I think I prefer the version by Jimmy Cliff Martin @port perran .

Cheers,

Tim

I can see clearly now

A song written and performed by Johnny Nash and covered by a fair few musicians/bands.
Jimmy Cliff performed a memorable cover version but I rather like this one by The Hothouse Flowers :
https://youtu.be/ba4P4GxsGFU?si=1VCE-4JWE60OuZdX

Just checked my ULEZ account which I set up specifically for attending a funeral towards the end of April and it says both my payments and balance as £0.00 even though it says my car is chargeable at £15 per day and I was 'in the zone' for 3 days 

PARENTAL GUIDANCE ADVISED

Growing up, Eli had learned the harsh truth that love and trust were fragile things. Her drunken father's rages and her mother's cowering silence taught her that even the closest bonds could be shattered by cruelty and fear.

But her connection with Sylvia was different – a profound bond forged over years of personal and professional storms, tempered by mutual trust, respect and an uncompromising honesty about their vulnerabilities. It transcended labels, it was a union of souls flowing as naturally as the tides. Physical intimacy was an extension of their all-encompassing adoration and trust, making love emerging from the same wellspring that held their deepest hopes and fears. Eli's love for Sylvia was integral to her very being.

This depth, shaped by Eli's own romantic experiences, including her formative relationship with Elaouen, allowed her to navigate Sylvia's relationship with Jeremy without feeling threatened or abandoned. It had all begun with Elaouen, a fiercely independent older Breton artist who provided a haven for Eli during her tumultuous teenage years, nurturing not only her artistic skills but also her self-confidence as she blossomed into a woman.

Eli and Sylvia took joy in how Jeremy wholeheartedly understood and accepted their loving partnership. This gave Eli hope that Giles, too, could be similarly understanding and unthreatened by the profound bond she shared with Sylvia.

Eli knew the foundations of her shared history with Sylvia remained unshaken. Far from diminishing Sylvia's love for Eli, her love for Jeremy enriched their lives, a vibrant new thread woven into their friendship's tapestry.

Eli rejoiced in Sylvia's joy, understanding love as a healing force that, when embraced fully, casts light into the darkest spaces. She felt no jealousy, only warmth—Sylvia's bond with Jeremy did not threaten their embrace. Love flowed endlessly between them in a nurturing current.

Yet, Eli recognised the singular romance Sylvia and Jeremy cultivated – the gentle caresses, endearments, breathless laughter tailored exquisitely to them. She witnessed that same boundless trust, freedom to be fully seen, and the intoxicating surrender of intertwining souls that defined her own connection with Sylvia.

When Sylvia's luminous gaze met Eli's, she saw her love returned—pure, unconditioned, an effervescent joy in sharing intimacy's gift in whatever form it took. Sylvia and Jeremy's relationship is a similar embodiment of shared values—loyalty, integrity, and abundant love to be welcomed, not scorned.

As Eli observed her dear friends' vibrant love story, tender seeds of hope took root within her. The wounds of her past had long erected impenetrable walls, encircled by deep-running rivers of caution against vulnerability. Yet perhaps now, with Giles' gentle strength, she too could find the courage to slowly dismantle those barriers. To risk giving her heart the freedom to feel fully, dangerously alive.

It would not be easy, but her friends' love served as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the greatest rewards await on the other side of fear – a thrilling new chapter of self-discovery and intimacy beckoned.

For so long, the very notion of permitting such vulnerability had been utterly unfathomable to Eli. Opening herself up, truly allowing a man to see and know her innermost self – it was simply inconceivable... until Giles entered her life. With his gentle strength and quiet resilience, she sensed the first fragile stirrings of hope that she, too, could one day experience the profound intimacy she had witnessed between Sylvia and Jeremy.

Yes George ?

Apparently the great record producers of the 60s (like Phil Spector) mixed their records so that they would sound good on tinny transistors.

Hey, I'd be happy listening to Hendrix and Clapton on a little pocket tranny, which is what I used to do back then anyway.

Hey Joe....

Quote from: stevewalker on May 18, 2024, 11:52:16 PM

Quote from: Firstone18 on May 17, 2024, 12:05:13 PMYears back when I was really 'into' HiFi shops would have a listening room, but I considered this unrealistic as it was filled with many speakers not at all like a home environment.

When I bought my Mission 752 speakers, back in the late '90s, the shop's listening room was a room, about the size of a typical living room, with a settee, a hi-fi rack and the two speakers that I was listening to at the time.

