Friday's are for PLAYLISTS I've been away for a bit with the updating - a week for that matter - because I had a nasty combination of writer's block and that "not-so-fresh feeling."

I sat in airports and my apartment, racking my brain for something remotely fresh and entertaining.

Nothing.

On Thursday, I wrote a 250-word essay, but opted not to publish it. It was basically the word "poop" 245 times, followed by my usual "To the next step" and "One" signoff.

I tried poetry, nothing rhymed.

I tried sonnets, but nothing worked.

I even tried limericks, but even the Man from Nantucket wanted no part of TLBR.

So I listened to music, wrote down some songs that caught my liking, and even found a way to make a week's worth of "ooh, I like that one's" and made them flow.

Because, of my many gifts, mix-tape making is one of them.

Some readers chimed in last time, saying that some of the songs did not work on their computer or on some of their portable music devices. And for that, I apologize. What you should do to ensure that "the deuce" works is:

- download it on your computer
- make a playlist on your iTunes (and if you don't have iTunes, download it, and then proceed to make a playlist...)
- convert it to AAC (for ease in playback on your iPod) OR just use the iTunes burn capability and it will convert the tracks for you.

Here is the tracklist (with explanations):
Montana - Rocky Votolato
Found Rocky a bit ago. Just a solid singer/songwriter.
I'm A Long Way From Home 2:15 Shooter Jennings
Waylon's son; this tune is from the movie "Walk the Line."
Change The Game 3:07 Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, And Memphis Bleek
I know all the words to this. And I'm ever at a karaoke bar and they have it, you'll see.
The Weight 4:34 The Band
Yeah. The Band. Do I need to explain?
All Things Must Pass 3:47 George Harrison
Yeah. George Harrison. Do I need to explain?
Burn 3:59 Ray LaMontagne
I've written a lot about Ray. First time I heard this, I had to pull the car over and settle down. The first time I saw it live, it was cathartic. This time, it's ruined by a bunch of screaming 19-year old girls. But still ok.
Superstition 4:00 Stevie Wonder
Yeah. Stevie Wonder. Do I need to explain?
High Drama ft. Mike Zoot 3:08 Mos Def
Might not be a better lyricist than Mos Def. Listen and decide for yourself.
Landed (iTunes Originals Version) 4:18 Ben Folds
Another song that usually I need to stop what I'm doing and collect myself. This version is from Apple's iTunes Essentials.
Favorite T 2:59 The Lemonheads
Whatever happened to the Lemonheads and Evan Dando? They were good as hell.
Smile 3:49 The Jayhawks
An optimistic song, disguised as a sad tune.
One 4:20 Mary J. Blige & U2
U2 is arguably the best rock band ever. Mary J. is, without argument, the best female hip-hop vocalist ever. One is arguably one of the best songs ever. Put it altogether and you get...voila.
I Try 3:48 Ben Taylor/David Saw
Nothing like two white guys on an acoustic guitar covering Macy Gray.
In My Life 2:21 The Brian Jonestown Massacre
There will be an upcoming blog post dedicated to my new "next best thing" - the Brian Jonestown Massacre.
Come Around 3:41 Rhett Miller
The Old 97's rule(d) and Rhett is(was) the lead singer. Transitive property applies.
Do The Devil 2:45 Amazing Royal Crowns
Providence-based rockabilly band. Always Royal to the Loyal.
Jack-Ass 4:11 Beck
Yeah. Beck. Do I need to explain?
Dirty Water 2:52 The Standells
The anthem of every April-October, when the good guys score more than the bad guys.

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Click here to download.

Have a great weekend, enjoy yourself, and wear sunscreen (something I haven't done in quite some time...)

To the next step...one.  ¶ 3:58 PM