My first MP3 player liberated me. I suddenly gained access to artists and collections of songs that I previously could only dream of accessing. Instead of burning CDs or creating mix-tapes, I now created playlists with ease. I could set a couple of filters and a playlist would materialize. I instantly stopped buying music from the store. Instead, I pulled in music from everywhere. I turned away from being a collector of vinyl, CDs, and cassettes. I became a musical curator of digital files.
Then, along came streaming. Even better than digital files. Downloading music was now not necessary either. Once I set a profile, I was ready to key in preferences and open a whole new way experience with music. Suddenly, music came in waves. The access, availability, and sheer number of choices is unbelievable. 20 years ago, I was limited to a physical collection of music that I assembled. Today, I can listen to virtually anything ever recorded by thumbing through my phone.
But, recently, I re-discovered my love of records. Even though I love my collection of digital music and streaming, I have found my way back to vinyl, particularly when I want to relax and really experience the music. Why? Well, there are several reasons. And, it’s not just about sound quality. Let’s talk about what makes the difference for me.
Touch
Running my fingers over the physical album covers creates a splendid opportunity to explore more than the songs. What’s my mood right now? Something upbeat? Do I want to sing along or just chill and read? While I can peruse playlists or stations, thumbing through my records is a sensory experience. It combines touch and feel with visual cues which invoke the music in your brain. A marriage of the senses that pulls in my emotions.
Once I put that record on the turntable, I love to peruse the sleeve for the lyrics and liner notes. Listening to an album merges physical and emotional across all of the senses.
Nostalgia
How many times have you heard a song and you recall a place or a situation? For me, it happens all the time. Albums do even more of that for me. When listening to an album I have listened to frequently, I anticipate the next song. I hear it playing in my head several moments prior to the needle getting to that groove. I don’t know why that is an exciting feeling for me. I can just tell you that it is.
Lately, when I get a rainy day or downtime on the weekend, I may find my way to a local record shop. I love looking for replacements for my worn-out cassettes or CDs that I used to own. I am not looking to find something worth a ton of money to collectors. The only worth is to me and my vague memories of the past, but the process does bring me great joy. And, every once and a while, I find something that I can treasure all to myself.
Connectedness
I love hearing other tracks on a record that never come up in a streaming session unless you specifically choose it. There is something about B-sides or deep cuts that create a sense of adventure or discovery that’s different than having something popular or enjoyable pop up in your stream. Coming across a cool deep cut that fits you well is a real find.
A real solid album also connects the songs together in a manner streaming never does. The songs feel sequential. The music floats effortlessly from one song to the next. This may sound a bit goofy, but I can feel like the artist is allowing me into their process and revealing their thoughts and ideas. One song builds into another. There are times when I will listen to a side of the album twice. I feel like it reveals something different on the second run.
My Speed
When I’m spinning vinyl, I’m in control. I make the choices. I don’t need a login. There is nothing to set up. I put the record on, queue the needle, and just listen. Sometimes, I dance and could care less what it looks like. I don’t need to like tracks or put hearts on things. And, the only time I hit skip is when it’s Yoko Ono’s turn on one of those really bad songs on Double Fantasy. I still cannot believe he thought that was a good idea. May he Rest In Peace.
I stream when I want it simple with lots of choices and genres. When I want a more immersive and emotional experience, I spin some vinyl. Some days my speed is 5G; other days it’s 33 1/3.