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Cassette Revival - Fad or Fave?


First it was the iPod classic, then it was vinyl, now cassette tapes are swinging back into action.
Gone are the days when cassettes were hidden in the deepest, darkest corner of your Dad's attic, they're now a common component of any merch stand or artsy Instagram post.
This sudden surge of interest is great for the music industry, especially for smaller, independent/alternative artists. Illegal downloading has been destroying the industry, meaning that smaller groups and independent record shops aren't reaping the rewards of their fantastic, hard work. By encouraging more quirky platforms for listening to music, it's enabling these artists to earn a bit of extra cash. Which in the long term means that both local and niche music scenes can blossom, creating a more diverse and eclectic scene.
Although vinyl produces a much higher quality sound, it is a very expensive hobby. If you wanted to start a cassette collection, you can buy decent modern, portable sets (imagine the chunkiest iPod you have ever seen) for about £15. The revival is still in its very early days, so you are able to get some brilliant albums very cheaply. I found four Bowie albums for £5 a few months ago, and many independent record stores have some hidden gems.
I'd love it if making your own mix tapes came back into fashion. The ritual of eagerly waiting for your desired songs on the radio and the frantic pressing of buttons to make sure you caught every glorious note of it. My dad was kind enough to give me his old collection and I've been thoroughly enjoying his hybrid tape of: 'Fleetwood Mac Greatest Hits' and BB King's 'Midnight Believer'.
However, despite Submarine's romanticisng of making mixtapes, it's unlikely that it'll catch on. It's too easy and cheap to buy a tape or CD and the majority of  young people only listen to the radio in the car or in waiting rooms of Doctor's offices. Or at a push maybe if a new song by your favourite band is Annie Mac's 'Track of the Week' - but even that is done through BBC IPlayer 99% of the time. If people were recording their tapes via a laptop, the whole process would lose its rustic charm.
However if you wish to delve into a retro aesthetic and indulge in some fuzzy tunes, then raid charity shops, parent's attics and the ever fruitful eBay.

Fad or Fave? - FAVE

And for you cassette newbs - here's a few outlets to help you start your collection.

'Revolver' The Beatles £1.50, 'The Final Cut' Pink Floyd £1, 'Never Mind' Nirvana £2.50, 'Walk on the Wild Side' Lou Reed £1.99.  All eBay

Set of Bowie albums £5 Depop



'Pack Horse Overview' Spoils and Relics with Johny Scarr
Purchased from 'Beat Down Records'

'Moth Boys' Spector - purchased at their merchandise
stand at their 'Tenner Tour'.

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