It was in 1968 that my buddy took me to his business associate friend's apartment to transact some business. I was all of 18 years old and had never heard a component system, only junk like big wooden box Magnavox consoles. I knew that real stereo equipment existed from looking at Lafayette Radio catalogs but never believed that it could be much better than my family's big wooden box with the lattice wood grills. Also, the cost was mind boggling; imagine paying $400 for an amplifier? I couldn't.
My pal's business contact, let's call him "Jack" lived in an elegant city apartment. When he opened the door, my naive self walked into a darkened living room illuminated by flickering candles. My senses were caressed by incense and a familiar herb scent.
I was immediately sat down on the couch and given refreshment. The room was so dark that I could barely make out the record player, the amplifier, and most astounding of all, the two large walnut wood boxes on the floor. My goodness, speakers that weren't attached!
Jack was older than me. He had a goatee and styled dark hair. I still had peach fuzz on my face. He kinda looked like the devil. After a few minutes I was really disoriented and trying to conceal my growing panic. Jack mentioned that we should listen to some "sounds". That made me feel better. I was hoping he'd play that stereo. I'd never seen anything so cool looking!
Guys, you know what came next! I couldn't believe the sound that was made when the needle hit the album. This hugh enveloping thump that rolled across the room calling everyone to attention. From the very first second the experience was exhilarating, intoxicating!
After a few minutes of "Surrealistic Pillow" I was down on the floor in front of these magical boxes that could actually take you truly into the music. I swear I could've seen and touched Grace Slick. The Airplane was in front of me! I finally understood the true meaning of "Plastic Fantasic Lover". Then my favorite band, The Stones doing "Aftermath". I forgot where I was. I was "in" the music. I was not laying on a carpet. I had become a spirit.
There was more: Iron Butterfly, Steppenwolf, Ultimate Spinach, and Hendrix. Eventually, I landed. I looked at everyone like I had just awakened from a deep nap. Jack has seen this reaction before. He smiled and asked me if I'd gotten into it.
When it was time to go, I walked over to the long bureau and looked at the ultra-cool equipment. I said to myself "I shall have this. It is essential to my life. I can now no longer live without it". A month later I was in Lafayette Radio and bought my first rig.
My pal's business contact, let's call him "Jack" lived in an elegant city apartment. When he opened the door, my naive self walked into a darkened living room illuminated by flickering candles. My senses were caressed by incense and a familiar herb scent.
I was immediately sat down on the couch and given refreshment. The room was so dark that I could barely make out the record player, the amplifier, and most astounding of all, the two large walnut wood boxes on the floor. My goodness, speakers that weren't attached!
Jack was older than me. He had a goatee and styled dark hair. I still had peach fuzz on my face. He kinda looked like the devil. After a few minutes I was really disoriented and trying to conceal my growing panic. Jack mentioned that we should listen to some "sounds". That made me feel better. I was hoping he'd play that stereo. I'd never seen anything so cool looking!
Guys, you know what came next! I couldn't believe the sound that was made when the needle hit the album. This hugh enveloping thump that rolled across the room calling everyone to attention. From the very first second the experience was exhilarating, intoxicating!
After a few minutes of "Surrealistic Pillow" I was down on the floor in front of these magical boxes that could actually take you truly into the music. I swear I could've seen and touched Grace Slick. The Airplane was in front of me! I finally understood the true meaning of "Plastic Fantasic Lover". Then my favorite band, The Stones doing "Aftermath". I forgot where I was. I was "in" the music. I was not laying on a carpet. I had become a spirit.
There was more: Iron Butterfly, Steppenwolf, Ultimate Spinach, and Hendrix. Eventually, I landed. I looked at everyone like I had just awakened from a deep nap. Jack has seen this reaction before. He smiled and asked me if I'd gotten into it.
When it was time to go, I walked over to the long bureau and looked at the ultra-cool equipment. I said to myself "I shall have this. It is essential to my life. I can now no longer live without it". A month later I was in Lafayette Radio and bought my first rig.