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August 10, 2009 - 11:10am
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I was able to read your "long" post all the way thru without regret or boredom. Great thoughts on the hobby and a great issue of Stereophile. It is so nice to read balanced and mature analysis.
As for mumbling lyrics- lately I've been activating the closed captioned circuits on Austin City Limits and other music shows broadcast on PBS. This after tweaking every DSP mode in my home theater to facilitate the audio band of the vocalists. Usually, the lyrics are so inscrutable or tedious I can turn them off and just enjoy or be annoyed by the music. Then the lyrics become just sound elements blending into the instruments, which is usually just as well.
I hope there's a third choice- that we can continue commenting on September's excellent issue and the points Jim made in his post with civility.
Well so much for not degenerating into ad hominim rants. That took, what, two more posts?
Perfesser, you called it!
Isn't DVD-A a dead format? Haven't the originators and proponents given up the fight? Are there not less DVD-A capable players than SACD players? I have a number of DVD players in the house and none play DVD-A, but I was not interested in the format in the first place, so that may be why. I do not know the numbers, just that Toshiba let it go, I believe.
I latched onto SACD and still cling to some hope. It seems that any format that requires a special player is going to have major issues. This goes back as far as Betamax vs. VHS. Many thought that Betamax was better, but that is usually not what the fight is about, which is licensing.
Jim
Very cool idea - seeing what others are listening to often prompts me to explore music I don't know, and that's the best part of this hobby!
Great post Jim, and I love your positive attitude!
I think it's a great time to be an audiophile, but I admit I don't have the perspective that many of you do since I only started to dabble in this about 5 years ago.
About 3 years ago I bought a turntable and two years ago I first subscribed to Stereophile. Perhaps I'm still a little starry-eyed, but I sure find all of this stuff pretty exciting. And I can not believe how much enjoyment I've derived by getting back into vinyl! Wow!
I wish I could comment on the current Stereophile, but I'm in Canada and I get my issues later than the rest of you. It should be here any day now
=========
currently in heavy rotation:
Jeff Beck: Live at Ronnie Scott's (CD)
McChurch Soundroom: Delusion (LP)
Bloomfield, Cooper, Stills: Super Session (LP)
Johnny Winter: Live Bootleg Vol. 1 (LP)
J. Geils Band: Live - Full House (LP)
Thanks for the note. I have started a new Word Doc and I am copying and pasting all of the recommended music in rotation from forum participants who want to share.
My plan is to go through it and buy some suggestions on occasion, but always keep the list for a reference tool.
Don't worry about starting in this hobby late. That just means you haven't wasted as much money as the rest of us over the years on a great hobby.
LOL. Reading Stereophile may help you keep from doing that.
Jim
Well, I don't know if you'll like my rotations at the moment or not. I'm on a bit of a blues/rock kick right now, except for the McCurch Soundroom: that's a bit hard to categorize, but it's German psych/prog type thing recorded in 1972 that sometimes sounds like Jethro Tull (quite a bit of flute) and sometimes a wee bit like Black Sabbath. I came across it in a used record store and I'm finding it weirdly addictive!
Such positive/uplifting thoughts, Jim. The fact that your writings were about our common interest, as opposed to some political/social/economical ongoings in this world, made it such a pleasure to read.
Having, myself, been dormant in this "hobby" for a number of years I am in the process of re-educating myself as to what are the latest and greatest devices to be had. And having discovered this group of well informed audio enthusiast has made the trip even more of a joy.
I have gone and read several of your posts, Jim, from the archives and find them insightful as well as informative. Hopefully we'll continue to read more of your posts.
I think most people have enought "stuff" going on in their lives that the R&R that our hobby provides is invaluable for us. For a brief moment, we can escape into a sea of great music or get lost in a lyric or a just get lost in a great performance. Or, just really like the sounds a peice of gear you own is providing you.
I love classical and Jazz piano works, but everytime I get finsihed listening to that type material I find myself listing to Raising Sand or The Gabe Dixon Band to get my "toe a tappin". That is so much fun!
There is so much more music just as entertaining that I know nothing about, but maybe you do. That is why I am always reviewing MF's Music Angle and see what he is on to and enjoy all the Phile music reviews and Robert Baird's behind the scenes views of the biz..
