Until recently, I have considered LaserVision video discs as a rather dubious medium for serious music reproduction. The only review I had read about it by a critical listener (Harry Pearson in <I>The Absolute Sound</I>) was I singularly unenthusiastic, and since I had not heard one myself, I was inclined to take his word for it.
Toward the end of 2009, I read a lot about Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, an 18-piece big band, and its debut CD, <I>Infernal Machines</I>, which was showing up on several best-of-the-year lists. But I never received a copy of the album and couldn’t figure out how to contact the label, New Amsterdam. Finally, I <I>bought</I> a copy from Downtown Music, a terrific alt-jazz record store in Manhattan, and, it turns out, the excitement is justified.
After a storm, the sun would come out and throw an enormous spotlight on the ocean, setting everything ablaze with ever-changing colors and shapes. Words like "glorious," "heavenly," and "miraculous" kept coming to mind.
<a href="http://www.lucialodge.com/mall/c121/s14406/default1.htm">Lucia Lodge</a> was opened in the early 1900s, on land originally settled by Wilbur and Ada Harlan in 1885. The Harlan family still owns and operates the Lodge. They’re great people.
On this night, I stayed up very late working on “Recommended Components” for the upcoming April 2010 issue. Having spent the entire day all alone, I was able to get a great number of listings compiled. No, I did not freak myself out by thinking about the ghosts of the cabin’s previous inhabitants.
And, yes, while hanging with Jon and Corrina, we did find time to listen to some music. Here I am, sitting in the sweet spot, in awe of the views (sonic and visual). I don’t think I’ve heard a more thrilling system. Jon’s got the sound optimized for size and impact, with incredibly focused, larger than life images set within a massive soundstage. Transients were startlingly fast and clean. And while I’m not usually too fond of subwoofers, the sound here was completely seamless, the subs adding texture and punch while never intruding upon the musical flow.
Liner notes to <i>Slo Grown</i>, featuring Jon Iverson and some other guys.
After Boo Boo’s, we made our way to <a href="http://www.cheapthrills.biz/CT/">Cheap Thrills</a>, another excellent San Luis Obispo location filled with books, movies, and music. Upstairs is where they keep the delicious vinyl. I’ve never seen a better selection of country music. I was <i>so</i> tempted to buy every Bobby Bare, Willie Nelson, Charlie Pride, Merle Haggard, and Tammy Wynette album they had.
Boo Boo Records had a nice selection of cheap cassettes. Here I am making out with them.
But I know what you’re all wondering. Hiking schmiking. Beauty schmeauty. You’re wondering if we made time for any vinyl shopping. Of course we did! Here I am, making my way through the deep stacks at <a href="http://booboorecords.com/">Boo Boo Records</a> in San Luis Obispo. If you’re ever in the area, you <i>definitely</i> need to stop at Boo Boo’s.