Records and paper. I’m a very visual person and love album covers, paper books, newspapers and magazines. And photographs, original artwork and movies on the big screen. Music and books have so often been good friends and such a comfort to this baby boomer.
Ari, I love records as they remind me of my dad and his collection of the Big Bands and the stories he would tell me of seeing them at the Trianon Ball Room in Toledo, Ohio. I loved all those singers who transitioned from having sung with the Big Bands and still love listening to my old LPs. Actually they are making a comeback with the young folks as my grandson asks me to buy him records for special occasions. I do listen to all the media but sitting listening to a record feels more intimate and more like reading a good book.
maryanne....You are so right! Have you noticed all T.V. the ads. who've LOTS of back-ground singing, music that our parents listened and WE did too, makes you happy, right?
There was nothing like listening to music with an album cover in my hands, absorbing the artwork, and feeling lucky when the lyrics were printed out. Then when cassettes came along, I spent hours making mixed tapes and sharing with my friends. It took time, but I do love the access we have to streaming music now, and I get the same kind of thrill from creating crazy play lists as I did with those mixed tapes. And I am still amazed at how great the sound is coming from those Sonos speakers, almost as good as my old B and Ws! I have to hold a book and feel those pages. It was painful to transition from the physical crossword puzzle to the digital one, but that’s the only way I read the paper these days, so I had to bite the bullet. I guess I’m a hybrid.
Here’s to a happy snowy weekend filled will lots of music!
Joanie... Loved your reminiscing from way back the :) However, our snow doesn't know when to stop....so I'll be snuggled down, here in IL.. listening, dancing & what else..singing!
I prefer reading on paper. Something about turning pages in a book feels sacred. I loved album covers. I would study them for hours looking for hidden meaning but I can listen to music in any form. Books have existed for several centuries. I will hope for more centuries. I wonder how music will be transmitted and enjoyed a hundred years from now. I never want to imagine a world without music
I do stream music, but like my cds around to remind me of the old music that I tend to forget. CDs of George Winston still resonate in my home while entertaining. Now, readable material, I still receive in paper form (as well as digital). A Nat Geo mag has always been part of my life. I do remember listening to an audio book on a 10 hr drive. But, there's nothing like taking a book or two to the beach!
Hi Ari, Like your mom, I always liked albums, looking at the artwork, reading the lyrics and who wrote it etc. I have four older brothers so you can imagine how many albums we have all over our house. Well not all over the house, We had a huge rec room in the basement where us kids and friends would hang out. My parents were quite a bit older than yours, but I remember they would have friends over dance parties (round robin) a lot, Plus one of my high school friends father had a jazz trio & they rehearsed at their house at least twice a week. Oh gosh I forgot that I used to help out at the bandshell at one of our local parks. They had music performances there. Sometimes 3-4 times a week. So yeah I have alot of different music in my head, But I can't recite lines like you. I'm getting to old I guess... Have a Great weekend & watchout for the snowstorm. Breakout your fur hat
I’ve also heard it said that listening to a vinyl record you hear every single instrument distinctly, which I found to be true. The quality is amazing. Because I travel so much I depend on my Kindle: lightweight and I can download multiple books. But when I give a book as a gift, it’s always hardcover. You are right, music and books are very personal, our choices are who we are. Enjoy your weekend too!
On my fifteenth birthday, my house burned down. For weeks, as I sofa surfed with various friends, my only possessions were a boom box, rescued still in its gift wrapping from the fire, and a CD of Paul Simon’s Graceland. Those songs resonated with in that transitional period in my life. I don’t think it would have felt the same if it happened now with our ability to hear anything we want on demand. I had those specific songs and just those songs to represent a smoky past and a hazy future.
On the other hand, in 2013 as I sat helpless in a beachfront resort room in the Philippines awaiting Super Typhoon Haiyan, I made a Spotify playlist as my final message to the world. Spoiler alert: I survived, and I still have the playlist as a memento of my adventure.
