The Art of the Mix Tape: Ribbons of Musical Memories

Play.

mix tapes I made for my husband in '89 and '90

Stop.

Fast-forward.

Pause.

Rewind.

Stop.

Play.

Ahhhh, the mix tape. So much nostalgia conjured up by a four inch piece of plastic, with sepia brown ribbon tightly wound up inside. As a child of the 80's, I will forever remain reminiscently attached to the mix tape. I cannot begin to count the number of hours I sat on my bedroom floor with my silver boom box gathering the necessary cassettes, listing out intended songs, recording, then rewinding to make sure that the previous track lead in nicely to the next (you know, it's all about the flow, baby).

A mix tape is not just a collection of tunes, it's like poetry. I know, dramatic, right?  But it's true.  A "mixer" really becomes a poet when she weaves the intended story together on cassette. A mix tape can be as simple as blending dance tracks together for a rad party; a collection of sentimental hints intended for a new crush to take notice of; an inspirational combo for a close friend; or an up-beat medley for a road trip. The songs you choose, the way they are interlaced, the carefully chosen title inked with a black Sharpie; it's serious stuff, man.

OG mix tapes date back to the 1960's, when groovy DJs would record them onto 8-track tapes. Such treasures are hard to find nowadays, but keep a keen eye out at flea markets and garage sales if you are on the 8-track prowl. By the 1980's, the mt had become just as synonymous with staying hip, as leg warmers, jelly shoes, and Pac-Man. You took pride in your mixes (and your big hair).

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