Thift Store Score! 8-Tracks are Far Out...What a Concept

Now, I didn't really grow up during the 8-Track days. My music came via vinyl or cassette tape. But the hulking monstrosity that is 8-Track is appealing. It almost seems like a toy or housing for something more than music. They are fairly close in size to 8-bit NES cartridges after all.

The first time I ever made use of an 8-Track was when my friend discovered his parent's collection of disco music. Apparently they used to compete and win at disco competitions. Either way we benefited from their youth and fell in love with Disco Inferno by The Trammps. My friend's mom even showed us some moves when she found us listening to the classic. I remember and enjoy the song, but sadly I forgot the moves. Of course I'm sure the cloud could re-teach me.

This all leads to another thrift store score. Normally I find music in all forms, but 8-Track. Today was special because not only did someone donate their 8-Track collection they also gave up their spindle carriage and the first thing that caught my eye was an 8-Track entitled Far Out. The next one to sell me on picking up 8-Tracks was a Robin Williams stand-up recording.

When I showed my mom she asked, 'How are you going to play them?' 'Tis unimportant,' I replied as I plunked down 2 bucks for the 2 oddities.

Far Out looks like its part of a larger series. It lists 20 songs on the front, but the back shows only 4 from the list.
It's a Miracle by Barry Manilow
Lady by Styx
Do Your Thing by Isaac Hayes
Who's Making Love by Johnny Taylor

Hopefully you check out all the songs. I've been a fan of Styx since I was little. Manilow and Hayes should be known by everyone too. Known not loved necessarily. I've never heard of Johnny Taylor, but now that I've had a listen I want more. Wow, who knew a random retro buy combined with an internet search could result in the discovery of such awesome. I might have to make this a new thing. Dig around old vinyl and such and see what pops up on the electronic highway.

I know not everyone is a Robin Williams fan, but I grew up with him on Mork and Mindy and am still enjoying the Koolaid. This is the audio from the 8-Track Reality...What a Concept. The jokes are certainly dated, but his talent is still as strong today. Even if I didn't get his humor I'd probably still like his performances in movies. He's friends with my favorite author, Harlan Ellison, and word is he plays tabletop miniature games. Robin Williams scores all sorts of points in my book.

So, I did find a way to listen to my 8-Tracks, just not directly.

I'm thinking the 8-Track housing would make a cool iPod dock, dice holder, or travel game case. What do you think?