By Jacob Clavijo | Editor-in-Chief
The year’s first quarter is already over; where has the time gone? I’ve been trying to remain more present lately, but I will admit that it is difficult not to spend time wondering what lies ahead. Oftentimes, I find myself wanting to detach from the world as best as I can, believing that maybe it will save me from this looming anxiety that, at times, can feel like a straitjacket. Perhaps that’s where my love for analog media comes in. It allows me to momentarily detach from the digital world and enjoy music away from a device.
Steely Dan, “Reelin’ In The Years” (1972)
Listening to the iconic song reminds me to focus on the beauty of the present and not so much on the past. In all its beauty, the iconic opening guitar riff never fails to make me break into the most killer air guitar that anyone could witness.
“The weekend in the college didn’t turn out like you planned. The things that pass for knowledge I can’t understand. Are you reelin’ in the years? Stowin’ away the time”
Glen Campbell, “Southern Nights” (1977)
The beauty of springtime in Virginia is that you can finally drive with your windows down and enjoy the breeze running through your body. I have many goals in life, but being as free as a breeze is high on my list. Only time will tell if I ever get there, but I’ll stick to whistlin’ tunes that I know and love, such as this one.
“Have you ever felt a Southern night? Free as a breeze; Not to mention the trees; Whistlin’ tunes that you know and love so”
Patsy Cline was a native of Winchester, Virginia, about three hours north of Lynchburg. Though her career was cut short due to a tragic plane crash that took her life at the age of 30, Cline was a pioneer in the country music industry. Cline’s powerful vocals are evident throughout her discography, including songs such as “She’s Got You” and “I Fall To Pieces.” I have always deeply appreciated her unique sound, which helped her transcend all her songs to another level.
“Well, I thought that I was just your puppet you held on a string. To think I thought you really loved me, but look what thoughts can bring”
54 Ultra, “Heaven Knows” (2024)
One of my favorite records to listen to lately, “Heaven Knows,” mostly falls into the modern soul genre but also has influences from Latin soul and funk music. 54 Ultra released this record on one of the newest labels out there, That’s Love Records, last spring. I enjoy the variety of instruments used throughout this record, especially the congas.
“Me muero aquí por ti, y no piensas en mí. Cariño no me dejes sin tu amor”
Another modern soul record I thoroughly enjoy is The Altons’ new album. Each time I listen, I find yet another song stuck in my head. This week, “Waiting” found itself on repeat for me. Singers Brian Ponce and Adriana Flores have a sound that blends together so well. Their harmonies are unlike any other in the soul genre, and I highly recommend listening to their new album, “Heartache in Room 14,” in its entirety.
“Oh, I’ll be waiting (waiting), won’t stop, waiting for you. You got me running (running); Don’t you know that I love you? I do”
This concludes this week’s episode of The Hi-Fi Five. Enjoy the songs, but more importantly, enjoy yourself while listening to them.
To see past selections, check out the Hi-Fi Five playlist on Spotify.
