When the summer hits, spring has suddenly transcended from full bloom to unbearable swelter - intensely dry or brutally sticky. It depends on your location, right? I wonder whether folks complain more about the weather in January or August.

The efflorescence of spring/early summer is marvelous and the aggregate happiness of people cannot be refuted. Limes are squeezed into summer beers, mint is crushed for refreshing mojitos, tender meat is slowly cooking on barbecues, and men are praying for summer flings in seersucker dresses. Summer is about little planning and just finding yourself sauntering into parks and bumping into friends. Endless people watching.

Over the past weekend I found myself at Dolores Park, on more than one occasion. I strolled amidst relaxing tourists, families, San Franciscans, and the ever-the-more recognizable hipsters. 3 years ago I could have counted the number of people there on a Saturday. But the delectable tastes of Tartine, Bi Rite Creamery, Del Fina, and plentiful taquerias have enticed gastro enthusiasts & scenic revelers far and wide, Prada to Aviatars, Marin to Martinez.

We can all recognize that particular American luxury of driving. Our modern infrastructure, suburban sprawl, and individual spirit create a sense of entitlement and a unique driving experience. There is a freedom that we enjoy in automobiles, consciously escaping something for anything an empty road (uhhh, we wish in the 21st century) can provide. When we can be accompanied by sunshine, companionship, a desirable destination, and a breeze, then summer is officially here.

Music is always essential in a car. This is a mix that my friend, Lauren, gave to me last summer. It captures the spirit of summer, roadtrips, and good ole’ Americana rock n’ roll. Play this with the windows down.

(To download into Itunes, right click and save here)

 

 Summer Means Feelin' Good - Rollin' Spokes: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Categories: Visine for the ears
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As David and Alex both noted earlier, the 3rd Annual G5 Summit was a dream trip. I really wish that everyone could have a group of tight friendships, shared interests, and fortunate vacation time. As a group of five gents, we thrive on our thirst for culture, our love for a cornucopia of beats, the necessity of sharing what we are reading, and how new technologies are expanding the manner in which we promote all of these interests. But as five dudes, we are also just that. We inhale six street tacos, talk about our current bowel movements incessantly, chat about ladies walking by, and talk a lot of smack to each other.

I want to thank Alex and Anna for their hospitality and allowing four guys to crash at their Condesa/D.F. pad for many days. This podcast is dedicated to them. In fact, it’s a mix that Alex gave to me three years ago. It’s titled “Citoyen Du Monde Inc. 2006: El Mundo Entero.” It’s very Manu-centric, which makes sense if you know Alex. But he combines it with some beats from all over the place. It’s an upbeat, worldly compilation that is perfect to play at a summer bbq. In fact, let this this be the first in a slew of summer bbq mixes. Alex, can you provide the playlist in the comments section? Rockin’.

(To download into Itunes, right click and save as here.)

 

 El Mundo Etero: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Categories: Cultura, Latin America, Visine for the ears
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I felt the energy of “Abel” surge through my body like the electrifying guitar chords that were lunging off the stage. The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend was my third time seeing The National and I was surely not disappointed. The stage presence of singer Matt Beringer is not only sweet, but romantically disturbing. One wonders if he really deals with the sordid stories and alcoholism in the songs he’s written. Regardless, the fact that he feels the spirit of the songs allows the audience to love their music even more. They have a bunch of new songs right now and here are two that I am digging. The first one with St. Vincent is really pretty and timely and the second is a live track. Enjoy.

 

 Sleep All Summer: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 The Runaway: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Categories: Visine for the ears
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