Digging around in one of my boxes of old photographs the other day I came across this endearing snap:
It reminded me of myself.
It would drive my brother nuts when I was a kid and insisted on listening to old records. He was appalled when I set our lounge room up as a 'nightclub' and charged my parents 5c to come in and relax and listen to some carefully selected Andy Williams on the hifi. Mood lighting, sweet music, a snack; I'd pay 100 times that now to go to such a place! He didn't get it.
So imagine his disgust when I purchased a 1925 Rexonola gramophone with money I had saved (another bugbear of his) and started collecting old 78 records. It was the start of my life-long love of popular music from the 20s through to the 50s as well as igniting my interest in jazz.
There's nothing like the cosy crackling sound of a gramophone, the slightly tinny voices and fast tunes. I'm glad now that when I drag it out and play "Don't Bring Lulu" I have an appreciative audience. We had some fun with it over the Christmas break.
Happy New Year to any readers out there. Take it easy and enjoy.
I love it when you crank up the 'phone and start dancing about. And I would pay SILLY money to enter your little nightclub. Your brother was probably listening to Dire Straits. You win!
Posted by: Stevie | 01/01/2010 at 02:19 PM
Close - Australian Crawl, bless his football socks. Though I do have him to thank for introducing me to ELO!
Posted by: Bali Hai | 01/01/2010 at 03:18 PM
I have a similar 1925 Rexonola. Als a lot of old 78 records. Only problem it does't turn anymore. Am presently trying to get it fixed.
There's nothing like the old records, a time where people were not in a hurry.
Cheers and enjoy .
Posted by: John | 10/07/2011 at 02:13 AM