Liner Notes

Every December/January I put together a CD of the songs that Mac & I listened to the most throughout the year. Every year I struggle to get that list down to the 1.2 hours of music that will fit on one CD, and end up ruthlessly cutting really fantastic songs. So here are the songs that made the cut for this year's CD, complete with a few liner notes, as well as the ones that were also awesome but just wouldn't fit. Enjoy.

Mac & Dinah's Best of 2010

1. Black Sheep / Metric (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Soundtrack)

Two words for you: Power Chords. I love them. Love! I also love that they bring more of a rockin’ edge to Metric’s typical “pretty alternative girl pop” offering—a style I also enjoy as a general rule on its own, but one that really goes well with some good old-fashioned power chords.

2. Dog Days Are Over / Florence + The Machine (Lungs)

When this album came out in 2009, the only song I listened to from it was “My Boy Builds Coffins,” a great song that my friend Amanda put on a mix for me. Then I heard this song and a bunch of others from the album on this summer’s season of “So You Think You Can Dance” and just fell in love with their Big Anthem qualities. And then, yes, this song was everywhere and overplayed, but by that point I was already in love with it, so there you go.

3. Learnalilgivinanlovin’ / Gotye (Pre-Release Singles Compilation)

A song that sounds like a lost track from The Temptations is an unlikely creation from an artist AllMusic.com describes as an “Australian electronic pop trickster.” And yet.

4. Tightrope (feat. Big Boi) / Janelle Monáe (The ArchAndroid)

Loving the Motown-revival movement much? Yes, yes I am. This young lady holds the honor of being the only artist to ever perform on “So You Think You Can Dance” who was so good I not only didn’t fast-forward through her, I automatically hopped on iTunes & bought her single. Effective marketing, yes. It’s an even more effective dance song.

5. Opposite Of Adults / Chiddy Bang (Opposite Of Adults – EP)

MGMT’s “Kids” has been covered & sampled more times than I can count, but this one is the best. It also might be Mac’s favorite song of 2010.

6. WOR / Django Django (Wor/Skies Over Cairo)

Also experiencing a revival in recent years? Surf rock. I don’t know much about this band, but I know I love the hell out of this song.

7. Howlin' for You / The Black Keys (Brothers)

This whole album is so good it’s hard to pick just one song. This one is a little reminiscent of Gary Glitter’s “Rock & Roll Part 2,” I admit, but it also sounds like a sexy striptease. Ow.

8. More Or Less / The Soft Pack (The Soft Pack)

As long as Motown & surf rock are experiencing a comeback, why not garage rock? Why not indeed. This whole album is great. This song is my favorite.

9. Hellbound Train / Magnolia Mountain (Redbird Green)

Growing up in Evansville, IN in the 80s, the big local band was called Stop the Car. Today, a couple STC alums have put together this outfit that’s a little more country than rock & roll, but just as sexy & fun. I just wish I knew how to get this song in front of the music supervisor of HBO’s “True Blood."

10. How You Like Me Now / The Heavy (The House That Dirt Built)

Technically from 2009, this song grabbed the nation’s attention in a car commercial featured in the 2010 Superbowl, with toys that came to life and went carousing around western bars, bowling alleys & tattoo parlors. Then it hung out on the down-low for the rest of the year as simply one of Mac’s favorite songs until The Fighter came out in the fall, and became a whole new anthem for scrappy badasses everywhere.

11. Momma's Place / Róisín Murphy (Momma's Place – EP)

Straight up late 80s/early 90s dance pop.

12. I Can Change / LCD Soundsystem (This Is Happening)

I first listened to this on my niece Sydney’s Facebook wall, and it reminded me of songs I loved when I was her age. Maybe because we both moved away from our best friends when we were 14, I always think of her and my old friends when they sing, “Never change never change never change never change…”

13. MoneyGrabber / Fitz & The Tantrums (Pickin' Up the Pieces)

A treat from my friend Alf, and another neo-Motown jam, with a dash of funk.

14. Sorrow / The National (High Violet)

I love this guy’s voice and I love this album, but I love the heart-wrenching sadness in this gorgeous breakup song the most.

15. What Part of Forever / Cee Lo Green (Twilight: Eclipse Soundtrack)

It never fails to amaze me that these goofy teen sparkly vampire melodrama movies can boast these really great soundtracks that compile a lovely mix of pop, rock and indie acts. Most people will remember Cee Lo’s delightful “F--- You” from 2010, but this catchy, strummy pop number is the one that gets stuck in my head the most. Maybe it’s the whistling?

16. Grey X Sage / Theophilus London (This Charming Mixtape)

Mac calls this the “muppet song” because it sounds like there are muppets singing counterpoint. He’s not wrong. It is, in fact, one of the reasons I love the song. Because who doesn’t love muppets?

17. We Used to Wait / Arcade Fire (The Suburbs)

I feel like such a victim of marketing with this song. The Arcade Fire released this song as part of a viral marketing campaign to introduce Google Chrome by having the viewer punch in their childhood home address, which would then play the song while all these pop ups & animation come up around satellite views of the old neighborhood. I don’t know if I’m explaining it well, but it was really cool, and by the time the song was over I wanted to hear it again and again.

18. Write About Love / Belle and Sebastian (Write About Love - Single)

Less Motown but still a 60s throwback, this song reminds me of my days of punching the clock in my old corporate gig with lyrics like, “I hate my job. I’m working way too much (every day I’m stuck in an office).”

19. Light Of Love / Music Go Music (Expressions)

Wait, did I sneak in a lost ABBA track on here? No. But I did sneak in something just as joyful and fun.

Burnable CDs should be longer for songs like these:

The World Was Made For Men / The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger – A gorgeous, dreamy boy/girl duet ballad from this new group made up of Sean Lennon and his girlfriend. The whole “Acoustic Sessions” album is lovely, if you don’t mind the slightly haunting fact that Sean sounds an awful lot like his dad when he sings.

Bang Bang Bang / Mark Ronson – A fun, highly percussive indie pop song for anyone who likes that sort of thing. Like me.

Excuses / The Morning Benders – I like anthem-y tunes constructed in waltzy, ¾ time like this one. Another find from my niece Sydney.

Angela Surf City / The Walkmen – This one is another great surf rock homage, filled with all the jangly guitars & strong drums you expect, and some authentically angsty vocals that maybe you wouldn’t expect.

Not in Love / Crystal Castles feat. Robert Smith – The Cure’s old front man lends his unique vocal stylings to dancey, electronic pop with fantastic results.

Lovesick / Lindstrom & Christabelle – This electronic dance track was a present from my sister Amy, and a slinky, sexy good time.

finding poetry

Hey, check it out, y'all: my mom is a published poet!

Time in its Flight, featured on FoundPoetry.org.

My friend Susan introduced me to this site, and I just love this project. I love the idea of finding poetry in surprising places, and collecting them like this. They're looking for more submissions to get the site off the ground, so be sure and send them your submissions as well!

And, yes, I do know how lucky I am to have a mom who is an artist and poet and also has great taste in music. And who shares all three of those gifts with her kids on a regular basis. Thanks, Mom!

Xmas mix CD

I've been mixing/ burning my Xmas mix CD for years now, and it morphs and evolves every year. This year, I thought I'd distribute it online. So, for one week only, get your very own copy of my Xmas 2008 mix right here!


The folder also includes a CD case with a track list in a powerpoint file that you can print out and insert into a case, should you want a hard copy. But if you just want the tunes, those are there too. If you've gotten a copy of this mix from me in the past, then you already have most of the songs. But, like I said, it changes every year, so there could be some new treats on there for you.

Enjoy! Merry Christmas!

YOUR Twilight soundtrack

Like many of my friends, I am totally SQUEEEE! over Twilight and read all 4 books and already have my tickets for the movie, etc etc I'm a dork. The movie soundtrack was released a couple weeks ago and I looked it over and was like, what? No.* These are not the Twilight soundtrack songs.

