Rewind time for tapes
Back to the future as teen drama helps cassettes make comeback
THE other thing that got people talking about Netflix’s suicide-based teen drama 13 Reasons Why? Cassette tapes.
The lead character’s use of the retro audio format in the series helped reintroduce cassettes into popular culture and now there’s been an upsurge in people — many of whom weren’t even born when cassettes were a thing — buying tapes.
By the mid-1990s, the humble cassette had been made all but extinct by the technologically superior compact disc.
However, a hipster-led recovery has seen the cassette make a comeback, following in the footsteps of vinyl.
Naturally, the 13 Reasons Why soundtrack was available on cassette. As was the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, which was based around the old “mix tape” concept.
The Stranger Things soundtrack, fittingly filled with ’ 80s music originally pumped through boom boxes, is also out on cassette. Now other key artists are tapping into the trend.
The deluxe 20th anniversary box set of Radiohead’s OK Computer included a cassette featuring demos not available on any other format. Lana Del Rey, Halsey, Arcade Fire, The Weeknd, Metallica, Justin Bieber, Kanye West and Lil Yachty have all released music on cassette in the past few years.
US clothing and lifestyle chain Urban Outfitters has added cassettes and cassette players to its vinyl and turntable selection in stores. A portable walkman (in clear plastic) will set you back around $50 and a teen-oriented coloured cassette boom box around $130.
But online auction sites, op shops and second-hand record stores are, for now, the best place to find old cassettes, blank cassettes and the ghettoblasters or Walkmans to play them on.
Matthew Sigley, of Long Story Short in Kyneton, said second-hand cassettes sold for $5-$10, with prices increasing for albums released on cassette during the ’90s, when the format was being phased out.
“We generally sell most cassettes to people who still have old tape players in their cars. It’s certainly not at vinyl revival levels,” Mr Sigley said.
While the format has a reputation for warping or breaking, he still has a personal collection that remains in good condition.
Author and music writer Jeff Jenkins, who also has no mobile phone, listens to cassettes in his car and records all his interviews on cassette. “There are so many nostalgic memories tied up in the cassette tape,” he said. “Making mix tapes for loved ones or potential loved ones ... A Spotify playlist? It’s not the same.
“When I tape an interview on my trusty old Walkman, I love that you can actually see the tape turning around. I know it’s working.”