Candy Chang does some really cool, interesting and community minded work, for instance a clear and informative guide for the thousands street vendors in NYC, or even community chalkboards for townships in South Africa.
She does the kind of work that makes me feel that my life lacks any creativity at all. Yeah thanks Candy . . . 
Anyway, the piece featured here is not quite as extensive as those, but it has got cassette tapes in it. So that’s why it’s appearing here.
Whoa.
Ok, I know bands like to put images of cassette tapes on their covers but, they really, really like naming themselves after them. So yet again the lowly cassette is honoured in a weird and wonderful way.
Maybe these bands will despise me for putting together this list potentially bringing attention to their, um, unoriginality. Maybe they don’t give a shit because they’ll never read this article. The latter, most likely. Unless they google their own band name. heh.
Now, I’m not going to provide any kind of reviews here – it’s obviously not the place – so I’ve quoted from the biographies on their websites.
Firstly, the Cassette category:
Cassette (NZ)
www.myspace.com/cassettenz
“Cassette play a blend of country/folk/soft/hard/moderate/spritural mantra ROCK! Generally though, it’s just a laid back accoustic sorta groove that is the glue that holds the Cassette sound.”
Cassette (ZA)
www.playcassette.com
“The band has collaborated with local legends such as the Mahotella Queens, Zubz and Vusi Mahlasela and has supported international artists such as Pink, Evanescence, Eagle Eye Cherry, Blof and many more. At the request of Nelson Mandela, they also opened the 46664 Concert in December last year.”
Cassette (US)
http://bakeryoutletrecords.com/cassette.htm
“Cassette is Samantha Jones. Though the live and recorded manifestations of Cassette may take on many forms–sometimes alone and unguarded with just acoustic guitar and voice, while at other times backed by a rotating band of friends–the songs and the warm, compassionate, inviting feelings projected from them are wholly Samantha.”
The (world renowned & esteemed) Cassettes (USA)
thecassettes.tumblr.com
“…a four-piece self-proclaimed “steampunk” stompy rootsy rock n’ roll band from Washington, D.C. started by Frodus frontman Shelby Cinca as a solace from his post-punk screaming endeavors.”
The Cassettes (UK)
www.thecassettes.co.uk
“. . . If you’re looking for an exciting & professional band that exudes character and talent and has the experience to make your party or event a storming success, then look no further. . .”
Cassie and the Cassettes (UK)
www.myspace.com/cassieandthecassettes
“Cassie and The Cassettes met on suburban school buses in the halcyon days of early adolescence… Cassie spent her formative adolescent years spinning out electric piano masterpieces in the safety of her own bedroom, initially never intending them for public consumption.” (lastFM)
Cassette Kids (AU)
www.cassettekids.com.au
“With typically indie rock influences that include The Rapture, Klaxons, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and No Doubt, Cassette Kids craft a grinding, colourful version of the genre which is as catchy as it is innovative.”
And now, the Tape category:
So part two of Cassettes on CDs . .
I came across two more album covers while browsing the local secondhand record store today . . . didn’t buy either of them. They’re probably good albums. Probably.
Was reading an interview at the engaging Grain Edit with the talented and insightful designer and illustrator Frank Chimero and lo and behold! a cassette tape illustration! Everyone loves cassettes! Hey! why the f*ck not!?
Bonus!
It’s no joking matter.
. . . a scene from that mystical time when cassette tapes reigned and CDs were the harbinger of the digital age.
A few things to note about this pic:
From the always interesting barnobi.tumblr.com
What more is there to say?
Actually, this is one of those sites that makes you forgive the interwebs for all the other shit on there . . . at least partially.
http://awesometapesfromafrica.blogspot.com/
It’s a site that’s been running since 2006 – there’s a wealth of great music to experience and the cassette sleeves have some great artwork! I’m looking forward to spending more time on the site.
More sleeve art:
A quick one! From a fellow Cassette tape admirer
Mixtape Zine on Flickr – Photo Sharing.
“So, I want to draw your mixtapes. I want your sad songs, you love jams, your sing at the top of your lungs car tunes, your break-up tape, your make-up tape and your BFF-4evah cassette.”
Nice!
Check out her Esty store for more Cassette Tape goodness – like this great poster! Buy one!
Ahh, sorry for the shit title. Just found this round-up of cassette inspired t-shirts at coolmaterial.com
I especially like the obey one, seems the most original of all of them . . . yeah, the nudie jeans smells of this, while the Urban Outfitters has a whiff of this . . . hmmm.
Oh well.
Boomphones
There’s no cassettes in this sweet lil’ illustration, but well, it IS cassette related . . . yeah? Whatever.
Nice illustration dude.
via behance via ffffound