So I made my own soundtrack**:

1. Something Bigger, Something Brighter - Pretty Girls Make Graves
2. Only Happy When It Rains - Garbage
3. Creep (acoustic) - Radiohead
4. Disarm - Smashing Pumpkins
5. You Look Like Rain - Morphine
6. Ageless Beauty - Stars
7. Waiting For The Night - Depeche Mode
8. In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
9. Take My Hand - Dido
10. Tacoma Trailer - Leonard Cohen
11. Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
12. Together - The Raconteurs
13. Save A Prayer - Eve's Plum
14. The Horror Of Our Love - Ludo
15. Blood - Pearl Jam
16. The Promise - When In Rome
17. This Modern Love - Bloc Party

If you want I can walk you through my liner notes, but most song choices are fairly obvious, including the fact that my version of the soundtrack is way heavy on bands and songs I liked in jr high and high school and loving boys for the first time, since that is the feeling these books bring back for me. (How Bella feels about Edward = How I feel about "Never Tear You Apart" and that dreamy senior I crushed on.) I also tossed in a heavy dose of songs that remind me of my time in Seattle and the PNW, for obvious reasons.

Now, my fellow Twilight fans, here is the question: What would you put on YOUR Twilight soundtrack??

*I know, I sound like every other hyper-critical Twilight fan out there. "That isn't how I would have done it. That's not who I would have cast. I don't know why they had to change that part of the book." etc etc etc. What can I say? I am a fangirl.

**I also have songs picked out for New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn that I will post later. Cause I'm a nerd and they're awesome.

41 songs

I've been a bit of a musical slut lately. I hear something pretty/cool/dancey/rockin and the next thing I know my iTunes account is totally depleted and I've got all these new songs. I haven't posted a Mix of the Month in a long time, but I also haven't been doing monthly theme mixes in the last year either. What I have been doing is customizing mixes for my family & friends out of the 41 songs you see below.

Note: Many thanks to Amanda, Eyad, Megan, Conrad, Amy, Mikey and Mac. This mix would be a lot shorter, and a lot less cool, without all of your contributions.

1. See You at the Lights, 1990s - From the album Cookie, which I Totally Recommend. Happy guitar rock. Good times.
   
2. D is for Dangerous, Arctic Monkeys - These kids are getting better, this song in particular.
3. Trophy, Bat for Lashes - I JUST discovered Bat for Lashes a couple weeks ago in Seattle. They're moody, haunting, and feature floaty girl vocals over percussive bass & drums. SIGN ME UP!
4. Fucking Boyfriend, The Bird and the Bee - A side project of Inara George, The Bird & the Bee are a little more electronic. This song is hilarious and awesome.
5. Earth Intruders, Bjork - Hi, B's using FRENCH HORNS now, in addition to everything else. Because she rules.
   
6. Sunday, Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City is SO GOOD, y'all, I recommend the whole album. Actually I recommend everything Bloc Party--their drummer is sick, they're awesome live, they're delicious, danceable Brit Pop at its best. This song stays in heavy rotation 'cause I'm a sucker for lyrics like, "Giant proclamations are all very well, but our love is louder than words." Swoon!
7. Silently, Blonde Redhead - My favorite track from 23, their most recent album. The whole album is rad, but I want to HUG this song, it's so sweet.
   
8. The Long List of Girls, The Blow - Amanda turned me on to The Blow, and they do so many cool, interesting things. Here, they've got drum corps percussion making asses everywhere shake happily, while singing, nonchalantly, "Guess I'm on the long list of girls who love the shit out of you."
   
9. If Looks Could Kill, Camera Obscura - This song is like crack to me. All my favorite elements are here: heavy drums, strong bass line, sweet girly vocals, AND it's reminiscent of a 60's motown girl-group song.
10. To Build A Home, The Cinematic Orchestra - This is that pretty rolling piano anthem you're hearing everywhere that sounds like Coldplay, but isn't.
    
11. Let the Drummer Kick, Citizen Cope - A So You Think You Can Dance discovery, I love this song's ability to lure me into a laid-back trance of cool.
    
12. Bulldozer, Datarock - A birthday present from my friend Conrad, I like the way the drums on this press urgently forward, like a train. I hear the rest of the Datarock album is great, but I haven't heard it yet.
    
13. The Crane Wife Pt. 3, The Decemberists - I wouldn't call myself a Decemberists fan, per se, but I AM a fan of big, swelling (heh. That's what SHE said) anthems. ANTHEMS. Ahem. Seriously, though, this song is all strummy and pretty and, for CD-mixing types, a great way to end a mix.
14. Society, Eddie Vedder - From the Into the Wild soundtrack, it's all jangly acoustic guitars and Eddie's signature deep, sexy voice. Yes, please.
    
15. Drunk and Stoned, Faux Jean - Faux Jean is a Minnesota bar band my sister Amy introduced me to when I told her how much I love male/female duets. This song is powerful, sweet, funny, and totally rockin'.
    
16. Bang Bang to the Rock 'n' Roll, Gabin - Another SYTYCD find, this updated mambo track makes me dance, plain & simple.
    
17. Tell Me Where It Hurts, Garbage - Who loves Garbage with all her heart? And big, orchestral numbers? And plaintive, touching vocals about friendship and love? Dinah, that's who. So this one pretty much makes me happy without hardly trying.
    
18. Buddha's Delight, Haley Bennett - Okay: If you haven't seen Music & Lyrics yet, go rent it. Nay, BUY IT. If, that is, you can appreciate 80's throw-back numbers, would be delighted by a "POP!" video that's reminiscent of Roxette and Wham, or would be as stunned as me to realize that all the jokey modern pop songs, like this one, that were written to mock every other pop starlet out there, are actually kind of awesome, danceable, addictive tracks.
    
19. Fools In Love, Inara George - I heart Inara George. On a cold, gray, miserable day, she is my warm blankie, my bunny slippers, my chamomile tea. This song was a present from the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack, and it's just one of the prettiest songs ever made.
    
20. The Way I Am, Ingrid Michaelson - Yeah, it's that Old Navy commercial song. Shut up. I like it.
    
21. Real Life, Joan As Policewoman - I discovered Joan as Policewoman last fall in Australia, in this little record bar. I was standing in line waiting to settle up the bill, and found myself rocking on the balls of my feet, totally sucked in my the simple piano and vocals of this slow, deliberate, and dreamy song.
    
22. Weekend Without Makeup, The Long Blondes - I recently picked up the Long Blondes album "Someone to Drive You Home," and it's great. If you like Girl Rock (The Donnas, The Blackhearts, etc) then you like The Long Blondes. The lyrics on this particular track tell a story many women can relate to, and they're written & sung in such a way you an almost hear the punctuation. And you know I love that, comma, sweetie.
    
23. Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks, Los Campesinos - This is a great strummy alt-rock song (with violins! yay!). I think mostly, though, I just like the expression "Sweet Cheeks."
    
24. Valerie, Mark Ronson, feat. Amy Winehouse - I've had a ton of different people ask me my opinion on Miss Amy, and here it is: I heartily disapprove of her lifestyle and her attitude towards getting help for an obvious drug addiction. Her immaturity is as grating as joints in a skeleton with no muscle or fat to cushion them. That said, I have to admit the girl can sing. And this song is darling, so. I listen to it. A lot.
    
25. The Libertine, Patrick Wolf - Patrick Wolf is this 23-year-old British dude that all the hipsters like. I've tried out a handful of his songs on some friends' recommendations, and been kind of underwhelmed. With this one very distinct exception. The Libertine is a find, a treasure, an exciting musical journey with violins that wail like the wind in a storm, and trotting horses on percussion. It's one of those songs that you hear for the first time and you're like, "...What? Wait, play it again!" And then suddenly you've listened to it, like, 43,652 times in one sitting.
    
26. Young Folks, Peter Bjorn and John - This is that song you've heard all over the damn place, with the catchy drums and the whistling. The one that gets stuck in your head for a week until finally you're like, Fine! I'll buy it on iTunes and listen to it repeatedly! YOU WIN, PETER BJORN AND JOHN. At least, that's what happened to me.
    
27. Hey There Delilah, Plain White T's - Oh, strummy, heartfelt pop songs. It really doesn't matter how overplayed you are, you're just so, so pretty.
    
28. Pieces Of The People We Love, The Rapture - Mac found this track several months ago, but I keep putting it on mixes & playlists because I like the strong backbeat, and I love me some backup vocals that sound like they could be sung by Muppets (see: Hard-Fi, Kaiser Chiefs).
    
