Urban Outfitters, everyone's favorite hipster clothing corporation, is trying their hand at a new stronghold of hipster culture: mixtapes. Or, mix downloads, as the case may be. UO has compiled a playlist (entitled LSTN #1) comprised of 21 tracks by up-and-coming artists, primarily music flying low under the radar and signed to uber-indie labels, including Toronto-based Arts & Crafts (label of Broken Social Scene, Stars, Phoenix, The American Analog Set, etc.) and the incredible Sub Pop label out of Seattle (first signed Nirvana, have worked with Fleet Foxes, Death Cab for Cutie, Ugly Casanova, Postal Service, Hot Hot Heat, Band of Horses and dozens of other indie staples).

In addition to getting its proverbial feet wet in the music industry, UO has partnered with the fashion and culture mag Nylon, a joyous, neon, Lower-East-Side type of publication in order to coalesce the hipster lifestyle in an accessible format. The two have anthologized a number of mix CDs to be sold at Urban stores, but LSTN #1 is UO's first independent and FREE musical compendium.

Opinions on the "mainstreaming" of this once definitively anti-fashion and independent lifestyle has garnered mixed reviews, but from longtime aficianados of the hipster ideology, the consensus seems to be support for the culture and apprehension towards the current trend of popularization.

Junior UNC English major Molly Brewer, a longtime Nylon reader and Urban patron had this to say about the meshing of the two hip trademarks:

"I mean, as far as the hipster **** goes, I mean, I don't really give a ****," she says flippantly in a Thai t-shirt with a logo reminiscent of the Red Bull insignia, $4 thrift store sandals laced Girl-Scout-esque around her ankles.

"I think it does say something about Nylon in that it's lost its kitschy little hipster vibe popping up at places like Southpoint Mall [in Durham, NC]...I think they're doing it for money," she says.

Pausing, Ms. Brewer continues, "I mean, they're not selling out to Hudson Belk or anything, but both places are broadening their scopes instead of catering only to their narrow, elevated populace."

I think that while many are frustrated with their traditionally independent media and fashion outlets, most can agree that good, free music is never really a negative.

Let me know if you like the playlist!!