The Hi-Fi Five: Maybe I Lost My Mind

By Jacob Clavijo | Editor-in-Chief

I’m coming up on my three-year anniversary of moving to Lynchburg. It’s bittersweet looking back on the past few years and realizing just how fast time flies, but if personal growth was the ultimate goal, then I have succeeded thus far. There’s a lot to look back on, but there’s also a lot to look forward to. Here are five songs from my collection of records that I’ve been enjoying the past week.

The Marias, “No One Noticed” (2024)

Fresh off the press, I just got this record delivered last week. “No One Noticed” was featured on The Marias’ sophomore album, Submarine, released last year. After much commercial success, the band decided to release this record on a 10” vinyl, including some extended and instrumental song versions. I’ve been a fan of this band for almost eight years now, and I enjoyed seeing them live in concert in 2022. 

“Come on, don’t leave me. It can’t be that easy, babe. If you believe me, I guess I’ll get on a plane. Fly to your city, excited to see your face. Hold me, console me, and then I’ll leave without a trace.”

Bobby Oroza, “Sweet Agony” (2022)

One of my favorite artists, Oroza, is helping keep soul music alive underneath the umbrella of Big Crown Records, led by one of the best producers in the industry, Leon Michels. Based in Helsinki, Finland, Oroza’s music blends R&B and soul with some jazz influence. This song tells the story of unrequited love that causes Oroza to experience a “Sweet Agony” as he navigates the heartbreak while looking back on the relationship that once was.

“Though sometimes, I can’t stop my mind from wonderin’. Feelin’ so lonely, waitin’ for you to call me. You give me such a sweet agony.”

Thee Sacred Souls, “Lady Love” (2022)

To say that Thee Sacred Souls are a modern soul band would be a disservice to both the genre and the band. Perhaps the most widely known soul band, Thee Sacred Souls have propelled themselves into stardom with hits like “Can I Call You Rose” and “Will I See You Again.” This record is from their self-titled debut album released in 2022. As a longtime listener of their music, I think it’s about time I share them here on the Hi-Fi Five.

“If ever I was given forgiveness undeserving, oh, I’d take it. Oh, I never meant to take your heart; Play with it and clumsily break it.”

Penny & The Quarters, “You and Me” (c. 1972)

The story of Penny & The Quarters makes me extremely happy; after nearly six decades since four siblings, Penny, Johnny, Donald, and William, pursued their dreams of making music, they finally received the recognition they deserved. While the family has never been found, their music has been enjoyed worldwide and was featured in the 2010 film “Blue Valentine,” which starred Ryan Gosling. The lyrics of “You and Me” are quite simple, but they remind listeners of an adolescent kind of love, one that is filled with innocence and unlimited potential. 

“If you love a soul more than fame and gold, and that soul feels the same about you; It’s a natural fact, there’s no turning back.”

Celine Dessberg, “Chintamani” (2024)

Celine Dessberg is a singer and harpist with French and Mongolian background. “Chintamani” features the elegant sounds of Dessberg’s Yatga, a traditional Mongolian harp. This song is like no other song I have ever heard; you’ll understand when you listen to it. 

This concludes another edition of the Hi-Fi Five. Check out the Hi-Fi Five playlist on Spotify to enjoy more records from my collection.