Starting out in Minnesota with no specific agenda, Tapes 'N Tapes effectively absorbed the DNA of much of '80s underground rock and'90s indie pop to create the kind of music that seems both fresh and familiar. Friends of the band sent songs off to blogs, and Tapes 'N Tapes inadvertently became one of the early acts to be championed by blogs before touring extensively outside their home environment. Fortunately, Tapes 'N Tapes was a viable live band long before that happened, and it was able to back up the buzz with charmingly entertaining shows. Its latest album, Outside, got mixed reviews, but the songs are still informed by the wit and humor that made Tapes 'N Tapes worthwhile in the first place.