nonpretentious

[mix tape] J.D. Amato Wakes Us Up!

1derful Seconds from J.D. Amato on Vimeo.

Filmmakers see the world differently than most.  It’s their gift.

Judging by his work, J.D. Amato’s world is colorful and tightly edited.  It’s surreal and fanciful but based in reality.  (Note: Even the cover to his mix-tape is bright!)

Give him a small space, limited characters (see: his twitter feed and his film titles & descriptions, e.g., Age of Evil), or mere seconds (see: above), and he’s able to produce something creative.  Not too many other people can say the same thing, especially other barely 20-somethings.  Look out, World!  J.D. Amato is coming atcha, big time!

For his nonpretentious mix tape, he decided to take the limited direction we gave him – “uh, make a mix?” – and turn it into a wonderful project.

Because what J.D. provided can only be described as poetry, I’ll let the young artist speak for himself.  With his permission, I’ve included his original notes describing his work and his life.

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[mix tape] Marten Reed from Questionable Content Shares Some Sad Songs

After undergraduate and graduate studies and years of on-the-job training, I’m more or less an expert in online procrastination and its hierarchy.  From what I’ve gathered, anyone who spends enough time behind a computer – e.g. those working a desk job or enrolled at a university – maintains a list in their head of 5-10 websites that they check on a almost-daily basis, not counting Google or Wikipedia.

Usually, the list starts with the same FAB three – Facebook, any news source (e.g. CNN, Yahoo, Fox News), and bank balance.  However, a person – we’ll say a “hypothetical” female – can only check Facebook, CNN, ESPN, or the balance in her bank account so many times before she faces the sad realization that she’s devouring much quicker than they’re refreshing.

This accounts for the high traffic volume of the next set of sites, which I’ve grouped together as “the entertainers.”  After the depression-inducing content that the FAB sites offer – pictures of exes, losing sports scores, the realities of unemployment – it’s imperative that web-surfers add sites like YouTube, Hulu, The Onion, College Humor, Gawker, and/or Dooce to their litany.  Those who prefer to stick with news sites will browse over to Slate, HuffPo, or the Drudge Report, politicos = Instapundit, Daily Kos, die-hard sports fans = nfl.com or its European ilk, etc.  While the sites on the list may range across demographics, their names will be familiar to the population at large – perhaps due to their Alexa or Technorati rankings – and their positive effects on their segment’s spirit and well-being, if not IQ, remain consistent.

After visiting one or two of their favorite, entertaining sites, many responsible people choose to return to their boring conference calls or their o-chem lab reports.  If they’ve already read TMZ, they find no need to read Perez Hilton.  They figure the faster they complete their work on the computer, the faster they can go outside and chase after butterflies or something.  Too bad they’ll miss out on gems like McSweeney’s and Jerks in Your Area.

Without trying to get anyone fired from work or cause anyone to fail one of their courses this fall, let me make one, small suggestion for everyone’s must-read sites: If your list of 5, 10, 25 must-read sites does not already include a web comic, find one that you like and add it to your rotation.

NOW!

Updated anywhere from one to seven times per week, web comics provide a few minutes respite from whatever responsibilities you may have by offering byte-sized portions of illustrated, story development.  As opposed to most websites, especially blogs where news and fact or opinions on news and facts reign supreme, web comics work the imagination muscle by bringing fiction to the computer-screen.  (More posts about web comics and their relationship to blogging/journalism to come!  Interesting read here.)  Trust me.  The extra 10-15 minutes you spend online each week will add up to a lot of pleasure.  No excuses either.  There are web comics from every thinkable genre with vastly different styles out there.  I’m sure with a little digging you’ll find something you like.

…Which is all a very long way to explain how I got to know Marten Reed during my best years of web-crawling/most intense years of studying (a.k.a. law school).

Marten, the kind, gentle soul that he is, is the lead character from Questionable Content by Jeph Jacques.  Wikipedia classifies QC as a “slice-of-life” web comic.  Because I have no idea what “slice-of-life” comic actually means, I’ve included a reference for the uninitiated.

