but I'm gonna show you, baby, that a woman can be tough:

There's something to familiarity, to staples in your life. Whether it be a chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich with vanilla ice cream or that hoodie you can't seem to let yourself get rid of. It's something to fall back on (the best thing!), and it's a good feeling to know you can always turn to these things when you need them. Now, I'm not saying that new and exciting isn't as great (c'mon, a first date or a new song from your favorite band - can't beat the thrill and anticipation that you'll find there), but when the going gets tough you take comfort in knowing that there's something there to help you get through - like a map or a compass, there's a constant in your life.

So, that's this week - a mixtape of classics for you to find comfort in, or for you to get to know if maybe you weren't raised on these tracks.

07.08.13 - Mixtape Monday

Cherry Bomb - The Runaways

Piece Of My Heart - Janis Joplin

Sugar Magnolia - Grateful Dead

The Weight - The Band

Whipping Post - The Allman Brothers Band

Mary Jane's Last Dance - Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

Empty Arms - Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble

Fire - The Jimi Hendrix Experience

And It Stoned Me - Van Morrison

Can't Explain - The Who

How COOL were band names 'back in the day'? (SO COOL.)

(On a side note, this mixtape goes out to a friend of mine who follows along week after week "putting up" with my indie rock and my electronic pop and my acoustic folk, etc, etc patiently waiting for a mix that suits his interests will appear. Glad that I can introduce him to new music and share things he digs too.)

somewhere between single life and sympathy:

Happy July, everyone! Can't believe we're already into the seventh month of the year, the days really seem to be flying by. To kick off the mixtapes for this month, a friend of the blog has so kindly shared with us a well crafted list of songs that he's been listening to over the past couple of months. Hopefully you remember yellowbirddd from his previous interview and have listened to his music, if you haven't yet you can find his music here. Be sure to also check out his latest music video for "Eternal Vacations."

07.01.13 - Mixtape Monday

This River Is Wild - The Killers

Change The Sheets - Kathleen Edwards

Half Light - Young Statues

Well Whiskey - Bright Eyes

Anti-Pioneer - Feist

Midnight: Carroll Street - Into It. Over It.

Your Nervous Heart - Rhett Miller

Plane Vs Tank Vs Subarine - Tigers Jaw

Twin Size Mattress - The Front Bottoms

Mr. Tambourine Man - Bob Dylan

Thanks again, yellowbirddd!

Photo credit: Adam Siegel.

fate, my friend, you say the strangest things I find sometimes:

06.24.13 - Mixtape Monday

Ain't No Room - The Vines

Sing Me Spanish Techno - The New Pornographers

Good - Better Than Ezra

Here And Now - Letters to Cleo

Hear - Moonpools & Caterpillars

Strictly Game - Harlem Shakes

San Francisco - The Mowgli's

After the Fire - Andrew McMahon

Someday - The Strokes

American Hearts - Piebald

hillary reynolds band, & their new single:

To me, it's always felt like the Hillary Reynolds Band has been a staple within the city of Boston. I can say with confidence that I'm not the only person who feels this way. Now, don't get mad, Wisconsin. We're just grateful that you've been willing to share her and her amazing talent. Once here Reynolds found herself forming a backing band of merry (and extremely talented) gentlemen, if you will, to help her transition to what we now know as the Hillary Reynolds Band (or HRB).

After hearing this song for the first time live at Cafe 939, I've been highly anticipating hearing a recorded version. It's a simplistically beautiful song, in the best way. Fortunately for me, and you, HRB has just released a live studio session of the track. (Scroll down - it's right here for your viewing pleasure!) "Crossing The Line" is the first single to be released since the debut full length "Since September" came out last year. As much as I love that album, I must say that "Crossing The Line" has quickly become my favorite HRB song. The perfect blend of vocals along with a mellow, but catchy backing melody (been in my head all day!).

Here's hoping big things for HRB in the future - be sure to check them out when they're in a city near to you. Like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter for the most up-to-date news on what's next.

every note just wrapped around his soul:

Today's Mixtape feels a bit like an ode to my favorite radio station in the Boston area, WUMB. Many of the songs chosen week after week come to you due to this lovely station who plays not just the big folk hits, but local folk by local folks as well. It's the one station I turn to in this fair city to really keep up to date on music that I truly do love and respect (and some I've been lucky enough to see live!). Yes, you can still catch me keeping up with top hits every once and awhile too - it happens! This may not feel like your taste in tunes, but I urge you to take a listen, to try it out! Maybe you'll find something new that suits you.

06.17.13 - Mixtape Monday

To the Ghosts Who Write History Books - The Low Anthem

Answering Bell - Ryan Adams

The Curse - Josh Ritter

Even If It Breaks Your Heart - Will Hoge

Sober - Mindy Smith

Eyes Wider Than Before - Scott Matthews

He Did - Anais Mitchell

Let There Be Lonely - The Secret Sisters

Devil Knows You're Dead - Delta Spirit

Take Me With You When You Go - Lori McKenna

Photo credit: me, but actual credit: a street artist I wish I knew.

gravity can't forget to pull me back to the ground again:

You can blame this week on my friend, Joe.

Meet Joe.

Currently crashing on my couch and spending quality time together learning about local beers and visiting the city, I've used Joe's knowledge of covers (along with my own) to help create this week's special list of ALL covers. There will be more lists like this in the future, and we've got to start somewhere. I've got about 15 songs in my Spotify queue thanks to this fella because he's as big into music as I am. It's lovely to have someone to share new tunes with, which is why it's lovely to have all you readers as well (thank you!). We've known each other for almost 10 years and most of our hangs have been at shows (you can add seeing The Postal Service this Wednesday). A big thanks to Joe for pitchin' in this week.

06.10.13 - Mixtape Monday

Love Will Tear Us Apart - Fall Out Boy
Black Hole Sun - Copeland
Halo - Harper Blynn
99 Problems - Hugo
Cupid - Amy Winehouse
Holland, 1945 - Kevin Devine
Down Along the Dixie Line - Punch Brothers
Ophelia - My Morning Jacket
The Boy With The Arab Strap - Guster
Sexual Healing - Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals

And now - we drink beer. Enjoy the rest of your Monday!

I'm realizing that I've given up my true identity with this post. Hopefully it doesn't ruin the illusion and that you'll still think of me as some sort of a music gifting superhero.

they say you gotta tow the line, they want the water not the wine:

06.03.13 - Mixtape Monday

Dream A Little Dream Of Me - The Mamas & The Papas

Somewhere Only We Know - Keane

Never Forget You - Noisettes

Next to Me - Emeli Sande

All The Beautiful Things - Eels

B.A.B.Y - Rachel Sweet

lovers' carvings - Bibio

Lightning Bolt - Jake Bugg

Peach - The Front Bottoms

Lying To You - Keaton Henson