How To Get Into Records
·
·
So, this is it. You’re buying your very first record; or at least you would if you could figure out what’s the best one to start your collection with!
We get it, we’ve all been there. Here’s the definitive guide on how you can get into records!
Jump to contents:
• Beginning your record collection
Beginning your record collection:
The first question you need to ask yourself is What do you want out of this?
Often, many people start their collections by getting a record gifted to them. But if you find yourself in the beautiful opportunity of getting your own, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself:
Do you want to collect and listen to your favorite records in the best way possible? Do some crate digging to chance upon what could become your favorite album of all time? Or better yet, find a tune on an old, unknown record, sample it, and make the next hit record? Or simply, do you want to get into the communal and cultural aspects of collecting records and listening to great music?
Keeping all of this in mind, here is a list of our recommendations to begin your vinyl collection journey. Based on what genre you like, most beginner record collectors start with the classics (you know, the records everyone HAS to own because they’re just that good).
Select a genre to explore:
• Rock
• Jazz
• Punk
• Hip-Hop
Rock
1. The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd:
The starting rock staple of any record collector’s collection. It’s a defining moment when you have one of these in your hands because you know the promise of a great concept album that bends through lenses of morality, consumerism, anti-capitalist thought, and vivid accompaniments of psychedelia comes with this album—and it’s quite a trip to listen to it all on wax.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "The Dark Side of The Moon" on vinyl
2. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles:
This one is interchangeable with Abbey Road or Revolver, but not having this in your arsenal means you’re going to miss out on the warm sounds of George’s clever guitar work throughout the album or not getting to hear the majesty of the roaring, almost never-ending swells in the middle and the end of "A Day In The Life." Hearing this on record will change how you experience warmth within music. And this is before mentioning the vibrant, maximalist album cover and the fact that there is a secret track engraved after "A Day In The Life" ends.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" on vinyl
3. Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin:
It doesn’t get better than this! Everyone NEEDS to have a Led Zeppelin record in their collection, and this is absolutely the best pick. Apart from housing one of the world’s most beautiful tracks, "Stairway to Heaven," or the riotous sonics of "Black Dog," this album is a heavy blend of blues, hard rock, and folk music that is best captured in its glory on vinyl. Without this record, there would be a generation of rock and roll that would’ve never been made (and a whole lot of amateur guitarists not playing a bad version of "Stairway To Heaven" on their guitar).
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "Led Zeppelin IV" on vinyl
4. OK Computer by Radiohead:
The street bible for every music depressive and the album that marked a new era in rock and other genres within the music landscape, becoming a well-loved social commentary on themes such as alienation during and because of the technological boom of the late ‘90s and poking holes in every system that had come to progress it. It’s almost mandatory that you have this in your collection if you care about alt-rock at all.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
5. The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground:
Before the chic indie aesthetics of the late 2000s, there was the chic indie ferociousness of The Velvet Underground. This is the album that gave birth to the noisier sides of indie and forever changed the landscape of guitar music to come (even if the initial dents were felt by other now inspired musicians). With Andy Warhol behind the production, the rawness and the sheer experimentation displayed by Lou Reed and Co. made for gritty and real alternative music. It was incredibly provocative for the time and challenged social conventions by starting real conversations about taboo subjects such as drug use, sexual deviancy, and urban life.