…websites like Stereogum, Pop Candy, io9, and/or have a love/hate relationship with Pitchfork;

…graphic novels/comics written by Jeffrey Brown, Craig Thompson, or published by Vertigo;

…movies like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Rushmore, or I Heart Huckabees;

…sustenance like coffee, whiskey, or pancakes;

…books like Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, or A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius;

…shows like the Guild (also available for streaming), Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog (Hulu), Dead Like Me, Small Wonder, or Veronica Mars;

…clothes from Urban Outfitters, thrift stores, American Apparel, or QC merch store (NOT Hot Topic).

In other words, if you’re a hipster-hating-hipster who appreciates a good poop joke and/or a twenty-something with a penchant for booze and pop culture and a cynicism towards all sub-cultures (goths! emo kids! and surfers! oh my!), you’ll probably enjoy Questionable Content.

Sometime this weekend, QC virgins and experienced readers alike should click over to the first panel and start reading.  Not only can you see how QC has evolved since 2003 but because Jeph includes short notes underneath most of the episodes, you really get insight into his writing/artistic process and publishing/making a living producing something you love on the web.  (For the truly hardcore, you can also read Jeph’s LiveJournal.)

Jeph has always shared his music recommendations with readers and hinted at Marten’s “superior-than-thou” good taste.  (I kid.  Honestly, Marten is the nicest indie kid you’ll ever “meet.”)  While we’re looking forward to getting proved wrong about this in the comments, nonpretentious snagged an exclusive, one-of-a-kind mix-tape from Deathmøle’s lead guitarist himself (if you’ve never given Deathmøle a listen, here are some tracks for download).  Without further ado, a mix by your favorite make-believe friend and mine, Marten Reed…

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[mix tape] Spend Labor Day Down the Shore with Jen A. Miller

When Starbucks started offering its Pumpkin Spice Lattes last week, I almost started to cry.  Fine, that may be a little bit of an exaggeration but not by much.

Don’t get me wrong.  I love the fall.  And, it’s not only because my birthday is in October.  No other season brings the enjoyment that comes with stepping on a pile of crinkly leaves.

However, even I recognize Dear Autumn’s downFALLs.  (Couldn’t resist.)  Back to school, the morning commute, the hectic bustle of the office once the Big Guns return from their summer homes…. To ease the transition process from summer to fall, I’ve come up with a daily mantra that you’re free to steal: 10 pm sunsets may be delightful but it really sucks when saltwater gets in your eyes.

Anyway, today is not the day to dwell on impending turtleneck sweaters.  Today must be filled with sun, relaxation, BBQs, and flip flops!  All of which are practically mandated by the Federal government.  In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – the home base of quite a few nonpretentious contributors – the local government practically mandates that we enjoy this holiday down the shore.  (That’s no typo.  It’s how we talk in Philadelphia.  Just ask Philly Boy Roy.)

We’re nothing here at nonpretentious, if not upstanding, law-abiding citizens.  Without sounding sarcastic, we were psyched when Jen A. Miller, a successful – and inspiring! – freelance writer, agreed to create this shore-inspired mix.  (To say she knows a thing or two about the subject matter is an understatement.)

Jen is the author of The Jersey Shore: Atlantic City to Cape May and she publishes a blog called Down the Shore with Jen.  She writes pieces for the New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, USAirways Magazine, Go!, New Jersey Monthly Magazine, and National Geographic, to name a few.

More importantly, Jen’s good taste and her approachable style supersede any and all jokes about Jersey girls and hairspray.  I’ll tell you from experience that it’s hard to read Book a Week with Jen, her properly titled second blog, without opening Goodreads or Amazon in a second tab.  (See: this post and this one.  See also: her trend insights.  Male English majors should read here.)  Also, she recommends/references some pretty awesome tunes and artists on both of her sites.  (See also: her love of indie music stores.)  In case you haven’t noticed, we here at nonpretentious love dilettantes, who we define as well-rounded folks who like to share the good stuff with others.  Jen definitely fits our description.

As you can see, Jen’s mix does justice to the Garden State.

Unlike the other export for which Jersey is famous – (fake) tanning – her mix brings a sense of euphoria without any risk of melanoma.  Better still, it serves as a token reminder of the future laid-back days and nights we’ll enjoy again once the planet makes a full rotation around the sun.

And, now, from Jen Miller herself….

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[mix tape] Martin Starr Paints You a Mix

In our world, only two types of people exist:

1) Those who take the “Which Freaks & Geeks Character Are You?” quiz and pray for Bill Haverchuck; and

2) Those who have no idea who Bill Haverchuck is.

