden treasures too. So buckle up and dive into my sonic journey through the past year! (scroll down for the Spotify widget with all these songs).

  1. “We Can Be Anything“ by Baby Queen. This is a total earworm that appeared here in September. Sadly, despite being a high point, it overshadowed everything else on her new album.
  2. “Goodmorning” by Crusoe. Another familiar gem that’s bound to resonate with regular readers. In the realm of wordless electronica, this track sets the bar impossibly high.
  3. “Primary Colors” by Baseball Game. This song snuck its way into my top tracks without me even realizing it. It might not be the one I actively pick to play, but whenever it pops up, I can’t help but get completely drawn in. It’s that subtle magic you know?
  4. “We Are One” by Wild Youth. Wild Youth represented Ireland with “We Are One” in this year’s Eurovision contest. As you can expect from that show, it didn’t even reach the finals.
  5. “When We Were Young” by blink-182. I really loved blink-182’s self-titled album and this song wasn’t even the one I featured on this blog earlier this year. It’s also not the last one from that record on this list.
  6. “Godzilla” by Nanna. This solo offering from Of Monsters and Men‘s vocalist envelops you in a warm embrace of swirling melodies and ethereal vocals, proving that sometimes, the quietest roar can be the most captivating.
  7. “Bug Like an Angel” by Mitski. I didn’t love the Japanese-American artist’s latest album, other than this stunning tune, which I wrote about here before.
  8. “Sunbeams” by Michael FK. I didn’t have time to write about this enchanting song earlier, but I did write about this Moldovan artist back in 2020. I highly recommend checking out his work.
  9. “How Many Dreams?” by DMA’s. I’m gutted this Australian act has toured the UK quite a lot recently and I still haven’t been able to see them live. I mean, this isn’t even the track from their latest album I liked the second-most.
  10. “Childhood Eyes” by Yellowcard. As you can tell, I have a soft spot for punk-rock acts from the early 2000s. This release didn’t grab me initially, but it’s definitely grown on me.
  11. “Girls Are Mean” by Boyish. Lead vocalist India Shore and vocalist and guitar player Claire Altendahl founded this indie rock duo when they auditioned at Berklee College of Music. On “Girls Are Mean”, the mix of pop, rock, and electronic elements created a soundscape that was both familiar and fresh, keeping me engaged throughout the track.
  12. “Egyptian Summer” by Good Strangers. This is a song I raved about back in August, and honestly, my feelings haven’t faded a bit. This stunning debut track from their equally remarkable EP cemented my love for this Irish band. It’s truly special.
  13. “Under The Influence(r)” by The Summer Set. It isn’t all smooth sailing here- lines like “You made me want to call my mom” have me scratching my head. But the sheer energy and infectious melody are undeniable, and it is pure pleasure to have them back making music together.
  14. “Where Do I Sign?” by Weathers. When Weathers dropped “Where Do I Sign?” as their lead single, I expected it to be the crown jewel of their new album. Boy, was I wrong.
  15. “Nothing Is Perfect” by Metric. I feel I could listen to this song’s intro on repeat the whole day. It appears on their latest album, Formentera II, a follow-up to their successful record from 2022.
  16. “Jai Alai” by DMA’s. And there you have it! As I was saying, these guys are quickly climbing the ranks of my favorite bands. They got one more song in this list.
  17. “Trastevere” by Måneskin. I didn’t like this Italian band when they won Eurovision in 2021: their glam rock excess not quite clicking with me. But “The Loneliest” started chipping away at those walls, and “Trastevere” has brought the whole damn building down. This stripped-down masterpiece, with its achingly beautiful melody and Damiano’s raw vocals, is everything I ever wanted in an acoustic rock anthem. This is how you weave storytelling and raw emotion into a sonic tapestry that leaves you breathless.
  18. “Cool About it” by boygenius. It is not a groundbreaking track, but I just love this song. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s the comfort it brings? Whatever it is, I keep hitting repeat.
  19. “Nothing To Say” by Weathers. Not quite my top spot on Weathers’ latest album, but “Nothing To Say” comes awfully close. The catchiness is practically contagious.
  20. “Amnesia” by M83. A truly impressive comeback from the French act. I loved it when it was released and I still love it now.
  21. “In One Ear & Out the Other” by Chicane. The eletronic music legend knows how to create ethereal soundscapes to lose yourself in. This one is no exception.
  22. “Kill Ur Vibe” by All Time Low. I just love this song’s rhythm. It’s a punk-infused chill pill. Not mosh pit, but midnight drives and quiet defiance.
  23. “21 Year Vacancy” by DMAs. Unsurprisingly, this was my favorite track from their latest album. A beautiful and emotionally resonant indie rock ballad about revisiting the past, acknowledging lost dreams, and finding peace with the journey taken.
  24. “One of a Kind” by Weathers. Here it is: my most played song of 2023. The soaring melody grabs me every time, and the lyrics pack a punch that keeps me hitting repeat.
  25. “Blink Wave” by blink-182. I never expected blink-182 to drop a synth-drenched, 80s-inspired track like “Blink Wave.” When I heard the rumors about it, I was skeptical, but let me tell you, this song blew me away. Who knew these pop-punk legends had an 80s synth masterpiece in them? It’s so good, the only reason it wasn’t my most played of 2023 is the album’s late November release.
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“Anhaga” by Mookee (Rushkeys Remix)

