A Mix for People

>>Techno Fail Part Deux: I'm still suffering from an alarmingly slow internet connection, so I've had to do the old single- song at a time deal once more. Apologies. << Full mix available here, with requisite individual links below.

Children ruin everything. With that said, here's a mix that won't traumatize the young 'uns but still keep everyone else's toes tapping, (though I suspect some eye rolls from the surly-faced alterna-teen in all of us. GEE, THANKS FOR THE GREAT MIX, JERK.)

Warning: My idea of "Music for Everyone" often veers dangerously close to what might be approximated as "hippy bullshit." But, you know what? Everyone just needs to relax, man and stop harshing each other's vibes.

1.) Preeti Sagar- My Heart is Beating: Inspired by Vivian, I too have decided to skew a bit ethnic. I have a real soft spot for songs sung in English by those for whom English is a second language. Thusly I include the following wholesome Vintage Bollywood jam from the 1975 film Julie. Despite the lovey-dovey lyrics, it's definitely something you can crank up in the car with your Nana.

2.)Queen- Bicycle Race: Nothing wrong here, (save for one easily-missed reference to cocaine). But you know, everyone's gotta learn about the old nose candy sometime. Since this is Queen's second appearance for this theme, as an extra here's a bit about Freddie's old band from his school days.

3.)Harry McClintock- Big Rock Candy Mountain: An old-timey American classic that envisions a hobo's version of heaven. Not a drinky/stabby hobo, but like a loveable 1930s style hobo with patches on his knees, toting a little rucksack.

4.) The B-52s- Rock Lobster: Everyone's favorite beach party throw-back. This is the longer album version where the last minute or so just devolves into band members making wacky aquatic animal noises.

5.) Talking Heads- Road to Nowhere: An innocuous road trip song that has a choir of people reminding us that "it's alright" even if we might not know where we're going exactly. A comfort whether you're growing up, or just growing old. Also features random shrieks around the 4:03 mark.

6.) John Cameron Mitchell- Wig in a Box: An all-around infectious feel-good toe-tapper. I maintain that even previously mentioned Satan Spawn Rush Limbaugh wouldn't be able to resist putting on a little lipstick and miming to this song. My life will be complete once Hedwig songs are available as Rock Band DLC.

7.) Bob Dylan- The Times They are a-Changin': While some may believe that mentions of revolution and change are frightening spectres of an uncertain future, I've always found them to inspire a sort of do-gooder aspirational hope. Older folks can listen and reminisce at how far their generation's come, whilst the young can hum along and see the work that still must be done.

Family fun for all!

8.) The Beatles- Across the Universe: Lyrical & psychedelic, this song always sounds like some sort of ephemeral soft pop lullaby. Guaranteed to have everyone singing along in mellow unison.

9.) Don McLean- The Day the Music Died: Sort of a sad subject matter, but delivered in a such a jaunty way that one can't help but sing along. Besides, sometimes you just need a melancholy sort of song that can be played in mixed company too, right?

10.) They Might be Giants- Particle Man: Can always count on these chaps for a case of the sillies. This song also contributed to a pretty memorable animated sequence on Tiny Toon Adventures.

11.)Traveling Wilburys- It's All Right: Because, you know what? It is all right.

12.) John Lennon- Imagine: Is this too expected? I mean, it's all right in the lyrics- this song is for everyone under the sun to sit under a tree, hold hands and be at peace with themselves and each other until we're all a happy, smiley pan-racial, post-gender, class defying coalition- like one giant Benneton ad. Also: it's the best testament to communism in the history of popular music. Never too early (or too late) to indoctrinate your loved ones.

13.)Neil Diamond- America: How can you miss with the D-man? Fist pumps mandatory each time chorus is heard, and at every use of "today" starting at around the 3:15 mark.

14.) Depeche Mode- Just Can't Get Enough: Something sweet for all.

15.)Journey- Don't Stop Believin': Perhaps too bro-y, but come on, it'll bring a smile to any old face. Once again fist pumps mandatory at each

16.) Stereolab-Lo Boob Oscillator: Everything sounds nice when you can't understand the language.