Ari I watched your dad, heard mum doing her part as video/sound/director or whatever was needed :) You planned this (private) moment, decades full of memories and love....It made me return to a period which,as a v. shy 8 yr old twin w/an (OLDER) sister.... I was THRILLED when mum chose me, ("Bern") as HER "disc-jockey".... standing-by ready to turn record-after-record of her Heart-Throb, actor, Mario Lanza,; singing; "BE-MY-LOVE-LOVE, FOR-NO-ONE-ELSE-COULD-END-THIS-YEARNING etc..... and me, happily singing along.... watching my siblings scour!
I think THAT experience led me into Gilbert & Sullivan's, Operettas+ Choir, while attending both High School/College. And, as I've mentioned in a recent "COMMENT"...Nothing makes a wintry snowy, day, more uplifting than to 'turn up the volume' & sing along w/ Sinatra/Tony Bennett/ Petula Clarke/Nat-King-Cole/Perry Como & so many talented singers, even "THE-BEATLES"!!!
Ari, Thanks, for the memories...tonight/tomorrow and forever :)
Oh Bernadette, what a beautiful memory of your family having so much fun. Music is the glue that can bring families together. I know my parents love of music has shaped my family to appreciate how important the arts can be to have a happy life. Music will always help us get through anything .😊🎼
You're so sweet in responding.I'll fall asleep thinking about you +.Plus others, hoping everyone is o.k. during this Snowy, Winter, Weather..(2:18 AM.)..I'm off too bed :)
What a wonderful essay that brings back childhood memories and beyond.😊 My dad loved Country Western music(that's what it was called back then) and my mom listened to Big Band artists. I don't remember what albums they had, but do remember listening to the songs playing in the living room stereo.
The first albums I remember buying were soundtracks from Elvis movies, The Sound of Music, and some Disney. As a teen I began to listen to a mix of different artists. So many to mention, but The Beatles, The Carpenters, Jim Croce, and Paul Anka were a few of my favorites. My collection of albums and 45s are stored away, since I don't have a player to listen to them. But my children did find me a few of my albums remastered into CDs, which I truly enjoy.
In reference to books, I prefer reading a hard cover and then sharing it with my children.
Thanks Ari, this was a wonderful trip down musical memory lane..🎹🎼🎤
V Garcia......"Beatles" loved, since I first saw them in London, well- after they had "Made-It" touring in the USA...also met Paul Anka,, who's father Andy was a neighbor when I lived in Ottawa/ then in Toronto...Um! I couldn't remember (at first)... Perry Como :)
We SURE are! Never had any other era with such talent; women too.....but when I wrote the comment it was v.early in the day....I forgot (WHICH) women! What about Rosie Clooney, Barbra Streisand, I remember (as a 8 yr old) watching the movie "WHITE CHRISTMAS"....Just saw it again on Cable :)
Wasn't Dinah dating Burt? THAT took me quite a LOT of hard thinking.......I'm (still) feeling the effects of being up all night, but I DO enjoy this site & I can always sleep anytime today......
Olddiva....IF you see me online this afternoon remind me.... (don't us women need our beauty sleep)? lol If I can STILL spell :)
😁Bernadette, Ari is going to kick us off. We’ve left the realm of no return…No, I never understood that relationship. We weren’t in it, so we’ll never know. My sleep pattern is early to bed, early to rise. Although, I don’t require a lot of sleep…We were told we needed sleep for beauty. Could be a metaphor in there somewhere. Get your rest. 😴 Will message again the next Ari question.
Hey Ari:) Vinyl all day! There’s nothing like the crackle and pop of a record, and I think the nuisances of the music come through more clearly on wax. It’s not only a visual, but tactile experience with the record covers, for me as well. I’m with your mom on that! I was a kid who spent a lot of time listening to records, and reading along with the lyrics that came on the sleeve, as well as admiring the covers. Had to do that! Streaming is really convenient, but the music looses a generation when it is compressed to an MP3, and often the details get lost. Technology has not only changed the way we listen to music, but also how we make music. As an artist, it is now often a question wether or not to use real musicians or virtual instruments (MIDI), in some circumstances, for this reason. Most people will be listening to a compressed MP3, so why pay for 3 horns, if people are listening to a compressed mix on a device, cpu, etc, and may only hear 1 horn anyway? It’s often more cost effective to go this route, but of course this is a creative call about the preferences, style and authenticity of that artists music for them. When it comes to reading, it’s books hands down! Again, there is a tactile thing. I personally love the smell of a new book, and the feel of turning the pages in my hand, or sometimes, taking notes in the margins, depending on what I’m reading. A really relaxing evening can definitely be, putting on some good vinyl and curling up with a good book:) Great topic. Thanks:)
I truly enjoyed this v. informative subject; especially the amount of people who offered so many PERSONAL stories to share.......Ari chose well, didn't he?
