And it’s not just because the Thriller surprised me with new Fiestaware this week (int he fantastic?).
Rather, it’s on account of my buying a cheapy record player, and revisiting my childhood this morning by playing what could be the defining collection of music from my growing up years: A Treasury of Christmas, bought by my mom around 1970, as a member of the old Columbia Record Club. Long since lost to the garage sale or the dustbin, I repurchased it on eBay several years ago from a vintage vinyl store, and put it away in hopes of transferring it to CD one day. I was happy to get it back out for a test drive.
I put LP #3 on the turntable this morning over coffee, and from the second I heard the intro to The Christmas Song, sung by Johnny Mathis (his interpretation and phrasing on this 1958 classic is an absolute masterpiece; my favorite rendition of all time), I was transported back to 1974, lying on the living room carpet in front of my parents’ massive stereo (it looked a lot like this), singing along and learning every lyric and turn of phrase. His version is truly one of a kind:
As I sat listening, an enormous sense of nostalgia and reminiscence flooded into the headphones. Almost a melancholy of sorts; so many great memories of Christmastime in my family, mostly from the late 60s-early 70s. It was wonderful to relive them. And of course, I sat and bawled. How I wish Mother and Dad were here so I could share these memories with them.
Christmas in June: a beautiful way to start the day. Here’s hoping the Cavs can finish the evening in the same fashion…
*searches for the ‘Like’ button*
PK
Hey you! I hope all is well. Hugs!
It’s so pleasant to recall the fond memories that are woven into the recesses of our hearts and minds. Even though nostalgia often creates tears, they are “good” tears of people and events that were deeply formative in our lives. I have 78 rpm glass records of the Old Fashioned Revival hour quartet which I listened to repeatedly as a kid. I can still sing portions of the songs. I don’t have any way of play those glass records now and often thought of seeing if they have any value to record collectors. But, after reading your post, maybe I’ll keep them.
Absolutely, fiend. “Weaving” is a good way to characterize the motion of these special memories. And I totally think you should hang onto those records for a while! I paid only about $60 for my turntable; you’d need one with the 78 speed, which might be a little more, but I can see you getting lots of enjoyment out of it!
Just the cover of the album brings back memories for me. How we loved Christmastime with the folks. Those songs will always *be* Christmas for me. Thanks for sharing, Bird.
Love this!! Christmas music always takes me back to the Good Ole Days. I bet the experience is even better listening to an LP.
Before I moved here to the NL I practically gave away all my albums to a record store in Palm Springs. I couldn’t afford to ship them (too heavy!). I had some vintage Maynard Ferguson, rock and roll, sad sad sad!
Enjoy your turntable and wow that Fiestaware, what did you do to deserve THAT? hehe
I have no idea, lol — I guess I’m supercalifragi-tastic this summer.
Too bad about those Maynard albums, blah — I know the feeling. Can’t believe I abandoned all the early Rod Stewart, Fabs, Monkees, Jim Croce, Al Green, Sly & the Family Stone and countless 45s. It is fun listening to the LPs again, absolutely.