Vinyl Records Make A Comeback.

October 5, 2008 by admin
Filed under: entertainment

As last week’s debates and debacles prove, the world is getting way too complicated.

That’s why it’s time to head back to the cocoon, where we’ll gorge on comfort food like mashed potatoes, and warm chocolate pudding (with the skin on top), then go for the gusto with a retro Schlitz Classic, and finally, fire up the turntable to listen to our favorite (soothing) tunes.

On vinyl.

Yes, like ‘cocooning’, vinyl is back and spinning its way into living rooms everywhere. No longer do vinyl geeks have to mourn the loss of analog’s sweet, rich, natural sound. Vinyl lives. In fact, Vinyl thrives.

The Wall Street Journal reports some surprising new stats: World-wide sales of LP records doubled in 2007 (from three million to six million units) after hitting an all-time low in 2006, according to IFPI, the international recording industry trade association. At the same time, turntable sales in the U.S. increased more than 80% from 2006 to 2007 and continue to rise this year, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.

In the meantime, global sales of CDs dropped 12% in the same period, after having fallen 10% the previous year.

It’s no wonder so many artists are now releasing (or re-releasing) vinyl versions of their music. From Madonna to Metallica to Coldplay to Tom Petty to the 250,000+ titles on Amazon’s Vinyl Records section, audio purists will discover a revival of a musical world many assumed had vanished due to the rise of CDs and America’s number one music retailer, iTunes, and its 5-billion downloaded songs. (June, 2008)

But we Americans are a quirky sort. While most of us heartily embrace all things digital, there are spaces where sentimentality reigns. (It’s why it’s so tough to be 100% green and why Cheeseheads can be vegan, except while tailgating at Lambeau Field surrounded by the siren song of barbecued bratwurst) That vinyl 12-incher represents more than mere quality, fullness or authenticity. In this age of digital immersion, the vinyl retread feels slightly indie, almost bootleg. It’s slow food versus fast food. It’s Brett versus Aaron.

Plus, being able to physically hold an oddly fragile Long Playing album creates a different experience of the music. A more complete experience. A more experiential experience.

So don’t be surprised if on your next Girls Night Out that guy on the barstool next to you leans over and slurs: ‘Wanna come up and feel my vinyl?’

Guru’s Note: Thanks to a site called Dinosaurs and Robots, for the bizarrely inventive mix of analog+ digital — the Mega Giant Wooden iPod pictured above.

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