A good compilation tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. You've got to kick off with a corker, to hold the attention {I started with 'Got To Get You Off My Mind', but then realised that she might not get any further than track one, side one if I delivered what she wanted straight away, so I buried it in the middle of side two}, and then you've got to up it a notch, and you can't have white music and black music together, unless the white music sounds like black music, and you can't have two tracks by the same artist side by side, unless you've done the whole thing in pairs, and ... oh there are loads of rules.
Creating a mixtape is akin to the complexity of ending a relationship; both require careful thought and consideration. It begins with the need to immediately capture attention, akin to starting with a catchy song. The author reflects on his choice of songs, realizing that beginning with a strong track might lead to the listener not engaging further. Instead, he decides to place significant songs strategically throughout the tape to enhance the overall experience.
It’s not just about selecting songs; there are unwritten guidelines to follow for a successful compilation. The author stresses the importance of mixing genres thoughtfully, ruling out the combination of white and black music unless they share similarities. Additionally, care must be taken not to place two tracks by the same artist next to each other unless the entire compilation has a specific thematic pairing. This highlights the careful orchestration involved in curating the perfect playlist.
