Eat 'Em And Smile
Music Rules!!!
Article by Steven R. Rochlin
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  Spring has arrived, and not a moment too soon in this quiet New England town. Then again it has been not so quiet here at Chez Rochlin. Consider it a lowering of the property value as various get togethers and swinging parties have been taking up much of my time. Meanwhile long drives to "nowhere special" have almost kept one out of trouble... almost. Here in audiophile-land we find ourselves getting out of the home as many outdoor live concerts become available during the spring and summer time. There is something special about basking in glories of the sun while enjoying great live music.

What amazes me is how many true music lovers spend thousands on their home system, yet ignore their car. Just consider how many hours you drive around listening to a stock radio. While some stock systems are good, generally they are lackluster (at best). Sure some of you may scoff as road noise and other challenges (such as soundstaging) that may not equal a home system, yet why not attend an IASCA event and listen to the cars that aspire to sound quality over ultra-high volume levels dreaded bass beats. As an IASCA sound quality judge, was privy to hearing many systems. Sure some where tonally skewed and harmonically challenged, yet there are exceptions to the rule my friend. Part of the trick is choosing the right components and using a very good set of ears to tune the system. Sounds just like home audio eh?

Many years ago my Honda Del Sol was enhanced with what many consider to be a very advanced system of its time. Nakamichi and other bits, including the Clarion AutoPC, were naturals. Years ago Sony showcased their XES system that to this day has amazing possibilities. See the XES used on Ebay quite a bit. Imagine, for the price of a few of those aspiring silver interconnects you could have a complete sound system in your car. Why bother you say?

If you own something along the lines of a Ferrari, one could understand how the sound of the car is all the "music" the ears needs. As most people drive other types of vehicles, why have you chosen to suffer through hours of driving each week listening to a lousy stereo system? Do you love equipment or do you love the music? The great thing about having a great car audio system is that while cruising down a favorite strip of land your best tunes are nourishing the soul. And how about your work environment?

Ok, so maybe that Dilbert cubical job with no window has you typing away at the computer has you down, so why not consider a great portable system. Many of my friends enjoy Grado or Sennheiser 'phones with a portable CD player or iPod. For me, music is not optional, it is a way of life. The music can be from Bach, Brubeck, Rush, or the Doors. No matter as it is the music stupid! Then again the sound of a great car going up the rev range from 4k to 8k may fill the bill as the whirring of up shifting and heel-toe downshifting makes your adrenalin flow.

Of course spring time leads to summer fun. The beach, bathing beauties and achieving that perfect tan. This once again brings up having a great set of headphones and portable CD player or the like.

No reason to get all uptight like the guy above, put a smile on your face and go out there and enjoy the music. This guy could surely use some great tunes to brighten his day. Imagine the look on his face as he strolls down the beach on a glorious day listening to his favorite tunes. Maybe a live concert is in order?

What's Old Is New Again
We here at Enjoy the Music.com have so many reviews within our Archives section that it can be mind boggling! Therefore each and every month we will carefully choose past reviews to be part of our Flashback! feature. While many products are still current, others will be "classics" or chosen for their educational value. No worries as our New reviews will not be reduced in any way, shape, or form. In fact we are planning on announcing a new writer or two within our May edition! Getting back to what really matters, the music!

Now is the time to check out all the various concerts coming into town and get your tickets fast! No need to sit in the "nose bleed" section when if you act quickly you may be able to get seating so close you can shine the musician's shoes. As for myself, 2003 is already shaping up to be the best party of my life! So get out there and get wild... and eat 'em and smile :-)   Of course in the end what really matters is that you...

Enjoy the music (David Lee Roth right now),

Steven R. Rochlin

 

"What?
Well let me roll up onto the sidewalk and take a look.
Yes! Whoa! She's beautiful! - I'm talkin 'bout Yankee Rose.
And she looks wild, wild, wild!!!

Are you ready for the new sensation?
Well here's a shot heard round the world
All you backroom boys salute when her flag unfolds
Well, guess who's back in circulation
Now I don't know what you might have heard
But what I have right now is the original good time girls

She's a vision form coast to coast (Coast to coast)
Sea to shining sea (Sea to shining sea)
Hey, sisters you're the perfect hosts (Make a toast)
Show me your bright lights
And your city lights, all right
I'm talkin' about Yankee Rose
(Bright lights) And your city lights, all right
I'm talkin' about it

When she walks
Watch the sparks go flyin'
Firecrackin' on the 4th of July
No sad songs tonight
Something's in the air

Yeah, the feeling gets you
A real state of independence
So pretty when their rockets fly
Still provin' any night
That their flag's still there

I'm in love with the Yankee Rose
Oh, she's beautiful, alright
Mmm, nothin' like her in the whole world
Yeah!

She's right on time
I'm on the case
Pick up the phone
No time to waste
They got the beat
And there's a little bit
Comin' your way

Oh, raise 'em up there.
Let's see who salutes, baby
Little bit, little bit, little bit higher
Here's the mast, swing 'em from here
I wanna get a little bit of apple pie, man

Bright lights, city lights..."