At just six years old, I found myself basking in the warm Southern California sun, transforming my living room into a stage as I belted out my own rendition of “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” from A Chorus Line. Little did I understand the song’s deeper meanings, but the music, the show’s unique blend of humor and emotion, swept me away. My mother was around, but I didn’t need her to play a record; the house was alive with the rich, vibrant sounds pouring from our speakers. I was performing in the grand theater of my imagination.
What’s missing from this nostalgic moment? A glaring computer screen. No need for clicking keys or sifting through an endless iTunes playlist to cue up heartfelt tracks like “What I Did for Love” or “One.” The music flowed seamlessly, untainted by the sterile sound of a digital device begging for attention.
Recently, a wave of frustration hit me when I wanted to share the song “More” from the Dick Tracy soundtrack with my daughter. That CD had been our travel companion, the soundtrack to countless road trips, each note woven into our shared adventures. My daughter had asked for more of something—what it was, I can’t quite recall—but I immediately thought of that song.
However, our trusty boombox had succumbed to time, leaving my Dick Tracy CD silent in its case. I wasn’t about to navigate the labyrinthine interface of iTunes to find that beloved track. “Where’s the song?!” I thought as I watched my daughter get distracted by a YouTube video. Just like that, the moment slipped away.
“Not today!” I declared, determined to reclaim our musical experience. “We are not buying a stereo right now.” My partner, Matt, played the role of the grounded realist, sensing my intent before I even spoke.
“Yes, we are!” I replied, my excitement bubbling over. It wasn’t just a simple CD player; it was a small stereo system with actual speakers! It had dials for tuning and volume—everything I needed to bring music back into our lives.
Here’s the intriguing part about this stereo—it’s the very inconvenience of it that captivates my three-year-old. She has always enjoyed music, but with our new stereo, she takes charge. She selects a CD from the shelf, gently removes it from its case, places it in the player, and eagerly watches it spin before pressing “play.” The process itself has become a delightful ritual.
It’s not merely about the improved sound quality; it’s about her awareness of where the music originates. This machine has one purpose: to play music, free from the distractions of notifications, videos, and endless headlines. With every finished CD, she eagerly pops it out and selects a new one, relishing the effort involved.
Since the stereo’s arrival, music has become a backdrop to our daily activities. We recently chose Charlie Parker’s smooth jazz while drawing, as the rain pitter-pattered outside. Board games have transformed into lively experiences with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Madonna, making our time together not just bearable but enjoyable.
This morning, we played the entire Dick Tracy soundtrack, every note resonating in our cozy space. I finally had the joy of sharing “More” with my daughter.
“Each possession you possess
Helps your spirits to soar
That’s what’s soothing about excess
Never settle for something less.”
And indeed, while nothing beats the thrill of more, we’ve discovered that when we immerse ourselves in music, without visual distractions, we unlock an entire world of imagination and longing. The stereo has become a gateway to experiences beyond the reach of a screen.
Sure, we’re out about $50 for our stereo, but the richness it has added to our lives is priceless.
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Summary:
In a world filled with digital distractions, the simple act of listening to music on a stereo has transformed my parenting experience. My daughter and I now bond over the tangible process of playing CDs, allowing us to escape into a realm of imagination and creativity, free from the interruptions of screens.
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