Mixtape

Here's the problem with Grad school.

It is seriously getting in the way of my TV watching. I mean between the 300 pages of reading I have from week to week, when do these professors think I have time to watch such gems as; Glee, Friday Night Lights, How I met your Mother, Chuck, 30 Rock, Community, Lost to name a few.

So annoying.

Life here on the West Coast has entered a monotonous place. School, school, school. I have found a way to break the monotony. At least for me anyway. I have discovered a website that may or may not have been created for me. www.8tracks.com

It is a place where people can make playlists out of their own library and post them for others to listen to. Its a great place to discover new music and share music. There is something hippy and bohemian about it. Don't get me wrong, I hate hippies. Like HATE! But, I like that they share.

But, this website I think is a genius idea. I have always loved making playlists. Anytime there is an opportunity, I sit at the computer and think through the songs. It is not an easy task. You don't just randomly pick songs place them in a devil may care manner. Songs need to have a flow. One needs to bleed into another. I needs to be a natural progression. You can't play Damian Rice and the next song be Rage Against the Machine. It doesn't work and throws off the party. You also have to take into account the guests. The "DJ", if you will, cannot play a lot of songs the audience does not know, the music should accent the group. Accent the conversation but not overpower. The DJ cannot be self indulgent enough to only play what he wants to hear, the DJ needs to throw in some Beyonce', Sting and a few obscurities here and there to encourage a broader listening palette.

Well, that gives you an insight into the weird, bizarre mind of Matt Johnson and the things I deem important. One of those things is a solid playlist.

Summer Party Mix

Since Summer is coming to a close I have been transitioning to my winter music. I do this unconsciously every couple of months. I find myself only listening to certain things at certain times of the year. In my head my summer playlist looks like this: A large back deck, Tiki torches, cold beer and a lot of people talking. Kind of like the final scene in a teen drama when everything turns out alright. So, if I were to put together a playlist for that party these would be the songs on that list.

Ryan Adams- Gold- New York, New York
This has been a summer stand by for years. When May 1st roles around I bust out this album, it sounds the best with the windows down and the temp at least 90 degrees.

Avett Bros- Kick Drum Heart
Any song that you can clap along to screams summer. As an added bonus a great use of a simile.

Counting Crows - Accidentally In Love
All parties have an undefined sense of discovery. Who knows what lies ahead for that single boy and girl?

Outkast- Southernplayalisticcadillacmusic
This song should play as the sun is going down. Right at dusk. It will do wonders to your party.

Beastie Boys- So Whatcha Want
Play this song when you as the host or hostess want to play some Twister or Pin the Tail on the Donkey and no one will be able to say no.

Huey Lewis and the News- I Want a new Drug
If the party is lagging this is a good conversation starting song. For Example; “If you were to have a new drug what would it be?”

Jay-Z - Lucifer
Jay-Z’s rhymes, Kanye West’s Production, you really don’t need anything else.

White Stripes - Hotel Yorba
With themes like love and marriage a great addition for all those afraid to take the next step couples.
A Tribe Called Quest- Jazz
If possible this song should always follow the Outkast song. When planning the perfect party mix it always about flow. The Tribe created flow.

The Black Keys - 10 a.m. Automatic
Rule number one for a good party: People have to be there. 10 A.M. automatic will keep them there until wee hours.

What would your Summer party mix Look Like?