First Dance Mix
First Dance Mix For Pony Express Jams
Since I know my partner for this cycle received my mix, I thought I would make this mix available for download.
These are songs that I would to use for my first song at my wedding. Some of the songs make sense in a very traditional way, others maybe not. But these are all songs I emotionally connect with. These are all songs which would help create a special moment. Hope you enjoy.
1. Crown of Love - Arcade Fire
I love the retro epicness of it. I also love how it changes tempo towards the end. I know the upbeat tempo at the end bucks tradition, but that helps makes this a cool alternative to traditional wedding tunes. It is more than a wedding, it is an event.
2. I Will - The Beatles
This is short and sweet. In under two minutes (which allows more time for the party to get going) the songs creates a special moment with simple but profound statements that expresses the core of true and lasting love.
3. God Only Knows – The Beach Boys
Absolutely gorgeous mini symphony. If I found the one person I could do without, this would be the perfect song to dance to.
4. We Made a Pact – Hey Rosetta!
Marriage is the ultimate pact. I get goose bumps every time I hear this hauntingly beautiful tune. It would be a truly special moment to have this as a first dance.
5. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes
I couldn’t picture doing a first dance mix without this song. I not going to lie there are parts of this song I find almost unintentionally funny. But I find the earnestness and sincerity to be irresistible.
6. Safe and Sound - Hawksley Workman
Part of the purpose of marriage is to achieve a sense of security. This song beautifully expresses those sentiments.
7. Beautiful Girl – INXS
This was a coin toss between this song and “Never Tear Us Apart”. But I opted for this pretty little ditty because it isn’t as familiar.
8. Lost Together – Blue Rodeo
This song truly creates a special moment. It doesn’t matter what goes in the world, it doesn’t matter what personal conflicts are going on, the only thing that matters is the love of two people.
9. Living for Someone - Ivan & Alyosha
This song may be abit too mid-tempo for a traditional first dance song. But the sentiments are perfect. “The world is breaking down, but we are marching forward”.
10. Five String Serenade - The White Stripes
This is a rare and live cover of the Mazzy Star tune from 2005. Even though sound quality isn’t the greatest, it is a beautiful cover of a beautiful tune. Also being live, I love the sound of the audience clapping along. This along with crowd noise helps create a truly special moment.
11. Fade Into You – Mazzy Star
I thought I would follow up a Mazzy Star cover, with this Mazzy Star gorgeous epic. This song is one of my all time faves, and may be my number 1 pick for first dance (but I’m constantly flip flopping on things like that).
12. Crimson & Clover - Tommy James & The Shondells
There was this girl I use to have a crush on (I guess part of me still does) and she really liked this song so I made her a mix tape (yes on an actual cassette) which included this song. Also every time I was at any party I would request it, and we would dance to it. At times because it was an older song, sometimes we would be the only ones on the dance floor (which made for a magical moment). Even at her wedding I made sure they played this song and we danced (her husband who is a stand up guy was cool with that). I remain friends with both her and her husband and it is understood that Crimson & Clover is still our song. I’m happy that she found a man that treats her like the lady she is. Of course because this is our song, it is officially retired as a candidate for first dance. But part of me visualizes what it might have been liked to share a first dance with her. Even though the songs conjures up many fond memories, there is also part of me which listen to this song with a sense of mourning over the one who got away. There is still part of me that always wants to dance with her over & over.
13. She’s The One – Ramones
As mentioned previously it is extremely rare for me to make a mix CD without including a Ramones song. It is a bit up-tempo, but the sentiments are perfect. Also if I found a girl who is willing to consider this as a first dance, then she really may be the one.
14. At My Most Beautiful – R.E.M.
I love this song. “I found a way to make you smile”
15. Fake Plastic Trees – Radiohead
I have no clue what the lyrics are about and whether or not they are appropriate for a wedding first dance. But I don’t care. The song is absolutely gorgeous and epic.
16. Unchained Melody – U2
In many ways it is the quintessential wedding tune, but instead of the Righteous Brothers’ version, I opted for this rare U2 B-side.
