As all music fans know, it’s not just the song that matters, but the whole package. The magical quality that we attribute to the medium, whether analogue or digital, in our heads can enhance the sound and quality of songwriting If you believe everything that you read, the audio experience is about to go, if not full circle, at least back in time, with the humble cassette tapes making a comeback. More and more artists are putting albums out on tape – Sky Larkin have been producing hand drawn artwork for theirs since their incarnation. Label Tapeworm, does exactly what it says on the tin, with cassette only releases, limited to a press of 250.
A little perspective though. When we say ‘comeback’ or ‘resurgence’ you expect a return to the good old days. In 1989 there were 83 million tapes sold in Britain, but 20 years on, that number is not even one ten thousandth, at only 8443 (British Phonographic Institute). Hardly a return to its prime.
It may be that it is just part of the circle of life,. Old things acquire a certain appeal and quality that their newest counterparts just can’t match. Vinyl never really came back, it just became old enough to be retro and cool. Now its the turn of the tape. Across the UK there is a widespread nostalgia trip taking place – knitting, baking, DIY – initially instigated by the recession, and it may be that once we are seeing better days, the humble cassette will once again be relegated to the car boot sale pile.
Either way, it’s unlikely that any boost in sales can be solely attributed to The Mirror’s insightful explanation of the trend: „Cassette tapes are back because old folk prefer them to CDs.
As all music fans know, it’s not just the song that matters, but the whole package. The magical quality that we attribute to the medium, whether analogue or digital, in our heads can enhance the sound and quality of songwriting.
