Welcome Summer: Let the Games Begin (Summer Solstice W/O)
Jun 21 '02
The Bottom Line A Warm Welcome to Summer: The Season of Looooooove.
For me, summer has always been the true season of dating and romance. There is just something about the sense of freedom inspired by images of the beach and the ocean that makes Summer the perfect time to meet new people. Or, it could be the skimpy attire, I'm really not sure. Well, the 2002 season is now upon us. In celebration of Summer 2002, I'm writing this review on creating a perfect first date mix CD and entering it into bluehawq's Summer Solstice W/O. (see below for more)
Preface
Anyone who has ever watched Fast Times at Ridgemont High will know that side one of Led Zeppelin IV is the ideal selection for a first date; at least it was until the advent of the CD burner. Creating a mix is easier now than ever and said mix CD can be a key tool for any avid dater.
The music you choose to play on that all important first date won't win anyone over, but the music can set the right mood and say a lot about who you are at the same time. Choosing the best songs is only the beginning; the timing and juxtaposition of the songs are equally important. I will now describe how to create the perfect first date mix, in five easy phases, along with some of my personal selections.
Phase I: Eclectic Introductions
Phase I consists of three songs that should contrast greatly with each other. Firstly, choosing songs that are different in taste will minimize your chances of starting out on the wrong foot. Secondly, it establishes two very important qualities: 1) You're likely to try new things AND 2) You're unpredictable. You should never put in anything too heavy, the music you select should support some good old conversation.
Track 1: Even Walls Fall Down, Tom Petty
Says: Hey baby, how you doin'?
Many people feel that they should start off with the biggest, most popular name, like The Beatles. Wrong! You never want to peak too soon (write that down now, it will come in handy later). The first song shouldn't take the focus away from your conversation. If you have run out of conversation by the first track, then just throw it in right now and save your money. I recommend starting out with something that is light and upbeat, but also popular. Anything from Tom Petty will do just fine. If your date doesn't like Tom Petty then I suggest dropping them off at the nearest bus stop because they have no taste.
Track 2: Britney Spears, I Love Rock n' Roll
Says: Damn, what was that?
After a little Tom Petty, the second track should blind side your date by contrasting greatly with Track 1. This makes you appear unpredictable. I recommend something trendy, like Britney Spears or Eminem. These contrast very well with Tom Petty.
Track 3: Lo-Lite, Party Flea
Says: Yeah baby, I'm unpredictable
Again, the third track should contrast strongly with Track 2, supporting the whole unpredictability thing. I suggest going with a song that your date probably won't have heard before; this also says that you're willing to try new things. You can go with pretty much anything that contrasts with Track 2 or any small-time local band.
Phase II: Conversational Interlude
Phase III is to help out a dying conversation. I find that sometimes around the fourth song I run out of conversation topics. So if you're tired of talking about the new kitty litter you bought because Fluffy is incontinent, then plan ahead with the next two tracks.
Track 4: Men Without Hats, SAFETY Dance
Says: Let's go Back to the Future
The fourth track should bring about a feeling of nostalgia. This should hopefully stir up some childhood stories that will have you talking for hours. For me, I select an 80's band that reminds me of high school or junior high. This always seems to moisten an otherwise dry conversation. Men Without Hats, Cyndi Lauper and Eddie Money are all great 80's selections. It is important to also consider the age of your date for this track.
Track 5: Sophie B. Hawkins, Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover
Says: This one time, at band camp...
The fifth track should also be nostalgic. It should remind you of a personally embarrassing story. This will help to lighten the mood and add a touch of humility. Being able to laugh at yourself is very important, but definitely avoid any story that might be crude or offensive. Luckily, virtually every song reminds me of something stupid that I have done. If you don't know any then you can borrow this one: I saw Sophie B. Hawkins in concert back in high school at Rocky Point Park. I decided to climb up on one of the rides to get a better view and was consequently chased around by the security guards for quite some time. I did, of course, get away...
