Vinyl versus CDs: an instropective on the subject matter

_mg_5673.jpgWhy is it such a recurring theme in all EDM-based message boards? Why do we keep on comparing both mediums, which couldn’t be more different from each other? Is the fear of technology that brings purists to dislike CDs. Is it the lack of nostalgia, that makes the cd jocks spit on vinyl? I don’t know and I don’t give a fuck! As a dj, who’s been spinning for the past five years, I have use both medium to spread the gospel of house music. I fell in love not with the mediums, but with the music. However, I am partial to vinyl, because it represents the physicality of the music; holding a record in my head, feels like I am touching the music, feeling its grooves, manipulating it the way I want it. Furthermore, when record stores were still standing in Atlanta, it was a joy to go spend an entire day and dig through the crates, the find the gem that you will play later on for your friends or at club. MP3’s can never beat that feeling! It is simply not the same. Sifting through countless wav/MP3s files, listening to snippets of a track is not same as laying down the records on MKII at some dusty record store and listening to the track in its entirety (unless the track sucks). Then, flipping that record to listen to its B-side. That feeling is gone when you sit down on the computer and listen to what the download website wants you to hear. No, I am not spitting on these websites; as I mentioned above, I also use cd’s. Especially, in my current financial situation, MP3s are a cheap way to keep me current and to allow me, the chance to get tracks Just-In-Time, when I have a gig and no new tracks to play. However, I lament the lack of warmth that I use to get when perusing the record store, talking to the clerk and other djs who were looking for that special record, just like you. Comparing vinyl and cds, is just like comparing apples and oranges, you just don’t do it.

One response to “Vinyl versus CDs: an instropective on the subject matter

  1. I agree totally! Though I do think that the size of 12″ vinyl and the feel of the cover adds to its appeal…..But, yes, this is just nostalgia.

    From a Dj-ing point of view, with the new technology in DJ CD decks, it doesn’t seem to make any difference, though the act of putting the needle down onto a surface is different from cueing the tracks on CD.

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