Mix Tape 1: Leaning Left

Well, the Mix Tape projected has commenced. Three have been made. This is the first. Three more to go.

It is for my friend Ian. I have made quite a few mixes for Ian before. They are challenging in that the listener, Ian, in my mind, usually requires a lot of melody, some off-rhythm playing, some nice catch to the tune. Often the most challenging.

This is 'Leaning Left' because I tried to slip in some more obscure, less straightforward songs. Haven't heard if he likes it.

I had a hard time getting the balance of the flow right on this one. I think it works as an album. Starting off with something upbeat but not too explosive leads into grooving instrumental into some literate, familiar (musically) hiphop, simmering with the next three tracks and then pumped up (slowly), back down, but not far, with the middle of the disc, sort of plateauing now, with some nice chamber pop, and then brooding into the third act with some difficult tracks, though some providing an oasis amidst the challenge, finally finishing on reflection?

Here's the track listing.

The artwork was simple text with the 'Left' in the title leaning left (and yellow!). You know, yellow. Like Nuprin. Little. Yellow. Different. I plan to make more ambitious "artwork" for subsequent albums.