So you want to make a mix-tape? If you’ve been following along with us at ListenIn you should be well on your way. Earlier in this series we’ve gone over the basic principles of a compilation and we’ve established our theme, laying out a general outline of what we want our end product to sound like. The time has finally come to pass the point of no return and begin the slow, arduous, painstaking process of song selection. AKA: The fun part.
For those just tuning in, ListenIn’s resident mixtress and I are constructing a mix for New Year’s Eve. As described yesterday, our New Year’s will start off with a touch of class, transition into a touch of crass and hopefully end with a nice touch of… holiday cheer.
Note: I’m not going to list all of the songs we’re actually going to use here. I’m just going to go through the process by which a mix-maker might arrive at a final list of tunes.
1. The 1950s Black and White New Year’s Eve
Generally New Year’s parties start off with at least an attempt at a bit of refinement. This is a champagne holiday and even if it’s poured into red plastic cups there is still a connection to old movies featuring impeccable tuxedos dancing with dazzling black dresses to the tune of a very specific soundtrack.
Jazz does well here; a little Billie Holiday or Ella Fitzgerald. Maybe add a little elegance with Old Blue Eyes. Remember, though, that you’re having a party so pick songs that are lively. Using Billie as an example, “Yesterdays” inspires quiet reflection while sitting on the couch whereas “Say it With a Kiss” inspires a bit more… interaction. Also remember that looking for an older sound here it doesn’t mean only picking old songs. Leslie Feist, for example, sings with a lot of soul and incorporates a lot of old sounds into her music so her catalogue is up for grabs as well.
2. The College New Year’s Eve
As more bottles are opened and the night wears on people will start to remember that they are at a party. They will look to let loose, and it’s up to the mix to facilitate that. Danceable tunes are key at this point in the night since even the non-dancers will be put in a brighter mood due to the upbeat songs and watching other people act like drunken fools extremely good dancers.
There are a few kinds of dance tunes, and it’s certainly possible to fit several genres on the same list. Currently Justice’s “D.A.N.C.E.” is pretty much the hippest club track that can be danced to so it’s a safe bet at a party. To eschew the obvious, throw a curve by picking another, better, song off of their record or selecting a song by The Go Team! or play it even safer by picking up Junior Senior. A little electro-clash in the form of the Faint’s “Worked Up So Sexual” is generally a crowd pleaser as well and will be a good transition into the down-and-dirty part of the list, featuring anything by Prince.
3. The 1970s Adults-Only New Year’s Eve
Everyone knows the drill. As midnight draws closer and closer people begin to scour the room for someone to share that New Year’s kiss with. Pairs start to form and as that clock ticks down to 12:00 some wait expectantly, some wait anxiously, and a lucky few refuse to wait at all. The songs in this part of the list are designed to take the edge out of any possible awkwardness and to tear down those last bits of inhibition that have survived the (likely) onslaught of alcohol.
When picking these songs judge the crowd that will be in attendance and select songs that will either put them at ease or get their adrenaline pumping to the level that it overwhelms their better judgement. Stolte-sawa recently polled Newsvine users as to their favorite make-out songs and results were highly varied. So far, though, it seems that Van Morrison will get anyone to make out with anyone else anywhere at any time.
That brings a close to this installment. Keep a look out tomorrow for tips on bringing it all together.
© Eric Atienza 2007 for Listen In. Some rights reserved.
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