The Cassettes Gazette

The Cassettes - I’ve Been Gone Far Too Long
(2011 - FlannelGurl/Chapeau)

The return of The Cassettes in 2011 picking up conceptually where ‘Neath The Pale Moon left off but with a more acoustic bent.

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The Cassettes - ‘Neath The Pale Moon
(2010 - Chapeau Records, 2008 - Rogue Records Australia, 2007 - Buddyhead Records)

The album that cemented the “steampunk” status of The Cassettes and which took the band across the United States on tour, to Steampunk/Sci-Fi Conventions and even to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center! Originally on Buddyhead Records and then purchased back by the band and self-released in 2010.

“A rollicking air-balloon ride over a landscape dotted with greasy resonator guitars, screaming accordions, and soaring theremins!” - AllMusic 

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The Cassettes - Writing Analog Letters
(2010 - Chapeau Records)

The Cassettes rarities collection that includes tracks originally intended for ‘Neath The Pale Moon. Some tracks originally appeared on the split 7” with Disco Drive and others on an Australian-only double-CD issue of the ‘Neath The Pale Moon album. Contains the cult-favorite “Monkeyshine Pantsuit”

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The Cassettes - Snö
(2010 - Chapeau Records)

A single for “Snö” from “Writing Analog Letters (A Collection)” Released in 2010 to commemorate a snowstorm that spread through DC and originally recorded during the blizzard of 2003 in Arlington, VA. Intended to be included on ‘Neath The Pale Moon but edited out by the label at the time (Buddyhead). Contains an exclusive B-side of a track by the Swedish pop/folk act New Moscow.

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The Cassettes - s/t
(2008 - Chapeau Records)

The opus to the inner-child and seemingly unconnected (yet connected) themes! To quote: “There’s something slightly schizophrenic about Countach, The Cassettes’ new album. The songs aren’t so much composed as hammered together from utterly random cultural detritus: The Patrick Swayze film Black Dog, Navajo warriors, reptile people, Italian horror movie scores. Guitarist/vocalist Shelby Cinca—former member of spazz-core pioneers Frodus—describes Countach as “Choose Your Own Adventure” rock ‘n’ roll: a type of music where one page turn (or in this case, song break) can bring a disorienting shift in subject matter.” — A. Leitko

Originally released on cassette with download card, toy horse and toy card. Limited edition of 250.

Make a courageous choice!

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The Cassettes/Disco Drive - split 7”
(2003 - Bachelor Records)

A rare 7” created for the 2003 Europe tour with Disco Drive. Contains the track “Past the Sun” and a lo-fi version of “Be Quite Still” with female vocals in the chorus. Both tracks later appear on the collection “Writing Analog Letters” (2010).

The Cassettes - s/t
(2003 - Alice Records / Chapeau Records)

“O’er The Mountain” was recorded in 2002 during the last months of The Cassettes original lineup of Shelby Cinca on Guitar/Vocals and the Dead Meadow rhythm section; Steve Kille (Bass) and Stephen McCarty (Drums) with the additional assistance of Jennifer Potter on 2nd Guitar. Finished post-humously when the band in this configuration decided to part ways. These recordings are a culmination of late night sessions between Shelby Cinca and Steve Kille obsessing over Wings, T. Rex, and Badfinger records, creating their own take of inspired and positive rock tunes. Driving songs such as “All The People” and “This Will Pass” with their hopefully Lennon-esque message. Also herein is the rare vocal performance of drummer Stephen McCarty on “Meteor Rock”. The opening and closing tracks of “O’er The Mountain” illuminate a prescient vision of what was to come with the mystic country sound that The Cassettes later adopted on the forthcoming album “”Neath The Pale Moon” to be released on Buddyhead Nov. 14th, 2006. Conceptually, the prequel of a musical journey that begins with an un-named protagonist through mountainous terrain and enchanted forests. Recorded by Shelby Cinca and lauded as one of his favorite 8-Track recordings he has ever done.  Mixed later in the year 2002 by Chad Clark at Silver Sonya and now self-released after an obscure Italian CD pressing in 2003 on Alice Records.

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The Cassettes - s/t
(2002 - Lovitt Records)

The debut full-length created when the band consisted of the bassist and drummer of Dead Meadow and focusing on rock n’ roll a la Badfinger, T. Rex and Wings. The track “The Improbable Solution”, which became the “unofficial hit”,  is about a skyship voyage into space — which ultimately set the precedent of the steampunk themes that The Cassettes later adopted. 

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The Cassettes - s/t
(2000 - Carcrash Records)

The debut 7”s from 2000. Recorded on ADAT with the original lineup of Shelby Cinca, Stephen McCarty (Dead Meadow) and Steve Kille (Dead Meadow). The beginning explorations of The Cassettes — from rock n’ roll to dreamy indie pop. The original musical escape for Shelby Cinca from the post-punk screamings of his previous band Frodus.

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