“You know they have things called computers where you could downloaded a copy – and wait for this – you could put it on a small silver disc to take to the car with you too!” – a friend of my proclaimed as I excitedly showed off my latest vinyl purchases.
I started listing some of the many reasons any vinyl fan has come to know much like how any religious folk know the ten commandments.
“It isn’t compressed – the audio sounds so much more rich!” Then I added “Oh! And check out this cool packaging!”
Luckily for me, he didn’t press anymore than that. Did I sell him on it? Nope, but I also wouldn’t really be able to explain just how compression impacts the audio. Hence why I’m writing this – to try to convince myself buying vinyl is worth it.
I admit I first got into it as a case a peer pressure. But the first visit to my local record store kicked any second-guesses out the door. There is something to be said to flip through the records bins. Maybe it’s the mystery of what’s on vinyl, what’s been reissue, or finding that old Bob Seger album that only has ever been released on vinyl.
It’s the discovery. I have all the Billy Joel albums on mp3 (and probably on CD somewhere) yet I got (admittedly too) excited to flip through the “J” bin and see 52nd Street on vinyl.
I know you’re talking to yourself right now and saying of course he would pay more money for the “shopping experience”. But visit a quality record store. You’ll understand.
In addition to making great decorations around the house, they do sound good.
Does it sound better? I think so – and I’m sure even better when you have the high priced turntable, needle, preamp, etc. etc. (For the record I bought a $99 turntable and got a set of speakers for under 200). But the sound also depends on the song and how it was recorded (among a million other factors) – I tend to think singer-songwriter stuff (i.e. Jack Johnson and John Mayer) have a much more rich sound – as if they were playing in the room with you – where as the new Bob Seger album I can’t easily tell a difference.
At this point I’m sure I lost the credibility of any true vinyl fan especially the biggest one I know – my dad – but I’m not pretending to be an expert – don’t worry I’m still on your team with this.
Because it is a damn near perfect way to listen to music. That trumps any technical reasons right?
I’m more guilty than anyone when it comes to skip on Pandora or Spotify. Not the exact song I want? SKIP! Isn’t ironic the very word skip when applied to vinyl or a CD is seen as bad thing? Going to the next track isn’t the easiest thing to do with vinyl – so it forces you to listen to and appreciate songs you might have skipped over going “haven’t heard this on the radio.”
I’ve found myself listening to complete albums – even sitting down with the sole intention to only listen to music – not check my phone, not work on something with music in the background.