The Mixed Tape Of My Life

I’m not sure what the catalyst for this venture was, but lately I’ve been compiling a list of songs in my head that make up the “mixed tape” for my life so far.  Upon listening to each song, I am immediately taken back to a very specific time; whether it’s a first concert, a first love, a loss, cruising with my best friends, moments with my babies, and so on.  Obviously there are hundreds of songs that I’d like to add to the list, but I’ve limited myself to twenty-five…. I don’t think more than twenty-five would fit on a mixed tape.

I’m having a hard time thinking of songs from the past five years, but someday I’ll hear a song and know it belongs on this list for this time in my life; but for now, I’d say this is pretty accurate. 

In consecutive order:

1.       My BestFriend’s Girl, by The Cars 

When asked in 3^rd grade who my favorite band was, this was my answer…. Everyone laughed at me. I didn’t care.  I loved The Cars.  And as it turns out, this would also be one of my favorite songs in High School. 

2.       How WillI Know, by Whitney Houston 

My first crush: Eric Melton (or was it Ian Hall?)  Second grade.... but seriously, how WILL I know if he really loves me?  ;)

3.       Only in my Dreams, by Debbie Gibson 

My first concert.  Totally obsessed.  Official member of the Debbie Gibson fan club.  Proud owner and wearer of Debbie Gibson’s perfume: Electric Youth.

4.       EveryRose Has It’s Thorn, by Poison http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2r2nDhTzO4

The first genre of music my parents didn’t understand.  Thank you Sarah Moore. 

5.       WindBeneath My Wings, by Bette Midler 

My aunt Nancy died. She was 21 and beautiful.  I still can’t listen to this song without crying.

6.       Nuthin’But A “G” Thang, by Dr. Dre 

Introduced to an album (which is still one of my favorites) by Frank Mendez and Robert Mayorga. We drank Mad Dog 50/50 out of a water bottle…. 7^th grade.

7.       Close ToYou, by The Carpenters 

PJ Wilson used to sing it to me.  It was pretty sweet.  I sing this song to my kids now.

8.       Mockingbird, by Carly Simon & James Taylor 

Robyn and I KILLED at singing this song, duet style, cruising the Ford Fiesta around Dixon.

9.       Here comethe Bastards, by Primus 

Saw Primus with Tool each year with PJ, Dan, and others I can’t remember.  Also, when I hear my kids wake up in the morning on the weekends, this song comes to mind immediately.

10.   Love Song, by The Cure 

Introduced to me when I was about 16 by a much older neighbor who had the hots for me.  More importantly, I think this song perfectly encapsulates that feeling of when you first fall in love with someone.

11.   Plateau, by Nirvana 

I don’t know why this one means so much to me…. It just does.  I listened to it a lot.

12. Simple Man, Leonard Skynard
Just really great advice for a simple and happy life.

13.   The Joker, by Steve Miller Band 

Drinking beers with my friends at The Airstrip and Thistle Road: my favorite thing to do in Dixon… also the ONLY thing to do in Dixon.

14.   Don’t Rock My Boat, Bob Marley & Lee Perry 

Hanging out at Jeremiah Smith’s house.  Seriously crushing on AJ Bernhardt. Also reminds me of Robyn and her amazing dad, Alex… who had the sickest collection of classic reggae albums.

15.   I Want It, by 7 Year Bitch 

17 years old. Also enjoyed frequently in Robyn’s car.  Saw them in SF with Kristen Ball and Volpi.  We got lost on BART on the way home, and ended up getting an escort from a police man.

16.   LoveBites, by Def Leppard 

Summer anthem. Melissa Graham. Tanglewood.

17.   Walk Away, by Ben Harper 

Seriously broken heart.  I thought he was "the one."  Turns out, he wasn't; and I am so thankful for that lesson.

18.   ScarTissue, Chilli Peppers 

This album was on repeat that year with a friend I miss often, Bobby Atkinson

19.   YourHouse, Steel Pulse 

Fell madly in love with Kevin (we’ll be married 10 years this October).  This song is our song.  Retrospectively, it's pretty awesome that I felt song #19 so intensely, and then this song shortly thereafter.  You couldn't pay me to be 20 again.

20. First Cut Is The Deepest, by Cat Stevens
Working at The Shadowbrook, Terry and Terry would sing this song on Thursdays and Saturdays.  Became an instant favorite.

21. Your Love Gets Sweeter Everyday, Finley Quay
Dancing with the Douglass roommates atop furniture at Douglass....Julie and Nicole.  Anthem for my relationship with Kevin.

22.   Pimpass Paradise, Damian Marley 

Seemed to be my theme song for a bit, and now it isn’t.  Still love this song.

23. Nutshell, by Alice in Chains
Lyrics that chill me to the bone.  Someone else gets it.

24. The Blower's Daughter, by Damien Rice 
I love my babies.  This song makes me think of all of the tiny moments I've looked at them and fallen more deeply in love with them. Nothing else matters in this world.  Nothing.

25.   American Girl, by Tom Petty 

This is, and has been, my favorite song for about 15 years now.  Tom Petty is my favorite performer and song writer.  I can’t listen to a Tom Petty song without thinking of my oldest friend, Courtney Rae.