29. Ain't Nothing Wrong With That, Robert Randolph & The Family Band - As Mikey once said, this one is a Powerhouse. I like to open mixes with this track, so the first beat just knocks you square in the chest, and makes you pay attention: "This is not background music, friend. Now get up and DANCE."
    
30. Release The Stars, Rufus Wainwright - This beautiful track swells and sways and makes me want to don a strapless frock and slow dance under paper streamers and a balloon arch in the high school gym.
    
31. I Don't Feel Like Dancin', Scissor Sisters - But I DO! I DO feel like dancing! Oh, you cheeky Scissory Sisters.
    
32. Australia , The Shins - The Shins' most recent album is great, but I latched onto this happy track because it's called Australia, I think. What? It was a great trip, even if it was a year ago.
    
33. One Mile Below, Siouxsie - ATTENTION FRIENDS: Siouxsie Sioux has a new album, Mantaray, and it is AWESOME. Yeah. Go get it. Of course, I choose this track for my mix because it's the one with the... you guessed it! Really heavy drums and floaty vocals. Because I'm predictable in what turns my musical crank. What can I say? I know what I like, and so, evidently, does Siouxsie. Rawr.
    
34. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb, Spoon - Spoon's new album, Ga Ga Ga Ga (seriously), is really good, and this is just kind of a classic, perfect alt-pop song.
    
35. Punkrocker, Teddybears, feat. Iggy Pop - "Cause I'm a punkrocker, yes I am." I like how this song's lyrics sound kind of insecure, while the song itself rocks. It's a musical paradox, and a damn good time.
    
36. Oh Timbaland, Timbaland - I like Timbaland's new album, and appreciate the repetitive (if totally overplayed) "The Way I Are" for motivating my lazy ass on the treadmill. That said, this is the best track on the album. It samples Nina Simone's "Sinner Man," only in the most badass possible way.
    
37. Body And Soul, Tori Amos - I know a lot of Tori fans. Traditionally, I'm not one. I mean, I like her fine, but I don't LOVE her or anything. I do LOVE this song, however. It's all heavy piano and striptease beats and sexy as hell.
    
38. Here It Comes Again, Tracey Thorn - More dreamy, floaty girl vocals. I can't help myself. This one's like a bubble bath followed up with a big, fluffy towel right out of the dryer.
    
39. In The Clouds, Under The Influence Of Giants - This song challenges my commitment to perfect the song order on every mix I make, because it's a hard-hitting disco number that just smacks you in the face on the first note. Tricky, but totally worth it.
    
40. (I'd Search) The Whole Wide World, Wreckless Eric - My friend Eyad put this on a mix of love songs for his fiance Amanda, then left it at our house by accident after we hosted her birthday party here. So I listened to the mix (I couldn't help it, E makes really awesome CDs), and heard this song, and was like, "Aw!" And then I imported all the songs so I could return the CD and still listen to it whenever I want.
    
41. Down Boy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Finally, we end with Y, and I don't know if it's because it's fall, or if it's indicative of my overall mood, or what, but it's another moody, sexy number featuring sexy beats and warbling female vocals. So good, though! I have a bunch of tracks from the YYY's latest album, actually, and they're all kind of awesome. This one's a definite favorite, though.

Now, your turn. What are you listening to right now? GO!

I'M HUNGRY

I wish that I'd gotten all my girls together to go see Music & Lyrics. Every time I listen to the soundtrack I laugh and sing along. It truly is some of the funnest new music ever.

That said, I have started listening to the mixes Amy and Mike made for me. They are absolutely sensational.

Amy's mix is all duets. Depending on my mood, I'll listen to certain tracks on repeat and pretending I'm doing a duet karaoke with one of my guy friends (Mac is not down with The Karaoke). How have I never had the Iggy Pop/Kate Pierson classic "Candy" in my collection until now? I don't know, but I'm in love. Also, this band Faux Jean that Amy's put on a couple mixes for me is absolutely fabulous. I think they're local to Minnesota, but they should be big nationwide in my opinion. There are 18 tracks of goodness on this mix, those two are just highlights off the top of my head.

Mike's mixes are totally different. One is more high energy, one is more dreamy. I have a hard time getting all the way through the energetic one, because it kicks off with KT Tunstall's "You're Not the One For Me," and goll-darnit-to-heck I DON'T CARE how uncool KT Tunstall is. That is some damn catchy shit, and I keep listening to it on repeat and not playing the rest of the CD. I want to listen to this song on every road trip ever.

Mike's dreamier mix sounds like the Rocky Mountains to me. Or any mountains. I spent 10 years in Colorado so maybe this is just my take from my own experiences, but this collection of songs sounds like, I don't know... It sounds like winding roads with switchback turns, wind tickling delicate gold Aspen leaves, crisp mountain air, elks in the distance, crackling bonfires and snow falling at night. It's wild and inspiring and relaxing. It was especially soothing over this past week.

Which, okay. I have a lot of news. I'm not going to blog all of it yet.

I got my wisdom teeth out! That was a weird experience. I went in, they stuck a needle in my arm, and the next thing I knew I was laying on a gurney with my mouth full of gauze and tears in my eyes from the anesthetic. My recovery has been painful, but I'm getting there. The whole "knocked out for surgery" thing really threw me for a loop, too. I'm glad I finally got it done, but I am so ready to be recovered. For one thing? I'M HUNGRY! This liquid/soft foods diet sucks. (HA! I'm awesome. Wait, was that only funny to me and my mom? Oh, fine.) I've already started to make a list of food I'm going to eat when I get back on solids. That list so far:
BBQ - all kinds. Ribs, brisket, chicken, whatever. With a side of cold cole slaw.
A BLT - on white, with mayo. I haven't had one of these in ages, where did this craving come from??
Cajun food - I suddenly require gumbo, jambalaya and etoufee.
Steak - A petit filet would suffice.
Mexican food - Oh, all of it.

I'm sure the more soup and Slimfast I consume, the longer that list will get. I am going to make myself some decadent mashed potatoes, though. Oh, yes I am.

I have so much more to blog, but it's going to have to wait. You'll see.

And yet, I am an a**hole

When I was in Hawaii, my sister gave me a mix CD of male-female duets because she remembered me mentioning (in December) how much I loved them. It ranges from Sonny & Cher to Faux Jean and it is fabulous.

When I got back, there was a padded envelope waiting for me with two mix CDs in it from my dear friend Mikey in DC. Really groovy, personal compilations.

These are my love letters, the things that make me happy the most.

And yet, I am an asshole because the only thing I really want to listen to right now is the soundtrack for Music and Lyrics. *sigh* I can't help it. It's freaking awesome.

Mix of the Month: February 2006

Ah, l'amour.

February's mix of the month was a Valentine's Day gift. Now, traditionally, mAc and I don't do up the Hallmark Holiday real big. (You may remember the grocery store goodies we exchanged last year.) This year, I gave mAc something I'd ordered in September that I thought would show up for his birthday in November... then maybe by Christmas in December... Finally, it showed up a week before Valentine's Day: A Phase Plasma Rifle with a 40 Watt Range. Make sure you get your Schwarzenegger on when you say it.


Little did I know, however, that mAc's gift for me would blow me away even more than a prop replica gun from Terminator 2. Because, my friends, that's just how much a good mix CD means to me. And this one came with a cute case that totally looked like he wrote it up in his notebook during fifth period, and it's all just so dreamy. And, finally--in the 6 plus years we've been together, this is the first mix he's ever made me. I KNOW.

It's so good, y'all. Check it out.

mAc's Locker Combo: 02-14-06 (memorize and destroy!)
1. DOA - Foo Fighters
2. Sexy Little Cuts - Temper Temper
3. Saturday Night - Surferosa
4. Gold Lion - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5. King of the World - Angelfish
6. No One Really Wins - Copeland
7. Modern Way - Kaiser Chiefs
8. Cash Machine - Hard-Fi
9. Run Baby Run - Garbage
10. This Isn't It - Giant Drag
11. Everyone is Someone in LA - Felix da Housecat
12. DARE - Gorillaz
13. Galvanize - Chemical Bros
14. The Hand that Feeds - NIN
15. Tits on the Radio - Scissor Sisters
16. Touch the Sky - Kanye West

Thanks so much baby! If you'd like to add some liner notes, the Comments box is all yours.