If you’re a fan of punk, indie rock, or new wave, this is your bible.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "The Velvet Underground and Nico" on vinyl
6. Is This It by The Strokes:
The Strokes championed the New York Garage Rock Revival and Post-Punk scene with their debut album and forever rearranged what it meant to be a rock band within the new millennium. They brought in a much-needed change in how guitar work existed within the genre that mapped the way for bands such as The Killers and Arctic Monkeys. Casablancas and co. filled the record to the brim with lyrics of existential boredom, love, and new age hedonism within the urban youth of New York but packaged it around an angsty and infectious sound truly their own. Tracks like "Hard To Explain," "New York City Cops," and "Someday" exude a sense of raw charm and electric energy that had started to become missing from the Indie and rock circuit of the time. Listening to them on record just lets you in on how fascinating this new turn in music was and still is.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
7. In The Court Of The Crimson King by King Crimson:
This is the album that turned heads and puzzled a generation of rockers at Hyde Park before the Rolling Stones came up on stage. Prog rock is the experimentation and vivid storytelling vehicle of the early rock subgenres, and this album is the definitive edition to that innovative approach. It’s a dystopian delve into the genre-defining fantasy sci-fi space that several bands in the ‘70s would later treat as scripture. It’s an intelligent blend of jazz, classical music, and rock to create an all-new sound for the time, which allowed for instrumental experimentation within the otherwise hard-rock favoring genre. Thematically, it delves into dystopian visions, existential angst, and surrealist voids, with tracks like "Epitaph" painting vivid, often dark, sonic landscapes. If Greg Lake’s haunting vocals don’t sway you, Robert Fripp’s intricate guitar work and Ian McDonald’s multi-instrumental prowess will as it all boils into this one conceptual journey.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "In The Court Of The Crimson King" on vinyl
8. Rumours by Fleetwood Mac:
A timeless album created by a band so at odds with one another, they ironically end up sounding as a band with the tightest synergy and cohesion possible. It weaves rock, pop, and folk influences behind a backdrop of major internal band turmoil and romantic breakups. The album’s themes reflect the love, heartbreak, betrayal, and hope the band was swimming through. It’s a deeply personal album with emotionally charged lyrics. Tracks like "Go On Your Way" and "Dreams" showcase the band’s ability to transform all this personal pain into universally relatable music, which is the key attraction of this album. If "The Chain" doesn’t make you feel a nudge at your heart and make your blood pump, nothing will.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
9. Currents by Tame Impala:
Kevin Parker & Co. have always been a masterful psychedelic force within the contemporary rock scene, always being a step ahead of their contemporaries. With Currents, Tame Impala finally went above the notch when it comes to more audience-friendly chord progressions but melded that with their usual primo quality psychedelic guitar riffs, synth-pop breaks, and electronic experimentation. It’s a beautifully tight production and mix with meticulous sound design that you can hear right from the start from tracks like "Let It Happen." It’s an album centered on change and self-discovery. It’s laced with catchy hooks and funky basslines, with lyrics that speak directly to self-realization. Its journey of looking towards some form of positive transformation in liberating tracks like "Yes I’m Changing" to reflections on personal growth on "New Person, Same Mistakes" is that perfect in-between of amazing psychedelia and music to self-reflect through. It should be a staple in any self-respecting record collection.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
10. AM by Arctic Monkeys:
This is the Arctic Monkeys’ sultry and electric sound perfected for stadium shows. It packs the band's best and boldest evolution when it comes to sonics, from gritty guitar to seductive lyrics exploring the complexities of modern relationships, desire, and heartbreak within nocturnal escapades. It’s a polished production that retains the raw edge and grit of the Monkeys and combines it with this dark, flirtatious atmosphere. It’s a keen sing-along album and is a staple rock record to jam along to into the night.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Electronic
1. Random Access Memories by Daft Punk:
The robots created one of the most celebrated blends of disco, electronica, funk, and pop with their last album. It was a detour from their usual French house sound that got traded for Nile Rodgers’ guitar work and sleek disco basslines (not that we’re complaining). This would be the pinnacle record to own not only because it’s just amazing to dance to but because once you go diving into the depths of this record, the sonic landscape is just filled with beautiful easter eggs about the electronic and disco genre (be it lyrics-wise or production on its own).
