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Radio Show – Rarities
Tonight’s show is uncommon albums in my collection.
The criteria I used to make my choices are pretty straightforward:
1. The album is in my collection
2. Less than 500 people have it (on Discogs)
3. They can’t be all jazz albums
If you’re not familiar with Discogs, it’s an online marketplace that allows you to catalog your collection of Music, regardless of medium. You can view my library [here]. There are over 9,000,000 releases on the website as of January of 2017 and 379,423 contributors of which I have a score of 1. Not first place, nor last but one of 346,567. Probably somewhere around the low 300,000’s.
Discogs shows you how many people have a release, the last time it was sold, and the average Low/Mid/High prices that it sold for. There is only one selection on tonights show that has not been sold on Discogs. Alongside the album title/song is how many people have and want the album on Discogs.
If you want to pick up any of the albums in this post, click the album cover to check it out on Amazon.
Bobby Blue Bland & B.B. King – Together Again – The Thrill is Gone
(173 have 15 want)
I have two albums recorded by these two live, Together for The First Time, and Together Again. This one is my favorite of the two, but as I write this, I’m wanting to listen to the former for a comparison. The stage play between these two is hilarious. I would have loved to be there for this performance.
Kenny G (Featuring Michael Bolton) – Live (1989) Don’t Make Me Wait for Love
(129 have 42 want)
My first remembered concert was Kenny G performing in Jacksonville, Florida at a jazz festival. I was around 4 or 5, and that soprano sax was torture on my eardrums. I liked him on CD but didn’t have the aural capacity for him live. In hindsight, I wish I could have enjoyed that show. Enter this selection, there’s just something about Kenny G and Michael Bolton together.
The Foreign Exchange – Authenticity – Make Me A Fool
(119 have 90 want)
If you’re not familiar with the Foreign Exchange, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Or you’ve been living under an aural rock, or you’re going to look them up right now…[here]. They didn’t press a lot of copies of this album, and I’m fortunate enough to have an autographed copy. I fell in love with their sound the first time I heard them; sometime during 2008 in my hometown of Washington DC.
John Coltrane – Giant Steps – Countdown
(225 have 267 want)
Jazz has always been a massive part of my life. My mother played a lot of Kenny G, Najee, and Miles. I developed my own tastes from my movie selections of my adolescence and teenage years. Love Jones was the first time my ears were graced with the tenor saxophone of John Coltrane, and now I have about 11 of his albums on vinyl. I think there are a few more to go.
Esperanza Spalding – Emily’s D+Evolution – Rest In Pleasure
(318 have 114 want)
Having seen this album performed in its entirety live; twice, I can say that this is my most played Esperanza Spalding album. I’ve slowed down, it is one of my favorite albums and a special one. All of my albums are special, but I really bonded with the music of Emily (the alter ego of dear Esperanza).
Art Ensemble Of Chicago – Les Stances A Sophie
(260 have 306 want)
I came across this album by recommendation of one of my trusted record store curators, and I knew nothing about it other than it was out of print. I’m a sucker for hard to find albums [that sound good]. Though the album was recorded in Paris, the band hails from Chicago. The movie director commissioned the original music for the film when the group had only two weeks left on their French visas. It’s amazing what a time crunch can do.
Soul Scratch – Pushing Fire – Look How Far We’ve Come
(33 Have 12 want)
This is a WOKE album, but not from who you would expect to see on the cover. I have a growing collection of albums from Colemine Records. If you want that sound of the 60’s and 70’s soul, you have a bevy of artists on the Colemine label to choose from. I also have enjoyed music from [Surefire Soul Ensemble, Durand Jones & The Indications], all from Colemine. Do yourself a favor and take a listen.
Yasiin Gaye: The Return (Side Two) – Travelin’ Man Pt. II (Distant Lovers Mix)
(420 Have 213 Want)
Amerigo Gazaway is a talented producer with quite the ear for matching up artists to create beautiful recreations of their work. I first heard, Yasiin Gaye: The Departure (Side One) about 3 years ago and I’ve been singing praise for it ever since. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet the criteria to be on tonight’s show; as 567 people had it. I’m glad for that though, more people should enjoy good music. He recently released A Common Wonder which you can listen to and download for free from his Bandcamp page.
Jaguar Wright – Denials Delusions And Decisions – The What If’s
(73 Have 39 Want)
Jaguar Wright was the answer to my soulful wishes when she dropped this album in 2001. She hit covers of songs from my childhood and sang over Scott Storch beats cementing her place in the Neo-soul genre. I liked her follow up album “…And Your Point Is” from 2004, but not so much “Divorcing Neo 2 Marry Soul” from 2005. I did like her cover of Woman to Woman, but it wasn’t her first album. Nor should it have been, as progress is life.
Sweetback – Sweetback – Softly Softly
(33 Have 30 Want)
In 1999 the question, “What would Sade be like without Sade?” was answered and Sweetback made their debut. Having great synergy and several awards under their belts was icing on the cake, but they went and collaborated with the likes of Maxwell (who’s featured on this track), Amel Larrieux, and Leroy Osbourne (of Sade). The follow-up album Stage [2] released in 2003 was my soundtrack on my first deployment. I was searching for a good copy of the LP while I’m writing this, but it was never released (sigh).
