Hence, on Saturday, September 27, Music Record Shop in the Grove will serve as your local International Cassette Store Day representative. Starting at noon, the shop will be offering many of the official releases. These range from well-known acts like Karen O, Best Coast and Vivian Girls, to compilations by specialty labels like Slo-Fi, Pizza Tapes and New Wave Tapes. The store will also host performances by local favorites Little Big Bangs, Boreal Hills and the Reverbs, and will offer free Schlafly beer. In other words, a lot like Record Store Day -- except with shorter lines, cheaper products and a generally humbler attitude.
According to Music Record Shop's Mark Carter, cassettes have become a small but dependable portion of retail. "The sales of cassettes is amazing, both new and used," Carter said. "It really has gone beyond being a novelty. We have customers who are seeking out music released on cassettes. I'm not sure it will be a strong of a comeback as vinyl, but for now it's definitely growing in popularity."
Carter agrees that cassettes provide both value and portability. "I think it started as a novelty, but it has really caught on with the youth and indie music fans. They are cheap for the bands to create, and in turn inexpensive for the fans to purchase."
Long story short: Cassettes may break, twist or tangle, but they refuse to die. Stop by Music Record Shop on Saturday afternoon, experience International Cassette Store Day for yourself, and hit the thrift store for a used Walkman on your way home.
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