RECORDS. I feel like it’s kind of a niche thing to have nowadays – records and/or a record player. But, I have wanted one ever since I was young. So basically, I grew up listening to music through a variety of different media types: CDs, cassettes, mp3, radio, and records. I can’t really explain why, but records feel nostalgic and therapeutic to me, even though I did not grow up in the era that vinyl was huge. SO, I got a record player. Teehee.
I absolutely love my record player. I have a heyday turntable from Target, and I use it every single day. I really like this turntable because I think it’s a very simple set-up, especially for beginners. I also love it because of its sleek design: black and minimal gold. Works like a charm.
Okay, so for just getting the record player about a month ago, I have quite a few records, and I am going to talk about why I love each one, and why I got them. Cool? Cool.
Harry Styles – Harry Styles
A masterpiece. And I think we all know that at this point. But, I personally love this album because of its warm sound. It’s a fantastic vinyl, coming with incredible photos of Harry, and it is one of my go-to’s on vinyl. I got this album because, duh, it’s Harry Styles.
Spring – Wallows
If you have read my other articles on music, you will know that Wallows is my favorite band, and their music is a huge part of who I have become over the past few years. This vinyl includes songs that got me hooked on Wallows, such as “Pictures of Girls” or “1980’s Horror Film”. I love this vinyl because it has a really insane pink and green marbled look.
Hozier – Hozier
Hozier’s first and self-titled album is one of my favorite albums of all time. His voice is like butter, and I eat that up. This album contains the iconic “Take Me to Church” as well as “Someone New”, however, my personal favorite is “In a Week”. This album sounds incredible on vinyl, with the crackling-hollow sound of old vinyl.
Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
One of my dearest friends got me this vinyl for my birthday because she knew my love for Chris Stapleton. His voice and music are so authentic, and remind me of the country music I listened to growing up. This vinyl is overall incredible and has incredible quality. If you want, take a listen to “Devil Always Made Me Think Twice” and “Joy Of My Life.”
Magical Mystery Tour – The Beatles
The Beatles has influenced my life more than any other band. And this album is just crazy – and I love that. It’s just so psychedelic and fun to listen to. It also came with a picture book, including pictures for the film that the band produced to go along and promote the album. “Fool on the Hill” and “I Am the Walrus” are two of the weirdest songs ever, but they are so fun to listen to.
The Beatles 1962-1966 – The Beatles
I don’t know if you could tell that the artist was The Beatles, so I just put it lol. But this album includes a variety of songs from their different albums from 1962 to 1966. Personally, I love this collection of songs because it shows their beginning and transition into their new sound. This vinyl is red. RED. It is by far one of the coolest vinyl in my collection.
The Monkees – The Monkees
Okay, so I grew up watching The Monkees, and their songs are fire. So I got their first album, including tracks such as “Last Train to Clarksville”, “Papa Gene’s Blues”, and the theme from their television show. This vinyl is an original and is just such a nostalgic piece in my collection.
Dirty Dancing – Various Artists
What can I say, I am a sucker for 80’s movies and their soundtracks. The Dirty Dancing soundtrack is one of my favorite movie soundtracks, aside from The Breakfast Club. This vinyl is really sick because it’s purple. Such a pretty vinyl, for such an amazing movie and soundtrack.
Ten – Pearl Jam
Let me just say it: I love Pearl Jam. Can’t really explain it, but they are such a good band. Ten is one of the most iconic albums of the ’90s, and I can’t get enough of it. This has been the most played album of my collection, by far. The vinyl cover for this album literally screams at you, “PEARL JAM”, when you open it and I get so excited every time I pull it out.
Beastie Boys Music – Beastie Boys
All I can say is what a group. They just have such a unique sound and have put a unique spin on the rap/rock combo. This album is a compilation of their greatest hits from over the years, including “Fight For Your Right”, “Intergalactic”, and “Sabotage”. It’s just always so fun to listen to.
Book of Dreams – Steve Miller Band
If you can’t tell by now, I listen to a lot of older music. This vinyl contains songs that are nostalgic to me from riding in the car with my dad. My favorites include “Swingtown” or “Jungle Love”.
Why Is Freckle Season Like This? – Orla Gartland
One of my new favorite artists, Orla Gartland, put out vinyl with two EP’s back to back: one titled “Why Am I Like This?” and the other, “Freckle Season”. Orla’s songwriting style shines through in both of these EP’s, and her sound is so unique but so familiar. I 10/10 recommend listening to Orla Gartland.
With all of this being said, there is always new music to discover, new artists/bands, to fall in love with, and records to buy.