Why Vinyl is the Best Music Format Top Reasons - Celebrating Nation Record Store Day 2012

With National Record Store Day, 21st April 2012, fast approaching it seems a great time to celebrate the joys of decent music on the what is still the best format to enjoy music. 

Here are my top six reasons why I think vinyl is king and some handy links to help your feed your aural curiosities....

6. You Own an Actual Item!

An obvious one, but is far more personal to have a tangible item to cherish and hold. Makes the ultimate present and has a real 'heirloom' factor... what are you going to pass onto your kids? Some soulless, squashed MP3s?

5. Vinyl Sounds Better

Vinyl (in good condition, played with an intact needle) will always sound "better" and more warm because we hear life in analogue. 

Providing that a Digital/ Analogue Converter to plug directly into our brains to allow us to interface digitally isn't developed soonish, then digital (including Compact Disc) recreation will always be inferior, as it will never be 100% of the original recording i.e. what the artist actually sounds like. Click on the diagram below for an explanation.....

4. It isn't Portable

Traditionally seen as a limitation of vinyl, I see this as a real advantage in the modern world. It makes you listen to music. I mean really listen. It makes you stop, sit down and enjoy it whilst holding the sleeve and flipping the disc when each side plays-out. Call me old fashioned but isn't listening to music one of its primary objectives?! We shouldn't 'consume' music. 

Portability is great, but appreciating good music deserves to be a pursuit in itself, not always a soundtrack to your commute, jog, housework, etc....
Modern vinyl purchased comes with a digital download voucher anyway so you can enjoy it both ways.



3. Aesthetics

It looks gorgeous.


2. It Supports the Industry

With 2011 sales up 39% for vinyl as music sales overall continue to fall; circular pieces of vinyl with tunes scratched into them could save the music industry in the digital age. 

They are more 'pirate-proof' than the alternative formats and keep people in physical design, manufacture, distribution and retail in jobs, as well as feeding more money into the music industry and economy in general.



1. It Is About People

It is about hauling your computer-shackled-ass out into the open-air. Walking into a shop and mingling with other human beings. Maybe even (heaven forbid!) speaking to some fellow browsers or shop workers. Flipping through tons of records and finding that hidden gem or taking a chance on something because of how it looks and feels.


So check out your participating local record shop on the 21st of April or even better right now. Dust down that redundant player and learn the many ways of how to connect your old record deck or buy a convenient new USB or audio interface turnatable.


Happy Listening


Nick