Simon’s Temple of Music
By George Moraitis
One of my fondest memories of being a teenager was my Saturday morning routine. Wake up, burn some toast, grab my coolest jacket (in case I bumped into some young ladies) and meet my partner in crime Paul at the local train station at 9am sharp. We would then ride 16 stations into town, talking about all the new music that had been released that week and what we wanted to buy, eventually getting off at Flinders Street Station and making our way to our version of paradise – Central Station Records in Melbourne.
My earnings from mowing neighbours’ lawns during the week would usually get me two records and the anticipation was palpable. Butterflies in my stomach as I entered the store, a quick wink to the regular die-hards and up to the counter to chat with Joe, who looked like he played bass for the Cure.
“What’s new man?”
“Hey George, heard this the other day, thought of you, check it out” he’d say as he handed me a record.
I’d then go and play it on one of the many turntables the shop provided, with headphones, avoiding the curious looks others gave me trying to catch a glimpse of the cover. Then we would flick through the seemingly endless crates of records, exploring, looking for that gem, immersed in anticipation and wonder. Every few minutes, someone would let out a “YESSSSS” as they finally found ‘the one’. After choosing our record of the week, Paul & I would catch the train back home and spend most of the weekend playing records & sharing music until our parents forced us to stop and do some dreaded homework.
In later years, I wondered what happened to listening to music with a mate. We just stopped doing it. Well, I guess ‘life’ happened as we got busier and had more responsibilities and then technology changed the way we listen to music altogether… and those days were truly gone.
Those days may be consigned to the past but we can still experience those same feelings today by making an effort to visit a fellow music lover’s place and listen to music together. We have no problem visiting for a BBQ or to watch a game of football, so why not to explore music?
I have made a habit of doing this once a month and I LOVE it!
Last week, I visited my dear friend Simon, who amongst many other shared interests, shares my love of exploring music and setting up hi-fi systems to best present music in a realistic & enjoyable way. He has a dedicated music room and a VERY interesting system which he has curated over many years. This system combines Emia & Audio Note amplifiers with active crossovers feeding a pair of stunning re-created JBL Everest DD55000 speakers (1985 design) that Simon built himself. It really is a pleasure listening to Simon’s system which has this rare immediacy, harmonic richness and tonal beauty, especially with voices.
Simon is a true music aficionado and over the years, our music related conversations have taken us in many directions & explored many facets of life. We regularly buy albums for each other, debate the meaning of life and laugh at our own weird tendencies. He’s literally my brother from another mother (& father).
I turned up, we ordered some pizzas, cracked open a bottle of Shiraz, I caught up with Simon’s better half Leeanne and eventually we made our way into Simon’s ‘Temple of Music’, closing the heavy barn-style door to the outside world. I sat on the sofa, wine glass in hand and Simon started proceedings…
“OK mate, I bet you’ve never heard THIS before”, he said as the music began to flow and a smile grew across my face.
And I hadn’t. Roy Harper’s vibes began to flow and I was intrigued. This was an unusual way to start a music session but if Simon was anything, he was gloriously unpredictable. We got into it and I enjoyed the story-telling. Simon had spent a large portion of his life in England and I felt Roy Harper’s songs connected me closer to Simon’s stories.
Roy Harper – One Of Those Days In England (Bullinamingvase)
| Label: | Chrysalis – CHR 1138, Chrysalis – CHR-1138 |
|---|---|
| Format: | Vinyl |
| Released: | 1977 |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Style: | Acoustic, Prog Rock |
| Song Played: | One of those days in England (Parts 2-10) |
After a brief pause, I heard the familiar start to one of my favourite pop saxophone pieces, and we were both loving the change of pace.
David A. Stewart And Featuring Candy Dulfer – Lily Was Here
| Format: | Vinyl |
|---|---|
| Genre: | Electronic, Pop, Stage & Screen |
| Style: | Downtempo, Synth-pop, Ambient |
| Year: | 1989 |
| Song Played: | Track 1 – Lily was Here |
Then came a phenomenal track from Electronic, an English alternative dance supergroup formed by singer/guitarist Bernard Sumner (of New Order) and guitarist Johnny Marr (of The Smiths). We were now in a very cool groove and both of us were ‘getting away with it’ – this song takes you back and reminded me that dark lyrics can be transformed by an upbeat vibe.
