Month: July 2016

Top 5 Stylus and Record Care Products for Vinyl Lovers

(Records Anonymous meeting)

“Hi, I’m Tom and I collect records.”

“Hi Tom.”

I’ve been collecting for about four years, and I try to keep my records in the best condition possible. With used records I’ve picked up, there is most times an improvement in condition once they’re in my collection. There are a few tools I use to keep my collection sounding and looking it’s best and I want to share those with you.

Carbon Fiber Record Cleaning Brush — Carbon Fiber Brush

Carbon Fiber Record Cleaning Brush – these inexpensive brushes remove particles (spoken pops and clicks) from your records and they get trapped in the bristles, but…how you’re supposed to clean them? At $20 they aren’t the cheapest, but neither was that 1st pressing of Corinne Bailey Rae – Corinne Bailey Rae (I paid $130 for my copy). I get a new one every year or so and move the old one to wet record cleaning duty, where it does the same job on records being added to my collection (more on that later in the post).

2. Stylus cleaning brush – these brushes are small and inexpensive, but do a great job of removing crud from your stylus; the part of the cartridge that comes in contact with the record (needle for you nonconformists).

3. Microfiber brush – these can be used dry or wet, but I only use my in wet record cleaning. I use it to get cleaning solution in to the grooves of albums, and across the entire surface by applying moderate pressure and avoiding the label. See the video below for a demo.

4. Diskkeeper Audiophile Inner Sleeves – the sleeves that most of your albums come in are paper and put hairline scratches on your precious vinyl. A few companies make sleeves for record storage and I’ve tried two, Mofi (Mobile Fidelity) and Diskkeeper. If you have picked up a Mofi album, then you have seen their sleeves. I find the Disk Keeper Audiophile Sleeve to be sturdier than the Mofi. They are the same price for a 50 pack (which doesn’t go as far and I initially thought), so there is no “more $ is better”, it boils down to preference.

5. Outer Record Sleeves – I loathe dust, I don’t really care for dusting…disdain for the former leads me to the latter. I probably wouldn’t have a record collection if I had to dust it. Which led me to using these to protect my lovelies from the elements. I went with Diskkeeper for this product too, choosing the sealing variety. They cost more than the non sealing version, but if you’re going to do something…get what you want. No fingerprints, dust or greasy fingers on my records while making a selection or passing for someone to look upon. It looks pretty spiffy too. See below.

Am I right?

I don’t really collect 45’s, but I have sleeves for them too, the same variety I use for LP’s. I made the decision to sleeve early into collecting (around 40 albums) so it wasn’t a huge investment in time or money, rather something I factor into my record buying budget for the month. My initial investment for my sleeves (100 of inner and outer, plus 25 double LP sleeves) $125. The order lasted about 9 months, mileage may vary…depending on how often you dig.

Are you ready to try these products out on some of your freshly cleaned records?

Take advantage of our introductory Record Cleaning Service special.

Includes:

Six stage wet cleaning – dust removal, two passes of wet cleaning on my VPI 16.5, ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum drying, and static removal.
Upgraded sleeves (all listed above) to include Audiophile Inner Sleeves, Resealable Outer Sleeves
Return Shipping

Contact me for more information.

Happy Birthday, Vinyl for The People!

“Today is a special day, not just any day…”, I launched Vinyl for The People a year ago today.

Hawaii Record Fair 2015 — July 26th, 2015 at the Hawaii Record Fair

Coincidentally, I also turned 33…which means I’m 6 years from retirement.

I’m very excited to be entering our second year and excited to be introducing our record cleaning service. Wet cleaning for your records utilizing a VPI 16.5 and an ultrasonic cleaner. Our inaugural cleaning package includes two stage cleaning, inner and outer protective sleeves, before and after pictures and return shipping. Excited is an understatement, because I can’t wait to clean all my new digs from my trip to California. I want you to hear what I hear from a freshly cleaned album. If you’re interested Contact me to learn more.

In addition to that I’m working on a project for release this fall…details to come.

