Yet Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 4

33 years ago, during my sophomore year of high school, I put together the first of what would eventually become 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.  Today, we revisit those mix tapes for the fourth time and see how, or if, the soundtrack of my youth still resonates in today’s digital world and how much has changed over the past four years.

Volume 4 places us smack dab in the middle of my junior year of high school, from late 1990 and into 1991, and, quite possibly, the worst entry in this series.  There are 20 cassettes in this series, comprised of 287 songs.  Nearly 25% of them has been performed by a band I have seen in concert.  In fact, ever single entry contains at least one song by a band I have seen live.  Except this one.

Five of the songs here are older hits that weren’t current during my junior year.  Six of the songs come from just two bands: Poison and Roxette.  Judging solely from songs contained on this tape, you would have a hard time believing that Nirvana’s Nevermind would be released later that year and that the music industry would sound completely different a year later.

Side A

Damn Yankees – High Enough
iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 7/28/2022

Peaking at #3 on the Billboard charts, the one big hit from the supergroup featuring right-wing douchenozzle Ted Nugent added only five new plays since 2017.

Sweet Sensation – If Wishes Came True
iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 12/20/2021

The #25 hit of 1990 added three additional listens over the past four years.

Poison – Fallen Angel
iTunes stats: 28 plays, most recently on 11/10/2022

Poison’s hit from 1988, the only single from Open Up and Say… Ahh! not to crack the top 10, got six additional listens over the past four years.

Simpsons – Do The Bartman
iTunes stats: 15 plays, most recently on 3/23/2022

The first hit from the animated TV family, which went to #1 in five countries but wasn’t officially released as a single in the US, added seven new listens since 2019.

Roxette – The Look
iTunes stats: 20 plays, most recently on 12/22/2022

Ranked as the #17 single of 1989, the hit for the Swedish duo gained nine new spins over the past four years.

Poison – I Won’t Forget You
iTunes stats: 13 plays, most recently on 12/12/2021

The fourth single from Poison’s debut album, originally taped off a mixtape I “borrowed” from my friend Mike’s sister, managed just four additional plays since 2019.

Side B

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Yet Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 2

33 years ago, during my sophomore year of high school, I put together the first of what would eventually become 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.  Today, we revisit those mix tapes for the fourth time and see how, or if, the soundtrack of my youth still resonates in today’s digital world and how much has changed over the past four years.

Once again, some older songs are mixed in with the hits of the day: Rag Doll and Dude (Looks Like A Lady) from Aerosmith’s 1987 album Permanent Vacation.  I had managed to borrow the cassette from my friend Scott and for some reason felt the need to add those two tracks, but only those two tracks, to my Favorites collection at the same time that more current hits from the band’s latest album, Pump, were on the charts. While I’m sure I returned the cassette to Scott at some point, I do currently have possession of it, sitting in a box in my closet alongside all of my other cassettes, including this homemade collection.

Volume 2 picks up in early 1990 and takes us through early summer, book-ended by Roxette hits and featuring another steady stream of hair metal and pop, with a little rap and R&B thrown in for flavor.

Side A

Roxette – Dangerous
iTunes stats: 23 plays, most recently on 5/14/2021

Originally recorded from American Top 40, the fifth and final single from Roxette’s second album added six listens to its play total over these past four years.

Skid Row – Youth Gone Wild
iTunes stats: 25 plays, most recently on 12/6/2022

The first release from Skid Row, which peaked at #99 on the Billboard charts, nearly doubled its numbers of plays over the past four years.

Biz Markie – Just A Friend
iTunes stats: 37 plays, most recently on 10/28/2022

Ranked #81 on VH1s list of Greatest One Hit Wonders, Biz Markie’s smash added a dozen more listens over the past four years, partially in tribute following his 2021 death,

Mötley Crüe – Without You
iTunes stats: 24 plays, most recently on 6/16/2021

Peaking at #8 on the Billboard charts, the ballad, said to be about drummer Tommy Lee’s relationship with Heather Locklear, picked up seven additional spins since 2019.

Aerosmith – What It Takes
iTunes stats: 18 plays, most recently on 6/20/2019

The third single from Aerosmith’s Pump album, which peaked at #9 on the Billboard charts, picked up a mere three plays over the last four years and none since mid-2019.

MC Hammer – U Can’t Touch This
iTunes stats: 16 plays, most recently on 6/6/2021

The first rap song to be nominated for the Record of the Year Grammy, MC Hammer’s signature tune fizzled over the past four years with only three new listens.