Amy Winehouse, Antonio Pinto – Amy (The Original Soundtrack) – We’re Still Friends
(81 Have 90 Want)
Amy Winehouse is one of three women I can listen to that covers Donnie Hathaway. The first being his daughter, Lalah Hathaway and the second being Vanessa Fernandez. Sadly we won’t be hearing any new music from Amy, but if you haven’t heard this track from her; you’re welcome.
Show Recordings
Don’t forget to tune in to the show live on 89.1 FM KNSJ from 10PM to 11PM PST on Thursday. You can stream the show at www.knsj.org or using the TuneIn App.
As always keep spinning.
Tom
I hope you enjoyed this post, to receive updates from Vinyl for The People delivered to your e-mail, subscribe here! Don’t forget to follow us on social media, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Background Tracks:
Robert Glasper Experiment (Featuring Norah Jones) – Let It Ride
Esperanza Spalding – One
Vinyl for The People Radio Show – Between The Sheets
Tonight’s episode is a selection from one of my go-to playlists for getting in the mood for lovemaking. We’ll be covering a few genres as well as spanning a great deal of time. So, get your candles, toys, and partner ready for an epic hour.
Sade – Diamond Life – Your Love Is King
Catalog #: FR 39581
No bedtime playlist is complete without Miss Adu. Pick any album and you’re golden.
Nat King Cole – Unforgettable – (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
Catalog #: DT 357
Can’t let this OG crooner escape the show. Unforgettable is a must have for any R&B lover. I’m working on a sample or two from this album.
Melody Gardot – My One And Only Thrill – Our Love Is Easy
Catalog #: ORG 161
This is an entire album of sexy. Check out her catalog don’t miss out.
Sadly some selections didn’t make the show
The only downside to having an all vinyl show is that I don’t have all of the albums that are on the complete playlist. There are over 200 songs…and that would be much longer than my hour show. Perhaps I’ll revisit this topic in another episode.
D’Angelo – Brown Sugar – Lady
Catalog #: B0022834-01
It was hard to decide which D’Angelo album would make it to the show, but going with the first is a safe bet.
Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan* – Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan – Sweet Thing
Catalog #: ABCD-909
While this was overall a party album, this is a stand out that made many magic moments. What’s your favorite Rufus song? Let me know in the comments.
Teddy Pendergrass – TP – Feel The Fire
Catalog #: FZ 36745
Teddy P is another of those artists that you can’t let escape a sexy time mix.
When I’m setting the mood…
Candles have been a staple in my home since I lived in my moms’ garage. Scented, unscented and manner of shapes and sizes. They add depth to the experience.
Vanessa Fernandez – Use Me – Simply Beautiful
Catalog #: GRV 150-1
Use Me has made several appearances on the show and is in my top 10 albums in my collection. This Al Green song is masterfully translated by Vanessa.
Miles Davis – Sorcerer – Sorcerer
Catalog #: MFSL 2-435
Sorcerer is an album recorded in May 1967 by the Miles Davis quintet. It is the third of five albums that this quintet recorded. The album’s cover is a photo of actress Cicely Tyson, who at the time was Davis’s girlfriend (later his wife).
Norah Jones – The Vinyl Collection – Come Away With Me – Turn Me On
Catalog #: AAPP NJBOX33
Sweet, sweet Norah. This box set can take you through the gambit of emotions, but her first album is still my favorite.
The Isley Brothers – Forever Gold – (At Your Best) You Are Love
Catalog #: PZ 34452
Hello, would have made this list if I hadn’t played it on the show last week. It’s easy to pick the Isley brothers to go on this list.
Bonnie Raitt – Give It Up – Nothing Seems To Matter
Catalog #: BS 2643
This album surprised me. It was bought without a listen, and this song sounds like one of those rainy night ballads that you put on while keeping warm beneath the sheets.
Maxwell – blackSUMMERS’night – Fingers Crossed
Catalog #: 88985326691
Maxwell needs no explanation. Ever.
Show Recordings
Don’t forget to tune in to the show live on 89.1 FM KNSJ from 10 PM to 11 PM PST on Thursday. You can stream the show at www.knsj.org or use the TuneIn App.
As always keep spinning,
Tom
I hope you enjoyed this post, to receive updates from Vinyl for The People delivered to your e-mail, subscribe here! Don’t forget to follow us on social media, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Background Music on the show:
Sade – Smooth Operator
Maxwell – Gods
Vinyl for The People Radio Show – What’s Going On – Episode 5
What’s Going On?
That has been my question since November of last year, but you won’t find a rant about the presidency here.
You will find music that was written to inspire and console, these tracks that have etched themselves into my aural memory as a playlist for all of the things going on in the world today.
Tony Bennett – Trouble’s A Bubble.
Starting out light-hearted with this one, which echoes the sentiment that this too will pass. I’m a sucker for the crooner, and this track gives me optimism.
Erykah Badu – Penitentiary Philosophy.
When Mama’s Gun released in November 2000, it was one of those albums that were always in rotation at home. The first track off the album set the tone of what was to come from Erykah. Overall a timeless album.
The Beetles – Come Together.
Speaking of timeless, Abby Road can’t be erased from the memories of generations. The song was originally commissioned to be a campaign song for Timothy Leary in his campaign for California Govoner against Richard Nixon. Lennon couldn’t get the song to…come together, and they scrapped the project. The slogan, “Come Together, Join The Party” inspired Lennon and, in a 1980 interview with Playboy (RIP Hugh Heffner) he said: “The thing was created in the studio. It’s gobbledygook….” I guess we all like gobbledygook. To read the interesting article I got the info about Come Together, click here.
