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