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Long before the Ipods, MP3 players, shared playlists, or cds, there was the mixtape. It was the true symbol of youth culture and a musical gem that you would listen to, from front to back. It would become the soundtrack of your life and experiences. They would include a mix of songs and styles, tell stories through the songs, maybe even some bonus tracks or stripped down acoustic songs, they were special. Many artists have continued the tradition of creating mixtapes but I would have to commend AM Taxi for their new limited edition mixtape, Semi-Confessional. This is the mixtape gem! From the first time we played it we were grinning ear to ear. It is refreshing to have true ear porn in this world, instead of the clamor of auto-tune, genre mix-ups/blunders, and incoherent blabber!

The mixtape features 11 songs; it contains one previously released track along with seven new songs, one dub remix, and two acoustic tracks recorded live in the studio. Special guests include Ike Reilly, Genevieve (Company of Thieves), Michael “Miguel” Happoldt (Sublime), and the late, great Joe Sell.

It takes you on a journey as you embark on the inbound train into Union Station and kicks right off with a fave of mine, the mixtape version of Reckless in the Moonlight which features Genevieve (Company of Thieves). They have just released a music video for the song, check it out here:

The energy and feel good vibes continues with Enough to Feel Like Enough, as it highlights the blend of punk and rock that we love, gritty emotional vocals, fierce drums and chorus chants that have you singing along. It also features former bandmate, Luke Schmitt on the Wurlitzer.

Another fave, Stone Cold Virgo (DuPage Dub) invites a party vibe to ensue as the beats are raised and you are taken into a cosmic effects zone. It also features Michael “Miguel” Happoldt – Vocals & Acoustic Guitar. Let’s Continue to Dig starts off with this cool nostalgic classic rock vibe and the smooth vocals of Adam builds you right into the classic AM Taxi signature sound of dynamic guitar, fast paced drumming and sweet basslines that make it a stand out track. The intro and narration by Ike Reilly as the Railroad MC makes it so much fun, and you find yourself looking forward to what he has to say each time.

Epilogues (Home Demo) is a stripped down, raw energy storytelling track with beautiful lyrics and soul baring vocals. The passion in this song is towering. Next up is the acoustic version of Shake, Rattle and Stall and it will have you fall in love with the song all over again. It also features Darren Garvey on Percussion. Check out a video of the song being performed live in the studio:

Bored and Raised delivers a story of a youth and reflecting on the world they grew up in. You can’t help but reflect for a second on your own childhood. It completely rocks and will have you hooked. The energy continues to rise with Out on the Firescape (Mixtape version) and highlights AM Taxi’s infectious and signature chorus vocals. Once again you are treated to Luke Schmitt on the Wurlitzer.

As the mixtape begins to come to the end of it’s journey, it continues with a strong fave of mine, Can’t Talk My Way Into You that features the late Joe Sell (Lucky Boy Confusion) on the electric guitar, and has some of the best lyrics,

I can talk my way out of anything and everything, it’s true, but I can’t talk my way into you

The mixtape comes to an end with a great acoustic track, It’s Only Dupage Wasteland (Acoustic) that I can see being the perfect song for friends to finish off a night at the pub. You will really love the bonus track that literally blew me away! I am not going to spoil it for you. Just make sure to get your copy of Semi-Confessional.

AM Taxi will have only 100 of the limited edition mixtape available at their show Friday, May 13th at the Double Door. If you can’t make the show, it will also be available for download.