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News & Events

19 Sep

Alfie Boe – Franz LehÍr: Love was a Dream CD

  Alfie studied at the Royal College of Music, the National Opera Studio and was a member or the Vilar Young Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House, London. He has performed Rodolfo at Glyndebourne, English National Opera and in Baz Luhrmann’s production of La Boheme on Broadway, for which he won a Tony Award. Other operatic roles include Alfredo, Tamino, Don Ottavio, Ferrando, Lysander, The Italian Tenor, the title role in Albert Herring, Caliph in Kismet and Camille du Rosillon inThe Merry Widow at opera houses including ENO, WNO, Glyndebourne, Opera National du Rhin, Strasbourg and La Monnaie, Brussels. It is therefore fitting that he is returning to his operetta heritage by exploring his love of LehÍr for his fourth solo recording. In September 2006 Alfie released his eponymous first album for Classic FM which inspired such comments as, “Alfie Boe is a stunning discovery who could be the best tenor of his generation” (Observer). Then followed two albums with EMI Classics, Onward and La Passione – a collection of Neapolitan songs and arias for which he was nominated for Best Album and Best Male at the 2008 Classical BRIT Awards. Alfie studied at the Royal College of Music, the National Opera Studio and was a member or the Vilar Young Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House, London. He has performed Rodolfo at Glyndebourne, English National Opera and in Baz Luhrmann’s production of La Boheme on Broadway, for which he won a Tony Award. Other operatic roles include Alfredo, Tamino, Don Ottavio, Ferrando, Lysander, The Italian Tenor, the title role in Albert Herring, Caliph in Kismet and Camille du Rosillon inThe Merry Widow at opera houses including ENO, WNO, Glyndebourne, Opera National du Rhin, Strasbourg and La Monnaie, Brussels.

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18 Sep

Linn LP12 is Always in Fashion

  “Gucci is pleased to reveal the second installment in its “Forever Now” icons of heritage advertising campaign series conceived by Creative Director Frida Giannini in collaboration with Charlotte Casiraghi. The two new portraits celebrate the iconic metal horsebit featured on the classic Gucci Loafer – the hardware that has inspired a legacy, since it was first introduced into the House’s vocabulary nearly sixty years ago.” Note in the background the Linn Lp12 turntable, the perfect complement to the classic, 70’s style luxury exemplified by Gucci.

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14 Sep

The Evolution of Music to Benefit the Evolution of Humans

Biomusicology Biomusicology is a new field that studies music from a biological point of view. Biomusicologists believe that music has been around long before humans. Music has been in existence as long as the animals have roamed the world. From birds to whales, many different species of animals use music to communicate with each other. Humans and Music It is believed that humans are hardwired to make music. People in prehistoric times were likely to make whistles or drums out of bones. Later people constructed instrument to play for fun or to be used for ceremonies. Around 2,500 years ago, Pythagoras used math to come up with the musical scale. Then each note was given a letter in order to read and write music. Evolution of Music Music began to transform as the years went on. As music developed, it became more complex. Cultures began to adopt music and develop it to express their traditions. Overtime, the expansion of music caused the expansion of designs of instruments. Religion also had an influence on the development of music. It was being played in churches and monasteries. Later music began to reflect cultural changes throughout the decades. Music changed from the classical era where Beethoven and Bach were popular and expanded to rock and roll where Elvis came into the scene. Emotional Value of Music People enjoy listening to music because of the emotional benefits it offers. Some listen to oldies because it brings back memories. Others enjoy classical because it relaxes them. A few like rock because it pumps them up. Whatever the reason, each person has a reason why they listen to their favorite type of music. Music throughout a Lifetime People are exposed to music at all ages. When they are babies, parents will sing songs or lullabies. Mothers have even started playing music to their children while they are still in the womb. Kids in preschool or kindergarten listen to songs that help them understand math, geography, and even history. People who undergo stress or traumatic events will even go through musical therapy to help recover from health problems like stroke. Music No matter the reason, music is listened to on a daily bases. The rhythms and instruments helps people relax, deal with stress, focus, and feel. Live music and recorded music has benefits for everyone and it will continue to evolve with the people to listen to it. WineStyles The Vintage is the place for live music Houston. Our building is an intimate acoustically controlled venue with over one hundred seats. To ensure quality sound for every concert, we have our own sound system and an amazing sound engineer.

