Heck, of course we liked our records. That's how we first heard Elvis.
We first heard the Beatles on vinyl too.
That is how it used to be but, for the most part, once the compact disc came out, in the early 1980's, vinyl started to fade away and made way for those shiny little discs.
It did not make everyone happy that vinyl was replaced with CD's. Many of the discriminating audiophiles claim that the CD just does not have the sound quality of vinyl. The difference, they say, is analog vs digital. The analog process was direct -- when an artist or instrument was recorded a groove in the record was directly impacted by every nuance of a voice or an instrument. With digital, to a much larger degree, averaging, limiting and compression takes place. Another argument is that the tiny CD does not lend itself to the lavish artwork that was incorporated into the covers of some albums.
Now, I think that most of us still like our CD's for convenience and the fact they tend to stay trouble free. With vinyl, while it might be an authentic sound, often we are not careful and we end up with noisy records -- sticky grooves, scratches, skips. I cannot tell you how many times the wife and I would buy some LP album, then wreck it that first week. CD's are more rugged. I think I have only damaged, beyond repair, two CD's. In each case I dropped them in gravel and put huge gouges in the surface.
So where am I going with all of this history? Well, I got a surprise yesterday. I went to Fred Meyer, a major retailer here in the northwest. While browsing the CD's, I saw that they have a small rack of 33 1/3 RPM vinyl albums -- the LP's, a higher quality medium than the old 45's.. The sign above them says; "Music the way it is meant to be heard."
I knew that some vinyl records were still being pressed. But, for the most part, I only see vinyl in used record stores. I decided to do a bit of reading on the topic and found that vinyl has been making a comeback in the last few years. Downloads (10% of the market share) are seriously cutting into CD sales (89% market share) and vinyl is now at .2% of the market share. That might not sound like much but, according to a story in Time, Warner Music reported a 30% increase in LP vinyl sales in 2007. That is a ray of hope to a bummed-out music industry that is not selling the product it used to sell. Based on the trend, it looks like those folks with turntables can keep them spinning with old, and new, music for many years to come.
Many audiophiles are excited about this trend in recorded music. The record companies realize that the vinyl market is still small, but they want to move more product. So they will serve that niche market. I understand that, at many college campuses, it is very cool to have a turntable. I saw a store the other day that sold only vinyl and turntables and hi-fi accessories. We have some younger friends, 30-year-olds, and they prefer their turntable and records to their CD's. It is, historically, a good thing that vinyl is making a comeback. No doubt about it, some of our greatest moments in recorded music were first preserved on record -- Click here.
There is an addendum to this post. Analyzing the facts, it makes sense that Fred Meyer, the Pacific Northwest, and specifically the Seattle area, would be leaders in this trend of the old becoming new again. After all, Seattle has always been at the forefront of trends in music -- from Ray Charles pioneering rock n' roll, to the garage bands of the 1960's, to Hendrix, to Nirvana and the whole grunge scene,
And wouldn't you know it, two of our old Active Rain buddies, one who lives in the Seattle area and the other (a very part-time employee) who visits on weekends for the nightlife, are at the forefront of making the old new again.
Below, for your eyes only, is the ad slick for a new Seattle billboard that is going to be going up next week. It will be promoting a Seattle radio station that plays innovative music that, they say, flys under the radar. (You can click on the billboard below, to go to their site.) And who are they counting on to get the public interested in their station? You got it, these two cool cats. Or, as they say: "Where's the sandbox mama, these two cool cats have got to go!"
For "Stories Behind the Music" click on the guitar 
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
Check out "This Day In History" -- music and vintage television from the 1950's through the 1980's. I enjoy writing these articles because they take me back to my days in radio broadcasting. Click on Elvis' gold record, below, to revisit those golden hits of yesteryear.
nice Zoot Suits! and thanks for buying my records!
I've heard that it's making a huge comeback. I used to be a D.J. Glad to see the resurgence.
Elvis,
I am flattered that you came by.
Larry,
I do not know about huge, but certainly a surprsing niche.
most of the young-un's don't even know what that symbol is.
My son, a real "audiophile" just recently bought a turntable. He told me that record sales are growing faster than CD sales.
That color does nothing for my skin tone-----but at least I don't have matted fur.
