Soundtracks of Life

What is the soundtrack of your life?

The first time I remember music of any kind was my Aunt Joyce singing “Bringing in the Sheaves." Running a close 2nd is my Great Grandfather playing the guitar or maybe a ukulele and singing at a family picnic; that had to be sometime around 1970. I remember never liking “Cats in the Cradle” and I still don’t like it. I remember dressing up in old prom gowns from the ’60’s at Cathy Sweigart’s house and dancing to “Wooly Bully” on a reel-to-reel tape.

My first grown-up album I remember is K.C. and the

Sunshine Band. Followed by a huge collection of 45’s, Donna Summer stands out in my memory. My first 8-track tape was Bay City Rollers. I clearly remember watching the first video on MTV with the kids in my neighborhood because our house was the only one with cable. “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the way. It was cathartic to find The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, and The Clash as outlets for my teenage angst. I was lucky to live in an area that was musically diverse and friends that shared my interest.

With the resurgence of vinyl, record collecting has made a comeback. Everything from old 78’s played on original Phonographs to new LP’s played on reproduction stereos by Crosley. Record collecting is hot. When collecting Vinyls, look for near pristine or unopened albums. Look for first press albums, found on websites with the number etched in the center space on the record. Look for exceptional album art, some of which was done by well-known artists. As always, research, research, research, become an expert.

As for the soundtrack of my life, it would be Elvis' "Aloha from Hawaii." Thank you... thank you very much.