The Berkshire Borders Massive Inaugural Meeting
Posted by: seagull on 02 September 2003
or, move over TW Riders there's some new kids in town...
Friday night started as normal, in the PoW. A pint of Nethergate Augustinian (disappointing) followed by Swindon's second finest, Archers Golden (excellent) (Swindon's finest being, of course, the inimitable Mick Parry). Roger Red Watch appeared and noted the carrier bag full of discs. Instead of the expected obligatory comment about PBM he said "Off out with Malcolm then?" I explained about the musical soiree we were going to. Roger left feeling envious...
Malcolm arrived, he was driving so only had a half. We imbibed our beer and ordered some carry outs to take with us (4 pints of Golden, 4 pints of Hogsback Summer This). On the journey we played Tour de France, I navigated, we only missed one turn.
We arrived to find our host Mike Lacey and Lo Fi Si already playing music. Mike spotted the beer and the box that Malcolm was carrying and welcomed us with open arms.
We noted the hi-fi, as per Mike's profile. I asked about the position of the speakers having spotted the NACA5 snaking across the front of the patio doors (surely The Nagger would not allow this!). Mike admitted that the speakers were usually at the end of the room somewhere behind one of the sofas.
The music grew in volume (well it says play it loud on the tin) the playlist given at the end...
The hi-fi moment
We got to the T-Bone Burnett, a hi-fi demonstration record extrordinaire and decided it was time for the switch. Mike replaced his Lingo with Malcolm's Lingo2. T-Bone Burnett was played again and jaws dropped NB style. It made the first rendition sound rough and harsh. The music just flowed, each note began and ended when it should and somehow more live. We even laughed again at the same lines in the lyrics. Needless to say, the Lingo 2 was left in the sistem for the rest of the evening.
Oh, and Kabers do bass and Mike said it was the first time he'd heard the fans going on his 135's (Result!)
Back to the music
We eagerly swapped discs keen to hear more and sneakily increased the volume as the evening drew on. We even trooped outside to see Mike's second sistem and try to answer a question about lost channels (some hope). We saw that the sky was clear and Mars was visible. Mike got out his Long Distance Optical Enhancement Device and set it up to give us a good view of {CENSORED - Ed} er, the ice caps on Mars.
We returned indoors to more music. We finished off quite appropriately with Mike's 30th Anniversary pressing of Dark Side of The Moon. Mike then reluctantly let Malcolm take his Lingo2 home, I think I know what is at the top of Mike's Christmas list...
Photos
None. If any of you have met any of us you will know why, apart from Mike of course whose finely chiselled features would grace any Forum.
The journey home
Well Malcolm has "Script of the Bridge" on CD so there was only one choice...
The advert
Meet the Berkshire Borders Massive. Invite four strangers to your house. Let us drink copious amounts of beer and wine, reminisce about gigs long ago and play lots of dubious music, extremely loud. If you want to hear the fans on your 135's or find out how much air your speakers can shift then contact us by PT today.
Playlist
This list is wholly approximate and the author will not accept any responsibility for any omissions, mistakes or indeed the quality of the selections...
Mike
Kate Bush; Lionheart and Never Forever, tracks; The Warm Room, Kashka from Baghdad; Army Dreamers: Infant Kiss; Ziggy by David Bowie, Simply Vinyl 180g pressing - this is the one that sounded a bit tizzy, the tweeters struggling - but the volume was at 2 o'clock (!!!!) so they can be forgiven; from "Paris, Texas" by Ry Cooder the track "Cancion Mixteca"; Cabaret OST had "Tommorrow Belongs To Me" with due caveats; 12" of "Shipbuilding" by Robert Wyatt; "Hunting Tigers" by the Bonzos and for the finale, DSOTM 30th anniv thang
Lo Fi Si
My stuff was: Wilco "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot"
Autechre "Incunabula" this is what was on when Malcolm and Seagull arrived. Hunter and Collectors - Towtruck off "Payload". The Clean "Point That Thing", Pere Ubu - Heart of Darkness off "Datapanik in the year Zero" and the Jazz was Roland Kirk - Sackfull of Blues from "We free Kings".