Goapele – Closer.
I first heard Goapele on a Mix CD by DJ Topspin, a local Seattle DJ. I was out on a date, and he was spinning some serious R&B. I bought one of his mixes and shortly after bought Goapele – Even Closer. A motivational down tempo regular found in a several of my playlists.
Durand Jones & The Impressions – Make A Change.
The sound of the group is straight out of the 60’s, but the song message is relevant today. We do need to make a change. In case you didn’t get that, it’s repeated for emphasis.
Carole King – You’ve Got a Friend.
Carole King’s Tapestry is an album that I’ve been listening to before I was born. My mother played it a lot during her pregnancy, and the first time I heard it in my adult life, I found myself instantly drawn to her. It doesn’t hurt that she made beautiful music. In times like these, we all need a friend and I’m glad to have this album to warm me up with the world can be so cold.
“Be The Change You Want To See…”
The quote above was not from the hand of Gandhi, but rather a paraphrasing that fits on a bumper sticker. The phrase it was smashed from is, “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. … We need not wait to see what others do.”
We all can change something, starting with ourselves.
Immortal Technique – Leaving The Past
Leaving The Past is one of Technique’s more radio-friendly songs. I’ve loved his first two albums, (Revolutionary Vol. 1 and 2) since the first time I heard them. I didn’t care as much for the mixtape style delivered in The 3rd World, but such is the progression of an artist.
Robert Glasper Experiment – Let It Ride (featuring Norah Jones)
Black Radio 2 was slept on, but not as much as the original Black Radio. This track caught me off guard during my listening. Initially, I wondered where it was going and then; Norah. It’s not uncommon to find Norah Jones featured across several genres, hearing her here with the Experiment was a treat I would love to have had live.
Gregory Porter – Painted On Canvas
I put this song in to break up the tone of the show. I agree with Gregory; we get shaped by our interactions with others. This album has some gems on it, from the title track, Be Good (Lion’s Song), On My Way To Harlem, and the first track on the album Painted on Canvas.
Norah Jones – My Dear Country
This song is so relevant to the past election, though it is written referring to the possible reelection of G. W. Bush. It holds even more true of our sitting president. Like Norah, I’m glad I have a platform to share my views freely.
Marvin Gaye – Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
To let this show come to an end and not have Marvin Gaye would be amiss. Marvin was a big part of my adolescence and finds himself at home in my collection. This song needs no explanation.
Show Recordings
Don’t forget to tune in to the show live on 89.1 FM KNSJ from 10 PM to 11 PM PST on Thursday. You can stream the show at www.knsj.org or use the TuneIn App.
As always keep spinning,
Tom
I hope you enjoyed this post, to receive updates from Vinyl for The People delivered to your e-mail, subscribe here! Don’t forget to follow us on social media, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Vinyl for The People Radio Show – Love and Other 4 Letter Words – Episode 4
L-O-V-E.
This episode is what I find to be a soundtrack of the ups and downs of a relationship. What’s funny is I think we all can relate to the stages of a relationship. I chose the following songs to represent my understanding. By the way, clicking the album covers will take you to Amazon to purchase the album.
Esperanza Spalding – Junjo, from the album of the same name and it immediately sets the tone for the 1st half of the show. They playful bass and the piano invoke the feelings of young love. It’s played loosely and fast-paced, but yields room for silence and quiet passages. Which demonstrate the periods of reflection one takes in the early days of a relationship, determining where it’s going.
John Coltrane – In A Sentimental Mood. It’s starting to get serious. There are profound moments and thoughts, and you start to wonder the staying power of your chosen partner in crime, but it seems pretty infallible. You’re making beautiful music.
Adele – Lovesong. If John Lennon doesn’t spell it out for you; you’re in love. The song does an excellent job professing the unyielding fealty that only a British singer could convey. If I had Lennon’s version on vinyl, it would have been on the show in place of Adele.
Isley Brothers – Hello It’s Me. Now that Love has filled the air, it can be a bit stifling. Growing pains from adapting to fit into the lives of one another, experimenting with new hobbies, foods, and people. The change isn’t why you were attracted, and the resentment of change can drive you apart. Ron Isley said it best, “don’t change, girl.” But guys should keep that in mind too.
Daft Punk – Nightvision. The introspective thoughts don’t go away, and you may wonder if you’re making the right decisions. This train of thought takes you to the second half of our show.
D-A-M-N.
Alabama Shakes – Miss You. Unfortunately for this couple, the uncertainty we left them in before the break ended the love affair. Now we reunite with them in denial. This song starts out slow but quickly ramps up the energy. There’s uncertainty in the lyrics and guitar, but the sentiment that I’m yours is made loud and clear. In the end, though, the fact of the matter is. I’m yours.
Miles Davis – So What. After the last track yielded no success, we move on to indifference, finding our subject in the heart of The Cool. Past love is just that, a fleeting memory we’ve carried on our journey to something better. Undergoing a period of self-dialogue and discovery; it’s an epiphany that our past doesn’t define our future. Cheers to new experiences.
The Weeknd – The Knowing. This track finds our subject inebriated on their favorite intoxicant. Drunk dialing. Sad, and indifferent in the midst of what could have been a good time. Melancholic memories drive the distressed guitar and pounding rhythm.
