Mike's Romance Mix #1
May 28 '00 (Updated May 23 '05)
The Bottom Line Good stuff
The following is my list of songs that would set the perfect mood for a romantic evening with your wife or girlfriend. Be sure to have a nice bottle of wine or champagne to sip while enjoying this mix.
1. These Arms of Mine--Otis Redding. Although my man Otis was best known for Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay, some of his more obscure tunes are a lot more moving. His delivery in this song is soulful and heartfelt. We lost him way too soon.
2. Never Give You Up--Jerry Butler. A somewhat unheralded soul singer from the 1960's, his nickname was "The Iceman". The hook line in this song, "don't you understand what you're doing to the man" will make you break out in goosebumps.
3. Words--The Bee Gees. No romance mix would be complete without an offering from the brothers Gibb. Their unique harmonies give any love song a wonderful texture. The acapella ending is stunning.
4. More Than Words--Extreme. While we're on the subject of words, there is no prettier ballad than this offering from Extreme. They ordinarily play what I refer to as "thrash" but this tune represents a beautiful departure from that style. Nuno Bettincourt can sure play acoustic guitar, and the delicate harmonies are gorgeous.
5. This Magic Moment--Jay and Americans. This tune is a little upbeat, but that doesn't take away from the romantic mood. Jay was a superb vocal talent, and these guys had a lot of hit songs in the 1960's.
6. Love of My Life--Queen. Freddie Mercury sure could croon (ever heard him do "New York, New York"?), and this tune features piano, strings and some beautiful acoustic and electric guitar work by Brian May. The arrangement is delicate and moving.
7. Please Come To Boston--Dave Loggins. An intensely moving song which can best be described as in the country-pop vein. It makes you hope that the girl would just go to Denver, L. A., or Boston, just to be with the "man from Tennessee".
8. La-La Means I Love You--The Delfonics. A beautiful song by a soul group from Philadelphia. These guys could sing, and their music features a lot of strings and horns.
9. Yes It Is--The Beatles. A great vocal performance by John Lennon, along with some beautiful three-part harmonies, will make the hairs on your neck come to attention. A very thrilling early Beatles tune. No One wore his heart on his sleeve like John Lennon.
10. Something--The Beatles. George Harrison's greatest composition. Beautiful harmonies, cool guitar work, and some really fine bass playing by Paul McCartney.
11. Tupelo Honey--Van Morrison. A rather obscure song by this great songwriter. His singing style is, well, different, but he knows how to deliver a beautiful love song.
12. Thirteen--Big Star. Big Star was a 1970's Memphis band fronted by former Boxtops lead singer Alex Chilton. This song is about teen love and really has some beautiful acoustic guitar work in it.
13. My Girl--The Temptations. No romance mix would be complete without this one. David Ruffin's delivery is soulful and the harmonies outstanding. Truly a classic.
14. I'm Still In Love With You--Al Green. Another dose of Memphis soul, straight from the heart. Al "Grits" Green has a vocal style all his own, and when you add Memphis studio musicians and horns, the mix is magic and romantic.
15. And I Love You So--Don McLean. It's a shame that this guy is only known for "American Pie". He is an acoustic guitar player par excellence, and Roy Orbison once referred to him as "the voice of the century". That reference is good enough for me. A beautiful song by a huge talent.
16. I Can't Tell You Why--The Eagles. This tune features arresting vocals by Timothy B. Schmit, and some really moving guitar work by Glen Frey, probably. Joe Walsh had joined the band by then, but this ain't his style. A great tale of hopeless love.
17. That's How Strong My Love Is--Otis Redding. Another tear-jerker by "Mr. Pitiful". In my humble opinion, you can never have too much Otis Redding.
18. Crazy Love--Van Morrison. Many of you will remember this song from the movie "Phenomenan", when Kyra Sedgwick is cutting John Travolta's hair. Van Morrison's sloppy delivery makes this song work.
19. Love Me Tender--Elvis Presley. Gotta have the King in this mix. The song is just Elvis and an acoustic guitar, recorded on one track with no overdubs. If you listen closely, you can hear E inhale and exhale, and also the fingers sliding on the strings of the acoustic guitar. These things just add to the intimacy of the song.
20. Crying--Roy Orbison. No one can do sadness and lost love like this man. All the tragedy he endured during his life comes out in his singing. For my money, he is "the voice of the century".
Well, there it is. Try these, (if you can find them all-some are pretty obscure), and let me if your evening was successful.
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