When That Old Song Comes On
And your goose bumps jump for joy!
I grew up in the phonograph era. 45s and LP’s were our thing. We’d saunter on over to our vertically stacked records, sorted by artist, alphabetically, or totally disorganized and then confidently make our selection. After removing the circular vinyl disk from its sleeve, we’d carefully place it on the felt covered platten. First we‘d check the needle. If you’ve never had the opportunity to clean a tiny dust ball off of a diamond needle, you haven’t lived.😉 There, all clean. Next we’d flip the switch whilst delicately placing the needle in the groove of our choice. Crackling instantly emanated from the speakers and that first song started playing. For me, my first record ever played was A Hard Days Night by the Beatles. Total audio bliss.
But that was decades ago. Nowadays everything is digital and wireless. Convenient yes, however authentic audiophiles prefer the old ways where sound is reproduced through motion and vibration interacting together. See the enlarged photo below as to what’s really producing the sound. It’s a microscopic world of peaks and valleys.
The mechanics of it all simply fascinates me. How these little bumps represent a singer, a band, an orchestra, anything really, is astounding. I liked placing the edge of a piece of paper in one of the grooves and be amazed how the paper would become an orchestra of sound. That reminds me, there’s a second hand store next to our office which I like to visit now and again. They have hundreds of old records for sale. I simply love those 12” album covers, don’t you? Each one riddled with photos of the musicians and/or clever imagery, except the Beatles White album of course.
When that old song comes on
You know it when you hear it. In the car, out shopping, at a restaurant, a multitude of places really. It’s the one which makes your ears perk up with your head cocked towards the music trying desperately to filter out all other random noise. It’s that song you love, you know, the one from years ago. The song that was playing when you were with that special person, enjoying one another’s company. Just as the grooves in the record faithfully reproduce what was recorded in the studio, your mind plays back everything that transpired during that particular moment. The sights, sounds, smells, and that overwhelming emotion all flow back as do a few goose bumps on occasion. It’s like visiting with a long lost friend who is delighted to see you. Music is powerful like that. As far as I am concerned it has healing qualities unlike some medicines out there. Of course nothing can compare to seeing your favorite artist live. But don’t wait too long, life is short and they may not be around if you procrastinate.
Music unites hearts, souls, and minds. I hope music is a big part of your life. It matters not what style so long as you like it and it brings you joy, whether you listen to it or play along with it on your chosen instrument.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Psalm 98:4
Jim
As always. written completely without the aid of artificial intelligence. ChatGPT, eat your heart out.
That one was a fun one. You know me, I try to connect an article with a story. My father was an inventor as a hobbyist. He invented the "playback split needle" for Victor Records when we lived in England. This invention shifted the standard split needle to what you and I know as Hi-Fi Stereo. I have fond memories of hanging out with him and his buddies in his studio. He also invented, along with Dr. John Hedley-Dent, the head guided helmet for fighter jets.
Another fun fact. I spoke with an English accent until I was thirteen. Three years later, I asked him to build me a Hi-Fi system. He made me build it from scratch. While in my thirties, I was introduced to the inventor of the Tactile Sound Transducer (dish) - a device screwed into an object, like a wall or furniture that turns the object into a speaker, which he installed into my home theater. All this to say, I too am fascinated with the inventions of formulating quality "bumps of joy."
This one makes today, a good day from the go -- no matter what happens ...