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12 Sep

A Sweet and Melancholy Sound – Listening to Fado Music in Portugal

If you are planning a getaway to the Algarve region of Portugal for your next holiday, why not plan in an evening of listening to the hauntingly beautiful sounds of traditional Fado music? When you are on holiday abroad, you see the sights, taste the food and feel the sunshine on your skin. By going to a Fado performance you can take it one step further and engage your sense of hearing as well. Fado music has a long and fascinating tradition in Portugal and it is incredibly moving and powerful to listen to. Dining at a local restaurant while listening to the traditional sounds of these old fashioned ballads will truly give you an experience of the heart and soul of Portuguese culture. The Story of Fado First of all, what is Fado music and how did it originate? Here is a bit of information about the history of Fado and its significance in Portuguese culture: Origins of Fado This Portuguese musical genre can be traced all the way back to the 1820s and perhaps even earlier. Its history is mostly passed on orally, which is why it is difficult to know exact dates. Some believe that the genre traces its origins back to songs between friends during the Middle Ages, Moorish Ballads or African-Brazilian rhythms. In the mid-19th century, the performers of Fado music were poor working class sailors who danced as they sang, accompanied by a Portuguese guitar and a classical guitar. What the Music Means The songs of Fado tell the tales of life of the poor and also about the people’s relationship with the sea. They are passed down through several generations by parents singing the songs to their children and so this tradition has carried on through the centuries. Most Fado songs often have a distinct tone of melancholy and the feeling of a sense of loss. The Portuguese word for it is “Saudade” which translates as longing. Even if you cannot understand the lyrics, the powerful emotion in the music will reach into your heart and touch you deeply. This type of music is so unique and so important to Portuguese culture, that it has actually been named a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Listening to Fado in the Algarve Although this type of music originated in Lisbon, Fado has spread throughout Portugal and can be experienced in the Algarve region. You will have many opportunities to listen to live Fado music while staying in the Algarve on your holiday. At the Porches Velho restaurant in the quiet village of Porches you will find yourself within a 210 year old wine cellar, which is the perfect setting in which to feel like you have been transported back in time while listening to the music. At the Real Marina Hotel you will be able to attend Fado performances every Sunday. Another great place to listen to Fado is The Atrium restaurant in Albufeira, which has balcony dining that overlooks the streets of this picturesque city. Also, the town of Portimao hosts the Festival of Fado which gathers together some of the best musicians in the country to perform. Besides these options, you could always just ask the local people in the community if they know of any upcoming Fado performances. If you have a chance to spend an evening listening to Fado during your holiday in the Algarve, be sure to take the opportunity. Listening to this beautiful style of music being performed live is incredibly moving and will be one of the most memorable experiences of your visit to Portugal. During your holiday at Monte da Quinta Suites, be sure to take the opportunity to enjoy some traditional Fado music.

