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A tradition of Mournful Music.

One gloomy December a few years back I was struck by the realization that I simply do not like Christmas.

A bitterly disappointing love affair might have had something to do with that, but the truth is that despite decades of cultural marination in the year-end hullabaloo, I’d never liked it. Rather than joy, inevitably what I felt was … melancholy

To, uh, “celebrate” my experience of the happy holiday that year, I put together a CD of sad and spooky songs and mailed it out in lieu of Christmas cards — the first Somewhat Mournful Seasonal Assortment.

One season led to another, and eleven years later the tradition persists. The strangest thing is how I’ve come to be able to recognize a song as a Mournful candidate pretty much instantaneously!

But choosing the music is only a part of it. I’ve discovered that the annual process of creating these things (and the handmade aspect is important) has become a ritual that I really look forward to. Noticing how my approach to design has evolved, thinking fondly of my friends on the mailing list — it all goes into getting a little Mournful every year a meditative and satisfying pleasure.

Anyway. Here’s eleven years worth, all in one place. Enjoy …

Mournful_1

» track listing  |  iTunes cover art

 

Mournful_2

» track listing  |  iTunes cover art

 

Mournful_3

» track listing  |  iTunes cover art

 

Mournful_4

» track listing  |  iTunes cover art

 

Mournful_5

» track listing  |  iTunes cover art

 

Mournful_6

» track listing  |  iTunes cover art

 

Mournful_7

» track listing  |  iTunes cover art

 

Mournful_8

» track listing  |  iTunes cover art

 

Mournful_9

» track listing  |  iTunes cover art

 

Mournful_10

» track listing  |  iTunes cover art

 

Mournful_11

» track listing  |  iTunes cover art

 

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The Calyx Design blog – an online journal of creative inspiration, design experience, and a magpie-esque pouncing upon of bright and shiny things.