Aerosmith – Rag Doll
iTunes stats: 17 plays, most recently on 4/20/2020

Released back in 1988, the final single from Aerosmith’s Permanent Vacation album, which peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, added has not been heard since the earliest days of the pandemic.

Side B

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Top 200 Albums: #1 – 10

itunes_imageWe last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.

Well, it all comes down to this: the top ten.  We finish things off today with the ten albums I have listened to the most over the last 15 years. including three comedy albums, three compilations, two soundtracks, one greatest hits package, and one bootleg live performance.

#10: Various Artists – Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 3 (70’s & 80’s)
iTunes stats: 378 plays
Previous Ranking: 13

Another collection of TV theme songs, this time covering the late 70s and the early 80s, uses 32 songs, from shows such as The Facts of LifeInspector Gadget, and Barney Miller, sees an 85% increase over the past four years.

#9: Garbage – One Mile High… Live
iTunes stats: 378 plays
Previous Ranking: 17

The audio rip of the band’s live video release, featuring 21 different tracks, jumps up eight spots after more than doubling its number of plays in the past four years.

#8: George Carlin – It’s Bad For Ya
iTunes stats: 391 plays
Previous Ranking: 24

The final album from George Carlin, released just over a month after his death, increases its total by over 144%, thanks in part to being used as a sleeping aid when I’m away from home.

#7: Patton Oswalt – Werewolves and Lollipops
iTunes stats: 395 plays
Previous Ranking: 10

An 85% increase for Patton Oswalt’s second comedy album, which would be significantly higher if I were to ever sync my old iPhone 4s, which I use to lull myself to sleep at home, again.

#6: Various Artists – Living in the 90’s
iTunes stats: 396 plays
Previous Ranking: 8

A whopping 22 songs, from bands like The Proclaimers, EMF, and Roxette, racked up an additional 172 new listens for this compilation of early 90s hits.

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iTunes Top 200 Artists: #81-89

It’s been 4 years since we last counted down the Top 200 artists in my iTunes library.  Since my iTunes stats are still intact, across multiple PCs, iPods, iPads, and iPhones, I figured it was time to take another look at the artists that have entertained me the most based on number of plays from late 2007 through January 1, 2021.

We continue today with the next batch of 10 artists, breaking past the 100 play plateau with the 2 remaining tied for 89th place, the single artist at 88, 2 tied for 86th, and the single artists at 85th through 81st.

#89: Chance The Rapper
iTunes stats: 93 plays
Previous ranking: #139

Somehow the two clips from his intro video for the 2016 White Sox jumped 50 spots due to a 182% increase in plays over the last 4 years.

#89: Roxette
iTunes stats: 93 plays
Previous ranking: #95

Sweden’s second best selling musical act after Abba, the pop duo nearly doubled their listens while moving up 6 spots on the chart.

#88: The Muffs
iTunes stats: 94 plays
Previous ranking: #70

A big 18 spot drop for the band most well known for a Fruitopia commercial back in the day, thanks to a mere 32 new plays.

#86: Soul Asylum
iTunes stats: 97 plays
Previous ranking: #88

43 new listens for the Minneapolis-based band pushes them up 2 spots in the rankings.

#86: Christina Aguilera
iTunes stats: 97 plays
Previous ranking: #84

The former Voice star sees a 73% increase, enabling her to drop only 2 spots.

#85: The Outfield
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Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 4

20 years ago, during my sophomore year of high school, I put together the first of what would become 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. We last looked back at all 20 volumes three years ago to see which of my “favorite” songs still resonated in today’s digital world. Today, we revisit those mix tapes and see how, or if, things have changed in the past 3 years.

Volume 4 places us smack dab in the middle of my junior year of high school, from late 1990 and into 1991, and, s quite possibly, the worst entry in this series.  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

Peaking at #3 on the Billboard charts, the one big hit from the supergroup featuring right-wing douchenozzle Ted Nugent added only 4 new plays and hasn’t shown up in rotation in over a year.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
3 plays 6 plays 10 plays, most recently on 11/21/2017 

Sweet Sensation – If Wishes Came True

The #25 hit of 1990 added 8 additional listens over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
2 plays 5 plays 13 plays, most recently on 8/17/2018 

