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 4 places us smack dab in the middle of my junior year of high school, from late 1990 and into 1991, and once again features a healthy dose of hair metal and pop, with a little dance electronica thrown in for good measure.  Judging solely from this tape, you would have no idea that Nirvana’s Nevermind would be released later this year.

 

Side A

Damn Yankees – High Enough

The one big hit from the supergroup featuring Ted Nugent was taped off of the radio, most likely Z95.

iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 3/15/2011

Sweet Sensation – If Wishes Came True

The pop hit was taped off the radio, courtesy of Shadoe Stevens and American Top 40.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 6/21/2011

Poison – Fallen Angel

This out of sequence hit was taped off the cassette, but I’m not sure whose.

iTunes stats: 11 plays, most recently on 8/7/2011

Simpsons – Do The Bart Man

With the Simpsons being the hottest thing in pop culture, the first single from their album was taped off the radio from Z95.

iTunes stats: Never played

Roxette – The Look

The first hit from Roxette was taped off of the cassette.

iTunes stats: 1 play, on 10/3/2009

Poison – I Won’t Forget You

Taped off a mixtape I “borrowed” from my friend Mike’s sister.  I’m pretty sure I gave it back eventually.

iTunes stats: 1 play, on 3/19/2011

Side B

Roxette – Listen To Your Heart

The third hit from Roxette was taped off of the cassette.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 12/17/2010

Tevin Campbell – Round and Round

The one and only hit from the young Mr. Campbell was taped off of the radio, thanks to American Top 40.

iTunes stats:  Never Played

Poison – Ride The Wind

The small hit for the fading glam band was taped off of the cassette.

iTunes stats: 2 plays, most recently on 1/3/2011

Roxette – Joyride

The first hit from the Swedish groups second album was taped off the cassingle.

iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 9/1/2011

Nelson – More Than Ever

The third (and last) hit for the grandsons of Ozzie & Harriet, was taped off the radio, presumably Z95.

Cathy Dennis – All Night Long (Touch Me)

The dance hit was taped off the radio, again from Z95.

iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 12/14/2010

Great White – Once Bitten, Twice Shy

The big hit was taped off the radio, either from The Blaze or the newly christened Hot 94.7.

iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 8/30/2011