Whether or not the vocal constituent of audiophiles who continue to insist that “it just sounds better on vinyl” are completely in the right is a debate that may wage on for years to come, but no matter where you stand on the issue, there is no denying that some albums just feel more natural in vinyl.

They are albums like “Abbey Road,” “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Dark Side of the Moon,” “Loaded,” and “Highway 61 Revisited.” Sure you can own them on CD or digitally, but classics like these, and more, deserve to be owned in their original  form, where they maintain that image of  artifacts of a musically brilliant age gone by.

For experiencing timeless works such as those, everyone really should own a record player. But, instead of throwing down hundreds of dollars on a bulky hi-fi setup, and more on speakers, why not consider something simpler like the Evergreen DN-84537?

Like other Evergreen models, this player employs a bare basics design that cuts down on space, and also attaches to your computer through a USB cable which allows you to record music to your computer, and take advantage your rig’s speaker system. Where this model stands triumphant though, is in the inclusion of its built in speakers which, combined with the AA battery back-up option, allows for a portable, fully functional record player no matter where you are, and all for the ridiculously low price of under $50.

There are a couple of disadvantages to the Evergreen though. Particularly there’s  the lower sound quality you get with the integrated speaker design, and the fact they are currently only available in Japan. So since the import cost for one would kind of defeat the purpose, let’s hope that these players make their way to more of the globe, so everyone will have a chance to experience some of the greatest music of all time in its native format, as conveniently as possible.

There are two things I can’t stand (well, three if you count famine), and they are the overuse of the word “swag,” and products made by car companies that aren’t cars (cologne by Ferrari, for instance).

However, even though these two things are at the top of the old hate list, there are still exceptions. Particularly when the people over at Maserati take their skills at designing some of the best looking cars in the world, and apply it to crafting a pair of speakers that can only be described as swag.

Ok, so technically these speakers are manufactured by the fine folks at Bowers and Wilkins but, even though they are known for some impressive designs themselves, there is no mistaking those beautiful curves, that wood grain finish, or that general feeling that you can never, ever afford this as being the product of anyone else but Maserati.

True to the ideas of both companies though, these speakers aren’t just lookers, but top of the line in performance as well, as they are built around one of Bowers and Wilkins best models that may be manufactured with studio performance in mind, but could rock the foundations of any home as well.

Of course there is no price for these items available yet, and will probably require a “price upon request” approach to determine when they hit the market later this year. Until then (and for many likely long, long after) all we can do is admire the sleekest pair of speakers you’re likely to lay eyes over ears on, and maybe try to find another word besides swag to describe their superfluous levels of luxury.

Have you ever beat your hands on the steering wheel in rhythm with the radio?

I’m guessing the answer is likely yes. Hell, so many people have done it that it’s quite possible Neal Peart drum solos are the cause of more driving distractions than cell phone use.

Of course as fun as the act is, ultimately it is all for naught as you can beat the imaginary skins to your heart’s content, and it’s still just a steering wheel you’re hitting. Eventually, even the most bombastic of automotive percussionist are ultimately contributing nothing to the music.

You can change all of that though by purchasing a device patented as “Re-Inventing the Wheel” (or RITW), but commonly referred to by the manufacturer as the smack attack.

The smack attack turns your steering wheel into a digital drum set, capable of kit accurate sounds by connecting to your iPhone via bluetooth. What makes this more than a high tech car wash waiting room novelty item though is a list of features that include a variety of available sounds and ranges, a drum karaoke option that removes the drums from certain songs (and lets you upload tracks to do the same) so that you can fill in the beat, and you’re even able to record your best performances for all to hear through regular contests on the manufacturer’s website.

Of course, abilities aside, the real joy here comes in being able to finally get some feedback from your drive time drumming, and really contribute to the commuter concerto that most partake in. While I’m still holding out for a device that will give me concert hall acoustics in the shower, the smack attack is a must have for all those 9-5 workers of the world who still harbor rock star dreams.

Tuning a guitar is a monotonous and thankless task that any real guitar player must learn to love, at least until that day they finally get that crew of roadies. While the purist will tell you the only real way to do this is by ear, many know there is no shame in using a digital tuner to help you get the perfect sound, especially if you are just starting out.

Of course if you truly hate having to constantly tune your guitar the old fashioned way, then consider the upcoming Gibson Min-Etune.

The Min-Etune is a very impressive piece of technology that goes behind the head of your guitar, and with few strums will automatically physically tune your pegs. Battery operated, and featuring both pre-set and programmable tuning specifications, to truly appreciate exactly how quickly this incredible device functions, you have to view the video demonstration.

While the Min-Etune may appear to be blasphemy to some, this is the kind of technology you used to theorize about existing (possibly while high), and its impressiveness on function alone is hard to deny. While the price tag hasn’t been revealed yet, for the right person this is a potentially invaluable tedium eraser.

How comfortable are you letting technology into your life?

A company called Neurowear is hoping many of you answered “very,” as they get set to roll out a unique pair of headphones designed to read your brainwaves and pick the music that matches your mood.

Using what is called electroencephalography sensors, the “Mico” headphones detect your subconscious and works with its native app to select the track based on your evolving mood and feelings. The headphones even indicate your general outlook through a visual setup built into the sides.

The goal of the Mico is to create what the developers are calling “Music Serendipity,” where you never have to consciously decide on, or physically choose, your music, but can rather sit back and enjoy the perfect playlist, as chosen by your brain.

Debuting to the public at SXSW this year, details on the release timeframe and pricing are scarce. Further questions abound regarding the variety of the music selections, or how your personal music can be integrated, among other functionality queries.

While apps like Moodagent have been performing this same function for years, the idea of it being incorporated into a piece of hardware is somewhat more original. If the user is able to work off a diverse playlist, the pricing and sound quality of the set is right, and the program accomplishes the majority of its promises, then this headset might just be more than an intriguing idea.