"8-Track Fever"

c. 2007 Rod Ice
All rights reserved
(4-07)



Note to Readers: The following text contains numerous references to a form of audio storage media that went out of production many years ago. Those under 35 are strongly advised to seek out an older person for help in understanding the appeal of this outdated, technological relic.

It was early on a Tuesday morning. The wonder of spring had begun to appear, making it a glorious day filled with bright skies and chirping songbirds. Liz, my wife, busied herself with a fresh cup of Mc Donald’s coffee, and a crossword puzzle in the newspaper. I devoured a tasty Mc Griddle, while enjoying the moment of dietary abandon.

"Since we’re already on the road," she said, suddenly. "Why don’t we visit some thrift stores?"

The suggestion made me sit up straight. "Oh yes!"

Leigh had ridden her bus to school, as usual. But today, Soccer Fairy needed to arrive with two trays of cupcakes. It was part of a birthday tradition in her class. And she had just turned nine. So we made the journey together, in my truck. Then, stopped for java on the way home.

"We haven’t ‘gone junking’ in a long time," Liz said. "It’ll be fun!"

Our hunting journey began soon afterward. While the sun crept higher above us, we drove around in search of collectable junk. Each shop seemed to offer more than the last. First, a preserve of salt & pepper shakers appeared, for my wife’s collection. Next was a promotional LP by Danny Kaye, which had been given out at dealerships of Rambler automobiles! Then, we stumbled upon a trove of antique kitchen gadgets. But the final discovery took my breath away. It was a table brimming with glorious… 8-Track tapes.

Liz raised an eyebrow as I huddled over the display. "Oh my!"

I babbled nonsensical phrases while looking through the assortment. "Yes yes yes, somebody had good taste here… this isn’t your typical pile of stuff. No ‘Captain and Tennille’ or ‘ABBA’ tapes… woww, everything is in mint condition…I wonder how much they cost?"

My wife tracked down an employee, and asked about their prices on music items. But the frazzled woman had no idea. There was nothing posted in the department.

"It doesn’t matter," I said. "These are worth taking anyway. What a lucky find! They really bring back the memories…"

My wife shook her head. "Oh, Rodney! Do you even listen to these things anymore?"

I frowned. "Do you use all those salt & pepper shakers?"

She hissed like a cat. "Stop being a poo!"

"I’ve got a Radio Shack tape deck, somewhere," I laughed. "And a portable player by General Electric. Everything still works."

Liz shrugged. "I still don’t get it! But if it makes you happy…"

"It was part of the era," I explained. "The 1970’s. Like a Ford Torino, or a ‘Pet Rock.’ 8-Tracks were clunky, and didn’t last in the marketplace. But they ruled that moment in time. For those of us that remember, they still represent coolness and fun."

"Tell me more, old-timer!" she said.

"Heyyy!" I protested. "Take it easy!"

We checked out with a full cart of goodies. Our cashier was a grizzled, but pleasant woman named Trixie. She smiled while ringing up my stack of tapes. "I’ve still got a bunch of these myself. They say 8-Tracks are coming back, you know!"

"Really?" I said with disbelief.

"Oh yeah," the cashier replied, enthusiastically. "I’ll be glad to get some more. I’ve got Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Buck Owens, George Jones…"

I nodded with amusement. "Hours of listening pleasure, at your fingertips!"

Trixie brushed locks of gray hair out of her eyes. "You still see them everywhere. Think about it!"

"You’re right," I agreed. "It’s remarkable, actually. They must’ve sold millions of 8-Tracks before the fad ended."

Liz began to giggle. "And I’ll bet you’ve got several thousand at home!"

I disagreed. "Not quite. But more than a few…"

Our cashier had finished the transaction. The tapes were 25 cents, each. She reloaded the cart with overstuffed bags. "Just remember, you can never have too many! Come back, and buy more!"

My wife folded her arms. "Don’t worry. He will!"

Later that evening, I unpacked my bundle of oddball sound cartridges. It had been a joyful adventure. Now, I wanted to study the yield of our trip:

RY COODER (Reprise / M8 2234) "Chicken Skin Music" - Cooder was well known for session work with groups like The Rolling Stones.
BLOODROCK (Capitol / 8XWW-11038) "Bloodrock Live" – This band scored a hit in the 70’s with "D. O. A." about an airplane crash.
BREWER AND SHIPLEY (Kama Sutra / KAM F 82039) "Shake Off The Demon" – This folk/rock duo was best known for their hit "One Toke Over The Line."
CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD (Invictus / ZA 32526) "Skin I’m In" – Familiar to listeners everywhere for "Give Me Just A Little More Time" which was a classic tune from the soul era.
THE SWEET INSPIRATIONS (STAX / ST8-3017) "Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia" – Anything on the STAX label is worth having. Anything!
CANNED HEAT (Liberty UA / 8 8961) "Hallelujah" – This hippie blues band is still fondly remembered for "Goin’ Up the Country." The song has appeared in numerous places, including an episode of The Benny Hill Show.
OTIS SPANN (Vanguard / 8VM 6514) "Cryin’ Time" – A much beloved blues artist who worked with Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy besides performing with his own band.
DR. BUZZARD’S ORIGINAL SAVANNAH BAND (RCA / APS1-1504) – An odd wrinkle on the disco phenomenon. The group featured vocals and orchestration that were a nod to music of the 40’s.

After reading each label, I paused in reflection. The tapes were strewn over my desk. It was an impressive bunch of recordings. I sat back in my chair, and breathed in the aura of 70’s culture. For that instant, I felt truly at home.

Liz couldn’t hide her disbelief. "Do you realize that an iPod is smaller than one of your 8-Tracks?"

I chuckled. "I guess you’re right. Soccer Fairy’s MP3 player is barely bigger than a box of matches. The progression has been amazing… from wire recorders, to open-reel tapes. Then 8-Tracks, cassettes, compact discs, and now, audio files. Somehow, I can’t get used to the thought of having music with no container… no cover… you know? I need to be able to hold it in my hands."

My wife snorted. "You’re a stubborn creature of habit, Rodney. This is the 21st Century. Remember? Get moving! It’s time to see the future!"

"No problem," I said. "As long as I can drive there in my Torino!"

FROM THE GEAUGA COUNTY MAPLE LEAF, CHARDON, OHIO