LP album-lovers to find their groove

One night last week, after work and a late dinner, I poured a cup of tea and settled down for a little quiet time.

Curled up on the sofa in my living room, a cat in my lap immediately, I could hear the sound of rain dripping on the roof and even with a blanket tucked around me, the room felt damp and chilly.

I wanted something, but I couldn’t put my finger on what would make me feel better.

Restless, I opened up my Crosley record player and flipped through my collection of old LPs.

Finding the music to fit a moment is like choosing a piece of chocolate from a box. It’s either right or it isn’t.

I wasn’t in the mood for folk music so I passed on my old Peter, Paul and Mary records. I didn’t want to listen to a comedy so I didn’t pull out anything by the Smothers Brothers or Bill Cosby.

Finally, my fingers touched the perfect album cover. I slipped the vinyl album from its faded cover, put it on the turntable and lowered the needle. As the sound of music filled the room, I sat back and closed my eyes.

Soon the sound of raindrops on the window was replaced by the smooth, liquid sound of Pete Fountain’s clarinet. I was transported away from the rainy Northwest down to the French Quarter in New Orleans.

The album was one I had picked up several years ago, out of thousands of donated items, at the annual Spokane Public Radio Recording and Video sale. The $5 vinyl disc was a ticket away from waterproof boots and umbrellas to sunshine, hot music and warm breezes.

It was the perfect piece of candy for my ear.

It’s time for the KPBX sale again. Soon, the Masonic Temple downtown will be full of boxes stuffed with rare, unusual and quirky items.

And people. The big room will fill with people searching for something to add to their particular collection, or to replace a video that was eaten by the VCR, or, like me, whatever catches their eye.

That’s the best part of the whole thing. You never know when a $5 album might turn into a magic ticket.