When Xiu Xiu played at my school few months ago they did "Hello From Eau Claire" and it was a Magical Concert Moment. You know, like when you hear a song you never have before, but it feels like it was the whole reason you went to the show? Of course I intended to track it down and never did. Then yesterday I had a friend's radio show on in the other room and an oddly familiar tune caught my ear. Reunited! Of course the static recording is a little bit disappointing after hearing it played live to a small, rapt audience, but now I can listen to it over and over.
Clever as it is, Mog-o-Matic is not up to date on my recent listening habits. Three main reasons for this are:
1) my internet connection has been on the fritz
2) my ipod had a major stroke
3) all I've been listening to is vinyl.
When my roommate L's dad lent us one of his old record players I was charmed by it's retro kitsch and listened to some of the thrift store finds/joke records that had been collecting dust around the living room. ("Happiness is... Singing Together" by the Neffs and the Grindleys, "Happy Birthday to U.S." Townsend Elementary School, "Bullring!"). Gradually we began to accumulate some more listenable albums, and the novelty of the medium is turning into something more serious (as are my shopping habits). I like the contrast in listening experiences between digital media and records. I appreciate the way records require more attention- it makes me listen more intently. I could theoretically press play in itunes and have constant music for 34.2 days, without giving it any more thought. With records you have to flip after a few songs- putting one on is a much bigger committment than playing an mp3.
My dad is pretty amused by the hip-factor of records, but he thinks it's cool that people still appreciate the medium. My enthusiasm inspired him to set up his own turntable once again, and he has started ripping his record collection (which I plan to pounce on as soon as can get my hands on it).
I think soon I'll have to start incorporating more new music into my diet. Playing exclusively old music is starting to make me feel like I live in a time warp...
Comments
Hey, that's so cool that your dad got inspired! I have conversations with my dad about the fact that he doesn't listen to music like he used to. It's just hard to believe that the man who had such a big impact on my own love of music now appreciates the silence more. Maybe not. :)
But when just the 2 of us go driving I throw on some Doors or Stones and it all comes back.
Mogger since Sept.? Where ya been? Speaking of vinyl, December was a whole month devoted to the phonograph. Check it out on mogger JSGuntzel's page.
Cheers....good luck with that search. Looking for suggestions?
I can't believe I missed phonograph month! Mog-o-matic wasn't working reliably on my computer, so I lost interest for a while. It's nice to be back.