Well every year about this time I create a two-CD 'mix tape' of the year's best music, to be shared with friends and family. It's always been a really positive experience, having people discover 'obscure' stuff that they wind up really liking. It helps me feel a little less alone in the world of music tastes!I think this year may be my last one, however.I've noticed that I can't just listen to a new song anymore. Instead I listen to it and think 'would this work on the year end mix?' Rather than just appreciating a song I'm analyzing it, trying to figure out how much others might like it. I don't want to think like that. Yes I gobble up music by the fistful, but I do it because I want to. However, when I reach the point where I'm doing it not because I enjoy music but because I feel beholden to others or because I want to demonstrate my fabulous indie music cred then it's time to take a step back. Reevaluate.So, this will probably be the last year-end mix tape. I think it's gonna be a good one though - there's been a lot of cool new stuff out there this year! And I still love making mix tapes, so I may do smaller, seasonal ones instead in the future. I did a summer mix this year that was well received.I'll post this year's mix track list when it's finalized.