You're Only Here For The Mixathon?!?!

Assembled as a means to participate in Zen Running Order's May Mixathon in which users were challenged to create a "Frankenstein" mix. I first learned about the "Frankenstein" mix through Art Of The Mix several years ago, and at least one other variant has developed. This version, though, was created via direct input from ZeRO users: which song challenge would you like to issue? My inclusion, by the way, was "A song from the year of your birth." Necessarily chaotic, I think mine actually develops some flow at several points throughout. Anyway, a fun mix to put together, and somewhat challenging (especially when trying to pick from several songs for a single spot on the playlist). NW007.

01. Song that gives you the chills/heebie jeebies: KATE BUSH/Under Ice. For my money, one of the scariest songs ever written.

02. Favorite use of song in a film: LOU REED/Perfect Day. In which Renton OD's in Trainspotting.

03. Favorite instrumental: KRONOS QUARTET/Marquee Moon. Desert island or otherwise, this Kronos Quartet version of the Television classic is brilliant.

04. Favorite song by someone principally known as an actor: EWAN McGREGOR/Your Song. Props also go to Nicole Kidman for belting it out in Moulin Rouge.

05. Favorite song about fire or burning: MC 900 FT JESUS/The City Sleeps. In which we get inside the head of a pyromaniac.

06. A song from the year of your birth: SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES/The Tears Of A Clown. 1970.

07. A song you wish you had written: MY BLOODY VALENTINE/Soon. A song ahead of it's time from an album ahead of it's time by a band ahead of it's time. I envy the vision it took to come up with this masterpiece.

08. Favorite non-love related song you would undoubtedly put on a mixtape for a crush/loved one: THE SMITHS/Cemetry Gates. Witty lyrics from Morrissey and a great guitar line from Marr, I actually used this as a way to introduce The Smiths to my wife many moons ago.

09. In space: BLUR/Far Out. "I spy in the night sky, don't I...." And Alex gets the lead vocal credit.

10. A song with a really clever title: PHISH/Frankie Says. The chorus beginning with "Relax."

11. A song that uses elements of another song without directly sampling the piece of music: TALKING HEADS/Stay Up Late. Features the opening line of "Ain't Too Proud To Beg." The story I was told (way back when) is that David Byrne included it as a dig against the Rolling Stones' version of the song. Anybody else heard that?

12. A song that makes no sense to you: STEVEN JESSE BERNSTEIN/This Clouded Heart. Still scratching my head.

13. A track from an artist you learned about from another ZeRO mixer: THE LUCKSMITHS/There Is A Boy Who Never Goes Out. From sammyg123's AOTM-era Art Of The Moz. A phenomenal mix from a phenomenal mixer.

14. A song with a color in the title: MISS SHIRLEY BASSEY/Goldfinger. "Do you expect me to talk?" "No, Mr. Bond. I expect you to die." Flawless.

15. A song with a country or city in the title: MORCHEEBA/Sao Paulo. I'd say this qualifies.

16. A song about a political figure: THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS/Tippecanoe And Tyler Too. This qualifies as well.

17. A favorite song from a past mix which you've posted: SUGARCUBES/Hit. In which our hero fell in love with Bjork. I've used this song at least three times on AOTM/Mesh-era mixes, and may just have to use it again....

18. A song for your funeral: THE ENGLISH BEAT/Ackee 1-2-3. Special Beat Service, and this song, in particular, were rainy day blues cure for a friend and me during college. I'd like to think it could cheer people up when I shake off this mortal coil.

19. A song you wish was written for/about you: CRACKER/Don't F*** Me Up (with peace and love). "I am the game warden of love/ 'til someone took away my gin and tonic." Truer words were never written....

20. A WTF moment, a song that stopped you in your tracks and made you really listen: WILCO/Sunken Treasure. I saw Wilco in '96 in Louisville, before the release of Being There. The band opened with this song and I realized that Jeff Tweedy and Co. were leaving Uncle Tupelo far, far behind....

21. GENE WILDER & PETER BOYLE/Puttin' On The Ritz. Just because.