The First Mash-Up, Circa: 1977

The AP tells us that "some retailers are giving vinyl records a spin" (get it?).

This reminded me of another long-lost recording format. As I wistfully combed the results of a Google Image search for the perfect image of an Eight Track, I found evidence of the first mash-up.

The interactive 8-track looked like the average 8-track, except at the bottom, where the Atari cartridge was connected. These 8-tracks, or "double-enders" as the music/video game fanatics called them, were an instant success and proceeded to change the music industry for at least a couple of weeks.

The double-ender was a hit. Magazines like Rolling Stone and Gamers Monthly hailed the Foghat Live 8-track as the start of the new music and video game revolution. And it was, for the next four years at least, but in the end it was not enough to save the interactive 8-track from the trash heap of nostalgia.

-- Via The Van Gogh-Gogh's

Is it me, or is that guy so beyond smiling that he looks in pain? UPDATE: Yeah, it's a joke. But a guy can dream, can't he?!

Comments

[Lally]

"Hey, Mom! That guy from International Male is back to play with us!"

[Doug Haslam]

Wow, now you;re taking me back-- two of the best technologies ever, in one? A can't miss!

On 8-tracks: I still expect "Heartbreaker" from Led Zeppelin II to fade out in the middle and fade back in again after switching tracks, as it did on the 8-track version.

[Kevin Dugan]

Lally - He does exude the 70s porn vibe now that you mention it.

Doug - It's amazing we put up with that element of 8-tracks. Albeit I only put up with it for about 5 minutes in reality. I also remember inheriting my brother's stereo that had an 8 track slot. We bought an 8-track cassette tape player. Wish I still had it for the pure camp factor.