2005-10-10 5:48 p.m.

A few people have told me they want my song "Fly Away" played at their funerals. It was such an honor to hear that people want my music to be a part of their last public moments. This may be the best compliment I've ever received.

Having some fans tell me this got actually inspired the theme for my next album. I mentioned in a previous entry that for the new album, I want to create "music that makes me want to lay myself down into the earth forever." Now, I know what that music means to me — I know what it sounds like in my head. What does that mean to other people?

More importantly, what does it mean to you?

No, really — what music do you want played at your funeral? I want to know. I want to hear it. I want to find out what sounds you want your friends and loved ones to share as they usher you away from this world forever. In a sense, these songs would be your musical eulogy. It's an intense thing to think about. But, I think it's a beautiful thing as well.

I leave to make my album in six short weeks. And, during that time I want to really get myself thinking about everyone's last songs. Can you help me? Please send me the music you'd want played at your last big goodbye. Send MP3s, mix CDs, audiocassettes — whatever format works for you. And, please include a note or send me an email telling me why you choose that music. What does it mean to you?

MP3s can go to justin -at- justinwinokur dot com. Tapes and CDs go to 115 1/2 Sunnyside Ave., Campbell CA 95008-4116.

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