Hops Solves The Mortgage "Crisis"

For those of you who have been wondering where I've been the last few weeks I have a good excuse. Mrs. Hops and I are in the process of trying to move. Now buying a house in this market is pretty easy. However, selling a house is another story. People are taking all types of desperate measures to sell their property like dropping the pricing, nice staging and throwing in closing costs. These are all good ways to go... if you're Ed McMahon. However, if you REALLY want to draw in the buyers what you need is a good mix.

I put together 3 hours of music to last an entire 1-4PM open house. As you can see it relies on a lot of instrumentals in order to appeal to wide range of buyers. Like snake charming music this is guaranteed to work. Here is a sample for you to download for your own open house. Best of luck.

Hops' Open House Mix:

1. No. 40 Swineherd’s Dance: Allegro Vivace by Bela Bartok (MP3) – A gorgeous instrumental piece to set the tone for the open house.
2. Penny Lane by The Beatles (MP3)– A perfect house on a perfect street.
3. Hardest Geometry Problem In The World by Mark Mothersbaugh (MP3) – You’ll recognize this instrumental piece from the movie Rushmore. The title is appropriate when considering mortgage options.
4. Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys (MP3) – “I’m picking up good vibrations”. A not so subtle message.
5. Love Theme From The Godfather by Nino Rota (MP3) – This will inspire people to cook in their new kitchen
6. The Inlaw Josie Wales by Phish (MP3) – A classy way to appeal to hippies. It’s actually a beautiful instrumental piece.
7. Theme From The Last Waltz by The Band (MP3) – A nice waltz to inspire your buyers and help them feel your house’s charm.
8. Two of Us by The Beatles (MP3) – “On Our Way Back Home, We’re On Our Way Home”
9. Family Conference by Britta Phillips & Dean Wareham (MP3) – Sure this instrumental piece was written for a movie about divorce. But it’s a pretty song and you need to send the message that this house is so beautiful its worth fighting for. Trade the kids for the house. Trust me.
10. Our House by Crosby Still, Nash & Young (MP3) – Because you kind of have to put this one on the list. By this time the deal will be sealed.

A new way of selling music

Exciting News! Radiohead announced today their new album is going to be available in 10 days! Since they don't have a record company they are getting the chance to try some new forms of distribution. You can get the album three ways:

1) Download - the best part is that you get to name your own price! At first I didn't realize this and avoided ordering because I thought the pound to dollar rate would kill me. But since you get to pick your price I chose $5. Its a huge bargain but its giving the band more money that if i downloaded it for free and helps me save some cash which I will spend to see them in concert.
2) Discbox - this gets you the album on CD AND Vinyl. Plus you get second CD with 8 other new songs, artwork and album lyrics. Very cool. The only problem? Its 40 pounds - or about $81. That is a bit steep for a working man like myself.
3) Wait until 2008 to buy it in stores so that Best Buy and Walmart can rip you off and the band makes less money than you giving them $2 on their website

Go to http://www.inrainbows.com/to order