The Art of the Mix Tape

Ever since I was a kid in Junior High, I have been fascinated with the art of making the perfect mixtape. One of my first series of mix tapes was called the G.W. Collection. I got the name G.W. from an imaginary friend me and Donnie Carsner had in 1st grade. For the record, we made him up to fool his little brother... Then we'd laugh at him (his brother, not G.W.)

I made a series of G.W. Collections all the way through high school. Then I went to college. Thus the creation of the Clueless Wonder mix tapes evolved. These mix tapes did not leave my 1990 Plymouth Sundance (nicknamed Epstein). They were sun-faded and spectacular. The other day, I had to borrow my dad's truck. It has a tape deck in it. I pulled out Clueless Wonder vol. 4. It was majestic. I had a moment of clarity. My final mix tape (before the evolution of the external CD recorder/player) was the Genesis Project and no, it had nothing to do with the band Genesis. Once I purchased my Phillips CD recorder in 1999, the mixtape became the mix compact disc.

My first official mix CD (or as usually call them, The Compilation CD) was titled Dry Bones One. It was a hybrid of an older mix tape I once made, which featured (at the time) my top ten favorite songs of all time, with some other gems there also. One of my favorite CD mixes of all time just happens to be Dry Bones Two. (I am a firm believer that all good mix tapes come in threes. More on that later).

Here is a track listing of Dry Bones Two:
1. Also Sparch Zarathustra (theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey)
2. Bullet the Blue Sky - P.O.D.
3. Mia - Chevelle
4. Take a Picture - Filter
5. Where the Streets have no Name - U2
6. Grylliade - The Prayer Chain
7. 58 - The Prayer Chain
8. Let Down - Radiohead
9. Solomon the Mystic - Sixpence None the Richer (great instrumental from Tickets for a Prayer Wheel EP)
10. Road to Zion - Sixpence None the Richer (cover version of the Petra classic)
11. No New Kind of Story - Starflyer 59
12. The Man who Sold the World - Nirvana (unplugged in NY)
13. Still Remains - Stone Temple Pilots
14. PK - Johnny Q. Public
15. White, discussion - Live

I love the idea of the mix tape. They can evoke so many memories of experiences past. It reminds you of a time that was. I remember hearing an interview with DJ Shadow, the famed turntable specialist. He was talking about about how he has made a mix tape for each month, dating back to high school. How incredible is that? The mix tape is almost like a yearbook, without the pictures. That is what makes the art of mix taping so special. Every compilation I make has a little piece of me in it. My heart and soul are poured out through someone else's poetry, prose and instrumentation. It is my way of showing my creativity to any and all, even though I'm usually the only one who listens to them.

Often times, my mix CD's can not be narrowed down to just one disc. You've either got 74 or 80 minutes of room on a recordable CD. That is why the mix tape trilogy is the what I would consider a necessity. The trilogy allows for every song to find it's proper place. The song placement is essential. Plus, you've got to have fillers; snipets of songs, brief instrumentals or sound bytes that help with the ebb and flow of the CD. Also, the CD must be smooth. Each song should blend into the next. This was accomplished a lot easier on the old cassette deck. I used to run two CD players into my stereo and would cross fade each song so that you never noticed the transition. It was considered pure bliss if a listener did not notice the transition.

Some of my CD compilation Trilogy titles are:
Dry Bones One, Two, Three
The Genesis Project
The Upside of Down series
Indifferent, Unaware,
Endeavour, Sweet Bovine
The Apathy of Reason (5 disc set)
Random Musings

Finally, the mix tape is not perfect without CD art. The CD cover and jewel case design is a top priority. It gives the mix CD an identity. It gives it validity. It gives it a genuineness not recognized by the music alone. The presentation is everything. I usually serf the net for cool pictures or obscure graphics or photos that might make for perfect fit to that CD mix. Trying to find a photo that matches the music is also key. For example, the Endeavour comp. CD featured a picture taken from the Space Shuttle in orbit. This fit with the CD mix perfectly, as the music was a compilation of spacey electronica instrumentals.

