For a long time, it was only ever about progression of technology. The vinyl died a sad death, making way for the unthinkably small compact disc and then music got so small, you couldn’t even see it anymore; it was simply a sound on a computer, helpfully transported onto your 128MB mp3 player for all your portable music needs. How could music get any more advanced than this?
Nothing has usurped the seemingly pinnacle-esque platform of the mp3, other than perhaps the addition of streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, but these are more or less along the same lines; the form of the music has not changed. But somehow, the last few years has seen a resurgence of the much loved vinyl, but why is this?
The Sound Quality
Can it simply be put down to the rise of the hipster and alternative counter-culture that we have also witnessed in recent years? Surely millions of people wouldn’t just follow the trend of these beard-wearing, craft-beer drinking types unless there was a valid reason, or perhaps they would if they’re quite that fickle. But the main point comes in terms of sound quality and this is what the vinyl purists will always argue for. They say things like ‘It always sounds better on vinyl, on the platform that it was originally intended for’, but can the delicate nuances of the cartridge needle really deliver a higher fidelity sound quality than today’s modern re-mastering technology? The average mortal would assume not, but does the word ‘re-master’, in itself, connote that the first incarnation was indeed the best and it has had to be restored to its former, original glory?
At the end of the day, the sound quality battle is a showdown between analog and digital mediums. Whilst digital has allowed us to take the music we love on the move with us, it doesn’t necessarily have that warm and pure sound quality that you’ll find when listening to vinyl. It’s a debate that’s been going on for a long time now, but those of the vinyl persuasion will not even entertain the thought of digital being anywhere near as good. When music is adapted for digital purposes, for things like smartphones or the radio, it has to be compressed which means a considerable amount of the original intended sound is lost. However, you will encounter no such problem with the humble vinyl; the music is exactly as it was meant to sound, so you know that as long as you’ve got yourself a decent amplifier and pair of speakers, you’re getting superior sound quality.
The Experience
Not only this, but there is also joy to be found in the physical process of buying and listening to records. First of all, some enthusiasts have labelled the actual experience of entering a record shop as a social venture; you spend a while casually browsing, not looking for anything in particular, then you strike up a conversation with a fellow vinyl fan who likes the same music as you and you end up swapping recommendations. Yes, this does happen, and it’s refreshing. It’s better than sitting on your own with only your laptop for company whilst you download an album on your frightfully slow internet connection, right? Anyway, record shops are just cool places to be anyway. If you’ve ever been into a Rough Trade, then you’ll be aware of the cultural experience, aside from browsing records.
For those of us who have grown up in the dawn of the digital age, it is hard to believe that our parents actually had to go out to buy their music, just to bring it back and eventually play it once they got home. But this is the point: purchasing music used to be a pastime in itself and it is becoming one again; people have finally remembered the joy of the process.
As well as this, there’s a particular sense of satisfaction in placing the record on the deck, slowly dropping the needle down and waiting that second for it to crackle and find the groove that you just don’t get when pressing a button on your phone. It’s careful, ritualistic and that’s what so many people love about it.
Part of the process is actually holding the record in your hands when you’re choosing what to play, appreciating the art work on the cover and understanding the ideology behind the album; it’s a piece of art in more ways than one. It might seem materialistic to some, but there’s an aesthetic appreciation that some just won’t understand.
The Legacy
Think about it: in 30 to 50 years time, how valuable is your download of Dark Side of the Moon going to be? Zilch, that’s right; it’s intangible. But your vinyl copy in neat condition, with all the inserts and few scratches? Who knows? It could be worth a small fortune depending on the issue. This is just another great perk of vinyl. Building your collection is fun and although records are a little pricier than they used to be, think of them as investments; you never know who might be willing to pay a big price for one of your niche or rare records. Even if you didn’t want to sell them, you can sit there with a smug grin on your face knowing that you have an amazing collector’s item that somebody else wants.
The Conclusion
Maybe we don’t always have to follow innovation. Evolution is inevitable in our ever-advancing technological world for the way we listen to music, but it seems after the vinyl revolution, it doesn’t look like it’s going to go away. Technology is there to help us and make our lives more efficient, which the streaming services have proved, but it can often take away the joy of something and for that reason, people will always love vinyl.
We don’t have to pledge allegiance to one format and hate all the others, that would be ridiculous. It makes sense that we dabble in all mediums for the sake of practicality; for example, I use Spotify on the go for accompanying the everyday routine, but I reserve my vinyl collection and record player for taking the time to relax and truly appreciate the original intended platform for the music I love. Whatever your stance, vinyl is back and it’s here to stay.
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