Mix of the Month: January 2006

Yes, I know it's March. That just means three mixes back to back, right?

So, January. This month's mix was a Christmas present from my big sister Amy, the same sister who made me my very first mix tape so many years ago. She introduced me to Jane's Addiction and Neneh Cherry and the Tom Tom Club. She has excellent taste in tunes.

She actually made three mixes for us all this year: Run, Stretch and, our feature today, Fiddle. She even wrote liner notes, because she knows how madly I love them. In fact, her writing is generally better than mine, so without further ado, I present to you,

Fiddle
"The violin is a diva instrument--it sings and does guitar solos and wants attention. So mixing it into pop music can be challenging. Where is the aural space for violin when guitars and vocals are the usual leads?

"Fiddles are commonly used in string orchestration--big swells of string choruses you hear in Motown music and the Phil Spector 'Wall of Sound.' Check out Be My Baby by the Ronettes: Ronnie's voice cuts through fluffy layers of strings played in echo chambers. Yum.

"David Bowie uses the violin in a stripped down, beautifully recorded string section on Life on Mars.

"Most of the songs on this mix, however, feature the violin or fiddle in the songs or the bands. When I started listening for violin in pop music, I heard it everywhere, especially in some modern alternative rock bands. I heard it so much I trimmed the playlist back to the best songs, best bands and best use.

"But bands from the Bats to Eminem are featuring at least a fake violin lately. There is even an entry in Wikipedia about 'violindie' rock. The Dambuilders are the nineties precursor to theis trend.

"ZOX is a young ska punk band with a cute guy jumping around with a violin. Andrew Bird Studiously uses violin in his releases. I like his solo work but I love his collaboration with the Squirrel Nut Zippers. There are country tinged fidle songs from the Dixie Chicks who make fiddle look hip and pretty, some roots rock and the Gorillaz use of a Suzuki classic. Dinah makes a cameo on the Brits song (I wish the violin was mixed higher).

"And of course there's that 70s classic, The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Could I have left that out? Nope. Plus it's only one of many devilishly good songs on this mix."
~Amy, Christmas 2005
1) Paper and Fire - John Mellencamp
2) Drive By Kiss - Dambuilders
3) Mississippi - Sheryl Crow
4) Li'l Jack Slade - The Dixie Chicks
5) Queen of the Surface Streets - Devotchka
6) Richard - The Geraldine Fibbers
7) Life on Mars? - David Bowie
8) Summer Skin - Brits Out of America
9) Travelin' Soldier - Dixie Chicks
10) Part of the Process - Morcheeba
11) Be My Baby - The Ronettes
12) Blue Angel - Squirrel Nut Zippers
13) Thirsty - ZOX
14) A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left - Andrew Bird
15) The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels
16) Left Hand Suzuki Method - Gorillaz

Thanks so much Amy! I love it!

Amy and Me circa 1979

Mix of the Month: December

I find it fitting that the last mix of 2005 is the "Best of" mix. This is the fourth year-end mix I've done, and the third time I've tried to capture a mix of songs that reflect both what we were listening to and what was grabbing attention that year in general. I feel confident in saying, I guarantee there's at least one song on here that you loved this year, and at least one that you hate or are, at the very least, totally sick of. It's likely your mix would look much different. It is certain that if you made one and I know you, I desperately want a copy.

2005 was a super-full year, man. Without Googling a list of events from various news sources, going just off the top of my head, your average American would find it hard to remember this year without mentioning something about Katrina or Live 8 or the Supreme Court, or that tawdry Brad/Jen/Angelina business. Personally, the year was super-full as well, and as I was collecting images for the case, I found that 2005 boiled down to 4 major things:
1) Got married, threw a wedding (some would argue these are two different things)
2) Went to Europe (me, for the first time)
3) Bought and renovated a house
4) Adopted a dog

So as for what we did, I think that's quite enough. As for what we listened to, well, here you go:
mAc & Dinah 2005


Vertigo/U2 (How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, 11/04)
I'm sure I could split my friends and family right down the middle into either a "LOVE U2!" or "HATE U2!" camp. The fact is, however, 2005 was a very U2 year, from the iPod to Live 8 to their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Personally, I fall into the "Dig U2, have since Boy, and this is a damn catchy song" camp, and I can't think of a better way to count off a full and kind of fucked-up year then by counting off, "One! Two! Three! Fourteen!"
Hey Scenesters!/The Cribs (New Fellas, 06/05)
This is one of many contributions from my friend Amanda, who is that friend who is cooler than I and keeps me up to date on the latest tunes. When I first heard this song it kind of sounded like they were saying "Hey seestors!" Which made me smile, as I have opened more than one email to my sisters exactly that way.
Doesn’t Remind Me/Audioslave (Out of Exile, 05/05)
I love Chris Cornell. LOVE. In my ideal extra-hot boy band, I have Dave Grohl on drums, Tony Kanal on bass, Dave Navarro on guitar and the amazing Chris Cornell singing the vocals that make me want to roll over and howl at the moon. Hotness aside, Audioslave has quickly become one of my favorite bands ever. I love this song in particular for the contrasting guitar parts, the rolling drums, the thoughtful lyrics and, of course, Cornell's voice.
Fashion Death Trends/Frausdots (Couture, Couture, Couture, 09/04)
Let's start with the fact that any album named "Couture, Couture, Couture" has my (and Carson Kressley's) attention. And then move on to the fact that the album is, in fact, excellent and this is just one of many great songs on it. We have Jimmy to thank for this one.
Talk/Coldplay (X&Y, 06/05)
Here's how this one goes: It's the middle of August, and I'd wake up each morning aching from working the night before. I'd go to the office for 8 or 9 hours, then drive over to the new house where we'd scrub/spackle/prime/sand/paint until either 1 a.m. or until we just couldn't do it anymore. Then I'd get in my car to go back to our apartment, roll the windows down (because at this point, I smell homeless), and crank the Coldplay. Dreamy enough to sooth after a long day, but with the heavy guitars at the end to keep me awake on the drive home. Perfect.
Girl/Beck (Guero, 03/05)
On our wedding day, my Divas and I were listening to the new Beck and Garbage albums while we got ready together. I like this one for it's happy, dancy sound and the awesome syncopated guitar solo in the middle. My onlyquestion: is he saying "my sonar girl" or "my sun-eyed girl" or both?
Daft Punk is Playing at My House/LCD Soundsystem (LCD Soundsystem, 02/05)
If you feel, as Christopher Walken once did in one of the funniest SNL sketches ever, "I need more cowbell!" then baby, this song is for you. And for anyone who feels like shakin' they ass.
Filthy/Gorgeous/Scissor Sisters (Scissor Sisters, 07/04)
mAc loves the Scissor Sisters so much, like, a lot. The whole album is really catchy and fun and addictive. This song in particular got listened to to death.
Why Do You Love Me?/Garbage (Bleed Like Me, 04/05)
We saw Garbage in concert this year, and I have to say, they brought it again. Bleed Like Me is no Version 2.0 (but then, what is?), but it's a solid album with some kick ass songs on it. Like this one.
Feel Good, Inc./Gorillaz (Demon Days, 05/05)
This is the ultimate party song. Put it in the mix at your next party and watch your guests get down.
Jerk It Out/The Caesars (Paper Tigers, 04/05)
This song sounds like a cross between a 50's beach party and a rave. Like dropping some X and doing the Mashed Potato. Like psychedelic innocence.
I’d Rather Dance With You/Kings of Convenience (Riot Empty Street, 07/04)
I'm late to the Kings of Convenience party, but now that I'm here I'm going to pop on a lampshade, tell all my friends and stay awhile. I love the quiet beauty of this song. I love the lyrics. I can listen to this song on repeat and never get tired of it. It's just that good.
Why Bother at All/Koufax (Hard Times in Fashion, 08/05)
This is a great song, but as for why it's on the mix, I'm going to be straight with you: I'm a sucker for a band that kind write a rock & roll lyric using the word "albeit."
My Doorbell/The White Stripes (Get Behind Me Satan, 06/05)
I feel kind of defensive about this selection, due to the recent outpouring of hatred for all things White Stripes by many of my friends and family. But mAc and I both like this song. It's got a sexy beat and I continue to be impressed with Jack's ability to write a vocals/melody-driven song that sounds complex, but is actually very simple. So, you know, there. Skip it if you hate it.
An Honest Mistake/The Bravery (The Bravery, 03/05)
What's that, you say? New Order? Nope, it's The Bravery, with an 80's-inspired treat for anyone with a penchant for 80's new wave dance music.
Your Ex-Lover is Dead/Stars (Set Yourself on Fire, 03/05)
Stars may be my favorite new discovery of 2005. It started with "Elevator Love Letter" from the album Heart, featured on Amanda's best of 04 mix. Again, late to the party. But then I heard this one, and I was theirs forever. I love everything about this song. The waltzing 6/8 time, the lyrics, her breathy vocals, the strings, the jangly guitars, EVERYTHING. "Your Ex-Lover is Dead" might just be the dreamiest song ever.
Over and Out/Foo Fighters (In Your Honor v2, 06/05)
Obviously, we both have a special place in our hearts for the Foo Fighters--we used "Everlong" as the recessional song in our wedding. Their new 2-disc album is phenomenal. mAc likes the more rockin' songs on the first album. I prefer the beautiful acoustic songs on the second. And I make the mix, so you get the latter. This song could score a Cameron Crowe movie all by itself. It's just beautiful.
Love Will Tear Us Apart/Nouvelle Vague (Nouvelle Vague, 05/05)
Nouvelle Vague does bossa nova covers (with breathy female vocals) of new wave and punk rock hits from the 70's and 80's. Some are more successful than others. My favorites include Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough," The Clash's "Guns of Brixton," and this one.
This Modern Love/Bloc Party (Silent Alarm, 03/05)
Jimmy's the one who gave us the album; Amanda's the one who pointed out that this song would have been PERFECT for Veronica and Logan's first kiss on one of the best new shows EVER, Veronica Mars. Do yourself a favor and listen to this song on headphones so you can hear the vocals bounce from ear to ear.
Reach for the Sky/Social Distortion (Sex, Love and Rock & Roll, 09/04)
Classic, awesome Social D. The perfect way to end a mix, especially one for a year filled with lofty endeavors. Roll credits on 2005. We're all done.