Electronic – 1989 Remixes 1992
| Label: | Warner Music – 0190296514968, Parlophone – 0190296514968 |
|---|---|
| Format: | Vinyl, 12″ |
| Released: | 2022 |
| Genre: | Electronic, Rock, Pop |
| Style: | Synth-pop |
| Song Played: | Track 1 – Getting away with it (extended mix) |
Next came a section of wonderful classical music with a twist as Simon played the whole side one of Stanley Kubrick’s Clockwork Orange soundtrack album released in 1972 by Warner. It not only features pieces by Rossini & Beethoven but also pieces of classical music and electronic music by talented American composer and musician Wendy Carlos.
Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange
| Label: | Warner Bros. Records – BS 2573 |
|---|---|
| Format: | Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Gatefold |
| Released: | 1976 |
| Genre: | Electronic, Stage & Screen |
| Style: | Soundtrack, Modern Classical, Experimental, Ambient |
| Song Played: | Complete Side One |
Simon pulled out one of those ‘artists play Pink Floyd’ type albums.
“Feel like a drop of vodka my friend?”
“I think so, especially if you’re going to play that!”
“Yes I know but don’t be so quick to judge, you will love this”
I had my doubts, but as soon as Simon dropped the needle into the groove, I was captivated. This was ‘Wish You Were Here’ played by the London Orion Orchestra with Alice Cooper, Dave Fowler, Stephen McElroy and Rick Wakeman playing critical parts. This interpretation of the album was spell-binding and simply great music. I made a note to find this album for my collection ASAP. We sang along and were caressed by the familiar melodies played by virtuoso musicians paying homage to their heroes. Respect!
London Orion Orchestra, Alice Cooper (2), Dave Fowler*, Stephen McElroy, Rick Wakeman – Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here Symphonic
| Label: | Decca – 478 9678 |
|---|---|
| Format: | Vinyl, LP, Album, Gatefold, Pink Vinyl, 180 gr |
| Released: | 2016 |
| Genre: | Rock, Classical |
| Style: | Symphonic Rock |
| Played: | Whole Album |
After that album, the Pink Floyd madness took hold as we shared stories of Floyd concerts in different eras and Simon continued the homage. By this stage, we were really having fun, feeling relaxed and singing along with reckless abandon. Comfortably Numb featuring Roger Waters, Van Morrison (Guitar), Rick Di Fonzo & Snowy White!
At some point during this song, Leeanne opened the door to the room to see what was going on in there, then quickly apologised and promptly closed the door as we sung at her…
Roger Waters – The Wall (Live In Berlin)
| Label: | UMC – 0602508538506, Mercury – 0602508538506 |
|---|---|
| Format: | 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Stereo, Clear, 180 gram, 30th Anniversary Edition |
| Released: | 2020 |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Style: | Pop Rock, Classic Rock, Prog Rock |
| Song Played: | Comfortably Numb last track from Side 3 |
Pulling out an album with surely the best cover EVER, Simon continued the theme with this gem:
Roger Waters – The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking
| Label: | Harvest – 12 HAR 5228 |
|---|---|
| Format: | Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM |
| Country: | UK |
| Released: | 1984 |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Style: | Art Rock |
| Song Played: | Special edition 12” single of album title track all of it |
More vodka made its way into the room and Simon pulled out an artist that I had not heard for many years – English singer-songwriter Tanita Tikaram. Her famous song ‘Twist in my Sobriety’ put us into a new zone as the night continued to get better.
Tanita Tikaram – Ancient Heart
| Label: | WEA – WX 210, WEA – 243877 -1 |
|---|---|
| Format: | Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo |
| Released: | 1988 |
| Genre: | Rock, Pop |
| Style: | Folk, Vocal |
| Song Played: | Track 1 side B -Twist in my Sobriety |
We then enjoyed the 1812 Overture, written by Tchaikovsky to commemorate the successful Russian defence against Napoleon I’s invading Grande Armée in 1812. We felt that we were there, celebrating the victory with a climactic volley of cannon fire, ringing chimes and a brass fanfare. There we were, two conductors on a wet Saturday night in a room in suburban Melbourne, passionately directing our imaginary orchestras. It’s no wonder this piece has also become a common accompaniment to fireworks displays on Independence Day in the USA.
Tchaikovsky* / Mendelssohn* / Liszt* / Brahms*, Reiner*, Chicago Symphony Orchestra* – 1812 Overture / Fingal’s Cave Overture / Mephisto Waltz / Tragic Overture
| Label: | Analogue Productions – AAPC 2241, RCA Victor – LSC-2241 |
|---|---|
| Series: | RCA Living Stereo Reissue Series No. 2, Living Stereo |
| Format: | Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo, 200g |
| Released: | 2019 |
| Genre: | Classical |
| Style: | Romantic |
| Song Played: | Side 1 – 1812 Overture, Op. 49 |
With a smile, Simon reached into his treasure trove of musical delights and pulled out a George Benson classic. Both playing expert air guitar, we pranced about the room.
