561- Long Strange Tape | 99% Invisible

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible,” titled “Long Strange Tape,” the podcast explores the fascinating history and cultural impact of cassette tapes, with a particular focus on their role in the Grateful Dead community and in the US prison system. Host Roman Mars delves into the story of how cassettes revolutionized the music industry, connected fans, and continue to play a significant role in certain subcultures today.

Main Takeaways

The Birth and Popularity of Cassettes

• Cassettes were initially used for voice recordings but became popular due to their portability and ease of use.
• Lou Ottens, the inventor of the cassette, designed it to fit comfortably in his pocket.
• Cassettes were easier to record on and cheaper than other formats, making them accessible to a wider audience.

The Grateful Dead and the Tape Trading Community

• The Grateful Dead’s success can be attributed to the use of cassettes, which allowed fans to share live recordings and build a community around the band.
• Cassettes played a significant role in underground music scenes, such as lo-fi and early hip-hop.
• The band’s live shows were a focal point for the counter-culture.

Taping Dead Shows and the Different Types of Recordings

• Taping the shows became widespread, but the band was initially opposed.
• Tapes couldn’t be sold for profit, only swapped or given away.
• Two main types of recordings: soundboard and audience.
• Soundboard recordings are clear, tight, and have very little crowd noise.
• Audience recordings have less clarity but provide an overall blend of the band, room sound, and audience.

The Digitization and Organization of Dead Tapes

• Deadheads collected, organized, and cataloged tapes, labeling cassettes became an art unto itself.
• The Grateful Dead’s tapes were not only about the music but also about carrying the atmosphere of a Dead show into everyday life.
• Fans embarked on a collective project to digitize and organize recordings, which found a home on archive.org.

Cassettes in the US Prison System

• Cassettes remain the most useful format for music in the US prison system, where prisoners often rely on tapes for access to music.
• Specific clear cassettes are required in prisons to prevent contraband.
• CDs are not allowed in prisons due to their potential use as weapons.
• Walkmans are highly coveted in prisons and are no longer sold in commissaries.
• Inmates in Muskegon Correctional Facility can purchase MP3 players and download music through a kiosk provided by Access Entertainment.

Summary

The Birth and Popularity of Cassettes

Cassettes were initially used for voice recordings but quickly gained popularity due to their portability and affordability. Lou Ottens, the inventor of the cassette, designed it to fit in his pocket, making it a convenient format for music enthusiasts. Cassettes revolutionized the music industry by providing an accessible and user-friendly medium for recording and sharing music.

The Grateful Dead and the Tape Trading Community

The Grateful Dead embraced cassette tapes as a way for fans to share live recordings and build a community around their music. The band’s live shows became legendary, attracting a dedicated following known as Deadheads. Cassettes played a crucial role in the underground music scenes surrounding the Grateful Dead, including lo-fi and early hip-hop.

Taping Dead Shows and the Different Types of Recordings

Although initially opposed to fans recording their shows, the Grateful Dead eventually embraced the practice. Tapes of their live performances became highly sought after, with two main types of recordings: soundboard and audience. Soundboard recordings offer clear and tight sound quality, while audience recordings capture the overall atmosphere of the band, room sound, and audience reactions.

The Digitization and Organization of Dead Tapes

Deadheads took it upon themselves to collect, organize, and label cassette tapes of Grateful Dead shows. The tapes were not just about the music but also about preserving the unique experience of a Dead show. Fans embarked on a collective effort to digitize and organize these recordings, ensuring their preservation and accessibility on platforms like archive.org.

Cassettes in the US Prison System

Cassettes continue to play a vital role in the US prison system, where inmates rely on them for access to music. Due to security concerns, specific clear cassettes are required in prisons to prevent contraband. CDs are prohibited due to their potential use as weapons. Inmates often cherish cassette tapes and use them as a means of escape and connection with others in the prison community.

Conclusion

The invention and widespread adoption of cassette tapes had a profound impact on the music industry and various subcultures. The Grateful Dead’s embrace of cassettes fostered a dedicated fan community and allowed their music to reach a wider audience. Additionally, cassettes continue to serve as a lifeline for music enthusiasts in the US prison system. The legacy of cassette tapes lives on, reminding us of the power of music to connect and transcend boundaries.