Needless to say, we prefer to hang out with the first type.  We also suggest a change of weekend plans for anyone who falls into the second.

Which is to say, we almost peed in our pants when Martin Starr agreed to make a mix tape for us.  (We definitely did a victory dance or two.)

You see, Bill Haverchuck may have sparked our initial respect for Martin but we’re also fans of Adventureland (available on iTunes as of yesterday!  Awesome soundtrack as well!), Knocked Up, and Party Down.  It’s almost like the weirder his characters get, the deeper our admiration grows.

In fact, we’re not sure any other actor could pull off some of the scenes from Party Down and still garner our empathy.  (Insert: Any scene from “Sin Say Shun Awards After Party.”)

He even manages to make us believe that pipe-smoking, Russian literature majors can be nonpretentious.

Right.  So, once Martin agreed to make a mix tape for us, we promised ourselves that we’d refrain from sounding like brown-nosers or stalkers in his introduction.  Obviously, we failed.  Horribly.

On behalf of nonpretentious, we’ll simply point out that it’s not our fault that we respect him as an artist.  Whether his talent comes from nature, nurture, or something else entirely, Martin Starr knows how to entertain.  When we see his name on a project, we’re pretty certain it will be worth our while.  We eagerly await all of his future endeavors, including his writing debut and his art exhibit at the Met.  (Hear that, Directors?  Hear that, Distributors of American Storage?  Hear that, Curators of the Met?)  (Also, no spoilers for Good Dick, it’s at the top of our Netflix queue.)

We know Martin had a full schedule this summer.  (What?  Haven’t you heard of a telescope?)  We’re grateful that he took the time to compile this playlist for us.  We’re even more grateful that his playlist didn’t make us lose all respect for him.

And now a word from the maker of this mixtape:
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[mix-tape] Pink Bears are Funny

Here at nonpretentious, we love a spot of British comedy (or humour, as they like to misspell it.)  And we also love Mister T (and we pity the fool who doesn’t.)  So we were overjoyed that the Queen’s own Robin Fry, actor, comedian, and voice of Mister T, agreed to make a mix-tape for us.

Mr. Fry hails from the sunny, southern shores of Brighton, England and follows in the long line of British comedians that starts with Benny Hill and ends up somewhere around Mr. Bean. When he’s not writing, acting, search engine optimizing, or parenting, Robin works as a stand-up comedian and regularly performs improv with The Off The Cuff Comedy Collective. He also partakes in “proper acting” every so often. For example, he’s “currently typecast as a nutjob in ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.’”  (His words.)  A relatively unknown fact about Robin is that he writes a mean title attribute, a skill any computer geek can appreciate.

Most importantly, Robin Fry, is also a founding member of the Pink Bear Club. (Er, most importantly, unless you are one of his kids….)

What is the Pink Bear Club?

According to Robin, the Pink Bear Club “[does] interactive multimedia comedy shows, which may sound poncey but they’re really bloody funny actually.” He gets points in my book for using the word “poncey,” but let me translate for those of us who celebrate Independence Day. The Pink Bear Club is a group of comedians who can’t get enough of the cozy, pink nest. (I get points for double entendre.) They make funny movies and like spaghetti westerns and are gearing up for Bicycle Day. (Gearing up for Bicycle Day?  Pun!)

Robin’s nonpretentious mix goes from grime to Elvis to old-school hip-hop and could very well touch off another round of Mods v. Rockers if played loudly enough. And if that’s not enough to get you to listen, maybe you should consider the repercussions of angering (the voice of) Mr. T.

We love it.  Click to read the liner notes penned by the Pink Bear himself. Continue reading…

[mix tape] IndyHall's Alex Hillman Knows Karaoke

Now, I’ve never met Alex Hillman but, when you do anything tech/web/creative community-related in Philly, you’re bound to know his name.  To mere peons like me, he’s pretty much a demi-god.  Actually, as much as I respect/look up to him, I’m not even sure that I want to meet him in person.  Most likely, my palms would get all sweaty and I’d trip over my words or say something totally ridiculous.  I’d definitely ask for his autograph.  (See?  Ridiculous.)

What is it about Alex that intimidates me so?  Although he does write at http://www.dangerouslyawesome.com, it’s not his URL.  Scratch that.  Maybe it is his URL.  Or, what his URL says.  He is dangerously awesome.

