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<A HREF="http://www.stereophile.com/powerlineaccessories/ps_audio_power_plant_pr… Audio's Power Plant Premier</A> is a high-end product that takes the regeneration approach in providing audio/video gear with the cleanest AC possible. But not everyone can afford to spend $2195 on such a product, and although the new amplifier design that forms the basis of the Premier is relatively efficient, it <I>does</I> use power, and concern about conservation of the planet's energy resources might lead one to prefer a passive approach to power-line treatment. PS Audio's line of Power Centers provides such an alternative. The model I had for review was the Quintet Power Center, which differs from the Duet Power Center only in having five pairs of receptacles to the Duet's two.

It was love at first sight when I saw a Jamo Reference R 909 loudspeaker in sparkling red lacquer on the floor of the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show. It made no sound, but it was beautiful, and I wanted it. It summoned up all my latent predilections for snazzy colors, striking shapes, and dipole speakers. But, as with many passing encounters in life, nothing came of it.

Though earlier in the day I had entertained ideas of soaring through the cold night, piercing hearts from here to Williamsburg and back, when it came time to make my move, I could only sit there, alone, still and quiet and entirely comfortable on my warm, orange couch.

Willie Nelson's <i>Phases and Stages</i> was released one year prior to Wainwright's <i>Unrequited</i> and takes a somewhat similar artistic approach. It is clearly a concept album with two distinct, but closely related, sides.

I also picked this one up at Boomerangs. At the time, I knew nothing about Melanie Safka. Looking at the front cover, I must have immediately thought, <i>hmm… psychedelic hippie music</i>, or something like that. I also noticed that it was released by Buddah Records who I <i>was</i> familiar with for their work with Captain Beefheart and Rodriguez. Turning to the back, I was intrigued by Melanie's liner notes, which pretty much told me that this chick is crazy.

I purchased this album, simply titled <i>Elvis</i>, at the ARChive of Contemporary Music's winter record fair. This album immediately followed his RCA Victor debut, <i>Elvis Presley</i>. Both were released in 1957 and both went gold. By the end of the year, I suppose he was so successful that a single name was enough. My copy is a 50th anniversary reissue special.

It's a very tough call, but <i>Darkness</i> may be my favorite Springsteen album. See him there, looking so damn ready to prove it all night.