Straight from the heart

Published on April 30, 2011 by The Editor · No Comments

Chris Leeming reports on the Vinyl fetish which is enjoying a renaissance. He believes, unlike digital, it does make the music sound as if it’s from the heart

Vinyl is receiving a bit of a renaissance at the moment. Hardcore vinyl fetish fans will tell you how the experience is second to none. They always mention the ‘warmth’ that the record gives.

I must say I agree with them to some extent. I’ve never connected with an album I only have on mp3. The digital quality some how just doesn’t connect from your ear to your heart.

International Record Store Day was just a few weeks ago. Unfortunately I was away and didn’t manage to grab any of the limited editions up for grabs though. The day is gaining popularity each year, with more fans going to what stores are left and more artists contributing fresh songs and ideas.

Just this week my Newspaper Album The King of Limbs by Radiohead arrived, a few weeks early. Set on clear vinyl and full of extra artwork, I’m enjoying the album much more now than when I had it purely as a download.

Maybe there is something about having to donate space in your living room to an object that means you invest more into it emotionally. Listening to an album rather than a playlist or shuffle is a much better listening experience at the very least.

And tonight (Saturday), the world’s only fully vinyl record show takes to the air on 6 music. Presented by Pete Paphides it promises to include some records that have never made it to CD or digital format, as well as having interviews with vinyl lovers Paul Weller and Laura Marling.

Will it produce that warmth over the air waves? As most DAB enabled radios I have encountered are small portables with no decent sound system its hard to imagine most will enjoy its full potential.

Still worth a spin though.

Do you think Vinyl is making a comeback or is it only good for throwing at your partner? Please comment

Chris Leeming, a wowdewow editor, goes back to the days when the Arctic Monkeys were three years younger.