Okay, so this is sort of belated, but I was just curious. It was my first time to tackle anything like that. My hope is that those who listened actually listened to the songs in order instead of just ripping the good songs and adding them to their iPods or whatever, because I tried to make the mixes themselves good. I still have a few of these laying around, so if someone wants me to mail them one, free of charge, just drop me a PM and I'll do it. Financially, I'm searching for pennies under couches under chairs right now, so I can't send right away, but you'll eventually get one if you want one.

 

Here's the track list, just as a reminder:

 

PREPARE TO BE AMAZED

Madonna - What It Feels Like For A Girl (Paul Oakenfield Remix) (7:17)

Mirwais - Disco Science (3:31)

Fatboy Slim - Right Here Right Now (6:28)

Primitive Radio Gods - Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth (4:32)

Moby - Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? (4:24)

Portishead - Over (4:12)

Shakespeare's Sister - Stay (3:50)

Fantomas - Fire Walk With Me (3:29)

Portishead - Glory Box (Remix) (5:30)

U2 - Numb (4:20)

Prince - Automatic (9:28)

Siouxsie & The Banshees - Cities In Dust (4:07)

Evanescence - Anything For You (3:25)

Garbage - #1 Crush (4:48)

Moody Blues - Knights In White Satin (7:38)

 

CATCHY TURNS TO ANGSTY

Bjork - It's Oh So Quiet (3:38)

Portishead - Only You (5:20)

Peggy Lee - Fever (3:17)

Brian Setzer & Gwen Stefani - You're The Boss (3:43)

Squirrel Nut Zippers - Hell (3:13)

US3 - Cantaloop (4:39)

No Doubt - Bathwater (4:02)

Fiona Apple - On The Bound (5:23)

Hooverphonic - 2 Wicky (4:45)

Prince and the Revolution - Kiss (3:46)

Lenny Kravitz - Lady (4:15)

Joan Jett - I Hate Myself For Loving You (4:07)

The Deftones - Change In The House Of Flies (4:59)

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Head Up High (5:38)

 

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

TLC - Silly Ho (4:15)

Janet Jackson & Missy Elliott - Son Of A Gun (4:16)

George Clinton - Atomic Dog (9:58)

Rufus feat. Chaka Khan - Tell Me Something Good (3:28)

Ohio Players - Love Rollercoaster (4:50)

Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart (3:56)

Beck - Devil's Haircut (3:14)

REM - Stand (3:12)

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Miles Away (2:17)

Southern Culture On The Skids - Camel Walk (2:34)

Frank Zappa & Moon Unit - Valley Girl (3:51)

B52's - Rock Lobster (6:48)

Outkast - Roses (6:09)

The Cure - Let's Go To Bed (3:34)

David Bowie - Fame (4:14)

 

POP GOES THE CHARLES

Bjork - Human Behavior (4:10)

Portishead - Sour Times (4:13)

Marilyn Manson - Golden Years (3:46)

Tom Tom Club - Genius Of Love (5:34)

Sparks - Angst In My Pants (3:35)

Postal Service - Such Great Heights (4:28)

Clinic - Walking With Thee (2:37)

Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out (3:57)

Bloodhound Gang - Lift Your Head Up High And Blow Your Brains Out (4:58)

U2 - Bullet the Blue Sky (4:32)

Soul Coughing - Super Bon Bon (3:32)

Arrested Development - Tennessee (4:32)

Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood (5:55)

DDT - Vogue (4:48)

Sonic Youth - Into The Groovey (4:36)

Tricky - Ponderosa (3:30)

Frou Frou - Breathe In (4:37)

Cibo Matto - Clouds (3:27)

 

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Red Eyes And Tears (4:00)

Foo Fighters - Baker St (5:28)

Tricky - Vent (3:05)

Nine Inch Nails - The Day The World Went Away (4:33)

Switchblade Symphony - Dirty Dog (4:22)

Portishead - Mysterons (5:06)

Led Zeppelin - All My Love (5:51)

Prince and the New Power Generation - Money Don't Matter 2Night (4:47)

Thievery Corporation - Lebanese Blonde (4:41)

The Smiths - How Soon Is Now (6:46)

Gene Loves Jezebel - Desire (3:13)

Information Society - Are Friends Electric? (5:38)

New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle (6:44)

Smashing Pumpkins - Ava Adore (4:21)

The Cure - Never Enough (4:28)

Dr & The Medics - Spirit In The Sky (3:28)

Bjork & PJ Harvey - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction (3:47)

 

ON THE BRINK OF EXCELLENCE

The Zombies - Time of the Season (3:33)

The Cure - Just Like Heaven (3:32)

Kate Bush - Hello Earth (6:13)

Stevie Nicks - Stand Back (4:56)

Tori Amos - Precious Things (4:27)

Pearl Jam - Do The Evolution (3:53)

Stone Temple Pilots - Sex Type Thing (3:38)

Smashing Pumpkins - The Everlasting Gaze (4:01)

Stabbing Westward - Save Yourself (4:12)

Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus (4:56)

David Bowie - New Killer Star (4:40)

Ben Folds Five - Song For The Dumped (3:39)

