I bought a USB phonograph turntable today. I’ve been going to convert all of my old records to digital for several years now. I could do it (and have done some) by running a bunch of wires from my stereo to the computer, but it’s sort of cumbersome and awkward and ugly. Anyway, the new toy works just fine. I just plugged it into the computer, and it worked. No software to install, no drivers to load, and most important, no huge bundle of wires and adapters hooked up to the computer. If only my records were in better shape, it would all be wonderful.

Since I’m gradually moving all of my stuff from the old house to the new one, I grabbed some 45′s that were in a box in the basement to give it a try. I didn’t look at the titles – just picked up the box and went with whatever I had.

Of course, this was the box of old records I had when I was a kid. Real little – maybe six or seven.

But I am not easily dissuaded, and I ventured forth with my collection of Disneyland, Cricket, and Peter Pan records. You never know. I might want to hear the Ballad of Wyatt Earp or the Astro Boy March someday.

So if you want to hear some of the great tunes I grew up with, listen to the songs below:

[audio:frankie_star_-_big_rock_candy_mountain_b1.mp3]
Big Rock Candy Mountains

[audio:cricketone_players_and_orchestra_-_the_little_engine_that_could.mp3]
The Little Engine That Could

They are MP3′s, and in low quality, so you won’t be able to hear all of the snap crackles and pops as clearly as I can.

Enjoy the music.