When browsing the record stores do you ever buy an album by a band you’ve never heard of? If so, why? Because the cover looks interesting? The name? Do you ever fire up YouTube on your phone for a sneak listen to an unheard of artist or do you throw caution to the wind and just buy it and wait to see what you got when you play it?
Never. I always have my Discogs account ready to keep track of my wantlist and collection lists, but I have never searched for music unknown to me at a record store just to see if I like it enough to buy the record. There are so many records I already know I want, so I tend to focus on those.
That's pretty much how at least half of my record collection was built! I loved not knowing anything about the artist or music I was buying. Of course this was only used albums, and back then, albums were a dollar or less, so it was a safe investment. It's a practice I follow online as much as I can as well. It's less exciting and fun as it used to be with physical media, and I will admit sometimes it's the Spotify algorithm that actually plays something after an album I was listening to finishes that turns me on to a new artist or band.
I do this all the time, Mark. Just last week when I was at a record store in Brooklyn I bought a handful of records. One by an artist I don't know, the others by artists I do know but not necessarily records on a personal want list. I always listen to a couple minutes of each side at the listening station or on Spotify/YT. All I need is a couple minutes - a few seconds on each song - to know if it's one I will enjoy or one I need to pass on.
Thank you, Brad! I remember that piece very well. It must have been one of those beautiful, jaw-dropping moments where one witnesses the mysterious power of music 🎼
Excellent choice on the movie. I always go back to High Fidelity or Better off Dead, but then again I am much older than you and a bit nostalgic for the good old days...lol
Okay, I will change question up, top five Jazz guitarist? Not looking for who's technically the best, but who sonically appeals to you the most.
Happy to pinch-hit for ya, pal! BTW, "pinch-hit" is an American baseball term where a hitter is sent in to hit for another batter. Not to be confused with "hit-pinch," which is.....well, let's just say I saw it exhibited, once, in a movie on Hollywood Boulevard, sometime in the '80s!😱
We met online 16 years ago as he was planning a trip to Buenos Aires, where I lived at the time. We clicked instantly. We were long distance for 6 years and been married for 10. Crazy adventure I’ll never regret. I love him more each day.
Vividly. Late 90s/early noughties. I was 11. She pulled me in with her poppy/R&B stuff, and I started buying her back catalogue like crazy. It was "Vanishing", a gospel-infused ballad from her debut album, on headphones, in complete darkness, that made me feel the power of the human voice on a physical (and spiritual) level for the first time in my life. That song still gives me goosebumps.
Where would you like to travel to that you haven't yet? If you could live anywhere in the world other than London (you are in London, yes?), where would that be? If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Australia and South Africa are two places I’ve never been which have been on my list for a while.
Yes, I’m in London, and can’t imagine living anywhere else. If I had to, though, the only two other cities I would consider are Paris and NYC.
If I could have dinner with anyone I’d choose Mariah. I’ve met her and had conversations with her, but one can never get enough of their idols! Plus, I think it would be fun (especially if there’s wine involved 🤣).
Do you have a list of Desert Island Discs? You’re allowed up to eight (according to the arbitrary rules of the original radio show, although originally it was eight pieces of music).
Hi Andres. Now that you mention it, direct-drive vs belt-drive has been a burning question of mine since I started collecting vinyl again.
My Audio-Technica turntable is a direct drive and I’ve never had an issue with its functionality.
My perception is that direct-drive turntables are fixed to always turn at the proper RPM’s whereas a belt-drive is subject to wear and may need to be repaired or replaced every so often.
Hi Chris. Essentially, yes. It's a matter of preference, but direct drive TTs are, generally speaking, more reliable. There's also the issue with the "hum" some belt-drive TTs are prone to.
When browsing the record stores do you ever buy an album by a band you’ve never heard of? If so, why? Because the cover looks interesting? The name? Do you ever fire up YouTube on your phone for a sneak listen to an unheard of artist or do you throw caution to the wind and just buy it and wait to see what you got when you play it?
Never. I always have my Discogs account ready to keep track of my wantlist and collection lists, but I have never searched for music unknown to me at a record store just to see if I like it enough to buy the record. There are so many records I already know I want, so I tend to focus on those.
That's pretty much how at least half of my record collection was built! I loved not knowing anything about the artist or music I was buying. Of course this was only used albums, and back then, albums were a dollar or less, so it was a safe investment. It's a practice I follow online as much as I can as well. It's less exciting and fun as it used to be with physical media, and I will admit sometimes it's the Spotify algorithm that actually plays something after an album I was listening to finishes that turns me on to a new artist or band.
I do this all the time, Mark. Just last week when I was at a record store in Brooklyn I bought a handful of records. One by an artist I don't know, the others by artists I do know but not necessarily records on a personal want list. I always listen to a couple minutes of each side at the listening station or on Spotify/YT. All I need is a couple minutes - a few seconds on each song - to know if it's one I will enjoy or one I need to pass on.
In case you missed this, Mark......I had this experience on more than one occasion (but they WERE few), but this one was so memorable, I not only remembered it, but wrote about it....and the CD cover was giving me NO hints, whatsoever! 👉https://bradkyle.substack.com/p/audio-autopsy-1992-the-man-who-put?utm_source=publication-search
Enjoy, and thanks for the space, Andy!
