Creating a great mixtape is becoming a lost art. Although there has been a revival of mix tapes and cd’s, often times little thought is put into compiling the playlist.
There are so many things to consider when making a mix tape or CD for someone. Details such as :
• The art on the cover/envelope/insert/etc.
• The feelings or thoughts you are trying to convey.
• The timing of the songs.
• The transition and flow.
There are many other factors that can make for an incredible mix. Feel free to add your own in the comments .
Now on to the questions:
• What are the songs would you put on a 13 song mix cd for Taylor Hicks and why would you choose them?
• What kind of cover art or packaging would you use?
• How would you describe the flow of your mix?
Take as long as you need to answer.
Taylor is the Boogie! 
Like the mix Hickstyeria. Especially appreciate being reminded of Maria Mudaur. Haven’t listened to her soulful sound in a while.
cover art: A booth at a diner in the middle of the night, raindrops on window. 3 quarters left on top of Jukebox. One half eaten plate of eggs over, pancakes & toast, two forks, two coffees, 1 black, 1 light & sweet. 1 black pen and napkins with doodles on them. A roll of fruit flavored Life Savers, one red one left on table. A leather jacket left behind. A car warming up outside.
1. Mercy Mercy Me – Marvin Gaye
2. Give Peace a Chance – John Lennon
3. Changes – Phil Ochs
4. That’s All Right – Elvis
5. I’ve Been Loving You – Aretha & Otis
6. Ain’t No Sunshine – Bobby Bland
7. Dance with Me – The Drifters
8. Cry to Me – Solomon Burke
9. Maybe – Janis Joplin
10. Southbound – ABB
11. Sleep While I Drive – Melissa Etheridge
12. It’s Only Love – Beatles
13. Coffee in Bed – Squeeze
14. Nefertiti – Chick Corea
mood: talking, listening, moving, dozing
Great mix Hickstyeria! I almost put Rufus Thomas’ “Walking the Dog” on my mix tape that I posted. Very cool!
This is my first post on your site though I’ve been reading – it’s taken a while to get back into a normal routine post-GC and then to venture out again…
I recently made a mix for my Dad, mostly of oldies from the ’50s-’70s, not necessarily chronologically, but I knew he would like them and the flow in mixing just seemed to happen. I listened in the car to get the ‘experience’ and found it made an hour fly by – it’s just a fun, singing-along-in-the-car on a sunny day mix! I think Taylor could like this mix because some of his musical influences are on it. There were, however, 18 songs and the last one was especially for my Dad as his name is Robert:
1 Wichita Lineman (Glen Campbell)
2 Classical Gas (Mason Williams)
3 Sugar, Sugar (The Archies)
4 If You’re Going To San Francisco (Scott MacKenzie)
5 Space Oddity (David Bowie)
6 Something In The Air (Thunderclap Newman)
7 Stop Children What’s That Sound (Buffalo Springfield)
8 You Are So Beautiful (Joe Cocker)
9 Hey Jude (The Beatles)
10 Sailing (Christopher Cross)
11 Make It With You (Bread)
12 Midnight At The Oasis (Maria Muldaur)
13 Listen To The Music (Doobie Brothers)
14 Swanee River Rock (Ray Charles)
15 Respect (Aretha Franklin)
16 On Broadway (George Benson)
17 Walking The Dog (Rufus Thomas)
18 Bobby’s Girl (Susan Maughan)
For Taylor I’d have to remove the last song and then try to remove another 4 – hmmm, difficult but, assuming he has Ray, Aretha, George and the Doobies already, then I could pretty much leave the others and end with Maria Muldaur – someone whose own early influences included Kitty Wells and Hank Williams and whose own career has seen her hailed as an exponent of American roots music. Happy Listening!
I’ve been mulling this over in my head for two days.
Too.much.pressure.
I can’t even narrow down the purpose of the mix which is essential:
Would it me a mix of current songs for Taylor to crank up on the Bose on the bus for everyone to get funky along with (like Lil’ Jon “Get Low”)? There is something so damn appealing about a Southern white boy get funky with dirty rap lyrics….get low, get low, get low, get low ….from the windowwww to the wall… can you imagine? Or how about Christina Aguilera “Ain’t No Other Man”…you got soul, you got class, you got style, you’re badass!
OR
Quiet soothing songs on the Ipod while lying in the bunk and alone: like stuff from David Gray, Rickie Lee Jones, or Van Morrison?
ARGH!!!
Kelley – wants you to do your thang honey!
Amy, Different 500 Miles (though I love the Proclaimers)… the title could be 500 Miles (from my home)–many covers, including Sonny 7 Cher
Jan B.,
Walkin’ in Memphis – Marc Cohn
500 Miles – The Proclaimers
oops, sorry–but shoeless is important!