Honorable Mentions: Rilo Kiley/Portions for Foxes, Madonna/Hung Up, Mates of State/Ha, Hard Fi/Cash Machine.

Mix of the Month: November

The November mix is different from all the others I've done, and you're not going to see the tracks listed here. But let me tell you why.

We finally finished our house, and by "finished," I mean that we got it to a point where we still have projects to do, but it is not only livable, it's beautiful. The big things are done. It's a lovely, happy, welcoming sanctuary. So far, the only picture available online is on mAc's blog, but there are more to come.

What does this have to do with the Mix of the Month? Well, to celebrate the completion of all of our hard work, we threw a party. I made a playlist on the iBook for this party, quickly dragging in every party-appropriate song we had in the library, importing a few party songs we didn't have. After dragging them all in, de-duping a couple repeats and hitting shuffle, my 2005 Party Mix was complete.

It contains 179 songs, or over 11 hours of music. I am SO not typing that up for y'all, no matter how much you beg.

It's not like I didn't have specific criteria for selecting songs--I did. I picked out dance songs, happy songs, groovy background songs, funny conversation-starting songs, and current singles spanning multiple genres, thus giving guests with a wide variety of tastes something to enjoy.

The funny thing is, I've been listening to this mix since I made it (to and from work all week and I still haven't gotten through all the songs), and I like every song. On the one hand, of COURSE I like every song. On the other, there are 179, and they are all over the map.

It's moments like this when I realize how lucky I am to have had such a musical upbringing. For those of you who don't know me well, I played the violin for roughly 20 years, starting out as a Suzuki student in Evansville, IN. I got pretty good, actually. Good enough to kick out a couple Mozart violin concertos, learn Vivaldi's Four Seasons (both violin parts) and lead the second violin section of Denver's Young Artists Orchestra the year we tackled my all-time favorite orchestral work, Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique.

Why on earth did I stop? Well, here's the thing about the violin: it's really, really hard. You have to play every day just to maintain your level of performance, and you have to practice several hours a day to really make that instrument sing. I never had the patience for it. Seriously, I'm lucky that I had any talent at all, because 9 times out of 10, I did all my practicing the day of my weekly lesson or orchestra rehearsal.

So, at a certain point, I stopped getting better. I actually remember what I was working on when that light bulb went on: Concerto No.1 In G Minor For Violin And Orchestra, Op.26, Max Bruch. Oh, man. Do yourselves a favor and go get a recording of this concerto (there's a lovely recording with Perlman performing this, and Mendelssohn's violin concerto in E minor, on Amazon, although on this piece I kind of actually prefer Joshua Bell's slightly edgier approach). It's so sensational, I can't even deal. The first movement alone makes my toes curl.

But I couldn't play it. Try as I might, I could not make this concerto work on my violin. And I really tried with this one. I loved the music so much, I was desperate to make it sound beautiful. This piece was my passion, not to mention my comfort on rough days in college. I'd have to be kicked out of the practice room in my dorm after quiet hours on some days, because I'd just devote so much time just trying to get it right. I'd stretch my fingers on the octave chords, do the runs over and over... At the end of all my hard work, I basically go to the point where I could make the first few bars of the intro kick ass, but the rest just sounded... not bad? But not good enough.

That's when I realized it was probably a good idea to think of other areas to where I could redirect my passion for music. I was never going to be good enough to master my favorite concerto, much less have the patience I'd need to master everything else I'd have to learn in order to play professionally. Not to mention, there were all kinds of things I didn't want to have to play, and when you're in an orchestra you kind of don't get a choice. They don't care if you find Mahler overbearing and boring if that's what's on the program.

Today, I find that it makes me sad to think of the concerto I never mastered, and my beloved instrument collecting dust in the closet. It's not out of the question that I'll bust it out again someday, especially now that we have a house and I don't have to worry about my squawks being heard through thin apartment walls. (I'd love to play my violin in a band, as long as I'm being honest.) That said, I am far more happy than sad to have had those 20 years playing the violin. Are you kidding me? What an amazing gift! Not only did I enjoy experiences and met amazing people I never would have otherwise, but it gave me an appreciation for ALL music. So much so that it remains a huge part of my life.

So much so that I make a party mix of some of my favorite songs, and it's over 11 hours long.

One last note (ha ha! I kill me). I recently discovered that my old violin teacher, the one who graduated me from Twinkle to Tsaichovsky, has a little web site. There's not much too it, but look at what I found on her quotes page:

THAT IS WHY I TEACH MUSIC

"NOT because I expect you to major in music.
NOT because I expect you to play or sing all your life.
NOT so you can relax or have fun

BUT - so you will be human
so you will recognize beauty
so you will be closer to an Infinite beyond this world
so you will have something to cling to
so you will have more love, more compassion,
more gentleness, more good ... in short,
more life.

Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living
unless you know how to live?"

Author Unknown

Mix of the Month: October

I realize this is late, but I didn't want to combine months again because I already have ideas for November and December. So here's your October mix, and it's a sad one.

Why make a mix of sad songs? Well, for starters because it's autumn, and autumn often makes people sad. It makes me sad. And there is nothing more therapeutic for me than the right music.

When I’ve got the mean reds, these are the songs and musicians that I feel truly get me. You know? Like, fuck off Madonna, I’m not in the mood. Janis, Al, Johnny, Kris—you can stay. Thanks for translating pain into something beautiful and, in the process, actually helping me to feel better.

Plus, quite frankly, I think some of the most beautiful songs are the saddest damn songs you ever heard. And I love them. I love them sad, sad songs.

And so without further ado, I present, The Mean Reds.