17. Hold On - Tom Waits
The very idea of having a first dance to Tom Waits is just really cool and really surreal.
18. At Last – Etta James
This is probably one of my more traditional & conventional picks. But it is a truly special song for a special moment.
19. When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge
One again a more conventional & traditional pick. Once again a special song for a special moment.
20. Into The Mystic - Van Morrison
The perfect way to conclude this mix, and dancing to this would be a truly magical moment.
No, nagging is good! Let me save face by saying that my internet was out most of the night because of a storm and I was literally starting it when I opened this. I know things are kind of slow to pick up right now, but I’m a full time student applying to grad school and Marissa has a full time job taking care of possessed children, so sometimes we’re a little slow. But I am on it! Thanks xoxoox
Katie
Katie and I paired everyone for this cycle earlier in the week.
I promise to send you all your pairing info tomorrow evening.
If you don’t have it by then, just harass our inbox until you do!
So we have carefully counted all your votes (all eleven of them) and have found the winning theme for this cycle!
Our theme for this cycle is “First Dance Songs”.
We would like to start pairing people as soon as possible; however, we wanted to give people another chance to reply and let us know that you’re interested in THIS CYCLE. If you participated last cycle, we still need you to let us know you’re still interested so that we don’t pair uninterested individuals.
I appreciate you anticipated responses!!!
SEX! Now that I have your attention, VOTE FOR YOUR NEXT PONY EXPRESS JAMS CYCLE THEME →
Just clink the link and choose which you think will make the best theme. Get your votes in by Wednesday, August 17. At that time we will announce who your partner will be for this cycle! Thanks guys!
View in High Quality → UPDATE!!!
(1) We will be starting a completely new cycle very soon. This means new partners for everyone involved in the previous cycle. For those of you not involved in the last cycle but interested in joining now, here’s your opprotunity!!!
If you’re new to PEJ, we would appreciate it if you would email us some information:
- Tumblr url
- Name
- Address
- A little something to give us a general idea of what your musical tastes are.
(2) For everyone involved: I would appreciate it if you could send a message or email telling us if you are older or younger than 18 yrs old. You’ll still be paired if you’re under 18, it’s just that I would feel much more comfortable pairing minors with minors.
(3) If you could also let us know whether or not international postage is financially feasible for you personally. Everyone will be paired regardless of their answer.
(4) Now here’s the EXCITING news:
We’re going to let you guys vote for our next theme! We’ll be taking suggestions for about a week or so. Once we’ve received all the suggestions, we will compile them into a survey generator and let everyone vote.
(5) As always, we welcome and encourage your feedback, submissions, and creativity. We would love for this to be a community space as much as possible!
Summer: The Good, The Bad & The Humid (Mix CD)
Summer: The Good, The Bad & The Humid (Mix CD)
I’m excited for the upcoming exchange. In connection with this I decided that I would make my first two mixes available for download. So here is the inaugural PJE summer mix.
Summer: The Good, The Bad & The Humid
This is an eclectic mix of summer tunes. Some of the tunes are traditional feel good summer party tunes. Other are more sombre summer breakup tunes. Enjoy!
- Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
I was debating if I should include The Beach Boys because it is almost too obvious. But I think there is some unwritten law that you can’t have a summer compilation without a Beach Boy tune.
- Hey Ladies - Beastie Boys
I keep thinking of the video which reminds me of summer. Just a really cool party tune
- Sundress - Ben Kweller
A bit more of a mellow tune. Nothing says summer like the beautiful girl in a sundress.
- Three Little Birds - Bob Marley & the Wailers
The perfect feel good summer tune.
- Einstein on the beach looking for an egghead – Counting Crows
One of the more upbeat Crows tunes, which could be why it never had an official studio album release. This is from 1994’s DGC Rarities Volume 1.
- It’s Summertime - The Flaming Lips
Here is some psychedelic summer blissfulness.
- In The Hot, Hot Rays – Fleet Foxes
This is from their 2006 debut self titled EP. Love the 60’s retro feel.
