In the Beastie Boys Book, Adam Horovitz has a few chapters where he mentions the songs that were inspiring him during different times he describes in the book (Mike D doesn’t for some reason). He also talks quite a bit about cassette tapes and the rigors of making a mix, recording songs off the radio, repairing a broken cassette, et al.
I both miss cassette tapes and I don’t. There’s something visceral about popping a cassette into your car stereo and driving around. Hooking up your MP3 player via WIFI to the car’s speakers just isn’t the same.
There’s something cool about not having literally every song ever recorded at your disposal at all times with no tape to get tangled anywhere and no plastic cases to break.
But, on the other hand, I think the modern way we listen to music leads you to be paralyzed by infinite choice. Also handwriting in ballpoint pen on the cassette and the track list. If anyone made you a tape, that personal touch was amazing.
Okay, actual mix tapes really are the best. But we have to face facts, mix tapes are dead.
I’ve tried to recreate the effect with iTunes and, lately, Spotify playlists. It’s close but they’re too disposable to really mean anything. You can create and erase them far too easily. The care of assembly isn’t there, so, you don’t value them as much.
I do notice, however, several repeat songs that I always seem to put in these playlists. So, given that and the inspiration from the Beastie Boys Book. I’m going to make a mix tape. It’ll be all youtube videos and I don’t really feel like explaining all of them. Most of these songs are perennial favorites. Some are there just because. That was half the fun of receiving a mix tape, wondering why the creator chose a particular song.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
This Must Be The Place – Talking Heads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JccW-mLdNe0
Just for kicks, I chose the version from Stop Making Sense, their concert film. (What’s up with the lamp?)
Changeling – DJ Shadow
Blue Lines – Massive Attack
Cherry Chapstick – Yo La Tengo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0WRaVVf3E4
Victim Card – Snowden
This is an alternate version of the track off of their album. I don’t know where to find it. I’ve only seen it in this video made from clips from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I love this homemade video, probably supes illegal, enjoy it while you can.
Mother – Tori Amos
Duk Koo Kim – Sun Kil Moon
A fourteen minute song about a Korean boxer murdered in the ring by Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini? One of the most harrowing sports stories ever? Yes, please!
That’s Me Trying – William Shatner
Yeah, Shatner. It’s good. Listen to this one.
Rainbow Connection – Kermit the Frog
When I was a child, this was a fun song. As an adult it brings me to tears every goddamn time I hear it. What’s that about?
Married with Children – Oasis
So, there it is, a modern mixtape. In the old days this would only be one side of a cassette but here we are. Also, there’s kind of a melancholy theme throughout. It’s either November or, you know, my personality. I hope you dig the songs.
