I've been making my own "break tapes" for years, and when CD's became the standard - I switched over to that format. Today, my laptop holds over 4,000 mp3 files that can cover ANY party situation, whether on my breaks, or as a DJ. I do kid's parties, sweet 16's, college graduations, weddings, 50th anniversaries .... you name it . I have the music for it.

Start by transferring million sellers to a folder for dances ... like:
Old Time R&R
Hot Hot Hot
Mambo #5
I will survive

..... you know - stuff that EVRYBODY dances to at parties.

Then get the specialty stuff:

Chicken dance
Macarena
Electric Slide (there's THREE now)
etc....

Put them in folders according to genre, and you're on your way.

I have folders set up for:

30'3 & 40's
50's & 60's
70's & 80's
90's to current
EZ listening
Acoustic
Jazz
Holiday
Classical(for ceremonies)
Dance(party stuff)
TV & Movies (show tunes, soundtracks)
USA (patriotic fare)
Weddings (specific novelties to weddings, like Bride cuts cake, gimicks-jike jepoardy theme, procesionals etc...)

Good luck to you !

[This message has been edited by Uncle Dave (edited 05-31-2003).]