For the Record

“Pick out any record you want,” my father said, gesturing toward a wall of 45 rpm singles.   He loved music, and had even spent some time as a DJ in the early 50’s. Still, he was quite the spendthrift, so I was rather surprised at this magnanimous gesture.  But, even at the tender age of 12, I understood this was his attempt at bonding. 

So, I made my selection and he made his, and on the way home he happily discussed his new Hi-Fi purchase and how the records would sound.  Once at home, he put the yellow adapter disc into the 45, and dropped it onto the turntable. 

Smiling, he turned to me and said, “Okay, here you go!” 

His happy countenance quickly segued into horror as Steppenwolf blared out his new stereo speakers, “Born to Be Wild!”  Jaw dropping, he turned and stared at me.  I could almost hear his stunned thought, “Wasn’t she just listening to Woody Woodpecker?!”

This and other memories came flooding back as vinyls return:

• The record player had options for 33, 45 and 78 rpms. 
• My slumber party in the backyard with Land of the Thousand Dances playing on the record player, as my friends and I danced our little hearts away was so much fun.
• Blowing dust off the needle for a clearer sound.
• The “proofs” of Paul McCartney’s demise on The Beatles recordings and album cover (Abby Road).
• Taping a song meant holding the tape recorder up to the speakers.
• Cutting out the red colored record out of a cereal box – The Archies’, “Sugar Sugar.”  (I still can’t believe it could actually play.)

What memories do you have regarding the days of vinyl?

What I Learned From Mom

That I couldn’t get away with much, because she had already done it.

Laugh much.

Sew my own clothes when on a tight budget.

Be adventurous.

Don’t let the sales clerk sell you something you don’t need.

Attend all family events.

Washing the dishes includes wiping down the sinks and countertops.

Love unconditionally.

Too much sun causes melanoma.

What did you learn from your mother?