Records and Turntables

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Pardon my delay, I’ve been meaning to write about this for a while.

I got a record player for my birthday! Honestly, I’ve wanted one for a few years. I’m surprised that I waited so long. Something about the weight and physicality of records and a turntable really appeals to the iPod/iTunes/1999 Napster user in me.

It’s great!

I can’t even begin to tell you how much better it is to listen to James Taylor’s Sweet Baby James and Simon and Garfunkel’s The Only Living Boy in New York on a turntable. And maybe being forced to listen to full albums in the order they were intended to be listened to is an attractive alternative from an otherwise fast-paced musical existence.

Any suggestions for albums I should start my collection with?

Here’s a clip of Cecelia for your listening pleasure, the first song I played!

The Day the Music Almost Died

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Last Monday the earbuds on my iPod started to die. I know I’m not the only one who relies on a personal music player to get through the day — so I’m sure you can imagine the dread I felt knowing I’d have to spend a few days sans-music. Fortunately for me, Creative Labs sent over a sample of their new noise-isolation in-ear earphones to test out that same day!

I’ve never been able to comfortably use in-ear earphones before, but these came with 3 different size cushions — and the smallest size fit my ears perfectly. The cushions really did cancel out most ambient noise, which allowed me to listen to my iPod at almost 40% volume — unheard of in NYC! With my old earbuds, I needed the volume set to at least 75% on my subway commute. I was also able to hear faint details that were inaudible before. All in all, I give these little guys two thumbs up!

Creative EP-630 Earphones, $39.99, Available in black, white, blue, red and green.

Listen to this month’s playlist.