Maxwell – The Fall. After that bender from the last track, the drunk dial yields a reply in the opening verse. This is one of my favorite tracks on the album, and one that took a few listenings to appreciate all of the lyrics. I find the vinyl version has a better mix than the digital, as a result, I don’t stream this album.
Days go by slowly
I never know wholly
I see what you owe me
You never realize
That everything changes
And everything moves
And nothing is as it
Was when you lose
and our subject responds
Wait, wait, wait
Wait
Waiting for the…
Forgive me for waiting so long
For taking the time to rise and destroy
I was avoiding the thing that I…
I can’t feel you
And on that bombshell…we are right back where we started.
New/old Love…
Esperanza Spalding – One. Not lacking in love, nor haunted by its pain…our subject has discovered again that love is marvelous. That’s the great thing about love. It surrounds us, even in this time steeped in hatred, bigotry, and pretend. Love can be authentic if you let it.
I hope you enjoyed this episode of the show, and I look forward to sharing tunes with you every Monday night from 11 PM to 12 AM on 89.1 KNSJ here in San Diego, streaming at www.knsj.org, and available on your smart device using the Tune In App.
Leave your thoughts in the comments, and let me know what songs you would use to describe the phases of a relationship. I would love to read them.
Don’t forget to tune in to the show live on 89.1 FM KNSJ from 10 PM to 11 PM PST on Thursday. You can stream the show at www.knsj.org or use the TuneIn App.
Show Recordings
Don’t forget to tune in to the show live on 89.1 FM KNSJ from 10 PM to 11 PM PST on Thursday. You can stream the show at www.knsj.org or use the TuneIn App.
As always keep spinning.
Tom
I hope you enjoyed this post, to receive updates from Vinyl for The People delivered to your e-mail, subscribe here! Don’t forget to follow us on social media, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
F*ck You, Pay Me! (Return of The ‘table)
If you’ve been following the chronicles of my ordeal with the company that moved me here to San Diego; you know my turntable has been defunct since I arrived here. I was furious to find that I couldn’t listen to records.
Why not get a new ‘table? There are plenty of offerings that are shinier and have new features. The answer to that question is multi-layered. To explain that, we have to go back to 2013.
I fell in love with the sound and look of VPI, but couldn’t quantify the cost difference between the Rega and VPI. I finally pulled the trigger on the VPI Scout in 2015 while I was visiting San Diego and there was no looking back.
A person I was dating stole most of my stereo (still don’t understand why she didn’t take it all) and for the first time in 6 years, I couldn’t listen to records. After dealing with the police and my insurance company, I came across an example of the table that made me fall in love with VPI.
I was sure there would be no more new ‘tables for some years to come. I negotiated a good deal and replaced almost all the stolen components, (Amp, Turntable, Speakers) but couldn’t find a new CD player in my price range.
Fast forward to October 2016, moving day. I packed most of my components myself as I had the original boxes. Letting the moves pack my table was a mistake.
When my belongings arrived in San Diego, there were several broken items, the entertainment center for the living room, chairs (How do you break chairs?), the stereo rack was scratched and had no assembly hardware, my office chair was missing pieces, and when I got to my table, there were books packed on top of it. Books and the motor assembly was the icing on this shitty cake.
The Process
I submitted my claim on 13 December 2016 and enclosed a repair estimate from Stereo Unlimited along with it. My adjuster didn’t quite read that far into the claim file. Here’s an excerpt from our e-mail dialogue.
Adjuster – I am the adjuster assigned to your claim. We must work the claims in the order they are received.
You may send pictures, and any information you may have that will assist me in the adjudication of your claim. Any information received is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please feel free to reply to this e-mail. Also, please reply with your current mailing address.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during the claims process.
Me – Good evening. Thank you for reaching out to me in regards to my claim. Attached below are the findings from the shop performing repairs to my turntable. My mailing address is the same that my belongings were delivered to (she has access to the system that contains the information). I’m looking forward to reaching a resolution in this matter and glad to see a quick turnaround during the holiday season.
Persistance.
I had a phone conversation with Rhonda (my adjuster), and she stated that she didn’t receive an e-mail from me, so I forwarded it to her and informed her that the e-mail she was receiving was sent earlier, “I sent you the information for the turntable on 29 December. Here is that e-mail again.
Hi, Tom:
This will serve as documentation for your claim for shipping damage to your VPI Scoutmaster turntable and related components and Salamander equipment stand:
The 10” VPI tonearm is bent and must be replaced. Replacement cost for that unit is $1000 and is taxable.
The VPI tonearm mounting assembly is bent, and the pivot point is damaged and must be replaced. Replacement cost for that assembly is $1000 and is taxable.
The VPI motor assembly has a bent shaft. Replacement for the motor and shaft is $400, and that amount is taxable.
The Ortofon 2M Black phono cartridge and stylus assembly are damaged, and the stylus assembly cannot be replaced to repair the phono cartridge. The entire cartridge assembly must be replaced, and the cost is $755, and that is also taxable.
The time to remove and replace the damaged components, mount the phono cartridge and accurately setup the turntable is estimated to be two hours. Our labor rate is $75 per hour and is not taxable.
The Salamander Hardware Kit for the Synergy Stand is $50, and an interior replacement shelf is $45. Both are taxable.
Total for the replacement components is $3250.
Tax for the components is $260.
Labor estimate (two hours) is $150.
TOTAL – $3660.00
The cost of the repair is about 60% of the purchase price of a Super Scoutmaster, but as it is out of production…repair is the option of choice.
Seven months.