Poison – Fallen Angel

Poison’s hit from 1988, the only single from Open Up and Say… Ahh! to not crack the top 10, got 9 additional listens over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
11 plays 13 plays 22 plays, most recently on 12/3/2018 

Simpsons – Do The Bartman

The first single from the animated TV family, which went to #1 in 5 countries but wasn’t officially released as a single in the US, added 7 new listens over the last 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
0 plays 1 play 8 plays, most recently on 11/19/2018 

Roxette – The Look

Ranked as the #17 single of 1989, the hit for the Swedish duo gained a mere 3 new spins over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
1 play 8 plays 11 plays, most recently on 7/10/2018 

Poison – I Won’t Forget You

The fourth single from Poison’s debut album, originally taped off a mixtape I “borrowed” from my friend Mike’s sister, tripled its output over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
1 play 3 plays 9 plays, most recently on 9/6/2018

Side B

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Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 2

20 years ago, during my sophomore year of high school, I put together the first of what would become 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. We last looked back at all 20 volumes three years ago to see which of my “favorite” songs still resonated in today’s digital world. Today, we revisit those mix tapes and see how, or if, things have changed in the past 3 years.

Volume 2 picks up in early 1990 and takes us through early summer, book-ended by Roxette hits and featuring another steady stream of hair metal and pop, with a little rap and R&B thrown in for flavor.

Side A

Roxette – Dangerous

Originally recorded from American Top 40, the fifth and final single from Roxette’s second album added 5 listens to its play total over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
7 plays 12 plays 17 plays, most recently on 12/18/2018 

Skid Row – Youth Gone Wild

The first release from Skid Row, which peaked at #99 on the Billboard charts, picked up 5 new plays over the past 4+ years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
4 plays 8 plays 13 plays, most recently on 10/3/2018 

Biz Markie – Just A Friend

Ranked #81 on VH1s list of Greatest One Hit Wonders, Biz Markie’s smash more than doubled its listens over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
6 plays 12 plays 25 plays, most recently on 11/8/2018 

Mötley Crüe – Without You

Peaking at #8 on the Billboard charts, the ballad, said to be about drummer Tommy Lee’s relationship with Heather Locklear, picked up 6 additional spins since 2015.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
10 plays 11 plays 17 plays, most recently on 11/26/2018 

Aerosmith – What It Takes

Aerosmtih returns to my charts with this smash hit, which peaked at #9 on the charts and picked up a mere 3 plays over the last 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
8 plays 12 plays 15 plays, most recently on 8/14/2018 

MC Hammer – U Can’t Touch This

The first rap song to be nominated for the Record of the Year Grammy, MC Hammer’s signature tune more than doubled its play total over the past 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
3 plays 6 plays 13 plays, most recently on 12/15/2018 

Aerosmith – Rag Doll

A 1988 hit from Aerosmith, which makes an appearance on this tape thanks to my absconding my friend Scott’s cassette of their previous album, also more than doubled its play total in the last 3 years.

iTunes Stats
2012 2015 2019
3 plays 6 plays 13 plays, most recently on 10/2/2018 

Side B

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Top 200 Albums – #1 – 10

itunes_imageNearly 4 years ago, we first counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library. Since that time, I’ve successfully managed to migrate my music collection to a new PC with the stats intact. So, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through January 1, 2018.

We finish things off today with the final batch of 10 albums, ranked between #1 and 10, including 4 comedy albums, 4 compilations, 1 greatest hits package, and 1 bootleg live performance.

#10: Patton Oswalt – Werewolves and Lollipops
iTunes stats: 213 plays
Previous Ranking: 13

This total for Patton Oswalt’s standup set would be significantly higher if I were to ever sync my old iPhone 4s again.

#9: The Lonely Island – Incredibad
iTunes stats: 218 plays
Previous Ranking: 3

7 tracks from the groups debut album, most of which originated as digital shorts on SNL, did not rack up the listens and suffers a large drop.

#8: Various Artists – Living In The 90’s
iTunes stats: 224 plays
Previous Ranking: 22

A whopping 22 songs, from bands like The Proclaimers, EMF, and Roxette, make up the total for this compilation of early 90s hits.

#7: Garfunkel and Oates – Slippery When Moist
iTunes stats: 236 plays
Previous Ranking: 10

The entire album, which I got thanks to High 5 iTunes gift cards, added well over 100 listens since last time around.

#6: George Carlin – Complaints and Grievances
iTunes stats: 239 plays
Previous Ranking: N/A

The highest ranking debut is this 2001 comedy album, taped shortly after 9/11.

