Nothing Like Good Old Vinyl

If you were born in the 1970s like I was (1973), chances are you probably caught the end of the age of vinyl records. Our generation, Generation X, was the last generation to have our first music purchase as vinyl, either an LP or a single 45 rpm record.

I can still remember my first record. It was a single by Stevie Wonder, titled "That Girl," a top five hit for him in early 1982. Of course I was only eight years old, so my parents bought it for me. Another one I remember was "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. The song was on the "Rocky III" soundtrack and became a number one hit in 1982.

Then I also had the LPs, which were even more fun because you not only had the album cover, but you also had the credits and the lyrics inside to read. Another thing you had with LPs was a connection with the artist, which is now all but gone with the Internet and MP3 downloading. I remember the feeling of buying my first record and every one after that. It was almost like Christmas morning.........you couldn't wait to open it. You'd rip off the plastic, take the record out, put it on the turntable and you would be in your own little world at that particular moment. It sure was a great feeling...........great memories!

Recently I've been starting an LP collection, adding to those I've held on to for all these years. I buy them at flea markets, on ebay, and anywhere else I can find them. When I look for them, I don't expect them to be in perfect condition. I expect a few minor scratches and smudges, plus a little wear on the covers as well. But I look for the best ones I can find, and that tells me something about the record. It tells me that the previous owner loved the music, appreciated its value, and took very good care of it.

Recently, vinyl has been making a comeback, as many artists, including younger ones like Taylor Swift, are releasing new albums on vinyl, along with all the other formats. I am glad to see that happening, and I hope it is a trend that will continue for years to come.

If You Don't Like Rock and Roll, Just Stick to the Symphony Circuit

About a month ago I attended a concert that I previewed for the Centre Daily Times. Jacksonville, Florida's own .38 Special came to Sunbury on August 4th. The show was performed at Spyglass Ridge Winery, which I thought to be kind of an unusual setting for a musical performance. But I thought it would be fun, so I thought, "why not?" I asked my brother if he wanted to go, because he also liked .38 Special's music. So I bought two tickets and we went.

I had interviewed .38 Special guitarist Danny Chauncey for my preview. It was one of the better interviews I've done, as Danny was really cool and down-to-earth. He even told me he could get my brother and me passes for the "meet and greet" before the show. All I had to do was get it confirmed with the band's publicist and we would be all set. I was really looking forward to meeting the guys in the band, getting pictures with them, autographs, and enjoying a great evening of some good old-fashioned Southern rock.

Unfortunately it wasn't to be, as I had one of the worst experiences of any show I have ever attended. It all started when my brother and I were on our way into the winery grounds. We had to stand in a long line of fans waiting to get in. Considering I had interviewed one of the band members and had previewed the concert, I figured I might be able to get us in earlier. I approached a man who I assumed to be working for the winery and told him my name and who I worked for. Since I didn't have a press ID, I gave him my business card. I guess It wasn't good enough for him, so he had to make a phone call. He said he would get back to me on it. As it was, my brother and I still had to wait, and that man never did get back to us.

Eventually we gave them our tickets and made our way in. What came next was something that would prove to be a problem much later in the evening. Although at the time I was not aware of this. We took a look at the .38 Special merchandise under the tent. What caught my eye was the sign that said "free autographed 8x10 photo of the band with $20 purchase of live CD." This seemed to be quite a good deal. The guy working there said they only had six photos left, but assured me that the band would be there at the tent signing more pictures after the show. He said we could buy our CDs and then come back later after the show to get our photos personally signed by the band. So we both bought the CD and went on our way to find a good place to put our lawn chairs.

The president and owner of the winery responded to my email and it ticked me off to say the least. His quote was, "If that's the kind of sterile environment you like, go for it. This is rock and roll. I suggest you stick to the symphony circuit."

I quickly responded to his email. I wasn't about to let this go. I don't let people push me around or insult my intelligence, education or expertise. I learned that very well from my father. I speak my mind, especially when I know I'm right. I told the owner what the facts were. That he is in the business of getting people liquored up on his wine and beer. People know they can get alcohol, so why not go to a show like that, instead of going to a theater where all they can do is just sit and watch. In his mind, that is just lame. But he knew that people would get drunk, and of course he wasn't going to take any responsibility for anything that happened on his property. He had police and security to take care of that for him. So I know I won't be going back there anytime soon, if ever.

A little over a week ago, I attended another event which I had previewed. Kip Moore, one of country music's rising stars, performed at Levels Nightclub in State College, near the Penn State campus. Of course I was also doing a review, so naturally I decided to take advantage of the free show. This was the first time I had ever stepped foot inside a nightclub, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. As it turned out, this show was also a night I'd like to forget. It might have even been worse than the .38 Special concert, from the standpoint of how well I was able to see the stage and the horrible sound.

The place was so crowded it was absolutely ridiculous. My brother came with me and we had a couple of beers and sat at the bar. The time of the show was posted at 7:00 p.m., but we actually arrived a little late after we had dinner. It was 7:30 when we arrived, but we were lucky because the show had not started yet.

Needless to say, the evening was spoiled by the inability to see the performance, let alone the inability to talk to the person standing next to me. My brother and I didn't even stay for the entire show, as we left the nightclub halfway through the performance.

I know these artists are true professionals and obviously have the musical talent and the popularity to draw the crowds that they do. But I would much rather see them perform in a venue where I can fully enjoy the experience. Music is an art form, and it should be respected and appreciated for the gift that it is.