They key to a great party is the music,” Sam says, scrolling through his iPod as we tramp through the sand. Eddie – the guy having the party – put Sam in charge of the playlist. “If it’s too intense, no one will be able to hang out and talk. But if it’s too mellow, it will turn into a snoozefest. You also have to consider timing. There’s a particular kind of music appropriate for each stage of the party – intro, warm-up, full swing, wind-down, and outro.