Every year, Rich challenges folks to create an end-of-the-year mix CD consisting of songs representing their year in music. Many accepted his challenge and a group of them met just a few days ago to swap CDs. A few posted their playlists, including Rich, who is the master with three mixes.
Inspired by their efforts, I made my own mix. You should know it's smaller and features more mainstream artists than the mixes I linked to above. This is because most of what I listen to is still radio-fed. I want to change that this year. I want a broader (if not better) musical experience in 2007.
What follows is the track listing of my 2006 mix with a note about each song. For a short time, you can grab a copy of the mix (zip file with mp3s) for your listening pleasure. The mix includes:
1. "Fanfare For The Common Man" by Aaron Copland: Last year, I rediscovered Copland and since Time's Person of the Year was you (and me, too, I suppose), this triumphant and hopeful song seemed appropriate to kick off the mix.
2. "Into the Ocean" by Blue October: This song has grown to become my favorite on their album. A sad message wrapped in a happy melody.
3. "Trouble Sleeping" by Corinne Bailey Rae: I like Rae's soothing, laidback sound. When I listen to it, I think of a leisurely bike ride in the country on a sunny day, which leads nicely into the next track…
4. "Another Sunny Day" by Belle and Sebastian: I love the song's imagery. You've got the attic window looking out on the cathedral / And on a Sunday evening bells ring out in the dusk
5. "Under The Weather" by K.T. Tunstall: Most people know her faster songs, but I prefer her slower, softer tunes.
6. "Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)" by The Decemberists: A love story of a Civil War soldier and the girl he left behind told in a song. Great subject and sound.
7. "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley: The most addictive song of 2006. I don't know what else to say about it.
8. "Bank Job" by Barenaked Ladies: The group's trademark humor comes through in this song about a robbery gone wrong from the point of view of the getaway driver.
9. "Crystal Ball" by Keane: An uplifting anthem by one of my favorite bands.
10. "Whatever You Want" by Vienna Teng: It's a song that stuck in my head the first time I heard it. It echoes how I feel at times.
11. "You Could Be Happy" by Snow Patrol: When I listen to this song, I imagine someone finding a jewelry music box in an empty house, opening the box, and being overcome by memories and emotions as the music plays and the ballerina turns slowly.
12. "Pancreas" by Weird Al Yankovic: I liked his entire album, but finally chose this song because it's a tribute and send-up of Brian Wilson's masterpiece, Smile.
13. "Linus and Lucy" by Vince Guaraldi Trio: As with Copland, I rediscovered Guaraldi last year. I included it because this was the song I listened to in December and I wanted to finish this mix on a joyful note.
