The Whole Thing
Posted on | October 25, 2012 | 15 Comments
Remember a long time ago when I wrote about wanting a record player? Well, I finally got one and it only took me eight months (so maybe I have some commitment issues, what of it?). And after some hellish technical AV issues it’s finally hooked up and working. And it sounds effing fantastic. Quick side note: about the only time I miss my ex is when I am faced with a huge electrical/technical project with lots of cords and plugs and stuff. I hate it! That’s men’s work! I’m always half-tempted to call him and ask “now, where does this one go?” But, I am pleased to let you know that I figured out my new stereo equipment all on my own. That’s right – no man needed. Boom. Anywho, this new owning a record player portion of my life is all very exciting. I have a total of four records!
{The new Mumford & Sons which is PHENOMENAL btw, a lil’ Gladys because I need it in my life, some Marvin for good measure and the lovely Bon Iver. And I’m delighted to announce that the very first song I played on my record player was none other than “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Ain’t that nice and fitting?}
My new hobby is leisurely browsing record shops. It’s been so long since I’ve bought music in any form other than an mp3 and it’s so refreshing to hold something physical in your hands. Tactilely pleasing with liner notes, to boot. Long live records, I say.
I was never one of those whole album purists. You know the ones, who insist that you listen to a record in it’s entirety, start to finish. Some of the really extreme ones don’t even believe in greatest hits compilations. Now, I think that’s a bunch of crazy talk. But owning a record player means paying attention to whole albums and there’s something nice and pure about that. It’s listening to the songs as the artists intended rather than shuffling all over the place like I usually do with Pandora or my iTunes playlists.
I’ve always found that it’s somewhat rare to find an album that you love all the way through. I guess that’s what makes them so special. Here’s some of my absolute favorites from my younger years although they mostly stand up to the test of time. And here’s to discovering some new gems. Any suggestions, my lovely and smart pals?
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15 Responses to “The Whole Thing”
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October 25th, 2012 @ 1:40 pm
I grew up with a record player in the living room, but it’s been years since I listened to one. Also, the Counting Crows’ “August and Everything After” has long been one if my desert-island albums.
October 25th, 2012 @ 2:22 pm
I just discovered – through a very awesome pal – the band Of Monsters and Men. Their album ‘My Head Is An Animal’ is fantastic. Mellow, similar to Lumineers. Buy it now.
October 25th, 2012 @ 2:34 pm
@Mrs. Kinne – It ALWAYS makes my deserted island list too. It’s a classic, plain and simple.
@Allison – I was introduced to them this summer. Huge fan! I’ve been getting to know the album and I dig.
October 25th, 2012 @ 3:23 pm
Yes, yes, and YES. God, those are great albums.
October 25th, 2012 @ 5:39 pm
@ Karen – right?!
October 25th, 2012 @ 6:02 pm
Totally second the Counting Crows and Rites of Passage! Oh the hours spent in the car with my BFF singing to “Ghost.”
I love Come On Come On, but I think Shooting Straight in the Dark is my fave MCC.
Happy Record Playing!
And PS, I heard Ray Charles on NPR yesterday (old interview, obvs) and they played “Georgia” and I thought about your blog and how it’s pretty much the best blog name ever.
October 25th, 2012 @ 6:05 pm
@Molly – Omg the mems of singing Ghost (or any Indie song, really). And thems is some kind words about my blog name. Makes me want to hug you. xo
October 25th, 2012 @ 7:56 pm
Congrats on the purchase!
Must have records:
1) Postal Services’ Give Up
2) Joy Formidable’s Big Roar
3) The National’s Boxer
All meant to be played on record players! Record players residing in NYC.
October 25th, 2012 @ 7:58 pm
@liz – So, so awesome. I do love Boxer. Will check out the others. xo
October 25th, 2012 @ 11:00 pm
GET OUT OF MY HEAD!! I was working on a post about my Top 10 favorite albums last night (to go live next week). Damn you– you scooped me!
October 26th, 2012 @ 2:25 pm
YAY!! If you ever are in Huntsville, Alabama let me know…I’d love for you to peruse my record store! I’m sure you’ll find some goodies
xo
October 26th, 2012 @ 2:26 pm
@Deanna – it’s only because we’re both frickin’ geniuses.
October 26th, 2012 @ 2:28 pm
@Ashley – Um. Yes please, that sounds downright amazing! Probably could grab some good bbq after too, huh?
October 26th, 2012 @ 4:06 pm
ya girl for sure
November 25th, 2012 @ 5:45 pm
TSO will be in Little Rock and Dallas soon … I’m trying to fgurie out how to go.Oh, and I had the 98 Degrees Christmas album. And I still listen to it. You get no judgment from me.