National Album Day – the pure joy of listening to a whole album
By Simon Tyler, Creekside Vinyl
“Listen to all the tracks, all of them. Enjoy the sweetness of those tunes and melodies that are like lemonade to your ears.”
What’s better than this….
You get home and it’s still drizzling outside. But the fire is on, the house is warm and someone has poured you a nice glass of wine… You dip into your bright yellow bag with the Black Circle emblazed upon it and take out a large vibrant square with a beautiful picture. The colours and images dance before your eyes….… It’s both at once evocative of a fondly remembered past and yet promising future delight.
The outer wrapper is gently removed and discarded…. now you are getting closer.
You hold the large square up in front of your face… It may be gatefold, in which case you open it up and feast on the inner images, or maybe you slide the inner sleeve out into the open. This is your moment. You’re not sharing this with the masses who have looked at this in the shop – this is between you and the artist! Communicating together. And you get it, oh man do you get it!
It could be lyrics, images, colours, information. Whatever it is, you soak it up and you wallow in it. Wallow deep my friends.
But now that moment, that oh so precious moment, when you gently tip the inner sleeve towards you and let Uncle Albert Einstein’s gravity do its thing… and that black, black, midnight black circle drops gently into your waiting hands… It shimmers and gleams, the edges of the circle are held between your upright hands, careful not to mark the vinyl.
As if placing a crown on the new monarch, you set the record upon the waiting turntable… step back and marvel at is glory. You reach forward, lift the arm and drop the needle onto the groove. We have contact. Rest back in your chair and boom! The sounds tumble out of the speaker and straight into your cerebral cortex…and the endorphins are running riot.
Cradling your glass, you welcome what the artist is offering you. You wonder and wander in the secret garden they have created on a collection of songs and/or sounds. As each track ends and a new one begins, you are aware increasingly aware of being part of something bigger… a connection and a belonging. And yet you experience a loss, a sadness as the stylus reaches the end of the first side. A brief exhalation and reach forward, turn the record over and complete your experience.
It’s immersive and personal. Listen to all the tracks, all of them. Enjoy the sweetness of those tunes and melodies that are like lemonade to your ears and instantly transport you. But also relish the challenge of those that you don’t get instantly, they may not be easy but they may well reward your effort.
As Squeeze once sang “singles remind me of kisses, albums remind me of plans”. So, here’s the plan brothers and sisters! We at Creekside Vinyl celebrate the album in all its glory and with all its flaws, every day of the year. We are joining hands and ears across the country to Celebrate National Album Day on 12th October. We will be asking our customers and friends to share their favourite albums and their experiences.
It is with excitement we announce that on National Album Day Eve, Friday October 11th, we will be hosting an Album Special Evening at The Hot Tin in Faversham and playing in full some classic albums on vinyl, whilst drinking fine cocktails and beers. We would love for you to join us.
And nothing is better than that (is it)?
To nominate your choice of album which has to be listened from beginning to end – add your comment below. We will play a selection of people’s choices at our Album Evening at The Hot Tin.
56 Comments
Gail Rowlands · October 3, 2019 at 1:59 pm
Urban Hymns by The Verve🥰
Simon Tyler · October 3, 2019 at 5:24 pm
What a beast of an Album, Gail. It is surely has be up there with Ok Computer, Different Class and Park Life as great…dare I say it…Brit Pop albums. Though for me its a tad long, it suffers ,as many albums did back in those heady CD days of being able to fill 70 minutes on a single CD. Some judicious editing may have made it better in my humble opinion.
Steve Morris · October 3, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Would have to be Love – Forever Changes.
Simon Tyler · October 3, 2019 at 5:15 pm
Oh man..I love that album, and “alone again, or” is worth the price of admission in itself…but the terrible line “Oh, the snot has caked against my pants” in Live and Let Live…always jars for me and I find it hard to escape it!
Ferret · October 3, 2019 at 11:19 pm
My choice is Cream – D G 😀💕
Simon Tyler · October 4, 2019 at 9:37 am
Disraeli Gears , is perhaps the only Clapton related album that I personally like, The sleeve is divine and the slightly Psychedelic vibe great.
