The Black Nail

There was a day, many months ago, when U2 posted that one could purchase a specialty remix album on
vinyl if they so chose. On that day I said, “Yes, Please.” And placed an order for the records.

I waited.

Finally, almost 5 months later – she arrived. Crossing pond and international customs she made it safely -
perfectly packaged, perfectly presented. I put the records in my wooden sound machine and let them spin.
Somehow in my excitement I knocked the slider from “45″ to “33″. The first song spun and I said outloud, to myself,
“This is the worst remix I’ve ever heard!” Why on earth did they think slowing down Bono’s voice was ever a good idea?

I then realized my error and all was well once again in Happy Listening Land.

Also arriving today was another online purchase. A couple nights ago I was listening to NPR on my drive home, as my
satellite radio prescription has run out (Yes, it was medicinal). I caught the tail end of an amazing piece of music and
was over-joyed when the host/dj mentioned the title of the piece after it had ended. I put on my nerdtastic super-hero
costume and sat down at my Mac and googled to the fullest. I found the site of the composer and upon a brief email
conversation with a member of their staff I was on my way to purchasing the album. It arrived with jet-like
custom-defying speeds at my doorstep. Complete with a hand written little card thanking me for my purchase
and interest in the music.

A pleasant personable experience.

If you enjoy well-composed chamber music you should wet your whistle with this piece. Written by Clarice Assad,
“Impressions: Suite for Chamber Orchestra” is marvelous. It is performed by the ‘New Century Chamber Orchestra’
with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg at the helm.

[Bonus? The U2 records are all Purple, and the remixes memorable.]
photos captured via mî iPhone