According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking
up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never
know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the
mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the
ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.
2012 Official Soundtrack of Summer
Summer time equals party time, and no party (or no Summer) can reach its potential without a seriously sweet soundtrack. We look forward to this mix each year, and it seems to get bigger and better each time. So without any further hesitation, here is the ideal playlist for your next barbecue.
1. "Ceremony" by New Order - We start off the 2012 Soundtrack of Summer with an early 80's throwback. Originally released in 1981, it's on this list mainly because of the scene in which it is featured in Marie Antoinette.
2. "Happy Pills" by Norah Jones - Summer is hot and so is Norah Jones. Her latest album is a bit different from her norm, but in a good way.
3. "Never Go Back" by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are a fantastic band. While I normally prefer their bluesier tunes, this one fits the bill for a summer mix.
4. "Ottoman" by Vampire Weekend - Another movie song, this one getting the nod after a showing of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.
5. "The Harder They Come" by Jimmy Cliff - Few songs sound better on a sweltering summer night than this one.
According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.
The Workout Mix
Over the past couple of years I have found that I can run faster, maintain an intense workout, and push myself further just by playing the right music. It has reached a point that if I don't have my regular workout tunes playing, I either don't bother or make a half-assed attempt at exercising. So while my playlist includes a unique mashing of genres, you may want to tailor yours to your specific taste to keep you motivated. For this mix, the songs are not in order, but instead grouped into the different workouts I use them for.
STRETCHING: Stretching is a key part of any fitness routine. In the order listed below, they work well as a build up, and if you flip them at the end of your workout, they work pretty well as a cool down too.
According
to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like
breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never
finished. You never know when you will come across a song that
changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a
litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the
mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on
the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the
writer does not claim to be an expert.
Boss Covers
After several Mixtape Madness columns focusing on the past, this next one was supposed to be a bit more current. But then Late Night with Jimmy Fallon decided it was Springsteen week and the National Constitution Center opened a Bruce Springsteen exhibit, and plans changed. Since plenty has been written about the Boss and the E Street Band and their amazing catalog of music, this article will instead focus on some stellar covers of Bruce tunes.
1. "Back In Your Arms" by Marc Broussard - I actually had not heard of this song until it was covered by Broussard, who was billed as the "Bayou Bruce" earlier in his career.
2. "Dancing in the Dark" by John Legend and the Roots - This cover is the song that led to this article. Legend teamed up with Philly's own Legendary Roots Crew for this jazzy, understated version of "Dancing in the Dark" on a recent episode of Late Night. It's no big secret that Jimmy Fallon is a huge Springsteen fan, so we will be seeing his influence again later in the mix.
3. "Because The Night" by 10,000 Maniacs - Originally recorded by Patti Smith, this song is probably most popularly known from the Maniacs' MTV Unplugged performance. This is one of many songs Bruce wrote and gave to other artists early on in his career.
According
to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like
breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never
finished. You never know when you will come across a song that
changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a
litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the
mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on
the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the
writer does not claim to be an expert.
90's Revue Part III - Pop
We
have been riding the wave of 1980's nostalgia for awhile now. Don't get
me wrong, it's been fun, but I think it is time we moved on to the
1990's. Some of the best music of the past thirty years was created in
the decade between the Exxon Valdez and Y2K. Because of that, we here at
the What will take a three-part look at the music of the 1990's. PART I - Rock PART II - Hip-Hop
1. "This Is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan (1995) - Honestly, is there any better song to start a mix with? I doubt it. Especially when doing a 90's mix.
2. "Get Ready For This" by 2 Unlimited (1991) - As will be the case with many songs on this list, this one was a staple at middle school dances when I was younger.
3. "Lovefool" by the Cardigans (1996) - What would a 90's pop mix be without some Swedish action? Incomplete. It would be incomplete.
4. "Groove Is In the Heart" by Deee-Lite (1990) - This songs is what happens when you sample Herbie Hancock and get Bootsy Collins and Q-Tip to guest on the track. Pure 90's gold.
5. "Praise You" by Fatboy Slim (1999) - This song was pretty catchy on its own, but it was Spike Jonze's video with the whacky dance group that made it a 90's icon.
