[Essay] basement tapes

[GoodTaste]

What does "basement tapes" mean? It seems to be traditional tapes like that broadcast on TV stations and radio stations. But the problem in understanding is that such traditional tapes have long been got beyond.

So what does "basement tapes" mean?


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The New York Times
@nytimes
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4h
In Opinion


To win, Joe Biden has to find a way to get beyond the basement tapes and project himself into our ever more digital world, write David Axelrod and David Plouffe

 

[emsr2d2]

I think it refers to recordings that were made in the past and have been languishing in someone's basement (or attic), only to be discovered and released, and found to be embarrassing or damning to someone in current public life.

 

[GoodTaste]

I think it refers to recordings that were made in the past and have been languishing in someone's basement (or attic), only to be discovered and released, and found to be embarrassing or damning to someone in current public life.

It seems to mean that Joe Biden should pay little attention to his past; instead, he should look forward and be armed with brand new technology to win the presidential race.

 

[SoothingDave]

I think it's talking about Biden releasing recordings he has made in his basement. Or in his home anyway. Since he can't campaign due to covid-19 and his diminished capacity.

This seems to be encouraging him to be more active on digital platforms.

 

[Tdol]

Bob Dylan recorded in a basement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Basement_Tapes

Basement tapes are like demos and bootlegs- unpolished, possibly unfinished. Biden is making videos in the basement of his house. He is not out campaigning in public. What people are getting is not the same as a politician working a live crowd. Given that he cannot do the live crowds, he has to improve his online presence and connect better.

 

[Tarheel]

You can always hope.