Our Mixtapes, Ourselves: The Happy-Sad Story and Soundtrack of Generation X

by David J Grady

A heartfelt celebration of 1980s "alternative" music and the lost art of making a 90-minute mixtape, "Our Mixtapes, Ourselves - The Happy-Sad Story and Soundtrack of Generation X" playfully and poignantly explores why new wave, punk and post-punk music mattered so much to millions of Gen X teens back then - and why it matters even more to them 40+ years later. Part memoir, part cultural analysis, and part group therapy session, it's a playlist-packed collection of essays and expert interviews that will make you want to break out your old English Beat and Elvis Costello records, dance the pogo in your kitchen, and hug your loved ones dearly - before it's too late.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[Jeff Koepke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short collection of blog entries tracing a Gen X man's journey through grief over the loss of an older brother in the context of his love of New Wave music. While interesting I would've liked more depth and details.