Valentine's Day Gift Idea: Indie Music Mix Tape

We may not record songs off the radio on to cassette anymore, but mix tapes are still thriving, especially around Valentines Day when people are looking for gift ideas for that special someone. Mix tapes, albeit a little cliché, are still a distinctive (and cheap) Valentines Day gift idea, and Indie music offers more then enough mix tape options to put together a unique Valentines Day gift.

Valentines Day Gift: Ten Song for an Indie Music Mix Tape

1. Lykke Li - "Little Bit"

"I think I'm a little bit...a little bit...a little bit in love with you."

The lyrics to "Little Bit" conjure up the days of schoolyard crushes and Lykke Li's incredibly feminine voice is perfect for Valentines Day.

2. Noah and the Whale - "2 Bodies 1 Heart"

"We're two Atoms in a molecule inseparably combined. Oh like a piece of rope made out of two pieces of vine."

For Noah and the Whale having such an upbeat folk rhythm, most of their lyrics are surprisingly not that upbeat. "2 Bodies 1 Heart" is, however, and perfect for an Indie music mix tape.

3. Feist - "Mushaboom"

"And we'll collect the moments one by one; I guess that's how the future's done."

Feist's "Mushaboom" is a love ode to living realistically. If you are hoping for a better future while stuck in a smaller one, add this song to the list.

4. Maccabees - "Toothpaste Kisses"

"Cradle me, I'll cradle you. I'll win your heart with a woop-a-woo."

"Toothpaste Kisses" is a cute song to add to an Indie mix tape. It has a light sound and easy lyrics.

5. Esthero - "Thank Heaven 4 You"

"Thank heaven for you and the way you take care of me. You hide my secret so well, thank heaven for you."

Ethero's "Thank Heaven 4 You" has very few lyrics but the song is melodic and the meaning is clear.

6. Sally Shapiro - "Hold Me So Tight"

"I may be wrong or I may be true, but I think you like me too."

Sally Shapiro's song "Hold Me So Tight" is all about finding out your crush likes you too.

7. Islands - "Jogging Gorgeous Summer"

"Millions of sunsets, but the one I'll remember the one where you told me you'd love me forever."

Islands have a unique sound it is light, catchy, and upbeat. The song "Jogging Gorgeous Summer" has good lyrics about love.

8. Sufjan Stevens - "Dress Looks Nice On You"

"I can see a lot of bright in you and I think the dress looks nice on you."

Sufjan Stevens is classic Indie music and "Dress Looks Nice On You" is one of his best love songs.

9. Stars - "Ageless Beauty (The Most Serene Republic Mix)"

"Undefeated in this love, we will always be a light."

While a bit heavier then some of the other song options, Stars' "Ageless Beauty" is still worth having on a mix tape.

10. Belle & Sebastian - "Funny Little Frog"

"Honey, lovin' you is the greatest thing, I get to be myself and I get to sing."

Belle & Sebastian deserve being on every Valentines Day mix tape. "Funny Little Frog" is about loving someone from a distance.

An Indie music mix tape is a great Valentines Day gift idea even if it is a cliché. People love homemade Valentines Day gifts and a mix tape of your favorite Indie music is a cheap and effective way to show someone you care.