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11 Sep

The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour Comes to Blu-Ray

Ask the opinion of a handful of music aficionados and the majority of them will say that The Beatles are, and will always be, the greatest band to ever live.  To say they are legendary doesn’t even come close to their influence on the world that still reverberates through society today.  And now they’ve  made a comeback with their experimental film, “Magical Mystery Tour,” which will be available for purchase and watched on blu ray players by their biggest admirers. Of course, this wasn’t the first movie that the Fab Four has done.  Before this film, there was “Help!” and “A Hard Day’s Night.”  Where this movie differed, of course, was in its tone.  Their first two films were comedic, while “Magical Mystery Tour” experimented with the psychedelic overtones that had become popularized during the era. Introducing six new songs throughout the film, this 1967 musical introduced us to an eccentric band of characters who populate a trip to the English countryside.  Of course, this is a simplistic run-down of what occurs in the film, as the narrative doesn’t follow any hard and fast rules.  Instead, it is all over the place, boiling down to an odd collection of clips focusing on songs such “The Fool on the Hill” and “I am the Walrus.” The digital restoration of picture and sound will make your Blu Ray player shine.  The picture quality of “Magical Mystery Tour” really brings to life every character and sequence like never before.  Add to that the 5.1 surround sound that makes the songs sound better than ever, and you have the best presentation of this film that you would have probably never seen otherwise. For all you huge Beatles fan out there (and there are A LOT of you), the release of “Magical Mystery Tour” includes a deluxe edition that will look great alongside any Blu Ray or Beatles collection.  This 10″ by 10″ set includes two discs; one that is accessible for Blu Ray players and a standard DVD version of the film, plus commentary by none other than Paul McCartney, who was the real driving force behind the experimental film.  You’ll also get to enjoy brand new interviews with McCartney and Ringo Starr.  Plus, an added bonus: a special LP that includes the original mono EP released in the United Kingdom and half a dozen additional songs.  And if all that wasn’t enticing enough to make this deluxe edition a part of your collection, you also get a 60-page book filled with production notes, background info, and photographs from the original film and its production. With this film and the recent release of the animated movie “Yellow Submarine,” we are now only one movie away from the entire Beatles film collection.  Once “Let It Be” is released, The Beatles life on Blu Ray will be complete. Citations: Photo credit Mercedes Potter is a huge fan of The Beatles and looks forward to taking a psychadelic trip watching the Magical Mystery Tour. Follow her @CedesPotter to read other music related posts.

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19 Jul

Vinyl Resurgence

It is already well known amongst many music aficionados that vinyl records have been enjoying a resurgence in recent years with huge store-chains like HMV selling them in high street stores. Which is certainly the case in my nearest branch. This chart shows how in the world of declining internet sales because of piracy, other formats have been enjoying significant sales surpluses. (chart via Digital Music News) The origins of this resurgence lie in the increasing number of contemporary artists who are choosing to release on vinyl along with the mainstream digital formats as well. Their prevalence is being felt in independent record stores with a recent statisitc showing that the majority of vinyl sales are done in independent record shops. As this statisitc shows: The newly pressed vinyl that is being sold in these stores mainly consits of re-releases of classic albums, such as The Beatles’ Abbey Road as well as many contemporary artists choosing to release on Vinyl. With world-class bands like Coldplay releasing their album, Mylo Xyloto, in vinyl. The most commercially successful album of 2011, Adele’s 21, was also released in vinyl and it is evidence of vinyl moving from being the domain of nostalgic hipsters to a widely accepted mainstream format. Other artists that still release on vinyl include the long established groups like U2 and Status Quo who both have released their latest material on vinyl. Most recently Bruce Springsteen’s Wrecking Ball was also released on vinyl and is a good example of well established artists still using vinyl as a format for their new material.

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18 Jul

LINN Renew DS comes to Akurate owners

Make your Linn Renew DS sound even better and get a 2nd Linn DS player for your home at the same time! For a limited period, Linn Akurate DS owners can enjoy a very special upgrade offer which not only improves the sound of your existing system but lets you share great sound with another room of your home too using Songcast. Linn Renew DS for Linn Akurate is a special upgrade package that lets you update your system with the latest Linn Akurate DS audio performance and turns your old audio board into a second working Linn DS player. The upgrade package comprises: · a latest Linn Akurate DS audio board which fits into your existing Linn Akurate DS player and improves the sound quality · a new product that contains a power supply and your old Linn Akurate DS audio board, giving you a Linn Renew DS player for a second room of your home – just add power amps and speakers. What’s more, you’ll automatically receive a new Linn 5 year parts and labour warranty on both Linn DS players from the date you upgrade. The latest Linn Akurate DS audio board was introduced in November 2010 and offers improved audio performance over the original audio board thanks to: · a new lower jitter master clock · an improved DAC power supply and layout · a new lower distortion output circuit Why not contact us today to find out more and audition the new, higher performance Akurate system. Please note that the Linn Akurate DS audio board can also be purchased separately as an upgrade. This offer applies to Linn Akurate DS built between Dec 2007 and November 2010

