My addiction to cassette tapes isn’t a problem — it’s a solution
And there’s no way you’re going to convince me otherwise
Why do you like cassettes so much?
It’s hard to put a finger on. I guess, firstly, I’m a sucker for analogue music in general. Although most of my listening is done digitally (it’s just so damn convenient), it’s an undeniably different experience when you have to physicallyputsomething on.
Now, I’ve been collecting records for years — and they’re still my analogue format of choice — but cassettes offer something different.
If vinyl were a person, they’d probably wear immaculate suits that are strangely fragile. And they’d listen to jazz. If cassettes were a person they’d most likely make their own clothes out of stuff they found on the street and walk around making trumpet noises with their mouth.
What I’m getting at is cassettes feel more homegrown, more accessible, more of the people. I have wonderful memories of being younger and making my own mixtapes, of recording things of the radio. There was something magnificently DIY about the format.
So, like anything, I’m probably into cassettes for three main reasons: pretentiousness, nostalgia, and my never-ending desire tocollect.
The never-ending joy of ‘things’
The other topic I wanted to talk about is broader. Specifically,I wanted to ponder on why we get so hooked on physical items.
And the answer I came to? The pure learning experience.
I think this is what people who are negative or dismissive about the joy ofstuffmiss. You can look at something like my cassette tape fixation and, quite legitimately, ask “what’s the fucking point? What a waste of time. And money.”
But an interest like this isn’t solely about actuallyusing it. No, it’s the area beyond the activity that’s so damn addictive; the mental engagement.
Since I’ve begun my cassette obsession,I’ve read and (hopefully) absorbed a huge amount of information, all the way from the mechanics of machines made by now-defunct manufacturers, through to the degradation cycle of tape itself.
Even better, this is the tip of the iceberg. There’s legitimately so much more stuff to learn — and that’s before even talking about all the bands putting out tapes, or the rise of cassette-only labels.
This is how I’d put the experience of buying things you’re bang into: it’s like the wardrobe from theNarniabooks getting dropped off at your house. They’re an entranceway to an entirely new world that’s packed withfresh experiences. And I’ll never, ever tire of that feeling.
So, have you had your eye on a new thing? Good. Then you have my support to go and buy it. Actually, scratch that, Iurgeyou to go and buy it. Remember: it’s not just athing, it’s an investment in yourself.
And yes, this whole newsletterhasbeen a longwinded way to enable both you and myself.You’re welcome.
Anyway, I’m off — I’ve got some cassettes to go and think about.
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Story byCallum Booth
Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting(show all)Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting was cited widely, including in VICE, the FT, and the BBC.
Callum’s writing has appeared in The Verge, The Daily Telegraph, Time Out, and many more. He covers the full spectrum of technology, with a particular focus on how it shapes our daily lives. And a lot of regulation stuff too.
Outside of work, Callum’s an avid bookworm, a Fisherman’s Friends addict, and resolutely unshaven. Follow him on Twitter @CallumBooth or visit www.callumbooth.net.
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