Episode 008 of 'Mix Tape Radio on FRUK' is a bit of a 'themed' mix. That theme being 'winter is coming' (which, by the way, it is). A good portion of this episode is from a mix tape I had made last year (unsurprisingly called 'winter is coming'). It was made around this time last year. And with it turning dark by 5pm again, I found myself revisiting that mix. Dreading the cold days that were just around the corner. Although, being originally from Canada, I have to admit that some of my built in dread does not get fully realized with a UK winter (even when you add in the fact that the houses here are the opposite of weather-proof, not hitting -30 ever is kind of a nice thing that I haven't gotten used to yet). So these tracks (hopefully) convey that feeling of an upcoming winter and some of the darkness and light that takes place.

Episode 007 of 'Mix Tape Radio on FRUK' marks the return of new episodes after a small hiatus / week of repeats. This new batch of tunes includes a brand new Bedroom Session, this time around from my friends French FIlms About Trains (who recorded the tracks in an empty house on the last days of moving camp), as well as 17 other fine tracks (the complete track listing is over on the website).

I barely had time to get this episode put together before an unexpected trip back to Canada. But, that being said, it did get put together. And it is pretty ace. It features 17 exceptional tunes. It opens with the best track off an album that –in my opinion–was robbed of 2011's Polaris Prize (I mean, how good is this track?) and it ends with a girl and her ukulele. In between you'll find no shortage of pleasant jams to get you through an hour of your day (including tracks off 2 of my favourite releases of 2012, from Whistle Peak and You Won't).

Episode number 5 will be starting off with the 3rd installment of 'Bedroom Sessions', this time coming from my friend Scott Rudd (who you may remember from Episode 1, as well as from the HI54LOFI RECORDS Valentines Day compilation that was put out back in February). That track is followed by the loudest track I've put on one of these shows yet; so brace your ears and speakers for that (hint: I've been listening to a lot of Two Gallants debut album, in anticipation of their new one).

Episode number 4 is another hour of tunes that I fancy. It starts off with a track so beautiful that it makes it possible to forgive Lou Reed for 'Lulu'. There's the audio version of a lovely Keaton Henson + The Staves collaboration, a cut from HI54LOFI RECORDS Valentines Day compilation, a thought on our greatest fears, one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite artists (hint: Bobby Bare's son), and a bunch of other gems. 19 in total.

Episode number 3 sees the return of Bedroom Sessions. This time around is the brilliant song writer Gobloots (whose voice you may recognize as one of the members of The Harmed Brothers, or maybe you picked up on the Gobloots mix tape that HI54LOFI RECORDS put together awhile back). He recorded 5 new songs in a bedroom somewhere in America, and one of those tracks will be featured on this episode (and the whole session is available for FREE over on the HI54LOFI RECORDS Bandcamp page). Besides some Gobloots, you'll also be treated to an hour of 17 other fine music makers, from an artist whose name is in ALL CAPS to an old folk singer that spent the bulk of his life not knowing he was huge in South Africa (and a bunch of other great stuff in between).

EPISODE 002 does not have a 'Bedroom Session' on it, but it is still one hour of sweet tunes (and you can still snag the session from A Singer Of Songs that was on EPISODE 001 for free). EPISODE 002 features 16 tracks, ranging from my favourite live album of all time to the loveliest song ever written about one of the Avengers, a Fleetwood Mac cover and a happy lion, and bunch of stuff in between.

The debut episode of Mix Tape Radio first aired on Folk Radio UK back in July 201`2. As the name of the show implies, this radio show is more like a mix tape. This episode features Scott Rudd, The Wooden Sky, Califone, and 14 other brilliant artists (including an exclusive 'Bedroom Session' from our friend A Singer Of Songs). You can find the full track listing at HI54LOFI.COM (more specifically: http://hi54lofi.com/blog/mix-tape-radio-on-fruk-episode-001)