Seven months. That is how long it has taken Eagle Claims to adjudicate my claim. I could have paid out of pocket, but I felt this owed to me. I worked extremely hard to afford my simple pleasures. In short, I felt like Sonny from Goodfellas.
Fuck you, pay me!
Since starting this claim, I have:
April 24th, a check was mailed to the freight forwarder that was responsible for the moving company. When I set up a time to have it picked up, the guy I was on the phone with told he’d be coming to collect my turntable.
Fuck that.
I went on an e-mail spree:
Unfortunately, Rhonda, the payment is for more than my turntable. Are you stating that you will be issuing two checks, one to me and one to the shop whose information is listed in all of the quotes I have sent you?
You need to contact them if you desire additional information as I have provided you the quote FIVE (5) times. The quote has included their contact information on all of those correspondences.
You did not state you desired additional information in any of the previous communication we have had. This process has been unreasonably drawn out and a significant inconvenience. You have asked for information that has been provided to you several times.
I feel our conversations were meant to wear down my resolve in hopes I would accept whatever is offered to me. I am a proud member of the US Navy (not an endorsement of the US Navy) and am affronted by the hassle I had had to endure to repair and replace items that were in perfect working condition before they were handled by sloppy movers. I have risked my life for the very same people who deny me the use of items that I have worked so hard to procure.
The proceedings of our negotiations have been a heady farce.”
Now we are here. The check is in the mail, again.
I am filing a claim with the BBB and will advise you not to do business with Ocean Terminals, Covan moving company, and Eagle Claims.
Together, they have wasted half a year trying to wear me down and deny me what is mine. I can only imagine what these businesses have done to countless other customers; I mean victims.
Soon, and very soon. I’ll be returning to something with a semblance of normal in the listening room. I can’t wait to record a new Virgin Vinyl Sunday and look forward to continuing the vinyl experience with you.
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6 Online Record Digging Tips
Digging The Virtual Crates
Virtual record digging
The phrase alone makes some shudder, with vibes of inauthentic record collectors. I am no such purist, but as I write this at 12:36 AM, I have a few thoughts.
Do I share where I find my online digs, or do I keep the readers unaware?
What if this post loses me a record I’ve had on my want list for months?
Do all dogs go to heaven?
…told you it’s late night. I started writing this just got in from a classic soul concert with the lady, and it was quite the experience. I never thought I would see Blue Magic, Force M.D.’s, SOS Band, and The Floaters perform. Figuring that train had left the station, along with good music on the popular music stations (a topic for another post). Seeing all of them at a 4-hour show was pretty surreal.
Check out the video below for a peek inside the show
6 Tips for online record buying
I digress, If you subscribe to this blog, then you probably are already familiar with the resources I use to find albums I can’t find locally. You see it wasn’t just that thought that has kept me from sharing my clandestine online digging spots; it was the idea of how can I make this post valuable to those who already look for albums online.
So here are 6 Tips for online record buying
Original pressing, Color vinyl, 180 Gram, Re-mastered
Original pressings can be breathtaking. Technically, it represents the closest and most accurate reproduction of what the artist originally intended. Not always, though. Sometimes, pressings are poorly made and will sound horrible. The issues are fixed only on later pressings.
This topic is a slippery slope of discussion. I have some colored vinyl, but prefer its 180 Gram version if available. Heavier vinyl lasts longer, and typically sound better. There are caveats to this, an 180 gram 45 RPM version of a poor sounding album still sounds bad, and you paid more for it.
Lovely Picture Discs
That Anniversary Edition of Thriller looks cool with the cover art pressed into the vinyl. It sounds like crap. The process of making a picture disc puts sound quality on the back burner. If you want a copy of an album for display, help yourself. If you want a good listening copy, keep digging.
Want Lists
I have an extensive want list and would love nothing more than to pick up every album listed. Build one to keep track of the albums you want to pick up. If you use Discogs, you can download their mobile app and have your list in your pocket. I don’t obsess over completing it, nor should you. There are several albums that deserve a listen that aren’t your list. Don’t let your tether to your list keep you from some gems, keep an open mind.
It’s All About The Ratings
I read reviews from buyers before I deal with an online record merchant, and I find consumers to be pretty consistent with their experiences with most sellers.
When I picked up Corinne Bailey Rae – Corinne Bailey Rae (a pretty rare record) I was faced with few choices on sellers. The album arrived slightly warped, and for a price of over $120, I expected the as stated NM condition of the album.
In my communication with the seller, we negotiated a partial refund, and everyone was happy. Good rating + good interaction = good purchase
Establish Price Limits
I never had any hard and fast rules on price, I’ve also overpaid for records that I found a short while later for sometimes half the price I paid. If there’s an album that you simply must have now, look at a few online retailers before pulling the trigger.
Understanding the Goldmine Scale
This is a separate post in and of its self, but here are the fast and dirty rules. If you want to see an article that goes deeper, look here. Keep this in mind, from 1 (poor conditions) to 10 (a perfect and unplayed record); the Goldmine gradings are equivalent to Mint-10, Near Mint-8, Excellent-7, Very Good Plus-6, Very Good-5, Good-2.
Don’t buy anything less than VG (Very Good) for playback. If you’re paying a few dollars for a record for wall art, that’s fine. The exceptions are rare records that are hard to find in any condition.
If you have any questions feel free to comment below or send me an e-mail here.
