About four years ago when I was working in New York City, I started to notice more and more music shops carrying vinyl records; not just oldies-but-goodies like Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel, but current titles and releases. The Village’s Bleecker Street Records became my home away from home. It was surprising to me to see that records like Madonna’s “Hard Candy,” Nelly Furtado’s “Loose,” and The Killers’ “Hot Fuss,” were available on vinyl. My curiosity was sparked, and an obsession ensued.
I don’t know many people who haven’t gone into their parents’ or grandparents’ basement and come across musty smelling 33’s or 45’s and a non-functioning alien-looking record player. We have all been there. But it’s the newer releases that have found their way onto the nostalgic format that are truly starting to resonate with people of my generation.
At first, I began to think that vinyl was a record label’s desperate attempt at a fun marketing strategy. While that was probably true at the time (and still is the case in some instances), I started to see more modern record players in stores. A marketer’s dream, I naturally started scouting Manhattan for all of my favorite CD’s on vinyl. It became a game to me, and a fun way to decorate my apartment, since I had no means to play them.
It wasn’t until Christmas of 2009 when I received a vinyl record player that blew my mind, The Numark. It contained everything a modern music enthusiast/pseudo-hipster could dream of. Not only did it give you the ability to spin your favorite vinyl, but also it had an built in iPod dock and PC/Mac connector, allowing you to play your digital music and rip your older vinyl gems onto your computer. Amazing.
Cut to 2011, and I’m still collecting. Old vinyl. New vinyl. Whatever I can get my hands on. My apartment is still decked out in vinyl covers (which, for the inner hipster in all of us, make great conversation pieces). My roommate and I don’t actually have a TV, just the record player. It’s actually made for some really fun parties (don’t tell our landlord).
The sound quality varies obviously from the quality of the recording, the quality of the vinyl, and of course the type of player you have. Many people say that vinyl has a “warmer” and “more bodied” sound, making a comparison of a nice glass or merlot to wine in a box. Honestly, there is a difference in sound, with charming “pops” and “crackles” on vinyl which enhance the nostalgic feel, but it’s something that I tell people to listen for themselves and make a decision on their own. I can certainly say that you won’t be disappointed.
Finally, one of the most impressive details about buying records on vinyl is what is offered in the packaging. Not only do you get some pretty cool covers in a much larger format, but also, depending on promotions and such, you could get a poster inside, some extra pictures that weren’t included in the CD, and even a free digital version of the record. For all of this it could be anywhere between $18 and $30. To me, not too shabby.
It’s really infectious; once you start collecting and listening, you really can’t stop. It takes your music experience to a whole other level. There are some nights when I put on Adele’s “21,” pour myself some Engine House merlot, and just lay on the couch and listen. Nothing else matters.
So don’t be afraid to venture out of the iTunes store and visit local music shops like Dave’s Music Mine (http://davesmusicmine.com/) in the South Side or any of The Exchanges. They carry all the same favorite music titles and offer a really nice selection of vinyl as well.
And don’t be shy! Tell us some of your favorite records! Some of mine include to following:
- Band of Horses – Infinite Arms
- Adele – 21
- Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More
- Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
- The Killers – Hot Fuss
Oh, and if anyone knows where I can find Nelly Furtado’s “Folklore” on vinyl, please let me know. I’ve been looking for years and can’t find it anywhere! I will buy you a year’s subscription to Maniac Magazine for your efforts!
~~ By Dominic Janidas
