Bernard O'Shea: When the world feels overwhelming, just press play

Exploring the enduring magic of mixtapes and their digital evolution, where science, nostalgia, and the art of Foster and Allen converge.

Bernard O'Shea. Photograph Moya Nolan

Ah, the evocative power of music! Every one of us has that distinctive song which, when played, instantly propels us to sing out loud with all our might. But it's not just the captivating melody; it's an invitation to a bygone era.

My attics forgotten corners recently revealed a treasure from my youth - a mixtape, well, a "mix-cd". Yet, it wasn't just about nostalgia or the memory of that regrettable haircut I once flaunted, vainly trying to channel my inner John Lennon with my distinctively Irish red hair. No, there's a tangible bit of science to this musical time-travelling.

At the centre of this phenomenon lies the brain's limbic system, emphasising the hippocampus and amygdala. These structures play a pivotal role in memory formation and emotional responses. When we hear familiar tunes, the hippocampus retrieves memories associated with them, while the amygdala processes the emotions they elicit. This synergy explains the powerful wave of nostalgia we experience when an old song plays.

This allure of mixtapes is not merely an individual's romanticism. Curating and sharing music has been a cornerstone of musical kinship through the ages. Though the medium has morphed—from phonograph records to today's digital playlists—the core sentiment of sharing endures. Mixtapes, especially in hip-hop, were instrumental in launching many a career, providing a voice to the otherwise voiceless.

The cassette tape, an invention of the 1960s, quickly became synonymous with the personal music experience in the following decades. It allowed music enthusiasts to record, curate, and share their favourite tracks, offering an intimacy that vinyl records couldn't. Compact and portable, it was the medium of choice until the rise of CDs in the 1990s. Beyond music, it symbolised a generation's need for self-expression and individuality.

Movies have long recognised and harnessed the emotional potency of music. A film's soundtrack often amplifies its narrative, adding depth and emotion. Think of the iconic scene in "The Shawshank Redemption" when Andy plays an opera record or the adrenaline-pumping soundtrack of any Martin Scorsese film. These melodies anchor viewers to specific moments, making them more memorable and impactful. 

Speaking of soundtracks, is there any one individual you know over the age of 40 who didn't have a copy of either the "Forest Gump" or "Romeo and Juliet" soundtrack? Regardless of our musical tastes, we all feel certain emotions when we hear the opening music to "Father Ted", and although I wasn't a massive fan, every time I hear the "Friends" theme tune "I'll be There for You" I'm instantly transported back to the 90's.

Now, we listen along in the streaming-dominated present. Algorithms can pick their way through our nostalgia and playlist our lives. But there will always be songs that you have yet to think about playing. Songs you have yet to hear in years. For those inspired to embark on this nostalgic journey, I suggest to:

Kickstart with songs that resonate with joy and memories: Your playlist should embody that spirit.  Personally, my list would be incomplete without Zig and Zag's "A Tijuana Gypsy Stole My Personal Stereo" and "The Bartman" – a cherished gift from my sister Siobhan's first paycheque.

Embrace the digital wave: Spotify and its ilk have modernised the mixtape's essence. Today's playlists are our contemporary love letters to music and memories.

Seek solace in sound: When the world feels overwhelming, just press play. Soon, you won't even hear,, "DADDY GET ME MILK NOW" over your earbuds.

Share the symphony: One of the marvels of our age is seamless sharing. Bring back the communal spirit of the mixtape era and share your curated playlists. You never know who it might touch or inspire. Even if you get a what's app message with "f##k off sharing this shite", it might be a friend that has said this to you for nearly 30 years (you know who you are)

In our fast-paced world, occasionally, all it takes is the comforting rhythm of a familiar song pulling us into its embrace. Whether through tangible mixtapes or digital playlists, music continues to be our refuge and our guide. I don't care what music snobs think, either. I'm adding "Old Flames" by Foster and Allen to the top of my list.