Seagull
"Second Skin" off Script of the Bridge by The Chameleons (did I ever say I like the Chameleons?)
"Modern" off The Silent Corner and the Empty Stage by Peter Hammill (Plus "A Louse is Not a Home" when we left Malcolm to slit his wrists while Mike set up the telescope)
"Walking on the Edge" etc. - Solid Senders Free Live Album (I think this went down best, toes tapping all round ...)
"Elvis is Dead" - Peter and the Test Tube Babies
"Lord Lucan is Missing" - The Dodgems
"Waiting" from Signify by Porcupine Tree
"Overzoom" (I think) by The Startled Insects
Malcolm
T Bone Burnett - Proof Through The Night
Thea Gilmore - The Lipstick Conspiracies
Foo Foo and the Boy H20
Lingo2 !!!
Friday night started as normal, in the PoW. A pint of Nethergate Augustinian (disappointing) followed by Swindon's second finest, Archers Golden (excellent) (Swindon's finest being, of course, the inimitable Mick Parry). Roger Red Watch appeared and noted the carrier bag full of discs. Instead of the expected obligatory comment about PBM he said "Off out with Malcolm then?" I explained about the musical soiree we were going to. Roger left feeling envious...
Malcolm arrived, he was driving so only had a half. We imbibed our beer and ordered some carry outs to take with us (4 pints of Golden, 4 pints of Hogsback Summer This). On the journey we played Tour de France, I navigated, we only missed one turn.
We arrived to find our host Mike Lacey and Lo Fi Si already playing music. Mike spotted the beer and the box that Malcolm was carrying and welcomed us with open arms.
We noted the hi-fi, as per Mike's profile. I asked about the position of the speakers having spotted the NACA5 snaking across the front of the patio doors (surely The Nagger would not allow this!). Mike admitted that the speakers were usually at the end of the room somewhere behind one of the sofas.
The music grew in volume (well it says play it loud on the tin) the playlist given at the end...
The hi-fi moment
We got to the T-Bone Burnett, a hi-fi demonstration record extrordinaire and decided it was time for the switch. Mike replaced his Lingo with Malcolm's Lingo2. T-Bone Burnett was played again and jaws dropped NB style. It made the first rendition sound rough and harsh. The music just flowed, each note began and ended when it should and somehow more live. We even laughed again at the same lines in the lyrics. Needless to say, the Lingo 2 was left in the sistem for the rest of the evening.
Oh, and Kabers do bass and Mike said it was the first time he'd heard the fans going on his 135's (Result!)
Back to the music
We eagerly swapped discs keen to hear more and sneakily increased the volume as the evening drew on. We even trooped outside to see Mike's second sistem and try to answer a question about lost channels (some hope). We saw that the sky was clear and Mars was visible. Mike got out his Long Distance Optical Enhancement Device and set it up to give us a good view of {CENSORED - Ed} er, the ice caps on Mars.
We returned indoors to more music. We finished off quite appropriately with Mike's 30th Anniversary pressing of Dark Side of The Moon. Mike then reluctantly let Malcolm take his Lingo2 home, I think I know what is at the top of Mike's Christmas list...
Photos
None. If any of you have met any of us you will know why, apart from Mike of course whose finely chiselled features would grace any Forum.
The journey home
Well Malcolm has "Script of the Bridge" on CD so there was only one choice...
The advert
Meet the Berkshire Borders Massive. Invite four strangers to your house. Let us drink copious amounts of beer and wine, reminisce about gigs long ago and play lots of dubious music, extremely loud. If you want to hear the fans on your 135's or find out how much air your speakers can shift then contact us by PT today.
Playlist
This list is wholly approximate and the author will not accept any responsibility for any omissions, mistakes or indeed the quality of the selections...
