Culture Shock - The Aftermath
While in Ontario, my musical taste broadened, but it stretched even more once we returned to civilization.
In Montreal, I became aware of CHOM FM. In the’70s, the radio station played Rock and Roll and especially Progressive Rock. I basked in the delight of these newfound tracks. It encouraged (compelled?) me to start a modest record collection.
The love of prog-rock did not lead me to cast aside classical music, for I remained equally interested, especially after discovering 20th-century composers, such as Stravinsky, Mussorgsky, Rachmaninov, Copland, Holst, and Prokofiev.
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We eventually replaced my weak sound system for an improved model. This time, Bass and Treble came with the package, and the sound quality was excellent (to the detriment of our downstairs neighbour). During the last 40 years, I traded up audio equipment on more than a few occasions. For those unaware, being an audio enthusiast will put a severe dent in one’s wallet.
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While we’re on the subject, a year after we returned from London, my younger brother decided to build his own sound system. He had managed to find the schematic diagrams of a QUAD Amplifier & Pre-Amp. He purchased the required electronics and, with the help of a friend, assembled the units from scratch. He then designed and constructed the speakers. The whole set up looked amateurish. I then learned the true meaning of the expression, “Appearances can be deceiving.” It was a sweet-sounding experience, and a far superior system to any of our store-bought editions. I probably didn’t realize it back then, but the technical prowess my brother displayed was, without a doubt, impressive. Contrary to him, I've mastered the intricate command of plugging in an appliance.
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