Headphones On

A few weeks ago I received the most thoughtful and well conceived present. See, I have needed a new record player since the day I got a record player many years ago. I have always loved my Califone for it's warm scratchy sound and kitsch. The fact that it actually has scrawled in Sharpie on it the name of the Louisiana High School it was ganked from only tugged more at my heartstrings.
As much as I adore my Califone, it's got issues... mainly most of the records I have would be disgraced to be played through such a crap mono speaker. It's needle has a) seen better days and b) is expensive to replace. I never felt truly safe to play some of the rare vinyl I have through such a clunky and unpredictable device. My original pressing of Dusty In Memphis, stayed locked up in it's sleeve... along with my limited edition "Hymn For Her" from The Magic Numbers. I mean really, I would have to be crazy to play a 7" worth nearly $200 on a 1950's "vintage"¹ Califone.
So today, weeks after having received this truly fantastic gift of crystal sound, I went through my collection of 45s. I've been spinning the full length records for awhile now but my collection of 45s is where the real meat lies². As I flip, flip, flipped through the sides and through the stacks it felt a bit like rediscovering old friends. That might be the best part of the present.

¹ It is with absolute earnesty that I say in this instance "vintage" refers to crap.
² Listening to the original Volt pressing of Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" actually brought a tear to my eye.

Buy some: The Magic Numbers