According
to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like
breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never
finished. You never know when you will come across a song that
changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a
litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the
mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on
the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the
writer does not claim to be an expert.
90's Revue Part II - Hip Hop
We
have been riding the wave of 1980's nostalgia for awhile now. Don't get
me wrong, it's been fun, but I think it is time we moved on to the
1990's. Some of the best music of the past thirty years was created in
the decade between the Exxon Valdez and Y2K. Because of that, we here at
the What will take a three-part look at the music of the 1990's. PART I - Rock PART III - Pop - Coming Soon!
1. "Can I Kick It?" by A Tribe Called Quest (1991) - What better way to kick off the 90's hip-hop mix than with this Lou Reed-sampling jam from Tribe? I had forgotten about this song for along time until, as is the case with several songs on this mix, I saw the film The Wackness.
2. "Flava In Ya Ear" by Craig Mack (1994) - Much like the rock mix, I will be discussing the greatness that was the music scene in 1994. This track, with verses from Biggie, Busta, LL Cool J, and Rampage, is a classic.
3. "Not Tonight (Remix)" by Lil Kim (1997) - Though we'll address the Spice Girls in Part III of the 90's Revue, this is the true girl power anthem of the 1990's. Kim is joined by Da Brat, Angie Martinez, Missy Elliott, and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes on the track, and in the video by everyone from Queen Latifah to TLC to Mary J. Blige.
According
to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like
breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never
finished. You never know when you will come across a song that
changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a
litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the
mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on
the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the
writer does not claim to be an expert.
90's Revue Part I - Rock
We have been riding the wave of 1980's nostalgia for awhile now. Don't get me wrong, it's been fun, but I think it is time we moved on to the 1990's. Some of the best music of the past thirty years was created in the decade between the Exxon Valdez and Y2K. Because of that, we here at the What will take a three-part look at the music of the 1990's. PART II - Hip Hop PART III - Pop - Coming Soon!
1. "Bittersweet Symphony" by the Verve (1997) - By now, everyone is aware of all of the controversy surrounding this song. Whether or not the Verve intended to lift a hook from the Rolling Stones or not, this is an amazing song and it's a shame that the legal fallout from it ruined such a promising band.
2. "Spiderwebs" by No Doubt (1995) - Am I the only one itching for No Doubt to put out a new album that returns to their Ska/SoCal punk roots? Of course not. Aside from being a great tune, this is more than likely the song most widely used in answering machine messages.
3. "Come As You Are" by Nirvana (1991) - In their short time as a band, Nirvana left us with a litany of great tracks, but "Come As You Are" has always been my favorite. Both Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic tuned their instruments down a step for this song, giving it the familiar, distinct sound throughout.
4. "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?" by REM (1994) - As you will see over this three-part Mixtape Madness, 1994 was an incredible year for music. With the ability to look back on the now-ceased career of REM, I can easily pinpoint this song, with its interesting back story, as my favorite.
5. "Got You (Where I Want You)" by the Flys (1998) - The unmistakable plodding march of the rhythm section carries the lyrics well throughout this quintessential 90's tune. The Flys may have only had the one hit, but at least they got Katie Holmes to be in their video.
According
to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like
breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never
finished. You never know when you will come across a song that
changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a
litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the
mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on
the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the
writer does not claim to be an expert.
A Very Merry Mixtape Madness
All around the country, local soft rock and easy listening radio stations have switched their format to 24/7 Christmas music. Unfortunately, these playlists that pass for radio stations these days play a steady stream of Christmas crap, and there is no good reason for it. There is a ton of great Christmas tunes out there. My iTunes library alone contains seven hours of holiday cheer. While I'm not ready to present all seven glorious hours, I will give you a small sample of the type of yuletide tunes the What rocks out to.
According
to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like
breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never
finished. You never know when you will come across a song that
changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a
litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the
mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on
the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the
writer does not claim to be an expert.