My final thoughts are this: the mix tape is an expression of my soul, for all to see and hear. It is a part of me and tells the stories of my life. It is a history book, a record book, so to speak, that embraces all that is good and noble and pure in the world. Music is universal. The mix tape is the unity we all desire.

for further reading... MIX TAPE ARTICLE
http://www.dailytrojan.com/news/2004/10/13/Lifestyle/The-Lost.Art.Of.Meaningful.Mixtapes-751374.shtml

A lake near Krysuvik
 

Dreaming of Iceland?

I had a dream last night of Iceland. I was on a trip with a bunch of youth. We stopped at some sort of music store and I was in heaven. It was fantastic. While there, I picked up some Sigur Ros CD's and a DVD. They had some rare stuff that was not available in the U.S. Plus, I picked up the new Radiohead DVD. Then, some of the youth and I left the store - but I was delayed because of the currecny exchange. It took a while for the clerk to get it right or something. I left the store and was walking through some sort of tunnel. It was like in a video game where I had to figure out the right path to get out of where I was. I think I was underground. Then, all of the sudden, I was being chased. As I was running through this tunnel, I went through one of the doors to my left and came out on a grassy knoll. A few of my friends were standing there. We all started running, then until we got to the top of the grassy area. We came to a grinding halt as we almost ran off a cliff. I looked down and there was the rest of our group, swimming in the ocean at the bottom of this revine. Someone then fell down into the sand, but was miraculously o.k. I got down as fast as I could and after securing my prized Sigur Ros and Radiohead possesions on the church bus, I did a cannonball into the Blue Lagoon. It was wonderful. I love Iceland and yet, I've never been...

Dreams are funny how they don't make perfect sence and all, and yet they are so vivid. I like dreams.

(Dreams is also a good Van Halen song)

SUPERSIZE ME

After viewing the documentary SUPERSIZE ME I have been inspired to keep a log (each week) of all the times I eat out at a restaurant or fast food joint... I am almost afraid to know how much I eat out... how much money I am wasting... and how unhealthy I am...

THIS WEEK
SUN: Subway - Steak and cheese foot long. $7.00
TUES: Applebees - Oriental Chicken Rollup, Fries, Water. $23.00 (includes family)
WED: McDonalds - McChicken, Value Fries. $2.00
THURS: McDonalds - McChicken, Value Fries. $7.50 (includes family)
SAT: Little Caesers - Med. Pizza. $3.00
TOTAL: $42.50

Listening to...

Sigur Ros - live tracks from http://www.sigur-ros.com
Global Communication
Micahel Roe - Daydream (instrumental guitar)
Phil Keaggy - Revelator
The Beach Boys - Sounds of Summer (Brian Wilson is a mad genius)

if you tolerate this then your children will be next 

Weekend @ Bernies (minus Bernie)

the weekend was days ago... in fact, the new weekend is fast approaching. but before it comes, let me tell you about my weekend, last weekend, the middle weekend of October.

My wife was out of town Friday night. I had the house to myself. I relaxed. Ate some left over Spaghetti and watched a movie. the movie of choice: MIRACLE. watching this movie with surround sound was spectacular. I felt like i was in Lake Placid for that monumental game against Russia. I didn't have high expectations for this movie, but was pleasantly surprised. I'd give it ***1/2 out of ****.

Next, I watched Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. i love to hate Bill. But he keeps me ammused and the mindless political bantering was numbing. Yet I continued to watch. By the way, Alanis Morrissette was a drone. She was one of his guests and she did not add anything to the conversation. I wasn't impressed (which should come as no surprise since she was a Canadian talking American politics.)

