The mix-tape is a perverse art. Like the collage (for which this possibly one-time column is named), there is something unnatural about it. How is it that we can take many pieces, all of which we like, and combine them to form something new that no longer resembles any of the things it is made of? It would take more than a 500-word column to answer that question, so let us just agree that it is a tricky task. Still, we must also agree that mix-tapes are undoubtedly pleasing — much more so than the shuffle option on your iPod. Part of what makes mix tapes so pleasing is the knowledge that they were made, that someone intended these songs to be played in this order.

Thus, with these opening remarks, let’s explore one incarnation of the mix-tape: the friendship tape. This is one of the simpler tapes to make in that the only message conveyed is: “Just as these songs are awesome, you, my friend, are awesome.” Nonetheless, it is a most cherished gift when done properly. So, without further adieu...

Side A

Pearls Before Swine – “I Saw the World” (3:28) – This song is as beautiful as it is weird. If you’re looking for the aural equivalent of a Blake poem, Pearls Before Swine should be your first stop — an excellent introductory song because the lyrics reflect a sort of naïve wonder at creation that is mirrored in the unfolding creation of the tape.

The Mekons – “I Can’t Find My Money” (2:33) – Here the tape truly begins. A lighthearted mishmash of dub and country, it is incredibly catchy yet nonchalant, joyful and lighthearted.

Sun City Girls – “Esoterica of Abyssinia” (3:17) – This is where the tape begins to take off. This song is necessarily powerful and beautiful – twin guitars blasting folk melodies with the intensity of a hard rock band.

Thin Lizzy – “Emerald” (4:04) – Thin Lizzy is the logical choice here, not only because both songs share a love of killer guitar tone but also because this song trumps the previous one by being even more intense because it’s about barbarian hordes.

Undertones – “Teenage Kicks” (2:26) – At this point, it’s important to give your friend a break. Everyone likes to feel powerful music, but you should also return to the more lighthearted side that you began with. The Undertones are a good choice because they’re much more interested in dating than war. Still, they’re serious enough about dating that not all of the intensity is lost.

Boredoms – “Shock City” (4:43) – Of course, once you lower the intensity a little bit, you actually have to raise it even further afterwards, otherwise entropy will eventually leave you with a mix tape that is depressing and unfulfilling. This song definitely takes care of that — it sounds exactly like its title!

Gong – “I’ve Been Stone Before/Mister Long Shanks: O Mother: I Am Your Fantasy” (8:33) – Finally, this is a crucial point in your tape. An epic song will rightly exhaust the theme of the first side (power, if you didn’t notice). This one is actually particularly good because it begins with the same sort of joy that the tape began with but eventually sputters out in exhaustion.

Side B

Metal Boys – “Carnival” (1:31) – French New Wave! The perfect transition, because the singer on the last song sounded vaguely French, but this is uplifting like a nursery rhyme – a new theme.

Tyrannosaurus Rex – “Chariots of Silk” (2:27) – This song maintains the uplifting feeling. It’s also lighthearted, but the relentless drum beat forces you to take it seriously.

Muluqen Mellesse – “Embwa Belew” (3:59) – I think I listen to this song everyday. It definitely maintains the lightheartedness of the last few songs but in a new way. First of all, it’s funky. Secondly, it’s sung in Ethiopian, which is both jarring and fun.

Animal Collective – “We Tigers” (2:43) – Happy like the last few songs but also kind of weird. Like the previous song, this is necessary for your tape: you want your friend to be happy, but you don’t want them to become so comfortable that they lose interest.

Big Youth – “Solomon a Gunday” (3:09) – This is essentially the same trick as on Side A, but in reverse. This song avoids the weirdness by utilizing saxophones and Gregory Isaacs and thus chooses a more subdued, happy path.

Billy Nichols – “Would You Believe” (2:43) – And now, of course, you up the ante. Think second-rate Beach Boys, but the rawness is charming. I’ve taken to dancing in a circle and waving my arms back and forth when I hear this song.

Devendra Banhart – “Rejoicing in the Hands” (1:43)—After dancing around for three minutes, this lullaby mirrors your friend’s simultaneous exhaustion and happiness.

Gentle Giant – “Wreck” (4:40) – This is the real ending of the tape. Gentle Giant definitely harken back to Side A, but the Gregorian Chant vocals and flute make this song tamer than you’d expect.

Francoise Hardy – “On se Plait” (2:09) – It is almost always impossible to make your mix tape end exactly where you want it. By all means, don’t cut it short though. It’s boring to listen to three minutes of silence while you wait for Side A to come around again. Rather, put on a simple pop song. It’s important that it be as harmless as possible, as you don’t want to disturb the overall form of your tape.Those interested need only email the author and provide a blank 60-minute tape for a copy of this week’s example...