Much of what he writes about rings true for me. When I was a kid (I'm older than you), I used to make mixed tapes for myself and for friends all the time. It was a "gateway" in to the album, just like he said. Mixed tapes were also my "gateway" in to the good graces of many a girl. A good mixed tape was a powerful thing. We once had a Hubski music club in which we did a music exchange. The idea was that you had to make a physical mixed tape or cd and exchange it with your partner. It was awesome, we should do it again.

Also, to Tweedys point about an album giving you two different experiences via sides, this is so true and it really comes in handy these days. Tonight, I listened to the Shins Port of Morrow and at the end of the first side, had to take a break because it was time to put the kid to sleep. But I didn't feel like I was interrupting anything by doing so. Afterwards, I put on some headphones and finished the other side. Listening to full albums is such a better experience than just listening to playlists or mixes. It's like reading a novel as opposed to just a chapter.