tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post8940235002849724425..comments2024-03-15T04:27:26.708-07:00Comments on An Affordable Wardrobe: The JamsJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17212956969066796818noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-50452237842975727442010-11-22T18:22:14.510-08:002010-11-22T18:22:14.510-08:00I just discovered your wonderfully brilliant blog ...I just discovered your wonderfully brilliant blog and I must say I love it!<br />I never and I do mean never leave comments as 99.9% don't warrant a response. Yours sir, however, is unbelievable.<br />I was sold after viewing your impeccable talent of bringing everything old into something new and beautiful in the eye of the beholder with your keen eye of “Affordable Wardrobe” pieces. <br />I’m 49 and have lived in Detroit for most of my life and shopped some of the best vintage/thrift shops the area had to offer. But after 23 years of marriage and 8 kids, I just haven’t had the time to do much searching lately.<br />I must say that after reading further back into your articles and seeing this piece on "The Jams", I was left speechless. You just don't see record collection like yours anymore and I have to admit I was a bit jealous and a lot remorseful. You see, I used to DJ dance parties back in the day that were the precursors to what is now known worldwide as the Detroit Techno sound. Detroit being the birthplace to the Motown sound as well as Techno, and a dad who passed on his love of the hard bop era, afforded me the privilege of having a pretty extensive record collection. Everything from Cannonball Adderley to Monk to Coltrane to WasNotWas to Derrick May to Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson.<br />All that brings me back to the remorseful comment. After our 7th child was born and my collection was moved to the attic, my Mrs. W. thought for some odd reason that I didn't want my "old records" and had my sons place them out on the curb for large trash pick-up day! She called me at work that afternoon to tell me that the trash had been picked up and I got rid of “those” records. Over 500 LP’s and 12” vinyl gone. That was over 14 years ago and it still hurts thinking about it.<br />Please forgive my rant. It’s rare that anyone shares the same affections. You are to be commended sir. Keep up the great work and you have a fan forever.Polarbear79noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-7538353743039629962010-10-10T17:15:49.399-07:002010-10-10T17:15:49.399-07:00Wood is warmer than plastic.Wood is warmer than plastic.Giuseppehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11582043853388196139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-47712357768317322632010-10-10T11:52:54.288-07:002010-10-10T11:52:54.288-07:00I grew up listening to my parents' giant cabin...I grew up listening to my parents' giant cabinet stereo (It also had an 8-track!) and still remember the day I got my own record player. Fond memories, but I also remember the first time I heard a CD. It was U2's "Joshua Tree" and I couldn't believe recorded music could sound like that.<br /><br />Like religion, that "warm sound" is all in your head, but like religion, it's a great thing if it makes you feel good. Like religion, don't try acting all superior when your judgment is tainted by what you feel instead of what you know.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-35709916639284639582010-10-02T22:00:26.198-07:002010-10-02T22:00:26.198-07:00I weirdly have an almost identical sound system. P...I weirdly have an almost identical sound system. Probably have a similar record collection too.<br /><br />Oh, and to Mr. Anonymous: I intend to be listening to my pop and hiss plagued vinyl when everyone else is shouting "Huh?!" from years of in the ear headphones, noise cancellation, and "Make it louder!" digital compression.<br /><br />I also have an iPod, but I try to only use it in the car.Nicknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-68049239536613452712010-10-01T21:15:15.257-07:002010-10-01T21:15:15.257-07:00I've always been a collector as well. It all s...I've always been a collector as well. It all started when my father gave me the Beatle's white album on vinyl when I was in the 5th grade. Somewhere down the line I discovered thrifting and well you know where it went from there. Every time I'm at the thrift I hunt down their vinyl section and have a dig through. My collection became really large however when my uncle passed away and, unknown to me, bequeathed me his entire collection knowing that I enjoyed vinyl so much. I now have hundreds of albums I haven't even had the chance to go through. It's a great hobby though, like one Anon said, it's something we need more of.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-12079671183505551422010-09-28T13:28:59.056-07:002010-09-28T13:28:59.056-07:00Love the look of those KLHs - speakers are the cur...Love the look of those KLHs - speakers are the current weak point(s) in my two rigs: pairs of perfectly servicable, but not terribly exciting Goodmans. I like the fact that Pro-ject exist and make a great, relatively cheap TT. I recently retired mine though, because I picked up a Goldring Lenco GL 75 (tey were called something else in the States I think? Bodem?)Idler wheel driven, and lovely tight bass and drums - not better, necessarily, but different and interesting, the way the difference between two MP3 players will never be interesting.sonofstanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05443483139674492873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-38523940291296455232010-09-27T20:36:42.508-07:002010-09-27T20:36:42.508-07:00Mrs. G. might beg to differ.Mrs. G. might beg to differ.Giuseppehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11582043853388196139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-46491100629307713802010-09-27T16:43:39.318-07:002010-09-27T16:43:39.318-07:00Have you considered a career change?
