A day without 8-tracks is a day without sunshine. Today I went by a used record store in Somerville, Mass., called Record Hog, but it was closed even though it said the hours were 2-6! Inside I could see a milkcrate full of 8-tracks. There were at least 2 Elvis, one was Separate Ways; and two pirate carts, one was Wilson Pickett; and the rest I could see was mostly easy-listening, Ray Coniff Singers, Guy Lombardo, Herb Alpert and the Tiajuana Brass; and Fiddler on the Roof; and Leonard Bernstein. Tomorrow I will try to go back and get some. I definitely want Wilson Pickett.

I like pirates (sometimes called bootlegs). They seem to come from all these little fly-by-night operations, who claim all statutory royalties have been paid, but who knows if they can't find you? I like the funny covers they put on the tapes, sometimes woefully mismatched with the music.

Also I like easy-listening. I mean, it's not my favorite thing, but it amuses me. I have a ton, here at the museum. I like musak versions of rock songs and Pery Como and I love moog instramentals.

A note about the blog's name change. Yes, today we have become the 8-Track Museum. We are coming out as our true selves. While we may very well frequent thrift stores in pursuit of the endless loop, our focus will rarely wander from it.