MixTape x 0325
A new season, a new MixTape. Ten tracks for March — a blend of optimism, reflection, and a few dance-floor detours. Curated for cassette-length listening, shared with my family (and you). Spring is in the air, and so is the music.
Spring into sound 🌱
Dare I say it? It feels like it might actually be getting warmer here in the UK — could spring finally be here?
Like it or not, the clocks have just leapt forward and that's enough of a sign that Winter is in the rear view mirror.
Following a busy weekend, I've managed to sneak in a post at the end of March and MixTape returns with its second edition!
The idea remains the same: 10 tracks, ~45 minutes, designed for sharing — with my family, and whoever else finds joy in a lovingly curated playlist that you can fit on a cassette.
Let’s go 🌼
Go! – Public Service Broadcasting
The MixTape opener. Exhilerating, urgent, optimistic, and cinematic! I didn't discover this wonderful group until Every Valley, (which remains my favourite of theirs) and I remember being so pleased they had a back catalogue of other amazing songs. This one's from The Race for Space, and it’s the track I wanted to use to reintroduce the family to them. I've seen them perform live twice, and can't wait to go again! I'm also pleased they share the same intials as my favourite band - Pet Shop Boys!
Royals – Lorde
While Lorde has gone on to create two more albums, I haven't felt the same "hook" since Pure Heroine which I think is a great listen from start to finish. Royals is striking, cool and reminds me that I don't have to be rich to be happy.
Chocolate – The 1975
Controversies around the frontman aside… I enjoy the presence of 1975! I only recently realised Matty is the son of Denise Welch and Tim Healy! I feel like this track is just about messing about and getting into a bit of decent trouble. I’m curious to see if the kids connect with it, I think this band may have passed them by.
My Ever Changing Moods – The Style Council
I'm definitely more of a Style Council fan than the Jam. Dad had Home and Abroad on cassette in the car and I'd hope this would get selected on a trip to the shops. There's a couple of versions of this track, and I've opted for the single version which fits my memory of the live version best! I'll be getting the kids on to Walls come tumbling down next...
Out of My Head – First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit are really good, with five albums under their belt now. When I first heard this track I thought they were Irish. Shows you what I know about accents, because they're from Sweden. I don't have a particularly favourite album of theirs, I find that the Spotify This is First Aid Kit does the job just fine. I think we've all had those moments, or weeks where you feel like your brain is spiralling. This track comforts you during those times, you're not alone!
There’d Better Be A Mirrorball – Arctic Monkeys
Here's another peek into my musical mind, I'm not much of a fan of early Arctic Monkey's work, but I've really enjoyed their last two albums along with the Last Shadow Puppets! This track is my favourite of the Monkeys with it's cinematic, meandering melody about a breaking up. Stunning!
Mid Air – Romy and Beverly Glenn-Copeland
I’ll confess, I mainly added this short track because I can’t really listen to the next one without hearing this first. Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s gentle spoken word feels like an invitation — almost like a moment of calm encouragement before Romy’s album really begins. It’s brief but it sets the tone beautifully.
Enjoy Your Life – Romy
Romy's debut album feels like a naughties-esque throwback to me, with excellent dance-floor fillers that are soul baring for her. Whenever I listen to this album I'll often throw on the recent Everything but the Girl album afterwards because they compliment each other perfectly. I'm looking forward to more solo work from Romy than the next XX album, so I'll be keeping an eye on Stuart Price to see who he works with next!
Sing It Back (Boris Musical Mix) – Moloko
While I said Everything but the Girl compliments the previous track, I’ve also been revisiting late-90s/early-00s dance recently, while ripping my Hed Kandi and Ministry of Sound CDs. This track came roaring back into my mind, and it has to be the remixed version! Róisín Murphy is incredible, and I really like to catch her on tour in the next few years...
How Bad Do U Want Me – Lady Gaga
Oh of course I was going to have a Gaga track this month, her new album is here! When I first heard this track I wondered if it was her attempt at out-swifting Taylor Swift. Looks like I'm not alone, as even Rolling Stone have pitched in to say that Taylor Swift isn't on the track! The kids already love this tune as I played it to them while we were in the car. I figured if I left it at the end of the playlist they may listen to the ones before it!
Until next month…
As ever, I’d love to know which tracks you liked (or didn’t!) and what you've been listening to lately. Maybe we’ll trade playlists sometime soon.
BlueSky your thoughts to me ✌️
