Household Hi-Fi Style

Say what you will about the iPod, it has brought with it a cultural revolution.  The word 'iPod" has become the generic term for any MP3 player, and so it has quickly joined historic brand ID's like "Band-Aid" and "Kleenex".  It's also inspired such an onslaught of accessories and fashion items, that the iPod is no longer just about listening to music - it's a whole lifestyle.

The iPod isn't the only piece of technology to create an irresistible stir in the zeitgeist.  These two modest examples celebrate the lightning-in-a-bottle that is pre-recorded music.  A stack of records let you program your evening outside the whims of your local radio broadcast.  How better to embrace this freedom than a cheap Victrola vase, and a set of record shaped coasters?

The Victrola is neat - not only can you plant some smallish flowers where the platter should be, but water can reach up into the sound horn.  You can have a few flowers sticking out of the petal-shaped speaker!  Who hasn't wanted to do that?

The record coasters are even cuter.  They come in an album - just like 78's used to.  Slip the plastic records out (the label area of each one reminds you what you're there for: scotch, whiskey, etc.), slip a real record on the turntable and the party can begin.

There are a LOT of hi-fi and music related novelties out there.  As much iPod merch may try to encroach on our everyday culture, let's not forget that the little guy has 80 years worth of catching up to do.