A Valentine's Day Mix CD

Valentine's Day is only two days away and if you have not put together a mix CD for a special someone, well, you really should. Do not listen to the naysayers who call mix CDs lame or tacky; they are a great gift - I love to give them, and receive them. Now, you may already have special songs, but if you are still in search of some gems to complete your masterpiece, here are a few suggestions.


For the developing relationship. . .

"The Dream of Evan and Chan" (Barbara Morgenstern Remix), Dntel: Something sung by Ben Gibbard used to be a no-brainer for a romantic mix CD, but after Seth Cohen's obsession with Death Cab heightened their profile, it became a riskier move. This song - the initial collaboration between Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello - is far enough removed from The O.C. The remix removes the distortion from the original and turns it into a duet between Gibbard and Morgenstern. It is lovely, and will earn you cool points.

"Holdin' On Together," Phoenix: There are few things sexier than a Phoenix song. While the band pulls out the R. Kelly meets indie pop rhythms, Thomas Mars could croon anything and it would sound sweet. In this case, he's crooning abut setting the night on fire, and holding on together.

"Gold in the Air of Summer," Kings of Convenience: It's pretty impossible to top the perfect, pretty harmonies of Erlend Oye and Erik Glambek Boe. Put this one towards the end.

"Once Around the Block," Badly Drawn Boy: Damon Gough's catalogue is full of romantic tales epic in sound. This upbeat number is my personal favorite, but I would arecommendmend "The Shining," "Magic in the Air," or "Silent Sigh." BDB has pretty much appeared on every mix I have ever made.

"Wonderwall," Paul Anka: More cool points if you include this cover. The song still has meaningful, romantic lyrics, but now it's a swing number sung by the guy who wrote nerd love anthem "Puppy Love."

And for the established - but still thriving - relationship . . .

"Maps" (live), Yeah Yeah Yeahs: One of the best love songs ever, and this acoustic version draws greater attention to the lyrics, while displaying just how great Karen O's voice is.

"The Cloud Prayer," A.C. Newman: The New Pornographers' frontman takes a break from lively power pop, for a pretty little song about just how far he will go for that special someone.

"It's Only Time," The Magnetic Fields: "Why would I stop loving you?/100 years from now." Now that's romance.

and if kitsch is your thing. . .

"Sex Bomb" by Tom Jones (it has a eurotrash beat and classic lines like, "This bomb's for lovin'/and you can shoot it far") or just about anything from R. Kelly. "Ignition (Remix)" is a popular staple for hipster Valentines mixes, while "Sex in the Kitchen," (about exactly what the title says) and "Honey Love" are a little bit more under the radar, but still awesome.