All Hail Devo: How Mixtape’s Soundtrack Made It May’s Surprise Hit
Beethoven + Dinosaur’s Mixtape has emerged as May’s surprise hit, a game centered around a music-loving teenager curating a “perfect” mixtape. The title has generated discussion around its soundtrack authenticity, with critics questioning the music choices’ historical accuracy.
In response to such criticism, defenders of the game argue that the soundtrack choices are justified and reflect realistic ’90s listening habits. The Jesus and Mary Chain, a Scottish noise rock band featured prominently in the game, serves as a focal point for this debate. While acknowledged as not mainstream, the band was far from obscure during the era—they secured spots on major record labels, had their records stocked in chain stores nationwide, and performed on Lollapalooza’s main stage in 1992. Their 1994 single “Sometimes Always” achieved substantial commercial success, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving regular MTV airplay.
The game’s approach to music curation appears to resonate with players, with the soundtrack playing a crucial role in its success. The emphasis on musical authenticity and ’90s nostalgia seems to have struck a chord with audiences, making Mixtape one of the month’s standout releases despite initial skepticism about its subject matter.