My ‘Green Mile’ Mixtape
My Mixtape’s A Masterpiece is a weekly feature in which a guest compiles a playlist around some theme. This week, inspired by Stephen King’s THE GREEN MILE, Alexis Collazo assembles 12 songs should she wind up on death row. Read Alexis’ thoughts on each song and listen along to the Spotify playlist on top and/or the YouTube playlist at the bottom of the post.
In keeping with our theme for the month, I’m offering a mixtape loosely inspired by King’s The Green Mile. Set in Cold Mountain Penitentiary’s death row, the title refers to the cellblock’s nickname derived from the color of the floor tiles. In a fashion similar to the deserted island scenario, I’ve put together a must-have playlist for my final days, if I ever happen to find myself facing a death sentence. Comprised mostly of old favorites to remind me of life’s lovelier moments and cope with the wide range of feelings that might come up while waiting to meet my fate.
1. “So What” by Pink
I'll start with the lovely lady Pink because this is exactly the kind of attitude that usually lands me in deep shit.
2. “Bittersweet” by Fuel
My love for concerts began at a Fuel show on my college campus. There have been so many since then I’ve lost track and they sort blend together. But I can remember that one vividly. In my final days, those are the memories I’l be thinking of. In an odd twist of fate, I now live in the city where the band recorded an early EP featuring this song.
3. “Clouds Over California” by Devildriver
One of my favorite songs, by one of my favorite bands. How could I not want this to be one the last songs I ever hear?
4. “I’m Afraid I’ll Go To Heaven” by Moonwalker
For years my friends and I joked about going to hell and how we’d have fun getting there. Plus, it figures that heaven would be a big bore, especially if it’s filled with the holier than thou crowd. Who wants to spend eternity with those guys?
5. “End It On This” by No Doubt
A bit of a stretch on the interpretation but I like the sentiment of ending on one last kiss. As far as last requests go, it’s not asking much. Although in reality I might not be quite so modest—I am about to die after all.
6. “Jailhouse” by Sublime
I was barely a teen when my best friend from summer camp introduced me to Sublime. Their music has never failed to improve my mood. I’d much rather go out in good spirits, swaying to some groovy tunes. While it’s tough to pick just one song, I figured why not just go with the most obvious title.
7. “Pardon Me” by Incubus
More prompting for memories I’d like to see in my final moments. While I wouldn’t actually want to go back to high school, I had some damn good times. Oh, to be seventeen and carefree.
8. “Pity Girl” by Mary Magdalan
If I had to pick a better age than seventeen it’d be twenty-five. Can’t think of a better song that embodies that time than the title track of Mary Magdalan’s first album. It sparked an obsession that lasted almost as long as I claimed to be twenty-five. Not only did I have every album and listen to them on repeat countless times, I was even part of their online “street team.”
9. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
Literally, the first song, band, and singer I ever fell in love with. Barely five years old and I was already rocking out and crushing on Axel Rose.
10. “Tha Crossroads” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Another old favorite for my younger days. While I’ve never been much of a rap fan, I’ve always loved BTH’s style. I remember practically suffocating attempting to mimic their insane lyrical speed. Catch even half the lyrics, you’ll get the song’s significance.
11. “Down In A Hole” by Alice in Chains
Because I could die happily with Layne Staley’s voice echoing in my head. Because I could listen to it on repeat for the rest of eternity. Because it’s a perfect fit for all of my moods and personalities. Because, because, because.
12. “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” by Billy Holiday
Threw this in because it appears on the movie soundtrack. And while I don’t listen to jazz often, when I do it’s usually Billy Holiday. She can soothe your soul no matter where you find yourself. Even on The Green Mile.
