Three Stars

Esther (an alias) is the personable proprietor of Esther?s Mix Tape Collective. Members put together party tapes and send them to Esther. She posts them off to others in the collective likely to be appreciative.

Simon and Garfunkel, interestingly, are the artists most ?mixed? by the collective. There?s lots of music in the 6 minute plus piece too: some Carpenters, the Strokes, and Hakan Helstrom too.

The segment?s lots of fun ? as is the idea of a mix collective. It?s extremely well-produced and lively. Nonetheless, I wanted to hear how Esther got the idea for the collective, and about the challenges of running it. I would also have liked to hear what members get that the radio, iTunes, and other music sources don?t provide.
This material would have added some balance and resonance.

Esther?s Mix Tape Collective might be a hip cutaway to jazz up one of the national newsmagazines. Localize by back announcing a local tape swap or other music sharing event, now happening frequently.

Anthea Raymond
PRX Editorial Board
July 30, 2006
Los Angeles