About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone

Pat might've moderated his stance on CD somewhat since '91 -- thanks in part, it seems, to that relatively modest mid-90's vintage player I sent him over the summer, a purely unintentional byproduct but one that I did get a kick out of. (My own vinyl collection dwarfs my digital one, but I tend to be agnostic on the sonic advantage issue either way, believing mastering quality trumps format if the hardware is comparable.)

Since you and Pat may not have had what you'd call a close relationship, what I said about gleaning insight from his words in this thread probably goes double. There are always dimensions to people we all may not get to see enough of as children regarding parents. As for myself, I think I had more intaction with Pat and knew him better from this one thread than I did outside of it.

BTW, do you consider yourself an audiophile? If so -- or also if not -- what role in that did Pat play for you?

Merry Christmas, Barb. I sent you a card but wanted to tell you here too.

Thank you for the photo's, their on our mantle.

Growing up, my brother would queue up songs for me on his stereo, have me sit in what you would call the "Sweet Spot" and tell me to close my eyes and listen. I loved that. The base would thump in my chest, stronger then my heartbeat. The high guitar and vocal parts were nearly painful, but just perfect. At the end of a song I'd just sit there, still feeling it, silent. Then we'd laugh at being silly.

But life gets in the way. I didn't meet Pat until I was 20 years old. Our story is sad, because neither one of us really got to know the other properly when we had the time. And in the end, we were willing but there just wasn't enough time. So, recently he introduced me to artists I'd never heard of before like David Roth, Cowboy Junkies, and Eleanor McEvoy and we were pleasantly surprised to find that we already liked many of the same artists such as Neil Yound and Eva Casady. Pat respected my unreasonably strong, long-term, undying love affair with Billy Joel, probably not an easy thing for him to do!

Pat had other influences in my life, and without knowing it, he let me see my own strengths. We look a lot alike, especially when he was heavier and I was skinnier! We have similar mannerisms. But he went after his interests with such a passion! I'm more laid-back about things. If something gives me pleasure enough the way it is then I don't question it or try to improve it much. He was the type of person to learn it, master it, and advise others on it with the utmost authority. He was so knowledgable about so many things!

I miss him, but mostly I miss the Pat I'll never really know. Clearly, he was special to many people for many different reasons. I'm so thankful that, through Pat, I've been lucky enough to get to know Barb. She's really something!

So, to specifically to answer your question:

I have an appreciation for music, and can say with experience that music heard properly is so different then just flipping on the radio. But I have only old childhood records and record player. The rest is CD's. My stereo was the best we could justify at the time, but is sadly out of date. I have many cd's, and often put in 5 to the changer and shuffle play. I enjoy it, I sing with it, I dance to it with Aidyn. I don't know anything about the science of it.

Kirsten

Hi Everybody,

Since we are getting close to a 1,000 posts, I thought I would bump it up a little.

My wife and I sent Barb and her family a hard copy of this thread along with six cdR copies and a memorial afghan representing our interpretation of this tread and Pat. We do plan on sending her updates from time to time as long as this thread continues to have life.

For everyone who reads and contributes to this thread may you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa, Happy Festivas,…and a safe Happy New Year's celebration.

L

Sunday, the 18th,Barb had an open house to celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary and to celebrate Pat. It was a great time--good food, good friends and good music. Gracie the pup and Scott the grandson were the highlights of the afternoon. I think Barb is doing well and I know she appreciates all of your support.

Bill