U2 - New Year's Day (5:35)

REM - The One I Love (3:17)

The Police - King of Pain (4:59)

Beck - Hotwax (3:49)

Queen - I Want To Break Free (4:23)

 

TAKE IT DOWN A NOTCH

Basement Jaxx - Where's Your Head At? (4:43)

Real Life - Send Me An Angel (3:51)

Madonna - Swim (5:00)

Tori Amos - Blue Skies (5:04)

Massive Attack - Teardrop (5:24)

Mazzy Star - Fade Into You (4:55)

Tricky - Overcome (4:30)

Portishead - Glory Box (5:05)

UNKLE - Rabbit In Your Headlights (6:20)

Nancy Sinatra - Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) (2:39)

Portishead - Roads (5:05)

Pigeonhed - The Full Sentence (6:48)

Bjork - All Is Full Of Love (Stigmata Soundtrack Remix) (4:47)

Prince and the Revolution - When Doves Cry (5:54)

 

NIGHT WITH A CHOCOLATE COVERED DOMINATRIX

Aphex Twin - Come To Daddy (4:19)

Marilyn Manson - The Dope Show (3:46)

Nine Inch Nails - Get Down Make Love (4:17)

Bjork - Enjoy (3:56)

Nine Inch Nails - Closer (6:13)

Marilyn Manson - Tainted Love (3:18)

K's Choice - Not An Addict (4:48)

Metallica - Fade To Black (6:55)

Vast - Touched (3:58)

U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday (4:40)

Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter (4:36)

Prince and the Revolution - The Beautiful Ones (5:14)

Sarah McLachlan - Possession (Piano Version) (3:56)

Radiohead - How To Disappear Completely (5:56)

 

MELTS IN YOUR HEART NOT IN YOUR HAND

Polyphonic Spree - Have A Day/Celebratory (4:38)

John Lennon - Instant Karma (3:21)

Radiohead - Karma Police (4:21)

Led Zeppelin - Kashmir (8:32)

The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony (5:56)

Moby - Porcelain (4:01)

Coldplay - Clocks (5:06)

Tori Amos - Winter (5:42)

Aimee Mann - Wise Up (3:33)

Counting Crows - Colorblind (3:24)

Annie Lennox - Here Comes The Rain Again (VH1 Storytellers) (3:54)

Tori Amos - Enjoy The Silence (4:08)

Dead Can Dance - The Host Of Seraphim (6:20)

Black Tape For A Blue Girl - Wings Tattered Fallen (6:25)

Aphex Twin - Rhubarb (7:44)

 

TURKEY SANDWICHES AND OTHER LEFTOVERS

Elastica - Connection (2:20)

Suzanne Vega - Tom's Diner (3:48)

Evanescence - Thoughtless (4:37)

Chemical Brothers - Setting Sun (5:22)

Modest Mouse - Float On (3:29)

White Town - Your Woman (4:19)

Malcolm McLaren - About Her (4:49)

Batmobile - Mission Impossible (2:48)

Kate Bush - Under Ice (2:21)

Tricky - Ponderosa (3:30)

Stone Temple Pilots - Dancing Days (3:56)

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (3:11)

For the bands I like, I think you picked the wrong songs. For the bands I don't like, I wouldn't like those songs anyway.

Thanks for nothing.

 

Besides, the whole point of this is more to make a great mix than provide a list of really awesome songs (sort of the difference between a bunch of great singles and a great album). There are songs here that are not my favorites from those involved either (U2, The Smiths, Led Zeppelin and The Cure are the first ones to pop out), but they fit well in the place where they are, or at least I like to think they do.

I think they reflect an interesting and diverse slice of music, with artists not everyone might have heard of combined with lesser known songs from famous bands.

Thanks for nothing.

 

Besides, the whole point of this is more to make a great mix than provide a list of really awesome songs (sort of the difference between a bunch of great singles and a great album). There are songs here that are not my favorites from those involved either (U2, The Smiths, Led Zeppelin and The Cure are the first ones to pop out), but they fit well in the place where they are, or at least I like to think they do.

Ok, then you'll have to elaborate with what you were going for. Is it just to make the sounds from the end of one song blend seamlessly with the beginning og another? Is it because, in your mind, there is a common theme in the lyrics that unites them? Is it because each song you chose is relevant to your own life that might not hold the same meaning for others? Is it all of the above? Just listing a bunch of songs and not elaborating on what they mean or why you put them in that order is just as bad as my post "of nothing".

 

I'll elaborate on specific song combinations when I get a break.

Here's something I wrote for a few friends a while back. Maybe this will help out.

 

PREPARE TO BE AMAZED

1. Madonna - What It Feels Like For A Girl (Paul Oakenfold Remix)

2. Mirwais - Disco Science

3. Fatboy Slim - Right Here Right Now

 

*I wanted to start the first CD off with a bang and hook you in right from the get-go. Those who aren't fans of dance or techno music will most likely not care much for this set, but you can hold your horses if that applies to you, because you'll find something that appeals to you later. The Oakenfold version of the Madonna song (the same version used in the video) is one of the better dance songs of the last few years as far as I'm concerned. I segue into "Disco Science" because it's Madonna's producer and I wanted to follow with something he's did on his own that has a similar, yet distinctive sound. This is kind of the "get up off yo' ass" portion of the mix.

