“8-Track Escapade”

c. 2017 Rod Ice

All rights reserved

(4-17)

One of the benefits of early retirement from my ‘real job’ was that for the first time in seven years, I had a clear schedule. No longer were tedious shifts away from home the norm. While my resources were strained, the opportunity to reconnect with life itself, and celebrate, could not be ignored.

Creative writing was the first habit to return. But soon afterward, I remembered ‘junking’ as an activity from bygone days. Collecting through scavenger hunts taken at thrift stores, flea markets, or yard sales. In a sense, such exploits were always like peeling an onion. Each layer revealed another bit of cultural history. Now, I was glad to revisit that kind of low-buck exploration. In a sense, it was working a sorcerer’s spell, turning the trash of yesteryear into the treasure of today.

I felt like a magician. The ‘Junkmaster’ had returned!

Not far from my home in Thompson, I remembered that Ashtabula County boasted a number of deserted buildings, some of which had been re-purposed with new hope. One of these spots was the old Edwards plaza at Routes 45 and 20, in Saybrook Township.

I visited on a recent Sunday morning, with my friend Janis. It was a different adventure from past escapades, because I was now a middle-aged man walking with a cane, instead of the energetic youngster of yore. But my determination to embrace the quest for artful ‘junk’ remained unchanged.

At first, we encountered oversized furniture that evoked a ‘Game of Thrones’ aura. Antiques seemed to populate most of the store. Then, I happened to run across a familiar, leather case. Upon opening the latched box, it revealed an assortment of 8-Track tapes. More of these outmoded cartridges were nearby, in a cardboard box once used to pack cigarettes.

My appetite was whetted. I sorted through these relics with fondness and care:

From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee – Elvis Presley (RCA APS1-1506)

A live performance that includes notable standards like ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain.’ Any Elvis 8-track is worth collecting. At a price of 2/$1.00, such a bargain that my head was about to explode. Album released in 1976.

Welcome To My World – Elvis Presley (RCA APS1-2274)

Another collection of various live performances issued as his career was winding down. Includes ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You.’ Released in 1977.

California Wine – Bobby Goldsboro (UA U-8408)

With classic compositions like the title cut and ‘Southern Fried Singin’ Sunday Mornin’’ (both written by Bobby, himself) this 8-track packs a lot of punch. Album released in 1972.

Darkness on the Edge of Town - Bruce Springsteen (Columbia JCA 35318)

Another performer always worth purchasing on 8-track. Typically these issues have been snapped up by collectors, long ago. This is one of those classic releases by ‘The Boss’ including legendary tracks like ‘Badlands’ and ‘Prove It All Night.’ Released in 1978.

Song of Joy – Captain & Tennille (A&M 8T-4570)

This audio cartridge came home as part of a full bag. Unwanted but somehow there with the group. Sort of an afterthought at the cost of 2/$1.00. This duo had several catchy tunes during their partnership in the 1970’s. But included here is a track always in the running for worst pop record ever made. Namely, ‘Muskrat Love.’ (Just typing out the title is painful.) Released in 1976.

Harmony – Three Dog Night (Dunhill DHM-85108)

A classic tape. Likely to be found in the collection of almost every music fan from the period. (Like myself.) I have seen this album countless times at church sales, flea markets and thrift stores. Includes their heroic ‘An Old Fashioned Love Song.’ Released in 1971.

The Johnny Cash Show – Johnny Cash (Columbia CA 30100)

Yet another performer always desirable on 8-track. His cartridge releases are becoming very difficult to find. Recorded at the Grand Ole Opry. Includes a performance of ‘Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down’ which was written by Kris Kristofferson. Released in 1970 to garner sales from interest in his TV program of the era.

The Best of the Best of Merle Haggard – Merle Haggard (Capitol 8XT 11082)

A greatest hits collection which includes his patriotic anthem ‘Okie From Muskogee.’ Country Music as it was and always will be.

Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes - Jimmy Buffet (GRT 8020/ABC AB 990 H)

Another album likely to be in every collection of someone from that era. The hit ‘Margaritaville’ guaranteed his career would never die. Released in 1977.

OLE ELO – Electric Light Orchestra (JET J2A 35528)

Popular with collectors and rarely seen for 50 cents. This greatest hits album features their legendary take on ‘Roll Over Beethoven.’ Released in 1976.

Bachman Turner Overdrive II – Bachman Turner Overdrive (Mercury MC8-1-696)

One of the quintessential 8-Track releases. It is actually hard for someone from my generation to comprehend that this was issued in any other format. Made to be played at full volume with the windows rolled down in your car. (Preferably a Dodge Charger, Ford Torino or Chevy Chevelle.) Released in 1973.

Janis was amused by my reaction to the stash of tapes. Because she was born in 1974, the 8-Track era had passed before she was aware of their existence. Yet she helped carry the two dozen that I selected to the front counter.

Along the way, I found two vinyl albums by the duo of Chet Atkins and Les Paul. Plus, a long-player by the ‘T-Bones’ of Alka Seltzer commercial fame. It was a worthy haul for having made an impulse run to this not-quite-abandoned plaza, hidden behind a closed McDonald’s.

“Don’t sell many of these anymore,” the shopkeeper observed, looking as aged and forgotten as many of his furnishings. He tugged on his baseball cap. “Two for a dollar. You’ve got yourself quite a deal there, friend.”

“Thank you,” I nodded.

Walking to my truck, Janis could not help passing judgment. “Can you even play those things?”

My mood was jubilant. “Remember, I have Granny’s old Sears & Roebuck deck that you gave me a couple of years ago.”

“Oh… yes!” she remembered. “It actually worked?”

“Of course!” I laughed. “A leftover power supply from the office matched it perfectly. It’s amazing that you still see 8-Tracks for sale. My last discovery of the breed was at the Ashtabula Harbor Goodwill. At least two or three years ago.”

Janis shrugged. “I remember that store. Granny used to go there.”

Dramatically, I pointed my index finger in the air.

“Next week. We’ve got to go pay that place a visit!”

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