Enjoying a Portable Record Player Lifestyle: Five LP Records for Tea Time with KORG handytraxx play

You may have heard the news that vinyl records are gaining popularity again. In our company as well, more young employees are buying records, and gatherings to enjoy records together on weekends have been increasing.
However, not everyone has a full audio system at home like in the Showa era, and many people find it difficult to get into vinyl listening.
For those people, I highly recommend the portable record player released by KORG, the handytraxx play, which is also popular in our company.

KORG / handytraxx play

This player is easy to use—simply plug it in or insert batteries, and you can start enjoying your records right away. It’s perfect for those who want to casually listen to records they found in storage after a long time.
Since it is lightweight and compact, it doesn’t take up much space, allowing you to maintain the aesthetics of your room while letting the sound alone enhance the atmosphere.

For those who want to start listening immediately, here’s a quick guide on how to use it:
Plug in the included power cable and press the small power button near the connection port.

Check the rotation speed of your record and select the appropriate speed from the three available options on the switch.

If you’re unsure where to find the rotation speed, check the label on the record. LP records are usually 33 RPM, while singles are often 45 RPM.

Place the record onto the spindle on the player and lift the tonearm on the right side of the player.

Position the stylus over the silent groove at the edge of the record and start playing!
*For single records with a large center hole, use the center adapter located at the upper left of the player.

Even though it’s a portable record player, it delivers the rich and warm sound characteristic of analog records.

For those who have just discovered the joy of vinyl with this player, or for those who want to enjoy a relaxing tea time with music, here are five calming LP records that you can play on your handytraxx play.

I selected these albums based purely on my personal preference at the moment. Instead of covering multiple genres, I decided to focus on rock and pop music from the 1960s-70s. To keep it unique, I avoided frequently featured records in music magazines and online sources, and instead curated slightly niche yet blissful tea-time albums. I hope you find them inspiring.

Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames / Sweet Things

A 1966 album by British singer and Hammond organist Georgie Fame, known for his 1964 hit “Yeh Yeh”. Georgie Fame gained popularity in the Mod scene by incorporating Black music influences such as R&B, Motown, and Jamaican ska. This album was released at the height of the Swinging London era, a time when the streets of the UK were adorned with vibrant fashion. The album’s groove, a blend of Black music and sophisticated pop sensibilities, makes it a perfect choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their teatime relaxation. Enjoying it while displaying its cake-themed cover art will make the experience even more delightful.

Grapefruit / Around Grapefruit

If you’ve recently dusted off your old Beatles records and felt that familiar excitement, then Grapefruit’s 1968 debut album is a perfect match for you. Packed with irresistibly sweet and tangy Beatlesque psychedelic pop, this record carries a direct lineage to the Fab Four themselves. Signed to Apple Publishing, a company founded by the Beatles, and even named by John Lennon, Grapefruit can be considered something of a ‘disciple band’. For those looking to step into the world around the Beatles, this album is a great starting point. Reissue LPs are still available on various online stores, making it an easy and adventurous pick. Additionally, some of their singles can often be found secondhand, so that could be another way to begin exploring their music. And of course, playing this record while sipping tea, with its beautifully designed cover on display, is a truly blissful experience.

Margo Guryan / Take a Picture

After a string of vibrant selections, let’s shift gears to something a bit more melancholic. This 1968 album by singer-songwriter Margo Guryan gained newfound appreciation during the 1990s Shibuya-kei era, when the soft rock revival brought her music back into the spotlight. The album features Margo’s version of Spanky and Our Gang’s hit “Sunday Morning” written by herself. Guryan’s whispery vocals float over soft, psychedelic pop arrangements, creating a soothing and dreamy listening experience. This record has been reissued multiple times, including on colored vinyl, and can still be found on online stores. If you’re looking for something effortlessly charming yet slightly wistful, Take a Picture is a great addition to your collection.

Mary Hopkin / Earth Song/Ocean Song

Next, I have a perfect record for those who want to enjoy a quiet, peaceful tea time. Known for her massive hit “Those Were the Days”, released on The Beatles’ Apple Records, Mary Hopkin took a step away from pop and embraced her true musical passion with this 1971 second album, fully immersed in the world of UK folk. There’s a simple joy in watching the Apple Records label spin on a portable turntable while sipping a cup of tea.

Since this player is portable, you might also enjoy listening to it in a beautifully tended garden. While some tracks have a melancholic touch, the album as a whole provides a soothing experience for a weary heart. This record has been reissued multiple times, and vintage Japanese pressings often turn up in second-hand stores, so it’s definitely worth seeking out!

Original Soundtrack / Veu de Noiva – The Bride’s Veil

This 1969 soundtrack album was created for a Brazilian TV drama and features none other than the legendary bossa nova singer, Elis Regina. The album begins with elegant and serene piano instrumentals, yet also includes some strikingly Burt Bacharach-esque pop gems, making it a well-balanced mix of solemn and lively tracks—a perfect companion for tea time!
Compared to the other records introduced today, this one might be harder to come by, but it’s well worth the hunt. If you manage to find a copy, you’ll be rewarded with a truly blissful listening experience.

I have introduced five carefully selected records that are perfect for tea time, but of course, there are countless other albums out there with both stunning artwork and delightful music to accompany your moments of relaxation. Why not explore the world of vinyl with a turntable or a portable record player, pairing exquisite records with a fine cup of tea to create a truly blissful experience?

Next time, I’ll introduce single records that can serve as great conversation starters when you have guests over or visit a fellow vinyl enthusiast’s home. Stay tuned!