Oh, and about a cover…how ’bout Taylor, just out of bed, messy hair, in his oldest Levis, sittin’out on the porch? Tan, with no shirt or in a nice white t-shirt, and shoeless.
Oh, and about a cover…how ’bout Taylor, just out of bed, messy hair, in his oldest Levis, sittin’out on the porch? Tan, with no shirt or a nice white t-shirt…
Night Moves- Bob Seger
Cry, Baby- Joplin
Can’t Untie Me From You- Thelma & Louise soundtrack
Spinnin’ Wheel- BS&T
Into the Mystic- Van Morrison
Cruisin’- Smokey
House of the Risin’ Sun- Animals
I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You- Elvis
Woman-John Lennon
Walkin’ in Memphis-
Time is on my Side- Stones
500 Miles
My mix, all woman singers, bluesy and easy listening:
1. Stormy Monday (Eva Cassidy)
2. Today I sing the Blues (Aretha Franklin)
3. Stormy weather (Billie Holliday)
4. Cry me a River (Ella Fitzgerald)
5. The nearness of you (Etta James)
6. Raining (Carly Simon)
7. Sunrise (Norah Jones)
8. Will you love me tomorrow (Carole King)
9. River (Joni Mitchell)
10. Maybe (Janis Joplin)
11. Have a Heart (Bonnie Raitt)
12. Fast Car (Tracy Chapman)
When I think of mixes all I can think of is Jack Nicholson in “As Good As It Gets” when he took Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear to that road trip and he had mixes to all occasions. 😀
Kudo’s to all of you for your great mixes! I am the first to admit I’m not great at making them in general. My tendency is to stand in front of my cd collection excitedly doing a dance between the player and the titles asking “Have you heard this? Let me play it for you!” In return, I’m absloutely thrilled when someone plays something new for me. I don’t profess to be even a halfway decent music critic, so most of these are because I like them, and just want to share. Alas, not per Ash’s instructions, I owe two bonus tracks.
Oh! Cover art, let’s see, colorful cartoon drawing of a harmonica with wheels (looking like a tour bus) rolling down a guitar neck highway to a distant city made of shiny silver, retro microphones.
Mix:
1. Jonathon Edwards – Shanty: A feel good short piece for setting a tone of kickin’ back on a Friday night. Good harmonica work also.
2. Delbert McClinton – Gotta Get It Worked On: Soulful blues
3. Widespread Panic – Proving Ground: For its funky goodness, slurred timing and lyrical content
4. Left Hand Smoke – Step Outside: For its Motown soul, summer groove feel
5. Ben Harper – Brown Eyed Blues: Ben Harper is so diverse, a fun listen
6. John Hiatt and the Goners – Almost Fed Up with the Blues: Good ol’ John Hiatt
7. Shannon Curfman – True Friends: Sort of a female counterpart to Taylor’s vocal stylings on this song.
8. Gov’t Mule – Soulshine: Little tribute to Taylor here
9. Buddy Guy – Feels Like Rain: Love this song, slow and nice
10. Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies – You Are: One of their more laid back tunes
11. Robert Plant – Big Log: Just because I really dig this song, probably doesn’t go well with the rest of the mix but it’s about being on the road. The title never made sense to me.
I don’t have a ton of time, but what about the following:
1) “Maybe I’m Amazed”- Paul McCartney
2) “Let’s Stay Together”- Al Green
3) “Blue Sky”- Allman Brothers (southern rock)
Okay, one more video to offer up. I did not watch AI season one. Here is a performer doing Ain’t No Sunshine. Not bad, but I would still like to see Taylor’s full version.
Her name is Christina Christian.
I thought this to be so wild….I scanned Youtube for Tony Joe White who sang one of my selections on the mix I “created” above.
There were a few videos of him. The first is just his recording of the song set to some scenery. Gives you a sense of what the recorded version sounds like.
The 2nd is him on The Johnny Cash show performing a loose duet/comedy routine of it with Cash.
So if you are interested in seing them…thought I would share.
Too many Sunday errands to run today to come up with my own list, but this is a fascinating topic.
Which brings to mind that while I’m listening to the radio in my car, I’m constantly thinking: “That song is OK, but it would sound SO much better if Taylor was singing it.”
I am fascinated by all the mixes. Amazing creativity! Now to make them up on my computer…
Phile: I really like the “spoken word” parts in yours (“I need more cowbell!” that slays me every single time I see that skit). And Dennis Leary, absolutely!
A mix for Taylor’s enjoyment, perhaps while on the tour bus. Cover art would be Robert Crumb’s “Keep on Truckin'” cartoon. (“I said keep on truckin’, truckin’ my blues away…”).
