Music production during the 60s was characterized by a number of technologies that revolutionized the industry. The introduction of 4 tape cartridges marked a significant turning point for musicians during the century. Music quality was further enhanced by the 8-track cartridges that were manufactured as improvements of the 4-tape cartridges. Motown and Abbey production companies made use of these technologies to enhance the quality of the music they produced. This essay analyzes the differences between 4-tape cartridges and 8-tape cartridges by evaluating the music qualities of different sound tracks.
In the 1960s, 4-track tape recording technologies were the most widely used approaches in the musical industry. Years later, the introduction of the 8-track tape cartridges with the same quarter inch tape and endless loop system marked a great turning point in the industry. The space used for each track across the width of the tape in the 4-track recording technology was twice as wide as the 8-track tape. This implies that for one to play a whole album in the former, they would have to play through the entire length of the tape twice whereas the latter would play through its tape four times. Even though these two recording technologies had some notable differences, they marked a great turning point in the music industry.
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It is imperative to note that 4-track and 8-track cartridges existed in the market for some time, before the 8-track format defeated the 4-track technology. If a person carefully listens to Taxman by the Beatles, they would realize that the 4-track technology was unique in its production method. The first track features guitars, bass and drums whereas during tracks two and three, Harrison adds two lead vocal overdubs to make the song more intriguing. The last track features a lead guitar solo by Paul McCartney, tambourine play by Ringo Starr and backing vocals by McCartney and John Lennon.
Motown on the other hand had a wall of sound approach added to their genius 8-track tape as one listens to their tapes and Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On says it all. The integration of the rhythm, vocals and instruments was done so perfectly, that it enabled the artist to release a hit soundtrack during the 60s. The 8-track format was developed by refining the basics of the 4-track technology and making changes that were designed to make the tape less likely to jam and increase its accessibility to the market.
From the discussion provided above, it is evident that the music industry was greatly influenced by the production methods during the 60s. Taxman by the Beatles made use of the 4-tape cartridge, a factor which made this track to be a hit song of the century. On the other hand, What’s going on was produced on 8-tape cartridges and the differences in production are eident in the two tracks.