- Cool Drink Of Water – Gun Club
From their influential 1981 album Fire of Love. This is a rearrangement of a traditional Tommy Johnson blues tunes. This has been cited as an influence on Jack White.
9. Celebrated Summer – Hüsker Dü
Just a great rocking summer tune from a legendary band.
- Delius (Song of Summer) – Kate Bush
Just a magical listening experience.
- Echo Beach - Martha and the Muffins
A Canadian new wave classic. Also there is a concert venue opening inTorontonamed after this song.
- Summer Babe (Winter Version) – Pavement
Lo-fi summer classic.
- Down By The Water – PJ Harvey
Kind of dark tune about a mother drowning her child (but I’m sure that happens most in the summer). It is also just an addictive tune.
- Nightswimming - You Say Party! We Say Die!
A beautiful cover of the R.E.M. classic. The band changed their name to You Say Party! After the death of their bassist Devon Clifford. The Canadian band has since gone on hiatus.
- Pressure Drop - Toots & The Maytals
I figure every summer mix should have at least two reggae songs. So here is another reggae classic.
- California Sun – Ramones
I have a confession. It is rare for me to make a mix without including at least one Ramones tunes. So it was a toss up between Rockaway Beach or this cover tune (the most successful version being by the Riveras in 1964).
- Remember (Walkin’ in the Sand) - The Shangri-Las
Just to change the mood abit here is a classic summer breakup song.
- East Los Angeles - We Are Augustines
Currently my favourite new band. I’m really digging their debut album, Rise Ye Sunken Ships.
- River By the Garden – Zeus
Awesome Canadian band who are exceptional live. Really cool vocals harmonies and love the retro feel.
- Surf Wax America – Weezer
From the classic Blue album. It is too bad that they started sucking shortly after that album.
The Soundtrack of My Revolution (Peace, Love & Bowling) Mix CD
As I mentioned I was going to post my other mix that I did. So I’ll make this available for download as well. I hope that Rob received this in the mail by now (otherwise I feel bad spoiling it for him).
The Soundtrack of My Revolution (Peace, Love & Bowling)
So you say you want a Revolution, but what the hell is a revolution. Revolution could mean different things to different people. It could be overthrowing the government, or some peaceful utopia. For others it could be a bit more mundane. Some times even small scale change can be huge in someone’s personal revolution. But of course the purpose of this compilation is to present what revolution means to me. So this mix is going to attempt to answers this. Some of the song choices are obvious: socially conscious songs which promote cultural change. Other selections on the surface might seem to be a bit more left field. Others are intentionally tongue in cheek and are even poking fun at the stereotypical revolution ideology. But this is my own revolution so it only needs to make sense to me (but hopefully after listening and even reading the liners it make some kind of sense to you as well.) So here I present to you the soundtrack of my personal revolution (and it will not be televised).
- Positive Jam – The Hold Steady
I wanted to start this mix with a positive jam. To me my personal utopia consists of every citizen starting a band and creating a revolution of positive jams.
- Kicking Television – Wilco
One of the major roadblocks preventing change is that society is seduced by the propaganda promoted through TV & other media. Kicking television (or at least not buying into what is being sold) is a huge part of real cultural change.
- The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Gil Scott-Heron
I felt this was an appropriate follow up to the previous tune. We tend to look to the media to broadcast what is going on in the world. But we don’t realize that real change flies below the radar. The media which promotes its own propaganda cannot articulate the true significant of events (or even present an accurate telling).
- Bankrupt on Selling – Modest Mouse
Another song which provides commentary on the propaganda promoted through the media. The commercialism promoted through society is another road block to true and lasting social change.
- The Ghost Of Tom Joad – Bruce Springsteen
If we don’t start learning from history we will continue to be haunted by the ghosts of the past.
- I Will Not Sing A Hateful Song – Constantines
My revolution is one of love not hate. To have a true revolution we need to eradicate hatred.
- Take the Skinheads Bowling - Camper Van Beethoven
Instead of violence bowling should be used as a means of peacefully resolving issues.