To celebrate our first year, I made For The Love of Records:

You all have made me want to offer more for Vinyl for The People. I’m so glad for the opportunity to share something I’m so passionate about while helping the vinyl enthusiast community.

I would like to personally thank everyone that has supported Vinyl for The People. Specifically, I would like to thank the artists, record stores, and online vendors that have allowed my collection to grow, the interviewees that took time from their busy lives to share their experiences.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my friends and family for sharing the Vinyl for The People story, both online and in person.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Cheers to many more years of celebrating music.

As always, keep spinning.

-Tom

Virgin Vinyl Sunday – The Heart Speaks In Whispers

It’s been 6 years since her last album, The Sea. With no repressings of her catalog, Corinne Bailey Rae is a hard artist to pick up on vinyl for under $100. I bought a copy of her first album (self titled) and it was one of my most prized records. All of her albums take me through a range of emotions, this latest offering is no exception.

Blue Note Hawaii and why you need to visit a Supper Club

I’m writing this while listening to Gretchen Parlato – The Lost and Found, enjoying a neat glass of Oban 14, (cheers Sean!)

Last Saturday night was nostalgic of what used to be my favorite Supper Club, Anthology. Miriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines the word as a, “collection of literary passages or works, especially poems by various authors; a collection of works of art or music.”

Early arrival was a must, always a packed house

I was afforded the opportunity to see so many talented artists on its stage, Lalah Hathaway, Goapele, Eric Roberson, Lee Ritenour, Leela James, Natalie Cole, Meshell N’degeocello…I could go on and on, but all I will ever have of Anthology are past memories. They closed their doors New Year’s Day 2014. It lived up to the definition, surely…and closed out its time in a dramatic fashion.

jazz photo 1 — Inside Blue Note Hawaii – “I wish there were a place like Anthology here in Hawaii.” I said to Jim Williams, my first interviewee of our Living in Stereo series. He replied, “There is a Blue Note opening in a couple of weeks.” That was December.

In it’s 6 months of operation Blue Note Hawaii has consistently hosted an all star line up. Kenny G performed for their Grand Opening, (you can pick up one of his autographed saxophones in their gift shop), Chaka Khan, The Wailers, Ravi Coltrane…my nostalgia now has reason to fade.

bluenotehawaii_seating — With seats for 320 , (100 more than the flagship location in New York), there are no bad seats.

The first show I saw was Jose James and while I wasn’t familiar with his music, my love is a fervent fan. My head was bopping, to his witty lyrics, nostalgic love songs, and Hip Hop improv. The crowd and I were well engaged. After the show there was a meet and greet, we took pictures…and of course I asked was any of his music on vinyl, he replied “Yes, yes it is.” Cheers Mr. James.

The dining options are plentiful, but you can see Aloha in dishes like the Beef Short Ribs served with a polenta made from Kahuku corn (grown here on Oahu) served on a bed of collard greens.

As far as libations are concerned I’m not one to venture away from my usual Gin and Tonic, with cucumber…no lime. However, in the spirit of trying new things…I decided on an Old Fashion, prepared with Bullit bourbon.

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Marco Olivari, General Manager of Blue Note Hawaii. We talked about everything from the history of the space the Blue Note is in, his record collection, and what brought him to the land of Aloha.

See what Marco had to say in a couple of weeks…

The original Blue Note opened its doors in Greenwich Village, New York, 1981. Pop ups from legends such as Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennet, and Liza Minelli aren’t uncommon. Currently there are 6 locations worldwide (Hawaii, New York, Milan, Beijing, Tokyo, and Nagoya), with a 7th opening soon in Napa Valley. Unlike my fateful love affair with Anthology, the Blue Note brand has established itself as a pillar in the global music community.

No longer melancholy for live musical experiences, I anxiously await my next trip to Blue Note. There are a few items on my calendar through the fall, such as Joan Osborne, The Manhattan Transfer, and Chick Chorea. I see now, much like the Vanessa Fernandez album I’m awaiting a repressing of…sometimes you have to be patient for the good stuff. I see a future between the two of us. I have a new favorite Supper Club.

In the next post, Robert Glasper Trio…

Until next time, keep spinning.

