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Ensure your clock radio and transistor are consistently tuned to the Top 40 station to maximize your chances of catching The Songs.
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Prepare your tape recorder in advance (don’t forget to check those batteries!). A helpful tip: keep it on record/pause to save precious time.
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Optimize sound levels on your radios and determine the best distance between the speaker and tape recorder. Your goal is to capture audio at maximum volume while still hearing the lyrics clearly. Conduct multiple practice sessions with all devices in varying locations.
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Minimize errands with your parents to increase the likelihood of being home when a Song plays.
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Likewise, keep bathroom trips brief. Quick tip: use commercial breaks to relieve yourself!
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It may be tempting to dive into your neighbor’s pool, but consider the risk of missing a Song. Swimming is permissible only after successfully recording at least two Songs.
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Regularly check in with friends like Mia T. and Jake L. to see if they’ve heard any of The Songs recently.
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Analyze patterns of songs or commercials that precede The Songs. Maintain a designated notebook for this purpose.
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Start recording as soon as you hear anything resembling the first note of a Song. If there’s an unusually long pause after a commercial or DJ chatter, it could indicate your Song is about to play. It’s better to have false alarms than to miss a golden opportunity.
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If you begin recording and it turns out not to be one of The Songs, erase immediately and reset the tape recorder. And once more, check those batteries!
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While recording a Song, visually inspect the tape recorder to confirm it’s functioning correctly. Resist the urge to press the record button again “just in case.” Trust your instincts.
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After The Song concludes, wait until the next track begins, the DJ speaks, or a commercial airs. You can always erase excess material, but you can never reclaim the last second of a Song.
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Keep a running list of Songs as you record them, and occasionally verify the list by fast-forwarding through the ongoing tape.
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Once your mixtape is complete, initiate a new notebook to write down the lyrics to all The Songs. With the ability to rewind at will, you will finally grasp all the words and their meanings. This process can be quite fulfilling.
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Summary
This article outlines 14 essential steps for successfully recording a mixtape in 1983, including strategies for optimizing your recording setup and ensuring you don’t miss any of your favorite Songs. By following these guidelines, you can create a mixtape that captures the essence of the music you love while also enjoying the process of learning the lyrics and meanings behind each track.