Vinyl Records: Your gateway drug to an explosive world

Elliot Tritto

Central Bureau Chief

 

Zach Cowie once said, “Record collecting is an infinite journey backwards.” One of my favorite things to do on my days off includes putting on a record, closing my eyes, and listening to paradise. While I get into a deep, concentrated trance, my mind leaves itself to engage fully into an immersive experience as your senses tingle towards the vocals and your heart drops for the bass.

What I mean is that listening to an album, track after track, can teach you a few things. Vinyl marks itself as the most excellent tool to feel and listen to the balance and flow of amazing songs. My job involves to provide you the unique guide to exploring a whole new world.

On my 18th birthday, my parents gifted me with the most essential “physical” gift I could ever receive Daft Punk’s Random-Access Memory on Vinyl and my first personal record player. Daft Punk’s Random-Access Memory provides an upbeat yet multifaceted rhythmic experience with that futuristic flair.  How I found my love for vinyl began by appreciating each little thing. In doing so, I let my senses dictate to see what appeals to me.

Initially, my eyes were attracted to an albums concept art, lyrical pages, photographs of the band members/session player, and even the color of the record. After taking in the visual aspect, all the attention interchanges towards my ears. Placing the needle onto the paper alongside pushing the start button, your experience is underway. Now finding the album that best fits for you is up to you. Personally, getting your first record stands as your gateway drug. Find an album in which every song back to back you never get bored of.

Subsequently, expanding your vinyl collection can make you see a different you. Often, interacting with various individuals and seeing their music collection opens my eyes on whether they are a true music junkie or just a casual fan.

If I see someone my age owning “Love Supreme.” By John Coltrane, “The White Album” by The Beatles, and “Fragile” by Yes, more than likely our conversations will lead to a significant relationship. Revealing your music tastes and sharing them with others can open and sustain relationships. My parents and I frequently converse about life while listening to Bruce Springsteen or The Who. Vinyl primarily exists as the ultimate stress reliever and eye-opening experience.

To close, collecting your vinyl’s marks as a symbol who you are. Not to mention, how you get your records is also vital. For myself, I avoid big chain stores like Barnes and Noble and Books a Million or looking up on Amazon. As a musician and music follower, I attempt to visit local record shops and the band’s website to purchase records, so the band gets a better cut. Here are a few spots to hit up on your vinyl journey.

Radioactive Records (845 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304)

We Got the Beats (5130 N Federal Hwy Ste 2 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308)

Technique Records (853 NE 79th Street Miami, Florida 33138)

All in all, hopefully, my point was made to have you discover a new hobby in finding pieces of art and exploring by seeing yourself and the struggles of life. Here are some of my favorite albums that I love to listen to.

List albums

The White Album the Beatles

Vivid- Living Colour

Because the Internet- Childish Gambino

Random Access Memories- Daft Punk

The Resistance- Muse

Audioslave Self-Titled

Transmissions- Starset

Blackstar- David Bowie

The Planets- Gustav Holst

Prequelle- Ghost B.C.

 

trite1@mail.broward.edu

Photo: Caroline Cardenas, manager of Technique Records, inputs a vinyl record on turntable.  Michelle Castano/The Observer

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