May I suggest another topic that (MIGHT) be as popular = PETS :)
As a youngster I was very impressed with the classical music my mother listened to on 12" vinyl; in college I added jazz to my repertoire on 10" records and the relatively new 33LPs that knocked me out. My favorites were and still are Benny Goodman, especially the small group sides, Count Basie Band, Ella, Billie, Lester Young, Duke Ellington at Newport 1956 and so much more. I enjoy your program, especially your recent coverage of FOX,
Nick, now you've mentioned it, I (kinda) remember most of those wonderful singers and DO listen to some 'smooth' jazz...thanks for nudging MY memory ;)
Hi, Ari. Wishing you a great weekend, in spite of the “Weather Bomb Cyclone.” Watched your parent-interview. Their music was my music, so it was easy to smile, seeing how animated your father became and hearing the joy in your mom’s voice, off camera. Those were the days😄. I prefer records; like everyone else, you could play them over and over. I have a small jukebox that does that for me, with cassettes and CDs. My son gave me this “Lenovo Smart Play.” The pro: it shows photos, plays your requested song and then others from that era. The con: the requested song doesn’t replay, in the moment. More often, I watch the pictures scroll by-forget to even play the music. 😂Rather befitting.
Olddiva, HI! What a caring son you have, knowing how (much) his mother loves all music, to buy you such a lovely, thoughtful, present/ gift........perfect for this snowy winter, right?...."I'll be-right-over"...Um! I won't, since there's so much SNOW, nearly 3'- 4' @ O'Hare & other places and we're all snowed-in.......darn-it :)
😂Appreciate the kind words, Bernadette. I’m sorry for all who are snowed-in. If I could, I’d send warmth and sunshine. At 60 degrees, we’re in jackets and coats.🥶 Spoiled! But I imagine, your snow is quite picturesque, and next winter’s holiday card.
Real records, real papers, real books. I do download music to mp3 since i have no stereo equipment any longer, but if i did, i'd be listening that way.
Great! Try Motown artists...R&B "The Commodores".... "Easy"....I remember Lionel Richie was part of that group.. Just listening to some (Soft-Rock), Speed-Wagon, (1984) era was it?
Happy Fri-YAY, Ari! I love today’s newsletter, vinyl records 😃When I saw the Tik Tok video of you and your parents going through their vinyl record collection, it took me back to my parents’ vinyl record collection.
My parents’ vinyl record collection are from Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, the Commodores, Nat “King” Cole, Kool and the Gang, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Chic, Shalamar etc. I think that my parents might have more than what I listed but it’s been so long I don’t remember all of them.
Every weekend, my parents will play music from one of the vinyl record collection and I and my sisters will start to dance😁 Also, we watched Soul Train as well which influenced the vinyl record collection😃
One of my favorites was Marvin Gaye…there’s something about the rhythm of his music and his voice.
Plus, my mom went to the same high school as Marvin Gaye (Cardozo High School, Washington D.C.)
Records or streaming? I like both. I love technology so I like the idea of streaming to get whatever song that I like. I also like vinyl records because of the aesthetic appeal - touching and appreciating the record sleeves.
I read my books via my Amazon Kindle but I also buy physical books. It looks like I like both😃
BTW: I love your parents’ vinyl record collection and explains your love of music😁
Have a lovely weekend, Ari and stay warm as we are expecting snow this weekend😃
I am very old school.. records and paper.. need to hold by paperbacks in my hands I still have old vinyl. my Mom’s Tommy Edwards “It’s All In The Game.. love it💜 lots of Bobby Caldwell.. love Jazz♥️
Records and paper. I’m a very visual person and love album covers, paper books, newspapers and magazines. And photographs, original artwork and movies on the big screen. Music and books have so often been good friends and such a comfort to this baby boomer.
