gabechouinard

gravatar
Member Since: 11/1/2007
Total Mixes: 26
Total Feedback: 310

Other Mixes By gabechouinard

CD | Mixed Genre
CD | Alternative - Indie Rock
Cassette | Theme - Narrative
image

For Uncle Albert, Whichever Gate You're Standing At

Artist Song
Paul McCartney & Wings  Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey 
Pink Floyd  Shine On You Crazy Diamond 
Queen  Radio Ga-Ga 
Dire Straits  Walk of Life 
Bruce Springsteen  Glory Days 
Creedence Clearwater Revival  Down on the Corner 
Don McLean  American Pie 

Comment:

My uncle Albert was a cranky, fascinating guy; he was my favorite, and I was his second favorite nephew (a distinction won out by my twin, who has cerebral palsy). And yesterday, my father and I discovered Al's body.

He'd been living with my dad for several years, since suffering multiple strokes. His health has deteriorated over the last year, so while the discovery was shocking, it wasn't surprising. He died of natural causes, complications from multiple illnesses.

Albert (nicknamed "Abbott" by my dad) spent the majority of his life as a graphic artist for the Chicago Tribune. Then, around the time I was born, he chucked that career to become a DJ. He's the guy that got me interested in music beyond the radio; I'd comb through his records with wide eyes, searching for odds and ends. He loved music to the end; his headphones were next to him, ready for a daily CD listening.

Al was opinionated, sarcastic, bull-headed and awesome. I've been telling him for months that I'll take good care of his Technics, his mixer and amp, and his collection of music that spans a few hundred CDs, over a thousand LPs, and a few hundred 45s.

This mini-mix is for him. He'd like it; these are some of his favorite songs. When he DJed, "American Pie" was his closer. It's mine as well.

Feedback:

gravatar
Barrydali
Date: 1/28/2008
Sorry to hear the news Gabe. He sounds like a hell of a man and you paint a picture of someone who lived a full and colourful life.

Admittedly I can only bear the opener and the Creedence but that's hardly the point. This is for him, not me or anyone else and as such is a touching tribute.
gravatar
Mesh
Date: 1/28/2008
This mix and your comments look like a very nice tribute to your uncle. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
gravatar
doowad
Date: 1/28/2008
I agree with Mesh and disagree with Barry. Perfect opener, take care.
gravatar
Funky Ratchet
Date: 1/28/2008
A touching mix, Gabe...I've always liked that Dire Straits tune. My sincerest condolences as well.
gravatar
gabechouinard
Date: 1/28/2008
Thanks for the sentiments and condolences; I truly appreciate it. And don't be hard on Barry; these aren't my favorite songs either, but Al would've gone on at great length to explain just why he liked them. :-)
gravatar
Darth Pazuzu
Date: 1/28/2008
What a wonderful tribute! My condolences, and I'm sure your uncle would have heartily approved. :-)
gravatar
Mark Petruccelli
Date: 1/28/2008
Great tribute and sentiments, the opening and closing pairs are among my favorite tunes of all time. May we all continue his legacy of spreading the joy of music.
gravatar
sammyg123
Date: 1/28/2008
He sounds like a great bloke Gabe. My condolences. I'm sure these songs will be on his i-pod up in Heaven..
gravatar
arktical
Date: 1/28/2008
Wonderful tribute. I'm very sorry for your loss, but I'm sure that uncle Abbott would enjoy this immensely.
gravatar
anthony lombardi
Date: 1/28/2008
a wonderful mix only strengthened by the touching meaning behind it & the love which it was created with
gravatar
mahdishain
Date: 1/28/2008
when i am gone i hope someone is making mixes for me.
gravatar
KathrynandRupert
Date: 1/29/2008
As long as he's in your heart Uncle Albert will shine on.
gravatar
Dead Man
Date: 1/29/2008
Sounds like his Technics, mixer, amp, and music collection are in good hands.
gravatar
Rob Conroy
Date: 1/29/2008
My condolences, gabe. This is a touching compilation.
gravatar
French Connection
Date: 1/31/2008
I like to think heaven is anywhere you can listen to anything you want. Hoping Albert's having a ball right now.
gravatar
Bear
Date: 2/2/2008
Interesting short mix... I like your notes a lot. Have fun with those 45s etc.