1. “If I Give My Soul” by Johnny Cash (nice country starter, heavy on the vocal, lyrics are comment on giving his soul to music at the expense of a personal life)
2. “Lonelier Than This” by Steve Earle (mellow, but increasing the energy)
3. “Some Peace of Mind” by Van Morrison (moving up the blues quotient, more energy)
4. “Night Parade” by Robbie Robertson (energy builds throughout the song, leads into more conventional rocking out songs)
5. “Squeeze Box” by The Who (music/sex, classic)
6. “Honky Tonk Woman” by The Rolling Stones (ditto)
7. “Rub Me Raw” by Warren Zevon (one more for the sex theme with a blues kick)
8. “Meet Me In Memphis” by Jimmy Buffett (just because, plus travel metaphor)
9. “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues (I love this song, breaks the mood a little, not so serious)
10. “I’m the Greatest” by Ringo Starr (ironic statement, more humor)
11. “The Roadie Song” by Aaron Neville (for obvious reasons, plus back to the R&B feel)
12. “I’m a Steady Rollin’ Man” by Robert Johnson (easing him back down in the blues)
13. “Blues Before Sunrise” by John Lee Hooker (awesome walking blues to mellow him out at the end, night, night Taylor)
That was fun, thanks Ash!
Margaux’s Sunday morning mix, burned this morning for my holiday weekend enjoyment:
1. Time of the Season – Zombies
2. I Love You — Zombies
3. She’s Not There — Zombies
4. Tell Her No – Zombies
Every Sunday morning needs some British Invasion and the Zombies are with the best. Thank you Ash..
The next selections are all from HURRICANE RELIEF: COME TOGETHER NOW which benefits the Gulf Coast victims of Katrina and Rita.
5. Born on the Bayou (live) — John Fogerty
At high school dances in the late psychedelic 60s, there was only really one band with tunes you could dance to and that was Creedence.
6. I Will Not be Broken — Bonnie Raitt
Let’s hope Taylor finds her in his travels this summer.
7. Any Other Day — Norah Jones & Wyclef Jean
Fine Sunday morning gently rocking soul vibes.
8. Goin’ Back to New Orleans — Dr. John
Dr. John backed up by the Neville Bros. When Taylor goes back to find his cab driver, he can play this as his soundtrack.
9. Early in the Morning — BB King
Because you can always use some BB in the morning.
10. Louisiana Bayou (live) – Dave Matthews and Robert Randolph
Because we love Robert Randolph and we hope Dave finds himself in need of some Taylor harp.
11. I’m Still Standing (live) – Elton John
This could be Taylor’s anthem, he’s paying the devil but still standing.
And the final cut, just because it’s tremendous:
12. Fishwater – Widespread Panic w/T. Hicks
Ok…here is my 1st attempt. And since Taylor has moved me with so many musical moments, I would like to share music that moves me via by emotion, lust, socially or politically, heartbreak, etc…
Title: Mellow Shades of Soul
Package: I would say a navy blue suit (ala Taylor’s work clothes) laid just under the waves on a white sand beach with crystal blue water, floating just below the surface and visable.
Flow: Songs he could listen to after an AI concert to mellow out and wind down.
1. “Love Man” by Otis Redding- one of the first songs I thought of when I first heard Taylor sing. I LOVE this song as much as I love Otis’ TALT. I think it can put you in a amorous mood, and inspire a good soul singer at the same time. Really a personal favorite.
2. “Polk Salad Annie” by Tony Joe White- a fun song to listen to, not to slow, not to fast…I have fond memories of this song listening to it as a child. Just a song I would like to share.
3. “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers-very laid back mellow, classic hard working soul vibe. Lots of great sax on the cut as well.
4. “Son of a Preacher Man”- Dusty Springfield- great female soulful song.
5. “The Weight” by The Staple Singers- I just LOVE this version of the Band song. While maybe a bit peppy, their voices soothe me completely on this song. Very Gospel vibe to it.
6. “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright” by Peter, Paul & Mary- the genius of Bob Dylan set to the soothing sounds & harmonies of legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary sums it up for me.
7. “Bring It On Home To Me”- Sam Cooke- I feel this is self explanatory, great song, great singer, makes you really feel the song.
8. “Mercy Mercy Me” by Marvin Gaye-slow soulful song with great social meaning.
9. “Grandma’s Hands” by Bill Withers- not as well known song, but I feel could mean a great deal to Taylor given his relationship with his grandmother. Maybe not a perfect fit, but still very meaningful.
10. “Cry to Me” by Soloman Burke- sad and soulful; just a great classic.
11. “After the Love Is Gone” by Earth, Wind and Fire- beautiful mellow song
12. “Easy to Be Hard” by Three Dog Night- a beautiful social commentary song, very relaxing and mellow.
