The mixtape is an ancient art form, born in the murky musical depths of the 70s and 80s. It is a symbol of close-knit companionship between two people intertwined so deep, they know each other’s exact music taste.
The mixtape was a romance power move and, if done perfectly, would guarantee that you and that special someone would at least make it to the next date. But perfect wasn’t easy. You had to get the tape just right, with all of the other person’s deep loves and likes. Not just the standard “she likes rock,” or “he loves jazz” kind of knowledge, but a sentimental understanding which goes into the complexities of lyrics, beats, placement of songs, artists, genres and histories.
The mixtape withstood the shift from 8-tracks to cassettes to CDs, and became the teenager’s Cupid’s arrow in the days of MySpace, when brightly-colored blank CDs could hold about 18 carefully selected tracks. If you really wanted to impress your partner, you would even slip a hand-drawn cover into the slip in the CD case. Where did this esteemed art go? It has seemed to crumble away with the digital age.
I propose we bring back the mixtape. Now, some renovations will have to be made, as tape players and CD-ROM drives are obsolete. So, you have two options: an external CD drive (or internal if you were smart enough to buy a laptop with one) or Spotify. It may sound dumb, but nowadays, a Spotify playlist is just as acceptable as any CD in your car.
Now to get it just right, mix in all your special person’s likes, your history with them and of course songs for the occasion. But I know that is quite a feat, so I will give you a head start.
10 songs every Valentine’s Day mixtape should have:
The Valentines Playlist:
1. Gracefully- Vintage Trouble
2. This Magic Moment- The Drifters
3. I’m Shakin’- Jack White
4. This I Promise You- NSYNC
5. Came Out of A Lady- Rubblebucket
6. Tiny Dancer- Elton John
7. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough- Marvin Gaye
8. Sunshine of Your Love- CREAM
9. You’re All I Need Baby- Method Man (ft. Mary J. Blige)
10. We Found Love- Rihanna
Remember, these songs will not just cut it, you must also incorporate your own and your relationship into the rest of the playlist. Good luck, and happy Valentine’s Day.
