Next Perfect Sound Forever article...12th Annual Vinyl Anachronist Awards for Analog Excellence

I know it's not even Halloween yet, but I just sent in my annual year-end wrap-up for Perfect Sound Forever, featuring the 12th Annual Vinyl Anachronist Awards for Analog Excellence. I've named 2010 as the Year of Rediscovery, following 2009 as the Year of Discovery. For those keeping score, 2008 was the Year of Settling In, 2007 was the Year of Grumpiness, 2006 was the Year of Implosion, 2005 was the Year I Didn't Do a Year-end Article because PSF was in a state of transition, 2004 was the Year of Music, 2003 was the Year of Plenty, 2002 was the Year of Triumph, 2001 was the Year of Confrontation, 2000 was the Year of Compromise, 1999 was the Year of Transition and 1998 was the Year of the LP.

This year, the awards categories are Best New Release in the Vinyl Format (an old veteran who used vintage analog equipment to record one of his best albums yet), Best Reissue in the Vinyl Format (another release from my favorite band), Cartridge of the Year (two budget carts that are perfect for entry-level Regas), Turntable of the Year (hint: golf ball) and a new category of Best Analog Moment of the Year (it involves a favorite guitarist, a favorite audio person and certain social network).

This article will appear in the December 1 edition of Perfect Sound Forever. Since the February 1 edition will be edited by noted music critic Robert Christgau, I will probably take a break. Christgau did this once before and included articles he collected from others. In April I will return with a column about listening to 78s!