Lizzie Responds to Nicole's July Mix

Although Nicole's mix had a circuitous route to my hands and ears, I'm grateful it finally arrived in one piece!  (Actually, the jewel case was broken...but let's pretend it was 100% intact....)  Thus, with the short turnaround, my response will not be as sophisticated as Nicole's.  Like, a lot less sophisticated.  Sorry about that.

1. "Waiting for Something to Happen" by Veronica Falls
Very low beat.  I just made that up.  It means it can play in the background and I wouldn't notice.  Surprisingly mellow beginning, making me unsure where this musical journey will take me.

2. "Harlequin Press" by John Vanderslice
I get lost in the song's narrative, which is nice.  Fit for a soundtrack, I think.
P.S. This marks the first song I've had to link to Soundcloud for instead of YouTube.  INDIE TERRITORY.

3. "No Below" by Speedy Ortiz
Subtly morbid ("How I once said/ I was better off just being dead") yet endearing ("But I'm looking out for you, my friend").

4. "Weight" by Mikal Cronin
I think this has very high highs and low lows, particularly the last 30 seconds.

5. "Fortune Teller" by Calexico
The "oooh" parts are my favorite.

6. "The Place" by Inc.
The YouTube comments sum this up as "sexy" and I confirm that is accurate.

7. "Man" by Neko Case
COINCIDENCE ALERT.  The beauty was Nicole had no idea I was sending The New Pornographers. And I had no idea she was sending one of their members gone solo, Neko Case.  The universe is a neat place.  That aside, good song.

8. "The Snow Leopard" by Shearwater
Memorable instrumental bits.

9. "It Beats 4 U" by My Morning Jacket
DRUMS.

10. "Headache" by Girls
This song gave my headache.  Just kidding.  It seems to be hypnotizing me.  Uh oh.

11. "Strife" by Savages
I'm on the fence about this one.  Great transition into the next song...

12. "Alien Christ" by Cloud Cult
COINCIDENCE ALERT AGAIN.  I just checked out their album featuring this song from the library!  How did Nicole know?  Having never heard of Cloud Cult before last year, they've really grown on me.

13. "Watch the Sunrise" by Big Star
GUITAR.

14. "July" by Youth Lagoon
This would be perfect if I were to make a film summarizing an eventful July, i.e. one more summer-y and awesome than mine.

Instant favorites: "Harlequin Press," "Fortune Teller," and "Alien Christ."

Quick note to Nicole: please look at "Music to check out" and help clean up what might not be relevant!  I highlighted certain albums I think can be deleted, but you make the final decisions.  And feel free to add anything else!