Speaking of digging the crates I’m hosting our first Vinyl Lovers Happy Hour is on March 3rd, 2017 at Taste & Thirst in the Gaslamp District here in beautiful San Diego. Can’t wait to see you there. Get your free tickets here.
If you enjoyed this post and want updates from Vinyl for The People delivered to your e-mail, subscribe here! Don’t forget to follow us on social media, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Vinyl Lovers Happy Hour
I used to wonder why I only saw fellow record collectors at the record store or fairs…
I’m changing that, starting March 3rd. The Vinyl Lovers Happy Hour #vinylhappyhour, aims to put you in the midst of fellow collectors. People who understand your vinyl care, storage, and digging woes.
I’ve had a few people comment on my collection when the come by the house, “They still make those?”. I hate when people ask that but on the same token, I enjoy it. No better time to share a testimonial of my preference for listening on vinyl than in my own home.
Did I mention there’s no cover?
Come down and have some tasty food and beverages, learn about how to take better care of your collection, get your records cleaned, and hang out with some of your San Diegan ilks. You don’t really need to see Logan on opening day (I was admittedly a little frustrated when I saw the release date of the movie on Super Bowl Sunday).
About the venue
Located in the heart of the Gaslamp District on the corner of 4th & G, Taste & Thirst has a great menu with food for everyone. I go for the deep fried offerings typically, and their truffle tots don’t disappoint. With 24 beers on tap, premium liquor abounds, had a heated patio area Taste & Thirst is a great place to hang out.
Bring your dirty records
There is something about having clean records that you need to experience, so I will be offering record cleaning services on-site. If you have more than 10 albums that you would like to get cleaned, I recommend you sign up a record care package, and I will return ship them to you. Once you hear the difference for yourself, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Since you’ve scrolled this far, I want to share something a bit personal with you. As you may or may not know, I love motorcycles. I’ve had my Ducati Diavel – Tiffany for about 5 years. She’s been feeling a bit neglected from our time in Hawaii, so I wanted to do something special for the old girl. Our anniversary is coming up so I got her some bling…
By the time my plate gets here, it’ll be my birthday. I would like to thank the California DMV, but the turnaround time won’t let me. I shouldn’t complain, how can I with a bad ass license plate like that? I really and truly would like to thank Judy that helped me out, it was the most painless DMV experience I’ve had here in California. I’m looking forward to seeing you at our first Vinyl Lovers Happy Hour!
Get your FREE tickets to the event here.
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What have I been up to, and what are you doing March 3rd?
What’s going on vinyl lovers?
First, I have great news for you. Our first Vinyl Lovers Happy Hour is on March 3rd, 2017 at Taste & Thirst in the Gaslamp District here in beautiful San Diego. Can’t wait to see you there. Get your tickets at the link here.
Here’s a quick video to let you know what to expect at our first Vinyl Lovers Happy Hour
After two months of no records…
I recently moved from Hawaii to San Diego, and my last few blog posts have surrounded that process. I’m glad to be back in San Diego, but that joy is admonished by the idiocy of the movers from Covan.
It’s been pretty aggravating dealing with the claims process and on top of that…Toni Tony Tone lied to me. It does rain in Southern California. As I write this, the wet stuff is falling disproving their hypothesis. I really can’t complain about the rain as California has been in a drought that has been ended by the recent rainfall.
It would seem I have the worst luck with Hi-Fi. With the listening room in progress, and an inability to listen to my precious vinyl, I’ve found a bright side. I’ve gotten out and about in “America’s Finest City” and now have our Record Cleaning Fluid in two new locations. You can get yours at Taang! Records in Hillcrest and M-Theory in Mission Hills.
Status of the Stereo: Defunct
Inevetiablelly, what is broken must be repaired. Gladly Stereo Unlimited was ready to support with excellent recommendations and prompt repair service. I’ve been shopping with them for quite a few years, and those guys know how to treat a customer.
Here’s a summary of what they told me:
“Hi Tom, this will serve as documentation for your claim for shipping damage to your VPI Scoutmaster turntable and Salamander equipment stand:
The 10” VPI tonearm is bent and must be replaced. Replacement cost for that unit is $1000…The VPI tonearm mounting assembly is bent, and the pivot point is damaged and must be replaced…The VPI motor assembly has a bent shaft…The Ortofon 2M Black phono cartridge and stylus assembly are damaged, and the stylus assembly cannot be replaced to repair the phono cartridge.”
If you’re looking to upgrade your sound, give them a call. Yes, they have a phone, and they answer it. You can visit their website here.
No music sucks.
I’ve decided to go with a different stylus, change brands, switch to Moving Coil and I’ve upgraded my tone arm cable. This is also a new room, all of which equate to a pretty long string of changes. I have grown fond Nordost cables and went with Frey 2 tonearm cable in place of the Shunyata interconnect that I had.
While I wait to for compensation for the stereo and other damaged household items, I’ve been busy getting our first Vinyl Lovers Happy Hour (VLHH) together for you. It will be on March 3rd from 5-9 at Taste & Thirst in the Gaslamp District here in beautiful San Diego.
We will be doing vinyl care demonstrations, cleaning records and spinning albums of your choosing so make sure you bring some with you.
What else is going on?
Thank you for pushing our Facebook page past 3,000 likes! It feels good to see the community growing, and being embraced by so many people. We will have a giveaway coming up soon, so stay tuned and subscribe to our mailing list to be notified. Thank you for helping us get to this milestone.
