Why did the 8-track fail?

8-tracks had major disadvantages such as the inability to rewind, and strong likelihood of jamming or getting dirty . Once consumers realized the benefits of cassettes for both recording and playing music, it was difficult for even the biggest 8-track fans to stay loyal to such a flawed device.

Are 8 track tapes worth anything today?

Although 8-tracks are one of the least collectible recording technologies, there are some tracks that sell for $500-$1,000 every year . These rare and special tapes do have a few characteristics in common, and they're all things you can look for in your parent's old 8-track bins.

When was the last 8-track released?

The last 8-tracks from a major label were released in 1988 . Some unauthorized (bootleg) releases were made as late as 1995.

Do they make 8-track players anymore?

The 8-track tape format is now considered obsolete , although there are collectors who refurbish these tapes and players as well as some bands that issue these tapes as a novelty.

Is 8-track better than cassette?

However, when comparing 8-track vs. cassette tapes, the sound quality is vastly better on the 8-track . The smaller tape size and slower playback speed compared to an 8-track also gave it less fidelity overall.

How long did cassette tape last?

The original purpose of the compact cassette tape was for dictation, not music. Over the cassette's lifespan from 1963 to 1988, more than 3 billion tapes were sold. The lifespan of the magnetic tape inside an audio cassette is approximately 10-30 years . Which is why digitization is so important.

When did cassettes replace 8-track?

In 1978, 8 track sales peaked. But by the mid-1980s , 8 track tapes were no longer being sold or manufactured. To 8 track's misfortune, the new and smaller cassette tapes were seen as more convenient to consumers.

Unfortunately, magnetic tapes such as cassette tapes are prone to deterioration, which is why you should always digitize your cassette tapes. Cassette tapes, reel-to-reel tapes, 8-track tapes, and VHS can all “go bad” because they are magnetic tape mediums .

Is 8tracks still active?

8tracks has had a long run and its day in the sun. We're sad to announce, however, that the company and its streaming service will wind down with the end of the decade, on December 31st, 2019 . We have mixed feelings as we round out this decade and the life of 8tracks.

Can you record on 8 track tapes?

Whichever analogue 8‑track you have, as long as it's in good condition, you can make a recording of professional standard — within certain limitations.

Unfortunately, magnetic tapes such as cassette tapes are prone to deterioration, which is why you should always digitize your cassette tapes. Cassette tapes, reel-to-reel tapes, 8-track tapes, and VHS can all “go bad” because they are magnetic tape mediums .

What came first, cassette or 8 track?

The cassette tape was invented in 1962 by Phillips' Belgium team, introduced to the European market in 1963, and came to America in November of 1964. Stereo 8 Cartridges (commonly known as 8 track) went on the US market in 1965 . Just like a cassette tape, an 8 track tape is a magnetic analog music device.

When did CDs replace cassettes?

Between 1985, when cassettes overtook vinyl, and 1992 , when they were overtaken by CDs (introduced in 1983 as a format that offered greater storage capacity and more accurate sound), the cassette tape was the most popular format in the United States and the UK.

New 8-Track Releases - 8-Track Heaven (2024)

The 8-track is Dead … Long Live the 8-Track!

A frequently asked question is “when did they stop making 8-tracks?” The answer is — they didn’t! OK, the major record labels did finally quit producing 8-track tapes in 1988. But a number of entrepreneurial souls have kept the 8-track tradition alive in the form of small production runs of new 8-track tapes. If you have a recently released 8-track that you’d like to have added to the page, contact us for details on what you need to do.

Lou Reed – Words and Music, May 1965 (released by Light in the Attic Records, Oct. 2022)

· Features the earliest-known recordings of “I’m Waiting for the Man,” “Pale Blue Eyes” and “Heroin”
· Includes four unheard Lou Reed compositions
· Tape Design by Darryl Norsen
· Art Direction & Design by multi-GRAMMY®-winning artist Masaki Koike
· Manufactured by the good people at KTS Productions.

For information on buying this 8-track, visit the Lou Reed Archive.

Lisa Bella Donna – E.S.P. (released by HomeTapes May 2022)

E.S.P. is a new limited edition 8-track release from Lisa Bella Donna, internationally acclaimed composer, recording artist, modular synthesist & clinician. Instruments used on E.S.P. include Moog Synthesizers & Sequencers, Farfisa Organ, Mellotron, Gongs, Chimes, & Bells.

HomeTapes Bandcamp site (Sold Out)
For more information on this amazing artist, check out lisabelladonna.com.

