Cassettes in the 90s: My Personal Soundtrack
While I love vinyl, if I think back to my youth, the format I used and enjoyed the most was cassettes. In the 90s, I couldn’t go anywhere without them: to the park, the pool, the car... I loved heading out, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends, letting the music set the mood. There was something special about that raw sound, rewinding a tape with a pencil when it jammed, or sharing a song with someone. Among all the cassettes I had, one marked a turning point in my musical taste: Nevermind by Nirvana. That album opened the doors to grunge for me and showed me the unique power of retro music.
I grew up surrounded by music thanks to my father’s record store. From a young age, vinyls, CDs, and especially cassettes were part of my daily life. I don’t recall my first cassette, but I know that environment shaped me. The store was a universe of sounds and formats, and I guess that’s why cassettes became my favorites: they were portable, affordable, and had a charm that neither vinyl nor CDs could match back then.
As a second-generation seller at La Metralleta, I’ve had thousands of items pass through my hands. Rather than hunting for treasures, I’d say they’ve found me. I always say that one person’s trash is another’s treasure, and the best pieces show up when you least expect them. I’ve found incredible cassettes at flea markets, forgotten boxes, or even among unexpected donations. While it’s great to explore unlikely places, my experience has taught me that specialized spots like my store are where these wonders are most concentrated. Every piece tells a story, and that’s what I’m passionate about.
My collection is ever-changing, a reflection of what truly moves me. I’m not one to organize everything alphabetically or by genre; I prefer to keep what excites me, whether it’s a 90s cassette, a forgotten CD, or a seasoned vinyl. To me, retro formats aren’t a passing trend. They’ve always been there, perhaps overshadowed by piracy or streaming, but their physical value makes them endure like works of art. Some of these pieces will become highly sought-after relics over time, and that’s part of their magic.
This blog is my space to share these stories, tricks for finding bargains, and tips for caring for your collections. But I also want it to be yours: What was your first cassette or vinyl? Do you have a trick for finding retro treasures? Or a fun story about how you scored a gem in an unexpected place? I’d love for you to leave a comment with your experiences, opinions about La Metralleta, or anything related to this world. The retro lives on, and I want to take this journey with you!