If you've ever longed to go back to the rock 'n' roll heyday of the 1970s, 8Track is your band! They've mastered the art of bringing all the music of Bowie, The Stones, The Who, and other 70s legends back to life. Formerly known as Cougar Magnet and still well-known in the area as one of the best cover groups around, they'll be bringing their passionate, high-energy show to Garcia's on Friday, February 23. To get psyched for the show, we've talked with 8Track's own Jonathan Ellner about the grooviest decade and how the band recreates it through the music. Get ready for the ultimate time travel experience. We'll see you in the 70s!

8Track has managed to create its own path using the music of the 70s as a roadmap. What is it about the music of the 70s that makes it the essential music of the modern music era? Who are some of your biggest 70s influencers?

A lot of the music of the 70's has a certain authenticity...perhaps craftsmanship that gives it a longevity that we rarely see today. I think this is fueled by the excellent state of recording technology at the time (tube amplifiers, analog tape, real instruments)...just before the nascent entry of digital, which tended to sterilize everything initially. Favorites run the gamut: Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Cheap Trick, Steely Dan, Bob Marley, Earth Wind & Fire, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YthC8MmmI10

What were some of your earliest memories in terms of listening to or being inspired by the music of the 70s? Were there any events in the 70s that really shaped your youth?

My memories of childhood (the '70s) are littered with the sounds of the time. Whenever I hear certain songs; e.g. "Running On Empty" or "Baker Street", it brings me right back to certain moments with great clarity.

How do you go about choosing the setlist considering the vast amount of 70s songs that exist? Are there certain artists you tend to favor or do you open the door to new possibilities?

Song selection is a bit of an art in and of itself. That said, we take suggestions from everyone, pick songs that avoid being too cheesy or wedding band-ish and also reflect our skills and instrumentation, and then pick what works. We try not to force anything in an effort to make sure everyone (in the band) feels good about what we're playing so that spills over into the audience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWAgzTUs4x0

If you had to choose to be one character from the show “That 70’s Show,” who would you be and why?

Red. I think I have a bit of that character in my personality, if I'm being honest.

Were there certain toys or TV shows that you found yourself attached to in the 70s? Asteroids or Space Invaders? A Rubix Cube for yourself or Rock ‘em-Sock ‘em Robots with friends?

I was a huge fan of shows like Batman & Robin, All In The Family, Mash. As they say, "they don't make 'em like they used to". In some respects, that's probably a good thing! Oh...definitely Space Invaders. So many quarters lost...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG9E7aAJncM

What do you hope to bring to this intimate Garcia’s show versus your grandiose performance at The Cap only months ago? What is about Garcia’s that makes it the perfect venue for the band?

I love playing The Capitol for so many reasons, not the least of which is the history. It's a treasure to play in such a great house where we're received so well. Garcia's offers us a certain intimacy with the crowd by virtue of how the stage is set where people can get up close and all around you. I think the crowd likes being that close to the magic and I love the energy that resonates between us as players and the audience as well.

You’re returning to Garcia’s, where your journey started with The Capitol Theatre family. You’ve also headlined The Cap twice for two grandiose shows. What is so special about Garcia’s versus The Cap and what is it about Garcia’s that makes it the perfect place for your to share your journey?

We very much appreciate the opportunity that Peter Shapiro and Garcia's have given us as we continue to grow. As a cover band the expectations of success can seem limiting, but there is an appetite for the music we play that is supported by Garcia's because of the dedication to creating a great place to play; great stage, great sound, great people. The music performance piece of what Garcia's brings is front and center, not an afterthought.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loSYQStyl94