Paul McCartney, Ram in Mono (2012)
This was never released commercial – serviced to AM radio back in the day but made available when the album was re-released this year. I wrote about Ram here – and I felt that rather than buy a new copy of the album on vinyl (my old copy is good enough for now) I would spend the money on the mono. Glad I did. And to make a real ritual of it – something we should do, on occasion at least, with music I waited – and waited – for my friend Ian to return from overseas. And then for a bit longer until he was in Wellington. I kept the Ram in Mono in shrink-wrap. I kept it safe. I kept it – waiting for Ian. And then he turned up. We had cider and beer and waited for Oscar to have a nap. And then it was on. Ram in Mono, unwrapped and on the turntable. And there were moments where we sat, in silence, hearing an old favourite a new way. And there were moments of elation, our minds racing, both of us, gabbling about Paul McCartney and everything he did and all he offered. And then we shelved the record and moved on to other LPs and then back to more – and then so much more – from McCartney. An afternoon became an evening. And then we tried other music and even went downtown to a gig. From there it was on to another bar for the nightcap – capping a long night and full day of music and merriment and so great to catch up with a great friend. And what did we do, over the final vodka of the night? Talked about Macca some more. Of course. 
Sample Track: Heart Of The Country (mono)