The Cramps – Bad Music For Bad People (Dec. 2021)

This is an 8-Track reissue of the 1981 album of the same name, released by 5Seven Records in a limited edition of 250. Fifty of the carts were spray painted yellow, with another 200 released on black shells. All tapes featured the original iconic artwork by Stephen Blickenstaff. Included with the tape: A slipcover featuring a 1978 concert poster design, a 16 page booklet with previously unseen photographs and 6 different liner notes, a 4″ x 5″ art print of Lungs by artist Wes Lang, and three silkscreen prints by Jim Madison Print Destroyer. Click here for more info on this tape (Sold Out)

HomeTapes presents a Stereo8 edition of the new Nishioka Diddley album, Bedroom to Outer Space (Aug. 2021). Nishioka is known as the guitarist for the bands Childish Tones and Nih Khmers, among others. His music mixes chiptune and guitar sounds, using several types of Nanoloop as well as 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars.

HomeTapes is an online reference to various tapes, curated by Cordelia Davies and Brad Kraft, of the World ofTapes. They offer 8-tracks, cassettes, even PlayTapes.

Click here for more info on this tape(Sold Out)

This is a fall 2021 reissue of the 1966 album Boots by Nancy Sinatra on 8-Track Tape, featuring her #1 hit “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.” This is a limited edition release with two bonus tracks: “The City Never Sleeps at Night” and the previously unreleased “For Some.” (The tape was manufactured by our friends at KTS Productions.)

Boots was inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame in January of 2020.

Click here for more info on this tape

LLG-1 (2021) is Little Lost Girl Media’s first 8-track release! It features 20 Ramones-inspired pop/punk bands from all over the world: The Apers, The Follow Ups, Hollywood Blondes, Leather Weather, Giant Eagles, The Vapids, Flanders 72, The Jasons, Black Russians, Sex Dream, Jagger Holly, Beatnik Termites, The Sheckies, The Labor Pains, The Putz, Ricky Rochelle, LATTE+, The Биты , Fil Mcrackin and the Hens, and Wimpy and The Medallion

Click here for info on buying this tape!

Vaudeville by Power Salad (Feb. 2021)
Power Salad’s Vaudeville album is now available on 8-track tape, with custom slipcase, full front & back labels, and custom 8-track programs. Lovingly handmade by Dead Media Tapes, one at a time in real time, dubbed direct from the digital audio master files prepped especially for 8-track by Power Salad’s Chris Mezzolesta. There’s only 10 of em, so get one now!

Includes unlimited streaming of Vaudeville via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

For more info: https://powersalad.bandcamp.com/album/vaudeville

Mother Earth’s Plantasia by Mort Garson (Nov. 2020)
Mother Earth’s Plantasia, an album recorded especially for plants, was originally released in 1976 and was full of bucolic, charming, stoner-friendly, decidedly unscientific tunes enacted on the new-fangled device called the Moog synthesizer by Mort Garson. This is now available for the first time on 8-Track! Order at Sacred Bones Records. (Sold Out) Manufactured by the good people at KTS Productions.

Dead Heavens – Whichever Witch You Are (2017)
Dead Heavens’ sound is an amalgamation of hardcore punk, post-hardcore, alternative rock, and indie rock, as well as a refection of the band members’ collective interest in classic rock, stoner rock, blues rock, and psychedelic rock. . c Manufactured by the good people at KTS Productions.

More info on the tape at deadheavens.com(Sold Out)

Thee Oh Sees – 8-Track Collection (2019)
by 5Seven Records

12 selected albums from John Dwyer’s band Thee Oh Sees. Only 100 hand numbered boxsets were made, with only 60 going up for sale to the public. It took over a year to make these sets, so this is the 1st and final edition of this massive boxset. Packaged beautifully with art by Elzo Durt. More info>>> (Sold Out)

Andy Bassford – Harder They Strum(2018) Andy played with Toots and the Maytals among many others and became the house guitarist for the seminal Studio One label. Currently, Andy performs internationally in Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander’s Harlem-Kingston Express reggae-jazz fusion project, with whom he has also recorded two albums. He released his first solo album Harder they Strum on vinyl and 8-track (done by KTS Productions /Kate’s 8-track Shack) More Info >> (Tape is Sold Out)

Ghost – Prequelle(2018) and Ceremony & Devotion (2017) The two albums are by Swedish rock band Ghost have been described as hard rock, arena rock, heavy metal, doom metal, and progressive rock. (Sold Out)
https://bodega.lomavistarecordings.com/collections/ghost

Cheap Trick – The Latest(2009) Cheap Trick’s album “The Latest” was made available in 8-track cartridge in addition to LP and CD.They appeared on the “Colbert Report” TV show to promote the album and the tape.It was made by KTS Productions, who also have the great 8-track websiteKate’s Track Shack. Both websites are run by Dan & Kathy Gibson, and you’re interested in releasing your own 8-track, contact them!

New 8-Track Releases - 8-Track Heaven (2024)

The 8-track is Dead … Long Live the 8-Track!

More 8-Tracks!! >>

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