Got it on Vinyl

As a long time music collector (and semi-retired DJ) theres something about the phrase "I've got it on vinyl" that seems to command respect. Unlike any format that has come since, the big slab of wax has a quality about it that still appeals like no other.

In this modern age of digital downloads, the concept of a record collection is practically non-existent, there is no great kudos to be earned from having an ipod full of good tunes, especially considering the ease of file-sharing and illegal downloads. Even legitimately sourced MP3s from iTunes or CDbaby lack the desirability of something you can hold, touch and look at. Legal downloads offer the listener no real advantage over illegal music, no fancy packaging, no pride of place on the shelf and none of that mystical warmth that something as basic and analog as vinyl offers.

Even CDs have a distinct advantage, sure they were (and still are) easily copied, arguably the sound quality of CDs, if played through a decent system, is superior to all other formats. But a good purchased CD comes with a nice booklet and once again sits on a shelf for all to see and admire.

Any physical format of any piece of music has an immediate advantage in that it has a finite quantity in existence, whether that be thousands or millions of copies of an album, or a limited edition picture disc or digipak, perhaps its a rare first pressing of a classic album, with a different mix or the wrong information on the packaging. All these things make a good record (and to a lesser extent) CD collection special. None of these things can be applied to digital downloads.

What would be the point of releasing a "limited edition" MP3? Its digital, it is easily replicated and has no manufacturing involved beyond that of the musical creation itself. A thousand copies of an MP3 do not exist untill it has been distributed (virtually of course) so there could be no justification in calling a digital product "limited edition". Besides which, when those thousand run out, it can almost certainly be found on PirateBay or somewhere similar. Likewise there can be no good reason to "delete" the back catalogue of an artist when it costs nothing to reproduce an album digitally and, similarly, that music would find its own illegal distribution network.

For DJs, downloading tunes from Beatport, or similar stores offers a simplicity and affordability that is great, software like Ableton Live has opened a whole world of possibilities for performance. Yet, there can be none of the coolness of having the latest tunes on white label where MP3s are concerned. Of course the flipside is that more music can be released without the limitations and costs of vinyl.

Nevertheless, owning any piece of music on vinyl continues to maintain its desirability. Even if that record is not the most convenient format for listening on. Sooner or later, CDs will dissappear from record shop shelves, especially as the quality of downloaded music will innevitably increase alongside connection speeds and storage capacities. Virtual music collections are rapidly becoming the norm, but for the genuine music collector, vinyl will continue to be held with some esteem. Limited edition 12" releases can still be sought after and treasured, and take pride of place, even with a hard drive full of tunes. Those with good record collections can still be proud to say "I've got it on vinyl".