Page 34 - Fall 2021

Many of Murphy’s tapes include sets of songs he’s recently enjoyed while others are a bit more abstract or experimental, with added sounds he’s gathered from the radio, TV or life around him.
collection has multiplied over the years but his brother’s tapes are the most prominently featured.
When Tom hits play on an old one, a crackle pours through the speakers before Louis introduces the next hour of programming for his audience of one: “Testing, testing, 1-2-3. Murphy Studios, Atlantic Coast in cooperation with Big90 FM. KATL, Atlanta. At this time, I’d like to present ‘Bad Moon,’ a collection of rock’n’roll from some of the most famous groups and artists of all time.”
Tom laughs as his brother’s voice says, “Keep in mind this tape was put together in a hasty type of manner. It’s not as fine-tuned as it should be, but we think you will enjoy this for your listening pleasure.”
The next 30 minutes of music then kicks off with Foreigner’s “At War with the World.”
“Recording a new tape is like writing a letter, only more
creative and you’re playing DJ instead,” said Tom. “There’s a lot more creativity to play with.”
Many of his tapes include sets of songs he’s recently enjoyed while others are a bit more abstract or experimental. For example, some include sounds he’s gathered from the radio, TV or life around him.
Occasionally, Tom sends tapes to other family members. He’s working on one featuring audio from a Joe Biden speech to send to his sister on her birthday. Other additions include some original guitar tracks, commercials for fake products and soundbites he recorded from the movie “Goodfellas.”
Louis joked that he and his brother don’t always pick up the phone, but they’re still very close.
“Just like how we’re both Steelers fans or part of the military, the tapes are just as much part of our shared history as anything else about us,” he said. “They forged a bond we share.”
PAGE 32 | OCONEE THE MAGAZINE | FALL 2021