33 Songs for 11.11.11
People seem to making a big deal over today's date. 11.11.11. Quite frankly, I'm not impressed. Call me on February 22, 2222 and then I'll be impressed. Mainly because that would only be possible if I was still alive and kicking just27 days short of my 238th birthday. But that is beside the point. The point is, I will now share with you 33 songs that I have been enjoying recently.
1- "My Body" by Young the Giant: I was lucky enough to catch these guys in concert toward the end of summer, and this is one of several catchy tunes they have. 2- "Faster" by Matt Nathanson: Matt debuted this song last October at a concert in Aston, PA that I was at. While I liked that raw, unfinished version better, this radio cut is pretty cool (and reminiscent of George Michael's "Faith") 3- " I Wanna Be The One" by fun.: After being told how great fun was all summer, I finally started listening to them about a week ago. I wish I started earlier. 4- "She's Got You" by Cosmo Jarvis: Ever since I got a ukulele, I've noticed how many great uke songs are out there, and this is one of them. 5- "Hold Me Up" by Live: This was the perfect song for the sex scene in Zack and Miri Make a Porno, which is probably the only place you would have heard it. 6- "When I'm Small" by Phantogram: The summer of 2011 was a great one for discovering new music like this super cool track. 7- "Ruby Blue" by Roison Murphy: I had this song in constant rotation a couple of years ago and it is starting to make a comeback.
According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.
Soundtrack of Summer 2011
Each year I put together a soundtrack to accompany the madness that summer brings. Typically I start with one mix, but by summer's end, I move onto a new one. Last year, I put together the 2010 mix in June. This year, I've waited until August. This enables me to include songs that either became popular over the summer or songs that resonate with a particular event.
1- "Heatwave" by Chiddy Bang I first heard this song in April and knew instantly it would get steady rotation throughout the summer. Philly group Chiddy Bang take a classic summer song here and make it their own.
2- "Feel Me Flow" by Naughty By Nature I really can not think of a song that makes me think of hanging out at a summer block party more than this one. Hearing this song calls to mind riding my bike around as a kid why the adults were chilling on the patio. It's not summer without this jam.
3- "Everlasting Light" by the Black Keys I was a fan of the Black Keys around the time that Black Snake Moan came out, but somehow missed out on their latest album. For that reason, I didn't hear this song until a ride home after a long night of partying in June. Since that night, it has been on every mix I've made.
4- "Love Is Strange" by Mickey & Sylvia The first real party of the summer came in the form of a 1960's beach rock dance party. After that fantastic evening and a viewing of Dirty Dancing, I've been rocking a lot of music from that era, including this little gem.
5- "Dance Yrself Clean" by LCD Soundsystem I am admittedly late to the game on a lot of awesome things. Case in point: I just started watching Arrested Development this week. Unfortunately, LCD Soundsystem is one of those things I was too late for. I first heard this song after a friend showed me the video here. I loved the video (check it out on the right), and loved the song. It has since had a couple of good summer memories attached to it, hence its inclusion here.
According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.
John Paul George Ringo Mix
EDITOR'S NOTE: The write up below is taken from a gift for a twelve-year-old who was just discovering the Beatles. It was intended to expand their knowledge of the band, their music, and guide them to other classic bands. It is for that reason that the voice presented in this article differs from the norm here at the What.
This is a mix of songs by the Beatles, both as a band and as solo artists after the band broke up in 1970. You’ll notice that musicians like Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, and others performed a lot with the Bealtes after they broke up. What a lot of people don’t know is that many of those musicians played with the Beatles before they broke up too. This list will have plenty more fun facts like that to accompany the great music that the Beatles made. Enjoy!
1. Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite – The Beatles (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)
John Lennon wrote this song mostly on his own, although he did find a little help from his friend Paul. The song is based on an antique poster advertising a circus that Lennon bought while filming a promotional video for “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Eddie Izzard performed a funny version of the song for the movie Across the Universe.
2. My Sweet Lord – George Harrison (All Things Must Pass)
George Harrison performed this song for his first solo album, which came out right as the Beatles were breaking up. Harrison wrote the song for Billy Preston (a keyboardist who played with the Beatles at their last concert) to use. Harrison was sued over this song because it sounded too similar to a song by the Chiffons called “He’s So Fine.”
