I love mandolins and banjos. The brightness of their tone puts a smile on my face every single time I hear one, without fail. It’s possibly got something to do with a childhood memory of my grandad playing his banjo – although I only heard him play 2 or 3 times as he wasn’t the kind of guy who liked being the centre of attention. I’ve got no talent for string instruments myself, I learnt to play the mandolin part of Losing My Religion when I was a student and bought one of my own about 10 years ago, which to my shame I still can’t play.

Here are some of my favourite tracks featuring these glorious instruments – and posting this blog has inspired me to get the mandolin down from the attic and learn how to play it. Or at least play along with REM again.

Click here for the mix tape!

Playlist:

Porcupine Tree – Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled (iLike) (buy)

Sufjan Stevens – The Upper Peninsula (iLike) (buy)

Eddie Vedder – Rise (iLike) (buy)

Yes – I’ve Seen All Good People (iLike) (buy)

REM – Losing My Religion (iLike) (buy)

Sufjan Stevens – Decatur, or, Round of Applause for Your Stepmother! (iLike) (buy)

Nickel Creek – When You Come Back Down (iLike) (buy)

Eddie Vedder – No Ceiling (iLike) (buy)

Rod Stewart – Mandolin Wind (iLike) (buy)

Sufjan Stevens – The Dress Looks Nice On You (iLike) (buy)