-Tom

As an aside, Anthology is now Music Box. So, if you’re in San Diego check them out.

“anthology.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2016. Web. 10 July 2016.

Virgin Vinyl Sunday – Sound & Color

Hello and happy Virgin Vinyl Sunday! Today, I’ve chosen Alabama Shakes – Sound & Color. Their second album, and one that gets regular play in my home. I’ve been putting the finishing touches on, “For The Love of Records”. I hope you like it. Releasing on July 26th. Enjoy!

Thoughts from the Listening Room (Escape Reality)

“Hey, Siri. Set sunset.” My first words when getting home after dark. I normally say them before I get out of the car, and greet my love. I’m an Apple lover, it’s no secret. Smart lighting has changed my listening experience, and I added them throughout our old house. It however is not the topic of this post.

There are some ‘choice’ characters that I work with, and as much as I try not to bring them home…it happens. I also talk to my mother on my way home and she spoke of wanting a new flat screen, and laptop…Today was one of those days stowaways took root in my thoughts leaving me feeling cross.

After greeting my love, and exchanging a debriefing of our days…I got out of my gym clothes and hung out in the living room, doing a mundane task (checking e-mail). I knew I had a video project from this weekend to finish, so off to the Listening Room. Having already sequenced the video on my phone, so it was just a drag, drop, slice affair.

Corinne was calling. I knew there would be no real listening until we ate dinner, but seeing the album staring at me while I worked on video…was motivating.

With that out of the way…only one barrier between listening and I remained. Don’t get me wrong I love eating, but food wasn’t going to rid me of the thoughts stifling my joy.

After inhaling dinner, I retired to the Listening Room. At last. Sweet, sweet music. But instead of giving it my full attention I’m writing you. I want to help you get the joy I find when listening. Let me help you build your listening room. Sign up here, you’ll be glad you did. Until next time…keep spinning.

Tom

Virgin Vinyl Sunday – Live at The Jazz Cafe

D’Angelo, what can I say. We waited a long while for his most recent offering and it’s outstanding. Not that I expected anything less. This album was a stop gap, fed to us (several years after recording) to quell our aching for his sound.

Esperanza Spalding gave me the shirt off of her back (Watching Emily’s D+Evolution)

In all honesty, I bought her shirt. Rosetta and I went to see Esperanza Spalding three weeks go and got to enjoy her and the band perform Emily’s D+Evolution in its entirety. I had the opportunity to see her perform the same album with the San Diego Orchestra in September of last year [the video below] (before it was released).

Left with baited breath, I listened to the rest of her catalog on repeat until the release of Emily’s D+Evolution in March of this year. Gladly there was a single, One (my second favorite song on the album) and it holds a lot of significance for me and further affirmed my desire to pick up the album on vinyl. Less than one week before I met my love; One was released on Tidal. I was swiping on Tinder and was enticed by an afro and beautiful smile.

Rosetta and I reminisce over our first day from time to time, but I never told her about the song. Specifically, when I heard the song my thoughts gravitated to her. I frequently talk about how impactful music is in our lives, but little did I know how this album would be so tied to my life.

In Rosetta’s office is a tiny canvas on her bookshelf. My best attempt at drawing; written on it, “I love you, unconditionally.” Unconditional Love (Alternative Version) my favorite song on Emily’s D+Evolution isn’t on the LP. Listening to this song for the first time caused my eyes to water. The juxtaposition of the band and her voice move me every time I hear it.

If you have a turntable and haven’t picked up Emily’s D+Evolution, you are wrong. Pick up your copy here. Seeing Esperanza is a treat in and of itself. Sharing the experience with the One that I love Unconditionally; priceless.

Virgin Vinyl Sunday – Blood

Since the first time I heard her voice on the last album from Prince, I was all in. Her albums are challenging to buy as they are all imports for the US, except for this one. Pick it up!

Includes:

Six stage wet cleaning – dust removal, two passes of wet cleaning on my VPI 16.5, ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum drying, and static removal.

Upgraded sleeves (all listed above) to include Audiophile Inner Sleeves, Resealable Outer Sleeves

Return Shipping