Ari, I love records as they remind me of my dad and his collection of the Big Bands and the stories he would tell me of seeing them at the Trianon Ball Room in Toledo, Ohio. I loved all those singers who transitioned from having sung with the Big Bands and still love listening to my old LPs. Actually they are making a comeback with the young folks as my grandson asks me to buy him records for special occasions. I do listen to all the media but sitting listening to a record feels more intimate and more like reading a good book.
maryanne....You are so right! Have you noticed all T.V. the ads. who've LOTS of back-ground singing, music that our parents listened and WE did too, makes you happy, right?
Yes!!! 😀
There was nothing like listening to music with an album cover in my hands, absorbing the artwork, and feeling lucky when the lyrics were printed out. Then when cassettes came along, I spent hours making mixed tapes and sharing with my friends. It took time, but I do love the access we have to streaming music now, and I get the same kind of thrill from creating crazy play lists as I did with those mixed tapes. And I am still amazed at how great the sound is coming from those Sonos speakers, almost as good as my old B and Ws! I have to hold a book and feel those pages. It was painful to transition from the physical crossword puzzle to the digital one, but that’s the only way I read the paper these days, so I had to bite the bullet. I guess I’m a hybrid.
Here’s to a happy snowy weekend filled will lots of music!
Joanie... Loved your reminiscing from way back the :) However, our snow doesn't know when to stop....so I'll be snuggled down, here in IL.. listening, dancing & what else..singing!
😂😂😂
Olddiva.....I THOUGHT you might like these past/present topics Ari suggested :)
I prefer reading on paper. Something about turning pages in a book feels sacred. I loved album covers. I would study them for hours looking for hidden meaning but I can listen to music in any form. Books have existed for several centuries. I will hope for more centuries. I wonder how music will be transmitted and enjoyed a hundred years from now. I never want to imagine a world without music
I do stream music, but like my cds around to remind me of the old music that I tend to forget. CDs of George Winston still resonate in my home while entertaining. Now, readable material, I still receive in paper form (as well as digital). A Nat Geo mag has always been part of my life. I do remember listening to an audio book on a 10 hr drive. But, there's nothing like taking a book or two to the beach!
Hi Ari, Like your mom, I always liked albums, looking at the artwork, reading the lyrics and who wrote it etc. I have four older brothers so you can imagine how many albums we have all over our house. Well not all over the house, We had a huge rec room in the basement where us kids and friends would hang out. My parents were quite a bit older than yours, but I remember they would have friends over dance parties (round robin) a lot, Plus one of my high school friends father had a jazz trio & they rehearsed at their house at least twice a week. Oh gosh I forgot that I used to help out at the bandshell at one of our local parks. They had music performances there. Sometimes 3-4 times a week. So yeah I have alot of different music in my head, But I can't recite lines like you. I'm getting to old I guess... Have a Great weekend & watchout for the snowstorm. Breakout your fur hat
I’ve also heard it said that listening to a vinyl record you hear every single instrument distinctly, which I found to be true. The quality is amazing. Because I travel so much I depend on my Kindle: lightweight and I can download multiple books. But when I give a book as a gift, it’s always hardcover. You are right, music and books are very personal, our choices are who we are. Enjoy your weekend too!
On my fifteenth birthday, my house burned down. For weeks, as I sofa surfed with various friends, my only possessions were a boom box, rescued still in its gift wrapping from the fire, and a CD of Paul Simon’s Graceland. Those songs resonated with in that transitional period in my life. I don’t think it would have felt the same if it happened now with our ability to hear anything we want on demand. I had those specific songs and just those songs to represent a smoky past and a hazy future.
On the other hand, in 2013 as I sat helpless in a beachfront resort room in the Philippines awaiting Super Typhoon Haiyan, I made a Spotify playlist as my final message to the world. Spoiler alert: I survived, and I still have the playlist as a memento of my adventure.
Ari I watched your dad, heard mum doing her part as video/sound/director or whatever was needed :) You planned this (private) moment, decades full of memories and love....It made me return to a period which,as a v. shy 8 yr old twin w/an (OLDER) sister.... I was THRILLED when mum chose me, ("Bern") as HER "disc-jockey".... standing-by ready to turn record-after-record of her Heart-Throb, actor, Mario Lanza,; singing; "BE-MY-LOVE-LOVE, FOR-NO-ONE-ELSE-COULD-END-THIS-YEARNING etc..... and me, happily singing along.... watching my siblings scour!
