Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Side One/Side Two
It’s a few days away from Valentine’s Day, and I’m still 1) not a fan of the holiday and 2) single. I mean even after the personal ad I created last year: http://meltyourfaceoff.blogspot.com/2007_02_01_archive.html Maybe I was too unrealistic in what I was looking for. But I truly thought the offer of a Green Card would be enticing. Guess not. But that’s okay. I’m still happy being fabulous and single, than just being with someone for the sake of having a relationship. I do, however, have some good news to report. Brie is no longer single. Sorry boys, someone beat you to her.
So this year instead of creating another witty ad, I’m just going to put it out there. Have you heard of music? You win! I’m yours! KIDDING! I know myself well enough that the man I end up with will have a few more hoops to jump through. Oh and some hot coals to walk on and broken glass to eat. Yes, I’m looking for a carnival freak. Again, kidding…unless you are a really good looking carnival freak who has heard of music…
But this post is not about me looking for love. Who wants to read about that? Not me. Instead I have been holding off on giving my glowing review of a book I read last year. Me, read a book? I know, I know…crazy! As much as I make fun of myself for not reading, I do read more than one would think. However, I still love the TV. Love it more than anyone really should. But I digress. The book I read last year is perfect for not only this lovey-dovey upcoming holiday, but it’s a good read at any time of the year. It called Love Is A Mix Tape and it’s by Rolling Stone editor/writer Rob Sheffield.
This book is awesome. As someone who made mixed tapes (in junior high, high school and part of college) and now mixed CDs, it just hit close to home. I must have looked like a bobble head reading this book, because I was nodding in agreement so much. So what’s it about? I would love to describe it to you, but the best place to learn more about this book is on the official website where you can read an excerpt, read the synopsis, go through reviews, and hear Rob’s voice reading some passages. http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/mixtape/
But for those of you who want to know, it follows the true story of Rob and how he fell in love with a gal named Renée. It also is a story about the power of music and how moments of our lives are defined by certain songs. And it also covers the art of making a mixed tape for someone or some occasion.
One reason I still make mixed tapes (actually CDs) is to continue my education and awareness of good music for my family and friends. I love putting together mixes and then waiting to hear back from the person I gave it to. What did you like? What did you not? What will end up being the song that leads you to buy an album? One thing that Rob does is explain the kinds of mixed tapes one could make. I loved this part in chapter 2. Probably because at one point in time I have made each of these mixes. Even the really embarrassing “You Broke My Heart and Made Me Cry and Here Are Twenty or Thirty Songs About It” mix. I will say from experience never actually give the mix to that person, and if you do be sure not to include a 4 paged typed letter about how you feel. Bad news bears!
But it’s true. There are songs that remind you of a year, a person, a moment in time, etc. If you think about it, we each have our own unique soundtrack. If you were to make a mix of those things you’d have a musical biography.
If you are looking for a moving, funny, and touching book then I highly recommend Love Is A Mix Tape. It’s a short, quick read (at least it was for me since I couldn’t put it down) and a great gift for any music lover.
xoxo,
Stefania
So this year instead of creating another witty ad, I’m just going to put it out there. Have you heard of music? You win! I’m yours! KIDDING! I know myself well enough that the man I end up with will have a few more hoops to jump through. Oh and some hot coals to walk on and broken glass to eat. Yes, I’m looking for a carnival freak. Again, kidding…unless you are a really good looking carnival freak who has heard of music…
But this post is not about me looking for love. Who wants to read about that? Not me. Instead I have been holding off on giving my glowing review of a book I read last year. Me, read a book? I know, I know…crazy! As much as I make fun of myself for not reading, I do read more than one would think. However, I still love the TV. Love it more than anyone really should. But I digress. The book I read last year is perfect for not only this lovey-dovey upcoming holiday, but it’s a good read at any time of the year. It called Love Is A Mix Tape and it’s by Rolling Stone editor/writer Rob Sheffield.
This book is awesome. As someone who made mixed tapes (in junior high, high school and part of college) and now mixed CDs, it just hit close to home. I must have looked like a bobble head reading this book, because I was nodding in agreement so much. So what’s it about? I would love to describe it to you, but the best place to learn more about this book is on the official website where you can read an excerpt, read the synopsis, go through reviews, and hear Rob’s voice reading some passages. http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/mixtape/
But for those of you who want to know, it follows the true story of Rob and how he fell in love with a gal named Renée. It also is a story about the power of music and how moments of our lives are defined by certain songs. And it also covers the art of making a mixed tape for someone or some occasion.
One reason I still make mixed tapes (actually CDs) is to continue my education and awareness of good music for my family and friends. I love putting together mixes and then waiting to hear back from the person I gave it to. What did you like? What did you not? What will end up being the song that leads you to buy an album? One thing that Rob does is explain the kinds of mixed tapes one could make. I loved this part in chapter 2. Probably because at one point in time I have made each of these mixes. Even the really embarrassing “You Broke My Heart and Made Me Cry and Here Are Twenty or Thirty Songs About It” mix. I will say from experience never actually give the mix to that person, and if you do be sure not to include a 4 paged typed letter about how you feel. Bad news bears!
But it’s true. There are songs that remind you of a year, a person, a moment in time, etc. If you think about it, we each have our own unique soundtrack. If you were to make a mix of those things you’d have a musical biography.
If you are looking for a moving, funny, and touching book then I highly recommend Love Is A Mix Tape. It’s a short, quick read (at least it was for me since I couldn’t put it down) and a great gift for any music lover.
xoxo,
Stefania
// posted by Stefania @ 7:50 AM 