13. “Time In A Bottle” by Jim Croce- a beautiful love song by a great singer-songwriter that can wrap up the range of emotions on my Mix for Taylor.
Well these should all be on itunes….tell me what you think.
Hello all. I have been thinking about this all day and have refused to read anyone else’s comments (so as not to be influenced or intimidated). I will read AFTER I post, though. 🙂
I tried to follow the “instructions” and explained my picks. It’s very difficult to choose just 13 songs, but here are my best picks (the order is important):
1) Hey, Sweet Man – Madeleine Peyroux
*Because it is soft and sweet and bluesy and totally unlike anything else on the list. And because Taylor is a sweet man.
2) Mannish Boy – Muddy Waters
*Raw, powerful, sexy. 😉
3) Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Deep Blue Something
*There’s something melancholy and sad about this song despite the up tempo. If we go by the People article, outgoing public Taylor lives in the same body as shy private Taylor. I think it suits him.
4) Da Thrill is Gone From Here – Chris Thomas King
*Modernized version of a B.B. King song. With the beat and social statements, I just thought Taylor would like it.
5) Train, Train – by Blackfoot
*Aside from the travel imagery a train provokes and the emotions expressed in the lyrics – that is one kick ass harmonica starting it off.
6) Charlie Kane Song – from Citizen Kane
*I finally saw this two weeks ago and loved it. There was an exchange between 2 of Kane’s friends where one says “He’s gonna change the newspaper industry as we know it.” The other one says, “I just hope it doesn’t change him.” Reminded me of Taylor.
7) Cross Road Blues – Robert Johnson
*Robert Johnson = Sold his soul to the Devil; Taylor Hicks = Dancing With the Devil.
8) Jive Talkin’ – Bee Gees
*Watch out for the weasels while you’re out there doing your thing.
9) Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae
*I had never heard this woman before a couple of days ago, but when I did I was blown away. Had to buy the CD. I thought since Taylor told Gray he hasn’t had a chance to hear anything new in a while, he’s probably not heard her either. I think he will dig it.
10) When Something Stands for Nothing – The Headstones
*Sometimes, there is no meaning behind a song. Sometimes you just want to have a good time – “This one’s about rock’n’roll and comic books and bubble gum!” Also has an awesome (albeit brief) harmonica solo.
11) Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
*Because Taylor is on his way to world domination. 🙂
12) Do What You Like – Shocore
*My nod to “Be young, be foolish, but be happy.”
13) Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
*To remind him where he’s coming from.
Alternate #1: Papa Loves Mambo – Perry Como
*Come on! You can’t hear this song and not smile.
Alternate #2: Rubber Biscuit – The Blues Brothers
*Likewise.
When I do a mix-tape, most people can not figure out just what the heck I was thinking. In this case, I tried to steer clear of songs that I had heard Taylor sing or heard him say he liked. I figured he probably already has those in some way or fashion. I went through my albums/tapes/CDs/mp3s and chose songs I thought Taylor would like based on what I KNOW he likes. I suppose the theme turned out to be a kind of “Talking to Taylor” thing. As for art, I was thinking of a distinctly Southern painting or photo. Maybe of a BBQ place next to the river, a barge or riverboat floating in the distance. An old man playing a dobro is sitting out in front of the restaurant, while a child dances. Yeah, that sounds nice.
This was fun. Thanks, Ash.
Please accept my humble apologies Chris (MacTwig) for my thinking you were of the male gender. Yeah, I have a fondness for tall, handsome men too. Especially if they take my breath away when they sing . . . and can play guitar and blow a mean harp too. 😉
Not even going to look at the other posts. We used to do this all the time – twenty years ago!
Will get back to ya.
But why THIRTEEN? Just askin’.
Chris, lol, I’ve read your comments enough to know you’re female. I’m married to a photographer who does all types of digital imaging for a living. Photoshop has it’s place to be sure, but I too have seen the man in person. No airbrushing necessary. In fact, it’s a crime to mess with mother nature in this case.
Just for the record … I am VERY female. 🙂 Though I always take it as a compliment if people think I’m a guy from my writing. Well, except when it’s about how I like tall, dark, handsome men.
Meggie, I do original art with the airbrush … and people (not the magazine) are my favourite subject. I have been known to do some photoshopping on the side. Mostly to clean up bad compositions or correct lighting.
Taylor doesn’t need airbrushing. I saw that face and body in person.
Oh, this is such a fun project! I haven’t put together Tay’s mix tape yet, but just wanted to share this.
Several years ago, I put together a mix tape to listen to when I walked at night.
I started out with a song I really liked, pulled out the album it was on, and taped it onto a cassette. Then I got another song in my head, pulled that one out, taped it, and continued on in that fashion until I had filled one side of the cassette – 45 minutes of music.