Thank you, Brad! I remember that piece very well. It must have been one of those beautiful, jaw-dropping moments where one witnesses the mysterious power of music 🎼
Top five Southern California punk band?
And bonus question, favorite John Cusack movie?
None. Not into punk at all.
The Butler, for obvious reasons 🤣
Excellent choice on the movie. I always go back to High Fidelity or Better off Dead, but then again I am much older than you and a bit nostalgic for the good old days...lol
Okay, I will change question up, top five Jazz guitarist? Not looking for who's technically the best, but who sonically appeals to you the most.
I don’t pay attention to guitarists (other than the likes of Hendrix, Robert Cray and Gary Moore) so I’ll give you my top 5 jazz vocalists:
1. Ella Fitzgerald
2. Nina Simone
3. Ray Charles
4. Jimmy Rushing
5. Nat King Cole
I tend to favour only the technically brilliant and emotionally charged. I rarely settle for less.
Fantastic list
Thank you, Bob!!
Sorry for the weird questions...
I'm a huge High Fidelity fan and I seem to always ask "list" questions.
But watching Brad try and explain himself, priceless. 😂😂
I'll answer, if I may, for Andy, on your first question: The Last. I'd really have to struggle to come up with 4 more.
Thank you, Brad, for taking one for the team! 🤣
Happy to pinch-hit for ya, pal! BTW, "pinch-hit" is an American baseball term where a hitter is sent in to hit for another batter. Not to be confused with "hit-pinch," which is.....well, let's just say I saw it exhibited, once, in a movie on Hollywood Boulevard, sometime in the '80s!😱
Thank you! Thanks also for the explanation (and the comparison, which is priceless 🤣🤣🤣)
I’m a sucker for a love story. How did you and your husband meet?
We met online 16 years ago as he was planning a trip to Buenos Aires, where I lived at the time. We clicked instantly. We were long distance for 6 years and been married for 10. Crazy adventure I’ll never regret. I love him more each day.
Thank you for sharing :-)
Thank you for asking! 😊
And thank you for those beautiful words - and the great question!
Do you remember when you first heard Mariah and what made you love her?
Vividly. Late 90s/early noughties. I was 11. She pulled me in with her poppy/R&B stuff, and I started buying her back catalogue like crazy. It was "Vanishing", a gospel-infused ballad from her debut album, on headphones, in complete darkness, that made me feel the power of the human voice on a physical (and spiritual) level for the first time in my life. That song still gives me goosebumps.
Beautiful. I'm going to listen to Vanishing now
Enjoy! And thanks for bringing back such a precious memory of mine ♥️
What a beautiful description, Andy! Flesh it out a bit with your pix, and I smell a bangin' new article!
Thank you, Brad!! Means a lot ♥️
What's your top genres?
Soul, blues, jazz, pop, funk, gospel, R&B, rock, electronica. But in a nutshell, anything with a soulful vibe.
Where would you like to travel to that you haven't yet? If you could live anywhere in the world other than London (you are in London, yes?), where would that be? If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Wow, great questions all round!
Australia and South Africa are two places I’ve never been which have been on my list for a while.
Yes, I’m in London, and can’t imagine living anywhere else. If I had to, though, the only two other cities I would consider are Paris and NYC.
If I could have dinner with anyone I’d choose Mariah. I’ve met her and had conversations with her, but one can never get enough of their idols! Plus, I think it would be fun (especially if there’s wine involved 🤣).
Do you play any musical instruments, Andres?
No, but I sing 😊
He plays voice, like moi!
Our bodies are instruments! 🎤
Great to hear :)
Do you have a list of Desert Island Discs? You’re allowed up to eight (according to the arbitrary rules of the original radio show, although originally it was eight pieces of music).
This is incredibly tough, but today I'd say:
1. Emotions (Mariah Carey)
2. Daydream (Mariah Carey)
3. Talking Book (Stevie Wonder)
4. Lady Soul (Aretha Franklin)
5. Faith (George Michael)
6. Strong Persuader (Robert Cray)
7. Night Beat (Sam Cooke)
8. Extension of a Man (Donny Hathaway)
Ok, since no one asked, what is your drink of choice?! Also, does your husband share your love of music and vinyl?
Thank you, Dan. Short answer is champagne. Long answer is Pimms and lemonade daytime, Aperol Spritz at dusk, Moscow mule at night.
He doesn’t, but is extemely tolerant and supportive. When I hesitate between two records, he’s the one who says get both.
Hi Andres. Now that you mention it, direct-drive vs belt-drive has been a burning question of mine since I started collecting vinyl again.
My Audio-Technica turntable is a direct drive and I’ve never had an issue with its functionality.
My perception is that direct-drive turntables are fixed to always turn at the proper RPM’s whereas a belt-drive is subject to wear and may need to be repaired or replaced every so often.
Is this correct?
Hi Chris. Essentially, yes. It's a matter of preference, but direct drive TTs are, generally speaking, more reliable. There's also the issue with the "hum" some belt-drive TTs are prone to.