3. It Don’t Come Easy – Ringo Starr (Single)
This song was Ringo’s first single after the break up of the Beatles, and it was actually written about the break up. George Harrison co-wrote the song with Starr and played guitar on the track. Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills, and Nash also played guitar for this recording.
4. Band on the Run – Paul McCartney & Wings (Band on the Run)
Paul McCartney wrote this song with his wife, Linda. It’s about a band being imprisoned and then escaping. A really cool cover version of this song was done by the Foo Fighters in 2007.
According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.
May Fiesta Mix
From time to time I tend to enjoy listening to music in other languages. While I have a fair amount of French, German, and Portuguese music, Spanish takes the cake. With tunes from all over the world, this mix is ideal for a late-spring fiesta. I also enjoy giving it a spin when preparing a Mexican meal.
1- "Canción del Mariachi " by Bandidos de Amor
I first heard this song in the intro of the Robert Rodriguez movie Desperado. Of course, it's Antonio Banderas singing that version of the song. Either way works, and any song that mentions tequila is alright in my book. Or magazine.
2- "I've Got No Strings" by the Gipsy Kings
Yes, this is the song from Pinocchio. This is a track off of the wonderful Simply Mad About the Mouse album (well worth buying). The spin that the Kings put on it is way beyond cool and takes an old Disney classic and morphs it into something wonderful.
3- "Guajira Guantanamera" by Celia Cruz
A number of artists have recorded versions of this song over the years, but to me, nobody does it like Celia Cruz. Oddly enough, this song reminds me of working at Disney World more than the previous one, as we used to sing it while closing down for the night.
4- "Armada Latina" by Cypress Hill, Pitbull, Marc Anthony, and Stephen Stills
This song is fun. There's really no other way to say it. Sampling the fourth section of Crosby, Stills, and Nash's "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" was a stroke of genius. Combine that with smooth verses from Cypress Hill and Pitbull and Anthony's vocals, which are always better in Spanish, and you have a winner.
According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.
April Showers Mix
As the old saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers." All talk about pilgrims aside, that saying certainly has described this past month. April has saturated us with a number of rain storms, including the thunderstorm that is making me second-guess sitting at a computer right now. But I could not let a little bit of rain get in the way of providing you with the April Showers, the ideal mix for a rainy day.
1- "The Rain" (Supa Dupa Fly) by Missy Elliot Well, this is the obvious choice to begin with, is it not? This super slick track is a rainy day standard, and my choice to lead the charge on this rainy day. However, if the rain is not your thing...
2- "No Rain" by Blind Melon Again, a pretty obvious inclusion to the April Showers mix. This song evokes images of a sunny day, helping you picture the exact opposite weather to what is actually happening outside of your window.
3- "Feeling Good" by Muse This cover is one of my favorites to rock on a rainy day. Something about the distortion used on the synths and guitars just seems to compliment the drops pelting my window.
4- "Is Anybody Home? (LIVE)" by Our Lady Peace I have always enjoyed this song, but this particular version from a Y100 Sonic Sessions CD really stands out. The vocalist of this and the previous song sound just similar enough to let these tracks flow together.
According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.
March Forth Mix
Every once and awhile, I throw together a mix that hits it just right. Realizing this, I may attempt to put out a monthly mix, inspired in part by Philadelphia Filmmaker Francis X. Friel, who still sends out actual mix tapes in the mail. Our first attempt at a monthly mix will be March Forth, a mix that begins with a welcome, gets deep and even a little insane before culminating with the end of the world. 1- "Welcome" by Dollabin Dollabin, the super smooth collaboration between noted crated diggers DJ Ian Head and Verbal Math, should be on everyone's radar. With a sweet laid back loop backing Verb's sly rhymes, "Welcome" is not only a fantastic example of Dollabin's work, but a great way to welcome you to the mix.
2- "Mine Is Yours" by Cold War Kids (Passion Pit Remix) This track is the ultimate indiegasm for people who care about that sort of thing. Passion Pit takes a pretty decent song from the Cold War Kids and pimps it out in a synthesized way that only they can. I feel like this song would not be out of place in 1987, and I'm okay with that.
