Music fans on both sides of the Atlantic are returning to the cassette two decades after they were replaced by the CD, and more recently digital downloads.

 

This nostalgia¹ for the old format² comes despite the frustrations³ that led to their decline, including their tendency to become scrambled⁴ and jammed in players.

 

Sales of music tapes are rising so quickly in the US that the Recording⁵ Industry Association of America, the trade body for music labels which also certifies⁶ gold and platinum⁷ records, is investigating ways to track sales for the first time since the early 1990s.

 

It is thought the revival⁸ was started by underground music acts. But now, more mainstream⁹ musicians have started producing albums on cassette again.

 

British singer Marina and the Diamonds released her last album, Froot, on cassette late last year. Albums from top US stars are also available on cassette, including Justin Bieber's latest release, Purpose, and Kanye West's Yeezus. They are being sold at fashion chains such as Urban Outfitters, as well as being available online. Meanwhile Hypnohouse Trax, a British dance music label, has put out a collection of its own on tape.

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