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I love weddings. I love that everyone's dressed up, that people who never dance throw down on the dance floor like it's their last day on Earth, that people get drunk and festive, that a new extended family is born on that day. I love the good will, the hope, the free champagne. I love teary speeches, drunken hookups, petticoats and nosegays, men twirling their wives around and giving them a little squeeze in front of God and everyone.

So this mix is for everyone who is getting married, attending weddings, or performing usher/best man/bridesmaid/maid of honor/mother of the bride, etc., duties this year. See you at the open bar!

1. "I Wanna Get Married" - Nellie McKay

This song exemplifies Nellie' genius perfectly, specifically how she delivers the line, "I need to cook meals." Satire with a wistful truth humming beneath...charming.

2. "Chapel of Love" - The Dixie Cups

This song reminds me of my dad in his black tux way back in 1972.

3. "Marry Me" - The Vandals

Punks get married, too! And they say their vows really fast.

4. "Wedding Bell Blues" - The 5th Dimension

I love this song so much I want to marry it. I was actually surprised that it's by The 5th Dimension, a band I know only for the Grammy-winning "Up, Up, and Away". Look at the cover of Go Where You Wanna Go, just look at it.

5. "Don't Marry Her" - The Beautiful South

A last-minute plea from the lovely Jacqui Abbott. Who knew this song has explicit lyrics (iTunes forgot to label it)? I had only heard the radio version on which Jacqui sings, "Don't marry her, take me." Can you guess what the NSFW version is?

6. "The Marriage" - Billy Bragg

"If I share my bed with you/Must I also share my life?" Damn, Billy, you do need to be dragged to the altar.

7. "Marry Song" - Band of Horses

Those BoH boys just keep getting prettier.

8. "I Married Her Just Because She Looks Like You" - Lyle Lovett

I know the question on your lips is, "Who's the 'you'? Julia Roberts?" But this song was released on 1989, three years before he met Julia. Oh well.

9. "$1,000 Wedding" - Gram Parsons

I love me some Gram Parsons, but I have to admit that the Evan Dando/Juliana Hatfield version from Return of the Grievous Angel: A Tribute to Gram Parsons is my favorite because of those yummy mid-90s harmonies.

10. "I Was Married" - Tegan & Sara

Every time I hear these girls I like them more. No wonder they get marriage proposals from people's moms.

Bonus Tracks

"Stupid Marriage" - The Specials

Can't have a wedding mix without the cynical POV from some British ska legends.

"I'm Gonna Marry a Hooker" - The Naked Cowboy

Holy hell, the Naked Cowboy has made it onto a mix. Here come the Four Horsemen!

"White Wedding Pt. 1" - Billy Idol

You didn't think I'd leave this one out, didya? It's perhaps the greatest song about a wedding that should under no circumstances be played at an actual wedding.

Congratulations to my newly engaged friends: Shannon & Zubin, Christine & Andrea, and Nicole & Jason!

P.S.: Sorry this mix is late, was sorting through Save the Date cards.