Tag Archives: Music

05.06.24
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Thoughts: An Audio Crisis and the Loss of Fanboi-ism

I have been an Apple fanboi since childhood.

I remember, growing up in Palmerston North, spending as much time as I could annoying the one store that stocked Apple products.

I haunted my friends house as his dad had an Apple IIe.

I dominated the one Apple computer that my high school had.

I pored over every word printed in magazines dedicated to Apple.

Beautiful memories.

Fast forward…

Apple got into home audio. And the more of it I’ve experienced, the more I’m convinced that they really need to stop.

When HomePod Mini was announced, I was super-excited. Bought one immediately and actually was quite impressed. I loved the product. I had it bedside and enjoyed dozing off to Pink Floyd, or Toto, or Level 42, or Journey… you get the idea.

I had to get another, to set up a stereo pair. Could you imagine? A wide stereo field of goodness!

I did get another. And I paired it.

And then the sadness started. Six months of total frustration. Yes, they paired successfully, and every now and then worked in unison. But music would just stop. A speaker, one side or the other, would cut out. It was hideous.

I tried everything. Software updates, even including betas.

I added a network extender (for god’s sake, I live in a 1 bedroom apartment)..

All to no avail.

Apple simply hasn’t gotten the networking right on this product.

A little bit of research, and I’m now the deliriously happy owner of a pair of Sonos Era 100’s. The HomePod Mini’s have been retired and donated.

You know what?

The audio of Sonos is vastly superior to Apple’s audio. The frequency response is vastly superior. The pairing is superior.

Justified.

I am a happy listener once again!

^SJD

01.27.23
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Thoughts – Camping Trip #1 2023

If you know me, you’ll probably know that I like to take my kids (well, they’re now 20 and 17) camping for a week, every year, in January. It’s something that I started doing 12 years ago, and have really focussed on.

I like to take them to parts of New Zealand that they’ve not seen, nor are likely to explore.

This of course leads to much discussion about what they can handle, how much time they’re happy to spend in the car on the journey, what they’d like to do or what they’d look forward to doing in the chosen destination.

This year, we went to New Plymouth. The reason for this is that a significant part of my origin story is rooted in New Plymouth. My adopted parents were born and raised there. Their parents were established there, and I remember spending many many weeks, many holidays, in New Plymouth as my parents took us to their hometown from our home in Palmerston North.

We stayed at the Top 10 campsite in Fitzroy. It’s fairly basic, but was perfect for our needs. I quite liked the hedging around the sites – it created a sense of privacy.

In New Plymouth we checked out a few things that you have to. Sadly the Lights Festival had ended the day before our arrival so it wasn’t worth navigating Pukekura Park whilst electrical works were being removed. We circumnavigated Mt Taranaki. We took a detour to Parihaka (important learning opportunity). We met some of my colleagues ( yes, I can’t not work on holiday – and the opportunity to connect with people IRL can’t be missed). We explored the homes my parents grew up in. We explored the homes my grandparents lived in. I recounted stories – oral history. We visited my biological aunt as well, so kind of a dual journey!

On the drives and in the campsite, we explore music. I love how my kids have their favourites. We started exploring the Rolling Stone top 500 albums of all time. It is interesting to me that they’re looking for craft rather than popularity. Snarky Puppy and Animals for Leaders rather than bland top 10.

One of my absolutely favourite things to do is to drive random roads, take random turns, explore small rural New Zealand. Buy a toasted sandwich. Have a chat. I love getting to know the pulse of the people I come into contact with. I find really interesting things.

Cafe toilet in ōkato

Back in New Plymouth, we explored the Len Lye gallery – its always amazing. I suspect it may have been a bit outside the headspace of my two though.. Still, I enjoyed it!

My kids? I think they had a good time. I’m always optimistic that they’re interested in the next camping trip. Will there be a next time? I hope so.

They’re not particularly interested in being photographed. Here’s them and me…

So, camping this January is done. I’m ready to approach work properly – I’m centered. Time with my kids is way more important than anything else I do.

^sd

11.04.21
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Thoughts: Of Music and a Deep Love of Covers

Hi team!

I hope you’re all holding up ok. It’s day 79 in this lockdown with not a lot on the horizon… except perhaps access to Bunnings next week.

