Sometimes it’s good when history repeats itself.
Over the last few decades there have been leaps and bounds in the development of the technology we use to listen to music. From the late 19th century to the early 1980s, record players were among the most popular ways to listen to music at home. From there, the compact disc was invented, and then mp3 players in the late 1990s. Since then, mp3s have been the dominant storage method, as you can listen to them on your computer and phone.
However, over the past several years there has been a vinyl renaissance. It has become trendy to buy records again, which I think is a wonderful thing. If you are a music nut or are even just curious about music history, you really ought to try listening to vinyl.
Yeah, yeah, this probably sounds like something a hipster would say. But this stigmatization is part of the problem. A lot of people miss out on the vinyl sound because it’s outdated and many think it’s just a fad. Well, if it’s a fad that previously dominated the music market for 90 years, there must be something to it.
So just why should you pick up a record player? Well, the key factor is the sound quality. Part of the appeal of records are the slight pops, crackles and hisses that come from playing them.
For some, this may trigger nostalgia, but as someone who never listened to records growing up, I just find it to be a warm, comforting sound that complements the music in a pleasing way.
Another plus comes from the range of records currently available. More and more bands and solo artists are releasing albums on vinyl nowadays and their records are usually pretty easy to find online or in stores such as HMV. The only downside is the price, as new records can cost upwards of $40.
Fortunately, the real fun comes from buying used records –– which can be a great way to discover music –– and Centretown is a great hunting ground. There’s Compact Music on Bank Street and The Turning Point on Cooper Street –– and this is just to name a few. Elsewhere in the central part of the city are The Record Centre on Wellington Street West and Vertigo Records on Rideau Street.
These stores offer a plethora of old records, many of which can be bought for $10 or less.
The Turning Point’s Shawn Laverie says business is booming. “Some days our vinyl sales outsell our CDs and DVDs. It’s definitely a thriving medium for things that should have been gotten rid of, out of print 20 years ago. They’ve definitely come back.”
There’s a national celebration of vinyl called Record Store Day held every April 16 since 2007. The event has seen members of the community line up outside record shops for the chance to get their hands on limited prints and other special products.
The Ottawa underground scene makes great use of old technologies, too. Centretown News recently reported that local label Low Noise had just released its first compilation on vinyl.
Cassette tapes also have a following, and indie bands distribute them through Bandcamp.com. Sound quality on tape players can be pretty close to records, and they’re often available for peanuts at thrift shops. The only challenge is finding one that works well.
Aside from quality and availability, record players are just plain fun to use.w Placing the needle gently on the record is a satisfying ritual. For those not worried about damaging their discs, records can also be scratched to create that classic DJ sound.
You don’t need to be a music nerd or audiophile to enjoy music on a record player. I encourage you all to get spinnin’.