The Dunce Cap, Vol. 37: I want to run like vagrants hand in hand across this field. (click on link to listen to mix via 8tracks)

1. “Turn a Square” – The Shins
2. “Pumped Up Kicks” – Owl Eyes
3. “Fixed Gears and Broken Hearts” – Butch Walker
4. “Hospital Bed” – Ben Kweller
5. “Another Reason to Go” – Vetiver
6. “Stay Young, Go Dancing” – Death Cab For Cutie
7. “Costume Party” – Two Door Cinema Club
8. “Judy and the Dream of Horses” – Belle & Sebastian
9. “I Wish I Was the Moon” – Neko Case
10. “Stay…Don’t Go” – Spoon

Ho-ley ba-jeez-huss. There’s so much music comin’ out these days. There’s so much good music – I’m swimming in it. Well, that’s not totally true. I’m sitting here listening to Cake at maximum volume, caught up in the sensation of being a fluorescent adolescent, but I’ve heard murmurings of all the good tunes out there. I’m getting casually reacquainted, so you’ll notice this particular mix pairs some familiar tracks with newer gems from some well-established bands.

There’s also a pretty (no, seriously, really pretty) cover of one of the summer’s hottest tunes, Foster the People‘s “Pumped Up Kicks,” as well as a song from Vetiver, one of my very favorite acts. And a great bonus track from Butch Walker (who has a new album coming out 8.30!) with a line about cyclists. And an incredibly clever (and great) ditty from Ben Kweller (“This machine is so mature. It’s so much your – type.”)

All in all, a playlist I’m excited to listen to myself. Tracks n’ tracks n’ snacks n’ snacks n’ stacks n’… Thrills.

Happy summer. Happy listening.