I think it's safe to talk, since I know everyone has at least one.
I've done it a couple of times. If it isn't right the first time, then I redo it until it works and feels right.
Tape mixes are so on the outs, while CD mixes are more in than Flynn.
Although people have made mixes since my freshman year, I hear other people's work and I flinch, gag, recoil and throw myself backward, breaking computers, pictures and glass tables.
Seriously, people. Do you not have any musical tact?
I don't think people understand the rules. Since CD mixes are overthrowing tapes, perhaps some rules should be laid down so people can really treasure those mixes. Nothing makes my skin crawl more when I see CD mixes thrown everywhere on the car floor, and they are scratched until they end up having more lines than road maps.
Rule No. 1: When we sit down to create a mix of songs worthy of our lives, we become producers -- we have the power. Don't just make a mix for your ears. When more people enjoy the musical concoction, then you enjoy the mix even more.
Rule No. 2: There are two different ways to set up a CD mix. One method is to progress. Start with some upbeat music and then taper off, making the last three or four songs slower. Another method is to interweave the music -- I call this the epileptic mix. Sandwich the slower tunes in between the faster ones.
Rule No. 3: Yes, I know CDs are expanding their time capacity. They've gone from 70 minutes to 80 minutes. But just because you have all those extra minutes doesn't mean you have to use them.
I'm sure you've heard your mother say plenty of times, "Just because you can doesn't mean you should."
This rule applies for CD mixes. A CD with 22 songs might be a good idea, but sometimes the CD mix with just 12 or 14 songs can mean a whole lot more -- especially if you're giving the CD out as a gift.
Rule No. 4: Follow somewhat of a theme. I've listened to some wigged out 80s mixes (although its almost cliche now), crazy disco mixes, some kick-monkey dance mixes, and then mixes that play music to unite the world's bleeding hearts: the love mix.
Spare me.
I enjoy the occasional love mix -- but you need to have a good theme. One of my favorite "love" mixes I've made contains nothing you can sit and cuddle with: unconventional love songs. Believe me, there are tons of "love" songs out there where people scream rather than swoon.
When you create a mix with a kind of theme involved, it gives the mix more meaning, and it can even become a soundtrack of sorts.
I know we've all asked the question: If I had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it?
Good luck creating a 10 CD set.
Rule No. 5: Be creative and title your CD mix. There's nothing worse than reaching for the CDs in your car and realizing you don't know one mix from the other. Give them ownership.
I have CDs aptly named Wicked, Errata, Eight Hours In Between, Kind of 80s, Detached Continuity, and Something About Being Carnal.
At 20, I know I have yet to create the perfect soundtrack, but with these five rules, I know I can die trying.
Rock on.
Write to Evan at emann@mr-potatohead.com
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