A long time ago, in a blog post far, far away, I announced an idea for a mix CD, and solicited all of you lovely readers for song ideas. The theme? Death & Taxes. Lovely, yes?

Well, I'm proud to announce to the world the birth of the official, approved, nutrient-rich compact disc for your listening (and viewing) pleasure:

Isn't it beautiful? See more here...

As the saying goes, "Nothing is certain, except death and taxes." I can't say quite what possessed me to make a mix CD out of that saying, but chock it up to free-association and singing in the shower, if you will.

Anyway, I set about designing the CD by drawing from the most visible printed presence of death and taxes in my life: newspapers and government forms. Then, armed with a memory of a beautiful lithograph of The Dance of Death in my grandmother's house, leftover receipts from my sordid shopping life, and anything else I could think of, I set about collaging, manipulating, photocopying, and scanning to my heart's content.

It's hard to say when I was really sure that the design was done. The pressure of a self-given deadline (Christmas, so I could give it as gifts to friends and family) sure helped a lot, but I think that there's a point at which most artists reach where they feel at least halfway satisfied, and perfectionism gives way to pride.

This project was a joy to work on, for quite a few reasons. I found the concept compelling (a given, since it was my idea), the process of choosing songs (and listening to new music in the process) invigorating, and working outside the computer a refreshing change of pace (so nice, since I sit in front of one all day anyway).

And now, my friends, I'd like to share it with you!

For the purposes of ensuring that the RIAA does not set my derriere alight, I will not disclose the actual musical contents of the CD. I will disclose, however, that the contents of the CD are of high quality, from artists who I love, admire, and support by buying their music, attending their concerts, and singing their praises elsewhere.

So, if there are interested parties (perhaps fellow pirates and/or music lovers), I will send them their their very own copy (with a hand-cut block printed cover), for a measly $5, just to cover shipping, since it would be even more illegal if I tried to make money off of this.

To receive your FREE* CD:

1. give me a holler (jmathewes [at] gmail [dot] com)
2. send me $5 via paypal for shipping (see above)
3. give me your highly sensitive personal information (address)

If you complete steps 1-3, you should receive your shiny and perfect CD within exactly one (1) week.

*It's not really free, since you pay for shipping, but you're not paying attention anyway, are you?