There’s nothing like those first few moments of dead space before the record makes itself known. The anticipation of hearing that first note prepares you for the journey of going back to the song’s conception, to what made it become a reality. The culture of the time, the writer’s headspace, and influence all play a factor as to how the album sounds, and the same goes for the listener. Those songs and albums bring about various emotions and memories that in turn help us cope or reflect on our own life journey. Here are a few for me.
How old were you when you started collecting/ How many records do you own?
I was eighteen when I started collecting records, and I currently own 168 records with 15 of those being 7In Singles.
What kind of record player do you use/ Whats your set up?
I use an Audio Technica AT-LP60, with a Sony LBT-D108 Receiver. I absolutely love the player, as it has never failed to add quality to the music being produced from the grooves. The receiver is old yes, as I got it from my grandmother, but is still able to produce a crisp clear sound.
What’s the first record you bought?
Megadeth with their most recent release Dystopia. This was a record that I got as part of a Target Exclusive Deal, being that if you bought the CD there you could then enter the code provided to you on the Megadeth website in order to receive the record. The record in a musical sense is the best since United Abominations with rhythm section work by two incredible musicians; drummer Chris Adler and bassist David Elfeson. The songs are a bit more punchy in terms of riffs and lyrics that reflect older records such as Peace Sells and So Far, So Good… So What!
Whats your oldest record?
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band by none other than the Beatles; which came out in May of 1967. This record is indeed a favorite of mine with such classic songs such as “With A Little Help From My Friends” and”Lucy In The Sky Diamonds.” “When I’m Sixty-Four” is my favorite song off the record being that it transports me back in time to high school when I was involved in musical theater, doing shows such as Grease, Oliver, and Hairspray.
Favorite color vinyl?
Inferi’s Rebirth- The End Of An Era stands on its own as one of the best tech-death metal albums of the last fifteen years, and this purple and blue splatter exemplify that. I found this at my local record store for a crazy low price, used, and it still sounds brand new. There is an insane amount of brutality that comes out on the record which you can not help but pay attention to. This band is part of the death metal underground and are still making a name for themselves as one of the best in the genre. So I would highly recommend checking them out.
Discount record?
“You like Huey Lewis & The News?” Well “yes” would be my answer to Patrick Bateman, from American Psycho. I found this copy Sports for eight dollars, the record is fairly clean, aside from a few pops, for being a bargain bin pick up. Aside from the sound of the actual record, the songs are incredible being that they are just so fun to listen to, giving you that carefree feeling while you sing along. Some of my favorites include the opener “The Heart of Rock & Roll”, “If This Is It”, and “Finally Found A Home.”
Prized possesion?
Train Of Thought by Dream Theater is not only my favorite album by the band but is also my favorite record of all time. This is a limited edition pressing of the record, on white marble, which just sounds impeccable on the turntable. The music and lyrics on here speak to me at such an insane level, as I have come back to this record repeatedly for comfort as well as reflection. This is a perfect record to me and is my basis for how I listen to other prog metal records.
Record by a female artist?
Brand New Eyes By Paramore is evidence of a band firing on all cylinders in terms of lyrics and musical songwriting ability. Starting off with one of the greatest openers of all time “Careful,” this record pulls no punches in being a creative firestorm for the band. It takes what worked about Riot! and adds a heavy dose of maturity to it, allowing the listener to grow with the band as well as within themselves. Other great songs include “Ignorance,” “Misguided Ghosts,” and a song only present on the international release “Decode.”
Record by your favorite band?
The recently released A View From The Top of The World by Dream Theater, on a beautiful blue marble, is my pick for a record by my favorite band. This album is easily my favorite since A Dramatic Turn Of Events, which came out back in 2011. The opening song is a bit stock by DT standards; but by song two the record quickly begin’s to flourish with songs such as the single “Invisible Monster,” the mighty “Sleeping Giant,” and “Awaken The Master;” wherein guitarist John Petrucci utilizes an eight-string guitar, allowing the song an even darker undertone.
A gift?