Well, when I went out walking the next night, I listened to my mix tape of random songs.
About half way through I was hit with the realization that the songs on this tape were a very clear chronological representation of my life over the past several years, events and feelings that I had sort of pushed onto the back burner and not really dealt with.
Listening to that tape kind of helped me to travel through my life and see things in a way that I hadn’t seen before.
I listened to that tape every night when I walked for several months.
I guess it was kind of therapeutic in a way.
And then, one night, when I went out to walk, I just happened to grab another tape.
And I haven’t listened to that mix tape of my life since then.
I still have the tape, and the list of songs, sitting in a drawer, just in case I ever wanted to put them as a playlist on my ipod, but somehow I’ve never gotten around to it.
So, I guess I am a firm believer in mix tapes, and some of the unexpected results that come from them!!
Now , I can’t wait to go and make a mix tape for Taylor!
Well, as I said on the message boards, I am nowhere near as intellectual or as knowledgeable about music as most of the posters on this site, so my song choices aren’t obscure or hidden gems just simple songs that I love. As you read this I’m sure you’re thinking to yourself, if she’s prefacing the list with an explanation then it can’t be good. And you’re probably right, so brace yourselves. Anyway. I’m a romantic at heart, and still dream of that happily ever after ending, hence the theme is love songs. I’m sure most will consider this mix totally sappy and inane, but I’ll be brave and offer my list nonetheless. Taylor can keep the CD on a back shelf somewhere, let the cover get dusty, and listen to it when the mood arises. So here goes:
1. Just to Hear You Say That You Love Me – Faith Hill
2. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
3. At Last – Etta James
4. You’re the First, the Last, My Everything – Barry White
5. Our Love is Here to Stay – Ella Fitzgerald
6. You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine – Lou Rawls
7. Only Love is Real – Carole King
8. Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
9. Reminiscing – Little River Band
10. I Just Want to Make Love to You – Etta James
11. Killing Me Softly with His Song – Roberta Flack
12. You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman – Carole King
13. Overjoyed – Stevie Wonder
14. Piece of My Heart – Janis Joplin
15. You Go to My Head – Billie Holiday
Do I at least get an A for effort? A clear indication that my sappiness doesn’t just apply to my choice of songs is the fact that I have hanging on my bedroom wall a sign that reads: “Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives you a fairy tale.” Sappy or not, here’s to hoping we all get our fairy tale.
You guys are doing AWEOME with this! I am impressed, and a bit intimidated. GREAT TOPIC ASH!!!!
I will have to put mine together sometime when I have some time to think, and not have distractions…I might have to put together a few mix tapes. God, I love this. Glad there is no time limit. I shall return.
BTW, that was a lot of work, Ash. Can we do something easy tomorrow?
I’m always intimidated to talk about music around the aficionados that hang out here. But 13 song I’d like to send to Taylor? I can do that. Hey, there are no right and wrong answers to this test. Right? These are mine. I don’t know about the flow, except it feels right to me. All are songs I love. And all carry a message for Taylor. The cover art (unless it’s a very carefully air-brushed pic of yours truly) is beyond me however.
1. Soul Man – Sam and Dave (pretty obvious)
2. Stubborn Kind of Fellow – Marvin Gaye (I like the stubborn streak)
3. Tell It Like It Is – Percy Sledge or George Benson (he’s not a little boy)
4. Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You – Wilson Pickett (words to live by)
5. At Last – Temptations or Etta (well, it is happening–at last)
6. Rock Me, Baby – BB King (because he does)
7. So Lonesome I Could Cry – Keb Mo version (for lonely times when the muses visit)
8. Something to Talk About – Bonnie Raitt (because they will anyway)
9. Way Over Yonder – Carole King (for the sweet tasting good life)
10. Get It Right the First Time – Billy Joel (the album, baby, the album)
11. You’ve Got a Friend – Al Green version (just call out our name–Soul Patrol–and we’ll come running)
12. You Can Leave Your Hat On – Joe Cocker (this one’s for me)
13. Shout – Isley Brothers (because he makes me want to)
I think all are available at iTunes.
“What came first, the music or the misery? People worry about kids playing with guns, or watching violent videos, that some sort of culture of violence will take them over. Nobody worries about kids listening to thousands, literally thousands of songs about heartbreak, rejection, pain, misery and loss. Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?” -High Fidelity
Deep. Sorry, this topic really got me thinking about this film, based on the Nick Hornsby novel.
There have been some GREAT suggestions, I am impressed! Ash, I am glad there is no time limit, because I have contributed nuthin’. This is serious business, and my brain is a little slow tonight.