 

4. Primitive Radio Gods - Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth

5. Moby - Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad

6. Portishead - Over

 

*You can't really dance to these songs, but you can certainly groove to them. These three show a little more emotion than the opening numbers and maintain the energy while adding a little more substance to the style. A prelude of things to come, if you will.

 

7. Shakespeare's Sister - Stay

8. Fantomas - Fire Walk With Me

 

*These songs sounded perfect back to back. They both start soft and build to something drastically different, so they're sonically similar. They also blend well with the rest of the folder.

 

9. Portishead - Glory Box (Remix)

 

*Too awesome not to be included somewhere. The original version of this song is elsewhere on the CD and works just as well in that part too. I guess that's the makings of a great song, as I'll explain more later -- it plays well at any speed with any style and still creates a connection with the listener. I think people who haven't heard this before will be hooked.

 

10. U2 - Numb

 

*"Dude, this is U2?" Many of you have probably heard this song, but if you haven't, it'll freak you out because it sounds so different than their usual save-the-world melodrama and Bono's spirited vocals are replaced with calm spoken word from The Edge, with Bono chiming in now and again with some distinctive falsetto.

 

11. Prince - Automatic

12. Siouxsie & The Banshees - Cities In Dust

 

*Two totally different songs that complement each other quite well back-to-back. Both are overlooked and underrated pieces from the 80s. Siouxsie's voice is quite amazing. The first few minutes of "Automatic" are underwhelming, but don't lose patience -- the song is worth hearing for the last five minutes or so, which is an amazing one-man jam session that showed the genius Prince once had. It clocks in long, like many songs I chose.

 

13. Evanescence - Anything For You

 

*This is more of a sentimental pick than anything. Honestly, I've soured on Evanescence since their national exposure. I was very excited when I saw them live in December of 2001 and heard Origin, but I think in many ways, they've turned into kind of a generic cookie-cutter band since making it big, and they have yet to have a good live, televised performance, leading many to believe they're all smoke and mirrors, which simply isn't true. This song was a woodpile demo that was given to the label for Fallen, which was promptly rejected because Wind-Up didn't want Evanescence's music being played in clubs, and they thought it was too dancy. I think it's a good reminder of what the group could be if they were allowed to take the gloves off, and it gives me hope that one day, Amy Lee will diversify her writing style. You can only write about being "lost", "haunted" and "in the dark" so many times before you turn into a self parody.

 

14. Garbage - #1 Crush

 

*Is this the sexiest song ever?

 

15. Moody Blues - Knights In White Satin

 

*Or is this? Sadly, no radio edit exists of this song, which is sad, because it would greatly benefit from one. Listen to the first five minutes or so and skip ahead to the next disc. I won't be offended.

 

Now, for folder number two ...

 

CATCHY TURNS TO ANGSTY

1. Bjork - It's Oh So Quiet

2. Portishead - Only You

3. Peggy Lee - Fever

4. Brian Setzer & Gwen Stefani - You're The Boss

5. Squirrel Nut Zippers - Hell

 

*How can you have fun without a little swing music? Well, I suppose it's possible, but jumpin', jivin' and wailin' has never rained on anyone's parade to my knowledge. This isn't all swing in the traditional sense, but it's all good rock with strong jazz/swing influence. It sounded great together. I would have included some true period stuff, but:

 

(a) I don't know of any.

( I didn't want this whole thing to be any more intimidating than it already is.

 

6. US3 - Cantaloop

*Fun little ditty, even if it's not about Jack and Diane. It was a nice transition out of the horn-inspired music exhibited in the first five tracks, and also segued nicely into ...

 

7. Fiona Apple - On The Bound

 

*Fiona is amazing. Her acceptance speech at the '97 MTV VMAs was a tad hypocritical, and her worship of Maya Angelou is almost nauseating at times, but she can sure sing, and that's what's important. This is the best song I've heard from her, and I've never heard a song from her I haven't liked except "Fast As You Can".

 

8. Hooverphonic - 2 Wicky

9. Prince and the Revolution - Kiss

10. Lenny Kravitz - Lady

 

*"2 Wicky", sonically, is kind of a lost classic that is up there with most Portishead and Massive Attack material in terms of good songs within that genre. The vocals are a little more distant than Beth Gibbons' warm and inviting singing style, but it works in this context. "Kiss" is a modern classic and one of the most brilliant pop songs in history. "Lady" is a new Lenny song that I'm falling in love with. The key to Lenny Liking is to keep your radio off at all times, as they have a tendency to ruin all of his songs through overexposure.

 

11. Joan Jett - I Hate Myself For Loving You

 

*Need I say more? A fun song that I forgot existed until a local drag queen dragged it out of mothballs for a performance I happened to catch. I don't know why I went so many years without listening to it. I hate myself for ignoring you, Joan.

