Took me awhile to get the plastic wrapper off of this edition of the weekend, but it’s off and ready to slam into the CD player! Got some things to do this weekend? Need some music to escort you through? Well…here are some recommendations!

Deer Tick recently released their “alternate world” and compilation album Mayonnaise and “Strange Awful Feeling” jumps off the vinyl. Stripped down but full of sound at the same time, the mix takes you right into the recording studio and wraps its arms around you.

I’ve always clicked with John Paul White’s music (plus my man’s a Detroit Tigers fan like yours truly) – his latest is no different. “The Long Way Home” is the first from his upcoming album The Hurting Kind. His smooth vocals blend seamlessly with the steel, piano and guitar. Grab onto it for a quick ride home.

The Avett Brothers are never going to lack for music fans giving others a heads up when new music from them hits. I’m here in the front of the bandwagon playing Paul Revere for their new single “Neapolitan Sky”. Here’s your “One if by Flatlands” light from the old church to tell you to get your ears pointed at this one.

You can’t get much more “real” than Sean McConnell. He is one of the best storytellers out there and spins another memory you forgot about with “Secondhand Smoke”. It’s nostalgic and took me back to riding around the Flatlands with my dad with the windows rolled down and his smoke lighting away into the past.

Another new release that’s going to be everywhere, but one you can get in on the ground floor on is the new tune from Tedeschi Trucks Band “They Don’t Shine”. This unit is one of the tightest, most entertaining out there. Horns, guitar, vocals and arrangements pile in on you and before you know it you’re happily sinking in the TTB Ocean. Get your suit on and prepare to get wet!

Atmospheric Lucie Silvas is back with her latest “Black Jeans”. While Lucie’s roots might not be American, her music is pure Americana and this one is a human walk through feelings we can all relate to. Travel with this one.

Pass the Mixtape along and feel free to comment or follow the blog with the menu above.