Sure thing, the hiss and warmth of a 1970s cassette vault can be legal gold, not a ticking time bomb, if you know how to lock the right boxes. First, catalog each tape with title, label, and any known rights holders—color‑code the folders so you never lose track of a potential vendetta. Then check the status of each song: if it’s still under copyright you’ll need a license, or you could argue fair use, but that’s a fine line. If the label is dead or the work is public domain, you’re clear to keep it. For the remaining ones, secure a blanket license through the proper performance‑rights organization or negotiate a direct agreement; that’s where the neat loopholes live. Finally, file a certificate of ownership with your local court to protect the physical medium—just to be safe. And keep the tapes in climate‑controlled storage so the analog soul—and its value—stay intact.