My friend, John, writes, "Can I ask why vinyl records are so cool and full of soul, but vinyl siding is just the opposite?  As an architect who appreciates vinyl records, I think you are uniquely qualified to answer that question."

Thanks for your intriguing question, John!

Why, indeed!



While I am no expert on what is cool - I am reminded of the classic Tower of Power song of the same name that might provide some answers - I AM an expert on architecture and so can weigh in on that aspect of your question, for sure! 

And maybe the other aspect, too....

Vinyl records are a direct analog transcription of the sound waves that were recorded by an artist in a studio or performance. In this sense, they are real, it is direct and real. Vinyl siding is a synthetic imitation of a real material, wood. Vinyl siding was produced to be a more durable maintenance free version of wood. Manufacturers have for years been trying to improve the visual aesthetics of vinyl siding to make it appear as close  in appearance to natural wood siding as possible. So, its aspiration is to be an accurate immitation.
 
Like a celebrity impersonator.

In contrast, vinyl records were not produced to be the most durable
way to preserve and listen to music, although ironically, they may be more durable over time than tapes, CDs, and even MP3 files. Records require more day to day care than these more recent recording technologies, but long term may have them trumped.

The care that vinyl records do require is probably part of what makes them cool. You need to clean and dust them, keep in clean sleeves, and store them vertically and without too much pressure on them.

All those rituals.

Vinyl siding, by contrast, doesn't require any care. It can't even be carerd for, in fact. However, it doesn't look better with age and dark colors fade over time.

No such thing as patina with vinyl siding.

Vinyl records, on the other hand, don't REALLY degrade over time. That is, admittedly, arguable. The one factor of use, pops and minor scratches, only add to the listening expereince for some like me whi don't mind being reminded that it is a record and it was recorded a long time ago - or a short time ago - and it is special, those pops and scratches are part of the listening expereince.

Like the cool hum of a sports car engine.

And then there are the colorful works of art that protect vinyl records, the jackets, sleeves or covers.

Cover art is cool.

That much I do know.

Hope this begins to answer your question, John.

Readers, please weigh in.

Only 'scratched' the surface of this one, but its a start....

haha