CloudNine, don’t feel bad, you gave me the idea to start a list of songs I would love to hear Taylor sing – and it’s pretty sweet! Great, now I am working on two song lists! 🙂
Chris, you better hide that airbrush!!! I better not find out that you were the one responsible for those pictorial atrocities!!! 😉
Here’s a little something for Taylor to unwind to.
Title: Unhyped
Subtitle: Music Is My Drug Of Choice Mix
Photo: Guitar on the sand by the ocean
1. Stop, Look, Listen – Will Downing ft. Gerald Albright
2. Tarot – Cassandra Wilson
3. First Love – Anthony Hamilton ft. Latoiya Williams
4. Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You – Aretha Franklin
5. Still There For Me – Keb’ Mo’
6. Irons In The Fire – Teena Marie
7. I Stand Accused – Toussaint McCall
8. Cry Baby – Janis Joplin
9. Spill The Wine – Eric Burdon
10. Compared To What – Ray Charles ft. Leela James
11. Dance For Me – Robert Palmer
12. Right In The Middle – Bettye LaVette
13. After The Dance – Marvin Gaye
These are gooooood. Mine pales in comparison, but I spent way too much time thinking about this on the bus ride home to not answer.
I don’t know about the cover but it would definitely include beer and coffee. I cheated here because I’m counting spoken word as a track (I usually put snippets of dialogue between songs to help the flow, anyway, even though I haven’t done it in years. Oh, and the flow here is fun/funny, with some nuggets of “meaning,” whatever that is:
1. Eminem – Lose Yourself (dedicated to “a gc fan”)
2. Ron White – “I got thrown out of a bar in New York City…”
3. John Lee Hooker/George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers – One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer (reasons why you might get thrown out of a bar in New York City)
4. Joan Armatrading – Show Some Emotion (bringing it back down a bit and because it’s simply a kickass song)
5. SNL – “Behind the Music: Blue Oyster Cult” (more cowbell!)
6. Blue Oyster Cult – Don’t Fear the Reaper (Yup, there’s definitely cowbell there)
7. George Carlin – Baseball vs. Football (cause it’s funny and it’s Carlin)
8. John Fogerty – Centerfield (see No. 7 – “put me in coach, I’m ready to play…”)
9. Barenaked Ladies – Fight the Power (other white boys can rap too)
10. Parliament – Give Up the Funk (Compare with No. 9. Plus: FUNK.)
11. Denis Leary – Coffee (“Is it impossible to get a cup of coffee-flavoured coffee, anymore, in this country? What happened with the coffee?”)
12. Bob Dylan/The White Stripes – One More Cup of Coffee (see No. 11)
13. Warren Zevon – I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (It’s only the title that has real meaning, but what a title. And what a song. Plus there’s harp. And it’s Warren.)
Cool topic. Enjoy every sandwich…
Since I don’t have any Anita Baker, Cyndi Lauper or The Wiggles in my music collection to pick from, I imagine Taylor might enjoy hearing some of their songs too. Perhaps a song or two from Michael Mc Donald or The Dooby Bros, or maybe, just maybe a BeeGees tune also. I know those are pretty lame, but I did the best I could. Chris (Mac Twig) you sir, are the master of selecting just the right mix for our Soul Patrolman to listen to, so I award you a pretty gold star for your selection.
And oh my yes Taylorsfan, there must be a gallon of
sweet tea placed next to his guitar on that cover. Lawdy Lawdy have mercy, how could I have not thought of that. 😉
I haven’t posted much here, but I really have to play. This is fun.
The theme is hanging on to your soul, but I’m trying to keep at least some of the music not quite as serious as that sounds.
1. Son House – Grinnin’ In Your Face.
“But bear this in mind — a true friend is hard to find.” A capella, and one of the most chilling voices ever recorded.
2. Shelby Lynne – Where I’m From.
“all I’m trying to say is I’m never far away from Alabama frame of mind.” Soulful country about always coming back to the place you started from.
3. John Mayall – Room To Move. The first two songs are slow and thoughtful, so it’s time for some harmonica music that gets your ass moving. (Will that be allowed?)
4. Danny Brooks – Souled Out ‘n Sanctified. Mayall takes it to church and then Danny Brooks really takes it to church.
5. Taj Mahal & Toumani Diabate – Mississippi-Mali Blues. The blues goes back to where it started from. TM’s guitar and TD’s kora are a gorgeous combination.
6. Rory Block – Got To Shine. I like the way the kora leaves off on the last song and guitar opening of this song seems to pick it up. But it’s just a great song by a singer who should be better known. ”
7. Mose Allison – Ever Since I Stole The Blues. Before this mix gets too serious, it needs Mose Allison’s sly “White boy steals the blues.”
8. R.L. Burnside – Miss Maybelle. I guess blues purists hate it, but I think Taylor would get crazy Delta blues crossed with scratches and sound effects.