3- "I Need A Lover" by John Cougar Mellencamp If you can't relate to this song, you either have not lived or you are just very lucky. After a lengthy intro, John "Don't call me Cougar" Mellencamp launches into a song about wanting a lover that won't drive him crazy. Amen brother.
4- "It Ain't Over Till It's Over" by Lenny Kravitz This song found its way back into my life through Wawa. As I was getting a sandwich for lunch, this song came on, and everyone in the store started grooving. It was fantastic. Heads were bobbing, people young and old were singing along, it was borderline Gleeky (just without the cheese). Regardless, ever since that day, I have not been able to stop playing this track.
5- "Take Me Home Tonight" by Eddie Money & Ronnie Spector Oh yeah, it's about to get real. We jump back to the 80's for this song that, to be honest, wouldn't have made it in any other decade. Just try to play this song without singing along or seriously shredding away on air guitar, I dare you. They should really play this at every bar around 12:30, it's perfect.
6- "Dance Yrself Clean" by LCD Soundsystem I was admittedly late on discovering this song, which was sent to me as a video featuring some amateur Muppets. This is one of many times in which being a Muppet fanatic has worked in my favor because this song is fantastic. The slow build up to a banging party beat is done impeccably here. Check out the video here:
According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.
MMP vs. BBG vs. JRK Mix
Over the past year I have been invited to and attended a few MMP or MMP vs. BBG parties. I have to admit, they're a lot of fun. MMP of course is Madonna, Michael, and Prince whereas BBG typically refers to Beyonce, Britney, and Gaga. Often, these parties are touted as "guilty pleasures." But I say, why feel guilty about pleasure? And why limit yourself to just six artists? So, were I a DJ, I'd expand this party to include JRK (Jay-Z, RIhanna, Kanye) and add Matt & Kim and Passion Pit to the MMP, and finally, replace Britney with Biggie.
Now, I will stray a bit from our typical Mixtape Madness format for this mix. For one, I did not limit myself to the length of a tape or CD. This is a party mix that deserves a little more time. Plus, I am now the proud owner of a sweet iPod stereo system so look for longer mixes in the future as well. Secondly, seeing as this mix is quite long, I won't be explaining each song and its position, just a few here and there. With that being said, get ready to shake it to the What's MMP vs. BBG vs. JRK mix!
"Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
"The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson - To this day, one of my all-time favorite songs.
"Ray of Light" by Madonna
"Hypnotize" by the Notorious B.I.G.
"Beware of the Boys" by Jay-Z and Panjabi MC
"Gold Digger" by Kanye West and Jamie Foxx
"Sleepyhead" by Passion Pit - If you ever have the chance to see these guys live, do it. It's an amazing concert experience.
"Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare" by Matt & Kim - See #7.
"Single Ladies" by Beyonce
"Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson
"Hung Up" by Madonna - Thanks to Abba, Madonna's only decent song in years.
"Little Secrets" by Passion Pit
"Daylight" by Matt & Kim
"99 Problems" by Jay-Z
"Number One" by John Legend & Kanye West - Kanye's verse on this song is hysterical.
"Vogue" by Madonna
"Naughty Girl" by Beyonce
"Run This Town" by Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West - Had to include this one with the entire JRK represented.
"Please Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna - I love the nod to MJ in this track.
"Shake Your Body" by the Jacksons - There are few songs I'd rather hear at a party than this one.
According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.
The Dinner Party Mix
There are few things more enjoyable in life than good company, a delicious meal, and the right selection of music to accompany it. While almost any Steely Dan album or the soundtrack from An Education usually fit the bill just fine, sometimes it's nice to liven things up with a little variety. In this particular mix, we try to mix together some of the classics with a few more modern tunes to deliver a classy and eclectic mix to accompany your dinner party.
1- “Scenic World" by Beirut
"Scenic World" opens with such a deep, rich sound it immediately strikes the listener as unique while still conveying a certain feeling of comfort and relaxation. This is one of the more modern songs on the mix, but it still manages to hold its own with some of the standards we'll hear later on.