“The blues are because you’re getting fat and maybe it’s been raining too long—you’re just sad, that’s all. The Mean Reds are horrible. Suddenly you’re afraid and you don’t know what you’re afraid of.” ~ Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Janis Joplin ~ Cry Baby
Because she cries and wails and empathizes like no other; she screams on your behalf. Like many choices on this mix, this song is about crying over love. On another level, it’s also about just getting to the point where nothing else will make you feel better, except to just cry, cry baby.
Portishead ~ Roads
This little gem I discovered on the Tank Girl soundtrack, of all places, then grew to love Portishead all on their own. I love this dreamy song and want to give it a big hug every time she sings, “How can it feel this wrong?” I know that feeling.
Nirvana ~ All Apologies
One of my favorite songs of all time, it’s just beautiful. The lyrics are both random and thoughtful: “I wish I was like you—easily amused.” The guitar that sets the tone is perfect, the melody haunting, and the strings, especially the bass, do an amazing job of underlining the pain that rides the current of this song.
Al Green ~ How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?
Well, you certainly couldn’t mend a broken heart if you listened to this song too much. Isn’t this song amazing? I love the way Al’s voice wavers—is it vibrato, or is he holding back tears? All the ingredients for a perfect sad song are here, making this track an excellent choice for a good cry.
Sarah McLachlan ~ Black & White
Now. This selection is very personal to me, and very specific to the title of the mix. For me, one of the main causes of the mean reds is my own insecurity. Am I living up to everyone’s expectations? How could I possibly be? When I’m afraid but don’t know what I’m afraid of, it usually ends up boiling down to putting a truckload of pressure on myself and being terrified that I will disappoint everyone I know or love, compiled with an unwillingness to talk to anyone about it because I am certain they’re tired of hearing me complain. “Everybody loves you when you’re easy. Everybody hates when you’re a bore. Everyone is waiting for your entrance. So don’t disappoint them.”
Bill Withers ~ Ain’t No Sunshine
I love how simple and gentle this song is. It’s a very basic concept—the world sucks without you in it—only transformed into poetry. It’s a sympathetic companion to a lonely heart, and a quietly cathartic release for anyone who sings along.
Johnny Cash ~ Hurt
This song kills me. Yes, it’s a cover of NIN, and it just kills me. Like “All Apologies” and “Black & White,” the grief in this song is focused on pain and guilt we cause ourselves when we hurt others (as opposed to being sad when they hurt us). Pain never sounded more acute or more inconsolable than it does in this song.
k.d. lang ~ Black Coffee
My dear friend Mike gave me this song. Thank you, Mike. This song is haunting. In my imagination, the woman singing is in a dark room wearing a soiled pink vintage nightgown, because it’s the 1940’s and her lover is at war. She trades liquor for coffee, coffee for liquor, dulling her pain and worry and avoiding sleep, as her dreams are terrifying. She can’t stop smoking and sometimes she just cries out in her fear and exhaustion. And one of those times, it turned into this song.
Eve’s Plum ~ Save a Prayer
This particular choice is not about lyrics but song quality. I love that they took a Duran Duran song that was already beautiful, and managed to make it so delicate and tender. I love to listen to this song loud in my car when I’m sad.
All Saints ~ Never Ever
In contrast to the previous song, this one is all about lyrics (and “Amazing Grace,” upon which the song structure is based). When I first heard this song, I was convinced it had been written by Prince, just because there’s such a Prince-like quality to the lyrics and rhythm. Even though this song is also about love (and not a little obsessive, at that), it’s also well suited to all around sadness. “I keep searching deep within my soul for all the answers; I don’t wanna hurt no more.”
The Commitments ~ Can’t Stand the Rain
Because she hits the word “pane” like it’s “pain.” Because sometimes I get so sad I can’t stand my surroundings, and it feels like everything is conspiring to make me feel worse. Because anyone who’s had a really bad day knows how that feels.
Kris Kristofferson ~ Nobody Wins
Kris Kristofferson--who knew? Me. That’s who. Seriously, unless you’re a Kris Kristofferson fan from the 70’s, and my parents are, you’d never know that this sad, defeated gem existed on a kickass album entitled “Jesus was a Capricorn.” If you’d only seen Kris Kristofferson in movies like Blade, you’d never know that he was capable of singing, “the loving was easy; it’s the living that’s hard” in a way that would break your heart. But I knew. Aren’t you glad I did?
Peter Gabriel ~ Don’t Give Up
This song was big for me in college, when I was all stressed out and listening to a lot of Peter Gabriel. While I have always thought this song was beautiful, I also find it rather a double-edged sword. On the one hand, Peter & Kate are all, “Don’t give up, you still have friends.” On the other hand, the music itself is so sad it makes the lyrics hard to believe. Plus, I don’t know about you, but if I’m really down, and then someone sweetly hugs me & tells me I’m okay and everything will be fine, it sometimes just makes me cry harder.
Gary Jules ~ Mad World
Good lord, how gorgeous is this song? This song could make a clown holding a puppy on the day he won the lottery just cry and cry and cry—it’s that sad. It’s the perfect mournful end to a sad, sad CD.

Now blow your nose, kiss your pet, dance around the living room and have some chocolate.

Mix of the Month: August/September

If my lack of mixing over the summer isn't a testament to how busy we've been this summer, I don't know what is. I love getting my hands on new music, discovering new bands, mixing fabulous playlists to suit whatever flight of fancy might strike me at the particular moment. But it's been awhile, y'all. Is it possible to get musically horny after a dry spell of no new music? Because I feel like I am CLIMBING THE WALLS.

In the meantime, here's a theme-y mix I put together as part of my monthly CD swap project. This month I hosted, and since I've been so slammed with work at the office and the house, that was my theme: Show Me What You're Workin' With (Or, if you sing along to Mystikal like I do, "Show me widja widja widja".)

Originally, I'd planned on throwing together a mix of everything we listened to while working on the house, which upon closer examination was 95% 80's buttrock and 5% BEP and Madonna. (Because nothing gets your roller going like Def Leppard's greatest hits.) But then I mentioned the theme to mAc.

Me: The theme is Work. So it could be music you listen to at the office, music that gets you through a rough day, music to motivate, or songs for when you're just, like, workin' it.
Him: You could also do bands that are occupations! Like Men at Work and the Police and Firehouse.
Me: Dude. You just said Firehouse.

Naturally, I had to take the idea and run with it. The result is below.

MEN AND WOMEN AT WORK


Opportunities/Pet Shop Boys
We've Only Just Begun/The Carpenters
Life in the Factory/Drive By Truckers
Trying to Make a Living/Firehouse
The Laws Have Changed/The New Pornographers
Shrine/The Dambuilders
Every Little Thing She Does/The Police
Punk Rock Girl/The Dead Milkmen
Spitting Games/Snow Patrol
Narc/Interpol
Nothin’ but a G Thang/Dr. Dre
It’s Raining Men/Weather Girls
His N Hers/I Am The World Trade Center
Down Under/Men at Work
Nothing Better/The Postal Service
I Know What Boys Like/The Waitresses
I Just Died in Your Arms/Cutting Crew
6 Underground/Sneaker Pimps
All These Things That I've Done/The Killers

Mix of the Month: June/July

Around mid-June I flew to Colorado for a conference for work, and stayed the weekend to visit my family. It was so wonderful to see everyone. My mom, who's healing nicely from hip surgery; my sister who happened to be in town from Minnesota; my big brother, my dad; and my nieces, who get bigger and smarter and funnier and sassier every time I see them.

The flight back to LA was at sunset, and I found myself staring out the window at the beautiful orange and blue sky as we departed Denver (we call these "Bronco sunsets" in Colorado). I was thinking about the concept of home, how beautiful the world looks from a plane, how high we were... and how soon I could plug my iPod into my head to drown out the crying baby behind me.

With all that in mind, I snapped some photos of the sky out my window, and created the following mix on the fly, (yuk, yuk!) on my iPod. Some songs are about height, sky and flying. Some are just songs I'm addicted to right now. And some songs just soar on their own.

