Cassettes in the 90s: My Personal Soundtrack
Although I love vinyl, when I think back to my youth, the format I used and enjoyed the most was cassettes. In the 90s, I couldn't be separated from them: I took them to the park, the pool, the car... I loved going out, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends, letting the music set the mood. There was something special about that raw sound, rewinding the tape with a pencil when it got stuck, 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 that music had a unique power.
I grew up surrounded by music thanks to La Metralleta, with my father. From a young age, vinyl records, CDs, and especially cassettes were part of my daily life. I don't remember which was my first cassette, but I know that environment shaped me. The store was a universe of sounds and formats, and I suppose that's why cassettes became my favorite: they were portable, affordable, and had a charm that neither vinyl nor CDs could replicate at the time.
As a second-generation seller at La Metralleta, I've seen thousands of items pass through my hands. More than hunting for treasures, I would say that they found me. I always say that one person's trash is another's treasure, and gems appear 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 unknown places, my experience has taught me that specialized spots like my store are where these wonders are most concentrated. Each 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 well-worn vinyl. For me, retro formats are not a passing trend. They've always been there, perhaps displaced by piracy or streaming, but their physical value makes them endure like works of art. Over time, some of these pieces will become highly sought-after relics, and that's part of their magic.
This blog is my space to share these stories, tips for finding bargains, and advice on taking care of your collections. But I also want it to be yours: what was your first cassette or vinyl? Do you have any tips for finding retro treasures? Or perhaps a funny 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. Retro lives on, and I want to journey this path with you!