vinyl feature

There is an intrinsic value when it comes to adoption of newer technologies; that is, out with the old and in with the new. Different music formats have fallen suit.

But, self-employed business owner Dave Anderson, 26, of Indiana Pa. thinks that more people are turning to older technologies for listening, specifically vinyl records.

“Vinyl sales from 2007 to 2008 had a 59 percent increase,” said Anderson. “I definitely see a jump in sales.”

Backstreet Records is located in the Indiana Regency Mall along Oakland Avenue, and is owned and operated by Anderson.It is one of the few businesses in the mall that has lasted over the years.Anderson said that Rick Sabbia of upstate New York established Backstreet Records in 1979, and that he owned and operated it until Anderson bought the store.

Among DVDs, video games, cassettes, and CDs (new and used) Backstreet Records offers an array of various genres and time periods of vinyl. A large rack, almost the same size of the CD racks, fosters vinyl from artists A to Z and from full albums to singles. There are records available for just about any taste of music.

If you prefer today’s popular and subculture music, Backstreet Records also has some newer music on vinyl. In fact, you might just get a deal. Folk punk band Against Me! has a record out that comes with the CD of the record for only $2 dollars more than just the CD; the same goes for 90s punk band NOFX, where the record plus a CD is only $1 dollar more than the CD.

The long-haired, shaggy-bearded and congenial Anderson said that the increasing record sales could be a result of these deals and newer technologies that allow people to experience “the best of both worlds.”

Anderson said that Urban Outfitters and Best Buy are now selling turntables that plug in to your computer (Mac and PC compatible) and play back and convert records into MP3s. The turntables are available to buy online and cost from $130 to $230 dollars.

“Whether or not the trend will continue, it’s hard to say,” said Anderson. “Right now CDs are the most popular format. I’d say MP3s are more popular, but you can’t very well sell those in a store.”

Rebecca Harmon, 20, of Perryopolis Pa., an Art education student at IUP thinks more people should hop on the vinyl bandwagon.

“Hopefully if people are smart they’ll realize it sounds better,” said Harmon. “Records just sound better, cleaner. I think because you know the sound is the record and everything else is just digital.”

Harmon is a newcomer to collecting records. She started listening to vinyl in July of 2007 when her mother gave her a few records she found while cleaning the house. Since then, she has been buying her Folk, Indie and Punk rock records from various record shops in Pittsburgh.

Not all prefer the sound of vinyl but still enjoy collecting and listening to records.

“I prefer MP3s,” said Vincent Merringer, 20 of Indiana, “vinyl just sounds older, no bass and a lot of treble.”

“I guess it’s nostalgic,” said Merringer, “I remember my dad listening to the Beatles on vinyl.”

Anderson said that another reason for increasing record sales is the “collector” mentality the Western world has.

“We are collectors by nature,” said Anderson, “we like to have stuff.”

How does one start collecting and listening to vinyl? Well, the first step is to purchase, or in some cases inherit from a relative, a record player. Record players can be found at different prices and with different features online, but for cheaper prices, flee markets and garage sales often have old record players for sale.

After you obtain a record player start buying vinyl in genres that interest you. Finally, explore and buy new genres. Scrutinize racks, milk crates and boxes full of 12 inch records, 7 inch records and 45s at record stores, flee markets, garage sales and even your parents’ collections for genres you’ve never heard.

Collecting and listening to vinyl is an increasing trend that can be enjoyed by all music lovers whether you prefer the sound, collect vinyl as a hobby or enjoy combining older and newer technologies.