Combine Split Continuous Mix Tracks

For some reason, continuous mixes are split into separate tracks on a lot of albums in the iTunes Store lately. This causes playback problems if you have shuffle turned on or if you scrub forward in one of the tracks. I tried to find a way to write the tracks to a CD disc image and reimport with tracks combined but couldn't find a way to do it. I finally found a fix using Audacity (free, open source).

Here's how to do it:

1. Download Audacity (audacityteam.org) and the optional FFmpeg library (so you can import/export M4a files).
2. Locate the tracks in Finder. You can copy them to a new folder on your desktop so they're easily located.
3. Create a new project in Audacity (File/New) and import the tracks (File/Import/Audio).
4. Make sure they're in the correct order then select all tracks (Select/All) so they're all highlighted blue.
5. Deselect the first track by command-clicking in the track's left-hand pane (see screenshot).
6. Select the Time Shift Tool (double-ended arrow) in the toolbar and drag all selected tracks to the right until the second track snaps to the end of the first (a yellow vertical guide appears – see screenshot).
7. Deselect the second track and repeat for all remaining tracks.
8. Click in the timeline before all joins to play and make sure all tracks are positioned correctly.
9. Export the file (Export/Export Audio) and select M4A (AAC) Files. (This is where the FFmpeg library comes into play.) Name the track and album in the Edit Metadata Tags window that pops up.
10. Import into iTunes (File/Add to Library) and, there you have it, a single track continuous mix – like they're meant to be. You can copy and paste the album/track artwork in the Info window.