Pixtape: Best New Downloads

Want free music? We’ve rounded up the best downloads from across the blogosphere so you can download all in one place, guilt free.

1. Slow Club “Giving Up on Love”
This is probably the happiest song about throwing in the towel we’ve ever heard. It’s upbeat without being corny and honest without being resentful. Call us crazy, but don’t give up!
Download track via Fluxblog

2. Harlan T. Bobo “Mlle. Chatte”
Nashville dude sings about naughty things in French. 
Download track via Tone Marrow

3. Pianos Become the Teeth “Pensive”
Screamo? Emo hardcore? Whatever. Good songwriting, angsty vocals, solid musicianship. You’ll thank us.
Download track via Aversion

4. Microphone Memory Emotion’s Protest Songs
We’re inclined to agree that almost all genres of music are currently wimpy when it comes to making protest music or taking any overt political stand, but it all seems a bit more complicated than that. Here’s a mix to ponder the art of the protest.
Download mix via Microphone Memory Emotion

5. Yellow Swans “Limited Space”
Speaking of heavy, check this meandering, introspective track from the duo’s final release.
Download track via Raven Sings the Blues

6. Woods “Rain On”
We get the feeling the content of this song from the folk band is serious, but one can’t ignore the resolve in the guitar chords. It’s like everything is all good even when it ain’t.
Download track via The Needle Drop

7. Archie Bronson Outfit “Shark’s Tooth”
There’s something metallic about the guitar riff, but in a catchy, non-annoying way. The British band’s new album, Coconut, is out March 1 via Domino.
Download track via XLR8R

8. Autechre FACT mix
The Warp Records duo created a mix for the British mag–generous for a group that largely avoids the spotlight. It’s minimal, it’s hip-hop and it’s only available until the end of month.
Download mix via FACT Magazine

9. Yea Big + Kid Static “Run to the Facts”
This song is from a split EP the hip-hop duo released with The Mae Shi. That’s right–it’s feel-good and goofy. Also up for grabs is their rendition of “Thank You For Being a Friend,” the song made famous as the theme song for The Golden Girls.
Download track via Daytrotter

10. Big Troubles “Wornout”
The bass grabs your attention, the guitar lines surprise you and then you just keep listening to see where the hell this whole thing is headed.
Download track via Chocolate Bobka