Greg of ‘A Life in the Day’ recently blogged about mix tapes. He asked his loyal readers to fantasize about what 15 songs they would put on a virtual mix tape. As I brainstormed my choices, I noticed they were falling into 3 categories – classical, Broadway, and female singers (shocking!).

I decided to make 3 virtual mix tapes. 

Here is my ‘goddess’ mix tape.

 

“Candle on the Water” – Helen Reddy

I love this simple tune. Written in A A B A form, it captures in music and lyrics the ageless archetype of somebody waiting for another to return. It captures the turning of a lighthouse beacon, calling somebody home through the storms of life.

 

“Coffee Home ground” – Kate Bush

I’m a big Kate Bush fan. I chose this one as she is clearly having a good and silly time. This whimsical tune makes me smile.

 

“Peace is Just a Word” – Annie Lennox

Annie is one of my ‘goddesses’ from whom I could choose a lot of songs. “Peace” appeals to me when I am tired of it all.

“Stop the world, please shut it down, I’m so tired of it spinning round and round…”

 

“Champagne Taste”-Eartha Kitt

My mix tape would not be complete without a tune from Eartha!! If I ever do drag it would be to this song. Grrrrrr.

 

“Mummer’s Dance” – Loreena McKenitt

I adore Loreena. Enough said.

 

“Flora’s Secret” – Enya

THE goddess. I chose this one for its uplifting ¾ time and references to garden plants.

 

“Cheek to Cheek” – Connee Boswell

I almost chose a song from the Boswell sisters, but Connee has such as lovely voice on her own.

 

“Material Girl” – Madonna

You will be shocked and scandalized to hear I am not a Madonna fan (Oh! The emails that will be coming my way!). This peppy little tune moves; she seems to be having fun.

 

“3 Cigarettes in the Ashtray” – Patsy Cline

What a tear jerker.

 

“Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad” – Tammy Wynette

Let’s have another co-dependant / victim tune. Who else but Tammy?

I chose this one as it makes me remember “Sordid Lives”, one of my favorite movies.

 

“Dream a Little Dream of Me” – Mama Cass

It is such as simple and lovely tune. I play it when I need to cheer up. It would be good to have after the last two.

 

“Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” – Della Reese

She is one kick-ass woman. I like her version of “Diamonds” as she puts such force into it. She’s going to get the rocks; I’d be fearful to say no!

 

“I Couldn’t Take It Baby” – The wonderful Ethel Waters

I like this one as she is being serious, not her usual vaudeville mirth.

 

‘Ukulele Lady” – Bette Midler

Another goddess from whom I could choose a lot of songs, but I chose this one as it is uplifting and happy.

 

“Night Rider’s Lament” – Nanci Griffith

I like this trucker song in waltz time. It is one of the few trucker songs I know that is cheerful. I used to country waltz to it.