Hats - The Blue Nile

For the hi-fi enthusiasts amongsts us, and I include my self in that list, there are certain albums that hold a very special place in our affections. These are albums that have a special purpose, are always there ready to assist at a moments notice. Yes these are the demo CDs; those that are plucked of the shelf at the mere hint of a hi-fi demo opportunity.

For some it will be a well produced and rounded classical piece of music, for others it will be a homes piece of pop that does the trick. Maybe a thundering drum track does it for some, whilst others will want to hear a album with a strong vocal and lush production.

This is where 'Hats' comes in. Paul Buchanan's smooth voice, lush synthesisers and mellow backing track make this an idea record to test out the warmth of any audio equipment. And for those in the know, perhaps it is not surprising that hi-fi supremes Linn chose The Blue Nile to record their first foray into vinyl production. Unfortunately as a mere mortal, I have to make do with the inferior CD version. It may not sound as good but it's a lot easier to play in the car!

But don't let the hi-fi geek in me put you off. 'Hats' is simply a great pop album. Mature, sophisticated, smooth and perfect for last night listening. It's just that for some, it has a secondary purpose.  And that got me wondering. What do the hi-fi retailers get to hear in a typical day? Are they tired of Tchaikovsky by the end of the day? Does another does of Dire Straits make them wretch? Or is its ll in a days work for them. I couldn't do that job. It'd be too hard not to comment on a potential customers choice of music. If they, for example, stuck in a Kylie Minogue CD or god forbid anything by Coldplay, I'd have to recommend that they went elsewhere - to a retailer that sold equipment that was more fitting to their musical tastes. Argos maybe?