2- “Red Rabbits" by the Shins
After the Shins exploded with the release of the Garden State soundtrack, I really enjoyed listening to them. For whatever reason, I did not come across this song until a couple of years later. The depth and vibrancy of "Red Rabbits" picks up right where "Scenic World" left off, and should fit in well as you and your guests finish off your appetizers.
3- “Sweet Nothins" by Brenda Lee
Just as your clearing the appetizers and making way for the main course, this fun little song pops up. I rediscovered this song after seeing An Education, and it fits well with the rest of the mix. It's a bit more upbeat than the first two songs, and it will certainly lighten the mood and pep up the conversation at the dinner table.
4- “The Only Living Boy In New York" by Simon & Garfunkel
Although we just brought the tempo up on the last song, we tone it back down a notch with this mellow tune from Simon & Garfunkel. This will help lower the noise level as you serve the main course while providing a little background music as you and your guests put the conversation on hold to sample the meal.
Listen to this song and try and tell me there is a hipper, more swinging tune than this one. This song brings the tempo up without really raising the volume, and will most likely be a hit amongst your friends who are jumping into the 1960's craze caused by Mad Men.
6- “Volare" by Dean Martin
It would not be a dinner party without Dean Martin, and this is Dean Martin at his best. Your guests will be tapping their toes to this crooner's smooth melodies as they chomp down on the meal you prepared. This is especially good if you cooked an Italian meal.
7- “Backyard" by Guster
After a couple of classics, we're going to bring it back to a more modern feel with this song from Guster. Again, we bring the tempo up a bit, this time with a slight increase in volume. This song will flow nicely with the progression of the meal, the conversation, and the party as a whole.
8- “For Once In My Life" by Harry Connick, Jr.
"For Once In My Life" is such a happy, fun, and lovely little tune. It has that classic big band and crooner sound, yet is still technically modern as it was released in 2004. Fun Fact: Harry is halfway to his EGOT with three Grammy awards and one Emmy.
9- “I've Got You Under My Skin" by Frank Sinatra & Bono
Here's another song that bridges the gap between today's music and the classics. Bono's voice compliments the Chairman's surprisingly well, and this song is probably one of the best from Sinatra's many duets.
10- “Fall To Pieces" by Patsy Cline
Out of everything on this mix, this is one of maybe two songs that doesn't quite fit with the rest. I felt the need to include it because Patsy Cline has a fantastic voice, and this particular song provides a good example. It's also closer to a ballad, having a little less twang than a lot of her other songs, making it a good fit for your dinner party and adding to the eclectic nature of your music selection.
11- “Both Hands" by Ani DiFranco
This mix truly has a little bit of everything on it. "Both Hands" is a simple, yet amazingly beautiful, song that should come up right as dinner is ending. As you retire to the living room or bring out dessert, your guests will be sure to ask you about this acoustic performance so they can download it as soon as they get home.
12- “Everlong" by the Foo Fighters (Skin & Bones acoustic version)
"Everlong" is one of the greatest songs ever written. If you don't agree, it doesn't matter. Bob Dylan does. Dylan asked Dave Grohl to show him how to play "Everlong" so that Dylan could play it on tour. All of that aside, it truly is a beautiful song, and this acoustic version will fit right in with the rest of the tunes on your Dinner Party mix.
13- “C'est Si Bon" by Eartha Kitt
What better to accompany dessert than the sultry purr of Eartha Kitt (in French no less)? Well, I couldn't think of anything either, and hence this fun little classic makes its way onto the mix. Fun Fact: Eartha Kitt provided the voice for the villain Yzma in one of the best Disney movies, The Emperor's New Groove.
14- “Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darin
Whether they know it or not, everyone loves this song. It serves as the perfect bridge between the last and next songs, creating the ideal atmosphere for coffee and conversation after dinner.
15- “The Bare Necessities" by Harry Connick, Jr.
Many of the Disney movies of the 1960's and 70's had a jazzy feel to them and were crying out for a big band cover. Leave it to Mr. Connick to give us just that. This is how "The Bare Necessities" was meant to be performed.