For example, he takes his knack for problem-solving and offers to unstick you.  I’d totally like to be unstuck.  (When I can afford it, I’m scheduling an appointment.  I wonder if he can unstick me over the phone?  My sweaty palms would be less of a liability.  Something I’ll have to look into….)

He also does other things, like karaoke, which you’ll hear more about below.

If you don’t believe me or Alex’s URL about his awesomeness, I’m sure you could ask any one of the “designers, developers, writers, artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, educators, small business owners, telecommuters, marketers, videographers, game developers,” who make IndyHall their home (er, office).  And, what is IndyHall exactly?  Well, I’m glad you asked, Dear Reader.  It’s a co-working space inspired by Citizen Space in San Francisco.  If your town doesn’t have one, sucks for you.  Just kidding.  Alex and Geoff DiMasi (another one of my demi-gods), IndyHall’s co-founders, are approachable resources – well, unless you’re me – and are willing to offer guidance.

So, as I explained, I’m already wowed by Alex Hillman.  Can you believe my reaction when I received his mix tape?  I expected to be blown away and he managed to surpass my expectations.   Just read on below…

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[mix tape] Sasha is a (music) Monster

nonpretentious contributors have been Sasha Pasulka fans for a long time.¹  For folks like us, bloggers with extra letters – like B.A., B.S., J.D., M.A., Ph.D., M.D. – after their names, Sasha is a role model.

Here’s a girl who traded in her job working on this for an opportunity to work on this.²  This decision alone proves she’s trying to make the world a better place.

While Evil Beet Gossip’s nipple lists and vagina pics are fantastic – both S.F.W. and more fun when you get home – they’re only one teeny-tiny part of Sasha’s growing media empire.  (Note: the goal is for her to out-Donald Donald Trump so she respectfully requests that you click on the ads when you’re on her sites.)

Plus, Sasha likes when the world whispers to her.  (Celebs, they’re just like us!)

When nonpretentious received this mix tape from Sasha Pasulka (on time, might I add, two weeks ago), we laughed out loud. Her music picks – part pop culture, part female singer-songwriter – certainly reflect her internet personalities.  (Two side notes.  We sorta wanted a track with Bill Harris’s voice on it.  And, we were kinda surprised that Stars Are Blind failed to appear.  No worries.  Lohan makes the cut.)

Knowing there is no way to out-Sasha Sasha (seriously folks, just look at these comments), continue reading for her liner notes and download her mix here.
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[mix tape] Postponed

While we do have a mix tape prepared – or, shall I say, while we did have a mix tape prepared – thanks to the wonderfully fabulous, genuinely hilarious Sasha Pasulka, we are going to postpone publishing Sasha’s mix for one week.

On Wednesday and Thursday, we were unexpectedly unavailable. (Read: We’d tell you more but then we’d have to kill you.)

We feel that Sasha deserves the full attention of the nonpretentious audience. (What we like to call “the I-bored-at-work-so-I’m-surfing-the-web crowd.”) Unfortunately, most Americans have decided to take the day off. Slackers.

In the meantime, we’ll listen to Sasha’s mix and brag about it thoroughly. You, on the other hand, may want to catch up on your Evil Beet Gossip and
Zelda Lily. There will be quizzes next week.

[mix tape] Thrillist LA Editor Likes Jam Bands!

I haven’t been much of a betting man ever since my first trip to a casino where I ran up against a table full of unemployed hold ‘em enthusiasts who played to pay the bills, but even I’d find it hard not to wager that Jeff Miller made quick work of this mix tape.

After all, his job as editor of L.A.’s Thrillist.com involves making recommendations every day.  For those of you who don’t know, Thrillist.com is a daily e-mail and online magazine aimed specifically at guys.  The publication maintains its local focus by creating twelve metropolitan-specific editions in addition to its national – best of the web – edition.  Again, Jeff is at the helm in the City of Angels.

Plus, Jeff began his career as a music journalist writing freelance reviews and in-depth artist profiles for Variety, the LA Times, and Relix. When he’s not publishing new or relatively unknown facets of LA’s landscape for Thrillist.com, he continues to write music articles/reviews for various other outlets. Talk about an expert.