I think THAT experience led me into Gilbert & Sullivan's, Operettas+ Choir, while attending both High School/College. And, as I've mentioned in a recent "COMMENT"...Nothing makes a wintry snowy, day, more uplifting than to 'turn up the volume' & sing along w/ Sinatra/Tony Bennett/ Petula Clarke/Nat-King-Cole/Perry Como & so many talented singers, even "THE-BEATLES"!!!
Ari, Thanks, for the memories...tonight/tomorrow and forever :)
Oh Bernadette, what a beautiful memory of your family having so much fun. Music is the glue that can bring families together. I know my parents love of music has shaped my family to appreciate how important the arts can be to have a happy life. Music will always help us get through anything .😊🎼
You're so sweet in responding.I'll fall asleep thinking about you +.Plus others, hoping everyone is o.k. during this Snowy, Winter, Weather..(2:18 AM.)..I'm off too bed :)
What a wonderful essay that brings back childhood memories and beyond.😊 My dad loved Country Western music(that's what it was called back then) and my mom listened to Big Band artists. I don't remember what albums they had, but do remember listening to the songs playing in the living room stereo.
The first albums I remember buying were soundtracks from Elvis movies, The Sound of Music, and some Disney. As a teen I began to listen to a mix of different artists. So many to mention, but The Beatles, The Carpenters, Jim Croce, and Paul Anka were a few of my favorites. My collection of albums and 45s are stored away, since I don't have a player to listen to them. But my children did find me a few of my albums remastered into CDs, which I truly enjoy.
In reference to books, I prefer reading a hard cover and then sharing it with my children.
Thanks Ari, this was a wonderful trip down musical memory lane..🎹🎼🎤
V Garcia......"Beatles" loved, since I first saw them in London, well- after they had "Made-It" touring in the USA...also met Paul Anka,, who's father Andy was a neighbor when I lived in Ottawa/ then in Toronto...Um! I couldn't remember (at first)... Perry Como :)
Perry Como? Now, we’re back there with Nat King Cole, Mathis, and Andy Williams—Great music!
We SURE are! Never had any other era with such talent; women too.....but when I wrote the comment it was v.early in the day....I forgot (WHICH) women! What about Rosie Clooney, Barbra Streisand, I remember (as a 8 yr old) watching the movie "WHITE CHRISTMAS"....Just saw it again on Cable :)
YES! Let’s throw in Dinah Shore and Pearl Bailey. Great television!
Watch-out! The Supreme's..(1964)...In fact MOTOWN in general..YESSSS!
Love Motown too!!!💗
Wasn't Dinah dating Burt? THAT took me quite a LOT of hard thinking.......I'm (still) feeling the effects of being up all night, but I DO enjoy this site & I can always sleep anytime today......
Olddiva....IF you see me online this afternoon remind me.... (don't us women need our beauty sleep)? lol If I can STILL spell :)
😁Bernadette, Ari is going to kick us off. We’ve left the realm of no return…No, I never understood that relationship. We weren’t in it, so we’ll never know. My sleep pattern is early to bed, early to rise. Although, I don’t require a lot of sleep…We were told we needed sleep for beauty. Could be a metaphor in there somewhere. Get your rest. 😴 Will message again the next Ari question.
Hey Ari:) Vinyl all day! There’s nothing like the crackle and pop of a record, and I think the nuisances of the music come through more clearly on wax. It’s not only a visual, but tactile experience with the record covers, for me as well. I’m with your mom on that! I was a kid who spent a lot of time listening to records, and reading along with the lyrics that came on the sleeve, as well as admiring the covers. Had to do that! Streaming is really convenient, but the music looses a generation when it is compressed to an MP3, and often the details get lost. Technology has not only changed the way we listen to music, but also how we make music. As an artist, it is now often a question wether or not to use real musicians or virtual instruments (MIDI), in some circumstances, for this reason. Most people will be listening to a compressed MP3, so why pay for 3 horns, if people are listening to a compressed mix on a device, cpu, etc, and may only hear 1 horn anyway? It’s often more cost effective to go this route, but of course this is a creative call about the preferences, style and authenticity of that artists music for them. When it comes to reading, it’s books hands down! Again, there is a tactile thing. I personally love the smell of a new book, and the feel of turning the pages in my hand, or sometimes, taking notes in the margins, depending on what I’m reading. A really relaxing evening can definitely be, putting on some good vinyl and curling up with a good book:) Great topic. Thanks:)
Have a great weekend! ✌🏽🎶❤️
Tasha.....This new topic is truly "Up-My-Ally...as they USED to remark :)
Thanks!😁
I truly enjoyed this v. informative subject; especially the amount of people who offered so many PERSONAL stories to share.......Ari chose well, didn't he?
