Various Artists - Minivan Audio Systems: Infinity Acoustic 10 (1994)

Once upon a time, it was rare for a CD player to come standard in a new vehicle. I guess we've come full circle on that one as they've been phased out over the past couple of decades. But if you bought a Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge minivan in 1994 or '95, you apparently had the option of upgrading to the "Infinity Acoustic 10" sound system which included AM/FM radio, graphic equalizer, stereo cassette player, CD player, and 10 speakers.

And it would have come with this CD sampler that not only introduces you to your new sound system, it provides a variety of music from the Sony catalog to play on your minivan's new state-of-the-art stereo system.

Tracks: Imagine sitting surrounded by the fine, supple cloth interior of a new Chrysler Town & Country (MPG: Up to 16 city / 22 highway), and (over the din of your crying, hungry children) trying to hear the following variety of tracks on your way home from the dealership:

1. Introduction to Chrysler Infinity Acoustic 10 Audio System (2:37)
2. How To Set Digital Clock (:54)
3. How To Tune Radio, Set Pre-sets and Adjust Graphic Equalizer (4:56)
4. Hot To Operate Stereo Cassette Player (2:02)
5. How To Operate CD Player (3:40)
6. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - Tower Of Power (5:26)
7. I See Your Smile - Gloria Estefan (4:58) #48 pop, #3 AC
8. Honky Tonk Crowd - Rick Trevino (2:47) #35 country
9. All Shook Up - Billy Joel (2:09). Also on My Lives. #92 pop
10. Hellos & Goodbyes - Tommy Emmanuel (4:35)
11. A Wink & A Smile - Harry Connick, Jr. (2:48) Also on Sleepless In Seattle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
12. The Hard Way - Mary Chapin Carpenter (4:23) #11 country
13. Keep Talking - Pink Floyd (6:11) #1 rock
14. Said I Love You - Michael Bolton (5:06) #6 pop, #1 AC
15. Silver Threads And Golden Needles - Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn (2:24) #68 country
16. Don't Want To Be A Fool - Luther Vandross (4:37) #9 pop, #4 R&B, # AC
17. Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525, 1st Movement: Allegro - Marlboro Festival Orchestra, Pablo Casals, Conductor (8:26)

Total time: 67:49 (and, yes, I listened to all of it today, including the excitement of tracks 1-5). The "something for everyone" approach leads to some interesting sequencing choices, but I guess that couldn't be avoided. For my money, the top track is a tie between Harry Connick, Jr. and Luther Vandross. The only new-to-me cut that I had any interest in was Hellos & Goodbyes from Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel. I once had track 6, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride on a prerecorded ToP cassette, so it was good to hear that driving funk instrumental again.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: For our growing family, we bought a base model Plymouth Grand Voyager in 1997, so we missed this disc (and the Infinity Acoustic 10, for that matter) but I couldn't resist it when I saw the CD in the used bin. Plus I had a 10% off coupon.