Two words, Ducati Diavel.
Before I developed the audiophile sickness, I mean got into the hobby…I rode my motorcycle a lot. This past weekend I had the chance to revisit the long rides that Hawaii couldn’t facilitate. I met up with a group of riders as I was stopping for breakfast and ended riding just over 300 miles.
One of the things I’ve missed about living in Southern California were the breadth of canyon roads to ride. I went from home to…take a look at the map below:
All in all, the time I’ve been back in California has been good. My Bryston 4BSST2 just came back from service in Vermont at the Bryston US service center. It would seem that my ungrounded power cable was the issue because the couldn’t recreate the fault. I came to the conclusion it was the cable after realizing my preferred one was too short for where I wanted to put the amp (between the speakers).
But wait there’s more…
I’m offering a sale from now through February 20th for LP to digital conversion. You can schedule a consultation by filling out this form. Secondly, our Record Cleaning Fluid will be available online in our store starting in March. For now, you can pick up yours at Taang Records and M-Theory Music in San Diego.
I’m looking forward to many great experiences in 2017 with all of you!
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Visiting Record Stores in San Diego
I think I like M-Theory & TANGG! Records
The beautiful city of San Diego and I are not strangers. I lived here from 2008-2013, and it left a huge impact on me. I built my first two channel stereo, learned to ride a motorcycle, forged friendships, worked aboard two submarines, and learned a lot about myself here.
Here’s my Virgin Vinyl Roadtrip to M-Theory Music
I did not, however, do much record digging. When I left California, I had about 15 albums. Most of them were records I picked up for the cover art or an artist I liked at a decent price. I did not look at the albums I was digging so much as the cover art. The albums that I loved the most were Count Basie – Super Chief, John Coltrane – A Love Supreme, Adele – 19, and Jimi Hendrix – Winterland. I put some serious groove wear on those.
It didn’t help that my stylus was poorly aligned, nor that I wasn’t cleaning my records (at first). Interesting how we apply things we learn isn’t it? I started collecting records after watching Reign Over Me, the first serious Adam Sandler movie I’d ever seen.
The mention of that film is significant because immediately after I turned it off, I went and bought a record player and two records, Count Basie – Super Chief [Columbia, CG 31224] and Duke Ellington – The Best Of Duke Ellington And His Famous Orchestra [Capitol, SM-1602].
Here’s my Vinyl Roadtrip to Taang! Records
Since then I’ve learned to take excellent care of my albums. I clean and maintain them with products we carry at Taang Records!, house them in high-quality sleeves, catalog them on Discogs, and select them with a much more discerning eye.
Taang! Records and M-Theory Music seem to be just what I want from a local shop. I will miss my local store of over four years, Hungry Ear Records. Ward, Dennie, Mary, and Jim are forever part of my memories. I’m looking forward to seeing them at the 2017 Hawaii Record Fair.
What I found in my preliminary digs
While I was in Taang! Records, I came across a “6 Eye” copy of Miles Davis – Kind of Blue [Columbia, CS 8163] in VG+ condition. I may be back for that one. I picked up a copy of The Sure File Soul Ensemble – Out on The Coast [Colemine Records, CLMN 12014] from M-Theory. The band is out of San Diego, and Out on The Coast is their second album, released in October of this year. Looking forward to taking a listen once I get unpacked.
Excited to be back in San Diego, and looking forward to the digging, sharing, and community we are going to build here. If you have a place you would like me to visit, please send me a message here. I look forward to hearing from you.
As always, keep spinning.
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How to Listen to LP’s On The Go!
Feelings such as loneliness, longing or love are sometimes hard to put into words; maybe that’s why we all love music, because it resonates with something we can’t share.
-Agnes Obel
It’s been a week since I got to California, and it’s been even longer since I got to listen to a record on my stereo. In a recent video on Instagram, I talked about how my amp died right before I shipped all my household goods.
It takes about 30 days for a shipment to get from Hawaii to California including packing, loading, shipping, and unloading. While I’m not so patiently awaiting the arrival of my housewares, at least I have my portable listening setup.
The Sound
Telling you that I put in my ear buds and I am transported to my listening room when Stan Getz & João Gilberto – Getz/Gilberto (192 khz/24 bit) [Verve, B0020749-02] plays would be a lie. I will tell you that my portable setup took me out of the environment I was sitting in (Waikiki at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center). Tourists all around, the noise of the city buzzing, and I put my music in, and all of it disappeared.
I’m not a high volume listener, finding myself isolated from the environment had a profound effect on me. I wasn’t in my listening room, but I wasn’t in Waikiki anymore. It was like being in a listening booth looking out at the passers-by.
“What about active noise cancellation headphones that are in the same price range?”
I’m not a fan of active noise cancellation unless I’m on a plane. To create that sense of silence the sound quality has to suffer. I’m always going to lean toward quality over isolation, but these IEM’s fit the bill for both criteria.
As I write this I’m listening to Corinne Bailey Rae – The Heart Speaks In Whispers, my girlfriend is hosting a webinar, and I can’t hear a word she’s saying. That’s with the volume at just under 3 of 5 on the low gain setting.
“Bullshit, Tom!”
You may be thinking. I assure you there’s no bullshit to what I heard. The sounds I was hearing didn’t happen by mistake. There is no mystical snake oil; I didn’t put my earbuds in a red solo cup overnight, dance around my iPod counterclockwise during the harvest moon to find pleasure in this setup. I researched, impedance matched, and set up my portable rig to sound great. Get my MP3 to Hi-Fi guide by signing up here.