May I suggest another topic that (MIGHT) be as popular = PETS :)
As a youngster I was very impressed with the classical music my mother listened to on 12" vinyl; in college I added jazz to my repertoire on 10" records and the relatively new 33LPs that knocked me out. My favorites were and still are Benny Goodman, especially the small group sides, Count Basie Band, Ella, Billie, Lester Young, Duke Ellington at Newport 1956 and so much more. I enjoy your program, especially your recent coverage of FOX,
Nick, now you've mentioned it, I (kinda) remember most of those wonderful singers and DO listen to some 'smooth' jazz...thanks for nudging MY memory ;)
Hi, Ari. Wishing you a great weekend, in spite of the “Weather Bomb Cyclone.” Watched your parent-interview. Their music was my music, so it was easy to smile, seeing how animated your father became and hearing the joy in your mom’s voice, off camera. Those were the days😄. I prefer records; like everyone else, you could play them over and over. I have a small jukebox that does that for me, with cassettes and CDs. My son gave me this “Lenovo Smart Play.” The pro: it shows photos, plays your requested song and then others from that era. The con: the requested song doesn’t replay, in the moment. More often, I watch the pictures scroll by-forget to even play the music. 😂Rather befitting.
Olddiva, HI! What a caring son you have, knowing how (much) his mother loves all music, to buy you such a lovely, thoughtful, present/ gift........perfect for this snowy winter, right?...."I'll be-right-over"...Um! I won't, since there's so much SNOW, nearly 3'- 4' @ O'Hare & other places and we're all snowed-in.......darn-it :)
😂Appreciate the kind words, Bernadette. I’m sorry for all who are snowed-in. If I could, I’d send warmth and sunshine. At 60 degrees, we’re in jackets and coats.🥶 Spoiled! But I imagine, your snow is quite picturesque, and next winter’s holiday card.
Real records, real papers, real books. I do download music to mp3 since i have no stereo equipment any longer, but if i did, i'd be listening that way.
Great! Try Motown artists...R&B "The Commodores".... "Easy"....I remember Lionel Richie was part of that group.. Just listening to some (Soft-Rock), Speed-Wagon, (1984) era was it?
Happy Fri-YAY, Ari! I love today’s newsletter, vinyl records 😃When I saw the Tik Tok video of you and your parents going through their vinyl record collection, it took me back to my parents’ vinyl record collection.
My parents’ vinyl record collection are from Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, the Commodores, Nat “King” Cole, Kool and the Gang, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Chic, Shalamar etc. I think that my parents might have more than what I listed but it’s been so long I don’t remember all of them.
Every weekend, my parents will play music from one of the vinyl record collection and I and my sisters will start to dance😁 Also, we watched Soul Train as well which influenced the vinyl record collection😃
One of my favorites was Marvin Gaye…there’s something about the rhythm of his music and his voice.
Plus, my mom went to the same high school as Marvin Gaye (Cardozo High School, Washington D.C.)
Records or streaming? I like both. I love technology so I like the idea of streaming to get whatever song that I like. I also like vinyl records because of the aesthetic appeal - touching and appreciating the record sleeves.
I read my books via my Amazon Kindle but I also buy physical books. It looks like I like both😃
BTW: I love your parents’ vinyl record collection and explains your love of music😁
Have a lovely weekend, Ari and stay warm as we are expecting snow this weekend😃
I am very old school.. records and paper.. need to hold by paperbacks in my hands I still have old vinyl. my Mom’s Tommy Edwards “It’s All In The Game.. love it💜 lots of Bobby Caldwell.. love Jazz♥️