There’s no denying that winter is long and dreary. I’ll bet even enthusiastic Canadians get tired of the cold by February. Fantasizing about chilled margaritas on a steamy beach may distract you from your numb face, but it won’t make spring arrive any sooner. Music can make people feel warm and happy inside, so here’s a mixtape that will push those winter blues aside. These tracks are from The Golden State: California. Side A songs are pre-1990, with memories of legal hallucinogens and surf-boy jams. Side B accentuates modern Cali sounds, like Best Coast and Wavves. And a California mixtape isn’t complete without a little Snoop D-O-double-G. If this mix doesn’t satisfy your sun-deprived soul, check out Craig Morrison’s concert at the Oscar Peterson Hall on Feb. 10 and 11 for a vast selection of West Coast rhythms.
SIDE A: Lysergic acid diethylamide
1. “California Dreamin’” – The Mamas and The Papas – If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears
2. “Omaha” – Moby Grape – Moby Grape
3. “Wasn’t Born to Follow” – The Byrds – The Notorious Byrd Brothers
4. “Touch of Grey” – Grateful Dead – In the Dark
5. “Don’t Worry Baby” – The Beach Boys – Shut Down: Volume 2
6. “Bad Moon Rising” – Creedence Clearwater Revival – Green River
7. “Can’t Seem To Make You Mine” – The Seeds – The Seeds
8. “Wooden Ships”- Jefferson Airplane – Volunteers
9. “Hello, I Love You” – The Doors – Waiting for the Sun
10. “Black Magic Woman” – Santana – Abraxas
SIDE B: Tetrahydrocannabinol
11. “Boyfriend” – Best Coast – Crazy for You
12. “Scar Tissue” – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication
13. “King of the Beach” – Wavves – King of the Beach
14. “Gin And Juice” – Snoop Dogg – Doggystyle
15. “Just Because” – Jane’s Addiction – Strays
16. “Nadine” – Fool’s Gold – Fool’s Gold
17. “Lust For Life” – Girls – Album
18. “Doll Parts” – Hole – Live Through This
19. “Dinner” – Blood Orange – Single
20. “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” – Jeff Buckley – Grace
