Vinyl Albums – Works of art
A vinyl album is a work of art. It is not merely the music. You are holding something that is substantial and is full of integrity. The first thing you notice is the weight. It has gravity. This is an object of importance. The second thing is the cover. I have bought unknown albums on the strength of the cover. It is a work of art. It tells you something about the nature of the music. It tells you about the people in the band. The front cover of a vinyl album, unlike the tiny sleeve of a CD, is big enough to hold and look at. It has importance. Those tiny CD sleeves are throwaway garbage, corporate advertising. But a vinyl album cover is something else. You can treasure it. Then you turn the album over and look at the back. There is information you can actually read! You don’t need a fucking microscope!
When I used to get home with a treasured purchase I would spend time looking at the cover, reading the writing. If there was a booklet/insert I’d get it out and read that too. I would take the album out and look at it to check for scratches. Then I’d put it on the turntable and gently apply the stylus and listen.
The music was warm. I didn’t mind the odd crackle. It was analogue heaven.
A vinyl album is a package – something of value to own and enjoy. It is so much more than just the music.
A vinyl album means something!
Totally! I used to love it when the words were included. Read along the first time hearing the song at home and read the whole album cover – all the artists, backup singers, musicians. Look at the story of the picture on the front. Love it!!!
Yeah – I can’t read the stuff that comes with CDs – the writing’s too small. It’s an effort!
It’s an eye test. Yup, a lot of trouble.
I’m glad vinyl has come back in!
Absolutely right. You sit down and study while the music plays. You read the names of the musicians, producer, engineers, the little in-jokes in the acknowledgements. And the 12″ square gave artists like Roger Dean and Storm Thorgersen space to work wonders. Great post.
Exactly. It was a whole package. What we get now is a consumer product!
Ah have just been with an old friend who has revived her vinyls. The sound is incredible and the covers a history of our youth!
It always takes me back. But then I’ve never really been without them. Good to hear from you Georgina.