Numark TT-1700

After getting stirred up about the old vinyls, I mentioned my interest at work and a coworker told me that he was getting rid of his old turntable.  I let him know that I would gladly take it off his hands, so he brought it in.  Turns out that he was an amateur DJ, playing some weddings and such and that that turntable is a pretty good player.  It is a Numark TT1700 with a Stanton 500 cartridge and stylus on it and he took amazing care of it.

Turntable Setup

While I could do without the purple, but it plays records and I didn’t have to pay a dime for it.  In case you are uninitiated, this is a bit better than entry-level DJ gear and he also gave me his old Gemini crossfader which I use purely as a phono-amp.  I spent the day today finalizing my setup so we will be able to listen without a huge ordeal.  And feel pretty confidant that I succeeded.

I finally got to bring my old speakers out of retirement (against Hannah’s wishes) and discovered that our little storage bedside thing stores lp’s like a charm.  We got to pick up a couple of new ones today (lp’s that is).  Hannah got an America record with “Muskrat Love” and I found Daniel Amos’ Horrendous Disc which has “Hound of Heaven” among several other great tracks.  We spent most of the afternoon reading the liners and looking at the art (both of which are totally visible on vinyl) and wondering what we have been spending all this money on for 10 years of buying CD’s.  Depressing really.  In closing, I am adding a series of record images that we have been listening to recently.  Hopefully, I can write again soon with some suggestions and notes on records I have come across.  Please drop me a note or comment if you have any suggestions.

Introducing the Beatles (front)

Introducing the Beatles (back)

Introducing the Beatles (disc)

imagine (front)

imagine (back)

Band of Horses - Cease to Begin

A few months ago, a coworker of mine returned from a visit out of state with his family and in his possession was a pile of music suggestions and samples.  In that pile lay hidden the gem that is Band of Horses.  I have not been able to dig out good music in the last couple of years as I should, so when I find good stuff I get pretty excited.

Mostly minimal in terms of instruments, this record is delicate and feathery.  The vocals are somewhat childlike and endearing even when the lyrics seem ominous and dark.  Drums are tasteful and subdued with a solid bass and driving rhythm, but the shining lure for my is the remarkable melodies.  Sometimes strange and unsettled they always hook and nag your memory for hours on end.  Though based in Seattle, I would swear that they are European based purelyon the similarity of their melodies and vibes to that of Sigur Rós.  Completely otherworldly, yet somehow heavily grounded.

Another tip of the hat to SubPop.  And a thank you to Jeff for the suggestion.

Fleet Foxes

This afternoon my boss, Fran, suggested that I give this record a listen.  I knew I was in for good things when I saw Subpop was the label as they have rarely failed me in the past.  Also, I noticed that they are signed to Bella Union which carries the likes of Andrew Bird.  Fleet Foxes are considered Baroque Harmonic pop.   Three tracks in and I was convinced.  I absolutely love it.  Some tracks haunting and gossamer harmonies that place it well off of the beaten path.  Thick flat drums and big live room sounds give it a realism and roughness that appeal to me and my distaste for polish.  I am reminded of Beirut minus the anthems and can’t help but to feel swept away in those golden tones which is a feeling I not experienced in a long long time.   All in all, I strongly suggest you pick it up.