Where words fail, music speaks.
Welcome to "I Made You a MixTape," a journey through time where the beats of the past harmonize with the rhythms of today.
Introduction
I was born in 1970, a time when men still walked on the moon, and the world was brimming with possibility. My name is Christian, and I’ve witnessed the dawn of the personal computer through the birth of the internet. I watched in horror as John Lennon was gunned down and Ronald Reagan was shot outside the Hilton. I even went to Space Camp, dreaming of reaching the stars, only to then, years later, watch the Challenger explode above the Florida coastline. Through it all was music. From yacht rock and disco to college rock and the birth of grunge. The soundtrack of these days is the most direct line I have to those memories and the feelings they generated and still generate to this day. It’s no wonder that the opus, the symphony, the great novel of our generation was the mixtape.
The 80s
While the 70s gave me life, it was the 80s that raised me and truly shaped my soul. This was the decade that formed my worldview, where music became more than sound—it became a lifeline, a language, a way to express what words alone couldn't capture. The 80s raised me, and they continue to offer a sanctuary of comfort as the world around us evolves.
The Power of the Mixtape
Picture a teenage boy, heart on his sleeve, meticulously crafting mixtapes with the precision of a poet writing sonnets. Each cassette was a carefully curated collection of songs, a narrative that spoke volumes where words fell short. I was that boy living in a time when a mixtape could convey emotions deeper than any spoken word. My quintessential 80s moment? Being dumped by a girl who used the lyrics from Genesis's "In Too Deep." At the time this was an emotional moment, but it didn’t take long for time and perspective to wonder, “Did she honestly just quote Phil Collins in her breakup monolog?” To this day, it is a head-shaking moment and a reminder of the powerful connection between music and memory.
From Mixtapes to List Making
I was a prolific creator of mixtapes and then transferred those skills to the recordable CD. Now, I’m a list-maker on Spotify. With this blog, I’m channeling all that passion, nostalgia, and connection into “I Made You a MixTape.” This is my love letter to my generation, to the days when mixtapes were our personal yet epic compositions, and to all of you who find your identity and solace in music.
My Musical Taste
My musical tastes have always been incredibly diverse, but the bread and butter will always be the “left of the dial.” My favorite bands like R.E.M., The Cure, and The Smiths – and so many more - were the soundtrack of my youth and continue to dominate my Spotify year-end reviews. Here, we will discuss music from a wide range of genres and time periods. There will be time for Yacht Rock, Modern Country, Disco… the works! The common denominator is that this music and the culture that accompanied it have become a part of me. My passion for music isn’t confined to the past. I revel in discovering new artists and songs that evoke the spirit of my youth, making me feel like that 16-year-old kid driving with the windows down, the volume cranked up, feeling every note. Let’s find new adventures and new ways to learn and grow.
More Than Nostalgia
This blog is more than a nostalgic trip; it’s a bridge between the past and the present. It’s about celebrating the music that shaped us while exploring new sounds that keep our youthful spirit alive. Here, we’ll reflect on cultural phenomena, dissect the lyrics that moved us, and recommend fresh tracks that resonate with the echoes of our formative years.
“Where words fail, music speaks. Her mixtape’s a masterpiece.”
Ben Folds said it beautifully when he built on an old Hans Christian Anderson saying with his lyric, “Where words fail, music speaks. Her mixtape’s a masterpiece.” My words will often fail in this endeavor, but when they do, I hope the music and what it makes you feel will pick me up.
My Invitation
This blog is my mixtape to you, filled with stories, memories, and, of course, great music. Join me on this journey. Share your most 80s story or tell me what you'd love to hear about in the blog. Welcome to "I Made You a MixTape." Let’s keep the love for music alive and continue sharing our stories, growing together as we navigate the ever-changing soundtrack of our lives.