Ok, so I understand that the ACTUAL mixtape is about as rare as an 8 track these days. Yet, however you choose to make a “mixtape,” (cd or an mp3 mix), the idea of making a mix for someone holds some power to it.

I have received quite a few mixes in my day. All hold a special place in my heart. It began in the 9th grade where my first  love passed mixtapes full of MXPX songs in the hallways at school.  Throughout the years I have been given magical mixes filled with songs that made me come alive. Songs that brought with them, feelings of hope, love and pure giddiness. Maybe it comes with the territory of being a girl that made me feel those things. But to me…like I said….they were magical.

Here are the reasons I believe in the power of a good mixtape/cd/mp3.

 

1. They are insanely personal.

I believe that if you want to let someone know how you feel, without even uttering any words, all you have to do is make them a mix. You can be completely romantic without looking like a total spaz. And if someone breaks you heart and you wanna tell them off? Nothing better than making a mix full of songs saying how uncool they are without the chance of you breaking down in tears and losing face.

In saying this, I tend to analyze every word of every song that is put on a mix that’s given to me. Sure, that may seem like a slow death at times, but its what I do.

 

2. There’s magic in the making.

If you are true mixtape artist, you really put a lot of thought and effort into carefully choosing just the right songs. It’s like writing a letter. You wouldn’t just jot down a bunch of random words and mail them off to that awesome recipient. NO! You spell check that sucker….over and over. Make sure that you are getting your point across. When I make a mix I like to take a couple days to listen to it and imagine I am that person I made it for. Even if this is just a fun mix you are making for a friend,  I believe that it’s important to think about how that other person may feel when they hear these songs for the first time coming from you. The time it takes to make one of these mixes is what it makes it special. I remember back in the cassette tape days, I would spend hours recording songs. And then there was the dreadful moment when you ran out of tape on side A. OH NO! So you then had to rewind and record over that uncompleted song with silence. Luckily that is not too much of an issue now. These days our biggest problem is not having enough space to fill a cd. If that happens we have to delete a song or two….or even better….make TWO mixes. Either way, the work it takes to make a thoughtful mix in itself speaks volume to me.

 

NOW, because of these two points I have always held tight to those mixes that were made for me. No matter what the outcome was of those relationships, they still hold a special place in my heart. Those moments in my life made me the girl I am today. I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.

Nick Hornby gets this. I truly believe that. I think that man could make one of the best mixes this world has ever seen. I would enjoy that  immensely. (That is an understatement for sure) In his movie High Fidelity , John Cusack’s character has a set of rules. They are genius.  He understands the importance of using someone else’s poetry to express how you feel. It’s an amazing movie. If you haven’t seen it you really really really should. I mean really.

I also believe that Michael Cera’s character in Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist gets the agony of a good mix. The poor kid. He really really gets it. 

I’m sure there are a few other great examples of cinematic mixtape goodness out there. Those are just a couple of my favorites.

The reason I wrote this little tribute to the oh so lovely world of mixtapes is because I found a few of them this week while cleaning. I  also have a couple that never leave my iPod. They just hold a special place in my heart. They take me back in time. Just like a time machine would. To a time of nostalgic joy and most likely a bit of  pain. Like I said before however, those moments made me stronger and wiser. Those songs are a soundtrack to my life.

In return I made YOU a mix. You can access it through Spotify. <3 These songs have actually been placed on mixes that were given to me that will always hold an extra place in my heart. I  hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Click Here ->Mixtape vol 1.

If you don’t have access to Spotify I suggest ya sign up! It’s rad! But If you don’t want too, here is the track listing for ya!

1. Black Star- Radio Head (from The Bends)

2. One Ray Of Sunlight – Phantom Planet (from The Guest)

3. Pretty (Ugly Before)- Elliot Smith

4. You’re The One I want- Jet’s To Brazil (from Perfecting Loneliness)

5. The Dress Looks Nice On You- Sufjan Stevens (from Seven Swans)

6. Soul Meets Body – Death Cab For Cutie (from Plans)

7. Hey Darlin’ Do You Gamble- Lucero (from 1372 Overton Park)

8. Soul To Keep- Matt Skiba ( from Matt Skiba & Seven Seconds split)

9. A Picture Postcard- The Promise Ring (from 30 degrees everywhere)

10. The City That Day- Matt Skiba ( from Matt Skiba & Seven Seconds split)

11. If You Don’t, Don’t- Jimmy Eat World (from Bleed American/Acoustic)

12. From The Hips- Cursive (from Mama, I’m Swollen)

13. Andera- MXPX (from Life In General)

14. Wonderwall- Ryan Adams (from Love Is Hell)

15. Pretty Pathetic- Smoking Popes (from Destination Failure)

16. The Deep South- Promise Ring (from Very Emergency)

17. Velcro- Single File (from No More Sad Face)

18. Meet Me In Georgia- Gasoline Heart (from You Know Who You Are)

19. Walk Or Ride- The Ditty Bops (from self titled album)

20. I Just Threw Out The Love Of My Dreams- Weezer (from Pinkerton)

21. San Dimas High School Football Rules (acoustic)- The Ataris (from Let It Burn)

22. Inside Of Love-  Nada Surf (from Let Go)

What are your favorite “mixtape” songs?

XOXO, Christie Gee