Such Great Heights

Pretty Girls Make Graves/Something Bigger, Something Brighter - One of many big, anthem-like songs on this mix. It rocks, it sways, it lets you float and then snaps you back.
The Postal Service/Such Great Heights - This particular song sounds RAD on headphones, with the synth popping back & forth from ear to ear.
Stars/Your Ex-Lover is Dead - I'm so addicted to this song. The cellos, the accordion, the jangly guitars, when the girl starts singing at the beginning, the waltz-like time, the big finish. LOVE.
Coldplay/Speed of Sound - Have you heard the new Coldplay album? It's gooooooood.
Filter/Take My Picture - The first lyric is, technically, "Awake on my airplane." But mAc and I always sing, "Waco my ab shwing." Because that's what it sounds like.
Morcheeba/Part of the Process - This song is basically dreamy electronic country music. If you know me at all you know that if you can mix genres successfully, you WIN in my book. This one includes fun space-like sound effects and a fiddle. And yes, it totally works.
Madonna/Sky Fits Heaven - This was my theme song for moving to Seattle for love all those years ago. I listened to it on the plane out there over and over and over again. "Traveling down your own road / Watching the signs as you go / I think I'll follow my heart / It's a very good place to start."
Bloc Party/This Modern Love - My friend Amanda once pointed out that this song would have been perfect for that first kiss between Logan and Veronica on the Best New Show EVER, Veronica Mars. I totally agree. (Also sounds amazing on headphones.)
Rufus Wainright/Beautiful Child - Besides mixed genres, I also go bananas for big, dramatic anthems, especially the ones that go for the whole Phil Spector Wall of Sound effect. This particular song is the biggest, most dramatic wall-of-sound anthem I have ever heard. Turn it up!
Nouvelle Vague/Guns of Brixton - I just can't get over how sexy she sounds when she croons the word "Brixton." Damn.
Norman Greenbaum/Spirit in the Sky - Always makes me happy.
Shivaree/Goodnight Moon - In a word? Slinky.
Ryan Adams/Wonderwall - It's just so sweet and sincere.
Aretha Franklin/Nessun Dorma - Okay. It's 1998 (pretty sure) and I'm watching the Grammy's at a friend's place. The announcer says that, due to laryngitis, Pavarotti will not be able to perform tonight. Instead, please welcome Aretha Franklin to perform Nessun Dorma. I thought to myself, "Oh, no. I hope this isn't embarrassing for her, I LOVE her." And then I immediately felt ashamed, because I found myself listening to one of the most amazing things I have ever heard in my entire life. It was beautiful, stirring, soaring. It was all the lofty drama of opera cradled in the warm embrace of soul. It made all the hairs on my body stand on end; the finale made me weep.
Frou Frou/Let Go - It helps bring you down from the previous song and has the added bonus of being kind of perfect for flying.
The Golden Palominos/Heaven - Sexiest. Song. Ever.
Foo Fighters/Over and Out - I used to listen to the Foo Fighters' "Learn to Fly" when I'd travel. But these days I'm addicted to the new album, and I can't get enough of this song.

Mix of the Month: May

mAc & Dinah: The Soundtrack
(We gave these out as favors at our wedding. The cases doubled as programs.)

You're the First, the Last, My Everything . Barry White - If there's a better way to kick off a celebratory mix of love songs, I don't want to know about it, because I think this one is perfect.
You're the Boss . Brian Setzer Orchestra featuring Gwen Stefani - When I first heard this, I just thought it was a cute, flirty duet between strong-willed lovers. And then I grew up and realized that might a little, um, dirtier? "Well maybe tonight, I'll be the boss. And tomorrow night... I'll be the boss."
Happy Together . The Turtles - From the Muriel's Wedding soundtrack, and one of many anthem-like songs on this mix. I love the change in dynamics on this track the best. I walked down the aisle to another song off this soundtrack--the remix of Dancing Queen.
In Your Eyes . Peter Gabriel - Because, as Erica says, "What straight woman didn't get moist watching John Cusack holding the boom box over his head blaring Peter Gabriel in Say Anything?"
Just the Two of Us . Bill Withers - This is Amy & Chip's song, but we borrowed it for the mix because it's just so darn sweet and sexy.
Thank You . Dido - This song was actually featured in Sliding Doors before Dido's "No Angel" was released. I expect to get shit for liking Dido, maybe justifiably so, but I don't care. I'm grateful for mAc, and we're grateful for the friends and families that have given us so much. "I just want to thank you for giving me the best day of my life." I danced with my dad to this song.
Such Great Heights . Iron & Wine - There's a moment in Garden State when Zach Braff and Natalie Portman are just laying down, facing each other, enjoying each other and the stillness surrounding them, with this song capturing the moment. A brilliant remake of a great love song.
Come What May . Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman - This style of song is the least us, what with its overblown lite rock Celine-type qualities, but it still gives me goosebumps. I think Moulin Rouge is fabulous, and this song is just a pure, unabashed declaration of love.
At Last . Etta James - One of my all-time favorite songs, period. Now even more so, because it's the song we danced to for our first dance as husband and wife. (And let's face it, given mAc's love of dancing, probably our last.) This song was also featured in Pleasantville.
True Love . Pat Benatar - This one was a present from my friend Mikey many years ago, before I ever met mAc. Today, the lyrics are kind of perfect for us: "I called the man at the video store and said, 'Cancel my membership I won't be needing it no more.' There's a man to occupy my nights and, baby, it's just the right amount of true love." Well, that and he has a collection of over 3,000 DVDs.
Let's Stay Together . Al Green - Because when I think Pulp Fiction, I think of great love songs. Actually, I kind of do. "Son of a Preacher Man" almost made it on this mix as well.
Fever . Peggy Lee - Was any love song ever so sexy? "We give you fever til you sizzle, but what a lovely way to burn." Hot, sweetie.
Oh My Lover . The Detroit Cobras - My sister Amy walked down the aisle to this song. 'Cause she's cool like that.
Everlong . Foo Fighters - This is mAc's favorite love song. We also used it for our recessional. I'm crazy for lyrics like, "The only thing I ever ask of you / You gotta promise not to stop when I say when."
All I Want is You . U2 - I've loved this song ever since it made me ache watching Ethan Hawke and Winona Ryder pine for each other at the end of Reality Bites.
Can't Take My Eyes Off You . Frankie Valley - It's like two songs in one: the low-key, yearning love song, and the loud, shout-from-the-rooftops declaration. Teen movie aficionados like myself may also remember Heath Ledger's performance of this number in 10 Things I Hate About You.
I Melt With You . Modern English - Because it's the love song at the end of Valley Girl.
I Love You Always Forever . Donna Lewis - I just, I don't know. I just love it. It makes me happy.
Running . No Doubt - The perfect love song for the couple on the go. No, really. "We're running, running / Keep holding my hand / So we don't get separated."
You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You . Dean Martin - The Swingers soundtrack has several great love songs to choose from, but this one is the one to finish the mix.

So May's mix of the month is both late and mushy, neither of which should be surprising. We were really busy and lovey in May. Of course, I think we still found a way to include some fairly rockin' tunes. We might be in love, but we're still us.

Mix of the Month: April

This month's mix is actually an assignment I had for this CD swap project that I participate in each month. The assignment in this case was "Duplicity."

It turned out to be one of the toughest and most rewarding CD mix assignments I have ever done. I'm not sure why I struggled so much, except that I thought it was such a fascinating topic and I wanted very much to capture the essence of the word itself, not just amass as many cheatin’ songs as I could find. I wanted the perfect collection of songs that, on their own, would perfectly describe Duplicity.

I enlisted a lot of help with this mix, so I'd like to take this opportunity to give mad props to Conrad, Brian, Amanda, Mikey, Amy and mAc. Let me know how we did.


DUPLICITY
Lyin’ Ass Bitch/Fishbone - I can’t think of a better way to start a duplicitous mix, and for this suggestion, I thank my friend Conrad. Even if you don’t love ska, the La La La’s are totally infectious and the ending just kicks ass, pure and simple. “Lying piece of sack of shit slut trash can scummest dirt bag... Biiiitch!”

Two Girls/Cinerama - This song was a gift from my hip friend Amanda, and would have kicked off the mix had Conrad not suggested the Perfect Song for just that. Before I read the actual lyrics, I thought this guy was singing about dating two girls at once because his girlfriend was schizophrenic and/or bipolar. As it turns out, he really is just a cheating bastard. “I didn't plan on falling for two girls at the same time / I didn't plan on lying to you.” Either way, it’s perfectly duplicitous, especially since his two girls are clearly such polar opposites: “You are perfection personified / While, frankly, she's undignified.”

Would I Lie to You?/Eurythmics - This is just the first of a handful of songs that beg the question, “Would I lie to you?” In this particular case, I believe that Annie is throwing the phrase back in the face of her lover-turned-cheater with a defiant, unsaid Fuck You: “Tell you straight - no intervention / To your face - no deception / You're the biggest fake / That much is true / Had all I can take / Now I'm leaving you.” You tell him, sister.