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17 Jul

AVA Media RIP-N-PLAY Audio Server

Overview The new AVA Media RIP-N-PLAY server has been optimized for audio ripping and storage and ready to serve network playback devices such as Linn, Sonos and many other network audio players. streaming to ‘mobile’ devices is simple too! The newly designed, affordable AVA Media RIP-N-PLAY is created from a single piece of aerospace grade aluminium. Precision engineered in their own factory to exacting standards, the AVA Media RIP-N-PLAY will fit perfectly with any high end audio system. Features § Whisper quite operation (<8dBA) § Available in 1TB and 2TB Capacities § Very low power consumption (approx 15W) § Low profile – 332(W) x 185(D) x 54(H)mm § Extremely high quality seamless aluminium chassis § Very simple to use – just insert CD § Lifetime subscription to premium GD3 meta data § Front ‘health status’ indicator § Quick backup to external USB HDD option § Designed, made and supported from UK How it works The AVA Media RIP-N-PLAY is simple to setup just plug in the power and network cables and once the health status is green you are ready you can begin ripping. § Insert your chosen music CD* into the AVA Media RIP-N-PLAY slot loader and all the track information / album art you could wish for is quickly retrieved from our premium metadata providers § The digital uncompressed music files are copied in their highest quality format (FLAC) § The music files are then copied and optionally down converted to a high quality MP3 format ready for portable playback devices or web streaming (original FLAC files are still stored), they can be stored in ALAC too! The copy process takes approximately 4-5 minutes depending on the CD and once completed the disks automatically ejects. Connecting to the server If you want to optimize the server’s settings for example what formats it stores the music in and where then simply access the servers web pages. To connect the server to playback devices vary from product to product but all follow the same guidelines, they will discover the server and you need to point the playback device to the appropriate folder where the music files are that are in a playable format for the particular player you are using. Getting technical All though the AVA Media RIP-N-PLAY server is designed to be simple there is lots of technology behind its simple to use interface, but you don’t have to worry – it’s simplicity itself to use. If you’d like to learn more about the advanced setting – just click Technical Setup Guide The system provides numerous media servers / services § DLNA devices (100’s already in the market – i.e. Xbox, PS3, Linn, Philips, and many more) § SONOS § Roku § iTunes § Samba You can store approximately 3500 CD’s per 1TB. With the 1TB model this means that you could store over 3500 CD albums. Price