As I got on a city bus and found a vacant seat
I thought I saw my future bride walkin’ up the street
I shouted to the driver, “hey conductor, you must slow down
I think I see her please let me off this bus”…
George Benson – Walking To New Orleans (Remembering Chuck Berry And Fats Domino)
| Label: | Provogue – PRD 7581 1 |
|---|---|
| Format: | Vinyl, LP, Album, 180g |
| Released: | 2019 |
| Genre: | Jazz, Rock |
| Style: | Rock & Roll |
| Song Played: | ‘Nadine’ and ‘Ain’t that a Shame’ |
Morrissey then sung ‘Suedehead’ from his debut post-Smiths album ‘Viva Hate’ and we changed tack, both loving the twists & turns experienced as the evening unfolded.
Morrissey – Viva Hate
| Label: | His Master’s Voice – CSD 3787, His Master’s Voice – 79 0180 1 |
|---|---|
| Format: | Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo |
| Released: | 1988 |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Style: | Indie Rock |
| Played: | Suedehead |
Simon then unearthed a recent discovery, a compilation album called ‘Great Women of Song’ with an audiophile mastering & production emphasis. Naturally, the sound was beguiling as Ingh Rumpf belted out a compelling performance of ‘It’s a man’s world’.
Various – Great Women Of Song
| Label: | in-akustik – INAK 75061 LP |
|---|---|
| Series: | Reference Sound Edition – 06 |
| Format: | 2 x Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Gatefold |
| Released: | 2014 |
| Genre: | Jazz, Rock, Pop, Folk, World, & Country |
| Played: | Ingh Rumpf – It’s a man’s world, Kara Granger – Talk of lies |
The night was getting late, we were in a great mood, chatting about various artists and songs between the tunes and there was a growing sense that the evening would have to eventually come to an end. Not yet though… Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle had other plans!
Tom Waits And Crystal Gayle – One From The Heart The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Of Francis Coppola’s Movie
| Genre: | Jazz, Rock, Stage & Screen |
|---|---|
| Style: | Lounge, Contemporary Jazz, Easy Listening |
| Year: | 1982 |
| Song Played: | Track 7 – Little Boy Blue + Instrumental Montage |
Circling back to the late 70’s and 80’s and back to Sheffield, England, a couple of early Human League tracks were very relevant for the moment. Applying Pop sensibilities to their early Kraftwerk influenced sound, I think that this album is the most interesting of all their albums. Mellow, ambient arpeggios and drones created a futuristic and drop-dead gorgeous wash of sound and atmosphere that gripped us from start to end.
The Human League – Travelogue
| Label: | Virgin – V 2160 |
|---|---|
| Format: | Vinyl, LP, Album |
| Released: | 1980 |
| Genre: | Electronic |
| Style: | Synth-pop, Experimental, New Wave |
| Song Played: | B3 Gordon’s Sin and B4 Being Boiled |
“Let’s finish with something fun and light-hearted”, mused Simon as he mischievously pulled out another album. Swiss electronic duo YELLO were celebrating their 40th anniversary with ‘YELL40 Years’. You know, songs aren’t really songs with Yello, they’re more like musical sequences or sound effects for images. Dieter Meier and Boris Blank’s music is close to contemporary art, where humour and slogans come together to form an innovative social oeuvre. As we bopped along to ‘Bimbo’, we laughed and pulled out some silly mini-dance moves…
Yello – Yell40 Years
| Label: | Polydor – 0602435602295, Universal Music Group – 0602435602295 |
|---|---|
| Format: | 2 x Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Limited Edition, 180-gram |
| Released: | 2021 |
| Genre: | Electronic, Pop |
| Style: | Electro |
| Song Played: | Bimbo |
And so another music night came to an end, both of us exalted, stimulated, thoroughly nurtured by the music and each other’s company. I looked in the corner of the room where the albums we heard were leaning against the wall in the order that they had been played. A reminder of the journey of the evening.
Albums chosen in the moment, inspired by a desire, memory or curiosity. If we had the session yesterday, or tomorrow, the albums played would be different.
A unique collage of artistic expression, a mix of emotions, inspirations and collective talents. Tonight, Simon chose the music and dictated the journey. Next time it will be my turn. The conversations in-between, the stories & opinions shared, the laughter and maybe a tear or two. This is how music infiltrates our consciousness.
Celebrating music is celebrating life, friendship and being human.
What about you? When was the last time you had a music night with a friend or two?
If you had one tonight, what would you play?