iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 06/09/2026

Aw - you so narrowly missed out on this classic!

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/09/2026

Despite my best intentions last Summer, work and family commitments have had to take priority over creative ones. I'm glad to say that, although it's a year later than planned, work has begun on a new project. Still learning how to use the Reaper DAW in Linux, but it's a positive start at least.

010

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 29/05/2026

Re-watching the #PoliceAcademy movies from the BluRay box set, where Brian Wilson's "Lets Go To Heaven In My Car" was played over the credits in the 4th film - this is likely the only in-print release where Eugene Landy is still credited as a writer, having (rightfully) been erased everywhere else.

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 11/03/2026

#nowplaying Pet Shop Boys' "Introspective", a £4 charity shop LP from yesterday's travels. My favourite band when I was 9, but went off them after "Very". Their contribution to Jarre's "Electronica 2" - "Brick England" - reminded me what I liked about them all those years ago. #musicsky #vinylsky

150

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 09/03/2026

Continuing the Bruford kick, I received a batch of new vinyl late last week, of which this was one: "Dig?", the second Earthworks album. First impressions are a bit meh - it tries not to sound so 80's, but it does, and Bill's Simmonds kit doesn't help. #musicsky #vinylsky

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 06/03/2026

That same re-organiszation also inspired a bit of a Bruford kick. I listened to the Moraz/Bruford LP "Flags" earlier this morning, but still find it more biased towards Moraz's contributions. Just behind it was this LP, where Bruford is an equal partner. That's more like it! #musicsky

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 06/03/2026

A re-organization of my record collection has unearthed a lot of "ooh, I haven't played that one in AGES" records, of which this is one. Robbie Robertson's self-titled debut should be ranked among the best albums of the 80s IMO: the songwriting and production are absolutely spot-on. #musicsky

The LP cover of Robbie Robertson's debut LP. There's some kind of sepia-tinged stuff going on, some long grass, and Robertson's haggared mug blended in

010

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 04/02/2026

Another excellent pre-order from @burningshed.com, arrived 2 whole days early, and just in time to enjoy it over lunch. I went through their pre-order list just after Xmas and added stuff direct to my cart, so the postcard signed by Greg and Andrea was a VERY nice surprise! Thanks again Pete & co 😃

232

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 21/01/2026

Because @burningshed.com are so brilliantly efficient with their pre-orders, I've been able to listen to the 30th Anniversary vinyl re-issue of No-Man's "Loveblows..." two whole days in advance. ⬇️

172

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 25/12/2025

One more musical instrument in my arsenal 😁

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 14/12/2025

@mredbyrne.bsky.social You kept that quiet! You must have only been 4 or 5 at the time of filming, so... one of the Jawas perhaps? 😉

010

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 07/12/2025

🧵 Because I don't use Spotify, LastFM or any of that stuff, logging my listening habits requires self-built software and, as an analyst/programmer between 8am and 4pm, and a music nerd at all other times, I have my own system set up. My most-played artists of the year are no surprise. ⬇️

110

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 28/11/2025

Got a day off work, so spinning one of the records that arrived yesterday: "En=Trance" by Klaus Schulze. I've generally neglected his 1980s albums, so have been steadily growing the collection over the last few months. Side 1's a bit 😒, Sides 2 & 4 are much better, but Side 3 is classic Schulze!

110

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 22/11/2025

The aim for this weekend: At least do some work on the first proper Martin Solos release. The reality:

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 08/11/2025

If you see this, post an album cover with a motor vehicle on it. (Light aircraft are vehicles that have motors and engines, right?)

140

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 07/11/2025

15 minutes until my work day ends, by which time this masterpiece of Scottish Folk Rock will be clean. Had to settle for a Chrysalis re-issue manufactured by sassenachs.