Matt parmenter · October 4, 2019 at 5:59 am
Nirvana – In Utero
Simon Tyler · October 4, 2019 at 9:45 am
Oh yeah..This is my Favourite Nirvana album by a country mile…Heart Shaped Box and All Apologies are just sublime and the rawness of the overall album is so completely refreshing.
Shirley · October 4, 2019 at 2:38 pm
It’s between Outlandos d’Amour/The Police, or Seldom Seen Kid/Elbow – both just have so many memories attached to them for me, but they’re so far apart in era, style and message. Play both? 😁
Simon Tyler · October 5, 2019 at 8:48 am
I really love the Police , and those first two Albums of there are loaded with Memories for me as well…that laughing at the beginning of Roxanne is a proper Proustian rush for me, straight to a crazy school trip in Brighton. Cheap wine in the field across from the Youth Hostel! Elbow are a band that have largely passed me by…I like the sound and the look of them but really don’t know their work very much at all…what is about them that you like Shirley?
Shirley · October 5, 2019 at 2:07 pm
SSK was one of the first album Ian and I bought together back in 2009 – so lots of memories are caught up in Elbow’s music. This album just caught the moment – soaring, dark , anthemic, funny – it’s just got a bit of everything (and a nice guest vocal by Richard Hawley) – plus, I like how you can hear how ‘northern’ Guy Garvey’s voice sounds 😁
Richard Coleman · October 4, 2019 at 3:30 pm
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On. What system will you be running during the event please?
Simon Tyler · October 5, 2019 at 8:54 am
This truly is a seminal and complete album.The vibe of it has influenced so much soul music since it came out..artists like D’angelo and Beyonce owe Marvin a huge debt of gratitude.
As for the System ..I can’t help you there Richard, I will be borrowing the set up of the very fine DJ MOKITAL…but my approach will be very natural and laid back…Im just going to play some albums!
Modern Music Dan · October 4, 2019 at 5:58 pm
Surely for maximum sophisticated chill-out, it must be In ‘A Silent Way’ by Miles Davis; cool, hypnotic, inventive and one of the greatest jazz albums of all time…
Simon Tyler · October 5, 2019 at 9:12 am
Absolutely Dan…Miles is getting a lot of mentions..and he most surely has to be in there …tho as you know I prefer Mingus! But choosing a definitive Miles Davis album is tough…he adopted or should we say developed and initiated so many different styles. From Be-Bop – to Fusion, or the orchestral stuff with Gil Evans.
Michael Younger · October 4, 2019 at 7:34 pm
Marvin Gaye – Whats Going On. For me, the finest album to listen to from end to end that was ever made
Simon Tyler · October 5, 2019 at 9:31 am
Mercy, mercy me…a lot of love being shown for this Album and rightly so, absolutely a truly masterful 35 minutes of music which announces its groove and its message straight from the off and explores it relentlessly with style and verve.
Annelise Park · October 5, 2019 at 6:15 am
The Darkness – Permission to land
OR
Alanis Morissette – jagged little pill
Simon Tyler · October 5, 2019 at 9:46 am
Wow thats brilliant Annelise..those are two left field choices..I can’t say I know The Darkness record..I will have a listen…but Jagged Little Pill is such a great record…I remember that Rolling Stone Magazine called it the Ninties version of Carole King’s Tapestry! and I totally get that..such an emotionally personal record.
Ian Smith · October 6, 2019 at 7:27 pm
Love the Darkness !
Mike Eden · October 5, 2019 at 8:15 am
Kind Of Blue – Miles Davis …this will always be on my desert island disc…..Freddie Freeloader at 4.5 minutes in…John Coltrane sends the goosebumps
Simon Tyler · October 5, 2019 at 10:03 am
Kind of Blue from those first chords on “So What” is a classic album, almost the definitive Jazz album…its also a brilliant seduction album!( apparently…though I don’t know this from any personal experience, I’m sure you’ll understand.) but in the Warren Zevon song “Genius” he sings..having worked out that his girlfriend is sleeping with the hairdresser
” Did you light the Candles? Did you put on Kind of Blue? Did you use that Ivy League Voodoo on him too?”
