Vinyl records have enchanted generations of audiophiles since they went mainstream in the early 1930s. Their pure, uninhibited sound eventually gave way to more convenient media, like cassettes, CDs and MP3’s. Today, vinyl is making a comeback, attracting younger-than-ever music enthusiasts, in a tougher-than-ever music industry. Growing up in the digital age, I set out to learn why people go to such great lengths to find their favourite music on vinyl.
Immortalized by the icons of rock and roll, vinyl is most commonly associated with the era of Elvis and the Beatles. For baby boomers, the experience is nostalgic. Although many may 
have an iPad, the convenience still doesn’t measure up to the organic sound and uncompromising quality vinyl brings.
Technology is advancing at breakneck speed and the torrent of sights and sounds can be exhausting. The ability to download, upload, skip and shuffle thousands of songs in a matter of seconds comes with a price. Even the highest quality digital songs are compressed, thus compromising the character of the sound. A pressed vinyl record allows for raw, uncompressed sound quality.
Vinyl records offer that retro appeal that young people are drawn to. The fact that they are no longer being mass manufactured and distributed gives records that unattainable cool appeal.
Most of all, serious music fans appreciate the kinaesthetic, hands-on experience of playing a record. The elaborate cover art on a record like Cream’s “Disraeli Gears” engages the listener. Extracting the album, putting it onto the turntable, dropping the needle and hearing the scratches and nuances that are a part of a live performance, get the listener more involved. It’s not hard to understand why LP sales are on the rise, while CDs are declining.
Where on Earth offers a wide range of vinyl LPs. From the smooth beats of James Taylor’s “Mud Slide” to the timeless “Layla” by Derek and the Dominoes, our collection is sure to entice even the most discriminating audiophile. Prices range from $5 to $200 (for sealed rare treasures like “Rock with Bill Haley and The Comets”). The average record sells for $8 and our collection is growing every day. We love helping music junkies find their fix, so feel free to leave requests in our wish book and we’ll do our best to help you track down the impossible. If your record library is bursting at the seams, or if you’d like to diversify your collection, we’d love to see your vinyl. Whether you want to buy, sell or browse, Where on Earth is your vinyl destination. Stop by anytime and experience the music.
October is vinyl record month at Where on Earth. Like us on Facebook and check out our month-long homage to classic vinyl.
