I was in Guildford the other day and couldn’t help wandering into the HMV store. One of the few left. Surprised, but pleased, to see more vinyl than CDs. As the bloke said, the music industry has gone full circle.

Most music is streamed now, as we know from the popularity of the mp3 thread.

I was looking for an Eric Clapton LP he recorded close by here at Cowdray House during lockdown, Lady In The Balcony. Unfortunately not released till November so I've ordered it.

Incidentally, if you're ever in Guildford and enjoy bin dipping through old LPs, Ben's Records is a great place.

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.

That reminds me of my school days, when vinyl (and to a lesser extent tapes) were a viable commodity for lending. Inevitably, the good albums got 'passed on' to other friends, swapped at parties, until no-one knew (or admitted) who had the album last. Lost, stolen,..and so the cycle continued until your record collection only vaguely resembled the purchases you had actually made.

I disengage, I turn the page.

The Beatles and the Stones and may other bands of that era have talked about the thrill of finding a record probably from an American sailor or an independent record store that no one else had heard.

That's how their love of music started the simple thrill of being able to brag to your school mates guess what I've got.

Sadly music is so available that particular thrill is no longer with us.

Edited by Badger11 (02 Oct 2021 10.10am)

One more point

Also the sight of people with shoulder length hair and an Air Force surplus greatcoat going to school with an album, or at least the cover, tucked under their arm. Some I remember being very popular were Deep Purple - Machine Head, Alex Harvey (SAHB) - The Impossible Dream and Pink Floyd - Meddle.
It must’ve been quite a risky business because some of the more shaven headed brigade wouldn’t have thought twice about destroying their record choices.

Have a look at AV Forums and watch people defending their choice of kit to the death. Some of them are worse than rival football fans

I thought I recognised you Midlands......through the haze of Newcy Brown.

BTW, I use a reconditioned Goldring Lenco deck through a vintage Pioneer amp and a pair of bookshelf Dali speakers. Works for me. Happy listening.

We're like birds on the same twig, as Willo would have said.

Edited by Palace Old Geezer (02 Oct 2021 11.54am)

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.