Stadium Arcadium by the Red Hot Chili Peppers was a record that I got for Christmas last year; and is the largest record-set I currently own as all twenty-eight songs come on four discs. This album is a rarity in the double record world as every song is impeccable bringing old elements of the Chili Pepper’s while adding great elements of soul that were only hinted at in previous records. Some great songs include “Especially In Michigan,” “Strip My Mind,” “Turn It Again,” which includes guitarists John Frusciante’s best solo to date, and “Slow Cheetah,” where Flea is able to shine with some of the most emotive bass playing ever recorded.
A rarity?
Joy Bomb is dUg Pinnick’s newest record, with this particular “sand” copy being one of three hundred made. As with any Rat Pak Records release it is pressed to the highest of quality, adding great depth to one of the most soul-driven records of the last fifteen years. It’s a record that seemingly blends the blues, and hip hop with Meshuggah Esque riffs. Some tracks to check out include “Key Changer,” “Jon Bomb,” “Like A Wolf,” and “A Long Way From Home.”
Hardest record to find?
In an alternate universe, Imaginos by Blue Oyster Cult would be the great grandfather of every Ghost record. The theatrics of this record along with the compositions are very reminiscent of what a band like Ghost would put out in the market today. This is also one BOC record that has never been repressed since its release in 1988, so being able to come across it seemed impossible to me; this was until I came across it at my local record store. It took me a while as I was constantly looking through each letter at an almost excited pace; but that all stopped when I caught a glimpse of that iconic blue lettering.
Impulse buy?
I could have picked from a wide variety of records in my collection as I have had my fair share of impulse buys over the years. The one that I choose though is that of Tape Head by the criminally underrated King’s X. This was a record store day item that I immediately picked up once I saw it in the store given the great appreciation I have for the band and the profound effect this record had on me from the first time I heard it. Songs such as “Groove Machine” and “Happy” just showcase the great talent that the three members bring to the table. Ty brings that Beatles feel, while Jerry creates the perfect beat for the song, and dUg brings that ever important soul groove.
Rainy day record?
Dirt from Alice In Chains is not only my favorite from the band as it also serves as one of the best pieces of music to come out of the 90’s Seattle grunge scene. The overall sadness that drenches this record makes it perfect for listening on a rainy day with stand out tracks like “Down In A Hole,” and “Rain When I Die” leading the pack. There are some other great tracks on here that pick up the pace in terms of composition including the opener “Them Bones,” the closer “Would?” and “Sickman.”
A nostalgic record?
The Eminem Show served as my introduction to the rapper and in many ways shaped my life in high school as well as community college. It takes me back to a simple time in my life where worries revolved around the mundane issues of a teenager. This record also serves as a turning point in my musical tastes as it was my first big departure from rock and metal into rap and hip hop.
RSD purchase?
Thrice is a band that a discovered a few years ago after coming across their song “Black Honey” on the appley titled To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere. Deeper Wells is a great EP that represents the bands punk sensibilities, while staying true to the sound they have established over the past couple of records.
A recent purchase?
Frances The Mute by The Mars Volta is a record that I received a few days and is one that sounds impeccable on the turntable. The avant-garde nature of the record is at full effect with every side of the LP containing a locked groove, except the end, in turn creating great breaks in songs that initially were meant to be heard as one. These seemingly endless loops then enhance the trippiness of an already hypnotic record.
Underrated record?
King’s X by King’s X is a record that I always tend to see lower on a ranked list, where it often does not deserve to be. Songs such as “The World Around Me” and “Chariot Song” incorporate some of the best lyrics the band has to offer along with having tremendous groove. “Prisoner” in particular has a great harmony in the chorus from Ty and dUg that pull on the heart strings, given its metaphorical message of being an actual prisoner to the things and others around you.
Feel good record?
The Distance by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band is a record that no matter what, brings me to my happy place of Lexington Michigan. It brings all those childhood memories to the forefront of my mind allowing me to enjoy them once again, while also bringing about a sense reflection as to where I was at the time and where I am currently. This also serves as a record that has helped me write so many great stories over the years, whether that be fiction or nonfiction, and that alone is the highest prasie I can give any record.
Antonio Canzoneri 
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