With Christmas another vanishing memory. I have been thinking of the more memorable gifts I have received. Gifts that have shaped who I have become. There have been a few, but one that I loved dearly was my first ghetto blaster. It was a black Sanyo, double tape deck with a CD player on top and a yellow alien sticker that I placed on it. The CD I got with it was Dance Mix 93. While I am sure I was perfectly happy with Dance Mix music, and probably even asked for it, what I really wanted to listen to was in my Dad’s music cabinet.

You must know about my dad is that he is a bit of a techie, and always has the latest technology. So back in 93 he had a massive CD collection and killer 5 disc stereo system. His collection of mostly classic rock was what I loved and grew up listening to. Fast Forward now 30 years and I am a huge music fan. I thank my parents who gave me the gift of music.

Now this year under the tree was a very neatly wrapped gift that I thought at first maybe was a calendar. When I un wrapped it to my surprise and delight it was vinyl for my collection, picked out by my Dad.

Not only was I excited to see Vinyl was even more excited to see it was Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Tearing at the Seams (Deluxe Edition). I have a few of his songs on my playlist but have not spent substantial time listening to an entire album. This beautiful album is a double deluxe 45 with a mini 45 with two bonus tracks. Also beautifully printed black and white photo book.

I will admit that I am a bit of a vinyl rookie and played side A on 33 the first time. I listened to the whole thing and thought this is trippy, thankfully I was not hemi synched. Once I figured it out I was loving each track. My favorite side is D, which has one of my favorite songs, You Worry Me. I have been dancing around my living room listening to this album all week.

You seem tired today

Were you up all night afraid of what the future might bring?

I feel fine today

I’ve had dreams of you in places I’ve not seen before

Nathaniel Rateliff

This is my favorite lyric on the album so applicable to me these days. Because I do feel fine today, when everything around me seems to be falling apart I am rising like a phoenix. To all those struggling you will cross that road one day.

Another year and another very memorable Christmas Gift. Thank you Dad for your great taste in music.