And no one needs to apolozie for what type of music they like or even defend it. Who needs that when it is jsut about fun. I bought a Bonnie "Prince" Billy Great Palace Music audiophile LP off a MF recommendation and I am still working my way into the work. My understanding the music does not always mean it has to be the most beautiful or exact singing or playing. Sometimes just providing a real performance of who the artist is, should be enough! I will admit the LP quality is very good. Even I can understand Will Oldham's singing. He got that part right.
It ultimately is about fun and buying equipment that is within your budget and to stop worrying about what you don't have and enjoy the gear that you do. I look back and wish I had spent more on music and less on gear, but that is another discussion.
Have fun. I am.
Jim
Great post Jim!
" Why DVD-V Discs, not DVD-A??(DVDV can only do 48kHz btw)".
Unless I'm missing something here(which is possible), it is actually 96K according to Barry Diament on his Soundkeeper site under FAQ's about formats. I know he posts here occasionally, maybe he can chime in. Of course then what about higher rates? DVD-A?
Also, as far as who can hear what, to me it's very subjective. If MF or JA or anyone here say they can hear a difference with a certain component or tweak, than they can! Who am I to say they can't? When I ask for someone's opinion here, that's what I expect. Their experience with whatever the topic is.
Hi Jim,
I
Michael,
Thanks for the great article. I have been taking the current play list participants are sharing and copying and pasting them is a Word doc for future reference. Yours have been added.
I am searching the net for sound samples of the artists for review to acquaint myself with each of them. Too much music and so little time.
Thanks again,
Jim
You might have these already, Jim, but here are my five:
Fiery Furnaces: I'm Going Away
Bowerbirds: Upper Air
Wye Oak: The Knot
Abner Jay: True Story of Abner Jay
Cecil Barfield: South Georgia Blues
+1:
Bill Callahan: Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Stephen,
Thanks. They are on the list now.
I have a lot of music homework to do this weekend.
Regards,
Jim
Here's one of mine:
Martin Chalifour in Walt Disney Concert Hall on Yarlung records. 2 mics direct to 2 tracks! Sweet music!
Jim, if you are doing this for the kids, or you want to show them an album they can identify with, then give them this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kfnz-l8xN0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7F-SRS14So&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m70sdq1Rnk&feature=related
This will definitely blow their noggins and any thing you recommend or say after that will get their undivided attention. Heck, this will easily get your attention. It is very unique and quite excellent for a debut. The singer, she is Peruvian and French, and the album is put together by the drummer - it is their 'show' - the drum mix makes it obvious....
YIKES!! Greatest palace is the worst sounding album by BPB!!
Get..
Master and Everyone
I see a Darkness
Superwolf
Will Oldham-Genius
Jim..
I am not a reviewer...but I am a professional musician(basso) and a pedal steel and guitar picker... my favorites..
Tom Waits- RAIN DOGS, Closing Time
WIRE-Pink FLAG
Mekons-The Quality of Mercy is Not Strnen,
Smoke-Heaven on a Popsicle Stick
Cure- Staring at the Sea/Singles
Wilco-- Being There, YHF, A Ghost is Born
Whiskeytown- Pneumonia, Strangers Almanac
MinuteMen- Double Nickels on the Dime
Gang of 4-Entertainment!!!!!
Johnny Cash- San Quentin
Jerry Reed- Hot A Mighty!!
Television - Marquee Moon
Replacements- TIM
Son Volt- Trace
Uncle Tupelo - No Depression
Gillian Welch- Time, The Revelator
Willie Nelson - Phases and Stages
Guided By Voices- Alien Lanes
Easton Stagger, Phillips--one for the ditch
Centro-matic- Redo the stacks
Loose Fur- Born again in the usa
AA Bondy- American Hearts
Josh Ritter--the historical conquests of josh ritter
Songs:Ohia- Magnolia Electric Company
Magnolia Electric Company- what comes after the blues
Jim White- Searching for the wrong eyed jesus
Stereolab- cobra and phases group play voltage in the milky night
Spiritualized- Ladies and Gentlemen, we are floating in space
Faces- a nod is good as a wink to a blind horse
Handsome Family--through the trees
Iron and Wine--creek drank the cradle
Ray Lamontagne--till the sun turns black(best sounding modern album!)
thats a few...