Elvis Presley and Barbra Streisand. And oh yes…by Bob Dylan, who

holds Lightfoot in the highest esteem.

A historical interlude

For some Lightfoot is a painter, using his guitar for a brush. He says as much in one song:

If you want to know my secret

Don’t come runnin’ after me

For I am just a painter

Passing through in history

The song On Yonge Street, chronicles the ambience of Toronto’s main street.

He has something of the historian as well. In 1967 the CBC commissions him to write a major work marking the centennial of Canadian Confederation. In the 1860’s British Columbia, then an independent colony, had agreed to join Canada on condition that it be linked to the new country by a railroad run- ning from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Canada’s first Prime Minister, John A. Macdonald, promised such a railroad for 1881. It would be delayed by a scandal that toppled his government (shades of our own day!), and it was only on November 7, 1885 that the Canadian Pacific Railway’s last spike was driven, in Craigellachie, BC, before a large crowd (the event is immortalized in a famous picture).

Lightfoot, with his talent for story- telling, creates the poetic and touching Canadian Railroad Trilogy.

There was a time in this fair land When the railroad did not run When the wild majestic mountains Stood alone against the sun Long before the white man

And long before the wheel When the green dark forest Was too silent to be real

This epic work becomes a major hit, and is included on the album The Way I Feel. It will go through several versions, though the most interesting is certainly

his own, with the orchestra of Ron Collier.

That same Centennial year brings with it a buzz of activities, and it is fertile in success for Canada’s most popular writer-composer. He undertakes a cross- Canada tour as well as appearances in New York and Los Angeles.

In 1969 he leaves United Artists for Reprise, then the property of Frank Sinatra, and sets up his own production house, Early Morning Productions. With the help of friends and his sister Beverly, he publishes nearly all his songs himself.

In 1970 he brings out a new album, Sit Down Young Stranger, on which one song, If You Could Read My Mind, makes a splash. The album will later be re- released with that as the title song. And

in 2002 the Festival of Charlottetown, on Prince Edward Island, will inaugurate a cabaret show titled If You Could Read My Mind: the Music of Gordon Lightfoot.

In 1976 another event spotlights Lightfoot’s storytelling talent. In Cana- dian waters in Lake Superior, a lake that has been known to take itself for an ocean, a large cargo ship is broken in two by 7.5 metre waves and 125 km/h winds, going to the bottom with 29 men. In a few verses, Lightfoot chronicles The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. It will reach second place on the US Billboard chart. For many, the tragedy of the ship is the song, a sort of musical documentary.

Over the next three decades, Light- foot’s calendar will be well filled. By 1980 he is giving some 50 concerts a year. In 1981 a concert tour takes him to Europe,

ULTRA HIGH FIDELITY Magazine 65

SOFTWARE

Page 66 Page 68
Page 67
Image 67
Koss 76 manual Historical interlude
Page 66 Page 68

76 specifications

The Koss 76 headphones are a notable addition to the world of audio technology, designed to offer listeners an immersive sound experience combined with comfort and convenience. Known for their exceptional sound quality, the Koss 76 headphones utilize a range of innovative features that set them apart in the competitive market of personal audio devices.

One of the standout features of the Koss 76 is its open-back design, which allows sound to travel freely in and out of the earcups. This design not only adds a sense of spaciousness to the audio but also contributes to a more natural listening experience. Users appreciate the open-back headphones for their ability to create a wide soundstage, making them ideal for critical listening and enjoying nuanced details in music, dialogue, and sound effects.

Another key characteristic of the Koss 76 is its lightweight build, which is crucial for long listening sessions. Weighing in at just a few ounces, these headphones provide ease of use without compromising on sturdiness. The plush ear cushions ensure that users remain comfortable, even after hours of wear, making them suitable for both casual listening and more extended use during activities such as gaming or working from home.

In terms of sound performance, the Koss 76 headphones boast a rich dynamic range, producing clear highs, well-defined mids, and deep bass. This balanced sound signature ensures that all types of music, from classical to contemporary pop, can be enjoyed as the artists intended. The inclusion of high-quality drivers further enhances clarity and reduces distortion, making the Koss 76 a great choice for audiophiles looking for quality on a budget.

Moreover, Koss has integrated a durable cable into the design of the 76 headphones, featuring a convenient 3.5mm audio jack that is compatible with a wide array of devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The cord length is optimized to provide flexibility without tangling, allowing for hassle-free movement while listening.

In summary, the Koss 76 headphones exemplify a successful fusion of comfort, functionality, and superior sound quality. Their open-back design, lightweight construction, and well-balanced audio make them a compelling choice for anyone seeking an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. Whether for casual enjoyment or critical listening, the Koss 76 stands out as a reliable option in modern audio equipment.
Top Page Image Contents