 

12. The Deftones - Change In The House Of Flies

13. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Head Up High

 

*The Deftones song is probably my favorite song by them, with "Minerva" coming in a close second. It's haunting and brilliant, and makes for great background music at Halloween parties and Hot Topic shopping sprees. BRMC is a group I'm slowly falling in love with. "Head Up High" is kind of an alterno-dream pop, Radiohead-wannabe song, but I mean that in the best way possible. It's better than just about anything getting tons of mainstream love right now. It's also a fitting closing to this folder.

 

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

1. TLC - Silly Ho

2. Janet Jackson & Missy Elliott - Son Of A Gun

 

*I hereby reserve the right to be as ghetto fabulous as I choose to be. These songs will make you want to go out, drink far too much and have to call a cab to get home. But, please do call a cab. I am not to be held responsible for the side effects these songs may cause. Ass shakin' can be dangerous.

 

3. George Clinton - Atomic Dog

4. Rufus feat. Chaka Khan - Tell Me Something Good

5. Ohio Players - Love Rollercoaster

 

*We start with some more modern stuff, and then we kick it back to the old skool because we remember our roots and we love fun funk. Chaka can wail like nobody. Don't believe her when she tells you she feels for you in a half-hearted Prince cover from 1984. Hang on her every word when she requests that you tell her that you love her here. The disclaimer to songs #1 and #2 also applies here.

 

6. Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart

 

*You've heard the old and the new, now hear something out of the middle. Pop was kinda bland and boring when this song came out, and, if only for three-and-a-half minutes, the norm was temporarily challenged. Enjoy this one. You possibly know it by (groove is in the) heart!

 

7. Beck - Devil's Haircut

 

*I'm sure there's some deep subtext just waiting to be explored in many of Beck's lyrics, but while you're trying to decipher them, I'll just wallow in the endless groove provided and ignore the fact that the lyrics make no sense. Odelay is one of the best albums of the post-grunge era. If you're into that funky-alternative, affected-rich-white-boy-with-shaggy-haircut shit, this is the album for you. Even if you're not, I'd still recommend it.

 

8. REM - Stand

 

*I'm probably the only person on the planet who loves this song so much, as REM is almost embarrassed by it at times. So, I'm now demanding that you love it too.

 

9. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Miles Away

 

*Sadly, this is the only song I've heard by them, and at 2:17, they didn't exactly drop in and take off their jackets, but they certainly whetted my appetite for more of their music.

 

10. Southern Culture On The Skids - Camel Walk

 

*Do the funky chicken and walk around in the privacy of your own living room while playing this song. You'll never view life, or yourself, in the same light again.

 

11. Frank Zappa & Moon Unit - Valley Girl

 

*Like, OMG, you SO have to hear this! Funny stuff, and a reminder that for all the good of the 80s, the bad was undeniably bad, since the phrase "gag me with a spoon" was a vocal fashion statement of sorts.

 

12. B52's - Rock Lobster

13. Outkast - Roses

 

*If music is a celebration, these songs are the biggest party on the block, from two bands who historically know how to have a great time.

 

14. The Cure - Let's Go To Bed

 

*Dark and seedy, all the while maintaining an irresistible beat. This song is a time capsule of sorts, as it sounds like a hedonistic confession trapped in a box, and to think, I've uncovered it after all these years. In the same way love is eternal, perhaps lust is too!

 

15. David Bowie - Fame

 

*A true classic, and a way to end the party CD on a hot note. Transcendant!

 

POP GOES THE CHARLES

1. Bjork - Human Behavior

2. Portishead - Sour Times

 

*These songs back-to-back make you wish Portishead and Bjork were one group. They could be called Bjhead and hit members of the paparazzi with used records previously spun on a turntable. Perverted musical fantasies aside, this is a great introduction for those of you looking for an introduction.

 

3. Marilyn Manson - Golden Years

 

*Don't worry, the Satan worshipping stops when he's doing other people's songs. It's safe to play this song around your children, your mother, your preacher and Pat Robertson even. They all love it just as much as you do, even if you haven't heard it. You can say the same for all the Marilyn songs on this little song orgy I've made, actually.

 

4. Tom Tom Club - Genius Of Love

 

*She's. In. Heaven. With her boyfriend. You should join here there. Don't believe Mariah Carey is an original if she ever tells you so, since "Fantasy" was total samplemania in terms of raping this song.

 

5. Sparks - Angst In My Pants

6. The Postal Service - Such Great Heights

 

*Over 20 years difference between the songs, but the sound is very much alike. Call this yet another exhibit that great music transcends time and doesn't age. Fun, new-waveish stuff you should be excited to own.

 

7. Clinic - Walking With Thee

 

*Random cool song alert!

 

8. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out

 

*Everything else I've heard by them isn't afraid to suck the meat missile, but this song is a satisfying little burst of energy that I have fears the band will never be able to replicate.

 

9. Bloodhound Gang - Lift Your Head Up High

 

*Don't play this song in front of Tipper Gore, whatever you do. Total tongue-in-cheek with horrifying lyrics and a peppy dance track.