I often wond...Have you considered a career change?<br /><br />I often wondered how you can keep so robust a wardrobe as you boast, and now this record collection is even more impressive.<br /><br />Sir- the field of marriage counseling needs expertise which you so clearly possess!Seanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11513028602539111338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-85145983875927491012010-09-27T10:43:59.999-07:002010-09-27T10:43:59.999-07:00Anon.
Al that pop ad hiss that people tell me abo...Anon.<br /><br />Al that pop ad hiss that people tell me about when I get going on vinyl is something tha happens with badly cared-for records on cheap stereos. <br /><br />As for warm...<br />It's an intangible quality, more of an emotion than a sound. I've tried in vain to explain to to others in the past, but I fail to find the words. I do, however, knowit when I feel it.Giuseppehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11582043853388196139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-86206619471989539402010-09-27T07:11:49.715-07:002010-09-27T07:11:49.715-07:00Like you, I enjoy all things old and well made. Ho...Like you, I enjoy all things old and well made. However, technology is good for a lot of things and I think music is one of them. Every time I hear someone talking about vinyl, they mention "warm". But what does that mean? They also always fail to mention hiss, pops, 60 cycle hum. These things are pejorative of music and are much more pronounced when listening to analog media. Listen to Carry That Weight @ 0:25 at a moderate volume level. I'm almost certain that your setup will distort the regal sound of the brass. And due to the nature of vinyl, it get worse with every play. This will not happen on even a modest digital system.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-75825813072380331002010-09-26T07:57:59.791-07:002010-09-26T07:57:59.791-07:00If you havent seen "This Might Get Loud"...If you havent seen "This Might Get Loud", you should rent it (it was on Netflix Instant View recently). To see Robert Plant and Jack White pull out their favorite LPs from their extensive LP collections was pretty cool.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-61749191771430040972010-09-25T09:20:39.982-07:002010-09-25T09:20:39.982-07:00Long time lurker, first time caller.
Great post.Long time lurker, first time caller.<br /><br />Great post.seannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-16593888353170489712010-09-24T21:23:26.477-07:002010-09-24T21:23:26.477-07:00great article- nice to hear Budapest string quart...great article- nice to hear Budapest string quartet mentioned a major influence on my life...3button Maxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12073860920582522530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-39512938496243456972010-09-24T15:09:47.101-07:002010-09-24T15:09:47.101-07:00I'm getting all nostalgic seeing those names f...I'm getting all nostalgic seeing those names from my long ago past - Marantz, Thorens(!). My husband and I had a good friend who worked in a highend store - he was always upgrading and we got some of his 'old' equipment. Ipods may be convenient but it's not the same experience. the next best thing to a live performance.<br /><br />So glad to see there are still collectors out there who appreciate vinyl recordsNorthmoonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15597456926736581361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-77464304795456339822010-09-24T13:51:21.407-07:002010-09-24T13:51:21.407-07:00I caught my 17 year old middle son listening to &#...I caught my 17 year old middle son listening to 'Sympathy for the Devil' just now; 'amazing track, dad', 'yes Harry, but you should hear the whole album'. This is my issue with Ipods, not the digital/analog thing, (warmer, more physical sound certainly, with irritating jumps and scratches, all part of the fun), but the missing out on a classic collection of songs that have been put together: Beggars Banquet, Blood on the Tracks, American Beauty, Court and Spark, Blonde on Blonde, Workingman's Dead, London Calling, Kind of Blue, Time Loves a Hero, etc., etc..<br /><br />Outstanding stuff, Wardrobe.<br /><br />Fatfriend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-64132100334648711812010-09-24T10:45:37.358-07:002010-09-24T10:45:37.358-07:00Clean, well cared for records are not scratchy jus...Clean, well cared for records are not scratchy just as low ISO film is not grainy. But then, you know that.Surlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11809693173008695179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-52438725067632049582010-09-24T09:53:38.472-07:002010-09-24T09:53:38.472-07:00Vinyl and the process and joy of finding a rare on...Vinyl and the process and joy of finding a rare one in a stack at the local thrift store for a dollar or less, the examining for scratches and ink scribblings on record sleeves, taking it home and setting it aside until you have time to put it on the turn table, the examining of the artwork, and reading even the fine fine print at the bottom while listening to the A side, getting up and flipping it to the B side is all part of the hobby. It slows a person down. We need this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-57692585212913840212010-09-24T09:14:02.136-07:002010-09-24T09:14:02.136-07:00What cartridge are you running on the Pro-ject?
