*NOTE* - I started this process using MP3 as a format, but MP3 (like GIF) has some very odious patent issues, so now I plan to do all of my recording in the excellent (and truly free) FLAC format. There appear to be many encoders and players for computers, although no little hand-held players (yet), but since I listen at my PC most of the time that's OK. You can learn more about it at http://www.xiph.org/ - it's very cool.

Back in high school and college I used to listen to music, go to shows, and buy a lot of albums. I fondly remember falling asleep to the glow of my 20-watt receiver that I got at Tech Hifi. I've got different priorities these days so I find it pretty inconvenient to queue up an LP and keep the kids from jostling it while I listen. I had a thought the other day that I'd probably listen to my LP's more if it were more convenient so I've started the process of recording them digitally and converting them to a compressed format.

I use a tool called brec ( http://www.amberdata.demon.co.uk/bplay/ ) on my PC to do the basic recording and then write em to CD's using cdrtoaster ( http://cdrtoaster.sourceforge.net/ ) and convert to MP3 format using lame ( http://www.sulaco.org/mp3/ ). The combination seems to work pretty well, and it's amazing how you remember certain clicks and pops even after 10 years...

Here are the albums that I've recorded so far:

Earth Wind and Fire - Gratitude
Lou Reed - Rock n Roll Animal
The English Beat - I Just Can't Stop It
Peter Gabriel - Peter Gabriel (the one with PG's melting face)
The Cars - The Cars
Fischer Z - Going Deaf For a Living
Brian Eno - Here Come the Warm Jets, Another Green World
Steely Dan - Katy Lied
Traffic - The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
Roxy Music - The High Road, Greatest Hits, Viva!, Siren, Country Life, Flesh and Blood
Shadowfax - Shadowfax
Tangerine Dream - Ricochet
The Who - Tommy
Warren Zevon - Warren Zevon
Gang of Four - Entertainment
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (a CD, b-day present from Dad)
U2 - The Joshua Tree, Under a Blood Red Sky
Tom Lehrer - Songs and More Songs by Tom Lehrer (a CD)
The Police - Outlandos d'Amour
Madness - One Step Beyond...
Talking Heads - 77, More Songs About Buildings and Food, Speaking in Tongues, Little Creatures
Jimmy Cliff - In Concert The Best Of
The Specials - The Specials
The J. Geils Band - Sanctuary
Bryan Ferry - In Your Mind
Lene Lovich - Stateless
Phil Collins - Face Value
Rolling Stones - Hot Rocks
The J. Geils Band - Bloodshot
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon

You've probably guessed by this list that most of my tastes in music were formed in the late '70's and early '80's.

BTW, I've accelerated the pace of recording since we found we have moths in the attic (long story, don't ask). If you want me to record any LP's for you please let me know ASAP since I'll probably sell the turntable (Technics SL-2) when I'm finished.