Ian Smith · October 6, 2019 at 7:40 pm
Given it’s Kind of Blues anniversary this year – 60years old- seems a must. What makes the album all the more remarkable is that most of it was done in one or two takes per track max, Davis only gave the other artists an outline of what he wanted and it all came together in two or three days
michael croft · October 5, 2019 at 6:34 pm
I’ll have to nominate ‘Boat to Bolivia’ by Martin Stephenson & the Daintees completely changed my view of music and what I listened to. One of England’s finest singer/songwriters who’s never really got the recognition he deserves
Ian Smith · October 6, 2019 at 7:34 pm
Something Else – Cannonball Adderley
Harvest Moon – Neil young
Lee Morgan – The Sidewinder
Ricki Lee Jones – Ricki Lee Jones
Miles Davis – TuTu
Coltrane- Love Supreme
Belle and Sebastian- stars of track and field or any Belle and Sebastian album !
Simon Tyler · October 8, 2019 at 4:33 pm
I think playing A love supreme in its entirety would be a joy…equally I adore that Ricki Lee Jones debut album.
this is going to be a tough choice…
Kathleen Raine · October 7, 2019 at 8:56 am
Another vote for What’s Going On .. And also Astral Weeks..
Simon Tyler · October 8, 2019 at 4:30 pm
Great Albums…both…and very popular…its going to be hard to choose!
Aberama Gold · October 8, 2019 at 10:16 am
Another vote for What’s Going On..
And one for Astral Weeks..
And one for Rain Dogs..
Simon Tyler · October 8, 2019 at 4:26 pm
Marvin Gaye, Van Morrison and Tom Waits…three stunning albums… and great choices.
michael croft · October 8, 2019 at 2:41 pm
Boat to Bolivia – Martin Stephenson & the Daintees
Technique – New Order
Completely different styles but both had a massive influence on my life love them both
Simon Tyler · October 8, 2019 at 4:25 pm
Hi Michael
Love both of those choices…Technique is such a great album…and the last New Order Album that I love in its entirety. As for Boat to Bolivia, I remember being blown away when I saw them on the Tube and then the album was something very special. Each song is a killer.
Jonathan · October 14, 2019 at 5:53 pm
Totally agree with your comments on Martin Stephenson although for me the ‘start to finish’ album would be Gladsome, Humour and Blue which has been a go-to album of mine for over 30 years now. A master song writer, supremely skilled guitarist and thoroughly nice bloke to boot. Saw him last about a year ago at Dover Booking Hall, as splendid as ever and well worth looking out for next time he’s this way.
PiF · October 8, 2019 at 5:20 pm
Workers Playtime – Billy Bragg
Simon Tyler · October 9, 2019 at 10:39 am
“In a perfect world we’d all sing in tune, but this is reality so give me some room” I think this is Billy Braggs best album. His writing here is impeccable, Valentines Day Is Over, little Time Bomb and The Short Answer are the stand put tracks for me..an exquisite mix of pop and politics.its just jammed packed fill of quotable couplets.” between Marx and marzipan in the dictionary there was Mary”
Kieran · October 8, 2019 at 6:16 pm
It’s so difficult to pick one album but here goes: ‘Signing Off’ – UB40. I also got to see them perform/promote this album at Kent University and they didn’t disappoint. Their debut album which so spoke of the times we then lived in – 1980.
Simon Tyler · October 9, 2019 at 10:31 am
Great call Kieran, This is a fantastic debut album..I saw them about this time as well at The Hammersmith Palais..never saw the old place jump so much as when they played Madame Medusa.
Matthew · October 8, 2019 at 6:26 pm
Carcass – Reek Of Putrefaction.
Simon Tyler · October 9, 2019 at 10:22 am
Matt I love your outre’ choices….maybe we could play this and then draw up a definitive list of all the sub genres of Metal…like a metal periodic table…”grindcore” ” splatter death metal” ” hard gore” “trout throat metal” “melodic death metal” ???
