Craig G.
Yelp
I am sorry I must of missed this trend in hang out alternatives, although it makes perfect sense.
Spin some vinyl records on a real kick ass stereo system, around a bar with hella overpriced drinks and you have capitalized on what seems to be the hot ticket these days.
Considering the 2 drinks each we had cost more that dinner latter that even, would be a huge insult and would warrant a pretty grim review.
But even tho they have a curated "play list" of music that they abide by, which is kinda weird, (they don't take requests) and cause we were there early, the place was practically empty, I did get the bar tender/ "DJ?" To put on Miles Davis, Kind of Blue.
Considering I never had the pleasure of hearing John Coltrane, Mikes Davis, Cannonball Adderley, and Bill Evans, live and in person, the sound coming from the house stereo system was so pure, so vivid and realistic, it felt like I could reach out and touch them playing live just outside of my reach.
Even my grumpy son who was harping on the cost of drinks in sweaty tumblers even lightened up.
I gifted him my Yamaha stereo system many years ago upon his graduation from college. Complete with a Marantz turntable, and Klipsch speakers n subwoofer.
Perhaps this was why like so many 30 something's he really got into collecting vinyl. And for his last Bday I got him King of Blue remastered vinyl record, because everyone should have it in some shape or form; it's an American Classic!
But alas in his tiny shared apartment, he could never crank up any music let alone this record to fully appreciate its genius.
So as the barkeep/DJ cranked it up a notch when kind of blue came on, even my son was blown away by the amazing sound. So I consider that the next best thing to live is to hear it as if it was being performed live. Best concert ticket ever!
Not sure I would make this a regular hangout spot, due to cost and quirky curated play list selections they choose. After Miles they put on Some real weird Japanese new wave punk something, getting back on their playlist routine. Kitaro meets Daft Punk!
The 11 minute 33 second rapture completely broken, and over priced drinks about finished,
We used that as our opportunity to boogie to the next venue.
But definitely a good start to the night.