On Saturday, I went through and sorted out some tunes on my real player. i ended up making a mix CD trilogy (all good mix cd's come in threes). I titled the set Random Musings. I also burned some Sigur Ros live tracks to CD.

Other than that, I watched the Buckeyes lose big time, I cleaned up the house & then bought my wife a Sweetest Day gift (out of guilt because she told me that she had bought me something.) Can I just say that I hate Hallmark holidays? But I did enjoy finding a specal gift for my special lady.

right now, I am rambling. The new weekend is upon us. let their be rejoicing in all the land.

Why I Love My Job as Youth Director

God has a funny way of making His plans our plans. When I was in High School, I had my whole life planned out. I’d work at a TV station or radio station, make lots of money and live the fabulous life. Somewhere along the way, God placed a desire in my heart for Youth Ministry. I had been working with youth, at the volunteer level, since 1994. But it was the summer of 1999 when God began to speak to me and opened the doors of opportunity for full time youth ministry.

At the time, a pastor friend of mine approached me about taking the position of Youth Director at another area Methodist Church. I turned him down, because I wasn’t quite ready for that yet. As a result, God began to work in me, to change my desires to His desires. A few months later, in November of 1999, this church and its youth program were in crisis. I was approached by members of this congregation - requesting that I apply for the new position of Director of Youth Ministries. God had been preparing me for this job and his hand was upon me and the leaders of this church as I interviewed and accepted the job. I gave up my desire for video production and gave way to God’s desire for youth ministry. I believe that God will grant you the desires of your heart... or He’ll change those desires. I am so glad God changed my desires. Here’s why.

I love spending time with teenagers. Maybe it’s because I seem to have more in common with them than with some adults. I like the same movies, music and TV shows that they like. I love being real with them. Be real. Be original. Be yourself has been a reoccurring message for five years. I preach that because if we can’t be genuine with ourselves or each other, then how will we ever be genuine with God? After all, it’s o.k. to be sold out for Christ. No apologies. That’s a mandate. We can’t fool God by living a double lifestyle (loving Jesus on Sunday; loving the world Monday thru Friday). Last year, we came up with this slogan: "You’re just jealous because I’m a real freak & you have to wear a mask."

I love watching teens grow spiritually. It’s a high calling to be in a position of ministry. I will be held accountable for everything that is taught to them. That is a major responsibility that I don’t take lightly. It is an honor for me to have a role in their spiritual development. The best part is when it clicks, when it all comes together for them. This year our core group of youth really want to grow in their faith. We’ve been studying what it means to be an alien youth (1 Peter 2:11-12); learning how to resist sin, how to embrace the Holy Spirit, how to worship with our whole heart, how to transform our minds and how to implement an alien lifestyle. We are called to be different and set apart. It’s time we start doing it!

I love being there for them. Being Director of Youth Ministries is a full time job. Our schedule is filled with retreats, camps, mission trips, and special events. Every one of our activities is provided so that we can meet the needs of the youth in this community. Last Friday we hosted a 5th Quarter party after a Leopard football game. We expected 50 teens to show up. We got 170! To God be the glory. Nearly ten percent of Louisville students in 7th thru 12th grade were in our building and had a chance to see Christ lived out. It was all about planting seeds that night. Our youth ministry is here to meet the needs of those who need Jesus. It’s an investment in the future of this church. It’s an investment in the future of this world. Say what you will about teenagers today - their clothes are too tight, their music is too loud, their respect for their elders is waning; can you think of a better place for them to be, than here in our church? I love this ministry because I think kids feel comfortable here. It doesn’t matter what your background is or if your parents are divorced. It doesn’t matter if you play football or are in the band. You are welcome here. No, we are not a perfect youth group. At times, cliques arise, but we do the best we can to provide a comfortable atmosphere for one and all.