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9 Jul

Rococo Systems Linn Kiko review

It’s arrived! We knew our Linn Kiko was coming today and for some reason that made the coffee this morning here at Rococo Systems taste much better.  The anticipation and debate on what time the courier would arrive started about 07:30 and didn’t stop till the doorbell rang at just minutes before 11am. I’ve never known the staff here so eager to answer the door, so well done Kiko for staff motivation before we even get our hands on you. The Kiko comes in Linn’s new white packaging, very slick and extremely strong, as you would expect such an item to arrive.  Tape cut and flaps opened the smell of new hi-fi filled the air and there was a combined “aaahhh” heard all round. Once out the box we knew we had a winner on our hands Linn really have stepped out the zone with the Kiko.  It’s sleek, shiny and right away you start to picture all the places it could be placed round the home or office. The next surprise was the weight of the speakers, “wow” no messing here with these small but well built active speakers.  Again, they compliment the design of the Kiko perfectly.  By this point the excitement was really buzzing lots of “ooo’s, aaa’s” and head nodding going on. Just when we thought that was it for surprises we got a hold of the new K40 speaker cables, approx 2m long and silver.  The weight of these cables dictates the quality and becomes another exciting part of the Linn Kiko set up. We eventually stopped drooling long enough to set the Kiko up, which will easily fit on a shelf and has been designed as a true lifestyle piece at home in any room and 99% of room locations.  Our Kiko is white, which gave it an even more contemporary and desirable look. Ethernet cable plugged in and power on, our first choice was Barb Jungr, Walking in Menphis…………………………………WE CAN’T BELIEVE HOW GOOD THE LINN KIKO SOUNDS!  Crisp, rich depth even at low level, turn it up though and in return your ears will be rewarded with a punchy wholesome experience that you can’t help by smile with. The Kiko may be little but it misses nothing, it’s a real contender in the marketplace.  As Linn people to the core, we knew it would be good, but we honestly didn’t expect it to be this good, it’s excellent!  Take every component above described, put it all together, which is a simple plug and play job even for the most inexperienced person and you really have something terrific. The Kiko knocks spots off similar priced, lifestyle competition on the market right now.  For too long customers have been asking for such a product from Linn and now it’s arrived, they won’t be disappointed. The price point of £2500 now seems really keen and super value in comparison to other less impressive “lifestyle” systems.  If you’re in the market for a lifestyle system for you home, office, holiday home, boat or cabin, then giving the Linn Kiko houseroom is probably the best Audio decision you can make this year! Read more on the Linn Kiko at our online shop order yours today and start to enjoy your music, as it should be wherever you want. https://rococosystems.com/ecom-prodshow/Linn-Kiko.html  

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9 Jul

Linn News: 6 ways to love your Linn

  The launch of Kiko has got everyone at Linn thinking about the best ways to use a Linn system. We all have our favourite control apps and music services – the great thing about a Linn system is you can keep using these and still make everything sound better. Get more from your Linn – release the potential of your digital music and listen to movies, games, TV and radio in high quality for the first time. > See what our systems can do Play music wirelessly Play music wirelessly on your Linn system by sending sound from iTunes, Windows Media Player etc. using our Songcast app – anything you normally listen to on your computer can be played back in higher quality through your Linn. Stream online music and movie services such as Spotify, Netflix and BBC iPlayer – get more from the latest songs, shows, films and hear them sound amazing through your Linn. Or use AirPlay to send sound from an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch – Linn systems play nicely with AirPlay so you can instantly enjoy your mobile music played back on a real hi-fi. Connect your living room Connect it all together with a Linn system and get better sound from your HD TV, Blu-Ray player and Xbox, PlayStation and Wii. Hear what you’ve been missing from your favourite TV shows, film soundtracks and multiplayer games. Network music system If you have broadband at home, you already have a network. Add a Linn system to your home network and get wireless control over your entire music collection. Escape the computer and control all your music from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Computers are great for storing music but you need to hear a real music system to feel the difference. Enjoy classic albums and internet radio from around the world through a music system that combines the convenience you love with brilliant sound quality. Add a Linn system to another room and bring great music to the places you enjoy spending time. Create your own multiroom system and give each room its own playlist or sync them together for parties. All Linn systems work seamlessly together so you can mix and match from our range , choose exactly what you want for each room and share your music library and controllers around the home. Turn the quality up A Linn system will open the door to a world of high resolution music , with more and more new releases and classic albums available to download in 24-bit quality. Recent 24-bit Studio Master releases on linnrecords.com have included some all-time greats – Bob Marley’s Legend , John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme , Steely Dan’s Gaucho and Solti’s recording of Mahler: Symphony No.8 , as well as some fantastic new releases from the Linn Records label too – Claire Martin’s Too Much In Love To Care , the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Berlioz: Symphony Fantastique and Richard Tunnicliffe’s J.S. Bach Cello Suites . Listen to the original studio recording – the best version of an album that will ever exist – on a music system designed for Studio Master. Try a system Drop by a Linn shop near you and try a system for yourself – get hands-on and have a listen to some of your favourite artists on an extraordinary music system. Find out more about Linn’s range of network music players and discover how digital streaming works . Everything sounds better with Linn.

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