Kent and I have the same exact taste in music. I know that is a bold statement to make, but I stand by it. The only interesting part about it all is the fact that I have never met Kent. Now before this sounds like another freaky virtual relationship that would be cracked on "Catfish," let me explain the story.
During my sophomore year of high school, I planned a small road trip from Ramsey, N.J., to Boston to visit my brother. My best friend Brooke was coming along, and we decided we should stock up the car with plenty of CDs so that when stuck in traffic on the Saw Mill River Parkway we could sing along obnoxiously to some tunes. In preparation, I rummaged through my cabinet at home and pulled out CDs I forgot I even had. I thought I should check if they even played and sat down in my living room and tested CD after CD. Midway through the stack of discs I came across this orange tinted Staples burned CD with "Kent's Mix" written on it in Sharpie. I threw it in to test the first song, and sure enough it worked. However, what was weird was that it was a whole different style of music than all the other CDs. I continued to listen and realized that every song that played was one I had either already loved or just immediately grew to like.
When we left for the drive, I made it a point to listen to "Kent's Mix" the whole way there and back. I tried to figure out where it came from, checking with my brother to see if he had a friend Kent at Notre Dame when he was here who gave it to him, but he said he didn't. I definitely knew I had never been given the CD and hadn't ever met anyone named Kent. Brooke asked if maybe it was my parents', but I checked and they never knew of it. Regardless of where it came from, the CD became my favorite set of songs to listen to for whatever mood I was in.
So now I am left with this mix CD from Kent, who mastered the art of making a mix tape. I probably will never know who he is, but that's okay. It is just an awesome feeling discovering a kindred spirit. I've attached the list of songs and artists for you to listen for yourself if you ever find yourself looking for a good playlist or on a roadtrip. Enjoy.
"Glycerine" by Bush, "Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Deep Blue Something, "Save Tonight" by Eagle Eye Cherry, "Father of Mine" by Everclear, "Two Points for Honesty" by Guster, "Shimmer" by Fuel, "Naked" by Goo Goo Dolls, "It's Hard to Say" by Sister Hazel, "3 A.M." by Matchbox 20, "Wonderwall" by Oasis, "Little Black Backpack" by Stroke 9, "Jumper" by Third Eye Blind, "If You Could Only See" by Tonic, "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus, "One Headlight" by Wallflower, "Everything You Want" by Vertical Horizon.