Putting that aside, one of the absolute best things one can do to shift perspective, to stop complaining, to focus on better thoughts, is to listen to your favourite music. A song? An artist? A genre? It can be anything.

I’ve given myself a little positive project.

I’m building a playlist of Covers. You know, songs performed by artists that have a different take on the original performance. We all know ‘Nothing Compares 2U’ by Prince, and performed amazingly by Sinead OkConnor? But have you heard Chris Cornell’s version?

Sometimes artists cover their own songs in a completely different genre. Steven Tyler singing Janie’s Got A Gun on his Country album is fabulous!

This is what I’m talking about.

I’m wanting your recommendations. What cover versions of songs blow your mind each time you hear them?

Here’s a couple more that I love to start you off.

The Pot – Brass Against. (I just love the quirk and the talent on display here!)

Seal – Fly Like An Eagle

So send me your favourites please! Educate me!

^SD

03.28.20
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Thoughts: Isolation 2020 – 4

One incredibly fun aspect of this Isolation is time to binge.

In my workday it’s back-to-back music. In my office, under normal circumstances, listening to music is frowned upon. My office mate can’t handle it. So at home, I am indulging!

So far, I have listened to all Toto albums in chronological release order. I have listened to all Aerosmith albums in chronological order. Now thinking about what to explore next. Recommendations accepted. And expected. I do have some ideas (Prince, anyone), but I’d love yours. Also, Nine Inch Nails just dropped a couple of albums unexpectedly. Excellent.

Bingeing movie series is also fun. Star Wars done (RIP Carrie Fisher). Harry Potter is underway (RIP Alan Rickman). I might do The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings next. So many options!

Maintaining my routines in the day has been valuable. A regular break/walk every couple of hours to clear the head. Being in the CBD is surreal. It’s just amazingly quiet.

The queue to get. Into Countdown is quite bizarre, and the 2m distancing is very amusing. Shopping under these circumstances is fantastic. It’s like having the supermarket opened just for me. Like I’m a famous person. Who’s yet to contract COVID-19.

01.13.14
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Resolutions vs Goals

I’ve been thinking about what I want to achieve this year. But also what defines a New Years Resolution as opposed to setting personal goals.

I think, for me, a Resolution is more about resolving to effect change in aspects of one’s life whereas a Goal is a specified, achievable, tangible thing that you aspire to do.

As I really don’t feel the need to change aspects of my life, despite the fact I probably should consume less wine, I think for 2014, I’ll set goals. Here’s my thinking, category by category, in no particular order of priority.

Technology:

I’d like to update my trusty iPad. I still have a version 1 model. It has served me well but it’s time.

I’d also like to acquire a decent DSLR camera because I do take photos, and I am getting frustrated with not being able to capture what I’m seeing.

I’d also quite like to obtain a new iMac or MacPro – I want to get back into writing/recording music and a decent spec’d machine will help.

Personal Development:

I definitely want to get off my backside and learn Japanese. I’ve made a broad start in 2013 but it fell by the wayside when time constraints bit. I have the materials needed, I just need to book regular conversational classes.

Study? Not sure. The idea is there, but the reality is that it takes time that I can’t commit to just yet. This requires more research on my part.

It is time I played bass in public again. It’s been years. Easy goal: get my calluses back and head up to the Portland Public House on ‘jam night’.

Reading: one book at least per week. Can be Fiction or non-Fiction. Achievable.

Exercise/Sports:

I need to re-establish my gym regimen. I did quite well for 9 months of 2013 then got distracted by life. I shall set a goal of 3 weight sessions each week, and then add cardio – whether it’s bike or a walk 2x each week. This is of course achievable.

My sporting nemesis is Snowboarding. I have intent to learn – and have had for nearly 5 years. My snowboard and clothing mock me.

Travel:

This is a biggie. I love to travel and haven’t for two years. So, in 2014 I want to travel to 5 overseas destinations. On my list of possibles is Cambodia, Thailand, Cuba, Australia (of course), Pacific Islands (take your pick). I also need to get back to the UK for family reasons, possibly Germany and I’d love to get back to the USA.

I’m sure there are more goals to set. I’m not thinking about house purchasing. I may update my vehicle, but it’s not costing me much to run at present so I may as well hold on to it for now. I’m still processing my Business goals. It should be an interesting year.

What are your goals?