I am currently a junior at Aspen High and the host of The Will Kahn Show on Aspen Public Radio. At 10 pm every Friday night on APR (that’s 91.5 on your radio dial) I put together an hour-long radio show that consists of an eclectic mix of music that I curate the night before. The songs I play range in genre from Hip Hop and Electronic to Indie Rock, and I provide commentary for each tune. For more information about my show, please visit the Aspen Public Radio website aspenpublicradio.org.

My Playlist of the Week

This week’s playlist features an original mix of alternative songs that are not genre specific. All of the following tracks have an especially mellow and emotional ambience, the perfect mix of tunes for a grey November day.

“High” – Mister Lies (feat. Harrison Lipton): Mister Lies is one of the newest and most dynamic additions to Brooklyn/Toronto based boutique label, Orchid Tapes. His sound incorporates elements of electronica, R&B, and jazz. This composition has incredible depth and Harrison Lipton lends his beautiful voice to this nearly flawless production. “High” is ear candy for any modern music aficionado.

“Hundreds of Sparrows”-Sparklehorse: Sparklehorse is not a loud band, yet their output is anything but easy listening. Each of their tracks is a melancholic, cerebral odyssey. “Hundreds of Sparrows” is a masterpiece, featuring lead singer Mark Linknous’ gritty vocals over a bed of instrumental beauty. The song plays out like a nostalgic, bittersweet lullaby. Give it a listen; it might just reduce you to tears.

“Angel Echoes”- Four Tet: Four Tet is a master of ambient production. He transcends electronic genre stereotypes by releasing some of the most original work in the music world today. “Angel Echoes” features a haunting vocal sample complimented by an ethereal, down tempo beat. Four Tet is a master of his craft and this track is a gem.

“Hollow Bedroom”- Waxahatchee: At only 1:51, “Hollow Bedroom” is not exactly a musical epic, rather a succinct, striking portrait of a distraught lover, post breakup. Lead singer Katie Crutchfield’s grungy voice and incredible vocal range carries the tune as it builds and builds and finally crescendos. This is modern indie rock at its finest.