"Anhaga" by Mookee (Rushkeys Remix)

Artist: Rushkeys

Song: Anhaga

Genres: #chillout #downtempo

Location: Vilnius, Lithuania

Release date: December, 2023.

Comment: Germany-based artist Mookee released an album titled “Alinea“ earlier this year, featuring a gorgeous downtempo track called “Anhaga.” The title, referencing the Old English meaning of “solitary one”, adds a layer of evocative depth to the music. Mookee then invited several electronic artists to remix tracks from “Alinea” for an upcoming record. Among them was the talented Lithuanian musician Domas Ruškys, better known as Rushkeys, who delivered a stunning reinterpretation of “Anhaga.”

The remix takes the original track’s melancholic beauty and infuses it with Rushkeys‘ essence. This is best explained by the artist himself: “I tried to interpret the tune through my creative voice by taking it somewhere slightly new. I did it by giving more tense electronics, faster tempo and floaty vibe while capturing its original spirit. In
the background of the track I used a recording of me walking through the
snow in the middle of nowhere from my trip in Iceland.”

The result is a track that deserves to be savoured, headphones on, eyes closed, letting the sounds wash over you and transport you to another world. If this doesn’t send you diving into both Rushkeys and Mookee‘s back catalogs, I don’t know what will. They’re undoubtedly artists to watch, each crafting sonic experiences that deserve your full attention.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Chill Out

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“The In-Betweens” by Colin Woltmann

"The In-Betweens” by Colin Woltmann

Artist: Colin Woltmann

Song: The In-Betweens

Genres: #indiefolk

Influences: Elliot Smith, Bob Dylan, John Prine

Location: Alabama, United States

Release date: December, 2023

Comment: Colin Woltmann, an emerging singer-songwriter from Alabama, draws inspiration from folk legends like Bob Dylan and John Prine for his latest single, ‘The In-Betweens.’ While often compared to Elliot Smith, the contemporary vibe of the song brings to mind the soothing style of British indie folk artist Passenger. With Colin’s comforting vocals and a pleasant acoustic guitar melody, the relaxation is total.

In the heartfelt lyrics of “The In-Betweens,” Colin Woltmann delves into the universal experience of internal conflicts. The sensation of not fully belonging, caught in the transitional space between the past and where we want to be. Woltmann‘s skill in portraying these emotions positions him as a resonant voice for those searching for connection in our sometimes isolating world. Because, in the end, there’s comfort in being reminded that we’re not navigating our struggles alone.

“The In-Betweens” is the first single of Colin’s forthcoming EP, “A Case of the Times”. I’m already looking forward to it.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“Imagine” by J. Zito

"Imagine" by J. Zito

Artist: J. Zito

Song: Imagine

Genres: #alternativerock

Location: Detroit, United States

Release date: November, 2023

Comment: I’m going to be honest. When friend of T.A.M., J. Zito, told me that his new track was a cover of John Lennon’s “Imagine”, I didn’t think it was a great choice. Sure, it’s a sweet song with beautiful lyrics that are still sadly relevant, but it has been played and covered so many times already that I didn’t think the world needed another version of it. To put it bluntly, I was wrong. Zito, a consistent artisan of emotional expression through his music, managed to breathe new life into a song that many might argue has become lost in its own familiarity.

Describing his cover as “totally unnecessary yet needed,” J. Zito boldly asserts that the timeless message of “Imagine” is slipping through the cracks of contemporary consciousness. Departing from Lennon‘s delicate piano arrangement, Zito injects the track with a raw, visceral energy. Powerful guitars replace the spare keys, and anguished vocals convey frustration and discontent, mirroring a world that seems to have strayed far from the utopian vision of the 60s and 70s. The cover is not a mere musical homage but a call to action.

Accompanying the audacious sound is a music video that seamlessly weaves haunting imagery of modern conflict victims into a kaleidoscope of 60s-style psychedelia. This visual narrative serves as a stark reminder of the uncomfortable truth that we have drifted far from the path envisioned by Lennon. Feel free to check it out below.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative