Vintage tapes a hit at HAN

Although eight-track tapes comprise a miniscule percentage of the inventory at Recycled Records in Reno, owner Paul Doege says Hot August

Nights brings a bump in sales in the format that went out of commercial

production in 1980.

Doege says sales aren't what they used to be as Hot August Nights evolved from a music and car show to more of a car-themed event, but many out-of-towners still trickle in looking for the music of their youth.

"All the years (Hot August Nights) grew up, there was a time it was really strong on music, so we still get a lot of people who lock into music," Doege says. "The fact that they have already got a car which reflects their youth shows that they are kind of nostalgic people. If you want a '67 Camaro because back in the day you had a Camaro, you obviously look fondly upon those times. A lot of those people look fondly on the music they enjoyed during those times as well."

Doege's new store near Moana and Kietzke lanes boasts a modest selection of eight-tracks. The dated format also can be found at some thrift stores, but Doege says their selections typically run toward old country George Jones and Porter Wagner easy listening and velvet-voiced balladeers such as Neil Diamond rather than classic rock.

"Most people who want that stuff grew up in rock 'n roll," Doege says.

"They want Beatles, Led Zepplin, Rolling Stones and stuff like that."

After 1980, eight-tracks weren't available for retail sale and could only be purchased through record clubs such as Columbia House. As a result, old punk eight-tracks from groups such as the Sex Pistols and the Ramones and early New Wave artists such as Duran Duran can be very valuable, says Doege, whose personal collection boasts many rare titles.

Doege says he isn't sure how many eight-tracks he'll sell this year since he moved his store from its longtime location on Kietzke Lane.

"Hopefully they will look in the phone book and find me because we are still around. The regulars who come every year know where we are, and they are still able to find us."