9. Cassandra Wilson – Easy Rider. Blind Lemon Jefferson sung by the best jazz singer around today. I’ve been playing this a lot, and I have to stop everything I’m doing to listen when it comes on. It’s takes your breath away.
10. Chuck Prophet – What Makes The Monkey Dance. Couldn’t resist. Anyway, I love Chuck Prophet.
11. Tower of Power – Maybe It’ll Rub Off. I lived in the East Bay in the ’70s, and I’ve never seen a band live as fun as TOP when they played in Oakland. Funk. Funk. Funk.
12. Garnet Mimms – Tell Me Baby. One of the best ’60s soul singers that even some people who love soul don’t know. Janis Joplin covered two of his songs — My Baby and Cry Baby — and that woman knew soul.
13. Wanda Jackson – Let’s Have A Party. Boy’s gotta have fun. Wanda Jackson’s voice is a party in itself.
I think it’s all on iTunes.
Sorry to be off topic, but we just got our Rolling Stone mag in the mail and it has a picture/blurb on Tay and Snoop Dog. I put it up here:
I didn’t mean to imply that anyone could fail. This is all about what you want Taylor to hear and why. I did not mean to come across as rude when stating that the topic was a cd was for him and not of him (unless that was your intention, which is fine by me. mix whatcha want!). I was just trying to clarify. 🙂
cloudnine, maybe a gallon of sweet tea next to that guitar, just saying..
great topic, love it.
(Hiding my airbrush from Meggie)
Dingo, feel free to copy and burn it 🙂 All of these are at the iTunes store, btw.
Possum, I was making mine for him to listen to. I think he works enough and could use some time to kick back and relax. Of course, I think most that I chose have room for him to jump in any time he feels like it.
Ash, Great topic! As someone who grew-up in the 80s, the mix tape is a very sacred art form. I love that scene in the movie “High Fidelity,” where John Cusack talks about how to make the perfect mix tape. Classic.
Bob, no *thudworthy* cover art?!? Come on?!? I am cool with it, as long as it is not airbrushed. I wish they would put that darn thing away! errrrrr!!!
Thanks guys! I had a moment of worry because I began to doubt…are these songs for Taylor to listen to OR recommendations for Taylor to sing??? I was going at it from a listening standpoint…althought I’d love to hear Taylor sing any of these songs.
LOL…putting together that list made me want to burn the CD. Maybe I’ll listen to it on my way to Birmingham in August!
Playin’ Possum. you definitely pass. When i hit China Grove, I said “Hell Yeah”. i second your list of covers.
Playin’Possum,
I love your mix. Road trip songs are the best. Shouldn’t ‘On The Road Again’ be there?
CloudNine, c’mon … make a mix. Pretty please? Just free associate and I’m sure something will come together.
Chris! You lookin’ fer brownie points dammit?
That was goooddddd. Can I copy yours?
Bob!! I loved your idea re the cover photo but come on, ya gotta have a pic of the man.
Cover – Photo of a harmica, dark suit on a hanger, guitar, dancin’ shoes. No THUD photo.
Mix
I suspect that the first album will be somewhat eclectic. From what I have read it’s the sophomore album that more defines a new artist. That stated I’m afraid we’re going to get some in house song writers. They may or may not be good.
I’m sure that Arista/J is going to try to massage a radio hit out of this somehow as well as play to the base of AI fans. Covers? I’ll wager there are a lot of people who would like the complete version of Ghetto and TALT. I’ll also wager that Georgia is not on this release because he has recorded it already.
Personally, I’d like to see as many new songs as possible. Overall though, for me, even though I stated eclectic, I’m looking for a consistent theme and some direction of where he is going.
Thank you Meg the older. Now I will lift the tail between my legs and not feel like I completely failed. Never was good when it came to taking tests anyway. 😉
WOW! I love this topic. I’m all ready to play…I’ve thought this one through. I am a true believer in getting just the right mix when making a CD. Sometimes you get it just right…the songs flow perfectly and there is such a sense of continuity.
My thought is that this would be a great CD for being “on the road.” Since Taylor will be spending a lot of time on a tour bus, I thought it would be cool to make an upbeat mix. These aren’t necessarily traveling songs…just great songs to listen to while on the road…(IMO) 🙂 OK, here’s my mix:
1. Havin’ A Party ~ Sam Cooke
2. Shake ~ Otis Redding
3. 634-5789 (Soulsville, USA) ~ Wilson Pickett
4. Don’t Cha Wanna Ride ~ Joss Stone
5. Beautiful Day ~ U2
6. Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) ~ Bruce Springsteen
7. Domino ~ Van Morrison
8. Band on the Run ~ Paul McCartney
9. Katmandu ~ Bob Seger
10. Lodi ~ CCR
11. China Grove ~ Doobie Brothers
12. Wild Night ~ Van Morrison
13. How Come ~ Ray LaMontagne
Why these songs/the flow: Well, I can’t really explain it other than they just feel right on a mix together. I like starting with the early soul singers…moving to Joss and then hitting on the harder edged classic rock sounds. I like having a Ray LaMontagne song last because if you put the CD on repeat it would then flow into Sam Cooke. Kind of eclectic, I guess.