Continue reading →

iTunes Top 200 Artists: #91-97

3 years ago, we first counted down the then Top 100 artists in my iTunes library.  Since that time, I’ve successfully managed to migrate my music collection to a new PC with the stats intact.  So, I figured it was time to take another look, expanding out the field to the top 200 artists, based on number of plays from late 2007 through January 1, 2017.

We break in to the second half of the list today with a diverse mix of musical genres.

#97: Smash Mouth
iTunes stats: 46 plays
Previous ranking: #72

A scant 13 new listens over the past 3 years led to a 25 spot drop for the NorCal band.

#97: Oblivion
iTunes stats: 46 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The local punk band, fronted by a co-worker, uses the 10 tracks from their final album to make up this total.

#97: Oasis
iTunes stats: 46 plays
Previous ranking: #84

The British band, who at one point claimed to be bigger than Jesus, drop 13 slots thanks to 18 new listens to their 3 songs.

#97: Arrested Development
iTunes stats: 46 plays
Previous ranking: #80

The Atlanta-based new age rap band drops 17 slots thanks to 16 new listens to their  3 songs in the past 3 years.

#96: Jewel
iTunes stats: 47 plays
Previous ranking: N/A

The chanteuse debuts on the chart thanks to 8 different tracks.

#95: Roxette
iTunes stats: 48 plays
Previous ranking: #88

The Swedish duo drop 7 spots despite 21 additional listens to their 5 tunes.

#94: The Beach Boys
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Mix Tape Monday Revisited Roundup

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. Three years ago, we looked back at all 20 volumes and which of my “favorite” songs I still listened to. Today, we revisit those mix tapes and see how things have changed in the last 3 years.

Last week, we finished up the last of the 20 volumes.  The 287 songs from 144 different bands or performers have been played an average of just over 8.5 times each, according to my iTunes stats, up from just over 5 times 3 years ago. Let’s take one final look back at the bands and songs that made up my youth.

Most Played Song

30 – Veruca Salt – Seether

28 – Boyz II Men – It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye

25 – Mazzy Star – Fade Into You

22 – Motley Crue – Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)

22 – Coolio – Gangsta’s Paradise

22 – Cher with Beavis and Butthead – I’ve Got You Babe

22 – Great White – Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Most Played Song – Largest Total Increase

16 – Mazzy Star – Fade Into You

13 – Pearl Jam – Go

12 – 10,000 Maniacs – Because The Night

11 – Boyz II Men – It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye

11 – Coolio – Gangsta’s Paradise

Most Played Song – Largest Percentage Increase

800% – REM – Bang and Blame

700% – Roxette – The Look

500% – Collective Soul – Gel

500% – Green Day – Geek Stink Breath

400% – 6 songs

Most Represented Band

11 – Poison

10 – Aerosmith

10 – Pearl Jam

7 – Def Leppard

7 – Guns N’ Roses

Most Played Tape

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Mix Tape Monday – Volume 4 Revisited

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. Three years ago, we looked back at all 20 volumes and which of my “favorite” songs I still listened to. Today, we revisit those mix tapes and see how things have changed in the last 3 years.

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 managed to double its number of plays despite not showing up in rotation in over a year.

2012 iTunes stats: 3 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 6 plays, most recently on 5/3/2014

Sweet Sensation – If Wishes Came True

The #1 hit more than doubled its number of plays and was last heard one year ago today.

2012 iTunes stats: 2 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 5 plays, most recently on 5/13/2014

Poison – Fallen Angel

Poison’s hit from 1988, the only single from Open Up and Say… Ahh! to not crack the top 10, only got 2 additional listens over the past 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 11 plays

2015 iTunes stats: 13 plays, most recently on 1/29/2013

Simpsons – Do The Bart Man

I finally managed to listen to the first single from the animated TV family for the first time in years last August.

2012 iTunes stats: Never played

2015 iTunes stats: 1 play, on 8/30/2014

Roxette – The Look

A tremendous increase for the first hit from the Swedish group.

2012 iTunes stats: 1 play

2015 iTunes stats: 8 plays, most recently on 9/5/2014

Poison – I Won’t Forget You

The fourth single from Poison’s debut album went up by only 2 listens over the past 3 years.

2012 iTunes stats: 1 play

2015 iTunes stats: 3 plays, most recently on 7/14/2014

Side B

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