The Listening Shelf
Part journal, part record collection. Notes on the albums that define the listening bar movement — from rare pressings and jazz reissues to modern classics built for deep listening at home.
The Geometry of Listening:
The Geometry of Listening is a series of ten essays exploring that expansion — how acoustics, architecture, psychology, and culture are reshaping the act of listening itself.
This is the next chapter of the Tracks & Tales journey: from the intimacy of the record shelf to the spaces and ideas that define the future of listening.
The Listening Shelf
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Air – Air (1971)
Rafi MercerAir (1971) is an exercise in proportion — a record of balance, warmth, and quiet mastery. Rafi Mercer on how subtlety became timeless sound.
Air – Air (1971)
Rafi MercerAir (1971) is an exercise in proportion — a record of balance, warmth, and quiet mastery. Rafi Mercer on how subtlety became timeless sound.
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Producer 01 – LTJ Bukem Presents (1993)
Rafi MercerLTJ Bukem’s Producer 01 (1993) redefined rhythm as reflection — liquid drum & bass built for early mornings, open minds, and quiet rooms. Rafi Mercer on motion, stillness, and the...
Producer 01 – LTJ Bukem Presents (1993)
Rafi MercerLTJ Bukem’s Producer 01 (1993) redefined rhythm as reflection — liquid drum & bass built for early mornings, open minds, and quiet rooms. Rafi Mercer on motion, stillness, and the...
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Promised Land: Volume Two – Various Artists (UK...
Rafi MercerPromised Land: Volume Two (1995) captures the heartbeat of Britain’s early jungle and drum & bass era — raw, communal, and full of hope. Rafi Mercer on rhythm as revolution...
Promised Land: Volume Two – Various Artists (UK...
Rafi MercerPromised Land: Volume Two (1995) captures the heartbeat of Britain’s early jungle and drum & bass era — raw, communal, and full of hope. Rafi Mercer on rhythm as revolution...
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Journey to the Urge Within – Courtney Pine (1986)
Rafi MercerCourtney Pine’s Journey to the Urge Within (1986) redefined British jazz with warmth, clarity, and purpose. Rafi Mercer on sound as language and the quiet confidence of a debut that...
Journey to the Urge Within – Courtney Pine (1986)
Rafi MercerCourtney Pine’s Journey to the Urge Within (1986) redefined British jazz with warmth, clarity, and purpose. Rafi Mercer on sound as language and the quiet confidence of a debut that...
Discover and book listening bars selected by the TRACKS & TALES Guide
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Laziza — Brooklyn’s Falafel & Funk Frequency
Rafi MercerIn Bed-Stuy, Laziza mixes mezze, funk, and vinyl — a Brooklyn bar where Middle Eastern food and hi-fi soul find perfect harmony.
Laziza — Brooklyn’s Falafel & Funk Frequency
Rafi MercerIn Bed-Stuy, Laziza mixes mezze, funk, and vinyl — a Brooklyn bar where Middle Eastern food and hi-fi soul find perfect harmony.
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Viajante87 — London’s Subterranean Agave Journey
Rafi MercerBeneath Notting Hill Gate, Viajante87 is a Latin-inspired cocktail and listening lounge — 300 agave spirits, DJs, and sustainable design woven into one subterranean experience.
Viajante87 — London’s Subterranean Agave Journey
Rafi MercerBeneath Notting Hill Gate, Viajante87 is a Latin-inspired cocktail and listening lounge — 300 agave spirits, DJs, and sustainable design woven into one subterranean experience.
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STEREO — London’s Subterranean Frequency
Rafi MercerBeneath Covent Garden’s piazza, STEREO fuses live music, cocktails, and high-fidelity design — London’s subterranean bar where sound is structure.
STEREO — London’s Subterranean Frequency
Rafi MercerBeneath Covent Garden’s piazza, STEREO fuses live music, cocktails, and high-fidelity design — London’s subterranean bar where sound is structure.
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Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge — Madison’s Vinyl Hideaway
Rafi MercerIn Madison, Wisconsin, Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge blends vinyl listening, cocktails, and comfort food — a hi-fi love letter to the low brow.
Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge — Madison’s Vinyl Hideaway
Rafi MercerIn Madison, Wisconsin, Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge blends vinyl listening, cocktails, and comfort food — a hi-fi love letter to the low brow.
The Daily Read
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Stockholm — The Sound of Slowing Down
Rafi MercerStockholm is slowing down. Rafi Mercer explores the rise of Tracks & Tales listeners in Sweden’s capital and the city’s growing love for deep, intentional sound.
Stockholm — The Sound of Slowing Down
Rafi MercerStockholm is slowing down. Rafi Mercer explores the rise of Tracks & Tales listeners in Sweden’s capital and the city’s growing love for deep, intentional sound.
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The White Noise of Marrakech
Rafi MercerRafi Mercer listens to the white noise of Marrakech — where sirens and prayer calls coexist, and echoes of KRS-One’s 1989 performance still pulse through memory and meaning.
The White Noise of Marrakech
Rafi MercerRafi Mercer listens to the white noise of Marrakech — where sirens and prayer calls coexist, and echoes of KRS-One’s 1989 performance still pulse through memory and meaning.
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First Impressions of Marrakech
Rafi MercerRafi Mercer arrives in Marrakech and discovers a city alive with rhythm — a place of sound, scent, and understated escapism, where listening becomes a way of returning to life
First Impressions of Marrakech
Rafi MercerRafi Mercer arrives in Marrakech and discovers a city alive with rhythm — a place of sound, scent, and understated escapism, where listening becomes a way of returning to life
Notes on Listening
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Inner City Life – Goldie’s Enduring Echo
Rafi MercerRafi Mercer revisits Goldie’s Inner City Life — a 1994 classic that still defines urban emotion and deep listening. A record that captures the pulse of cities everywhere.
Inner City Life – Goldie’s Enduring Echo
Rafi MercerRafi Mercer revisits Goldie’s Inner City Life — a 1994 classic that still defines urban emotion and deep listening. A record that captures the pulse of cities everywhere.
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The Quiet Return of the Listening Bar
Rafi MercerLondon’s nightlife isn’t dying — it’s evolving. Rafi Mercer explores how listening bars reflect a shift toward slow luxury, mindful sound, and quality over quantity.
The Quiet Return of the Listening Bar
Rafi MercerLondon’s nightlife isn’t dying — it’s evolving. Rafi Mercer explores how listening bars reflect a shift toward slow luxury, mindful sound, and quality over quantity.
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Motto — Bordeaux’s Sonic Cellar
Phil ArgentHidden on Rue des Piliers de Tutelle, Motto blends hi-fi sound, cocktails, and Bordeaux charm — a cellar where vinyl and wine share the same quiet elegance.
Motto — Bordeaux’s Sonic Cellar
Phil ArgentHidden on Rue des Piliers de Tutelle, Motto blends hi-fi sound, cocktails, and Bordeaux charm — a cellar where vinyl and wine share the same quiet elegance.
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Can a Listening Bar Exist on Playing Just Old V...
Rafi MercerCan a listening bar exist on old vinyl alone? Rafi Mercer argues yes — but discovery must share the stage. Heritage and curiosity form the perfect partnership.
Can a Listening Bar Exist on Playing Just Old V...
Rafi MercerCan a listening bar exist on old vinyl alone? Rafi Mercer argues yes — but discovery must share the stage. Heritage and curiosity form the perfect partnership.
