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Brad Kyle's avatar

An impressive and enjoyable piece of writing, Chris! From an offhand comment by your sister to a well-devised and -conceived linear construction about a dilemma few had considered (I know I never had)!

I DO know I've not heard Vaughn Meader's name in what has to be decades, and I'm willing to wager I'm one of the very few (if any!) of your readers who was alive when he was at his zenith (I was 7 in '62). I recall him on some variety shows, and I'm sure "The Ed Sullivan Show" was one.

I remember vividly his album (and possibly his March '63 follow-up), as it was one of my dad's 20,000 LPs, and I not only overheard him playing it at times, but I recall it being a de rigueur record to pull out during my folks' dinner parties and pinochle game nights with friends!

I'm hoping our 'Stack friends will take a cue from you about inspiration (and a listening ear!) turning into glowing content!

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Shaggy Snodgrass's avatar

I have a copy of Meader's record; 10-20 years ago it was in dollar bins and garage sales everywhere. Common as dirt.

But what you're saying here is very important, and why I so vehemently oppose the idea of live musicians using "backing tracks" to make their songs sound like the record, even on their own music.

Live is, and should be, a distinct and separate experience from being at home with the headphones on. Each has its value; but those values are different. Trying to make one exactly like the other is a disservice to yourself and your listeners. They don't pay to see you doing karaoke.

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