Love Is a Mix tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a TimeI 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.)
2 comments:
Thanks so much for the review, I was wondering about that book. Now I think I may have another of the million to-reads to put on the list.
Reading fills me with anxiety and fear of the unknown because I associate it with death. I do feel quite comfortable about listening to music, or watching films or tv shows, because I know that I just may live to watch/listen to everything I want to before I die. But with the reading, you never can be too sure or confident.
Anyways. Thank you for the R.E.M. list too. I was actually thinking of making a list of my favorites. You know what would have been on my top 5, AT LEAST, though?
-you are the everything
-the sidewinder sleeps tonite
-rotary ten
that is all.
Hello Amity,
It's awful to have a million to reads isn't it? I have a million to hear's as well, but I will get there. (Of course my plans to live to 161 are all part of the course.)
Lastly... Have you seen this yet?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuHayrdAP_k
Take care,
s
P.S. Kudos on your playlist. I'll see if I can amend this one to include some of those. For the record You Are the Everything and Be Mine are my favourite R.E.M. songs.
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