Mix 04: Battle of the Sexes

If you've seen the film High Fidelity, you will know that it's a story of a record store owner who searches for meaning and maturity while in the midst of a crumbling relationship. He is obsessed with music and is convinced that each of us is defined by our individual tastes in pop culture. "These things matter," he claims. He soon learns, however, that here is much more to life than records, mixtapes and good taste in music (and despite the existence of this very blog, I think I've learned that lesson as well).

In the spirit of High Fidelity, I thought it would be fun to explore the complexities of romance by juxtaposing love songs performed by both male and female artists alike. I began working on this mix a few weeks ago in anticipation of releasing it the week of Valentine's Day. But then something happened. I had compiled a playlist of 20 or more contending songs when I learned that one of my good friends was undergoing some relationship woes of his own. Suddenly, life began to imitate art and I found myself crafting this mix with my friend foremost in mind.

By no means is this mix meant to make light of a very serious matter. On the contrary, I thought a mix of venom-laced breakup songs might just be a little therapeutic. After all, I would bet that the majority of lyrical music written has something to do with love, the opposite sex, or the end of a romance. Relationship woes have plagued mankind from the very beginning (just ask Adam and Eve). For those of you, dear listeners, who are fortunate to have a solid relationship... count yourself lucky. For those who don't, this mix is to remind you that you are never alone.

01. Good Times Bad Times • Led Zeppelin
02. High Fidelity Dialogue Part One
03. Anything, Anything (I'll Give You) • Dramarama
04. Point of View • D.A.D.
05. Understand Your Man • Johnny Cash
06. Ciao! • Lush
07. Ever Fallen In Love? • Nouvelle Vague
08. I Can See For Miles • The Who
09. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone • The Monkees
10. I Just Wanna Get Along • The Breeders
11. High Fidelity Dialogue Part Two
12. Ball and Chain • Social Distortion

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