Phase III: Dinner Time
Track 6: Neil Diamond, Turn on Your Heart Lights
Says: Love is in the air
I typically plan a half-hour ride to a nice restaurant so we can have some conversation before dinner. And if I say something embarassing, at least it won't be in public. The sixth track should set a romantic mood for dinner. I strongly recommend Neil Diamond or Sting. These guys always seem to do the trick.
Phase IV: I'm a Bad, Bad Boy
Phase IV is designed to set the mood for an evening of fun. The next two songs should put your date in the mood for drinks and/or dancing. They should also sell your wilder side, which will keep them intrigued throughout the rest of the evening.
Track 7: George Thorogood, One Bourbon, One Scotch and One Beer
Says: I'm bad and I won't ever be no good
After dinner, you should start to sell your wilder side and let loose a little. There is nobody better to do this than George Thorogood, the ultimate bad boy. This song will help to sell your plans to go out for a drink and get down. Even if you dance like a three-toed mountain sloth on speed (like me), going out for a little dancing is still a good idea as long as you have fun. If you come off as too much of a straight-shooter, your date might lose interest.
Track 8: Abba, Dancing Queen
Says: Yeah baby, I've got funk
Now its time to get in the mood for dancing, and the best choice for this is Abba. This song is always a hit or a miss, but I do love this great Swedish band. So, if you want to play it safe, try Footloose by Kenny Loggins. Really, any dance tune with a peppy beat will do. By the end of this song, your date should be energized and ready to cut it loose.
Phase V: End it Right
Phase V helps to settle things down and set the stage for another date, a good night kiss, or your famous end of the night maneuver.
Track 9: Anything Miles Davis
Says: Cool baby, I've got class
Now its time to show your date that you've got a little class. Track 9 Cannot be Rock, R&B, Country or Pop. This track needs to show off a new depth. I love to throw in a little jazz and who better than Miles Davis? If you're not into jazz, then consider classical music or Latin tunes. Sometimes a good Rap Track (NOT Vanilla Ice, please) can work here. This track will help to sell you as a person of depth and culture.
Track 10: U2, One
Says: You'd love a little Bono, wouldn't you?
It's time to start preparing for your end of the night move. There is no better way to move things in the right direction than the image of Bono (U2). He's a man of character that just about everyone loves, and damn sexy to boot. There just isn't any suitable alternative for this one.
Track 11: Barry White, I Can't Get Enough
Says: Hey baby, I'm romantic
You're almost at your date's house and it's time to put yourself at your peak. I strongly urge you to choose your favorite Barry White song for the grand finale. Marvin Gaye will work if you aren't into Barry. Almost no move will fail when good old Barry is playing in the background. That sexy voice can work miracles for you. He gets the heart pounding and the juices flowing. End the night with a bang.
The Use of Sound Bytes
Throwing some carefully chosen sound bytes on your mix CD can add humor and pizazz, but be very careful. Avoid anything that is crude or offensive. The best and most easily downloaded clips are The Simpsons and Austin Powers. It is also important to use them sparingly, no more than once every few songs. And never put them at the end, this will ruin the mood you have created.
Lunar Landing
How you end the date is up to you, after all I can't give away all of my secrets. Welcome to Summer, the season of love and romance on the high seas.
Happy Sailing,
tom (tbthorn)
DISCLAIMER: I make no promises about the efficacy of the songs listed herein. Individual results may vary. Void where prohibited by law and in the state of Delaware. After all, there are probably reasons why I am still going out on first dates.
This is my entry into Bluehawq's Summer Solstice W/O to welcome in the season. Check out the other entries by cutting and pasting the following URL into your browser:
http://summersolstice.abrco.com/
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tbthorn
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Member: Tom
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About Me:
Vacation (vA-kA-shun) 1. Eating too much 2. Drinking too much 3. Getting a tan
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