“Sometimes I Rhyme Slow” – Nice & Smooth
An early ‘90s rap duo’s one radio hit, about AIDS and addiction, with a peaceful beat that absolutely does not fit the subject matter, but somehow works and evokes a sad, wistful feeling.

“Ain’t That A Shame” – Fats Domino
A song from the ‘70s, an era when R&B artists were apparently still able to sing about lost love without whining and bugging the crap out of everyone. Or at least Fats Domino could. I like singing along to this in my car, like Brendan Fraser does in School Ties.

“If I Get Locked Up” – Eminem & Dr. Dre
Eminem circa 1999, when his rap was still crazy and angry, before he got fat and wimpy. Over an urgent Funkmaster Flex and Big Kap beat, the slightly insane quality of the lyrics is enough to get me amped up anytime.

“Sons & Daughters” – The Decemberists
I’m not really sure how to describe this song, but it’s off an album that’s inspired by a story about a woman who is a crane and has a greedy husband. It’s kinda hopeful, thoughtful, and fanciful, as is this group’s wont.

“Show Me The Way” – San Quinn
Quinn takes what would otherwise be an uninteresting, standard rap about big booties and lays it over a sample from The Doors’ “Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar),” making it much more intriguing. And creepy. Very creepy.

“Sticks and Stones” – The Pierces
This vengeful girl group sings about witches’ spells and killing people in a folk-rocky, poppy sort of way. I think. It’s hard to tell on such a fast-paced track with upbeat-sounding vocals.

“It’s Gettin’ Hot” – The Team
If you read the lyrics to this song, it’s about going to a club and meeting chicks. When you listen to it, it sounds dangerous, with a slow, dark, synthesized beat. These rappers’ voices make me feel almost grimy when I listen to them, but this track is still somehow perfect for inappropriate dancing.

“Nightingale” – The Eagles
This is the kind of music that’s good to listen to on long car rides in the summer. Lots of “wooooahhhhhhs” and a slight twang. Plus it’s cheerful and catchy, unlike almost every other song on this mixtape.