Matthew Hopkins · October 9, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Haha I feel I might be in group of one that would appreciate this! I’m intrigued by Trout Throat Metal! Hahaha
Bonnie Ware · October 8, 2019 at 8:05 pm
Albums that could get an evening going!! My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, Brian Eno, Kate Bush, take your pick of any of hers,
Simon Tyler · October 9, 2019 at 10:18 am
Oh Bonnie yes…I love that Byrne and Eno album…I had it on cassette when it first came out..and wandering around London listening to it on my walkman was a thrilling experience! and yes…Kate Bush, I’d lean towards Aerial ..though I have a deep fondness for the Dreaming.
John K · October 8, 2019 at 8:21 pm
Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven – Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Obvs
Simon Tyler · October 9, 2019 at 10:12 am
Did you know that album is 19 years old today! I think nearly hour and a half of rambling space-rock , no matter how achingly beautiful, may be beyond the tolerance of the faversham public…Ive always thought this was a perfect headphones and scotch in a dark room sort of CD album.
John K · October 10, 2019 at 6:26 pm
Well if you are after a crowd pleaser that is a different story, Discovery – Daft Punk
Shirley · October 8, 2019 at 9:52 pm
Dave Grusin – Mountain Dance! A masterful instrumental album…….great listening! Always reminds me of Robert de Niro!!!
Simon Tyler · October 9, 2019 at 10:05 am
I have to admit I don’t know that album…I will seek it out and have a listen….anything that reminds one of Robert De Niro has to be a good thing!
Shirley · October 10, 2019 at 9:25 pm
Hi Simon, I hope you did get a chance to listen to this, I bought this Album as an import early ’80s and never tire of it…..You may find it interesting….the whole of album features in the film “Falling in Love ” Starring Robert De Niro….
Chris · October 9, 2019 at 3:32 pm
There are too many to mention, but the below hold a special place for me as complete albums.
Afghan Whigs – Gentlemen
Pavement – Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
Stevie Wonder – Signed Sealed Delivered
and a recent amazing discovery……
Van Morrison – Veedon Fleece
Simon Tyler · October 10, 2019 at 10:23 am
What a lovely varied choice Chris…I also love that thing of discovering an older album ,like Veedon Fleece..a Classic or an obscure gem it doesn’t matter..but bumping into this complete work of art that maybe you’ve flicked past before or just not been aware existed and then it can suddenly consume you! Its a great thing. I only discovered the Majesty of Joni Mitchells Blue about 10 years ago…I was shocked at what I had managed to avoid for the best part of my life!
mike richardson · October 10, 2019 at 9:48 am
Forgive me if someone has already nominated it but surely The Beatles’ Abbey Road – now of all times, 50 years on – needs a reappraisal. Failing that, a night of angst-wracked pain with an early Peter Hammill album!
Simon Tyler · October 10, 2019 at 10:41 am
Hi Mike
No forgiveness needed…No one has mentioned any Beatles Record..which seems slightly Odd…Abbey Road, which as you rightly point out was released 50 years ago is a fantastic album and is very worthy of consideration…I remember when Nicky Horne used play side 2 , in full, on his radio show on capitol Radio back in the 70’s.
Im intrigued about the potential of offering a night of ‘angst wrecked pain’…( i’ll set my PR people onto the idea..we may need to focus group the suggestion!) but one of the fabulous things about music, especially as demonstrated in the album format, is that one persons torture will be another persons soothing balm!
Bazza · October 11, 2019 at 6:47 am
I was about to suggest Abbey Road. I’m a fan of the early Beatles but feel this warrants a play.
Chris Haynes · October 10, 2019 at 5:44 pm
Thelonious Monk – Thelonious Monk Trio
Mazzy Star – So that tonight I might see
Lou Reed & John Cale – Songs for ‘Drella
Nick Stewart · October 10, 2019 at 6:37 pm
If we’re chilling then yeah, Astral Weeks or Before & After Science by Eno, if not then Split by Groundhogs or Surfer Rosa by Pixies. I’ll probably have different choices tomorrow though… it’s very mood-dependent! Just remembered Remain in Light by Talking Heads and Exodus of course… too difficult to choose, I’m going to put a record on and pour a drink (euphemism) 🙂
Simon Cox · October 10, 2019 at 8:19 pm
Hunky Dory / Exodus / Nightclubbing / Dare / Transformer / The White Album / Dark Side of the Moon / Soul Mining / Dummy
Sorry – just can’t pick one!