The Everything Is Pop Book of the Month Club

Love Is a Mix tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time

I remember reading Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity and I was struck by his simple recognition of the transcendent power of music. It was really the first time it had been articulated to me in such certain terms and it was very much relative to my own worldview. By the end of the book though, as much as the familiar pop references tweaked upon every fiber of my being, I felt a modicum of guilt to be part of this elitist music club that were lucky enough to get the joke. The book had soul to be sure but it lacked heart at its essence.

Rob Sheffield’s book, Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time conversely does have ‘heart’ and subsequently delves much deeper. The book traces the relationship between current Rolling Stone Contributing Editor Rob Sheffield and his wife, Renee, their marriage cut tragically short by her death in 1997 at age 31. Sheffield uses their own ‘mix tapes’ as a wistful guide to recall their life together in the college town of Charlottesville, VA. The magnificence of the book emerges in the author’s straightforward writing and appreciation of the music contained on those tapes and how the songs colour “their” stories. Everything from their trips to the air conditioned refuge of the local mall to the merits of concocting Zima based party beverages.

The writing is thoroughly accessible with a palpable grief as he tells the story of his loss as he celebrates Renee's life. He smartly avoids pretentious digressions into the music to focus rather on the personal and universal attachment we all invest in music. Sheffield’s book successfully encapsulates our connection to music through our connection to each other and does so beautifully.

I guess we all cling to our own life experiences and sometimes we are lucky enough to have a soundtrack accompaniment. Those plastic tapes or discs with the hand written label are the priceless vehicles of remembrance. Take the time to put one together for someone you love today.

(I would like to sincerely thank fellow blogger Beth for bringing this wonderful book to my attention.)