16- “Feeling Good" by Nina Simone
How will your guests feel after a marvelous meal and delicious dessert? They'll be feeling good. So when Nina Simone belts out these awesome lyrics, you're guests will know exactly how she feels.
17- “Wouldn't It Be Nice" by the Beach Boys
Like "Fall To Pieces," this doesn't exactly sound like the rest of the music on this mix, but like "Beyond the Sea," everyone likes this song whether they realize it or not. Everyone can empathize with this song on some level, and it's sure to leave smiles on your guests' faces.
18- “Sunday Kind of Love" by Etta James
With so many amazing singers represented, it would be remiss to forget Etta James. As much as I love "At Last," I feel like "Sunday Kind Of Love" fits the bill much better here while still displaying Etta's impressive pipes.
19- “Volare" by Ximena Sariñana
This song is optional, but let me explain while I include it. First of all, "Volare" is a fantastic song when sung well, as it is here. Secondly, almost everyone who has listened to it with me instantly imitates Ximena's voice, leading to a comedic note to end the mix on.
Once this mix ends, if the party continues, pop in some Benny Goodman or Glen Miller. You could also opt for one of the albums mentioned at the beginning of the article. Either way, enjoy your meal and enjoy the Dinner Party mix!
According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.
2010 Soundtrack of Summer
Each year toward the end of April/beginning of May I find myself yearning for summer weather and its associated activities. It is at about that time that I begin work on the 120 minutes of music that will define the season. Following is the track list for this year’s soundtrack of summer, an ideal mix to play at your summer kick-off bash.
1- “Rastaman Chant” by Bob Marley and the Wailers
This song is the opening track off of a live Wailers CD I picked up at a Starbucks. A British gent introduces the band, and after some applause, the drums bring you into a perfectly chill groove. This song is ideal for summer activities such as drinking a rum-based drink near a body of water or driving nice and slow down the street hoping to catch the eye of the cute guy or gal sitting on their front stoop.
2- “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” by Crosby, Stills and Nash
I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that after years of enjoying CSN (even seeing them live once) that I never noticed the final part of this suite was in Spanish. For those who are not aware, a suite is a piece of music broken into several smaller parts. This four part song details the break up of Stephen Stills and his girlfriend at the time. The acoustic guitar and classic CSN harmonies make this a great song to play at a BBQ, especially when followed by this next song.
3- “Armada Latina” by Cypress Hill featuring Marc Anthony, Pitbull, and Stephen Stills
After the previous song builds towards its Spanish finale for six and a half minutes, this song continues where it left off. With Stephen Stills playing guitar and providing backing vocals, Marc Anthony singing the chorus, and Pitbull adding a verse, Cypress Hill may have created the perfect summer song. The percussion really adds to the summertime feel of the tune and Anthony is doing what he does best, singing in Spanish. If you can picture yourself poolside downing Coronas and/or tequila when this song comes on, you must be a winter person.
4- “Stunned Out” by Paula DeAnda featuring Young Joc
While I am not a big fan of people trying to bring back the eighties, I do really enjoy this song, which practically samples the entire decade. This is the type of summer jam that conjures images of a bunch of people dancing on a deck somewhere. It’s a fantastic party song that is sure to be enjoyed openly by the ladies at your fete, and secretly by the lads.
5- “Bedrock” by Lil Wayne and Young Money
Guys, before you pass judgment on this song you need to realize it combines two things you probably love: sex and video games. The lyrics are all about promising the lady in your life an evening she’ll never forget. Now, listen to the beat and tell me it wasn’t made with Mario Paint! This song was made to play toward the end of a party so you can remind your significant other what they’re in for once the party’s over.
6- “I Want You” by Savage Garden
I promise you that if you play this mix at your party this summer, the party will be remembered as epic and a lot of the reason for that is this song. This mix has been constantly spinning in my car for over a month now and every passenger falls in love with this song. The song delivers a simple message in a complex way, which is to say the singer pretty much rattles off a bunch of nonsense, including something about Cherry Cola, all to say that he wants you. This is a fantastic tune for any summer dance party.
