The Joys Of The Listening Party
In this era of empty online-only interaction, San Francisco Chronicle writer Mark Morford extoles the virtues of the home listening party:
"Everyone brings a specially burned CD or custom iPod mix (carefully chosen beforehand) and either something outstanding to drink…or rather deliciously unhealthy to eat…we’ve played songs by everyone from Nick Cave to Joe Henry to Marilyn Manson…There has been Earth, Wind & Fire and bootlegged Radiohead …The random mix is part of the joy…".
"There can be moments of epiphany. Last meeting someone whipped out a wicked psychedelic funk 
version of Zep’s "Whole Lotta Love" most of us had never heard. No one could figure out who the hell the incredible singer was. Turns out it was none other than pre-wig, pre- Vegas Tina Turner, from her barely known "Acid Queen" album circa 1975."
"There are about four full rounds…Everyone gets to play a single track in each round. The fun part: You do not announce your song…You get to test your musical knowledge, also how well you know the other participants ("Dude, I knew that Nina Simone techno remix was yours"). This is part of the adventure…After each full round, a short break for more pizza, drink refills, smoking, chat..You discover songs, new bands, maybe entire genres you never knew existed. Your tastes expand, your musical horizons broaden..It’s chaos theory with a kickass soundtrack."
Tina Turner has worn wigs since 1961. As for Acid Queen, and Zep’s “Whole Lotta love” those are great numbers that Tina performed. Unfortunately, America doesn’t appreciate Tina. She has released a lot of great songs in the last few years, but it’s only appreciated over seas. If you’d like to hear a Tina song that will blow you away look for “I am a motherless child.” Tina wrote that song herself and recorded it under Ike & Tina Turner. It’s a great song. You won’t be disappointed.