Perceptard Mixtape, August 2010: Today Is No Sunday

This month’s mix comes from the delightful Delfina Utomo, and it might be our best yet. She writes:

According to Wikipedia, August is National Goat Cheese Month. I don’t know if this is true. It is also Get Ready for Kindergarten Month. These crazy events… Nonetheless, we have surpassed the half-year mark and sailing nicely towards the year end. The tracks in this mixtape are predominantly on my train playlist. Armed with my ear candy, train rides cease to be a daily routine. Everyday there is always something new to see, something new calling to be noticed. My commute is made pleasant and anxiety-free and I wish that for everyone in the month of August.

As always, the download’s over here and the commentary’s below the cut. Enjoy.

1. 2 Atoms In A Molecule – Noah and The Whale

This short and happy tune is a great mixtape opener. It feels like waking up in the morning and tap dancing at breakfast.

2. Lost Coastlines – Okkervil River

Another rollicking tune, Lost Coastlines is a song of the band singing about keeping the band together. I love it.

3. The Wrote and The Writ – Johnny Flynn and The Sussex Wit

Johnny Flynn is amazingly talented. Although a simple tune, it is warm, melodic and the clever lyrics make it a truly outstanding track. 

4. Postcards From Italy – Beirut

I will never tire of this song. It is lovely and poignant and beautiful with the carnival of instruments.

5. No One Does It Like You – Department of Eagles

Whimsical and mesmerising, this song is insanely catchy. Check out the great vocal harmonies. By the time you reach the last line – a haunting ‘I tried so hard…’ – you’ll be hitting the repeat button.

6. Blue Ridge Mountains – Fleet Foxes

This mountain ballad is refreshing and absolutely beautiful. A sign of a great song: the song ends but the feeling remains.

7. Irish Girl – The Trees and The Wild

Smoky vocals and excellent guitars, this band from Indonesia craftily draws you in their brand of music.

8. Lover of Mine – Beach House

What started as Beach House Day months ago turned out to be something more permanent. They’re on every playlist of mine and somehow found itself into my dreams the last few nights. Not complaining.                 

9. Quelqu’un M’a Dit – Carla Bruni

You don’t have to translate the lyrics of this song to know it is about love. A very minimalist but pretty track.

10. Until Tomorrow Then – Ed Harcourt

The closing track for the playlist is a gentle and melancholic song. So dreamy, it lulls you into evening mode slowly and surely.