The Unforgettable Tunes of PNG's Cassette Era

Quality Over Quantity: The Unforgettable Tunes of PNG's Cassette Era

Ah, the 90s in Papua New Guinea – a time when CHM and PGS tapes were our prized possessions, each one holding a universe of meticulously chosen songs. Unlike today's overflowing digital libraries, those ten songs per side felt like a curated treasure trove. Every crackle and bump on a REKS Band's reggae jam, every soaring note of a George Telek's rock ballad, held a weight and value absent in the endless streams of today's music.

Back then, acquiring music was an adventure. Imagine the thrill of waiting by the radio, heart pounding, for your favorite Barike Band hit to play on the FM 100 Top 20 countdown. Capturing it on a blank cassette, carefully labeling it with felt-tip pen, wasn't just a chore; it was a ritual, a way of personalizing the music, making it truly your own.

Sharing mixtapes became an art form, a way to connect with friends over the electrifying sounds of Saugas or the hidden gems of Helgas. Each hand-picked song whispered stories, jokes, and shared experiences, forging bonds stronger than any playlist ever could.

Sure, today we have thousands of songs at our fingertips, but what about the connection? With constant novelty just a swipe away, do we truly savor any of it? Rewinding a cassette, the anticipation building with each whirring click, fostered a deeper appreciation. The physical interaction, the effort involved, made each song a cherished experience.

And the imperfections? The worn labels, the hiss and crackle? These weren't flaws; they were stories etched in plastic and tape, adding a layer of authenticity and personal connection that digital music often lacks. They were tangible reminders of late-night radio dedications, whispered secrets shared under the stars, all soundtracked by the iconic voices of PNG's music scene.

Those ten songs on a CHM or PGS cassette weren't just music; they were companions on journeys, confidantes of our first loves and heartbreaks. They were the soundtrack to a simpler time, a time when music held a deeper meaning, woven into the very fabric of our lives.

So, the next time you lose yourself in the digital abyss, take a moment to remember the lessons of the cassette tape. Remember the power of anticipation, the value of quality over quantity, and the enduring legacy of music that truly connects with the soul. Let those worn tapes, and the memories they hold, remind you that the most meaningful songs are often the ones we hold closest, not the ones we easily discard. They are the echoes of an era, stories sung by REKS Band, Barike Band, Saugas, George Telek, Hornets, Mandawali, and countless others, reminding us that music, at its core, is about connection, not consumption.

WGuti@2022

Photo source: Adobe Stock