The zoot suits are great. Had to laugh. I've never seen pictures of either of them look better. Sorry Charles, but you know it's true.
Vinyl is pretty cool. When I was in college and played in a band (less than 10 years ago) there were several small time bands that were producing albums on vinyl off small indy labels.
In case you hear of anyone who needs a huge collection of vinyl records send them to me. My son collected records and I have them all since there is no market for them. I had no idea they had starting making them again.
I notice that Nutsy has grown a lot and is now equal to Mr. C in stature. Pretty soon Mr. C will not be able to dictate and cheat and minimize the importance of our Nutsy. And that's a good thing.
Elvis,
Boy, I remember those 45 centers. In broadcasting we got around that in that the turntables were built so there was a big center the 45's would fit over and a small center for the albums. One fit all.
Mike,
I guess the son is right.
Jack,
It does make Charlie look more dignified.
Barbara,
I have tons of vinyl in my basement. As to Nutsy size, you know how they are with stars and models. You know -- Tom Cruise or Dustin Hoffman or Stallone reported to be standing on a box so they are as tall as the leading lady. Henry Winkler too. Add Nutsy to the group, they just stretch him in the photo so he and Charlie seem to be not only mental equals (as we already know) but also physical equals as well.
Charlie,
I think if the two of you had had a tab bit less inbibing prior to the photo shoot you might not look quite so green at the gills.
Ryan,
You are in that age range that appreciates vinyl. These records are for you.
What's next? 8 Track? I wish I would've kept all our old vinyls. Rubber Soul and The Association come to mind.
Rich,
I think that the cassettes and 8 tracks are not so much in favor by audiophiles. I can sell you my old vinyl.
Steve - I hung onto my vinyl for oh so long! But, eventually I felt it was time to let go! Then I was poking around in my parents basement one day and found a stash that I had forgotten that I left behind. It reminded me of good times!
Steve - still have probably over 1400 albums as we called them. Did get rid of a lot of them through the years though. Sorry I did that now. Lost some real collectibles in there I know. I used to sell my collectibles when I didn't have money for rent in the good old days. lol Still, I have many albums that were never released to the best of my knowledge or are impossible to find that are still my faves. I have been transferring said albums to digital discs in recent years in order to save them. Many are still in tip top condition as I was a true collector.
Rich - You mean you sold you vinyl? bummer
Steve - Just came across your blog and I have been passionate about vinyl my whole life. My Dad had a music store in Claremont New Hampshire and he often paid me in records during the late 50's and into the 60's. I never stopped collecting. I am sitting amongst a few thousand 33 LPS right now listening to Bill Evan's "Portrait in Jazz."
I have tube equipment, four turntables, a 1940 Wurlitzer Juke Box and a 1918 RCA Victor wind up for the hundreds of 78's I own.
My wife, also a REALTOR, has threatened me with leaving over the 25 years of marriage if I didn't get rid of some of these platters. I just can't and won't do it. My rock, jaaz, and classical collection is a history of me!
Rich and Steve,
Being an old radio guy I have tons of singles and albums. I do not play them, but I got them.
Steve, thanks for the info. I kept most of my vinyl and recently found on Craigslist a pristine 1950's Grundig console stereo for a measly $100. I'm once again playing my own collection and adding to it from 20 cent per album thrift shop finds. NOTHING sounds as good as a console stereo hi-fi. P.S. Best Buys here on this side of the country has a vinyl section too. And I've heard that some of the artists, like Bruce Springsteen are beginning to record in vinyl because the sound is much better than the digital CD sound.
Terry,
I hope you kept your vinyl in better shape than mine is.
Steven, I have the first 45 I ever bought, using my birthday money from my 8th birthday. Gonna date myself here, it was Elvis Presley Jail House Rock and has four songs. The record and the jacket look new. I took care of all my vinyl. My dad showed me how to clean them using that "special" cleaning cloth, slip them into the sleeve, then into the jacket. Never put your hands on the record, hold them with pinky finger on the hole and thumb on the edge. Here's my stereo, minus the legs which have now been reattached. Drool please :-)
Terry,
I think the first 45 I ever bought was California Dreaming. Unfortunately, having so many records that were played on the radio, they are pretty rough.
Steven, you must be young!
Terry,
I wish. Born in 52.