Don't think twice...

Growing up in the analogue sixties, access to a wide variety of music was not as it is in today's listen to what you want when you want 21st century. Apart from pirate radio and wonderful Radio 1 we caught what we could on TV as it was broadcast. Repeats were few and far between, VHS recording a distant dream.

Thursday meant Top of the Pops which pretty much dictated (or reflected) the tastes of the day. Other light entertainment shows had guest pop slots and there was always Blue Peter on Friday.

I was too young to appreciate Peter, Paul and Mary. Sure I enjoyed their catchy melodies and sweet harmony, but I guess they were a little too sophisticated and subtle for a ten year old and they passed me by.

Scroll forward forty years and scrummaging idly through my local music shop I stumble across The Very Best Of Peter, Paul and Mary and decide to take a punt. (Not much of a punt with Lemon Tree, If I Had A Hammer, The Times They Are A Changin(Live), Leaving On A Jet Plane, Puff The Magic Dragon etc).

Back at Number One Audio I rip the trio onto RipNas for Linns DS and Meridian's Ensemble, sit back - relax - breathtaking! Recorded in a golden analogue age the vocals sound as fresh as if they were recorded yesterday. Over and above the melody, chords and harmonies is a stunning musical performance. Dynamics are pronounced with each voice and instrument perfectly placed in the soundstage. But forget the technology, this is song writing and musicianship of the highest order, the lyrical message as relevant today as was when first penned.

Lady Gaga? Queen Mary Please!