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "Random Access Memories" on vinyl
2. Selected Ambient Works 85-92 by Aphex Twin:
Aphex Twin is an artist of many hats; from jungle to breakneck IDM to, with this set of ambient works, thick layers of beep boops that create lush and cloudy yet danceable IDM to dance to. Though it might be a little hard to find your groove (though tracks like "Xtal" and their heavy thumping bass would say otherwise). It’s a landmark album within the world of ambient, IDM, and the electronic community at large because it showcased a sound that would forever change how electronic music could be experienced: not stuck to clubs but for listening everywhere. Its ethereal soundscapes broke onto both private casual listening and the dancefloor.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "Selected Ambient Works 85-92" on vinyl
3. Dig Your Own Hole by The Chemical Brothers:
Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers… the days of big-beat were high-energy, full of psychedelia and a lot of intensity. And no one pioneered the genre better than The Chemical Brothers with Dig Your Own Hole, which was a blend of big-beat, breakbeat, and house music. The album’s tracks were infused with thumping beats, ravey synths, and an overall pulsating energy that never lets go. It was a monumental album in popularizing the genre within the mainstream and made for the ideal dance music of the time, one which still holds true today. Be it the hypnotic swirls of "Block Rockin’ Beats" or the hypnotic loops in "Where Do I Begin," this album is a superb snapshot of the genre, and its brilliance is best heard on wax.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "Dig Your Own Hole" on vinyl
4. Music Has The Right To Children by Boards Of Canada:
Music Has The Right To Children was a true change in IDM (intelligent dance music) where we finally had ambient music that was engaging enough to remain in your periphery while you were listening to it but you could come in and out of its soundscapes as you please. That’s why this record is often hailed by those studying with it before exams or an important pitch. And in the same arena, it’s hailed as the sound of nostalgia and whatever emotion you can attach to it. It’s the perfect album to give the listener literal space and accompaniment in whatever they are doing while still being able to appreciate its lush blanketed aural music that is accompanied by synths, glitchy beeps and boops and an incredibly warm sound. It’s a beautiful world to step into and on the right set-up, the other-worldly synth work really sets this album apart from its peers.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "Music Has The Right To Children" on vinyl
5. Dummy by Portishead:
The front-runners of the trip-hop genre, Portishead’s Dummy is a classic beyond compare. With it’s dark, moody sonics accompanied by Beth Gibbon’s sometimes mournful, always haunting vocals create the perfect atmosphere of thrill, suspense and dark sultry drama. It’s a great blend of hip-hop, jazz and electronica where the scratching and sampling make or break tracks like ‘Biscuit’ and ‘It Could Be Sweet’. It’s a deeply emotive album that has a lot of yearning packed into it yet its a chameleon of an album that can be readjusted to whatever mood you might be in. Play ‘Glory Box’ to woo, ‘Roads’ to woe and ‘Strangers’ to party. That’s one of the main charms of having this record in your collection.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Jazz
1. Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis:
Long held as the quintessential jazz album that even most non-Jazz fans will end up finding in their collection. Kind of Blue didn’t just change how Jazz was experienced by listeners or how Miles was perceived but changed the landscape of music itself. Its modal jazz approach created a whole new direction for the genre. It’s a perfect choice for both Jazz aficionados and newcomers. This was a departure from the complex chord changes of bebop, focusing instead on melody and mood.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
2. A Love Supreme by John Coltrane:
Many consider this to be Coltrane’s magnum opus- it’s a deeply spiritual album that’s four-part suite is a reflection of Coltrane’s pursuit of divine grace and artistic perfection. Coltrane is an incredibly emotional saxophone player and tracks like “Acknowledgment” and “Resolution” are soul shaking to say the least. These songs are a representation of Coltrane’s path to enlightenment and the intensity of Coltrane’s saxophone, combined with McCoy Tyner’s powerful piano chords and Elvin Jones’s driving drums, conveys a deep sense of yearning and transcendence. It’s an incredibly moving experience to hear this and apart from Davis, this is the other jazz record that has to be in your collection if you’re serious about Jazz.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
3. Time Out by Dave Brubeck Quartet:
Time Out is renowned for its experimentation with unusual time signatures, which was revolutionary at the time. Dave Brubeck’s quartet, featuring Paul Desmond’s smooth alto saxophone, delivers a collection of compositions that challenge and delight the listener. The iconic “Take Five,” in 5/4 time, and “Blue Rondo à la Turk,” in 9/8 time, blend complexity with accessible melodies. It’s cool, sophisticated sound is marked by Brubeck’s innovative piano work and Desmond’s lyrical phrasing. If you prefer experimentation and find that really engaging within genres like jazz, this would be your go to album.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
4. Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus:
It’s a vibrant and incredibly eclectic album that is a reflection of a wide-ranging influences, from gospel and blues to classical music. The album features compositions like “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat,” a tribute to saxophonist Lester Young, and “Better Git It in Your Soul,” a lively gospel-infused piece. Mingus’s dynamic bass lines and bold, complex arrangements showcase his innovative approach to jazz that propelled him to be viewed as one of the greats. A lot of this album deals with social commentary and personal introspection, and combined with Mingus’s eclectic method of going about song progression really makes quite a listening experience.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
5. Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock:
This is Jazz-funk central! If you haven't gotten the chance to tap your feet and nod along to ‘Watermelon Man’, you’re missing out on one of the most crucial experiences from your musical journey!. Hancock blends traditional jazz elements with funk grooves and electronic sounds (a lot of it by introducing synths into the mix). It’s an intricate collage of drum patterns and Hancock’s virtuoso keyboard work makes for an incredibly danceable and dynamic listening session.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Pop, R&B and Indie
1. Back to Black by Amy Winehouse:
The late Amy Winehouse was the queen of soulful sadness who found a way to inject her vintage smooth look at pop, R&B and jazz into the main arena of mainstream music without it feeling like a stretch at all. Nothing she says on the album feels like typical pop fodder but then she wasn’t a typical pop star. The album explores themes of love, heartbreak, and addiction with raw honesty. This is a contemporary classic in every right and is best when it’s put on at the end of the night, with a glass of wine and a large helping of singing along too.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
2. Demon Days by Gorillaz:
This is Gorillaz at their most critiquing and musically innovative; a hearty critique of Bush-Era politics, dystopian realities, environmental decay at the hands of capitalistic and war mongering entities (later explored in detail on albums like ‘Plastic Beach’) and the human condition at large. It has iconic track after iconic track from the menacing laughter on "Feel Good Inc.” to soulful pleas to remain true to one’s cause and self on ‘Don’t Get Lost In Heaven’. This album also marked a more refined take on the Gorillaz vehicle being a blend of multiple genres from dub to punk to reggae to everything else in the middle that would later become the go-to-production method for the band (and subsequently, its sonic purpose). All these variables melting into one another, along with the fact that this is a virtual band after all, helped make this a true modern classic that deserves a spot in everyone’s collection.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
3. Born To Die by Lana Del Rey:
Cinematic, haunting, and incredibly vintage, that’s what Lana Del Rey’s brand of sorrowful pop ballads about love, loss and modern day americana swirl listeners in with tracks like ‘Video Games’ and ‘Summertime Sadness’. Del Rey's languid, evocative vocals create a dreamy, melancholic soundscape which creates this all encompassing sense of sad nostalgia accompanied with a modern dreamy noir aesthetic. As far as pop records go, this is quite the dive into a melancholic yet polished and luxurious album and is a definite keep when it comes to pop record collection.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
4. Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys:
Promoted as ‘the most progressive pop album ever’ it is just that… for the time. Brian Wilson was absolutely meticulous with how the album was recorded, almost Kubrick with his intensity. And it resulted in one of the most mind blowing harmonies and instrumentation that would go on to define how pop music would sound for the next 50 to 60 years till it was done to death due to bands always trying to emulate it. But that’s the thing, this album conceptually is so innocent in it’s approach to love, longing and finding one’s place in life that tracks like ‘God Only Knows’ & ‘You Still Believe In Me’ sound like ethereal hymns to pure for this world. It’s an album that radiates pure joy and heavenly beauty that deals in immediate-experienced emotion and no bitterness, just thoughtful contemplation of one’s feelings and the world around them. It’s the perfect pop record and a necessity to own on record.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
5. A Night At The Opera by Queen:
A groundbreaking album that exemplifies an already powerful and talented band's versatility, creativity, and musical prowess. Mercury had a strong affinity for the theatricality and grandiose musical expression that came with opera and wanted to create a record that would enhance that sound and bring it to pop rock. This is most evident in Queen’s iconic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which features a multi-part structure and operatic vocals. It’s full of tight sounding ballads that sound incredibly ambitious, powerful and are overall incredibly accessible. The album's themes range from love and companionship to fantasy and storytelling, all delivered with Freddie Mercury's powerful, dynamic vocals and the band's tight, virtuosic instrumentation. Lyrically this is Queen at peak and owning this on record guarantees nothing but sing-alongs and a good time.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "A Night At The Opera" on vinyl
Punk
1. London Calling by The Clash:
It’s often hailed as one of the most influential punk rock albums of all time (and rightfully so!). The Clash always pushed boundaries be it through tracks from later albums like Combat Rock’s ‘Know Your Rights’ or through this album where they incorporate a wide range of genres like reggae, ska, rockabilly and pop. Politically charged (as The Clash have always been) it’s a milestone in conversation about mid-80’s political disillusionment and social upheaval that is constantly speaking about a sense of urgency in the face of social chaos (the lead track ‘London Calling’ is a good example).
It’s a landmark album set in the middle of Joe Strummer and Co. speaking from the rubbles of the Three mile island nuclear disaster, the Iran hostage crisis and the Rise of Magret Thatcher. It’s a punk rock album that is a sounding alarm (the best thing punk has always been).
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
2. Ramones by Ramones:
This solidified the wave of American punk rock to come and launched the genre within the states for the coming decade. Its stripped down, high energy and rebellious lyricism combined with bare minimum use of complex chords or chord progressions and even lyrical complexities traded in for directness is what makes punk rock punk. Johnny Ramone's rapid-fire guitar riffs, Dee Dee Ramone's driving bass, and Joey Ramone's distinctive vocals, captures the essence of punk's DIY ethos. Owning Ramones on vinyl is essential for any punk enthusiast, providing a direct connection to the roots of the genre.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
3. Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols by Sex Pistols:
No one has done more for punk in its initial stages as the sex pistols have.
This is their only real album and when it came out, its down right harsh blaring guitars, Rotten’s scathing commentary on the monarchy and the state of current British society and what looks like a dystopian future for the youth shook everyone around the globe. It’s the embodiment of the rebellious anarchic spirit the genre brings with it as a promise and it’s furious with its intensity in doing so. It was a direct challenge to the then conservative musical and cultural norms of the time and hearing it now just transfers that energy straight into the listener. It’s a crucial artifact that showcases the start of punk being taken seriously as a force within music.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols" on vinyl
4. Bad Brains by Bad Brains:
When you hear the squeal of Dr. Know’s lightning-fast guitar on ‘Supertouch/shitfit’ followed by what I can only call a straight auditory assault of the senses, there is no other feeling inspired other than riot and rebellion. No one knew how to blend the complexities of reggae with a fast-paced genre like punk rock and yet here were Bad Brains, electrifyingly rushing their way with resilience and rebellion in their hearts, towards the stage. This album is punk’s intensity meets ideas of spiritual awakening and exploring rebelion through the same lens that bands like Sublime and Death Grips would later borrow for their own ideological standpoints. This will always be the correct introduction to hardcore punk to any punk record collector and is a right of passage in that sense.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
5. Fun House by The Stooges:
Punk started with Iggy Pop’s stage eccentricism and the stooges attitude towards how rock should sound. This album is where punk really starts. It’s a blair of noise, aggression married to Iggy Pop’s violent vocals that gave way to the punk revolution. This was the jarring record that both sides of the societal coin needed with many conservative parents just straight up pulling and discarding the record from their children’s hands. Be it Ron Asheton’s distorted guitar work or the frenzy of fury and destruction that is felt emanating from Iggy Pop throughout the album, this made the 70’s the best decade for punk music. The record promises nothing but pure attitude and cohesive noise.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Hip-Hop
1. DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar:
After delivering one of the most communally relevant and philosophically uplifting albums of the late 2010’s, To Pimp A Butterfly', ‘DAMN.’ is Kendrick Lamar at one of his most introspective and powerful till date. It is an exploration of one of the most influential figures in contemporary hip-hop looking inwards after years of looking mostly towards his community (something Lamar would further as a lens in Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers). It explores his personal fears and hopes about himself, loved ones and the societal issues within the African American community.