 

10. U2 - Bullet The Blue Sky

 

*A lost great song from a not-lost-at-all great album in The Joshua Tree. Bono will have his moment(s) in the sun later, but this song, along with the U2 song in the first folder, are more of an opportunity for the band to show off than the lead singer, and they don't fail to disappoint.

 

11. Soul Coughing - Super Bon Bon

12. Arrested Development - Tennessee

13. Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood

 

*All three songs are kind of an alternative/funk hybrid with cool stuff going on as far as the ear can hear. Let the man go through to Tennessee. He just wants to meet Clint Eastwood after all!

 

14. DDT - Vogue

15. Ciccone Youth - Into The Groovey

 

*I love Madonna fans. I really do. I even consider myself quite the avid one. But this is going to be a big test for the more devout worshippers of the Material Girl, as you hear some rather twisted takes on two of her classic dance-pop anthems.

 

16. Tricky - Ponderosa

 

*Ah, Tricky. Ah, Maxinquaye album. Not a bad song to be found. I wish I could say the same for his current material. The female vocalist has this scratchy, intimate appeal that's hard to explain in words.

 

17. Frou Frou - Breathe In

18. Cibo Matto - Clouds

 

*#17 was a last-minute addition to the mix, and after hearing it once, I couldn't in good conscience not include it. It's too catchy, too optimistic and too happy to be forced to sit on the bench. "Clouds" is a nice companion, and a nice photo finish to this sprint of a mix. Cibo Matto represents everything wonderful in the world.

 

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

1. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Red Eyes And Tears

 

*More BRMC goodness. This is darker and grittier than the other song, and still quite good.

 

2. Foo Fighters - Baker St

 

*One of many awesome covers sent to me some time back by Bill, Dave Grohl & company manage to take a song by which I was never particularly inspired and turn it into a rockin' track. Covers can be cool like that, which is why I've included so many of them among all this.

 

3. Tricky - Vent

 

*This song is unique and won't be everyone's cup of Lipton, but it's chaotic and unstructured in the best way possible. Bordering on aleatory at times while somehow managing to maintain a perverse charm, I hope you'll like this one, but I don't think you will.

 

4. Nine Inch Nails - The Day The World Went Away

 

*Another song that doesn't really "fit" with anything else, but one I wanted to share. The difference in NIN between '88 and '99 is pretty drastic, and while this is a far cry from the better tracks on Pretty Hate Machine, I still think anyone who thinks Reznor has gone completely off his rocker should be required to listen to this song -- not just hear it, but truly listen to it.

 

5. Switchblade Symphony - Dirty Dog

6. Portishead - Mysterons

 

*Two more songs that have trouble "fitting" anything. Does the title of this folder make sense now? I hope so. Anyway, Switchblade Symphony is awesome and I wish I could have included more of their stuff, and "Mysterons" is probably Portishead's best song ever, from a group that is consistently primo.

 

7. Led Zeppelin - All My Love

 

*Awww, Robert Plant can croon. You know you like it. Orchestral, self-absorbed and longing ... three qualities that almost always ensure good music.

 

8. Prince and the New Power Generation - Money Don't Matter 2Night

 

*The last five-star outing from Prince, and a hidden gem trapped in the altering mediocrity and excellence of the Diamonds and Pearls album. Stripped down Philly soul never sounded so good. It's a little more reserved than your typical Prince song, and perhaps that's one of the reasons I like it so much. Less is often more.

 

9. Thievery Corporation - Lebanese Blonde

 

*One of many awesome songs from the Garden State soundtrack. Picture me as the old lady in the grocery store asking if you'd like a free sample of the new sausage links that are this album. I'm doing so hoping I can make a sale here.

 

10. The Smiths - How Soon Is Now

 

*My very favorite song of all time. I don't consider myself a goth kid, and I don't think anyone in their right mind really would, but this song has a special place in my heart. It doesn't need to rely on sentiment to be FUCKING GREAT though, and if you haven't heard it, hearing it here is as good a time as any. Fuck the intro to the show Charmed. Fuck T.A.T.U. In this case, stick with the original. This is the best advice you'll ever receive.

 

11. Gene Loves Jezebel - Desire

12. Information Society - Are Friends Electric?

13. New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle

 

*Hello, 80s synth pop awesomeness. I'm Charles and I paired you up with each other. Get mingled and let the good times roll! "Desire" isn't really synth pop like the last two tracks are, but it builds a bridge better than Naomi and Wynonna ever could between The Smiths and Information Society, two songs I couldn't put back-to-back because of the good overload. It's much easier when you have a chance to calm down for a few minutes between great songs. This is what happens when I think of you.

 

14. Smashing Pumpkins - Ava Adore

15. The Cure - Never Enough

 

*Two songs from highly-acclaimed bands that have gone ignored for the most part, which forces me to scratch my head, and not just because I had a dandruff flare up.

 

16. Dr & The Medics - Spirit In The Sky

 

*I've got a friend in cheese sauce! This cover hasn't aged particularly well, but it's charming in that way.

