Learning to Love Lionel

Months back, I wrote about the resurgence of the LP and record player. This phenomenon seems to get documented once a month or so by reasonably reputable publications, including the likes the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. I ended my post expressing my own desire to get a record player.

Well, folks, I did it. I received a turntable for Christmas, hooked it up to a cheap receiver and some used speakers, and voila—I can now play records.

And the verdict?

I only wish I had more time to listen to it. I find it liberating in the limitations it imposes. With the record player, I can’t just download a song or album whenever I want it (though obviously I can still do this on my computer). Nay, sir, my listening options are limited by my apartment’s record collection, which at this point stands at about 50 records (muchos gracias to my roommates for their help in quickly amassing this total).

Often you’ll find me listening to Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, the Beatles… my old standby favorites, of which we have a decent collection. But, when I’m not in the mood for these classics, that’s when it gets interesting. Where do I turn? How about that old Eddy Arnold record? Or maybe that Carole King record I haven’t listened to in awhile.

Tonight, the answer was Lionel Richie. I’d never really given Lionel much of a chance before. I remember that, when I was quite young, my babysitter was a big fan and would sing along to “Stuck On You” and “All Night Long,” much to my childish chagrin. But since then, there hasn’t been a ton Lionel in my life. Sure, I’ve jammed out to “All Night Long” a few times—who hasn’t?—but I’ve never given the rest of his catalog much of a chance.

Having listened through Can’t Slow Down (“All Night Long”, “Hello”), I’m happy to report that Lionel might just be worth another listen. Sure, it’s cheesy, but this is the early 80s we’re talking about. Fact is, this is some pretty high-quality cheese. “All Night Long” is a barrel of fun, “Hello” is deliciously over-the-top (just check out the music video), and “Running With the Night,” a song I’d never heard before, really popped out with its understated intensity (seriously, it’s a gem). Needless to say, Can't Slow Down is a record I'll be returning to.

In sum—yes, I am psyched to have a record player. And yes, coming to appreciate Lionel Richie might just be its biggest reward so far.

Lionel Richie – All Night Long (All Night) (YSI) (dropbox)
Lionel Richie – Hello (YSI) (dropbox)
Lionel Richie – Running With the Night (YSI) (dropbox)