No, I haven’t lost my mind, and I’m not talking about Christmas records either!

As summer fast approaches, music collectors change gears, and listening habits tend to become less important. As I’ve stated in previous articles, there isn’t much better than snuggling up and having a “listening session” on a cold and snowy winter evening.

Who wants to stay indoors when the sun is shining or on a warm summer’s eve? This is the time for portable music, which is usually played in the background as you sit on the deck or patio with the lanterns aglow. Records seem to go into hibernation at my place, because I’m not going to get up and flip the side over or go hunting for that certain song that “popped” into the conversation while I’m out back enjoying my favourite beverage and having a barbecue.

I guess I am in the minority, but I don’t have an IPod or MP3 player. I believe that musicians should be paid for their music. It’s a fact that most people that use these players to download most of their music for free, which is basically stealing. Face it, it is theft!

This is how I see it. A doctor or lawyer (or any other professional, for that matter) puts in years and years of extra schooling and internship to become successful at what they do. You might argue about their fees, but that’s not the point here. The point I’m making is that in order to be a successful musician, you have to put in the time. I’ve read that it is estimated that over 10,000 hours of practice and playing bars are required before there is any chance of hitting the “big time”. You have to agree that anyone that dedicated to their craft or profession of choice deserves to get paid.

Without an IPod, I resort to my disc changer loaded up with compilation CD's. Some comps are better than others, with the series “Ultimate Soul” being perennial party favourites. I don’t think I’ve ever played one of the 8 or so discs in the series without someone asking what is it and where to get it (duh!!).

Great comps from Alligator or Blind Pig satisfy almost any blues fan, and believe it or not, the Time-Life series also does an excellent job of compiling rock oldies and one-hit wonders. Soundtracks can be fun too, although they do tend to be all over the map with oldies, soul, instrumental and even blues thrown in.

I guess it’s time to mix some more drinks and tunes. Perhaps a rock n' roll cocktail?

Please support live music, and remember to shop local!