What, no mix tapes with the song "Mix Tape?" Well, I'm not including it, either.
In order:
(I'd Rather Be) Sailing, Norm Lewis, from A New Brain. An honest love song.
Invocation & Instructions to the Audience, Bob Gunton & cast, A Stephen Sondheim Evening. The lyrics are perfect.
Losing My Mind, Penny Orloff, as performed in Jewish Thighs on Broadway. She hasn't recorded it yet, dang, but I'd want her version over the others.
Look Who's Alone Now, Barry Bostwick, Nick & Nora. Torch song, male style.
Life Goes On, Stephen Schwartz, from the recording Reluctant Pilgrim. A heartbreaker.
The Last Great Waltz, Mason Williams with Jennifer Warnes, from his album Music 1968-1971. One of the funniest songs ever written, imo, and a great story song.
And They're Off, Malcolm Gets and company, A New Brain. Another great story song.
The Sun Whose Rays are All Ablaze, Shirley Henderson, Topsy-Turvy soundtrack.
Somewhere/How Glory Goes, Audra McDonald, How Glory Goes (originally from West Side Story and Floyd Collins.) A perfect pairing of the songs.
BONUS TRACK: Times Like This, Judy Blazer, Lucky Stiff. You didn't think I wouldn't include a dog song, did you?
I've learned not to hit new friends over the head with classical too early. Otherwise, I'd be including Copland's Third Symphony, fourth movement (based on Fanfare for the Common Man).
Somewhere, there's a psychiatrist rubbing his or her hands with glee, anticipating the chance to analyze our selections.