And not just the douche-kind of music expert who can answer – er, write – trivia questions.  (Ever play “Shout about Music?”)

Not the kind of expert who has unfounded opinions either.

Though I imagine taste-making and knowledge-sharing take up a decent chunk of Jeff’s time, somehow he still manages to play in the LA-based band City Museum.  If you’re in the area, stop by City Museum’s upcoming gig (with Jake Busey!) at King King on July 2 and/or their annual CityFestockaroo MuseumAchellaPalooza (Man) festival over Labor Day weekend.  (You can also buy their EP from Amazon.)

Jeff spends a ton of time in his car, so for his nonpretentious mix tape, he decided to give us 12 songs that make him want to roll his window down and sing to his neighbor on the 405.

Perfect for summer.  Listen up. Continue reading…

[mix tapes] Behind the Music Box Set – Paul Sommerstein and Marc Goodman

There are people who influence your life.  Some of these people you’ve met.  Some of these people you aspire to be.  Some you can’t quite place into categories.

These mixes are from, inspired, and made possible by two people who usually stand behind the scenes in the music industry, Paul Sommerstein and Marc Goodman.  So, screw VH1.  We’re celebrating the real people behind the scenes.

DISC ONE:  PAUL SOMMERSTEIN’S PICKS

Paul Sommerstein is an attorney in New York City who specializes in entertainment law.  His bio from his website states this about him:

In other words, he is LIVING the dream (well, the dream for anyone who loves music and is an attorney – a small niche, perhaps).  He’s also living proof that there are cool lawyers.  And, judging by our e-mail exchanges – he’s even more living proof that not all lawyers are twiddling their thumbs waiting for layoffs in this economy.  (I guess it helps that he’s self-employed.  But, again, that’s besides the point.)

Because he obviously has better music taste than most people on this planet – we here at nonpretentious asked him to make a mix for us.  (We’re so happy he said “yes!”)  How many songs on this mix do you know?  If it’s more than two (our score), you’re good in our book.

DISC TWO:  A SAMPLE OF PAUL SOMMERSTEIN’S CLIENTS

And, we also decided to make a mix of a few of his clients – just to give you musical proof about why he’s so cool!

DISC THREE:  STRANGE WEATHER MIX

Marc Alan Goodman is an owner and engineer at Strange Weather recording studio in Brooklyn NY. By himself and along with his studio partner Joel Hamilton he’s worked on records with Tom Waits, Jolie Holland, Soulive, Lettuce, Talib Kweli, Mike Patton, Michel Gondry, Marc Ribot, Zeena Parkins, 2 Foot Yard, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Alfonso Velez, Deradoorian, Lou Reed, Beauty Pill, Colin Stetson, and tons more. He also has played in a number of touring bands over the last decade including illuminea, Circle and Square, and his current project Model Barbers.

More importantly, Marc Alan Goodman was my first crush ever (…a girl knows how to pick ‘em…). AND, this nonpretentious contributor/editor distinctly remembers when Marc Alan Goodman called her out for having her first crush ever. It was at the pencil sharpener. In a Hebrew school classroom. In fourth grade.

HE (in all of his infinite fourth grade wisdom): My mom said you were mean to me because you secretly like me.

ME (in all of my infinite fourth grade wisdom): No way! I am mean to you because you are a(n ever so dreamy!) dork!

(Note: That’s definitely not how the conversation went. I only remember the “he” part and I don’t even remember that part too well. I only remember how embarrassed I felt when that little tattletale called me out! From that day forward, I swore I’d never admit my feelings for someone. He scarred me for life – that’s why I am pretending here and now – in this revised version – that I called him a dork. Anyway, I’ll get over it.)

Marc Alan Goodman continues to impress me. He is less than thirty years old but he’s been passionate about this recording stuff for as long as I can remember.¹ The folks at nonpretentious are excited for his mix tape, which we’ll present to you without further ado.

Artist – Song – Album²

Chavez – Break Up Your Band – Gone Glimmering
Something all good bands should do at some point. Chavez then took their own advice.

Jolie Holland – Corrido por Buddy – The Living and The Dead

I never thought that within three years I’d go from listening to Jolie Holland every day to recording her most recent album. Jolie couldn’t even play this song without crying the first few times we tried. I still hear it in her voice.

