Mix Emotions

A friend and colleague from work is battling cancer and we’re all pulling for him with all our hearts. It’s hard to know what to do or say sometimes, but you want him to know you care. Right now he’s still undergoing chemo, and I know what that can do to your spirits. So I decided to make a mix CD — some old, some new, and a flavor of Boston in just the right places.

I know firsthand how music can pull you through some of your darkest moments, and sometimes a song or artist suggested by a friend can really open your eyes. Pulling a dozen tracks or so from a library of thousands can be a little daunting, but I’ve learned to trust instinctual selections, and realize there’s no perfect mix.

Here’s what I went with,

1. “Three Easy Pieces” / Buffalo Tom — it’s the strongest track from their new CD, and proof that experience, and a few miles on the odometer aren’t something to dread, but appreciate.
2. “Lost in the Supermarket” / The Clash — classic Clash, but not overplayed. Also highlights the talent of Mick Jones who sometimes gets lost in Joe Strummer’s considerable shadow.
3. “Sheena is a Punk Rocker” / The Ramones — Pure pop/punk bliss.
4. “Silver Lining” / Rilo Kiley — brand new, and a perfect indie rock/alt-country blend.
5. “Turn On Me” / The Shins — some people think these guys are too smart for their own good. I’m not one of them.
6. “Finer Feelings” / Spoon — another new song from a band that’s finally getting the attention it deserves.
7. “Someday” / The Strokes — rock pared down to its essential elements, and with a hook that won’t let go.
8. “If I Can’t Change Your Mind” / Sugar — Bob Mould drops some of the Husker Du speed grunge and crafts a great pop rock song.
9. “Doctor Worm” / They Might Be Giants — this song just makes me smile no matter how many times I hear it.
10. “The Long Cut” / Uncle Tupelo — Jeff Tweedy takes the vocals on this one, and brings it home perfectly.
11. “Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner” / Warren Zevon — weird and wonderful, just like Warren.
12. “Hello Operator” / The White Stripes — blues with ‘tude. Sweet.
13. “Dreamer In My Dreams” / Wilco — yeah, I know I’m a Tweedy geek. This one proves he can rock out old school.
14. “Who Made Who” (Live) / AC/DC — so awesome in concert.
15. “Let’s Go” / The Cars / so detached, so cool, and after all these years no other band on the planet sounds like them.
16. “Colorblind” / Counting Crows — beautiful and healing.

Get well soon Jeff.