010

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/11/2025

Was I mad to buy the 35th Anniversary 2xLP of Mike Oldfield's "Amarok" even when I own the CD version? Not really. I don't mind it broken up into quarters - it's chance for a comfort break or to refill my mug, and the side breaks do kind of work where they are. #nowplaying #musicsky #vinylsky

120

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 25/10/2025

Working my way through several batches of new vinyl. Currently on the TT is "Searching for My Love" by King Sunny Adé. Loved later albums like "Juju Music" and "Synchro System", and this too is pure sunshine on a 12" plastic disc! open.spotify.com/album/4iUrn1... #nowplayinhg #musicsky #vinylsky

020

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 17/10/2025

Eno: "I'll come running to tie your shoes!" The person he's singing to: "Seriously, Brian - don't. You're 77, and these aren't real shoelaces"

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 13/10/2025

#nowplaying "In Flight" by George Benson. Besides "Gimme the Night" his work was very unfamiliar to me, and £3 for a used LP was a safe gamble. I'm liking it - funky AF, beautifully arranged, and I like his expressive and lyrical guitar playing. Don't think this will be my last GB album 😀

110

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 12/10/2025

Album No. Thirty-something in the Downgrade Challenge Album: "A Change Is as Good as Arrest" by the Big Yin Condition: Aye, it's pretty good an' that. No wee scratches. Notes: Surprised Ron Mael didn't sue over A2. Definite "Sparks rip off" vibes coming from that one.

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 12/10/2025

This is the wallpaper on my Brave browser home screen. I can't tell you what these buildings actually are, but something about me tells me this is the HQ of IKEA?

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 10/10/2025

Album #25 of the Downgrade Challenge and the first from today's CrazyBeat haul Album: Brewing Up With @billybragg.bsky.social Pressing: Go! Discs, UK 1984 Condition: Strong VG Upgrade List: No Notes: The 95C performs well, rendering the record's visible battle scars shallow and superficial.

020

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 10/10/2025

I addition to the Downgrade Challenge, I also wanted to see if I was wasting money on VG+/NM records if VG was more than adequate. So I bought a box full, no one record priced above a fiver. On inspection, a good clean and all should sound perfectly fine, only with a few forgivable clicks/ticks.

020

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 10/10/2025

Album #23 of the Downgrade Challenge (starting to skip a few now) Album: The soundtrack to "Kin" by Mogwai Pressing: Rock Action, 2018 XE Condition: NM (bought new) Upgrade List: No Notes: It's Post-Rock - not Alan Parsons - so the 95C's limits probably add qualities that make it sound better.

110

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 10/10/2025

Album #20 of the Downgrade Challenge Album: "We'll Bring the House Down" by Slade Pressing: Cheapskate/RCA, 1981 UK Condition: Bostin' vinyl! Upgrade List: Ay gunna bovvah Notes: No problem for the 95C but it was never the best sounding record anyway: very loud with little in the way of bass.

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 08/10/2025

Most thought it was Rick Wakeman - likely the only Prog KB player they know - but nobody guessed it was ol' Bony Tanks. One suggested it might have been Keith Emerson, but (a) wrong side of the stage and (b) I have better photos of a'er Keith.

010

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 08/10/2025

Same here. It's heavier than most Genesis albums, but that plays to Ray's strengths. I saw them on tour that year too at the NEC in Brum. Took a few photos on a disposable camera, most of them blurry. During COVID, posted a question on FB to see if anyone could identify who was in the picture.

110

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 08/10/2025

I have the UK 12" single of "Keeping the Dream Alive" by Freiheit, which has all this Xmas imagery on the cover. Even heard it in Matalan between festive Slade and Shaky hits ⬇️

110

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 08/10/2025

Album #13 of the Downgrade Challenge Album: "Live at Brixton" by @psbhq.bsky.social Pressing: Test Card, 2016 UK Condition: NM (bought new) Upgrade List: No Notes: Cut a little quieter (typical of 180g pressings). No bass is sacrificed, and sounds consistent even on an entry-level stylus.

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 07/10/2025

I have one too - one in which the British countryside, which is being decimated in the name of a pointless white-elephant High Speed Rail project, is able to claim back what was stolen from it.

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 07/10/2025

Album #12. Definitely the last one for today. Album: "Playin' for Keeps" by Eddie Money Pressing: CBS, 1980 UK Condition: VG+ Upgrade List: No Notes: Might revisit this one in the morning. Sounds a bit muddy, but that may be fatigue or comparing to the BJH LP from earlier. No obvious flaws though.

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 07/10/2025

Album #11, the first of (at most) two tonight. Office day. Album: "Baby James Harvest" by BJH Pressing: Fame/EMI Reissue, 1987 UK Condition: Borderline NM Upgrade List: No. Shop for a vintage copy instead Notes: Harsh, bright master. Sibilance and splatty cymbals throughout, even on outer cuts.

