The mix tape. It's a lost art in this digital age.

When I was a day away from my first #eurotrip, the summer of my Junior year, I remember staying up late and putting together the perfect mix tape.  You needed a dual deck cassette player and super human-like dexterity.  The ability to press play and record, simultaneously, on different decks would make any present day gamer jealous.

The mix tape had many purposes.  You could make one to show someone special how much you cared for them...or to let them know it was time to part.  A mix tape could be made in preparation for a big game, to psyche you up...or to help you relax for that huge AP test coming up around the corner.  For me, the mix tape I made before my first trip to France was in prep for a long flight and the uncertainty of whether or not I would like French music.

My bright yellow walk-man was packed onto my carry on and got plenty of use while en route to Paris.  It was also prevalent in one of the most memorable travel moments of my life.  I remember walking through the Louvre and entering a giant chamber filled with massive wall-sized paintings.  I was the only one in the room. As I walked into the room, this song began playing:

This song quickly began a mental collection that I consider the soundtrack of my life.  Music had never had as much of an impact on me as it did that day in the Ile de Cite.  Whenever I hear Bono belting out those lyrics, I am instantly transplanted into that moment in time.  That was the thing about a mix tape.  It took time to organize and even more time to make.  You listened to each song as it was copied from the master to the mix.  As technology progressed, we could burn a CD, but it wasn't the same.  It was instantaneous.  The mix tape is a lost art.

I was thinking about this today and remembering my EuroTrip mix tape from 1994.  I wondered if I could attempt to make a new one...and then it hit me, I can make one on this blog.  So, I am going to add some songs to this thread and explain why I've included it.  I hope some of you will comment with your own suggestions for my digital mix tape.  Even if you don't perhaps you'll find a new song to add to your playlist.

Leaving on a Jet Plane Me first and the Gimme Gimmes.
This is a non-traditional cover of the classic tune from the movie Armageddon.  I love the irreverent nature of this version and most of their songs.  Whenever I am departing for some faraway place, the "leaving on a jet plane" lyrics seem to find their way into my head.  It's not the best cover in the world, but it serves a purpose.

Dreams The Cranberries.
An Irish band, the Cranberries sang about political issues of their nation, but this song hit me a different way. It seems to remind me that every day is filled with new experiences and adventures.  These are the dreams they sing about.  Along with U2, the Cranberries also gave me a musical connection to my Irish heritage.  I don't know if there are even any Cranberry bogs in Ireland, but I can dream that there are.

I'm Henry the VIII, I am. Herman's Hermits.
I love the accents on this song.  It is probably one of the more influential songs of my life.  I based my early version of a British accent on this song.  That accent, slightly Cockney, garnered me a part in the SHSDC production of Oliver and also kickstarted my love of musical theater.  This catchy tune is easy to remember and makes me remember being driven around by my parents while they listened to Oldies 103.  For some reason, it makes me think of England, but I can figure out why.

Thriller. Michael Jackson.
The King of Pop...say what you will about the controversy that became Michael Jackson, but it is hard to deny his influence on pop culture.  I used to think that Neil Armstrong "moon walked" like Michael did, only to be disappointed when I saw the video of the actual moon landing.  I am including the full length feature version of Thriller on this blog mix tape for two reasons.  1.  I wanted high school students to see what a music video actually looked like (They don't exist on MTV anymore).  2. We are going to be staying in a Haunted Hotel while we are in Wales, and short of showing a Culture Club video, I wanted something that might freak out our students.  As you watch, you might recognize some Zombie dance steps from Ferris Bueller's Day Off.  That's the impact MJ had!!!

Well, it's after midnight...and I've got to get some sleep before prepping for our trip.  I think it is time to turn in for the evening.  Please suggest other songs for my #eurotrip13 mix tape.

Mr. Lavoie, from an empty hall in the Lourve listening to U2...