As it turns out, coming up with full length mixes is not only difficult but also takes up a lot of space on my server. Also, I’ve found that attention spans tend to be pretty short. So to address these issues, I’m introducing yet another project. I call it the “Mini Mix:” 4 or 5 songs revolving around a central theme.

This post is dedicated to my Aunt Judy, who passed away March 29 and will be dearly missed.

I apologize for the long hiatus, but the songs on my first Mini Mix should make up for my absence. They are nothing short of brilliant. Upon first listen, the songs are strikingly beautiful, packed with catchy melodies and gorgeous harmonies. Subsequent listens, however, reveal an overwhelming sense of sadness and despair. I think the word that best describes this mix is bittersweet (hence the title).

Appropriately, all these songs fit my current mood: happy on the surface, yet for some inexplicable reason, tinged with a profound sadness on the inside. I think I will let the songs do the rest of the talking.

1. mp3: Drive-By Truckers - Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife
2. mp3: Hayden - Home By Saturday
3. mp3: Sera Cahoone - Only As the Day Is Long
4. mp3: Jason Collett - Somehow
5. mp3: Justin Townes Earle - Far Away In Another Town