DIY Audio Projects Forum

Hi Everyone, (Gio, if this is too far afield in any way just pull it) I was pondering the role music plays in our lives this morning. The thought process came about as I noticed that was I more at peace with the world after a few hours of vintage folk music, mostly selections from the 60’s and early 70’s. I won’t speak for others, and certainly don’t intend to offend anyone, but it seems that the current times are similar to the ones back then. For those of us old enough to have lived through them perhaps you will agree, perhaps not. Regardless, it was a very troubled time in the US. There were all sorts of protests, many violent. The events and their protests have faded into history and newer generations might not understand how troubled the times really were. So how does this relate to music? A lot of music from that era centered around the protests. For sure there were plenty of things to protest at the time. One trait I observed, at least in the music I prefer is that it also contained hope for the future. I don’t hear that now to any great extent in current music. Perhaps I am just out of tune with current music. In any case a few hours of listening to my favorite selections from that era allows me to place current events into better perspective. I am interested to hear if anyone else thinks along these lines?

Good listening
Bruce

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Some of my DIY Tube Amplifier Projects:

• PoddWatt: 5751 / EL84 Push-Pull DIY Tube Amplifier Project
• OddBlocks: KT88 Push-Pull DIY Tube Amplifiers (Mono Blocks)
• ForeWatt: ECC802S (12AU7 / ECC82) DIY Tube Preamplifier Project
• GrooveWatt: Tube (Valve) RIAA Phono Preamplifier Project

Music IMO, stirs the subconscious. While we think music isn't as influential in our lives as say, Latin America, it sure moves folk in a direction.

But you're right.... this is a philosophical discussion and I shall yield to Gio's wisdom.

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-= Gregg =-
* Ratings are for transistors - tubes have guidelines*
Home: GeeK ZonE
Work: Classic Valve Design

Here is a thought for you,

If music didn't stir any emotion would it exist?
It has been used from ancient times, from tribal conflict to celebration.
Another thought is even sound used for alarm systems is chosen to relay a feeling of action linked to meaning.

In life music often links to memories of past life experience.
However sound can have a dark side from links to subliminal control to crowd control.
So its not a surprise to see it used in protest or to convey emotion (like flower power).
In reference to current times its just the next phase of forgetfulness and the thought that people are indestructible.

Music in films is another good example (mood setting).
For a laugh remember Stingray:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E06cNv55jTs
NB different drum beats used as different alert meanings.
UFO was another:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slYW7kkHyI4

Regards
M. Gregg

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What is the sound of one hand clapping?

NB in both Stingray and UFO,

They were organisations to protect the people and the Earth.

So its interesting to also note that music linked to era's.
Ie people normally write songs that express how they feel at the time.
This feeling recorded in music is something a photograph can't show.

In peoples lives people need hope, and a direction both of which would be sadly lacking at the moment.
Its interesting to note that we have more technology now than we ever have but there is something missing.

Regards
M. Gregg

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What is the sound of one hand clapping?

I think in music of the past bands like the Beatles or Queen etc.
They had to fight through a long right of passage and play in the underground music scene, If they weren't popular they died out.
The music was written with a "belief" behind it and played with a passion by many unheard people. Even songs were created from personal feelings etc. In todays world I feel a lot of music is created a bit like a factory production line. Designed to sell and based upon fashion. The point is that only those that stick in your mind that move you in some way stay the test of time. NB fashion and music control what is important or the illusion of what is important. My wife says computer games were created to give people something to do, ie in the end its all pointless.

But then again just like the many worlds scenario, there are only so many notes in a scale and eventually the outcome is the same.

Perhaps there are only so many fashions, or even thoughts before it repeats. As in the film live die repeat, the limitation within life must have an effect. The only saving grace is by the time it repeats most people that have seen and heard it before are about to die. To the young its all new again.
The importance of innovation is a serious worry, as new things are thought the innovation gets harder. But again limited by the want to have or achieve, then cost vs possibility.

Regards
M. Gregg

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What is the sound of one hand clapping?

Just a thought,

In theory you can write a song in octaves that are beyond hearing range which puts a different perspective on the sound of silence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RYh4hAmFZ4

NB the ability of equipment to convey the meaning is important, and so it goes on.
Here is another thought not much synthesiser about these days either (technology).
But then again where is the Guitar? Just a thought.
Some music is now written for computer games so perhaps the situation is different.
How much music has been written for films in the past, it was a major part of the movie.
But no so much these days. Perhaps music was more important in the past than now.
A reflection on HiFi maybe? With home cinema taking over.

Regards
M. Gregg

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What is the sound of one hand clapping?

Hi Bruce,

Remember the band continued to play as the Titanic sank.
Would anyone like to place a bet on the lonevity of the Earth..
What would AI use music for?
Perhaps Elon Musks Tesla wil be the Titanic band..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCWH5OW ... jreload=10
Bowie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYYRH4apXDo

Here is a thought perhaps as technology improves it removes hope, or perhaps its a state of mind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFvvLuomw0Y

A duel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBjPAqmnvGA

In the words of Rush,
https://youtu.be/Ck2KgCJBX1Q?t=503

Regards
M. Gregg

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What is the sound of one hand clapping?

Hi, If the world is about to end....Soundtracks from 2001 or perhaps Starwars might be suitable. I suppose I would just sit out in my back yard in peace and quiet (if it existed) and patiently watch the end. And...if for some reason it didn't end at least I would not have done anything stupid.

Good listening
Bruce

_________________
Some of my DIY Tube Amplifier Projects:

• PoddWatt: 5751 / EL84 Push-Pull DIY Tube Amplifier Project
• OddBlocks: KT88 Push-Pull DIY Tube Amplifiers (Mono Blocks)
• ForeWatt: ECC802S (12AU7 / ECC82) DIY Tube Preamplifier Project
• GrooveWatt: Tube (Valve) RIAA Phono Preamplifier Project

There has been some fantastic music over the years.
If I was to pick some modern music I like it would be George Ezra.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOwihbur34E

Here is one for you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4Ao-iNPPUc

What's around the corner in the twilight zone:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWB5JZRGl0U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEPmA3USJdI

Regards
M. Gregg

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What is the sound of one hand clapping?

Dogs amd music have been in my life since a child. My dad was into big band and played sax and a few other instruments. There was music in the house on the weekend when the olds would chill out preparing themselves for work on Monday.

The girl next door my mother grew up with and husband were also into Jazz, big band and all the old crooners. They lived nearby and when we visited for dinner or drinks on went the music 'till early morn. It was natural for me to be as equally into music and dogs as my parents were.

I have the last dog I will ever have at the mo and she is getting on. We travel OS too much for at least a month at a time. Hard to get a dog minder. The music will remain and DIY will remain.

I've grown from pop/rock of 60s, 70s and 80s to classical but a few times a year drag out the Cream, Hendrix and other guitar hero classics for a spin. All original vynil of course. Love my 4 hours of music a day and especially good when I select the right music for the day. Devine!

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Projects:"retro2308" - chip based headphone amp | ”Calibre 834” - tube phono MM preamp | ”najah” - Raw 180W Tripath Class D power amp | "Icon" - Shuguang CV-181Z preamp