This week I thought it would be fun to discuss my vinyl record collection!
Ever since I really started to listen to and purchase my own music, I’ve been fascinated by records. Holding the album in my hands and viewing the artwork and liner notes while a needle spins around the record’s groove and magically creates music… this has always brought me much more satisfaction than mindlessly playing MP3s.
A stack of records. Each one was discovered through countless explorations of record stores and my grandparents’ attic.
I enjoy searching for records at garage sales, thrift shops and record shows. There are also a few record stores that I visit frequently, such as Vertigo Music.
Special album artwork. Mmhmm by Relient K, Business Up Front/Party in the Back by Family Force 5, and Plans Within Plans by MxPx.
I have a collection of CDs, tapes and MP3s as well, but I seek out and purchase vinyl for albums that are very meaningful or nostalgic to me. I enjoy seeing the artwork on the vinyl record packaging that is frequently very different from the artwork found in CD booklets.
Below I will share a few prized albums in my collection.
Secret Weapon by MxPx (2007)
Secret Weapon by MxPx is one of my all time favorite punk records. I purchased the CD shortly before departing for my 2007 out west trip, and listened to it nonstop during the car ride. Years later, I simply could not resist purchasing the vinyl version.
Business Up Front/Party in the Back by Family Force 5 (2007)
Business Up Front/Party in the Back by Family Force 5 is goofy, but ridiculously fun. I bought the CD back in middle school, and it quickly became the soundtrack for many great memories. Again, I couldn’t resist pick up the vinyl record version.
Dance or Die by Family Force 5 (2008)
Family Force 5’s sophomore album, Dance or Die, also brings back great memories. I picked up my vinyl copy of the record after seeing the band play live for the second time.
Between Two Worlds by Trip Lee (2010)
I love Trip Lee’s Between Two Worlds. Unlike the CD, the vinyl version contains both the normal songs and instrumentals. The Barney the Dinosaur purple vinyl is another bonus!
Mmhmm by Relient K (2004)
(Again) Mmhmm by Relient K (2004)
I picked up this 10th Anniversary Edition Mmhmm record when I saw Relient K perform the album in its entirety live at the Intersection. It was a truly great show!
Plans Within Plans by MxPx (2012)
(Again) Plans Within Plans by MxPx (2012)
I absolutely love the translucent blue vinyl of MxPx’s Plans Within Plans! This record was released during a time when it seemed as if the band was going to break up, so, of course, I had no choice but to go all out and pick up a copy of the record!
Left Coast Punk EP (2009) and the Screw Loose 7″ (2012) by MxPx
(Again) Left Coast Punk EP by MxPx (2009) (The special Halloween glow-in-the-dark pressing!)
These 7″s are quite rare. The Screw Loose 7″ features a previously unreleased track on its B-Side, and not only is the Left Coast Punk EP glow in the dark, it is also 1 of only 200 copies pressed!
The Legendary Son House: Father of Folk Blues by Son House (1965)
Lastly, I purchased this classic from Son House after learning about his legacy from Jack White of Third Man Records (and the various bands for which he’s known, namely The White Stripes).
For anyone looking to add to their vinyl collection, I suggest checking out Superfan Vinyl. It is a fantastic company that offers many unique and interesting records!
Adventure Awaits 