The Gear
- Apple iPod Touch 64GB – The ever ubiquitous iPod has been around in several iterations since 2003. Selecting the iPod touch was a no-brainer for many reasons, with capacity being the foremost. Out of the box, the iPod will only play files, up to 48 kHz @ 24 bits through Apple Music.
- RHA T20i – These IEM’s (in ear monitors) are amazing if you like a flat response, with just enough bass. The key to in-ear headphones is fit. The most expensive in-ears are custom molded to your ear to address fit. The RHA’s come with a wide assortment of ear tips that will fit nearly any ear. These earbuds sound great and don’t break the bank.
- Oppo HA-2 SE – This DAC (digital to analog converter) makes High-resolution music playback possible on your iPod. The HA-2 SE supports file formats up to384kHz/32 Bit or DSD Quad Rate (11.28 MHz), but I listen to a more plebeian 96-192 kHz @ 24 Bits. You can use the HA-2’s internal battery to charge your playback device or phone on the go, and it works with everything, Apple/PC/Android.
High-Resolution Music
I didn’t bother putting any of the music from my cloud-based iTunes library on the iPod. If you want to listen to your MP3’s, help yourself. I want the source to match the gear, so I’m only putting high-quality tunes on my iPod.
I have been a Tidal Hi-Fi customer for just over a year and I’m well pleased with their catalog. The sound quality is top notch, but find myself just a little insatiable. The downloaded music is in whatever quality you select in the options of the app, make sure you choose before downloading.
Why do I need a dedicated music player, can’t I just use my phone?
You can use your phone in a similar setup, but you would be missing out on something. Think of your portable music solution, like your stereo. Separate components may not be something that appeals to those who like lifestyle audio systems like the McIntosh RS 100. I’m reminded of a recent Sonos commercial, shared below.
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I want music, not Facebook updates.
Our phones do much more than they did when the first portable music players were released. My iPhone 6S Plus has more memory, storage capacity, and capability than my first 3 computers combined.
The iPhone as a music playback system, finds itself overwhelmed when asked to be a phone, high-resolution music storage repository, activity tracker, payment method, flashlight, HD video camera, GPS, and paper weight. A dedicated device will serve you better in terms of listening.
A dedicated device will serve you better in terms of listening, and there are all-inclusive solutions available. The Astell & Kern players are excellent. Their price point is further upmarket that the solution I described above. Many of you have iPods already, as did I. Before you condemn your iPod to the closet or even if you have, use my [iPod to Hi-Fi Guide] to get on the path to portable Hi-Fi.
Where can I get these Hi-Fi tunes?
Now that you have decided that you want a portable Hi-Fi, where do you get the tunes to match the capabilities of your setup?
There are many choices you for you to get your high-resolution files but as I am a record collector, I want to listen to “my music.”
- You can download music from an online retailer, like HD Tracks, Primephonic, or Linn Records (for you KISS fans). Albums start around $18 and go up depending on your preferred bitrate.
- Streaming in Hi-Fi is also an option with premium services offered by Tidal which allows for downloads with quality up to FLAC 44.1/16 (Hi-Fi membership $24.99/monthly) or Spotify with streaming and downloads up to 320Kbps (Premium membership $9.99/monthly).
Or
If you’re like me, you love the sound of your records. The ritual of listening: liner notes, cover art, stylus dropping, and sitting in your favorite chair are an event. Not something you can recreate on the go, right?
Since all albums aren’t available in prepackaged digital formats (as I discover more and more), having a recording studio with a wealth of recording knowledge helps in fulfilling that desire.
Vinyl for The People offers vinyl conversion service, which converts your LP’s to high-resolution digital files for playback on your home or portable systems. Click here to schedule a discovery session.
How large are these Hi-Fi albums?
Norah Jones – Come Away With Me
This album is a stalwart of the audiophile music collection. Unlike some other albums, it sounds good and has good music (that almost everyone can agree upon).
Below are the file sizes for the album in various formats:
- MP3 – Lowest resolution and smallest file sizes. MP3’s are the most common digital format of music. They are small and don’t sound bad if you don’t know better or only listen through your bundled earbuds.
Album Size – 103MB
- FLAC – A cousin to MP3, is a lossless compression format that is half the file size of WAV files (depending on bitrate). I prefer FLAC for my digital files as it gives me the best size to sound performance ratio.
Album Size – 192/24 1.8GB, 96/24 996MB
- DSD – The newest digital music craze. With the promise of bit-perfect playback and a more “analog” sound, it is aimed squarely at audiophiles. DSD comes in a few flavors Single Rate, Double Rate, and Quad Rate.
Album Size – DSD (2.8MHz) 1.78GB, Quad Rate DSD (11.2MHz) 7.12GB
Listen to your favorite LP’s anywhere
“Listen to your favorite LP’s anywhere” is what drove me to offer this service. The thought of not being able to hear to my records for at least a month is a tough pill to swallow. I have some of my favorites here, and not just in low fidelity, and that is comforting. Nothing will ever replace my records, even if it’s something more convenient.
Here is an article to help you learn more about DSD. I’m an info addict, and this article is a hard read for me. The article is excellent, but between the numbers and amount of information…it’s been placed on my read later list a few times.
If you’re ready to learn more about vinyl record conversion, click here to schedule a discovery session.
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