BY: BOOKMANS

Kraftwerk
I have a few favorite bands, but Kraftwerk is the definitive electronic band for all time. They literally created the genre. Kraftwerk samples can be heard in a plethora of songs, including many that are on the radio, right now. You may not know this, but 90% of the music you listen to is at least partially electronically generated. And you have Kraftwerk to thank for all those beautiful sounds. Kraftwerk is definitely a cross-over band. When I went to their concert in 2005,  I was shocked by the sheer diversity of their fans. There were old people, young people, rappers, industrial fans, hip-hoppers, rappers, ravers, rockers (yes rockers), every different race, color, creed, orientation, and musical background. This is one band that I know everyone can get into. Pick up a copy of "Computerworld" from 1981 and you can still enjoy the relevance today. Kraftwerk is eons ahead of their time, and popular music is just beginning to catch up. Although they are hard to come across, you can find Kraftwerk at Bookmans from time to time - but they go fast, and you may have to look in the vinyl section. You won't be disappointed.

Keyboards
I love vintage analog keyboards. The sounds they make cannot be reproduced digitally. They are so fun to use with all the knobs, switches, and patches on them. A person can get lost in the other worldly sounds that they make, literally for hours. I collect them, and use them together to make some twisted space music. I have found many of my favorite electronic instruments at Bookmans. They come in from time to time and sometimes they get priced far lower than they can be found for on eBay. Besides, it's always best to get something right out of the store, and not have to wait for the item to be shipped. That can be nerve-racking, and some of the ones I have purchased on eBay have gotten "lost" in the mail. That's a major bummer! If you get it at Bookmans, you have a full week to take it home and play with it. Where else can you do that?

Interested in being featured in HANDPICKED? Got upcoming projects you'd like us to know about and a burning desire to share your favorite finds? Email Heather at heatherc(at)bookmans.com for details.