The first record I bought myself

The first record I remember buying with my own money was Abraxas by Santana. I had bought singles before but an album felt like a serious purchase. I must have been 19.

I think I bought it partly because I loved the cover. I brought it home and Rafi immediately wanted to know where I got the money for it, which annoyed me because I was working by then.

I played it constantly. Black Magic Woman especially, over and over.

Rafi eventually told me I was going to ruin it. This from the person who had spent years telling me not to touch his records.