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.

Mix Tape of the Day: January 13, 2015 - A Little Zooey Deschanel

After a long internal debate about today's mix, I got distracted by Zooey Deschanel's recent news so I decided, sure, a Zooey Deschanel mix!  It's only right.

1. Hey Girl - Zooey Deschanel (2011) When Deschanel was cast as the lead in a sitcom, I was thrilled.  I'd always been a fan of her music and film work.  Then the pilot premiered and it had such a weak theme song.  I was disappointed to say the least.  But, after years went by, New Girl had become my favorite sitcom and the song grew on me.  And, after hearing the full version, I love it so much more.

2. Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - She & Him (2009) Of course I'd enjoy this twee cover of a twee song by a twee band for a twee movie starring my favorite twee actress.

3. Sweet Ballad - Zooey Deschanel and Von Iva (2008) Yes Man, the film, wasn't the best.  But it led me to seek out the book which is one of my favorite books of all time.  I still had to check out the film as the story and Deschanel's presence intrigued me.  She isn't given too much to do, but at least she added some cool songs to the soundtrack like this one.  It's quite amusing.

4. Ask Her to Dance - Coconut Records (2007) Deschanel provides the backing vocals to this sweet song, written by Jason Schwartzman, because sometimes the indie world needs to implode on itself every once in a while.

5. Sweetheart - M. Ward (2012) We're coming up on the She & Him portion of this mix, so here's an introduction to her partner-in-crime, M. Ward.  This is from one of his solo albums, but of course Deschanel is never far behind.

6. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She & Him (2008) She & Him take Deschanel's love for classic rock songs and love ballads and keep them relevant in the 21st century.  Nearly all of their songs could sneak onto a '50s record without much trouble.  I enjoy it when it's clear their having fun just making their art.

7. I Was Made for You - She & Him (2008) As I was picking the Volume One representative, I knew I had to include this one from that opening drum beat.  And then the chorus kicks in!  So retro.

8. Don't Look Back - She & Him (2010) Oh, this one has a fun music video!  And fun lyrics for a mythologically-minded mind like mine.

9. Baby, It's Cold Outside - She & Him (2011) I may have purchased the only copy of this album from an independent Chicago record store while they were playing it on the sound system one Christmas.

10. So Long - She & Him (2011) Good job, Disney.  Bringing back Winnie the Pooh deserved the She & Him treatment.

11. Never Wanted Your Love - She & Him (2013) I never wanted it, but I needed it.  Zooey, you get me.  In a past life, I must have been a teenage girl in the '60s.

12. Stay Awhile - She & Him (2014) Of course She & Him would just straight up make an album of classic covers.  It was all leading to this moment.

13. God Only Knows - She & Him (2014) This is fresh from the latest New Girl Christmas episode and I instantly rushed out...to the Internet to download it.  A She & Him cover of one of my favorite songs ever?! Uh, yes!