Lance in Space
A MeFi Swap II Mix CD
Artwork
Liner Notes
I've been looking to put together a space-themed album for some time now, and the whole "Lance Bass" thing gave me the perfect excuse. I'm not even an *NYSNC fan; I just like the idea of a random popstar choosing to live the geek dream. With that in mind, I tried to envision the perfect album for Lance to take along on his trip. It's got a little bit of everything, so I hope you find something you enjoy.
1. Fanfare for the Common Man - Aaron Copland
This cracks me up. I mean, what is Lance Bass if not a "common man"? (Albeit one with a lot more money than most.) I picture Lance listening to this as he crosses from the elevator (in slow-motion, naturally) and boards the waiting shuttle. Though I make fun, it actually is a pretty momentous occasion if you think about it. He'll be the youngest person ever in space. More power to 'im.
» Countdown and Blast-off «
I decided to throw some space-related sound effects on the album for atmosphere. They also helped me ease through some of the more random song transitions. (I always suck at that.) Here we hear the announcer count down to zero and then our hero blasts off.
2. Intergalactic - Beastie Boys
Takeoff, as I understand it, involves a lot of G-forces. You'd no doubt want some loud music to crank to get you through it. And I just love going from the Copland to this.
3. We Are All Made of Stars - Moby
More takeoff grooving goodness. Lance is probably feeling pretty proud of himself at this point.
» Space Traffic «
Yeah, you got me. It's from The Jetsons.
4. E.V.A. (Fatboy Slim Remix) - Jean Jacques Perrey
Perrey is one of the fathers of space age pop and electronic music. He even wrote the theme to Disneyland's Main Street Electrical Parade! I like the idea that Lance has some musical depth. This remix (done by Fatboy Slim) is pretty kickin' too. I love the "space bubble" noises.
5. Starlight - Supermen Lovers
The shuttle has probably reached orbit by now and hopefully Lance is experiencing his first few moments of zero gravity. If it was me, I'd feel like dancing. To this song.
» Sickbay Scanner «
In case our hero's stomach takes some time to adjust.
6. Space Cowboy (Yippie-Yi-Yay) - *NSYNC
It takes a special kind of "artist" to listen to their own work. And I think I'm pretty safe in guessing that Lance is just that kind of artist.
7. Cosmic Girl - Jamiroquai
We're now 25 minutes into the flight, and I imagine Lance is already missing female companionship. Perhaps Jamiroquai can comfort him.
» Transporter Beam «
8. The Robot - Kraftwerk
Lance is obviously a closet geek, and geeks like robots. This is another dance song with lots of great electronic effects. And the singer has a robot voice! How tomorrow is that?
9. Galaxy Bounce - Chemical Brothers
Still dancin'. Try to picture Lance Bass bustin' a move in zero-gravity. Pretty funny, right?
10. The Sun is a Mass... - They Might Be Giants
As I understand it, the lyrics to this song are actually taken from an educational film. Just in case, you know, Lance needs to brush up.
» Red Alert! «
Lance! Don't touch the buttons!
11. Beep! Beep! - Louis Prima
I imagine that once he settles into the "routine" of space, Lance will be looking for some entertainment. This is a great little novelty rock and roll song with some funny beeps and boops.
12. Eep Opp Ork Ah-Ah (Means I Love You) - The Violent Femmes
This song was featured on The Jetsons and covered by the Femmes a few years ago. It's fun to sing. The Russians will probably think he's sending coded messages.
13. Star Wars Theme (Disco Mix) - Meco
This song is required listening material for anyone that grew up in the 70's or 80's.
» Warp Drive «
14. Flying Saucer Attack - The Rezillos
The Rezillos are Scotland's contribution to punk. This song is incredibly catchy. Again, I like the idea of Lance having some depth to his musical appreciation.
15. Have You Seen the Saucers? - Jefferson Airplane
Inevitably, Lance will look out the window and ponder the significance of man's endeavours in space. Is it really all just "American garbage dumped in space / And no room left for brotherhood"? This is an earnest song, and I bet Lance is an earnest guy.
» Distress Call «
16. Music to Watch Space Girls By - Leonard Nimoy
He doesn't actually sing on it, but this is indeed from one of Spock's many albums. Kick back in the space lounge and have a martini.
17. Lunar Rhapsody - Les Baxter
Les Baxter is the leading figure in the history of exotica and basically introduced the concept of spacey lounge music. This song involves the "theremin", which is this crazy electronic instrument you play by waving your hands around. (It sounds like a really vibrato violin.) Perhaps Lance is considering its use on the next *NSYNC album.
» Phaser «
Set to stun!
18. Fly Me to the Moon - Julie London
Yeah, Lance is an easy listening fan.
19. Moonraker - Shirley Bassey
James Bond goes into space and ends up shagging Dr. Holly Goodhead in zero gravity, all to the tuneful stylings of Shirley. How can you beat that?
» Photon Torpedo «
20. Rocket Man - Elton John
By the end of his trip, I think Lance will be doing some serious reflection on his time in space and his return to earth. Will he be "the man they think I am at home"? Will he be able to go back to the boy band life of earthly adulation and TRL appearances?
21. Space Oddity - David Bowie
Ground control to Major Bass, indeed.
22. Across the Universe - The Beatles
This song doesn't have much to do with space, but I think it's the perfect ending to Lance's adventure (and this CD). I picture him listening to it years from now while watching a videotape of his trip highlights. In case you're wondering, "Jai Guru Deva" is Sanskrit and roughly translates to "I give thanks to the heavenly teacher".
That's all folks! I hope you liked the mix. I had a lot of fun making it. Oh, and did you spot the monkey?
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