Monday, September 01, 2008

The resurgent LP

No not the Libertarian Party (sorry Mungowitz), but rather the Licorice Pizza. You know, the 12" long playing vinyl record. It's true! It's in the NY Times. We actually have two turntables at Chez Angus (much to the consternation of Mrs. Angus). Music just sounds more musical on LP over CD, and as the article documents, there is a lot of music coming out on vinyl from new releases by alternative bands to major labels re-releasing chunks of their catalogs on vinyl.

Here's what a couple of 21 year old college boys say in the article about LP listening:

“The process of taking the record off the shelf, pulling it out of the sleeve, putting the needle on the record, makes for a much more intense and personal connection with the music because it’s more effort,” said R. J. Crowder-Schaefer

“I have a ton of music on iTunes,” Mr. (Scott) Karoly said, “but with that music I get A.D.D. really quick. With my LPs, it’s like reading a book as opposed to clicking through articles on Yahoo. When you put on a record,” he added, “it’s an event.”

If you'd like to get on this bandwagon, here is a sweet looking TT to consider (note that you'll still need to buy and install a tonearm:


8 comments:

Tom said...

Don't say "it's true" and "it's in the NY Times" so close together there. It creates a psychic tension; I don't know what to believe.

Fortuneately, I have a tin ear, so it doesn't matter.

Anonymous said...

Heh, that's interesting. I work in logistics for a major media retailer, and we noticed a few weeks ago that we're starting to ship LP's again.

Shawn said...

...the item on the left looks like a margarita glass salter at a bar.

Anonymous said...

The process of taking the record off the shelf, pulling it out of the sleeve, putting the needle on the record, makes for a much more intense and personal connection with the music because it’s more effort

I think there's a word for that: inefficient.

I also reject the idea that vinyl sounds better, you might prefer it, but digital sound reproduction is much better.

Angus said...

Robert: have you done comparisons of the same music on LP and CD? On what facts do you base your statement that "digital sound reproduction is much better". Don't be a-hatin'

Anonymous said...

I don't be a hatin', if you want to listen to vinyl go fer it, I just don't see the attraction considering the cost and inconvience.

The only music I can compare is the left over vinyl my dad had and played on his Sears record player which was fuzzy and took too much effort.

From what I have read the belief the vinyl has a better sound than digital is a myth. And for the most part I listen to classical music and I want a pitch perfect digital reproduction that records the actual sound, not a 'warm tone' or more 'musical' tone, whatever that means.

Obviously this enters the realm of personal preference. But when I drive down to Norman you can try to convince me.

Tom said...

Don't be so fast with that "no not the Libertarian Party (sorry Mungowitz)"! Here in North Carolina (to take one example), we LP types are invigorated, inspired, and determined. We're working hard and legitimately hopeful. Lots o' the credit goes to that thar Mungowitz; he's a star.

Angus said...

Mungo is indeed working his bountifull butt off for the LP in NC. I am really impressed by his efforts. I am trying to do my part by keeping the blog rolling while MM is srappin' and fightin'