Tired. That's how some of you might describe my stereo. Every component, save for Wharfedale speakers bought this decade, have been with me since the 1980s. Truth is, I love my stereo, and I wouldn't trade any part of it. We've been through a lot together. Besides, every once in a while, I hear something blast through those Wharfedales that seems to bring those old components to life and, for a moment anyway, I can't imagine a better sounding stereo in existence. In my last post, I featured General Public. That, of course, got me on an (English) Beat kick all weekend, and I would argue the 1982 album 'English Beat Service' might be the best sounding album in my entire collection. Clean, crisp, and those horns pop like no other. Yes, I actually danced.
That brings me to today's question. No, I'm not going to ask about stereo components. That's a blog of a different stripe. What I want to know is, do you have a special record that seems to sound just a bit better than all of the rest when you play it on your stereo? If a new friend came over and you wanted to show off a bit, what would you put on the platter? Mine would be 'Special Beat Service'.
Sorry
Sole Salvation
14 comments:
Strange - my What is Beat compilation sounds pretty tinny
I have an old, maybe a first pressing of Bridge Over Troubled Water that simply sparkles.
I've never heard this album before but on the strength of those two tracks I will need to check i out.
Although you didn't ask my stereo is something I have been building up over the past decade and a half, it took me ages to find a Technics SU 7700 amp in excellent condition, to go with the Technics 615 Cassette Deck and the SL1200, all through Boston Acoustics A26 Speakers. I have recently added a re-furbed Cambridge Audio CD10 player when my TEAC one bit the dust.
My two go to records to show off the sound would be John Martyn's Small Hours from the One World album and No Protection, especially Radiation Ruling The Nation on which I have to turn the bass back quite a bit on the amp or the curtains and other things start to move in the room even at low volume and the cry comes from across the hall "turn that down!"
Side one track one of 'London Calling' still blows me away every time I drop the needle on it. The whole album is majestic of course, but the title track is an absolute sonic delight.
I'm sure it would horrify you to know that I don't even have a stereo anymore, Brian, unless you count the one in my car. There's a part of me that will always be horrified by that too, but it was just one of life's little sacrifices...
CC, Way back in the day I had that one as an import double LP on Go Feet. Honestly, I don't remember how it sounded, but the tracklisting was terrific and superior to the North American version I.R.S. put out. I eventually had all of the songs on the band's albums and singles and sold off the comp. If you're looking to upgrade, I highly recommend the Complete Beat box set or just find the albums on used vinyl. Their usually cheap and sound very good.
SS, It's been ages! Hope you are well. I'm going to pull that album out tonight in your honor. The cover is worn, but the vinyl is still in pretty good shape.
Drew, I'm a Technics man as well, but my components are, uh, vintage. I have a Technics amp, linear-tracking turntable and dual (how '80s is that?) cassette deck. Only my CD player and equalizer are made by other companies. Before today I hadn't heard that version of the Massive Attack song. I bet that sounds great on a good stereo.
Swede, I'm thinking that album could sound great on just about any stereo, eh? I just read your car stereo post a few minutes ago and will leave a comment tonight. Has my mind working.
Rol, Horrified? No. Surprised. Yes. Then again, there are so many ways to listen to music now, and you certainly have tremendous knowledge from yesterday and today. It obviously works for you. Maybe worth a post just letting your readers know how you listen to music these days. I know I'm curious.
There's a series in this I think....Favorite Album To Hear Loud On My Home Stereo....
Oh, and mine would have to be Talking Head's Remain In Light...
Lexicon of Love or Colour of Spring
As FORW says, Lexicon of Love. Or the 12" inch single by the Inspiral Carpets, Dragging Me Down.
Its a good album.
I like the idea you've proposed and will have to think about it.
Truly some great sounds here, particularly the decisive Lexicon of Love. I hear Echorich cheering and Drew jeering, but I'm with it. I have Remain in Light and Colour of Spring out for weekend listening too.
make that divisive, not decisive. duh.
You know me so well Brian
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