Since I started #timtears, my Mom has been asking (demanding) that I make her a playlist.  Not one that she would enjoy, but one that is specifically for her.  I tried to explain that Lionel Rizzi is a busy man and he can’t just produce a mix for every Tom, Dick and Harry.  To which she would reply “I MADE Lionel, I think he can make the time.”

This blog isn’t my first rodeo.  I’ve been making mixtapes and burning discs for a long time.  Most of it, has been crap.  But, every so often I have been known to  strike gold.  I remember one particular set of mixes, the likes of which, have long since been lost in the process of  upgrades and life.  A 7Pack of blank cassettes and an inspiration.  3 are completely lost to memory.  I hope to one day uncover them in an old Nike box.  2 were given away in heartbreak.  The other two, my mom and I would enjoy for years.

The first was a mix designed for her.  It was easy listening.  I actually remember debuting it on a long road trip to Florida in our Mazda MPV.  It killed.  It easily transitioned from the soothing horns of Kenny G, to the stadium vocals of Meat Loaf, and back to the vibrant brass of Chicago.  Side 1 was a gentle stroll through smooth and easy-listening that kept the car hushed.  As side 1 neared completion, I anxiously awaited.  Would my Dad eject and flip or switch it off entirely?  Side 1 finished, and without hesitation, my Mom ejected and flipped in, what to this day, was the most technologically sound maneuver I’ve ever seen her complete.  Side 2 built into a little rock.  Pearl Jam’s “Daughter” growled and Guns N Roses “Knockin on Heaven’s Door” howled.  And the audience held on.  In fact, I felt they were well received.  Not to be too risky, I eased on back down to chill with some classics.  Closed with “Imagine” by John Lennon.  And, drop the mic.  “That was nice” my mom remarked.  {as she ejected and flipped}

The other mix was mine.  It was a temple of grunge and angst but paid it’s tithes to the Legends.  Pearl Jam, Bush, Nirvana, Green Day, but also, The Who, Zeppelin and Neil Young.  Side 1 was a bit more accessible for Mom.  Side 2 had some angst.  This is one of my favorite memories of my Mom.

We are driving in the van and nothing is on the radio.  She tells me “Why don’t you put on that tape you made?”  

“The Kenny G one?” I replied.

“No, the one with, Kurt Cobain.”

It’s been 21 years since a 12 year old thought his mom was the coolest

This playlist is for my Mom.  Happy Mother’s Day.  Thanks for listening and for flipping sides.