Your experience was what I feel should be the normal when trying out speakers. The seller should be prepared to create an environment as close as possible to a 'normal' living room for test listening; they should also be prepared to change speakers over by removing one set and bringing in another.
My ears are now not up to hearing above about 10kHz and I suffer tinnitus in one ear so I'm just happy to hear music!
Cheers

"Being vulnerable is both our biggest strength and our biggest fear, Eli. It's like standing at the edge of a cliff – terrifying, yet it could lead to an amazing transformation if we dare to fully experience it."

Sylvia gently touched Eli's hand. "But Giles, he's different. He cares about you. There's a quiet inner strength about him that draws you in. The idea of letting go of control with him stirs up fear, but also feels like an exciting freedom."

"And that's the problem, Sylvie!"

Sylvia looked at Eli warmly. "True surrender isn't weakness but opening yourself up to something extraordinary. It's about finding that sacred balance where trust and desire dance together, giving and taking equally."

Eli sighed. "Easy for you to say, Sylvie."

Sylvia leaned in; her voice passionate but quiet. "You're not alone in this, my dear. We all have fears and yearnings. But the most captivating connections bloom when we find the courage to openly embrace our vulnerabilities, to let go, to open ourselves to the intoxicating unknown."

She squeezed Eli's hand. "Darling, these waking fantasies of submission represent your spirit's journey to face past traumas from a place of power - to renegotiate intimacy on your own terms, not as a victim."

Eli's bright blue eyes shone with deep understanding. "To choose to surrender to a caring partner... you're right; it could be incredibly healing and freeing."

"Exactly," Sylvia smiled warmly. "With Giles, you get to willingly walk that path together as equals instead of having your freedom taken by force."

A tremulous smile crossed Eli's lips as her shoulders squared with new determination. "Thank you, Sylvie. I'm still nervous, but knowing you'll be beside me on this journey of self-discovery, helping me shed my last fears to fully embrace my evolution as a sensual, liberated woman, makes me feel safe."

Pride swelled in Sylvia's chest as she looked at her dearest friend. "Your bravery inspires me, Eli. To not only survive unspeakable cruelties, but vibrantly explore intimacy and your true self? It's a truly remarkable rebirth."

Pulling Eli into an embrace, Sylviae whispered fiercely, "Whatever lies ahead, we'll forge our own destinies – two unstoppable women, freed from outdated limits, writing our own stories with courage every step of the way. And I'll be right here with you."

Eli took a breath. "Thank you, Sylvie. I'm nervous but hopeful about where this leads, both with Giles and my own self-discovery. I'm so lucky to have your support."

"Remember, my darling, lust takes. Love gives," Sylvia whispered, squeezing Eli's hand. "And Giles loves you, Eli! Of that, I'm absolutely certain."

"Go on", Sylvia urges, her eyes locked on Eli's. "I'm here for you! As always."

Swallowing her nerves, Eli decided to risk following her heart to see where this growing connection with Giles would lead. She knew it could be a wild and dangerous journey, but she also knew she was ready to embrace the unknown and explore the depths of her desires. As she stepped into this new experience, she felt excitement and anticipation, knowing she was about to embark on the most thrilling adventure of her life.

Quote from: Firstone18 on May 17, 2024, 12:05:13 PMYears back when I was really 'into' HiFi shops would have a listening room, but I considered this unrealistic as it was filled with many speakers not at all like a home environment.

When I bought my Mission 752 speakers, back in the late '90s, the shop's listening room was a room, about the size of a typical living room, with a settee, a hi-fi rack and the two speakers that I was listening to at the time.

Today I have been refurbishing quite a few Metcalf card buildings built by me from modded kits to be low relief 1930s dock and industrial.

Despite most being boxed in store for "a while", even the ones out had not generally faded but all had mostly lost the red tint in their brickwork, so were incorrect for the area and did not remotely match the backscenes I now want to pair them to. (They'd always been too yellow based, anyway)

SO, a much watered down mix of burnt umber and red acrylic was sort of carefully but speedily applied over the brickwork avoiding the many windows. This had the unplanned advantage of drying matt, leaving the blacked out windows shiny..... improving the realism in one go, when I'd thought I might have to use matt varnish......result!

Oh, and what did I mean by "a while" ago?

Well I date my models internally somewhere out of sight. 

These were dated 1994 and 1995.