Let's Save Vinyl!

Choices for music buyers relate to content and form.

New technology means new progress in audio formats. Cassettes replaced vinyl, compact discs replaced cassettes, mp3's have replaced CD's and increasingly clear formats such as .FLAC are pushing the boundaries of electronic formats. But while these progressions are exciting, they are not necessarily always an improvement in how we experience music. I recently added to my meagre vinyl collection with a new album that was released in this format, along with CD and mp3. There are two very specific reasons that I decided on this particular format.

I may have a reputation as something of an audiophile and as such, I do find the quality of vinyl better than electronic formats. Without going into too much detail, vinyl has a greater ability to record and reproduce analog audio. This equates to better sounding drums and bass along with treble quality. While it is true that the format is more delicate and can have slight hissing sounds at lower volumes or with older vinyl, at louder volumes I believe the positive difference is noticeable and worth the drawbacks.

I previously used the phrase "experience music" and I know that this seems a little unusual. But it highlights the many facets involved with listening to music. Even if we do not hang on to the vinyl format due to the marginal improvements in audio quality, the experience of vinyl is valuable. People seem content with buying songs from iTunes but I find the process somewhat hollow. The packaging, care and tactile pleasure of physical formats is missing. Being able to touch and handle vinyl and even the simple observable process of needle on record create a specific music experience that is lost in electronic formats. While it seems like a small point, being able to use your sense of touch and vision, along with hearing allows us to connect closer to music.

So go on, spend a bit more money and let's save vinyl!

-The English Student

In Rainbows: Retrospective

Music is valuable.

Over the past few months, Radiohead have offered "In Rainbows", their latest work as a download from their website. The price of said album is "up to you". With the period of availability coming to a close tomorrow, it's a good idea to take a look back on this revolutionary method of distribution. Some paid, some did not. Those who did sent out two messages.

Record companies are no longer relevant to the music industry. Should musicians decide to hire independent advertising agencies for publicity purposes, these companies would become redundant. In fact, the outdated format of CDs is the only thing these conglomerates have to offer anymore. Hopefully this will finally ensure that artists are the ones gaining the greatest profit from their labour.

Music is valuable. The internet has been blamed for a drop in sales due to the availabilty of illegal torrents. But if Radiohead release positive sales numbers, this will certainly be disproven. If given the opportunity to pay a fair price for music, I for one will jump at the chance. As Jonny Greenwood said, "stop for a few seconds and think about what music is worth".

The music industry is in a storm. When the clouds disperse, I hope we see more Rainbows on the horizon.

-The English Student