Between 1989, my sophomore year of high school, and 1995, my fourth year of college, I put together a nearly 20 volume collection of mix tapes, containing my favorite songs that I had gathered either from the radio, a cassette tape, or (eventually) CD. I thought it would be a fun exercise to look back at all 20 volumes and which of my “favorite” songs I still listen to today.

Volume 6 takes us through the end of high school, through the summer, and into the beginning of my freshman year of college.  Sadly, this is not the original version of volume 6, which was lost after being borrowed by my sister for a party.  The steady stream of hair metal and pop starts to become overtaken by alternative and hip-hop.

Side A

Genesis – I Can’t Dance

The last hit for Genesis was taped off of a radio station that is not distinguishable from the information at hand.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 8/12/2011

Ugly Kid Joe – Everything About You

Coming at the end of hair metal’s dominance, Ugly Kid Joe’s big hit sounds like it came from a CD or cassette.

iTunes stats: 8 plays, most recently on 3/15/2012

Joe Public – Live and Learn

Joe Public’s only hit also sounds like it came from a CD or cassette.

iTunes stats: 4 plays, most recently on 12/17/2010

Boyz II Men – Please Don’t Go

The final release from Cooleyhighharmony was taped off of the CD.

iTunes stats: Never Played

Def Leppard – Make Love Like A Man

The second hit from Adrenalize was also taped off of the CD.

iTunes stats: 4 plays, most recently on 4/16/2010

Guns N’ Roses – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door

The cover from Use Your Illusion II was also taped off of the CD.

iTunes stats: 7 plays, most recently on 3/31/2012

Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Under The Bridge

The breakthrough hit for the Chilli Peppers was taped off the radio, possibly the first appearance of Q101.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 8/10/2011

Side B

Sir Mix-A-Lot – Baby Got Back

The massive hit from Sir Mix-A-Lot was taped off the radio, specifically B96.

iTunes stats: 9 plays, most recently on 9/13/2011

Boyz II Men – End of the Road

The massiver hit from the Boomerang soundtrack was taped off the CD.

iTunes stats: 8 plays, most recently on 2/10/2011

The Cure – Friday, I’m In Love

The first (and last) song played on Q101 was taped off of the CD.

iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 8/17/2011

Sophie B. Hawkins – Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover

The theme song of Dylan and Kelly’s summer fling was taped off the CD single.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 1/4/2011

Tom Cochrane – Life Is A Highway

The one hit from Tom Cochrane was taped off of Lafayette’s hit music station, 96.5 WAZY.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 7/21/2011

Bobby Brown- Humpin’ Around

The first single from Bobby Brown’s followup to Don’t Be Cruel was taped off the radio from B96.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 4/13/2009

Slaughter – Real Love

The song that I had completely forgotten even existed sounds like it came from a CD or cassette.