The Vinyl Experience

Back in the olden days, before the advent of insta-tunes, preparing for the activity of vinyl worship was a complex ceremonial process.

It usually began with fingers diligently sliding across the spines of album jackets searching – seeking out the perfect vibration between man, woman (or zombie) and vinyl.

Of course, it could of just been static electricity created by your socks sliding on shag carpet.

But I digress, the keeper of the vinyl would then relentlessly pursue this quest until the jacket containing the most divine musical union of poetry and harmony finally revealed itself to be – the perfect choice of vibrations for the quintessential moment in time.

“Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day

You fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way”

– PINK FLOYD

The chosen one was meticulously plucked from it’s alphabetical address and temporarily relieved of its inner soul as the sacred anti-static sleeve was ever so carefully removed from its hallowed sheath.

BEHOLD I say, as the holy album jacket was carefully placed on the display stand for all to see, when suddenly an inspired “aah” escaped from the mouths of the congregation.

There was usually at least one non-believer who would make disrespectful comments like “Oh not that again” or “Come on, let’s just rock out man!” but seriously, screw that guy – “These are my records man, if you don’t like it, get the f*** out!”

The consecrated gleaming disc was then finally released from its burden of static-free apparel and exposed bare naked to the world. It was now ready to be laid upon the altar of spinning, at which time the ceremonial dust bunny remover would be deployed.

Listening to vinyl is an event people! It takes some actual effort to lay down the vinyl and THAT is why VINYL, “the holiest of holies” – (there is a hole in the middle of the darn things) – is still such an appreciated medium to this day.

That – and they sound better – just saying.

To be honest, we didn’t even know what we had back in the day. We bitched and complained about fidelity and pops and scratches, we overindulged on cleaning products and coddled our vinyl like it just popped out of the womb because it was all we had (insert cassette rant).

It really wasn’t until we actually listened, and heard what you get from an instant digital representation of our glorious vinyl, that we realized:

• “Hey, what happened to the sound?”
• “Where is the warmth and presence?”
• “How come I don’t feel like I’m in the room with the musicians anymore?”
• “Wow, vinyl must be a gift from the Gods!”

Well, maybe not exactly. Analog contains more information and the signal is continuous. These are very good reasons why we can and do become so attached.

I believe true vinyl lovers never completely took the bait though – sure CDs were convenient, sounded pretty decent in the car, but I never felt any real connection to those digital files.

But man, when I sit back and close my eyes after dropping the needle, the day slips away and I feel – something. Something that feels like a connection – and it reminds me.

“I close my eyes

Only for a moment, and the moment’s gone

All my dreams

Pass before my eyes, a curiosity”

– Kansas