Over the past few months, I’ve gotten to know my downstairs neighbor a little better. We have never met, but through primitive exchanges and eavesdropping on his music, I feel that I have come to get a gist of his being.
The month of January has been a rough one for him. Nothing but Death Cab or Bright Eyes pounded through my carpeted floors. His tempered mood had him banging at me through his ceiling as I practiced my shuffle-ball-changes, and my accordion playing didn’t calm his spirits one bit.
February has brought some definitely brighter times with the weather warming up and after delivering a Valentine’s card to his door (anonymously) thanking him for “putting up” with me (har har) he seems to be in a better emotional state.
Bright Eyes has stopped completely and the frequency of Death Cab has diminished, being replaced with the still slightly depressing, but much more upbeat and uplifting The Postal Service.
I have also come to find that February brings hope of a social life for my downstairs friend as his drumming has increased and band practice has begun.
This has got me scheming. Since he definitely has a fondness for music, judging by his musical endeavors and loud music playing, why not send him a mixtape? Well not really a mixtape, as I do not have the technology to make one, but maybe a mix cd. It definitely does not have the same sentimental attachment that a mixtape captures, but let’s save that for lovers. This is a neighborly relationship, and a lighthearted, friendly gesture is more appropriate.
I will call it “The ‘I Don’t Mind If You Play These Songs Super Loud’ Mix”. Now, creating such a mix holds enormous amounts of pressure seeing as though his loud music playing must be heard by a larger audience than just he and I. It’s almost like being an Apartment DJ… only anonymously. The Apartment DJ holds much importance as music plays a huge part in human emotions and moods. This mix must be super fantastic and somewhat communal.
So, I am asking for your help. I plan on getting this mix to my Downstairs friend by Monday, March 31st, 2008. Make your song requests to be included in this mix cd (you can either post it as a comment or send it to: [email protected]) and I will collaborate songs, post the playlist and deliver this mix to my downstairs neighbor along with a short note explaining the purpose of this mix cd. Remember, these songs should be songs that you would not mind hearing played at extremely ridiculous volumes sporadically throughout the day and/or night.
If you do not mind (and please indicate this along with your submission) I will also include your first name in the above mentioned note so that my neighbor will know just who these songs are from. If your business/workplace would like to make requests, send those over as well and we can dedicate specific songs from your place of employment. We can even dedicate songs to him from cities/towns/states where ever you are from and whatever you are in association.
This could be your chance to be a part of something uber amazing, maybe even revolutionizing. We can all play a part in being The Apartment DJ.