FEATURE: 5 reasons we love mixed tapes

Posted by ESM on October 23, 2011 in Features, Music | No Comments »

For those of us who still remember using cassette tapes, we truly remember what it took to make a legit “mixed tape”.

Back in the day, you couldn’t just download the songs.  To make a mixed tape, you had to either:

• Record the song from a record player (wow going ultra old-school)
• Record the song from a CD which you purchased (yeah, actually purchasing an entire CD)
• Record the song from the (gasp!) radio

In fact, to finally get all your songs together took a few days.  You couldn’t just whip one out in an hour or two.

But that is what made the mixed tape so special.

It was truly a labor of love to have the best songs for the moment playing in your car (probably on a Kenwood or Pioneer with detachable faceplate).

Even with the advent of digital music, we are glad mixed tapes (albeit in a different format) still exist.  In fact, we’re glad people still call them “mixed tapes” even if they are on CD’s or a digital storage device.

In the hip-hop world, the mixed tape has found new meaning as well.  It is a way for new and old artists to release underground music to their fans.  It is also a way for multiple artists to collaborate without having to put out a traditional album.

So without further ado, here are the 5 reasons why we love mixed tapes:

Reason #5: They make the best gifts

Now that you can download music and have your favorite music in one place in seconds, mixed tapes are still awesome gifts to give to someone.  From that special person to your best friend, taking the time to put together a list of music for them is a very personable gift which doesn’t cost a lot of money.

Mixed tapes say, “Hey, I am willing to waste half an hour putting this thing together for you.  Let’s hang out sometime.”

Reason #4: They can represent a significant time in your life

Everyone reading this has probably had a vacation or summer or even night out that was exceptionally memorable.

During that event there are probably songs that were playing on the radio or in the car or at the party which were blasting over and over again.  Why not put a mixed tape together that helps capture those moments forever?

In fact, why not give a copy to all your friends and family that shared that moment with you?

Reason #3: It gives musicians a new way to express themselves

I love how previously unknown artists can now express themselves through a mixed tape.  With the latest and greatest in easily accessible technology, almost anyone can put together music that is waiting to be discovered.

Reason #2: You can tell someone you love them without saying “I love you”

For those more verbally challenged, you can express your love to that special someone by throwing down your ultimate love song collection and giving them a mixed tape.

Whether they are soft rock hits or Metallica or R&B, you can test the waters by putting a mixed tape together.

Reason #1: They are easy to make

As we mentioned before, putting music together nowadays is a piece of cake.  In fact, finding that perfect song while you are in the car doesn’t require you to fast forward the cassette player, stop it and hope you land on that perfect spot before the song.

“I have the perfect song!” (fast forward, play incorrect song, fast forward again, went past the song, rewind tape, middle of song, rewind again, too far back, fast forward, play)

So the next time you have a phenomenal experience with friends, family and loved ones, think about making a mixed tape to commemorate the event for eternity.

Just make sure you handwrite that album cover to ensure the mixed tape is as legit as possible.  Label it something like “{Your Name Here}’s ultimate love songs 2011″.

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