- I Play My Kazoo - Grand Analog
My revolution would consist of an army where all of the soldiers would be armed with kazoos instead of guns. My revolution would be one of funky grooves.
- Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt.1 - The Flaming Lips
I generally don’t support violence as a means of revolution. But if conflict is inevitable then Yoshimi will be called on to engage in conflict (accompanied by the Kazoo playing soldiers). She not only will prevail against the pink robots but she is very versatile. She is the only hope in the event of the pending zombie apocalypse.
- This Year - The Mountain Goats
True change quite often starts with small day to day victories. Sometimes simply surviving is the most revolutionary thing we can do. Enduring a tough year why retaining a sense of optimism that things will get better is the start of something better. You can’t achieve your personal utopia if you throw in the towel.
- Cold War - Janelle Monae
“This is a cold war, you better know what you’re fighting for”
- License to Kill – Cowboy Junkies
It is hard to do a mix about revolutions without including some Dylan tunes. But because Dylan always denounced being a spokesman (and to make this mix a bit less predictable) I opted for a few Dylan covers.
This selection is obvious. If you are going to bring about change we need to revoke man’s license to kill.
- Masters Of War - Eddie Vedder & Mike McCready
This cover from the Pearl Jam front man and guitarist was recorded during the 1994 Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary concert. Merchants of death have no place in a world of peace.
- With God on Our Side - The Neville Brothers
One last Dylan cover. This song spotlights the dangers of mixing religion with politics. Along as church and state continues to share a bed true change is going to be fleeting.
- Girl In The War - Josh Ritter
Fitting follow up to “With God On Our Side”. It raises many of the same moral issues (which need to be raised to bring about change) but in a slightly different context.
- Working Class Hero - Richie Havens
Just like Dylan, John Lennon seemed to be a necessary inclusion. But just like with Dylan I opted with a cover. True change starts with the common man not giving up the fight.
- I Don’t Wanna Grow Up – Ramones
As mentioned in my previous mix, the Ramones are somewhat of an obligatory selection for me. This is a Tom Waits’cover about longing for a Peter Pan world of eternal youthfulness. In my personal utopia no one would be expected to relinquish their childhood innocence (especially children who are at times put into situations where they have to grow up too quick).
- Live Forever - Shad & Dallas (Dallas Green of City and Colour)
Just seems a fitting conclusion. My revolution results in living forever in a world of peace, love & bowling (and kazoo playing soldiers).
UPDATE!!!
(1) We will be starting a completely new cycle very soon. This means new partners for everyone involved in the previous cycle. For those of you not involved in the last cycle but interested in joining now, here’s your opprotunity!!!
If you’re new to PEJ, we would appreciate it if you would email us some information:
- Tumblr url
- Name
- Address
- A little something to give us a general idea of what your musical tastes are.
(2) For everyone involved: I would appreciate it if you could send a message or email telling us if you are older or younger than 18 yrs old. You’ll still be paired if you’re under 18, it’s just that I would feel much more comfortable pairing minors with minors.
(3) If you could also let us know whether or not international postage is financially feasible for you personally. Everyone will be paired regardless of their answer.
(4) Now here’s the EXCITING news:
We’re going to let you guys vote for our next theme! We’ll be taking suggestions for about a week or so. Once we’ve received all the suggestions, we will compile them into a survey generator and let everyone vote.
(5) As always, we welcome and encourage your feedback, submissions, and creativity. We would love for this to be a community space as much as possible!
Hey dudes,
So things here have been a little quiet lately, halfway on my account of fighting for my right to party too hard and watch True Blood too much. The other half has just been getting-the-blog-rolling stuff. Marissa and I will be pairing you up with new partners soon and we will regroup at the beginning of August.
IN THE MEAN TIME, we would absolutely love, adore, and squeeze you tight if you would suggest any mix themes! We want to make this a community blog, so you get out what you put into it! Just message us on here or email us at ponyexpressjams@gmail.com (we’ll see your Tumblr message faster probably). And we’re always welcoming new members so if you’ve got a friend that would be interested point them over here!!!
Peace, love, and Cocoa Puffs,
Katie
