The Return of Vinyl Records

In the year 2021, practically every form of media can be streamed. From movies created a century ago, to the sitcoms of the 90s, even music recorded decades ago has been converted for digital use. Any song can be located and played within a matter of seconds, often for free, and yet people, to this day, spend money for a plastic disc that oftentimes have audible flaws, scratches, and collectively can take up plenty of space.  

The vinyl record was a popular medium for listening to music for decades. While other mediums such as the cassette and CD have mostly come and gone, the record has been able to keep itself relevant. People collect records for any number of reasons, though there are a few that stick out more than others. 

In today’s world, records can be bought for close to nothing. Depending on the age and quality of a record, one can be bought for as little as a dollar. While there may be certain flaws or issues with the record or its sleeve, it seems difficult to argue a dollar is not a good price, no matter what is being purchased. These dollar prices are not restricted to a limited number of sellers either—these prices can be found at antique stores, flea markets, eBay, record stores, and more. 

With records, there is also the satisfaction in discovering new music through what is called “crate digging” or the search of records through flipping through stacks of them at brick-and-mortar stores. While there is no doubt plenty of music to find on streaming services, there is a certain satisfaction of holding and examining a record that you have handpicked from examining the cover art and its condition. While there may no longer be the need for hard copy music, the collection of tangible music allows for a physical display of music taste. 

As records have been made for over a century, there is plenty of history in the medium. There are records over a hundred years old that can be purchased, like vinyl, for little to nothing. Older records are made of the material shellac. They are smaller and heavier than typical vinyl but are just as impressive.   

In today’s world, “store exclusives” sell and records are no exception to the trend. Stores like Walmart, Target and many others across the country have store exclusives for both the artists of today and the past. This interactive trend allows record collectors to look forward to new releases, with typical releases providing interesting variations with the color of the record, other than the typical black.  

While records and record collecting may be a hobby that got its start in the past, it has found a way to return to a state of thriving. Between the capability of holding a tangible piece of music, as well as easy access to records, it is clear why the record has become popular again.