Vinyl Record History
Ever wonder when records were invented and by whom? Or how Jackie Gleason - of all people - of Honeymooners fame, became synonomous with romantic mood records? Or why records were - and are - the best?
Then Travis Elborough's new book, The Vinyl Countdown, is for you.
On my last trip to New York, I went to The St. Marks Bookstore (http://www.stmarksbookshop.com/) I came across a book called The Vinyl Countdown and, on an impulse, bought and brought it home.
Glad I did. Turns out the book is part history of the record, part meditation on records, and part celebration of all things that make us love records. Some chapters, like the ones on Frank Sinatra and comedy records are less appealing to me than the one on 1970s troubedours, but no surprise there, and another reader might feel just the opposite. And that is exactly what is so enjoyable about this book. (http://www.amazon.com/Vinyl-Countdown-Album-iPod-Again/dp/1593762372). It is one of those books that invites non-linear reading - each chapter is quite independent and there is no larger argument that the author is building. So you can start from the beginning - I did - and plow right through or pick and choose. Which, I guess, is also the book's weakness as well. You won't really learn about some greater truths - this ain't no philosophy course. It is, instead, a humble attempt to share with the reader one man's love affair with records.
Seems like many of us are having the same affair!
Here following are some excerpts from the book, to help give you some of the flavor of the text and give you a sense of my favorite little parts:
"This book...comes to praise, rather than bury, the album."
"This book is an attempt to step back and consider - to remember, to celebrate - just how radical the LP was in its day. Because the long-playing vinyl record really did change....everything....The LP revolutionized the way music was produced packaged, marketed, sold purchaes, listened to and performed. It offered unsurpassed levels - and lengths - of recorded sound.
"LPs gave you...well, more of everything really. More to hear. More to look at. More to enjoy...More, even, than the sum of their individual parts."
"It persuaded musicians of all stripes to forge sustained artistic statements that continue to be cherished soundtracks to everyday lives."
I definitely need to purchase this book. My journey goes 45, LP, reel to reel, 8-Track, cassette, LP, CD, MP3, LP. I could have saved a ton of money sticking to one format. Oh well.
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What are you listening to these days on vinyl? Are you buying new pressings, or visiting places like Jerry's for the old stuff?
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I was looking online to find some tracks by Jake & The Family Jewels and saw your query about Jake's wherabouts. He's well and living in the West Village, happily working on a new cd which sounds terrific, as good as his best Jake & The Jewels recordings. Very pleased to report that he's in fine form.
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Dear Brian,
Great to hear that Jake is recording an new CD. I can't wait to hear it. I am in NYC for business on a semi-regular basis and would love to meet and talk with him on one of my trips some time. Could you forward my info on to him and ask him to get in touch? Thanks! Maybe even do an interview for the blog....last time I saw him play was in New Haven , 1978! Will he touring , too? There are a couple of great places to play here in Pittsburgh, as awell as an wonderful independent radio station, WYEP that plays lots of 'roots' music - or whatever you would call it!
Paul
blog.vinylrecordarchitect.com
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Paul,
I'am currently an architecture student in South Florida. I recently started working on a project that has to do with the processes behind pressing records. Can you suggest any good books about this?
Thanks!
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Hi, Kyle.
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