100

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 06/10/2025

Album 10 of the challenge, and probably the last one tonight. Album: "From the Witchwood" by Strawbs Pressing: A&M, 1972 US Condition: Strong VG+ Upgrade List: No Notes: Lovely warm bass and instrument separation; struggles with sibilants if the vocal is hard-panned, but not irritatingly so.

010

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 06/10/2025

Album #9 of the Downgrade Challenge Album: "World Machine" by Level 42 Pressing: Polydor, 1985 UK Condition: Deceptive VG Upgrade List: No Notes: Visibly scuffed and scratched, but plays really cleanly with all the dynamics expected of a L42 LP.

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 06/10/2025

Album #8 of the Downgrade Challenge Album: Moroder's "Metropolis" s/track Pressing: CBS, 1984 UK Condition: Strong VG Upgrade List: No Notes: This one always sounded fine, even on lesser TTs with the AT3600L fitted. Having the instrumental tracks at the end of each side helps.

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 06/10/2025

Album #7 of my Downgrade Challenge Album: "From This Place" by Pat Metheny Pressing: Nonesuch, 2020 XE Condition: NM (bought new) Upgrade List?: No Notes: No issues at all. Sounded enjoyable throughout.

010

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 06/10/2025

Album #6 of my Downgrade Challenge Album: "Video Flashback" by Eberhard Schoener Pressing: Harvest, 1979 UK Condition: VG Upgrade List?: No Notes: A fair amount of sibilance on "Code Word Elvis" with Sting's vocal sounding out of phase with the rest. Otherwise, sounds perfectly fine.

010

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 06/10/2025

Album #5 of my Downgrade Challenge Album: "The Visitors" by ABBA Pressing: Epic, 1982 UK Condition: VG+ Upgrade List: No Notes: Expected much worse with it being early digital, female vocal but mastered very well. Sounded consistent, even on "Soldiers", the end of Side 1 cut with lots of 'S' sounds

010

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/10/2025

Album #4 of my Downgrade Challenge, and my last one of today Album: "Feeding the Monkies at Ma Maison" by Frank Zappa Pressing: Zappa Records, XE c2016 Condition: NM (bought new) Upgrade List: No Notes: Not much in it to trouble the 95C. As a Synclavier work, distortion can be down to sampling.

020

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/10/2025

Album #3 of my Downgrade Challenge Album: "Soundtracks" by Bony Tanks Pressing: Charisma/Virgin, UK 1986 Condition: VG+ Upgrade List: No Notes: Sounds a little bit dry, but that could just be tiredness or the mastering. It has been quite a while since I last played it.

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/10/2025

You could at least throw the police off by saying your PALE STEIN ACTION placard is actually in tribute to Oktoberfest 😂 Who doesn't enjoy a lovely, refreshing Münchener Hell at this time of year?

120

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/10/2025

Album #2 of my Downgrade Challenge Album: "Children of the Sun" by The Sallyangie Pressing: Transatlantic, 1978 GB reissue Condition: VG Upgrade Required: No Notes: Instruments sound great throughout. Expected Sally's vocal to be a challenge, and was only when she was panned hard-right.

000

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/10/2025

First up on my Downgrade Challenge: Album: "Union" by Yes Pressing: Arista, XE 1991 Condition: VG Upgrade Required?: No Notes: Not as clicky as I recall. Expected more sibilance with it being DMM. Inner tracks sound consistent.

010

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/10/2025

Where do they stand on a pair of boobs likely to start a war? 😂

050

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/10/2025

Setting myself up for my own #MusicChallenge for October. To try and rid my head of any "audiophile" behaviour, I am going to use only the 95C conical stylus on my turntable for the rest of the month. At least it will get me posting more about music and less about politcs. T&Cs below ⬇️

130

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/10/2025

Mother-in-Law: "Any change you could restore this laptop back to factory settings so it can be resold?" Who to? Fred Flintstone? It weighs half a ton, has less memory than a goldfish, its battery has gone the way of the Norwegian Blue (beautiful plumage!) and only a magnet will wipe the HDD 😂

120

Simon Slator @simonslator.substack.com · 05/10/2025

Decided now was the best time to join a political party, and there was only one choice: @greenparty.org.uk - they're the only ones I see as truly "patriotic" as they demonstrate all 5 British values taught in schools, and are not staunch authoritarians, bringing Rules 2 & 3 into conflict.

000