Tag: audiophile

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!

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.

The household goods arriving

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

My Scoutmaster had a good Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Shot the room with my mic, time to place the foam and diffusers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

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!

Visiting Record Stores in San Diego

San Diego Coronado Bridge

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.

My Early Record Collection
My Early Record Collection

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.

Hawaii Record Fair 2015
Hawaii Record Fair 2015
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.

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!

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
  1. 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).

Stylus cleaning brush
Stylus cleaning brush
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).

MOFI Microfiber Brush
MOFI Microfiber Brush
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.

Single Inner Sleeve

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.

Resealable Outter Sleeve
Resealable Outter Sleeve
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?

7" 45 inner sleeve
7″ 45 inner sleeve
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

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

Esperanza’s shirt from the performance

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.

Forsahadowing what was to come

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.

Rosetta and I at the show

The Listening Chair Part 1 – This Old Eames…

IMG_4558
Eames Lounge Chair

I wanted an Eames Lounge Chair.  I think it started with The Sims.  Then I saw the one on Frazier…then again when I was choosing components for my stereo.  I figured, I’m a big boy.  I deserve a big boy chair.  Boy, was that sticker shock big on my face.  Spending money on nice things that I’m going to keep around isn’t an issue.  Spending $4000+ on a chair and an ottoman…well, let’s just say I’m not there mentally yet.

These thoughts of luxury seating ebb and flow, and in my travels to San Diego I came across a specimen at one of my favorite Hi-fi shops.  He offered to crate and ship his replica for $650.  My mind was blown, not only were there $4k chairs to enjoy my music in; there were replicas of said chair that I could get for a fraction of the price.  That rabbit hole goes and goes and eventually you’ll be in a dark alley in the garment district of a town unfamiliar, comparing subtle differences between replica manufactures.  The shipping from San Diego to Honolulu was prohibitive ($300).  I was again Eames-less, no prospects of contemporary furniture that would be a conversation piece to grace my listening room.  Amazon, had me searching high and low for a distributor that ships to Hawaii.  I’d found one, but they had the worst reviews.  I stopped looking, knowing one would manifest its way into my life.

About two months ago I met Johnathon, he’s an interesting guy.  He is a DJ’s, and proprietor of Your Enthusiastic Upholsterer. Similar to myself he’s a sailor, but is preparing to retire with 20 years of service.  I’m not the only service member with the entrepreneurial itch, which is a good thing. Our first conversation consisted of all the key areas;  Cars, music, hobbies…but then he said, Eames.  “What was that you said?”  I was salivating with the possibility of filling my room with a locally sourced chair (manifestation is a motherfucker).

A couple of weeks later Johnathon came to the house, and we had a listening session.  One the both of us enjoyed immensely and yielded a familiar result for myself…but Johnathon (in the style of Kevin Hart), “he wasn’t ready”.  Music has moved me in ways inexplicable since I was a child, and I’ve come to have a deeper relationship with it as I’ve grown older.  I completely understand his response.

IMG_5748 (1)
Johnathon shares his thoughts on Facebook

 

 

 

 

That’s some humbling shit.  I know how I feel when I’m listening, but sharing that with someone else is a rare and highly appreciated treat.  I digress…the title of this post is “Sitting on Purple Rain…” My new listening chair; dubbed Purple Rain in honor of Prince is coming soon. Thanks to Your Enthusiastic Upholster.  This is going to be a multi part post, and I’m looking forward to sharing the progress with you.

Before

IMG_5577
A before image in the listening room, with color swatches

 

 

 

 

 

Another angle
Comment below and let me know what you think.

Thanks.

 

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