It's time to go up to the attic or down into the basement and dig out all those old vinyl records that you saved 30 years ago.
Music on vinyl is in demand throughout Canada and Ewe Ess. After being left for dead back in the 80s and 90s, vinyl records have continued their upward trajectory over the last five years. According to Nielson Music, 14.3 million records were sold in 2017, the 12th straight year in which sales surpassed those of the previous year and a record total since Nielson Music it began tracking music sales in 1991.
The attraction back to vinyl has occurred for many reasons and generally depends on the buyers' preferences. Some people have rediscovered that the sonic qualities are a little different than the digital, compressed stuff. The visual element can play a big role with creative art work, inserts and posters. The use of vintage amplifiers and big speakers is an attraction for the sound folks. Some just like to "hold" their music, and the hunt for vinyl is and of itself an attraction as folks hit flea markets, independent retailers, second-hand stores and junk stores to find vinyl.
And what's essential to the collector? Purely one's own musical preferences, and budget can be as little or as high as an individual wants to make it. A recent "essential" list had:
■ The Beatles, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.
■ Stevie Wonder, Songs in the Key of Life.
■ The Who, Quadrophenia.
■ Jack White, Lazarette.
■ Pearl Jam, Ten Redux.
■ Miles Davis, Kind of Blue.
■ Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with Ode to Joy on it;
■ James Brown, In the Jungle Groove.
■ Sleater-Kinny, No Cities to Love.
■ Beck, Sea Change.
■ The Clash, London Calling.
So, looking to join the craze — attic, basement, Saturday morning down at the Riverside Market or maybe a drive down to Sanson might be a good place to start your hunt.
But remember — when you're playing your favourite vinyls, tread lightly. You don't want to skip the song!