Dedicated to the Boomers who know that the good stuff never gets old, and for Millennials who are finding out there were some pretty cool stuff back-in-the-day for which there are clearly no substitutes– and it’s time to bring them back!
National Vinyl Record Day is August 12th
The vinyl has made a comeback! You know, the large 12″ disc that looks like your parents version of a CD. Why not get to know it? Sony Music Entertainment is reintroducing vinyl records to their product line. Soon others will follow. And you’ll want to be part of the experience and hear your favorite artists on classic vinyl.
A former musician, I love all kinds of music and I have had the pleasure of experiencing it on its many “devices,” including 8-track tapes, cassettes, CD’s, IPods, and all versions of vinyl–45s, 78s, 12-inch singles and the classic 33-RPM vinyl. I can tell you the sound on vinyl is incredible. If you truly consider yourself a music connoisseur, you’ll want to experience the rich tones vinyl has to offer.
It also does the body and mind good. Not only will you get the urge to dance, there’s also a lot of research that supports the positive effects of music on our mood, emotion, and general wellness. Admittedly convenient, today’s electronics and computerized devices offer instant gratification. But there’s something special about having that tactile–that is, physical connection with the music you’re playing. I remember sitting on the floor (when carpet was cool), spreading the albums all around me (in their jacket covers, of course), and reading some pretty interesting content about the artist, their back-up musicians, and the story behind the music, including how it all came together in the studio. Then I’d pull out those big round discs and clean them with the utmost of care (just like CD’s you don’t want fingerprints to mess with the sound!). I’d open a nice bottle of wine, slice some havarti, add some sliced veggies, and for the next 2-3 hours (and sometimes well past midnight), I was in 7th heaven. Occasionally there was a spontaneous date night or an evening reminiscing with the friends, but most of the time it was just me having quality alone time with my music.
Consider adding vinyl records to your repertoire. You can find them at independent retailers, bookstores, and online.You will need a place to store them, of course, like maybe a few milk crates (works great) or shelving. Sounds like a lot of work? Not really–it’s part of the experience. Embrace it and you’ll wonder what took you so long!