Mike
Kate Bush; Lionheart and Never Forever, tracks; The Warm Room, Kashka from Baghdad; Army Dreamers: Infant Kiss; Ziggy by David Bowie, Simply Vinyl 180g pressing - this is the one that sounded a bit tizzy, the tweeters struggling - but the volume was at 2 o'clock (!!!!) so they can be forgiven; from "Paris, Texas" by Ry Cooder the track "Cancion Mixteca"; Cabaret OST had "Tommorrow Belongs To Me" with due caveats; 12" of "Shipbuilding" by Robert Wyatt; "Hunting Tigers" by the Bonzos and for the finale, DSOTM 30th anniv thang
Lo Fi Si
My stuff was: Wilco "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot"
Autechre "Incunabula" this is what was on when Malcolm and Seagull arrived. Hunter and Collectors - Towtruck off "Payload". The Clean "Point That Thing", Pere Ubu - Heart of Darkness off "Datapanik in the year Zero" and the Jazz was Roland Kirk - Sackfull of Blues from "We free Kings".
Seagull
"Second Skin" off Script of the Bridge by The Chameleons (did I ever say I like the Chameleons?)
"Modern" off The Silent Corner and the Empty Stage by Peter Hammill (Plus "A Louse is Not a Home" when we left Malcolm to slit his wrists while Mike set up the telescope)
"Walking on the Edge" etc. - Solid Senders Free Live Album (I think this went down best, toes tapping all round ...)
"Elvis is Dead" - Peter and the Test Tube Babies
"Lord Lucan is Missing" - The Dodgems
"Waiting" from Signify by Porcupine Tree
"Overzoom" (I think) by The Startled Insects
Malcolm
T Bone Burnett - Proof Through The Night
Thea Gilmore - The Lipstick Conspiracies
Foo Foo and the Boy H20
Lingo2 !!!
Tom - in a word yes……..
OK you want more?
Let me put it all into context, the evening had a number of purposes…. the main one being social. It was good to hear Mike’s system but listening to music, being introduced to some new genres, revisiting old favourites and discussing favourite bands and gigs was what it was really about. At the end of the day the system is Mikes and he is happy with it, knows his upgrade route and that is what really counts.
The four of us have different systems and are united by a love of music and wanting to hear it in our homes in a way we enjoy AND by enjoying the presentation that comes from Naim components (obviously). Rant over!!
I had always had a real love of earlier Linn speakers, owned Kans, coveted SARAs and enjoyed Isobariks at shows during the ‘Golden Age’ of hifi (late 70s/early 80s). But after that I did not really hear Linn speakers, when I encountered them I thought the much dismissed Nexus was enjoyable – more so on the end of Naim amps than Linn ones.
So listening to Kabers was an eye opener (OK ear opener for the pedantic). Mike had setup the system so the four us could sit on the settee opposite the speakers but we tended to move round. In the hotseat the sound was very good, music flowed, excellent rhythm – all the attributes we like from Naim. However, the revelation came when I sat near the speaker at right angles to them 2’ away and some 1’ forward. It all sounded good, clear with an image!
I was impressed with the bass – not as you can get from SBLs but it was good ( I use a 180 so I know there is more I can get), controlled – you could hear the difference between kick drum and bass guitar.
Most impressive for me was there retrieval of detail (the Akiva was crucial here) at low volume levels, better than the SBL I felt. I’m used to the Lingo 2 now so hearing it introduced reminded me of what I had been missing before
Seagull best summed it up with his comments re Wilko Johnson – feet tapping all of us imaging him moving backwards/forwards across the stage in his slightly manic way. Yes we felt he was there (a live album now on my must list! along with LoFiSs Autechre "Incunabula ).
I’ve known Seagull for a year been introduced to much new music, some I’ve bought others simply not for me. (he is very tolerant of the FooFoos). And that is what it is all about
Well Tom, good that you are back and you did ask…………
BTW you owe it to yourselves to here Peter and the Test Tube Babys - 'Elvis is Dead'
OK you want more?
