We've got an e-mail list of friends from college that has been going strong for some 13 years. We've gone through undergrad, graduate school, new jobs and relocations, marriages, and kids together. We've had our share of tragedy--we're getting to the age where we've had a couple of parent deaths as well. And so it goes.

The Poohbah of the list (yes that's his nickname, and it's rightly deserved) suggested we put together a CD Club, where each of us signs up for a specific month and puts together a mix CD for the rest of the group. We've been going for a few months, and it's been fun. Some people do themes, others just put together enjoyable stuff.

So we signed up for May, but had to ask for an extension. Seems appropriate for a college-related group; I was all about the extensions in college. Anyway, we are finally finishing up. Here's our lineup.

If any of my blog regulars would like me to send you a copy, let me know, and I'd be glad to.

Songs for a Saturday Afternoon

(approach: relatively laid-back, mostly acoustic tracks that you might listen to while running errands in the car, or while hanging out at home)

Blow ‘Em Away — David Wilcox
…because nothing ruins a Saturday afternoon outing like an unexpected traffic jam.

The Moon Over Tucson — Carrie Newcomer
…because “the moon don’t care if the water’s not there, it’s high tide”;
…and because she’s RM's favorite singer-songwriter, bar none.

Man Of Constant Sorrow — The Soggy Bottom Boys
…because “Soggy Bottom” has great assonance.

Don’t You Hate It (When They Make You Sing Along) — Modern Man
…because admit it, you do.

Stupid Song About Texas — Austin Lounge Lizards
…because they’ve got the place nailed. And we miss it for some crazy reason.

Conversation with the Devil — Ray Wylie Hubbard
…because “Devil Went Down to Georgia” deserves a part II.

World Leader Pretend — REM
…because even though they suck now, they were prescient then.

The Christians and the Pagans — Dar Williams
…because Dar rocks, and this song is delightful.

[name and title removed for privacy]
…because RM went to seminary with him and he’s wicked cool.

Dancing Barefoot — U2
…because we bet you probably don’t have it.

Mars — Lori McKenna
…because it epitomizes Saturday afternoon chill.

Babylon — David Gray
…ditto.

Polka Dots — Kami Lyle
…because I thought she was a one-album wonder, but turns out she has a new album coming soon! And she plays the trumpet. How cool is that?

Galileo — Indigo Girls
…because it’s just a fine song.

One — Billy Jonas
…because you can’t sit still when you hear it, and you need the exercise.

Spontaneous Human Combustion — The Bobs
…because although [a classmate from college] does the definitive version, this one’s pretty good.

I’m God — Modern Man
…because Modern Man deserves two songs on this CD.

Water Is Wide — Indigo Girls, Jewel, Sarah McLachlan
…because those are some righteous harmonies.

The Yes of Yes — Carrie Newcomer
…because we’re winding down, and this quiet little lullabye is a Song That Cannot Be Improved Upon™.

Start With The Ending — David Wilcox
…because it is,
The End.