August 2026

In October of 1979, this guy Mike and I made a pilgrimage to see the Clash at Kezar Pavilion in Golden Gate Park. I had just turned fifteen, and I had thought of myself as “punk,” sort of, for at least a couple of years, though I had rarely left my room during that time. I was always more of a Ramones guy than a Clash guy, but I had followed the Clash’s career from the comfort of my bedroom with considerable interest.

The first album I ever purchased was TLC’s CrazySexyCool on cassette in what became a core memory. It was at The Wall, one of those physical chain music stores found in malls scattered across the country in the 90s. CrazySexyCool was released in 1994, but I must have bought it a few years later. Largely because of this, 90s R&B became one of my first loves musically and, naturally, the discoveries of Brandy, Mya, and, of course, Aaliyah, followed

I’ve been thinking again about the amazing experience of how songs exist across time, generations, and life’s changes, in this instance prompted by my first vinyl record purchase.

Join us for a conversation with correspondent Owen Brazas and Author Marc Masters, as they talk about the rise and fall and rise of cassettes, recording and buying music, and so much more