Mix Tape of the Day: February 3, 2015 - The Day the Music Died

Today marks the 56th anniversary of the plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.  Dubbed "The Day the Music Died" in Don McLean's "American Pie," this day provides an opportunity to look at the work of these artists.

1. Everyday - Buddy Holly (1957) Buddy Holly had the most hits of those on board, and it's a shame that he was cut down in his prime.  With less than three years worth of material, one wonders how many songs he could have blessed us with.  What we have, however, is pure gold.

2. That'll Be the Day - The "Chirping" Crickets (1957) Buddy Holly was originally the lead singer in the "Chirping" Crickets, penning their early hits, including this classic song about heartbreak leading to death, which seems a little grim in retrospect.

3. Peggy Sue - Buddy Holly (1957) Even if this were the only song Holly left behind, he'd have the same legacy.  This is such an iconic piece that it sets the bar for all rock love songs to follow.

4. La Bamba - Ritchie Valens (1958) Although he wasn't the originator, Valens took this folk song and made it his own, only to be nearly eclipsed by the Los Lobos cover of his cover later.

5. We Belong Together - Ritchie Valens (1959) Another song that Valens made his own, "We Belong Together" is one fantastic slow song that could be the finisher for many a sock hop.

6. Chantilly Lace - The Big Bopper (1958) Sadly, the Big Bopper seemed to be more of a one-hit-wonder among the trio, best known for this novelty song.  He is nearly always depicted with a phone receiver in his hand.  Yet, this is a fun song that has been remixed and revived for years and years.  There can be worse things to leave behind in the world.

7. Crying, Waiting, Hoping - Buddy Holly (1959) Back to Buddy Holly, and more upbeat heartache.  It seems to have inspired some other songs of the era...or it was inspired by others of the era.  All '50s songs start to sound the same after a while.

8. Raining in My Heart - Buddy Holly (1959) I was kind of hoping someone had made a slower, sadder cover of this song.  It's great, but it could use some more pathos.

9. Oh Boy - She & Him (2011) In 2011, we got two albums dedicated to covering Buddy Holly songs.  Not that I'm complaining.  Any time I get to hear She & Him, I'm happy.

10. Maybe Baby - Pat Monahan (2011) This is a pretty good cover as well.  Duh.

11. Buddy Holly - Weezer (1994) Some people look like Buddy Holly.  And sound like Weezer.

12. American Pie - Don McLean (1971) This is the song that captured our hearts and has become a staple anthem to rock and roll for the ages.  A fitting memorial song.

13. Three Stars - Palma Violets (2013) However, "American Pie" wasn't the first.  "Three Stars" was written earlier, and I really prefer this recent cover by Palma Violets.  It seems a little more mournful and restrained.