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