Deradoorian – High Road – Mind Raft EP

Angel is a musical prodigy. It was an honor to get to record the drums for this song, and I’m hoping she can find time to keep working on her own stuff while touring with the Dirty Projectors

Alfonso Velez – Plymouth Barracuda – The Weather

The third and final song that I recorded on my playlist. Alfonso is one of those people who you just know is going to be a legend in twenty years. If there’s any record to buy someone as a gift this is it.

Bran Van 3000 – Couch Surfer – Glee (N/A on iTunes, Amazon link)

James Di Salvio’s bored affectation was always a treat for me. And having spent my own years as a couch surfer since I can finally understand his understated annoyance. What a bunch of jerks we are.

Nina Simone – It Be’s That Way Sometimes – Silk and Soul

Of all Nina’s records this one comes out of the box the hardest. The drums make almost no sense but she’s never been one afraid to take things in a whole new direction.

Jon Guez – Tired of These Butterflies – Compassionately Drawn (N/A on iTunes, myspace)

Super-genius Jon Guez’s tireless tirade against indecision will always stand up amongst my favorite music of all time. I just wish other people would hear it. Not available on itunes, but you can get it on vinyl. Just ask.

Tom Waits – Strange Weather – Beautiful Maladies (N/A on iTunes, Amazon link)

The song that’s title inspired my studio. Not his greatest song of all time, but one few people have heard. Though originally written for Marianne Faithful I still thing Tom’s version is better.

Bill Withers – Ain’t No Sunshine – Just As I Am

Speaks for itself

Nina Simone – Don’t Smoke in Bed – Little Girl Blue

Advice you can’t turn down. She’s leaving, you’re leaving, anyone’s leaving. Just remember…

Kate Bush – The Sensual World – The Sensual World

A lot of people seem to consider this album the end of Kate Bush’s career. If you ask me it’s a high point. When denied the rights to use a pasage from Ulysses as the lyrics she wrote her own. And they’re just as good.

Brainiac – Hot Seat Can’t Sit Down – Hissing Prigs in Static Couture

If Tim Taylor had never died in a car crash in 1997 I’d like to believe that we’d all know who he was. But from the reaction of people I’ve spoken to at least the ones who do seem to appreciate it.

Dirty Projectors – Temecula Sunrise – Bitte Orca

David Longstreth is the most valid and prolific artist I’ve heard of who’s as of now still seemingly undiscovered. But people have taken notice. His recent colaberations with David Byrne and Bjork should help bring some recognition to this beatiful work in a time when nothing seems to sell.

The Modern Lovers – Someone I Care About – Precise Modern Lovers Order

I don’t want just a girl to fool around with. I don’t want just a girl to ball. What I want is a girl that I care about. Or nothing at all. This live record is my personal highlight of Jonathan Richman’s career. Too bad it was so early.

The Kinks – Arthur – Arthur
Perhaps the most heartbreaking album finale of all time. I still cry every time they break into the chorus at the end.

There you have it.  It’s still Wednesday in some time zone, right?

¹ In his archives, there may or may not be a video that he produced with me and this red head kid, both of us dressed in black tights, singing a Spanish song explaining how to conjugate “gustarse” – red head kid: Me gustan tus ojos, me: Me gusta pelo rojo – to the tune of “What a Feeling.”

² I really appreciated that he included the album.  When I create these mixes and there are a number of different versions, especially versions with different track lengths, I’m always scared that I picked the wrong one.  (If I did this to you http://www.seanbonner.com/, http://www.twistedphysics.typepad.com/, http://manbartlett.com/, or http://pulpandcircumstance.blogspot.com/, please feel free to send me nasty e-mails.  Plus, I can always go back and change it for anyone who comes across your mixes now.  <– BTW, if you haven’t come across their mixes, I highly recommend them – feel free to listen on our last.fm station – we only play mixes from nonpretentious.)  Point is, I’m sad to say that even with Marc Alan Goodman’s effort, some of his album choices were not available and I had to go with what was there.  I’ve kept his album picks in the playlist in case you’d like to find those tracks on your own.

–

nonpretentious publishes mix tapes every Wednesday.   Our goal is to create a digital version of trading mixes, sharing music, etc. AND also publicize the work of “common people” (i.e. not superstar celebs but celebs nonetheless) who are doing cool things around the globe.  Check out the [mix tapes] archives to hear more.