Cheating on You/Franz Ferdinand - On the flip side, Franz Ferdinand is just coming right out and admitting his infidelity. Hell, they’re practically celebrating it. “Goodbye girl, you know you want me / Goodbye girl, yes I'm a loser… I'm cheating on you, yeah.” And I have to ask—ladies, when will we learn?? I mean, the fact that his girlfriend is staying with him despite the cheating is stupid rocker boyfriend BULLSHIT that unfortunately happens all the time, and when will we girls learn that these boys in bands, while hot, are BAD NEWS??? The Franz Ferdinand answer: never.

You Don’t Know Me/Ray Charles - Thanks to the movie and its recent Oscar success, Ray Charles has gotten seriously over-exposed. You might not want to hear “Hit the Road Jack” again for a very long time. But to leave him alone altogether would be to miss out on this lovely gem about rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest theme, ever: unrequited love. It’s sweet, yearning, heartbreaking, and yet admittedly deceiving, as he clearly hasn’t told his beloved about his feelings. And so, she goes along blindly treating him like just friend, and breaking his heart. “You think you know me well / But you don't know me.”

Was it a Lie?/Sleater Kinney - Here’s a whole different kind of duplicity—the lying liars in the media, and the lying web of lies they spin. The full lyrics to this song tell just the saddest most horrifying story you’ve ever heard: a woman is killed on the train tracks and, without firm evidence, the media asserts suicide and turns it into their Hot Story. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t, but either way, is it right to use a woman’s personal tragedy for entertainment? Sleater Kinney wants to know: “was it a lie? / did it fill your head / did it entertain? / Will you feel alive at the end of it?”

Outlaw/Olive - This was a suggestion from my friend Brian and an extremely appropriate one at that. He reads it as a woman who finds out her boyfriend is gay/bi and cheating on her. I think he’s right. The lyrics? Are perfect: “Two faces / Playing with my trust in you / You cover all your traces / And watch me relax with you.” Exactly the essence of Duplicity.

Who Is He (And what is he to you)?/Bill Withers - This was a suggestion from my sister Amy. Because just because you’re lying and cheating, it doesn’t mean your significant other hasn’t figured out your bullshit, you cheating liar, you. I love this lyric: “When I add the sum of you and me / I get confused when I keep coming up with 3.”

Liar/Rollins Band - Okay. So I worked on this mix for awhile and, as you can see, enlisted the help of several people. Throughout it all, I kept bugging mAc about trying to find just one more perfect song. Just one more song that is the most evil, two-faced, deceitful, duplicitous song ever. And throughout it all, he was just as hard-pressed as I was to think of That Song I was trying to think of. Until, that is, the day I finished the mix. I was reading the final track list to him when he suddenly blurted out, “Liar! Henry Rollins!” (And then he started yelling/singing, much like Henry, “Cause I’m a LIAR!!!!” and it was really cute.) One listen and I felt, finally, like I’d found just the song I was looking for. Many of the other songs on this mix like to tease you with their deception; Henry gets right in your face, screams at you that he’s lying to you, and then calls you an idiot for not noticing. If you’ve ever wondered whether or not Henry Rollins is bitter about watching the girls he likes date scum bag liars and not him? Wonder no more. Homeslice is riding the Bitter Train, enjoying a plate of Bitter Pie a la Bitter, with a big full glass of Fuck You for Not Liking Me You Stupid Bitch! Think I’m exaggerating? “I'll hide behind a smile and understanding eyes and I'll tell you things that you already know so you can say: I really identify with you, so much / and all the time that you're needing me is just the time that I'm bleeding you, don't you get it yet? / I'll come to you like an affliction / then I'll leave you like an addiction.” And then, the finale: “I can't believe I ever hurt you, I swear I will never lie to you again / please, just give me more chance, I'll never lie to you again. . . Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! Sucker!” So Henry, um, are you going to call me or what?

Deceptacon/Le Tigre - In the true spirit of this mix, I feel I can’t lie to you about this song: it’s not actually about lying, deception, or duplicity in any way that I can tell. It is, however, rockin’ and boppy and fun, and the perfect reprieve after the Rollins Assault. Besides, the title of the song is Deceptacon, and that counts for something in my mix.

Girls! Girls! Girls!/Liz Phair - “I take full advantage / Of every man I meet / I get away almost every day / With what the girls call . . . murder.” Even though, like Henry, Liz is very up front about her evil ways, it somehow comes across far, far sexier. If you can figure out what time this song is in (as in ¾, 4/4, etc.) would you let me know? Thanks.

His N Hers/I Am the World Trade Center - Just so that no aspect of cheating is left unexplored, I had to include the song from the perspective of The Other Woman. “Well you caught me in the middle and I wanted to stop but I was tongue-tied/ His N hers will see & he and she will know that I was the one who lied.”

Lies/EMF - This choice was many things, not the least of which was an attempt to prove there are other songs on Shubert Dip besides “Unbelievable.” It was also an homage of sorts to the bratty Lana Lang on Smallville (“Duplicity” was the title of one of its episodes). It sounds like exactly the kind of accusatory thing she would say: “You said too much / And what you said it was a lie.”

Rub Til It Bleeds/PJ Harvey - Mikey gets the credit for this choice. In general, I think, if your woman says to you, “God’s truth, I’m not lying,” and then starts to chuckle wickedly, chances are she does not have your best interests at heart. In fact, I’d bet good money that her promise to “Rub it ‘til it bleeds” is not, as you originally suspected, a euphemism. Run. Run fast.

Your Cheatin’ Heart/Patsy Cline - Again, it’s the semi-sweet recovery from the previous intense track. In this delightful little tune, Patsy takes a tack at which many moms particularly excel when addressing the one who done her wrong: Guilt. “Your cheatin' heart Will make you weep / You'll cry and cry / And try to sleep / But sleep won't come / The whole night through / Your cheatin' heart / Will tell on you.” The beauty is, she’s not even giving him more reasons to feel guilty, she’s just content to let him fall on is own sword. Well played, Ms. Cline. Well played indeed.

Your Little Secret/Melissa Etheridge - Question: Is it possible to listen to a lesbian sing about secrets and not assume she’s talking about a lover who’s not only still in the closet, but who is also living a straight existence with a man? Answer: No. It’s not possible. See for yourself: “I like the way you look / I know you like me / But one and one and one / Baby, makes three / Stop playing those eyes / If you want me to keep / Your little secret.”

Cherry Lips (Go Baby, Go!)/Garbage - Ah yes, the cutest little ode to a transvestite that you ever did hear. The chimes in the big finish just slay me. Plus, this is one of the few positive tracks on this mix, as in: honey, being the cutest queen ever is hard, but we’ve got your back. Go get ‘em girl. “With your cherry lips and golden curls / You could make grown men gasp when you go walking past / And in your hot pants and high heels / They could not believe that such a body was for real / Because you looked just like a girl.”

Surprise/Luscious Jackson - Like “Deceptacon,” this song was included more for pure rockin’ value and it’s apropos title, especially coming after “Cherry Lips.” Too Crying Game for you? How about this: this song? Is sung from the perspective of semen, and despite what you may believe after hearing these songs, I am not lying. Gross, but true.

Terrible Lie/NIN - Because suicide and trannies and jizz aren’t controversial enough, I thought I’d include a song accusing God of being a big, fat liar. “Hey God, I think you owe me a great big apology.” That Trent, he’s so wounded.

We Might As Well Be Strangers/Keane - At long last, we’re winding down. Duplicity really doesn’t bring out the best in people, does it? Are you amazed at how such an ugly concept with such hateful, bitter lyrics can yield such amazing music? I am. But I also wanted to address the fallout, not just for the liar (thanks again, Patsy), but for the lied-to. As for the victims of duplicity, the ramifications are varied—there’s confusion, pain, anger, extreme bitterness (Henry), and finally, resignation. Maybe this song was just about a couple growing apart. But I can’t think of a more common reason for a couple divided than sheer duplicity. “I don't know your face no more / It's just a place I'm looking for / We might as well be strangers in another town.”

Trust in Me/Etta James - Now that you’ve heard all of these other songs, let me ask you this: when Etta James soothingly and passionately beseeches you to trust her, do you believe her? Would you have believed her before this mix started, but maybe not now? Ever notice how it’s generally the deceitful that have to ask to be trusted? I’m just saying.