Life in the mix

I've been on this Earth for 27 years, and I've been earnestly making compilations for 15 of them. I've successfully adapted with the technology, morphing from tapes, to CDs, to iPod playlists. My earliest incarnation dates back to 1992, a compilation that included contemporary hits by Technotronic, Boyz II Men, Vanessa Williams, Guns 'n' Roses and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. That's called "eclectic." Some would counter "gay." Whatever it was, to this day whenever I hear the final chords of "Under The Bridge," my mind skips to the opening piano chord of "November Rain," matching the track listing of my beloved first mix. That tape has literally hard-wired itself into my brain. I think I really liked that tape.

As a 12-year-old, my music inclinations only went so far. Ninety percent of thoughts at that point in my life were based upon Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly. Music was haphazardly dashed amongst the remaining 10 percent, included in a potpourri of food products, Christmas, wiffle ball and wrestling pay-per-views.

That dynamic didn't last for long, however. Girls soon took center stage and I soon realized that mix tapes could be used as a weapon of love. I quickly learned I could take a collection of songs and use the lyrical and symphonic message to procure dates to winter dances. I'd say this was manipulating the artist's original intent, but rock 'n' roll has always been about getting girls anyway. The only difference between me and Adam Duritz is the music he chooses is his own. My mix tape is his Counting Crows record. It's just a natural extension.

So the next time you make a mix remember the golden rules. Mix the message with the music. Pace is key. Keep it to 14 tracks or less. And provide some cover art. It's all about the cover art. Chicks dig the cover art.