Hi 2012! We know some people think you’re all we’ve got left, but let’s trust NASA on this one. And if we do have to put up with the hype around all year, let’s just make this the best year ever. We at Holiday Matinee think one way to kick that off is with a badass mixtape so here’s the first of many in 2012. We’ll call it… I Could Be A Mona Lisa.

Over a year ago, we introduced you to the magic that is One Hello World. Since then, the man behind the voicemail machine has been working diligently to produce an album called “The Listener,” a compilation of voicemails from strangers around the world brought together by the uniting force of music. To realize this dream, One Hello World needs our help. If you’re interested in contributing to a social media experiment turned musical memoir, head to Kickstarter and help fund the album (part of your donation goes toward getting live artists to record over voicemails – how cool would that be?). Oh, and if you’re stuck in the holiday doldrums, call (316) 247-0421 and spill your thoughts. It might be just the kind of catharsis you need before starting a new year.

As we creep towards 2012, we thought we’d pepper this month’s mixtape with some holiday laughs and a seasonable tune. But should this not be the most wonderful time of the year for you (I won’t play Andy Williams), we’ve got Tennis, That Work, new Joel P West and more. Bye, we’ll see you next year (thanks for the link Jules).

This is internet and THIS is our monthly mixtape. With Dirty Gold, The Drums, Cant and more, “Dayummm” is what we hope you’ll be saying about this one. And in case you were wondering…. yes, it’s Chuck Norris approved. [animated GIFs via IHeartChaos]

What’s your favorite part of October? Indian summers, costumes, pumpkins, decorative gourds? Please just don’t say tell us the new Bieber single that’s out today. This month’s mix has Real Estate, Mayer Hawthorne, Hodgy Beats, Jonathan Wilson and something totally unexpected to close. Just go ahead now.

Our friends over at Turntable Kitchen have cooked up something delicious — and it’s not just food. They’ve recently introduced a monthly Pairings Box subscription, a “curated food and music discovery experience.” I’m not talking about some random recipes thrown together — this is truly a labor of love. Kasey and Matt spend hours pouring over recipes and artists to come up with the perfect pairings, and then send you their hand-selected choices. You get a vinyl (yes, they are old school and we love it), recipes, special ingredients… you know what? Just check it out here for yourself, and hurry because there might already be a waiting list for next month!

With autumn officially days away, it’s time to throw Summer 2011 a going away party, so make sure you’re enjoying those rooftops, patios and stoops to the fullest.  This month’s got some tracks to help you make the transition including music from Girls, Feist, Youth Lagoon, Cuckoo Chaos and more!