7- “Little Secrets” by Passion Pit
This song has a fantastic beat and high-pitched singing, what else could you need? Besides being a great dance song, this song will help bring your party together. Your party-hardy friends are already on the floor at this point, and this song will keep them there as your hipster friends join in. This is the song that throws your party into full swing.
8- “Ambling Alp” by Yeasayer
The bubbly noises that kick this song off will remind everyone to rehydrate, and then thirty seconds later the synths and drums show up and reinvigorate the dance floor. Aside from keeping your party going, this song has a good message about looking out for number one and is the perfect catalyst to shedding those cold-weather blues away.
9- “Audience” by Cold War Kids
I must admit that the dance party will wane a bit when this song comes on, but don’t worry, it’ll pick up again in about three minutes. In the meantime, this awesome song will allow for some conversation, giving people a chance to get to know each other a bit more. So while this doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of a summer dance party, it’s a catchy song that will have people trying to sing along by the time it fades to the end.
10- “The Opposite of Adults” by Chiddy Bang
With a sample of MGMT’s “Kids,” this tune is going to send your party into the next gear. Pay careful attention to the lyrics when these two Philly boys slam suburban schlub Asher Roth and his terrible song about college. The kicking beat and fantastic rhymes in this song will make it a winner amongst your friends, who will all be amazed by your ability to find the best songs ever. For the record, this is another great song to rock out to while driving slowly and showing off your indie cred.
11- “Bullet Proof” by La Roux
Once this song plays, you will have a full-fledged dancing party that will not end. This is a fantastic dance groove guaranteed to get your guests singing and dancing their butts off, and really, isn’t that the goal of this party?
12- “California Girls” by Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg
Like “Bullet Proof,” this is a hot club song right now that will serve as the musical fuel to power the fire that is your party. Seriously, take a listen and close your eyes, I know you can picture people in swimsuits dancing and singing along to this. Unless of course you are the aforementioned winter person, and should that be the case, I’ll have plenty of those mixes for you in about six months.
13- “Giving Up the Gun” by Vampire Weekend
I realize that not everyone is into the type of music in the last two songs, so this should appease them. It’s another great tune that will bridge the gap between your guests’ varied tastes in music. The echoey vocals conjure up visions of summers past, and in the future when this song comes on, your guests will think of you and your awesome party.
14- “Lollipop” by Mika
Flamboyant vocalist? Check. References to candy? Check. Thinly veiled sexual innuendo? Check. Sing-along chorus and a booty-shaking beat? Check. I really don’t know what else needs to be said about this song.
15- “Kiss, Boy” by Kate Nash
Every dance party needs a song with a decent brass section, and here’s yours. At this point, you’re an hour into the party and people are having so much fun, that you just may get the kiss that Kate sings about wanting.
16- “Lay Me Down” by the Dirty Heads featuring Rome
Normally, this song wouldn’t really be one for dancing. But at this point in your fiesta, it will do the trick. Besides, no summer mix is complete without Sublime, or in this case, a Sublimesque song featuring their new singer. Also, if you’re talented like that, this wouldn’t be a bad song to play on the boardwalk with an acoustic guitar and your stoner friend playing his djembe.
17- “Sweet Dogs” by Trolle//Siebenhaar
This sweet, relaxing song is a carried by a simple, yet kicking drum beat. Likewise, it’ll carry your party along nicely, allowing your guests to slow down and dance a little closer without a vibe-killing slow jam being brought into the mix. Plus, it will add another point to your indie cred scoreboard, if that’s your thing.
18- “Story of My Life” by Social Distortion
I heard recently that people either love or hate Social D with little middle ground. Despite that, the guitar riffs in this song have the summery vibe necessary to carry this mix onto its coda.
19- “Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel
This could be a regional thing, but I’m pretty sure everyone loves Billy Joel. This tune is all about a guy convincing a girl to get frisky with him, and let’s face it, half of your guests are doing the same thing. Impure intentions aside, this song is a fun way to cap off the summer mix.
Now that the mix is over, pop on any local radio station that broadcasts a DJ set from a club, and that will carry your party well into the night. Feel free to leave suggestions for other themed mixes in the comment box. Until next time, that’s your Mixtape Madness.
