I tuned in (as I usually do) to the monolog of the Colbert show this evening and as they went to a commercial, that band (which is exceptional) played this fabulous old tune from the best year of popular music in my lifetime, 1968.
I was 12, had recently retired my trumpet in favor of a new bass guitar I got for my birthday, and remember learning this tune as one of my first on the new instrument.
This is one of the the GREAT CowBell songs of all time 
And now for something completely different…
Right after Grazing in the Grass ended on Youtube, a fine algorithm selected the following suggested next tune for me… this is one of the best recordings ever! A great tune, and a great performance by a special group of jazz musicians. The Bassist on this tune, Scott LaFaro, died at age 25 shortly after recording this. He was an exceptionally gifted bassist, who had only begun to be known shortly before his death.
EDIT: to say, that no one ever accused me of being particularly romantic, but in my mind, there are not many more romantic tunes than this performance of this one.
Here’s a really interesting Grammys preview. Due to my (ahem) generational status I don’t know most of the artists discussed here but I’m glad to see that popular music is clearly still alive and vibrant. (Also, “Fast Car” is one of my favorite songs ever.)
So sad that he left us so early! He was such an interesting and curious soul, well read on philosophy and world religions but also liked to play the ponies and was a real good golfer. The needle and the damage done
Echo & The Bunnymen.
I remember well when this happened. This documentary is amazing.
Pink Martini. Finally, finished a couple of basement projects and preliminarily set up my listening room.
Damn.
Wow! What kind of speakers, soundboard system is that? Rowwwwr!
Speakers are Tannoy Kensington GR. Power is an integrated amp by PrimaLuna using EL34 tubes as power, which has both ultralinear and triode modes – usually use triode. Source, well, just using an old CD player; was using my old Mac Mini as music server. For now, to get into the 2020’s, I’m looking for a streamer and a new DAC.
Rest of the house is on Sonos, so no additional equipment needed. The above is just my 2 channel system. It had been in storage for nearly 4 years, and before a short set-up stint in 2020, was in previously in storage for another 3 years. Definitely missed my music.
Just a couple of things to do in the basement. Finding and installing LED strip lights around the perimeters of that slat wall, for example.
Just need to find a good chair, yes?
Ever since I first heard it, “Fast Car” has grabbed my heart.
“Like something from a hokey movie, Chapman’s life changed forever in 1988 during a birthday tribute to Nelson Mandela. At the last second, Stevie Wonder freaked out over a technical mishap and walked off. With only her guitar, a microphone, and talent, Chapman was pushed on stage in front of 72,000 fans expecting Stevie Wonder. And then this happened…”
Then last night, this.
“Fast Car” was the first song 33-year-old country superstar Luke Combs fell in love with as a kid. Fast-forward another dozen or so years, and Combs’ coverturned “Fast Car” into a platinum-selling megahit all over again. Chapman’s timeless and poetic plea then went on to win the 2023 Country Music Award for Song of the Year, an award that went to Chapman.
His respect for Chapman and her song is so complete that Combs didn’t change a word, not even the lyric: “And I work in a market as a checkout girl.”
…
With class and elegance, her eyes sparkling with only joy and gratitude, and armed with only her art and artistry, Tracy Chapman grabbed a guitar, stepped to a microphone, and delivered one of the greatest moments in award show history.
Watch on X (Twitter):
https://x.com/RealBrittain/status/1754316190552375724?s=20
“I had a feeling that belonged; I had a feeling that I could be someone, be someone.”
I admit that I wept while watching it.
Thanks so much! I’m sure your house is filled with beautiful sound.
There’s a difference between loudness and ambience.
I’m sure it sounds amazing.
I have a 40 year old pair of AR-15’s which were refurbished about 20 years ago; but not using because I have to purchase a modern amp. I’m trying to get a system that still allows vinyl and even cassetes, but I must say, it’s a bit daunting.
Those AR-15’s back in the day were sublime. How does one intergrate digital into power-cable speakers? Are bluetooth speakers better today anyway? or at least, equivocal?
They weight almost 20 pounds apiece.
AR15? As in Acoustic Research AR-15 two way speakers? What do you mean by digital? Are you referring to streaming (e.g. Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal)? If so, one can just get an inexpensive streamer-DAC; depending on the source of your music, app and/or software could make a meaningful difference.
You’ll definitely need a decent amp. An an inexpensive integrated amp would be the most convenient. As far as photo/turntable goes, unless you have a lot of records or are willing to spend a lot of resources on acquiring those, I don’t recommend it. It’s a hassle. I have many friends who have systems from 10’s of thousands to 100’s of thousands that have phono/turntables, but it’s takes them quite a bit of effort to maintain those systems.
Happy to help, but need a lot more information including your desires, budgets, etc.
20-pound speakers are light, very light. Mine are not heavy at about 80 pounds a piece.
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/acoustic-research/ar-15.shtml
Those Eames are nice and comfy, but they are everywhere. I’m more of a Ligne Roset guy. ha
Thank you so much!
Looks like they weigh almost 40
Are those the ones you have? The vintage year makes a lot of difference in terms of specs.
Also, Bluetooth speakers are fine, depending on your use case.
Yes they are. But mine have a walnut finish.
