Vinyl records aren’t just for grandparents anymore

One of the things that have piqued people’s interest during the quarantine was music. There have been a lot of really great releases from favorite western artists and stellar comebacks. And the modern music industry puts a lot of weight on digital streaming — the number of plays or views a song gets determines its success, making a huge chunk of music a purely digital venture.

But something people are also re-discovering is the different non-digital ways to enjoy music. Driven by nostalgia and boredom, the ‘90s kids have dug up their old boom box and played old CDs, complete with lyrics and photo book inside the CD case.

The world is also seeing a resurgence of vinyl records and the turntable, seeing a spike in vinyl record sales for the first time since the 1980s. If you’re on the fence about purchasing old records, here are pros and cons to help you see if records are for you.

The hunt makes it exciting

Looking for your next record is like treasure hunting, especially if you don’t have a set record in mind. Vinyl stores are a treasure trove of hidden gems — you’ll never know what you’re gonna get. Combing through records can help you broaden your musical taste since you’ll be exposed to a lot more artists while searching. Don’t sleep on word of mouth, too. Other treasure hunters can share some of their recommendations and most store owners would be happy to point you in the direction of your next favorite album.

Valuable collectibles

Vinyl is vintage and nostalgic; there’s no doubt about that. While artists from this age still explore vinyl releases, many records you’ll probably encounter are oldies but goodies. Lots of these records come from collectors who bought them at the time of release (meaning way back when), so you’ll own a piece of music history forever. If you have relatives who pass on their vinyl records to you, you’re guaranteed a story comes with that, too. Who knows, you might just uncover letters or photos from the past that can make the listening experience even more meaningful.

Multi-sensory experience

Vinyl records give you everything — the look of album art, the feel of the actual disk, the auditory pleasure you get from the scratches and dips of the physical record. Vinyl gives a tangible musical experience that digital streaming cannot replicate. Sitting down and being in the moment with your favorite record playing is an experience all its own. Also, album covers are perfect for your quarantine redecorating venture — hello, vintage chic.

For more audiophile tips, visit SM Shopmag.

Editor’s Note: This article was provided by SM Shopmag.