The term 'TAPE ALTERNATIVE' can be solved by two crossword solutions: ALBUM (5 letters) and YARDSTICK (9 letters). An ALBUM is a collection of audio recordings, typically released as a CD or vinyl record. It is an alternative to tapes, which were popular in the past but have since been replaced by digital formats. A YARDSTICK is a measuring device used to measure length, usually in feet or yards. It is an alternative to tape measures, which are used to measure shorter distances.