Afternoon, folks! Welcome to your Wednesday mixtape, a little cycle of songs based on this week’s What We’re Listening To. Now, I don’t know if it’s holiday stress, finals week, the gross weather, Gossip Girl’s hiatus or what, but it seems like we’re in bit of a mood this week. So if you’re feeling a little cynical, or a little heartbroken or just generally exhausted and/or mellow, this may be this mixtape for you. And if you’re not, then… what’s wrong with you? Press play and chill the f out. :) As usual, I added a few extra songs. First up is “Furr” by Portland indie outfit Blitzen Trapper. It’s not really that sad at all, but I think it’s a really pretty song from a band that’s worth checking out. And then I tacked “Waltz” by Fiona Apple onto the end, because it’s light and hopeful and, of course, because she’s amazing in every way. I appreciate optimism from unlikely sources. So here’s hoping you have an amazing rest of your day and be sure to stop back on Friday to read all about our favorite music of 2008! As always, the full playlist is after the jump…

Blitzen Trapper – “Furr” (Rocky)
The Cranberries – “Analyse” (Maggie)
Rilo Kiley – “Xmas Cake” (Jolly)
Elvis Costello & The Imposters – “Monkey To Man” (Ben)
Metronomy - “Heartbreaker” (Summer Camp)
ABBA – “Under Attack” (Philip)
Billy Joel – “Piano Man” (Matt)
Diana Krall – “Narrow Daylight” (Corey)
Bob Dylan – “The Times They Are A-Changin’” (Allison)
Marissa Nadler – “Diamond Heart” (Craig)
MGMT – “Time To Pretend” (Rocky)
Fiona Apple - “Waltz (Better Than Fine)” (Rocky, obvi…)

P.S. If you’re ever in the mood to check out one of TNG’s past mixtapes, check out Rocky’s Mixwit page right here…