 

17. Bjork & PJ Harvey - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

 

*I'm not a woman, but after hearing this song, I wished I was one. I actually started menstruating and had to pick up a Tampax from the local five-and-dime. I watch TV, so I watch commercials, and I know how hard those Other Leading Brands are to get out of the dispenser, so I made the honorable choice. I then headed to the local grocer to pick up some Dannon yogurt so I could sit around with Tim and call things "insert-dumb-adjective-that-isn't-really-an-adjective" good. About as estrogen-filled and angsty as a song can be without containing the hormones put in non-free range chicken. Both live and lively, you'll probably listen to this one more than once in a row. It's one of the best covers I've ever heard. It's also the end of this folder.

 

ON THE BRINK OF EXCELLENCE

1. Zombies - Time of the Season

 

*Seductive, and old. Just like Keith Richards. Did I just say that? I think I did.

 

2. The Cure - Just Like Heaven

 

*Another great song that most of us have heard many times over, since this was pretty much the peak of their popularity. Much brighter than some of the other Cure songs I have laying around on this huge mix thing.

 

3. Kate Bush - Hello Earth

 

*If you've never heard her, now you can, and your life will be complete. Worth listening to a million times in awe.

 

4. Stevie Nicks - Stand Back

 

*I put this here for Shawn, and to pay homage to one of my many favorite songstresses. Songstress? Ewww. I hate that word, and I'll never use it again.

 

5. Tori Amos - Precious Things

6. Pearl Jam - Do The Evolution

 

*Kind of a weird, multi-layered pairing, as the Tori song is an angry song that sounds pleasant, and "Do The Evolution" is a pleasant song that sounds angry. Only I notice these sorts of things, and no, that doesn't make me a freak.

 

7. Stone Temple Pilots - Sex Type Thing

8. Smashing Pumpkins - Everlasting Gaze

 

*Do you really need an excuse to rock? Really?

 

9. Stabbing Westward - Save Yourself

10. Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus

 

*Two songs among my favorite ever, "Personal Jesus" more so. Ye ole standby comes into play again here, as the reason I love these songs paired is because "they sound good together".

 

11. David Bowie - New Killer Star

 

*A freakin' cool song that I didn't know existed until not too long ago. Rodney is worth listening to, but he doesn't like this song. Listen to me in this case. I have your best interests at heart.

 

12. Ben Folds Five - Song For The Dumped

 

*A little comic relief before the mix takes a more serious turn.

 

13. U2 - New Year's Day

14. REM - The One I Love

15. The Police - King of Pain

 

*If I was asked to do a list of my favorite five songs from the 80s, these would be three of those five. Timeless classics, which as you know by now, I'm quite fond of.

 

16. Beck - Hotwax

 

*So things got serious for a second? Have no fear, because I'm giving you another break and letting you loosen up before finishing out this mix with the big finale.

 

17. Queen - I Want To Break Free

 

*I'll admit to being a poser here, as I heard this in a Coke commercial, liked it and obtained it. It doesn't really fit so much with the rest of the CD, but it's a good way to head out.

 

TAKE IT DOWN A NOTCH

 

1. Basement Jaxx - Where's Your Head At?

 

*Dance, dance, dance! I haven't let you do that in a while, at least if you're listening to this mix straight through.

 

2. Real Life - Send Me An Angel

 

*Another sort of dirty 80s time capsule, only this one maintains the darkness of the Cure song while having a slightly more innocent disposition. I mean, we do all want an angel, don't we?

 

3. Madonna - Swim

4. Tori Amos - Blue Skies

5. Massive Attack - Teardrop

6. Mazzy Star - Fade Into You

7. Tricky - Overcome

8. Portishead - Glory Box

 

*I'm VERY proud of this sextet (I think that's six) of songs. They transition very well from one to the next, and they're all worthy of more than one consecutive listen. I don't think women get enough credit from more hardened music fans typically, so I'm doing my part to let them shine for a while here.

 

9. UNKLE - Rabbit In Your Headlights

 

*This song may have to grow on you, but once it does, it's like a preying fungus that won't ever leave you, but in a freakin' awesome way! The video is worthy of a view or five as well. It'll give you chills once you learn to love it.

 

10. Nancy Sinatra - (Bang Bang) My Baby Shot Me Down

11. Portishead - Roads

 

*If female lead singers and distorted guitars are your thing, these two songs will satisfy your every desire. Love them. They need it. You might recognize the Nancy song from Kill Bill Volume 1. You'll recognize the Portishead song from Tank Girl.

 

12. Pigeonhed - The Full Sentence

13. Bjork - All Is Full Of Love (Video Remix)

 

*These songs act as a gentle assault on your senses. I tend to get chills listening to them both, especially the Bjork one. You'll listen feeling better about the world you live in, knowing such great music exists. In droves.

 

14. Prince and the Revolution - When Doves Cry

 

*The Purple One's masterpiece, in its entirety, not hacked to pieces like it normally is on the radio.

 

NIGHT WITH A CHOCOLATE-COVERED DOMINATRIX

This is the only title I will even attempt to explain. My roommate Lisa and I have a running joke where if I head to the store, she'll ask me to pick her up a chocolate-covered dominatrix. Consider this my ode to her. I wondered exactly what a night with a chocolate-covered dominatrix would be like and decided to include these songs in this order, because I think it sums it up quite nicely. I don't need to make any explanations.

