Day 262: Vinyl Nostalgia

I’m not old enough to have the full experience and life of vinyl records. I’m sure a couple were played in my house when I was a wee one. But my first real encounter came when I lived with my cousin, Troy, in Grand Rapids. He had a collection an amateur could envy. I remember listening to The Talking Heads, Tom Waits, and Ween boom through the apartment like a band was playing in the other room. I didn’t realize how authentic vinyl sounds.

Listening to music in vinyl is an experience. There’s something that happens when the needle hit’s that grooved black plastic and the first silent crackle hits. It’s a sound that says, “Welcome.” Then it’s time to chill and listen to the art and magic of one of the world’s musicians.

I tend to listen to vinyl music more intently rather than passively. There’s something wholeness, something nostalgic, without a reason. It’s not an infinite playlist; one must get up and turn over the album after a few songs. It’s like watching a movie with an intermission, creating anticipation for the second half, the finale.

My collection is small, but it will grow now that I have a place to put them. I’m excited to add some classics to the collection: Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and some Creedence. I’ll also splurge once in a while on some Modest Mouse, Blink 182, and even the double album All Eyes on Me by 2Pac.

Listening to vinyl brings me more of an appreciation for music. Even with the scratches and dust, some people still say it’s the best quality of sound you’ll get. That’s debatable, but it still sounds like the band is right in the room.