There’s been another round of discussions about vinyl records vs cds vs mp3s vs whatever lately. Let’s recap:
Columbus Dispatch ran a story letting their readership know that vinyl ain’t dead! Best quote from Adam of Columbus Discount Records:
“We’re selling about 100 records a week and maybe, in a good week, seven CDs,” owner Adam Smith said.
Sour Records in Westerville have announced that they’re closing their shop and only maintaining their eBay store “due to a marked fall off of my walk-in business”. A discussion in our message board brings to light that once one of the main people from the store left, they felt like their personal connection to the store was lost. Highlight:
Not to point fingers… but ever since Steve Louis left, that place went downhill quick.
Steve seemed to have a pulse on what his customers wanted, and he’d have in the store before they asked for it. Plus he’d go the extra mile to get things in and was as excited about getting things in in a timely matter (super fast). Not so in recent years, it seemed to be an annoyance to get things in, and hardly any effort was made in those regards. The store lacked its original charm and personality, when those things moved with Steve to NY. The last few years have been really frustrating for this Sour supporter. (continued)
Finally, on the Matador Records Blog, Patrick puts it in perspective on a more national scale:
I’ve been quizzed a lot recently about the so-called vinyl revival. Sales of indie rock records, of rock records in general, are up on vinyl. I respond with the standard litany of answers: people want to connect with an artifact, something real and physical, and something that doesn’t feel as worthless and disposable as a CD… something that sounds better than an MP3. The inclusion of MP3 download coupons in vinyl LPs also caused a big spike in sales, since people no longer had to choose between CDs and LPs. (full blog)
On a personal level, the amount of CDs I buy each year continues to decrease while my vinyl and mp3 buying increases. What about you?
I scored a record player from my grandma 2 years ago. She barely used it at all. Since then I have bought a ton of records, and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. I never liked CDs, but I’m weird.
I buy maybe three cds a year compared to 3 lps a week (at least). Never bought a mp3.
My friend bought some vinyl pants in the early 90’s and I still make fun of him for that.
All about vinyl, if it’s an album I think will sound better that way. I still buy CDs, although I do emusic.com. iTunes with gift certificates only really. The LPs with MP3 coupons is a big selling point for me.
I paid more than $20 for the latest Wilco when it came out and it had the CD included. The new British Sea Power LP has a CD as well. A great idea. I’ve pretty much always had a record player but didn’t buy much in the 90s, mainly due to lack of funds — not any real principle or anything.
I’m all aboard the vinyl train. It’s loads more fun to scour sweet record stores (Lost Weekend, I’m lookin’ in your direction) than best buy. iPod all day, vinyl at night.
The last time I bought a cd it was 2006. Seriously.
Many, many people are being more selective when it comes to the music format they prefer. Yes, vinyl gets the nod in my world, and I am not weird :o)
There is nothing like a good vinyl, i’m using CD to put under my whisky. I have a nice collection of the best from 60-70 and early 80’th. I’m playing on a Rotel and NAD amplyfier and allso sometime a JVC with Cerwin Vega AT 100. This evening i will spend with a verry nice dubble album “Steppen Wolf Live” and and to fill between the tracks a goo whisky and a hvanna. From Swedish Rocker born 47.
I have only purchased 2 cds this year, and they were CD only releases. Over time the Vinyl vs Cd ratio has slowly moved toward vinyl being the favorite. One of my reasons is that vinyl holds value much better then a CD. Its nice to know that what I am buying will give me hours of listening pleasure and if I want to part with it chances are I can do so with the possibility of a profit (well at least more then then 2 bucks a CD is going to get me).
I have decided this year that I won’t buy a CD if I can get the same album on wax, the free download helps this, the lack of shelf space for any collection enforces this.
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Now that no one wants CDs I am buying more than ever at a buck a pop. I ordered over 50 CDs from the BMG CD Club this month alone….that is the only place I will purchase *new* CDs as they can be had for less than $5 each. I have thousands of LPs but would not consider paying more than a buck or 2 for any record. I have never and will never pay money for an MP3…with all those CDs and records, there’s absolutely no need.