 

1. Aphex Twin ? Come To Daddy

2. Marilyn Manson ? The Dope Show

3. Nine Inch Nails ? Get Down Make Love

4. Bjork ? Enjoy

5. Nine Inch Nails - Closer

6. Marilyn Manson ? Tainted Love

7. K?s Choice ? Not An Addict

8. Metallica ? Fade To Black

9. Vast ? Touched

10. U2 ? Sunday Bloody Sunday

11. Rolling Stones ? Gimme Shelter

12. Prince ? The Beautiful Ones

13. Sarah McLachlan ? Possession (Piano Version)

14. Radiohead ? How To Disappear Completely

 

MELTS IN YOUR HEART NOT IN YOUR HAND

1. Polyphonic Spree - Have A Day/Celebratory

 

*This mix is me being a sweet, calm dollface, allowing time for reflection and tranquility. This is the first step in that direction.

 

2. John Lennon - Instant Karma

3. Radiohead - Karma Police

 

*Witty, eh?

 

4. Led Zeppelin - Kashmir

5. The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

 

*Back to back, these songs are SO powerful and huge that it's hard to explain. "Kashmir" runs long, but that's why we love Zeppelin, and the length of "Bittersweet Symphony" is just right. I think I could listen to that song on repeat constantly for the rest of my life and find new things to appreciate about it every time out.

 

6. Moby - Porcelain

7. Coldplay - Clocks

 

*From strings to piano, but the effect is the same. This is preparing you for the ultimate in relaxation that will finish out the CD, but we have to ease you down.

 

8. Tori Amos - Winter

9. Aimee Mann - Wise Up

10. Counting Crows - Colorblind

11. Annie Lennox - Here Comes The Rain Again (VH1 Storytellers)

12. Tori Amos - Enjoy The Silence

 

*Cornflake Girl bookends some reflective, sweet music that's intended to show you just how much I care and prepare you fully to relax.

 

13. Dead Can Dance - The Host Of Seraphim

14. Black Tape For A Blue Girl - Wings Tattered Fallen

15. Aphex Twin - Rhubarb

 

*Three long, instrumental, semi-ambient songs that will almost put you to sleep. In fact, there may be no "almost" about it.

 

This was the mix I was most proud of.

 

Now, we have leftovers. These are songs that were either last-minute additions or didn't fit on the CD anywhere else, but were noteworthy inclusions nonetheless. Here they are:

 

TURKEY SANDWICHES AND OTHER LEFTOVERS

1. Elastica - Connected

2. Suzanne Vega - Tom's Diner

3. Evanescence - Thoughtless

 

*"Thoughtless" is the best thing I've ever heard from Evanescence. She's showing anger instead of dark solitude, or whatever it's called, and it's a refreshing change of pace. It's also live.

 

4. Chemical Brothers - Setting Sun

5. Modest Mouse - Float On

6. White Town - Your Woman

7. Malcolm McLaren - About Her

8. Batmobile - Mission Impossible

9. Kate Bush - Under Ice

10. Stone Temple Pilots - Dancing Days

11. Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

 

And there you have it. I'm sure you hate to say goodbye, but I'd imagine with songs like this, you love to see me go. My hope is that you'll be exposed to new music, finally have some classics you've always meant to get and never have and that you'll have a better understanding of me after listening to this.

 

The End

First disc....

 

A bunch of dance stuff

I think you summed this up nicely when you said if you don't like dance music, you won't like this CD. That sums up my feelings nicely.

 

U2 - Numb (4:20)

Prince - Automatic (9:28)

I have no problem with Numb on a dance Cd but I woul have listed DMSR from Prince (off the 1999 album also) and seen if you could have incorporated that into here instead if you were looking for a long, funky early Prince dance song.

 

Moody Blues - Knights In White Satin

This seems like it is on here for having a juxtaposition for the sake of juxtaposition. A real fish out of water for this disc. You should have ended this disc on high note.

 

Are you sure there is no radio edit?

 

 

I'll comment on the rest when I have more time.

Do you really prefer "DMSR" to "Automatic"? I'm a little surprised. Don't get me wrong -- I do like "DMSR", but there's not that awesome instrumental solo stuff at the end.

 

Point taken on the Moody Blues song; however, if there is a radio edit that exists without all the ice skating-sounding crap at the end, I have yet to hear it.

To explain the last two songs in the first folder a little more, I wanted to finish the folder off with two very sexy, but drastically different songs. Have you heard the Garbage song to see what I mean?

Do you really prefer "DMSR" to "Automatic"? I'm a little surprised. Don't get me wrong -- I do like "DMSR", but there's not that awesome instrumental solo stuff at the end.

 

 

 

Without a doubt. I think the riff is catchier on DMSR but I have a hard time to listening to ANY Prince song that goes longer than 5 minutes. I know DMSR is like 8 minutes but for what I think you were going for, it would have worked better.

 

DISC 2...

 

I don't like Bjork, Portishead or SNZ so that whole first half is a wash for me. I have NEVER heard a ood Bjork song.. ever... not solo or with the Sugarcubes. Probably the most annoying singer I have ever heard.

