The Perfect Mixed Tape (Killing Me Softly….with all the choices)

I have tried writing this piece a couple of times now. I really didn’t think it would be such an ordeal. I love mixed tapes. It’s an audio timecapsule generally created for the purpose of immortalizing a relationship or a friendship. There is sweat and effort, and finger coordination between the record and pause buttons involved in a mixed tape.

Yes, you can do things much easier now burning playlists to CD’s. Where is the pain? Where is the sweat? Where is the rhythm you get into using the FF button to cue up the next song? I don’t know that you get the same sense of accomplishment from burning a CD. (I clearly have my cranky pants on a little tight today.)

So what kind of mixed tapes are lurking in your music collection? I only have a few left. Some of them are from friends from college. (Poopsie- I found my copy of Strawberry Fields by Candy Flip) And of course, there are all the relationship tapes. Those are always pretty funny, don’t you think? I love the drama of the relationship tape. They have themes and everything. Some of the themes I can see (and have been guilty of creating):

I’m Too Sexy Mix-

This seems to crop up as a bogus anniversay/birthday gift for the couple who has not been dating long. You don’t really want to go out and spend money, but you have to do SOMETHING and girls like that kind of sentimental crap. They like the idea that you made something just for them. Nevermind that it only contains songs that YOU like. It’s the thought that counts, right? Man, I fell for that every time. I probably still would.

We are Soulmates Mix-

These songs can probably all be found on a Time Life CD compilation. I should know, because I have them all. Secret Love, anyone? AHHH!

We've had our ups and downs but I still believe in us mix-

This is just denial about the fact that one or both of you are tired of things, but a little something is better than nothing, right? These are the songs you might hear when “talking to Delilah” or making a long distance dedication with Casey Kasem. Just sick. No pride at all.

This is your last chance mix and This is REALLY your last chance mix-

Remixes! Because you really aren’t covering any new ground here, right?

You Broke My Heart, I Want to Break Your Legs-

Kind of a cross between a Country heartbreak/ Heavy Metal rage/ Jagged Little Pill –anthem type stuff. Got that? You’re all over the place emotionally, so why shouldn’t the tape be as well? It’s called a MIXED tape.

I guess there really isn’t such a thing as a Perfect Mixed Tape. At least not for me. I would need to make one for every mood and situation. Ah Hell, playlists are a lot easier.