Old Pleasures

I was listening to some music the other day on my Disc-man and started to mess with the little ear-buds hoping to get just a little better sound, when I had a great Flash; I’m gonna get out my 35 year old Radio Shack Real Earphones and listen to my stuff like I did a long time ago. Now these are the real-deal; earphones that cover your entire ear, with big strap over your head and give you a fidelity and fullness of sound you just ain’t gonna get out of two little “buds” ( of course there are “buds” that actually enhance all musical experiences, but that’s the subject for another post).

Earphones used to be the ultimate in stereo listening 40 years ago. And wow! Powered by my 40 year old Pioneer SX770 tuner amp, the Fabulous Thunderbirds never sounded so good; except when seen live. This whole thing got me started thinking about re-visiting Old Pleasures; stuff ya used to do in the past but just can’t find time for now. Gawd, Jimmy Vaughn was great as a T-Bird.

So, when was the last time you actually sat down and just listened to a whole album? Not just in the background, but with room shakin’ fidelity pumped out by 2 or more 12 inch speakers. Been a while? Seems like Classic Rock satellite stations and the I-Pod have ruined music appreciation. Try re-visiting Hendrix, Zeppelin, Cream and Credence. Yeah, you hear that stuff all the time on those stations, but their familiarity is only breeding contempt as far as I’m concerned.

I mean if I hear Santana’s “Black Magic Woman” one more time I’m gonna puke. It’s actually a great song, blending the work of British blues-man Peter Green with jazz guitarist Gabor Szabo’s Gypsy Queen. But damn, I just don’t want to hear it again. Same thing with Elvis (before he went into the Army); he cranked out some of the best rock and roll of the 50’s, great stuff, but lame now that you heard it a million times.

Old pleasures are still a rich experience. Things like reading a book (not Kindle), going to the movies (not renting them), or just hanging out with a friend are all rich experiences, worthy of re-exploration.

Speaking of old pleasures, the wife just walked into the room with a friskie look on her face.  Gotta go now.  But take time to enjoy this old pleasure from Fleetwood Mac (before the chicks showed up).  In fact, if you still have it, give their “Then Play On” album a listen; well worth it.