The Social Butterfly Makes A Mix

Graduations, a child's birthday party, or any party, need certain elements before they can be deemed successful. Good food. Good people. And good tunes. How can you assure a popping party with these three cornerstones? Catering. Cool friends.Totally free mp3 music downloads.

Mp3 downloads are not, and were never meant to be, just for the kids with their rock music and dancing. By signing up for music downloads it doesn't take a ton of time and energy to come up with a stellar party mix. By deciding what atmosphere is required for the perfect party, choosing the music will be easy.

A Child's Song

Having a party for a child is a touchy issue. More conservative parents might not appreciate hearing a Black Eyed Peas song anymore than they would a dirty word. But the song 'Going Gone' by the group is worth mentioning.

The best party songs for children are usually by the most popular artists. As singers and groups get older and start raising a family, they become more aware of 'family' songs. Aside from the Black Eyed Peas, other artists have put out family-centric songs.

'    Ziggy Marley: 'Family Time'

'    Dave Matthews: 'Puff the Magic Dragon' (live)

'    Israel Kamakawiwo ole: 'Over the Rainbow (What a Wonderful World)'

Without going into too much detail, popular artists who use their talent to show a softer, more human side is appealing to adults. Most have grown weary of Teletubbies, the Wiggles, and Barney songs every day, and crave something a bit more intellectual than a creepy purple dinosaur.

Free mp3 downloads of rare songs can be found by simply typing in the song's name and searching artist covers of it. This is by far the best way to find new music. Covers of a song by different artists, especially if they're acoustic, can satisfy both a demanding child, and a frazzled parent.

Pomp and Circumstance

It seems with graduation parties far more effort is done by the parents than the graduates themselves. Graduations I've been to have included live bands, rides, catered meals, even an 18-hole golf course. Should you be in the possession of billions of dollars you can throw at your children, I hear Green Day plays sweet-16 parties as well.

For people who have about $9 to spend, making a party mix is ideal for making the mood right. As people start to loosen up, there may even be some dancing involved. Mp3 downloads can fit any graduates taste. Do they like classic rock or alternative? Rap, hip-hop, soul? If they had to choose, would they want Jay-Z or James Taylor?

The right music is important, so be sure you put some thought into your decision. Consider jazz or ambient tunes if the music will only be in the background. American standards and pop songs are perfect for sing-a-longs and dancing. And, obviously, dance music would be a pretty necessary ingredient for dancing.

My Dinner with Andre

For quite nights in, or small dinner parties, loud rock music tends to strain the atmosphere. For my money, Coleman Hawkins' mellow saxophone or Miles Davis' soothing, cool trumpet makes anything go down easier. From the millions of free mp3 downloads available, the best night music includes:

'    The Birth of Cool Miles Davis

'    The Hawk Files Coleman Hawkins

'    Anything by Jack Johnson

'    'The Coffee Shop LP' by Landon Pigg

Your party doesn't have to be great, but why shouldn't it? Take a little break from making salmon puffs and check out some totally free mp3 downloads that will make your party a party, and not an obligation.