h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well I have now completed my transition from normal music fan to complete and utter hi-fi geek with the purchase of a record deck. Not only that, but I am apparently completely brainwashed and converted to the 'records are a trillion times better than CDs' club, as I've just listened to Marillion's "Brave" (surely the greatest album ever recorded) on vinyl and heard whole dimensions (and vocal lines!) I've never noticed on any of the infinite number of times I've listened to it in digital form.

Follow that with Jeff Buckley's quite exceptional "Grace" (on 'Simply Vinyl' 180g re-issue) and if you're still not convinced, listen to Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" in its intended disc size. For the first time ever I *get* 'On The Run'.

So, if you want to talk moving coil cartridges, and the pros and cons of upgrading your phono stage - I'm yer man

The Epiphany has occurred then? Have you managed to get both endings out of Brave yet or are you playing it on loop until you find it?

Got the alternative first time out actually!

Most impressed however with the 30th Anniversary pressing of Dark Side of the Moon, which weighs a ton and is nothing short of a revelation on the new deck....

Ah! does that mean that you could fix our record player

Ohmigod you're finally back! I have really missed you. I practically gave up on Hootoo for a while when you and Zantic both vanished at once.

Only stopped by today on a whim.

Glad you've discovered the joys of vinyl. We often have '70s vinyl nights at our house and dig out the LP's. All my old Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson and Steely Dan are on Vinyl, not to mention Led Zep.

Been to any good concerts lately? Saw David Byrne on June 1, and I'm going to see Aimee Mann tonight. MISSED Fountains of Wayne (my new favorite band) -- my own fault for waiting too long to buy tickets, then it sold out. You should check them out.

Well among my first LP purchases have been 'Blaze of Glory' and 'Body and Soul'

Gigs - well went to see Peter Gabriel who was fantastic, and also a UK singer/songwriter called Kathryn Williams (not sure if she's made it to the states yet, but I recommend 'Old Low Light' if she has). Also seen Marillion once already on the current tour, and another two concerts booked in early July.

Heard a track by Fountains of Wayne the other day (Hackensack) and liked it - very "I'm The Man"/"Beat Crazy" era JJ so I see why you like them. I shall look out for the album.

- back - and kicking bottom!

Yes, "Hackensack"is good. I think Joe Jackson would like them, yeah. They have his cleverness and sense of humor, but not his cynicism.

My fave FOW song is "Fire Island," which is an island near New York City where a lot of people take vacations. The song is both funny and sweet:

"All the kids from school will be naked in the pool
While our parents are on Fire Island.
We're old enough by now
To take care of each other
We don't need no babysitter
We don't need no father and mother."

Well, this is a pain. I just found out from looking at their Web site that FOW will play in D.C. on July 24, but I'll have just arrived in Boston to cover for the Democratic National Convention (where they nominate their presidential candidate). Sigh.