Cover Art: I have a hard time with this. I can’t visualize a particular picture or anything like that. Usually I just type up the song order or write it out…I’d need help with this part!
Did I pass?
I make mix CDs for myself, family, friends, & coworkers, usually 1 to 5 new ones per week. At Christmas, I make one for each of 7 genres, and let my coworkers choose which one they want. I also do the cover art(usually from photos or clip art) and make up my own titles & subtitles. I’ll have to give some thought to one for Taylor, and get back to this.
Here’s my CD mix. I did 14 songs – you can delete ONE.
• It’s packaged in a water colour paint tin. The cover art is splotches of colour dropped onto wet paper at an angle and allowed to bleed into each other. Musical notes litter the page in no sensible order.
• I describe the flow of my mix as … ADD
1. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes by Elvis Costello – It’s Elvis. Enough said.
2. Yellow Moon – The Neville Bros. – I love the steamy beat
3. Orange – Miles Davis – It’s jazzy and bluesy and it’s on his Aura album (notice a theme?)
4. Green River – Creedance Clearwater Revival – Because I love CC&R and I love this song
5. Blue Sky – The Allman Bros. Band – Eat a Peach album – because this follows well
6. Purple Rain – Prince – Definitive song.
7. After the Gold Rush – Neil Young – See above.
8. Black Betty – Leadbelly – Just because! … I like this song.
9. Drift Away – Dobie Gray – Curveball!
10. Magenta – Steel Prophet – Needed a female here
12. -It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue – Bob Dylan – I wanted some Dylan
13. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison – It’s Van
14. A Whiter Shade of Pale – Procol Harum – I like to skip the wild fandango
Hey CloudNine –you did not fail the test – IN FACT I love your idea too. I think making a Tape/CD for Taylor of his songs that touched you that he has done in a flow or and order that really moves you is way COOL too and something I intend to do myself!!! It would be a great ‘Thank you to Taylor’ telling him what we hear in the way we hear it that he has done- So thanks for thinking of that idea and sharing it. Some times the greatest creations start out from misunderstandings. again — i’m loving it!!!
Sorry I failed the test. I will leave those with the musical intellect that I don’t have to do precisely as you asked. I’m really looking forward to reading their input.
This is a great Topic!!! Thank you – I love it. It is true, custom made collections have started to become a vanishing art. When I was first living, breathing, playing and composing music everyone I knew made custom tapes for each other. It was like our other language of communication. Over time people stopped doing it so much–like their souls went to sleep or something and just waited for others to pkg music. When you pull together a mood tape/CD you make yourself you have to think and feel the music at a deeper level than just listening to what is put out there. I am still really into it, making the things myself I mean -I has been such a huge part of the way I like to express myself to people. I was already working on a collection of stuff that I thought Taylor would like before this post (ha -not that I planned on giving it to him – but just as sojourn through a lot of music I love that I think he most likely might (or does already) like too. So you see I am just delighted to see you were thinking along the same wavelength!!! This will be great fun. I am eager to hear what other people say on this topic and what tracks they will assemble together to make their special music message/experience/afternoon fancy — whatever– for Taylor.
Cool… thanks again.
CloudNine- Songs for Taylor, not by Taylor. 🙂
Unless you want to make him a cd of his own songs, which seems kind of strange…..
Not knowing how many new songs Taylor has written, then I can only list songs I’ve heard him sing that really touched me deeply. For example “You Are So Beautiful, “Somehow”, “Trouble” and “The Fall”. Although I really enjoyed each and every one of the songs he sang during the competition . . . with the exception of “Country Roads”.
Also would like him to record “Georgia” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” on his first album too.
You asked for 13 songs, but off the top of my head, the six I have mentioned are the first ones that come to mind that I really would love to have him to record.
As to the cover art, how about a picture of Taylor sitting on his porch gazing out on a moonlit lake with a guitar propped up beside him and his harp laying nearby.
haha. no homework. and no test. This is about creativity and self-expression so as long as you are sincere to how you feel there is no way to fail.
(I wish more art and music teachers agreed with the above comment)
Hey! Nobody told me there were going to be tests here. Ash, are we doing your homework?
I’ll play in a little bit. I actually do have an idea for this.