In last month’s edition of Word magazine, the writers marvelled at the various 
inventions which are clinging on to life despite now being seen as old-fashioned or simply defunct in this new digital age. On the list were societal favourites such as 35mm film, wind-up watches and cheques but I wonder how long it’ll be before a child will fail to recognise this wonder of the audio world.
This may all seem very nostalgic but this very week my house has been the hub for all things retro – in one room there was my father converting the mountain of vinyl in our living room into MP3s and in another there was me recording MP3s on to tape. (In preparation for a number of roadtrips which I hope will soon be forthcoming.)
Now I am in no way pining for the cassette. Being fickle when it comes to my listening habits I love the immediacy of MP3s – with a flick of a switch you can skip or repeat tracks to your hearts content, safe in the knowledge that the file won’t wear out of corrupt if put on repeat. Plus the quality is truly appauling (although that may have something to do with the 13 year old stereo I am using to record said tapes).
But I have to say while media such as tapes and vinyl LP/ EPs have their obvious drawbacks, it’s sad to think that future generations will be missing out on the life lessons they taught us. Patience, the need to listen in moderation ofrrisk the corruption of your favourite album and of course the idea that an album is a complete work of art rather than a collection of individual tracks.
So, Word magazine, perhaps that’s why these inventions are still clinging on to the fringes of society.
And so.. for one of the first tapes I remember buying.
But what about you? Do you miss leaping for the pause button before the radio presenter started talking or have the joys of digital converted you?
Post by Mary Stokes - Meet Me
Located in the UK, music has been part of my life for a long time. I'm a classically trained violinist but have a wide range musical knowledge.
