Vinyl is having a bit of a renaissance at the moment. There’s just something about pulling out your favourite record, admiring the cover, and taking the moment to put it on and actually listen, rather than multitasking with other things. It clarifies the mind and can be a really soothing antidote to a busy day. So often music is just on in the background, whilst we go about the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. It’s far more relaxing, and better for the soul, I think, to take a lazy morning with your favourite vinyl, a fresh pot of coffee on standby or have a group of your besties round for some cocktails and vintage tunes.
In our house, we never really had a music station or a hi-fi at all, we would just use our laptop or phone, which looking back, just sounded a bit tinny and soulless. Or I would have my favourite Classic FM on an old Robert’s radio in the background. But, at Christmas I got the wonderful gift of a Crosley record player, and we decided to set up a dedicated area in the living room for music using this Habitat Smithy bookcase on wheels. We haven’t completely foregone digital sounds either, we bought this handy product, Sanctuary4, (my boyfriend’s the tech geek in the house… all the wires are super organised and neat!) that charges all our digital paraphernalia in one place; you can also stand an iPad up on it, perfect for playing a bit of Spotify.
It’s made such a difference having a proper place for music, it encourages us to put music on more often, whether it’s vinyl or digital, even if it’s purely while we’re having a quick breakfast in the mornings. Music livens up the home, whether it’s a calming tune before bedtime or your favourite happy song after a stressful day at work (a little dance helps too…!). {scroll down for a little playlist too!}
I’m certainly not encouraging you all to go out and buy a load of technical gadgetry, I am encouraging you, however, to take a moment, listen to some music, and shock horror, not do anything else. You’ll be amazed what a difference it can make to focus purely on the sound. I’ve also made a little playlist of vintage, feel-good tunes on Spotify to get you in the mood. enjoy!
1. Baltimore – Nina Simone
2. Spooky – Dusty Springfield
3. Shake – Otis Redding
4. Wonderful World – Sam Cooke
5. Thinking of You – Sister Sledge
6. Jimmy Mack – Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
7. September – Earth, Wind & Fire
8. Pretty Baby – Sister Sledge
9. My Baby Just Cares for Me – Nina Simone
10. You Really Got a Hold On Me – Percy Sledge
Listen to the playlist here. You can listen to it for free, simply sign up with Facebook if you’re not already joined up.
All images my own
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