There can be no more important stage in the courtship between two individuals - it's one that signals serious intent, a level of fondness and leaves the giver open to a huge level of potential ridicule. It is a big responsibility and one that could just as easily end the relationship as cement it. Overlook or undercook this step and disaster surely looms. But hopefully I can help....
For starters, there is the all important opening track. What message and mood are you trying to convey?; playful, serious, ironic, quick, fast. One thing is for certain, and that is you shouldn't use this as an opportunity to take any risks. The song should be solid and one that you know the receiver of your aural gift will like. Do yourself a favour, leave the ambient electronica on the shelf and don't even consider that obscure Fields of the Nephilim B-side. Not yet anyway. Get over that hurdle and you're away.
Selecting the filling should be easier. A good filling should be funny, poppy, upbeat, moving. Add a slice of irony if you like. Maybe a ballad. Maybe not. Use your imagination. Pick tracks that convey your feelings whilst also saying something about you as a person but watching for pitfall songs. If you were about to include 'The One I Love', by R.E.M. STOP!! It's not what you think it is. Read the lyrics! Phew. Glad to be of service. Also now is not the time to declare your love for death metal unless you are 100% nailed on sure that the receiver is going to appreciate distorted guitars, drum beats that sound like a machine going off and growling unintelligible lyrics. At the end of the day, be yourself.....within reason....and everything should be fine.
The last obstacle to face, and one that if the preceding hurdles have been leaped with aplomb, should be relatively easy. The closing track. This is the one. The one that, providing they have got this far, will leave a lasting impression. Did you put one too many prog rock tracks in the middle? Did they get bored and go off and do something more interesting? Maybe a trio of Fall tracks was not such a good idea? Perhaps your attempt at irony by including a Phil Collins song missed the mark. But let's look on the positive side. They are there. The final track is about to play. Have you picked a closing seven minute epic or gone for a quick pop blast? Maybe that slow acoustic track was just the job? The thing is you won't know until you get there. No much help there I'm afraid, you're going to have to go it alone on that one. You'll be fine.
If you are embarking on your first compilation be thankful that you're not doing it twenty years ago. Your only medium then would've been the humble cassette. Two sides. Twice the trouble. Two opening tracks, one closing track on side one - and one that is going to have to make them want to turn the tape over - and a closer on side two. Then there is the issue of the length. C60? C90? C120? At least CDs are a fixed length. I know what you're thinking, "Ahh but what about a USB memory stick. I could get loads on there!". Don't get cocky kid. Start with the basics, don't over play your hand and you'll be fine.
So you are no doubt under the impression that I must've used a track from 'Don't Try This At Home' on a compilation tape. Nope - you couldn't be further from the truth. Way off.....
Instead 'Sexuality', was on the a compilation that I was given and in response to first one I sent. I can't even begin to imagine the bravery of someone compiling a tape for me. I'm a picky bugger. I take my music and, by association, myself far too seriously. One false move and....... well the fact that this is her CD, the very one she used to help compile the tape, and the fact that after over eighteen years she is still stupid enough to put up with my (many) faults means that she, or more accurately we, got it right. I've still got the tape. A C90. Brave choice. A scribbled title on the spine, 'An Eclectic Mix'. Eclectic? I had to look it up. But a perfect collection of songs that hit the right notes. In the right order.
No comments:
Post a Comment