Let me put it all into context, the evening had a number of purposes…. the main one being social. It was good to hear Mike’s system but listening to music, being introduced to some new genres, revisiting old favourites and discussing favourite bands and gigs was what it was really about. At the end of the day the system is Mikes and he is happy with it, knows his upgrade route and that is what really counts.The four of us have different systems and are united by a love of music and wanting to hear it in our homes in a way we enjoy AND by enjoying the presentation that comes from Naim components (obviously). Rant over!!
I had always had a real love of earlier Linn speakers, owned Kans, coveted SARAs and enjoyed Isobariks at shows during the ‘Golden Age’ of hifi (late 70s/early 80s). But after that I did not really hear Linn speakers, when I encountered them I thought the much dismissed Nexus was enjoyable – more so on the end of Naim amps than Linn ones.
So listening to Kabers was an eye opener (OK ear opener for the pedantic). Mike had setup the system so the four us could sit on the settee opposite the speakers but we tended to move round. In the hotseat the sound was very good, music flowed, excellent rhythm – all the attributes we like from Naim. However, the revelation came when I sat near the speaker at right angles to them 2’ away and some 1’ forward. It all sounded good, clear with an image!
I was impressed with the bass – not as you can get from SBLs but it was good ( I use a 180 so I know there is more I can get), controlled – you could hear the difference between kick drum and bass guitar.
Most impressive for me was there retrieval of detail (the Akiva was crucial here) at low volume levels, better than the SBL I felt. I’m used to the Lingo 2 now so hearing it introduced reminded me of what I had been missing before
Seagull best summed it up with his comments re Wilko Johnson – feet tapping all of us imaging him moving backwards/forwards across the stage in his slightly manic way. Yes we felt he was there (a live album now on my must list! along with LoFiSs Autechre "Incunabula ).
I’ve known Seagull for a year been introduced to much new music, some I’ve bought others simply not for me. (he is very tolerant of the FooFoos). And that is what it is all about
Well Tom, good that you are back and you did ask…………
BTW you owe it to yourselves to here Peter and the Test Tube Babys - 'Elvis is Dead'
Mike,
I've no need to be rude about the kit, it sounded fine to me, especially when the Lingo2 was added (you know you want one!)
Nick,Tom perhaps we need to arrange a showdown. Is ther anyone in SE England willing to let 8 strangers into their house, play loud music and drink etc?
Malcolm, I like the FooFoos. They were very good at your birthday bash. Not all of my collection is doom and gloom or trashy rock. Just most of it
For Lo Fi Si
Another Chameleons convert!
Just feeding your ear worm...
Elvis had a heart attack
Cos he got too bleedin fat
He weighed nearly half a ton
Looked more like a pregnant mum
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead,
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, ELVIS IS DEAD
Elvis had a gammy leg
He had a gammy head
He had a gammy kidney
He's better off dead
and...
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead,
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, ELVIS IS DEAD
In August 1977
Elvis met his fate
He could not get into heaven
He couldn't fit through the gate
and...
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead,
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, ELVIS IS DEAD
I've no need to be rude about the kit, it sounded fine to me, especially when the Lingo2 was added (you know you want one!)
Nick,Tom perhaps we need to arrange a showdown. Is ther anyone in SE England willing to let 8 strangers into their house, play loud music and drink etc?
Malcolm, I like the FooFoos. They were very good at your birthday bash. Not all of my collection is doom and gloom or trashy rock. Just most of it
For Lo Fi Si
Another Chameleons convert!
Just feeding your ear worm...
Elvis had a heart attack
Cos he got too bleedin fat
He weighed nearly half a ton
Looked more like a pregnant mum
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead,
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, ELVIS IS DEAD
Elvis had a gammy leg
He had a gammy head
He had a gammy kidney
He's better off dead
and...
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead,
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, ELVIS IS DEAD
In August 1977
Elvis met his fate
He could not get into heaven
He couldn't fit through the gate
and...
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead,
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead, ELVIS IS DEAD