I believe the comfort level is why over 50 percent of our weekly youth attendees are what I would call ‘non-traditional church goers.’ They don’t have parents in this church nor have they grown up in any church. And yet, they come here. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but I’ll embrace that. The way I see it, it can only be God, because I certainly do not have the ability to do what seems impossible. Nearly 50 different teenagers walk through our doors and into our care each week. God has placed this church here for a reason. We will not neglect those that God has brought to us.

I love these kids. They are like family to me. When they hurt, I hurt. When they rejoice, I rejoice. When one walks away from God, I mourn. I want what’s best for them. I want them to succeed. We’ve come a long way together. For many, I’ve watched them grow up, literally, right before my eyes. I can still remember the first Atwood Retreat we went on. Greg S. and Andrew M. were 7th graders. I didn’t have a bunk, so I crashed on the floor, right next to them. Now it’s five years later and they are both Seniors. They will never remember any other Youth Leader but me. Trust me, in youth ministry, that is not normal. The average life-span of a Youth Director at one church is less than 2 years. That is my proudest moment... Knowing that I have been there for those guys for their entire time in youth group. I look forward to building future bonds with other youth like I have with Greg & Andrew.

I am committed to seeing this through. Youth Ministry is my passion. The desire to see this community overrun with God loving Christian teenagers is stronger than ever. Even though persecution comes, I will not stand silent. Whether people think I deserve this job or deserve my salary, I will continue to follow my calling that is higher than anything that comes from man.
I don’t write these things so that I can be glorified or so that I can receive anyone’s praise. I write this so that God can be glorified and so that you may join with me in thanking God for the blessings he has brought to this church. As the leader of our youth, may I thank you on their behalf for all the support you give to us. We are the future. We are tomorrow. But we are ready today - to follow the example of Christ so that this community and this world can experience the redeeming love of God - through our actions and words.

some of the members of the youth group... 

The Donald. Current King of Reality. 

I'm obsessed with reality

I LOVE REALITY TELEVISION. there. i said it. put me on the island. put me in the boardroom. call me obsessed. call me stupid. i have no shame... I've been known to shout at the television from time to time, while watching Survivor, hoping to warn someone before they get stabbed in the back by a tribemate. dare i admit that i've seen ever episode of every Survivor, The Apprentice, The Real World (yes, everyone), Road Rules, and the RR/RW Challenges?

What can I say? I was hooked from Day One, when Survivor took to the airwaves back in the Summer of 2000. Sure, there has definately been an oveload of reality programming, from Who Wants To Marry My Dad, to My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance. The Fox Network has mostly failed when it comes to reality programming, but they keep trying. Two points for the effort, I guess.

I don't know why I'm drawn to reality programming. Maybe it's because my own present reality is nothing spectacular, by TV's standards. Right now, I guess you could say my reality is filled with reality although that reality is not really real, because it's on television and it's a game. Regardless, I love reality programming. Now, I know my TV viewing habits are insane, but I have an excuse. You see, I was a Broadcast Communications major in college, so, I guess I consider watching television continuing education.

a rush of blood to the blog

Desmond R.G. Underwood IV once said "The news of my impending death came at a really bad time for me." timing is everything. you never know just how long you've got. so i figured it was just about time that i blogged.

So... Let's begin. what, where, why, or when - will all be explained like instructions to a game. See I'm not insane, in fact, I'm kind of rational. when I be asking you, Who is more dramatical? This one or that one, the white one or the black one? pick the punk, and I'll jump up to attack one. KRS-One is just the guy to lead a crew. right up to your face and dis you. - My Philosophy - circa 1988

the one consistent thing about this Fantastic Distraction is that randomness rules supreme.

U2 How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb 

Vertigo

"It’s Such a Personal Record, It May Just Be Our Best." - Bono
running order for How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
1. Vertigo
2. Miracle Drug
3. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
4. Love And Peace Or Else
5. City Of Blinding Lights
6. All Because Of You
7. A Man And A Woman
8. Crumbs From Your Table
9. One Step Closer
10. Original Of The Species
11. Yahweh