 

9. Prince and the Revolution - Kiss

10. Lenny Kravitz - Lady

You should never put a Lenny Kravitz song next to a Prince song unless you are specifically pointing out how much of Prince's style Lenny borowed, unless of course it is one of Lenny's songs that he specifically borrowed from Led Zppelin.

 

Joan Jett - I Hate Myself For Loving You (4:07)

The Deftones - Change In The House Of Flies (4:59)

i don't see the mix in this.. not musically or thematically.

I'd agree that the first half of DMSR > the first half of Automatic, but DMSR goes that long without really changing. It's the same from start to finish, basically, and Automatic gets into a really great groove for the last three minutes or so. It's the entire reason I included the song.

 

As for Bjork, every song here is great. Bjork's voice has to grow on you; the first thing I ever heard from her was "Army Of Me", which I thought had a kickin' beat but strange vocals. That's what I grew to expect when I heard the rest of her music, and I grew to appreciate that over time. I don't think Bjork's a particularly great singer, but I do think she's a great lyricist with some great songs, in which case she's not any different from Rod Stewart or Bob Dylan.

 

Not really being fans of a lot of those names explains a lot about the first folder as well -- if you've heard the songs, you'd know that after the first three I put in there, the CD slowed down a little bit. It's still (arguably) danceable, but it's not really dance music. If I was trying to make a dance music CD all the way from start to finish, which I wasn't, I would have chosen different songs.

 

There's not really much connection with the Jett/Deftones songs. To explain those four songs, you have "Kiss", a great pop song, before going to "Lady", which is more of a transitional song than anything, and one I probably wouldn't include if I was redoing this. Prince and Lenny do have similar sounds because Lenny is practically a Prince/Hendrix plagiarist. I'll be the first to admit that. That said, there are far worse people he could rip off, and he's managed to churn out a few decent songs in spite of himself over the years. Anyway, going from "Lady", which is kind of a Kiss knockoff with more guitar, before going into "I Hate Myself For Loving You", which is far more guitar driven, but is still sort of the same thing. There's no connection with the Jett/Deftones songs, other than that they are both guitar-driven. If both songs were by the same artist and were put on an album back-to-back, I still don't think anyone would call the transition weird.

I'd agree that the first half of DMSR > the first half of Automatic, but DMSR goes that long without really changing. It's the same from start to finish, basically, and Automatic gets into a really great groove for the last three minutes or so. It's the entire reason I included the song.

I agree that DMSR goes too long. In fact, when I include it on my Prince compilations, I usually edit the song down in half. If you like, "Dirty Mind" would have also done the job and that is probably the best song Prince has EVER released.

 

As for Bjork, every song here is great. Bjork's voice has to grow on you; the first thing I ever heard from her was "Army Of Me", which I thought had a kickin' beat but strange vocals. That's what I grew to expect when I heard the rest of her music, and I grew to appreciate that over time. I don't think Bjork's a particularly great singer, but I do think she's a great lyricist with some great songs, in which case she's not any different from Rod Stewart or Bob Dylan.

Please do not compare Bjork to two of the greatest ICONS to ever sing a song. I have never been able to listen to her songs long enough to appreciate her lyrics. Maybe when she releases them as a book, I'll read the book instead of torturing my self with her music.

 

Not really being fans of a lot of those names explains a lot about the first folder as well -- if you've heard the songs, you'd know that after the first three I put in there, the CD slowed down a little bit. It's still (arguably) danceable, but it's not really dance music. If I was trying to make a dance music CD all the way from start to finish, which I wasn't, I would have chosen different songs.

Sure, but I look at most of those artists as dance artists even if the songs aren't dance songs. Even the Primitive Radio Gods song was played non-stop to the point where I can't stand it at the club I used to work at. They may not be dance songs but i lump those artists as dance artists.

 

There's not really much connection with the Jett/Deftones songs.

Which again, I ask you, why did you put these songs in the order you chose? Where is the connection that you felt you needed to make this mix in this particular order? If there is no real connection or them then I guess you could have chosen a better Joan Jett song since she has dozens that are much better.

 

 

 

Moving forward...

 

DISC 3....

 

1. TLC - Silly Ho

2. Janet Jackson & Missy Elliott - Son Of A Gun

Not a fan of any of these ladies although I did see TlC in concert supporting their first album.

 

3. George Clinton - Atomic Dog

4. Rufus feat. Chaka Khan - Tell Me Something Good

5. Ohio Players - Love Rollercoaster

The spirit of these songs is right on although I think I've heard them too many times to really be able to sit through them in any prolonged sense. TMSG would probably be my favorite since I have loved that song for the longest time.

 

6. Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart

Another song I have heard one too many times. Maybe it was totally unique and chic in its day but working in a nightclub will kill your enjoyment of it.

 

Rest of CD

I sound like a broken record but I am burnt out on most of those songs. Some I have never heard of so I can't comment. I don't consider "Fame" a true classic even though John Lennon helped write and record it. The REAL classic on that album is the title track "Young Americans".