Back to the Days of Future Passed

The days of future passed. 

If that strikes a note with you, it might be because you're old enough to remember the Moody Blues 1967 concept album, generally categorized as "progressive rock" and certainly a win for the band.

But it also might be that you're young enough to have had life mostly digitized for you, and you've wondered if you might not like going back to some of the old-style technology.

Not so very long ago, a teen I know asked for a record player - as in, turntable. It had been so long since music lovers had walked away from that, moved on to cassette tapes, then to CDs, and, finally just to audio files, stored as we wished.

Somehow, the more "physical" quality of the vinyl record "grooved" with young people, and they became interested. Whether it's richness of the sound quality, the ritual of dropping the record on the turntable and the needle into the groove, or the fun of leafing through a rack of albums to find the music you want, something about the old-school has attracted a following. I just wish I'd known it would make a comeback before I burned hundreds of disks and then gave away the records!

It appears that the trend has gone far beyond vinyl records, and from the office to the kitchen and everywhere in between, old tech is making some comebacks. Here are just a few.

Paper and pen/pencil: for some, the act of writing it down locks an idea or list in the mind more successfully than asking Alexa to remember it, or adding it to a digital checklist. And speaking of paper, some fans would prefer reading a "real" book to a digital version, however convenient carrying fifty books in a little tablet may be.

This one is amusing, in a way: back to the iPod! A Reddit user on an old tech forum offered that the iPod was no Wifi, no distractions, no nothing but what YOU wanted to listen to.

Wired headsets are gaining ground. Yes, wireless ones can be convenient in certain situations, but they're harder to lose, are far less expensive, and typically provide more than adequate quality.

I know a man who clung to his flip phone no matter what kind of ribbing he put up with, and for a certain group of users, he's now right back in style. Some younger people are opting for the retro-chic look, but also the "digital detox" quality of the old flip phone. You can talk and text, but there aren't all the apps, the scrolling, and the constant distraction.

In some kitchens, while air fryers and microwaves will never go away, the wonderful versatility of cast iron pots and pans have take pride of place. Heavy and durable, the cookware retains heat, and can transfer from stove top to oven, and can sear and slow cook with equal ease. When properly "seasoned" (heated with a coating of oil) the pots and pan have a quality like non-stick pans. 

Some young people are even opting for the old "phone" option of a stand-alone device that they sit next to, lift off its cradle, hold up to the side of their head and "talk on." Yes, it's connected via Bluetooth to the cell, but they're enjoying the feel of a dedicated conversation, and perhaps the feel of the receiver as a tool.

Other young people - and older ones as well - miss the ease of being able to pull up the movie you want, no matter what options the streamers are offering, and watch at will via DVD player. No extra charge, no ads, no threat of "leaving soon" or wait for it to be offered again.

Someone else listed "car CDs," and it wasn't until a recent long car trip that I recalled how simple it was in the "old days" to go to the library, borrow a book on tape, and have 10-20 hours of listening to entertain you as you traveled. If you're not getting what you want on the radio or satellite, it was a nice option.

Some people are opting for the dedicated focus needed to shoot photos with a real, stand-alone camera. From the way its held to the pre-planning needed to be ready with the tool of the trade, there's a different mindset when going out specifically to shoot photos as compared to simply holding your smart phone up and snapping a sudden moment. Both have value, don't mistake, but for someone who really loves the art of composing a shot, cameras have some advantages. 

And speaking of old stuff getting a new life - I recently spoke with a young man who has launched a website, and perhaps a trend. The site, and the activity, is called "SwipSwap," that's the name and the game. You have a serviceable item (or items) you don't need or use, and you'd be willing to trade for another item you DO want and will use. The site will facilitate that exchange. A pair of shoes, decorative items, a device, jewelry. Your "stuff" is someone else's treasure, and the one big challenge to the exchange is the site's purpose for being: getting you two together to make the trade. Sign up, get two free trades, and "SwipSwap" what you don't need for what you do.  You can trade locally, or ship anywhere - the choice is yours! https://swipswap.shop/marketplace