A...What cartridge are you running on the Pro-ject?<br /><br />And one thought: get those speakers off of the floor and onto some stands. You'll get less boomy bass and be able to turn down that tweeter enhancement. I live in Roslindale. If you ever have any questions, just let me know.notesandbeatshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07218144482890174122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-34908431085360357102010-09-24T08:53:18.119-07:002010-09-24T08:53:18.119-07:00I'm extremely jealous of your huge vinyl colle...I'm extremely jealous of your huge vinyl collection, G. <br /><br />Great post!Nathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09797358536541160629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-54758235262050553122010-09-24T08:25:38.371-07:002010-09-24T08:25:38.371-07:00I have a stereo 6bq5 amplifier for you if you can ...I have a stereo 6bq5 amplifier for you if you can drum up a pre-amp for the vinyl.pasqualenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-3988566527891652492010-09-24T07:30:58.915-07:002010-09-24T07:30:58.915-07:00Nice rig - no question! Years ago (I have a coupl...Nice rig - no question! Years ago (I have a couple years on you age wise) I saw the writing on the wall and doubted my delicate Harman Kardon ST8 linear tracking turntable would hold up long term with parts and repair abilities dissolving. It was a beautiful machine, but the design was inherently cantankerous. So I picked up a workhorse turntable, a manual belt drive Thorens TD280 MKII and loaded it up with another workhorse equal to the task - Shure V15 Type VMR cartridge. It has served me well and without question provides the best audio quality available. It is easy to wax eloquent about certain technologies or "ways of doing things" and their visceral appeal - wetshaving, writing with a fountain pen, making pasta from scratch, etc... An advantage of producing music on a real hi-fi system is that not only is the entire experience more satisfying, but the music unquestionably sounds better as well. Music is not of the ether as many would believe (and yes, my iPod is convenient when I am going for a run or lifting weights) - but as you've noted it is very much a physical experience and endeavor in all dimensions. X's and O's simply cannot capture that properly. The ritual and care the musicians placed into the music is mirrored in the ritual and care of cleaning that slab of vinyl and dropping the needle - a perfect harmonious circle.Phil Asbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10172943141891403344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-87795580636621678552010-09-24T07:17:22.688-07:002010-09-24T07:17:22.688-07:00A man after my own heart! I admit, I am not a only...A man after my own heart! I admit, I am not a only vinyl person, my collection is comprised of vinyl (first album, Madonna), tapes (first tape, Heart0 and cds (first cd, AC/DC). I love my music. I keep the tapes and cds in a chest of drawers that belonged to my Great-Grandmother. The best Christmas present I ever revieved was 7th grade, a new stereo (complete with stand!) my mother bought off of lay-a-way at K-mart and Motley Crue's Girls, Girls, Girls album to play on it. Whenever I move the stereo and music are in the car with me, not the moving van. I read an article a couple weeks ago about the demise of the album and when was the last time anyone actually bought an album anyway? I had just purchased two albums that day. itunes can be convienent, but it is so not the same as a turnign on the stereo and opening a new album and listening to it from beginning to end while reading the liner notes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-10097212846629193052010-09-24T07:13:42.243-07:002010-09-24T07:13:42.243-07:00I am an avid collector as well. I love the sound, ...I am an avid collector as well. I love the sound, I love that when I buy a 12" off a band's website, they get most of the money, I love the artwork in 12x12. It's just a great experience.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-86077495282371714492010-09-24T06:28:11.205-07:002010-09-24T06:28:11.205-07:00I'm with you 100%. I finally retired my old v...I'm with you 100%. I finally retired my old vinyl system and bought a new all-British turntable, amp, and speakers. Friends come over for dinner just to rummage through the collection and spin LPs. It is the only way I truly enjoy listening to music.Peter Wilbornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18262676259990186703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081206974005845104.post-63034075371974902912010-09-24T06:00:24.117-07:002010-09-24T06:00:24.117-07:00You couldn't be more right. I'm 27, and ha...You couldn't be more right. I'm 27, and have collected records since I heard the Beatles at 8 years old. I have a bookshelf dedicated to my collection -- an entire wall in a one bedroom apartment. Theyve followed me from Florida to DC and theyre my most prized possessions. It's taken me 8 years to build my hi-fi, and I know it will never be done. But I consider this a hobby, and one that makes me proud and fills my heart. <br /><br />You have a beautiful collection and system -- congrats.Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730754821194219944noreply@blogger.com