I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s February, and that means one terrifying thing: It will be Valentine’s Day soon.
This isn’t Dive’s official Valentine’s issue. That’s coming next week, full of all the witty sarcasm you’ve come to expect. This week, I’m giving you some tips on making it through this holiday to end all holidays, armed with a menagerie of friends who can’t break your heart, eat your candy or pick a bad romantic comedy — namely, I’m going to discuss a few tips on the art of the mixed tape.
Get a Little Weird
Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, The Beatles — yawn. You’ve heard it so often that putting it on a mixed tape is about as original as a box of Wittman’s chocolates. If you’re making a mix (for yourself or the object of your affection), you’ve got to shake things up — I’m talking noise, dubstep, whatever gets your heart rate up or your palms sweaty. The best mixes are the ones that come completely out of left field.
Go Old School
Chillwave, revivalist bluegrass and lo-fi pop can be charming, but often it’s because they draw on some badass original sources. If you’re trying to wallow alone in your room — and who is Dive to judge? — Echo and the Bunnymen or Joy Division can be as tear-jerking as a chopped onion. And if you’re trying to feel the love, why not delve into some Velvet Underground or Yo La Tengo’s cinematic sensibilities?
Let Your Freak Flag Fly
Ultimately, the best mixes are the ones that represent you in all your strangeness. If you’re a closeted Liberace fan, it’s time to say it loud and proud. Besides, if you’re trying to woo a Valentine’s sweetheart, there are few better ways than through a great piano solo.
Contact the Diversions Editor at diversions@dailytarheel.com.
