I really haven't worried about it much since my old turntable broke nine years ago, just about the time I got my first disc player. Have hoarded and weaseled literally thousands of cd's since then, but only recently began thinking about some of my old vinyl, and wishing I could hear it again. Actually, a year or so ago I started thinking I'd like to get another turntable, but was gonna try to find one that played 78's. What few I have noticed are all in some hideous console with a burned-out television. Last weekend, I was at a garage sale, and noticed a Dual 1019 turntable, (c. 1965-69) was absolutely pristine, and played not only 78, (with the same needle, no less) but the near-useless 16 rpm. (two years ago I wouldn't have even known what that was for - thanks everybody) Seems to be a lot of reasonably priced 78's around, but didn't want to buy any until I'd nailed a way to listen. Thought this'n looked pretty cool, with the heavy walnut case, and thick teak / plexi lid. Seventy bucks.Yeeee-Hawwww. Soooo. Finally got aroud to hooking it up, the first thing I grabbed was Kimmie Rhodes - Man In The Moon (Heartland) album she'd given me back when I first started the show in '90. Had only heard a couple of tracks when I've taken it in to the station to use, and am just now enjoying it in full. Starts with Jimmy Day steel break on the title track that kills. Not sure how KR feels about this album - I'm sure she's advanced as a songwriter, but there's some damn fine stuff on here. (6 originals, plus Helen Phillips - Texas Blues; Jack Clement's - Just Someone I Used To Know; Bobby E. Smith's - How Long; Ned Washington's - When I Wish Upon A Star, which sends chills down my spine) Like all her albums, she's surrouded herself with top-shelf musicians who understand her music, and compliment her effort - Kimmie's a hell of a talent, but I figure even a two-headed baboon would have to work at it, to screw up a record that had Jimmy Day, Wes McGhee, (harmony vocals) David Zettner, Eric Hokkanen, Marcia Ball, Spencer Starnes, John Reed, Joe Gracey, (production; elec. guitar) Freddie Krc, Steve Meador, Bobby Arnold, and Bobby Earl Smith helping out. Damn, I'm enjoying this like when I was a kid and found a long-lost toy. Next, I'm grabbin' that box of Bob Wills rekkids my old man left me. Joe Horn Third Coast Music Network
