Tim -- I grew up in the 1960's, playing lead guitar in a cover band (Hendrix, BBKing, Buffalo Springfield, the Doors, the Who, and the like) and sang lead vocals. In the 70's I dropped rock for jazz and international music--specifically sitar, tabla, and harmonium, along with Quaali and raga.
In the 80's I rediscovered rock via my students who introduced me to U2, Radiohead, et al. But through it all we listened to vinyl and felt that it was really only a memento of live rock and jazz concerts. Then three years ago this past April I lost my hearing entirely -- overnight to a virus attacking the inner ear -- now ALL music sounds like a zombie movie score. Atonal noisescape. But strangely, since having a cochlear implant and forcing myself to listen to music streamed digitally through this astonishing device, I now have access to some music--bebop (three "m"s - Mingus, Miles, Monk and the celestial Coltrane)--but not a whole lot else.
More about that sometime. But I am totally grateful for the Bluetooth streaming to my CI processor device. It takes sound signals and turns them immediately into electrical impulses delivered via a platinum electrode array straight to my auditory nerve, bypassing the ear entirely. The brain then sorts it all out. Just sayin.
My daughter (17) is also collecting and listening to vinyl. Our speakers are garbage, but the connection with the physical is still present and effective.
I'm working on an article now that is somewhat tangential to this one. It's about how the music we collect and will leave behind says a lot about who we were to the generations to come. It's a legacy of sorts.
I’ve experienced choosing the real and the beautiful to be something that is hard at first, but there’s this point that is reached where you start to crave it.
We have a record player and I’ve loved watching my 10 and 13 year olds just be so drawn to it. And just two nights ago, we brought home the heart of our new home: a real, strictly mechanical Grandfather clock. My ten year old daughter will sit and wait the last few minutes before the hour so she can open the door and look up into the mechanism and watch it chime. 🤍
And I want more.
This post gave me the idea to start looking for a real film camera. There’s just nothing like a film photo.
I have two boxes of vinyls and since rearranging my office/study to bring in a turn table and old speaker system, this is the perfect post to read. New life for me and pushing back the new technology for old and sacred. Wow!!!! Thank you, Tim!
I love that ! My teenage kids love their vinyle records and turntable . And I love that they love that ! There is a slowing of time and yes, an attention that is needed . It’s great to pass that gift on to them! I hope your hand feels better soon.
It is honestly so sweet to read of your daughter's experience with analog music. And as someone who has grown up with a set up passive speakers and an old receiver always a part of my living space, I very much appreciate your words on this subject. You've inspired me to finally pick up a cartridge for the old Yamaha turntable that's been sitting in my closet.
There is such a deep beauty in these sort of connected, holistic experiences. I don't use streaming services because I've noticed that over time they've actually dulled the joy I get from listening to music -- convenience and apathy seem to grow in tandem. Truly, the physicality of picking out a record and setting it spinning is something more of us ought to experience, and more often.
Tim -- I grew up in the 1960's, playing lead guitar in a cover band (Hendrix, BBKing, Buffalo Springfield, the Doors, the Who, and the like) and sang lead vocals. In the 70's I dropped rock for jazz and international music--specifically sitar, tabla, and harmonium, along with Quaali and raga.
In the 80's I rediscovered rock via my students who introduced me to U2, Radiohead, et al. But through it all we listened to vinyl and felt that it was really only a memento of live rock and jazz concerts. Then three years ago this past April I lost my hearing entirely -- overnight to a virus attacking the inner ear -- now ALL music sounds like a zombie movie score. Atonal noisescape. But strangely, since having a cochlear implant and forcing myself to listen to music streamed digitally through this astonishing device, I now have access to some music--bebop (three "m"s - Mingus, Miles, Monk and the celestial Coltrane)--but not a whole lot else.
More about that sometime. But I am totally grateful for the Bluetooth streaming to my CI processor device. It takes sound signals and turns them immediately into electrical impulses delivered via a platinum electrode array straight to my auditory nerve, bypassing the ear entirely. The brain then sorts it all out. Just sayin.
This is a book!
So many memories. Thank you for this.
My daughter (17) is also collecting and listening to vinyl. Our speakers are garbage, but the connection with the physical is still present and effective.
I'm working on an article now that is somewhat tangential to this one. It's about how the music we collect and will leave behind says a lot about who we were to the generations to come. It's a legacy of sorts.
This is so beautiful!
I’ve experienced choosing the real and the beautiful to be something that is hard at first, but there’s this point that is reached where you start to crave it.
We have a record player and I’ve loved watching my 10 and 13 year olds just be so drawn to it. And just two nights ago, we brought home the heart of our new home: a real, strictly mechanical Grandfather clock. My ten year old daughter will sit and wait the last few minutes before the hour so she can open the door and look up into the mechanism and watch it chime. 🤍
And I want more.
This post gave me the idea to start looking for a real film camera. There’s just nothing like a film photo.
I have two boxes of vinyls and since rearranging my office/study to bring in a turn table and old speaker system, this is the perfect post to read. New life for me and pushing back the new technology for old and sacred. Wow!!!! Thank you, Tim!
Yes! Love it, Jane!
I love that ! My teenage kids love their vinyle records and turntable . And I love that they love that ! There is a slowing of time and yes, an attention that is needed . It’s great to pass that gift on to them! I hope your hand feels better soon.
Thanks, Sophie. Right now, it's just annoying. Ha. :)
It is honestly so sweet to read of your daughter's experience with analog music. And as someone who has grown up with a set up passive speakers and an old receiver always a part of my living space, I very much appreciate your words on this subject. You've inspired me to finally pick up a cartridge for the old Yamaha turntable that's been sitting in my closet.
There is such a deep beauty in these sort of connected, holistic experiences. I don't use streaming services because I've noticed that over time they've actually dulled the joy I get from listening to music -- convenience and apathy seem to grow in tandem. Truly, the physicality of picking out a record and setting it spinning is something more of us ought to experience, and more often.