What's New On the Turntable?
Vinyl storage talk, New Yazz Ahmed LP, and a new music playlist...
Setting The Vibe
I’ve been using Kallax shelves from IKEA to store my vinyl, and they’re the perfect fit—literally. Each cube holds my records upright, so scanning my collection without digging or clutter is easy. They’re sturdy enough to handle the weight of a serious setup and relatively affordable. It’s a clean, functional solution that makes organizing and enjoying my records feel effortless. They’re on display for all to see, like a library, but it also allows me to find what I need within seconds. How do you store your albums? Do you use Kallax or another system? If you use Kallax, do you prefer white or black? I began with black, but I’m slowly transitioning to white — less visible dust!
🎶 On The Turntable
Yazz Ahmed A Paradise In The Hold (Night Time Stories)
Whenever I put this hypnotic and transportive record on, I feel like I’m drifting through a dream where the borders blur between jazz and Arabian sounds. The Bahraini-British trumpeter continues expanding her sonic universe, blending flugelhorn textures, spoken word, and deep grooves into something ancient and modern. This album feels more inward than her previous effort, yet no less expansive, like a nocturnal voyage across shifting landscapes. It’s a record that rewards stillness and many, many repeat listens, and once it locks you in, it doesn’t let go.
🎧 amplified playlist 008
This playlist features ten tracks in my new music rotation. Most of this music was just released in March 2025.
Closing out this post by remembering two losses in the music world this week…
Brian James. Guitarist and songwriter who helped put British punk rock on the map passed away this week. Alex Williams wrote about it in today’s New York Times.
Herb Greene. Photographer who first captured the Haight-Ashbury music scene and The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and more. Richard Sandomir has a nice piece in today’s New York Times.
Thanks for reading; let’s chat again soon.
