Thursday, October 01, 2009

Mix tapes

Back when I was in college, we used to love making mix tapes, you know, cassette tapes (readers under 30, go here) where you copy a bunch of your favorite songs so you can listen to them on your Walkman (readers under 30, go here). We always used to talk about what songs we would put on the Ultimate Mix Tape. Sometimes we'd come up with themes, such as the ultimate dance party mix tape, or (my favorite) the ultimate fuck-you mix tape. This would be the one that you played when your boyfriend or girlfriend done you wrong and broke your heart, or your roommate totally made out with the guy YOU had a crush on and she didn't care about. In honor of a dear friend who I think would appreciate such a tape right about now (she knows who she is), I present the following list:
  • Goodbye to You, by Scandal
  • I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor
  • Hit the Road Jack, Ray Charles
  • These Boots Are Made For Walkin', Nancy Sinatra
  • Cold-Hearted, Paula Abdul
  • The Sign, Ace of Base
  • Positively 4th Street, Bob Dylan
  • Unhappy Birthday, The Smiths
  • Fuck You, Lily Allen
Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments...

25 comments:

Su said...

This one is my fave:
Bust Your Windows by Jazmine Sullivanhttp://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#bust%20your%20windows

Mel said...

Oh man, I seriously thought about sending the ex a "fuck you, you cheating fuck" mix tape after the breakup. Every time I'd hear a song that'd work for it.

JJ said...

What about that song from Jann Arden? Insensitive?

I miss mix tapes. My last car still had a tape deck when most cars of that vintage no longer did. The problem was that, after 2000, I didn't have anything to RECORD them anymore. My new one has all kinds of fancy things, but no tape deck. There's something about the old mix tapes. MP3s just don't compare.

Anonymous said...

"You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morisette
"The Winner Takes it All" by ABBA (for the crying moments)
"Take a Bow (Glee Cast Version)" by Lea Michelle
"One Step Closer" by Linkin Park
"Crucify" by Tori Amos

Anonymous said...

Laughing!!!!! Pardon the bad joke, but you rock!

Carol said...

Absolutely have to add Alanis. Maybe Simon & Garfunkel's 50 Ways too.

dorkette said...

How about "Don't Think of Me" by Dido?

AmyP said...

You must include "Feel so much better when you're gone" by Tom Petty. That song has been my therapy...more than once!

Elizabeth D said...

"You're No Good" -- Linda Ronstadt

Julie said...

I also vote for Alanis.

"So What" by Metallica.
"Sisters are Doing it For Themselves" by Annie Lennox and Aretha Franklin and I know not whom.
"Respect" by Aretha, now I'm thinkin' on it.
"Just a Girl" by No Doubt.

anne marie in philly said...

believe - cher ("baby I'm too good for you")

I won't back down - tom petty ("I'll stand my ground and I won't back down" [my own personal fight song])

you and your hand - pink ("but you're going home alone, aren't ya?")

before he cheats - carrie underwood ("took a louisville slugger to both headlights")

I drink alone - george thorogood & the delaware destroyers

Anonymous said...

OK, since I'm quite over 30, I think the list needs a lot more 70's and 80's music, like: Down to Zero (Joan Armatrading). Anything old from Eric Clapton. I Shall Be Released (Dylan) - not a break-up song per se, but sad and beautiful. But the #1 saddest and best break up song ever? "Looks Like Rain" by the Grateful Dead. (Of course.) Link to lyrics here: http://www3.clearlight.com/~acsa/introjs.htm?/~acsa/songfile/LOOKRAIN.HTM

Theresa B said...

"Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley. It's a happy song that lets you know "every little thing is gonna be alright..."

Anonymous said...

hmm...god i miss mix tapes.
But ok..thinking cap.

Slash Your Tires - Luna
Love will tear us apart - Joy Division
Ceremony - New Order
Love to hate you - Erasure

wow...I could literally do this all day! Fun!
-Jennifer

Sarah said...

Legs, PJ Harvey

mellenknits said...

I would have to add some Ani DiFranco for the "angry feminist" bent... My favorites are "gravel" or "as is", and "32 flavors" if you want some self-assurance, but there are lots of others...

Sue said...

Macy Gray - Finally Made Me Happy

Enjay said...

Love Stinks - J. Geils Band
Hair of the Dog - Nazareth
Two songs that have stood me in good stead over the years.

Joan said...

I see someone has already mentioned "You and Your Hand" by Pink, but "I Hate You So Much Right Now" by Kelis, played loudly, is very therapeutic.

Carol said...

Get Out of This House - Shawn Colvin

Tricia said...

Ciao by The Beautiful South. Sample line: I can't believe I fell for such a loser like you!

Anonymous said...

Idiot Wind by Bob Dylan
"Some day you'll be in the ditch, flies buzzin' around your eyes, blood on your saddle."

"Idiot wind, blowin' every time you move your teeth; You're an idiot, babe; it's a wonder that you still know how to breathe."

Anne said...

Seconding Before He Cheats, and adding Irreplaceable
'I can have another you in a minute, matter of fact he'll be here in a minute ... don't you ever ever get to thinkin' you're irreplaceable....'

Anonymous said...

One Last Kiss -- J Geils.

Linda

Ali P said...

I second Irreplaceable and add "Enough is Enough (no more tears) by Barbra S and Donna Summer.