A few months after my sister shipped out for Miami University of Ohio in the fall of 1993, she mailed me a cassette tape covered in handwritten track and band names. She’d been listening to “When it’s Raining” (The Samples), “Woman in the Wall” (Beautiful South) and about twenty other tracks she deemed worthy of sharing.
The tape has long since warped into oblivion after years of baking in the glove compartments of former cars, but I’ve been hooked on receiving and creating mixes ever since. I’m most proud of the work I did a few years back with Dave and Ting: our ‘More Cowbell’ mix brought vital attention to songs that feature the now famous percussive instrument (“Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson among them). Ting has a Will Farrell story about the CD which is hard to believe, but it’s the kind of thing that happens when you have a friend like Ting.
For the past three years, I’ve compiled a mix of songs that caught my attention during the previous twelve months and shipped the disc off to friends who’ll appreciate the effort. After thinking and rethinking track selection and order, I’ve completed 2006. Co-workies: the mix is already on my iTunes. Everyone else: copies can be made available upon request. Where available, links to iTunes are included below.
2006
- “See”, The Kleptones. Co-worker Kenny introduced me to these mash-up masters. See kicks off “A Night at the Hip Hopera”, an album that blends Queen with hip-hop. Great way to start any disc.
- “Rough Justice”, The Rolling Stones. Mick and the boys still have it.
- “From the Ritz to the Rubble”, The Arctic Monkeys. This song just rocks.
- “My Prerogative”, Bobby Brown. You know you like this song. You also get the added benefit of listening to Bobby Brown complain about receiving too much public attention, which is kind of cute now.
- “United States of Whatever”, Liam Lynch. It’s like, whatever.
- “Suspicious Minds”, Elvis Presley. I’m not a big Elvis fan, but this song gets me. I love the way it builds throughout.
- “Your Love”, the Outfield. Possibly one of the best songs to come out of the ’80s.
- “Cold, Cold Ground”, Tom Waits. His voice and the accordion make me feel like I’m in a 1940s pub while a snowstorm rages outside.
- “These Apples”, Barenaked Ladies. (live version) I’ve known this song for a long time, but for some reason, 2006 was its year.
- “These Are Ghosts”, A Band of Bees. For me, 2006 was the year of the Bees. Hat tip to co-worker Kenny for introducing me to this chameleon-like band. Try to define their sound. It’s impossible.
- “Before the Last Teardrop Falls”, Freddy Fender. I don’t remember where I heard this song, but it’s just pretty.
- “Comfortably Numb”, Scissor Sisters. Not a cover of the Pink Floyd song. Haunting techno.
- “Lover, You Should Have Come Over”, Jeff Buckley. Gorgeous.
- “Mr. Ambulance Driver”, The Flaming Lips. Thanks to co-worker Spacetacular for this one. Simple and sad plus sirens.
- “Marching Bands of Manhattan”, Death Cab for Cutie. Another Spacetacular recommendation.
- “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”, Bob Dylan. Can’t go wrong with Dylan.
- “Breakfast in America”, Supertramp. Dave and I have been amused by this song for years. I finally tracked it down and got it on a disc.
- “Chicken Payback”, A Band of Bees. This one wins song of the year. I will never grow tired of it, not even during the island challenge.