July 2014

Senseless Rambling
The Best Memories Of My Life Have A Great Soundtrack
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

  Had a few different ideas for an editorial/senseless rambling this month. Since I am writing this a few days before the DEG/major labels' meeting at CE Week in NYC, will have to report on those efforts shortly. So why is this upcoming meeting so important? It will determine the fate of how major recording labels voluntarily mark/logo their high-rez recordings. Up until now, it was never fully disclosed (at times) what they are using for masters for their 24-bit/XXXkHz or DSD files for sale at online stores. This has caused much grief during the past year or so for many music lovers as the quality of music they thought were being licensed/purcahsed was, well, lackluster at best. In fact some have accused the major labels of purposefully deceiving you by offering 16-bit/44.1kHz upsampled files and claiming they are 24-bit/48kHz or higher resolution. So this new effort to state exactly what music file type you are getting is indeed worth watching.

Another idea for an editorial was going to be how we as an industry need to stop any and all discounts on products, ever, and maintain high quality service instead. Discounts only give a perceived cheapening of our high-end audio products and services imho; plus it squeezes retailers who may be finding it challenging to keep their brick and mortar doors open. But then some great music began playing here courtesy of a new DAC, which is soon to be reviewed and, well, the music won my heart.

Summer Music And Memories
With summer finally waking up the mountains here and temps reaching 80F, there is a special feeling in the air! The delicious aroma of blooming flowers, the smell of dry aged steak on the BBQ, the natural painting of the sky by the sun as it sets in the West... and of course my fave summer tunes dancing on my eardrums. How is it that music always seems to accompany those special moments in life? Sure, many of us also make the same connection to certain food or flower fragrances, yet for me the bonding to special memories 'n' music go hand in hand. Of course each day is another chance to make new memories too!

Generation after generation, music finds a way into our hearts, minds, and soul. Somehow it causes our brain to re-live/flashback to those special moments. It could be your first kiss, a great song at your wedding, or perhaps that special private moment with the one(s) you love. Romance, joined with great music, makes the moment that much more special. What would a slow and passionate dance be without a great song? If you close your eyes and begin to image that great sunset on the beach, what special song comes to mind?

Maybe you're about to have a family reunion this summer. So I bet you feel the need to make a music playlist for everyone to enjoy. What songs do you pick, and why? It could be Motown R&B/soul, or 60's rock? Maybe you decide to get everyone dancing to a more modern beat and so comes those memories that hark back to your late teens and early 20's. Whatever the case may be, am sure you'll find a way to get great sounds filling the hot summer air.

Actually this is true with virtually any get-together/party. In one case it could be Miles Davis "So What", Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" and Cannonball Adderley "Somethin' Else". It could be Led Zeppelin "Kashmir, The Who "Who Are You" and Rush "Red Barchetta". Then there is Will Smith rapping "Summertime", Dino "Summer Girls" and Will.i.am "This Is Love". Depending on the crowd, perhaps your choices would be DMX "Ruff Ryders' Anthem", Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" and "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F--k Wit." On the other hand it could be Eric Clapton "Wonderful Tonight", Sade "No Ordinary Love" and Stevie Wonder "Isn't She Lovely". For those into erotica for romance, perhaps your soundtrack will include Deepak Chopra "Desire", Jen Meets Can7 "Temptation & Seduction" and Janet Jackson "Love Scene (ooh Baby)". It is quite telling what music you choose to play. It says to everyone, or that romantically-intoxicating someone, that "These are the sounds that make my life worth living... and I want to remember this special day with you".

So as summer begins in the Northern hemisphere it is time for us to celebrate those special moments of summer's past, yet never forget to make new musical memories too! Always remember to discover new music, and link those tunes to extraordinary moments. IMHO it is one of the secrets to being human. All my fave memories in life have a soundtrack. With music by our side, we can make every moment extraordinary. What is your musical soundtrack for today?

As always, in the end what really matters is that you...

Enjoy the Music (Some summertime music),

Editor and Creative Director, Enjoy the Music.com