It sonically blends jazz and soul into what are easily Lamar’s most hard hitting beats in his discography (specially seen on tracks like XXX, DNA and ELEMENT). It’s a must have for any Kendrick Lamar fan and is something that’s just too culturally significant and so masterful with its storytelling to not have a seat in your collection.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "DAMN" on Vinyl
2. Midnight Marauders by A Tribe Called Quest:
While ‘The Low End Theory’ cemented ATCQ as Rap mainstays, it’s their third album that made them legends. Q-Tip & Phife Dawg are at their braggadocious best on tracks like ‘Award Tour’ and yet they keep the pulse always aimed towards social commentary and communal upliftment- with the entire concept of the ‘Midnight Marauders Tour Guide’ is a brilliant journey through the lives of both the artists and their community circa 1993. It’s a beautiful blend of caring, insightful lyricism, celebration of community, social issues and infectious rhythms. Thought-provoking and yet laid-back jazz rap is always the answer when it comes to what needs to go into your record collection.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "Midnight Marauders" On Vinyl
3. Illmatic by Nas:
Nas undeniably changed the way lyricism and street poetry was viewed in rap. Illmatic stands as a lyrical masterpiece that pushed the bar into high heavens. It perfectly captures the gritty reality of life in the projects of NYC with unparalleled poetic prowess. It’s intricate storytelling and introspective themes of struggle, aspiration and urban survival are studded with Nas's vivid, cinematic rhymes. Tracks like "N.Y. State of Mind,""The World Is Yours," and "One Love" are all backed by flawless production from legends like DJ Premier and Q-Tip.
Nas' intricate wordplay and nuanced beats have cemented Illmatic as a cornerstone of hip-hop. Owning this album on vinyl is a rite of passage for any rap enthusiast, providing a tangible connection to one of the genre's most profound artistic achievements.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
4. Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) by Wu-Tang Clan:
You need to protect your neck, always remember that. This album changed everything when it came to exciting rap group dynamics & rap as a weapon for speaking about the lives of the community and oneself. It revolutionized what hip-hop could sound like with RZA’s gritty, stripped-down production and sampling style and the group’s hard-hitting often straight to the point lyricism.
It captures the chaotic energy of 90’s New York perfectly with each track offering a visceral glimpse into the lives and minds of the nine members. It’s a great love letter and testament to Shaolin movies, how the band saw that as being their answer to the realities of the street life they faced and how their camaraderie was the key to their survival in such an environment. Iconic tracks like "C.R.E.A.M." and "Protect Ya Neck," blend kung fu movie samples with grimy beats and sharp, intricate rhymes that’ll keep your head bopping! Owning this album on vinyl is essential for any serious rap collector, as it embodies the essence of the genre's golden age and the indelible mark Wu-Tang Clan left on music history.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
Buy "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" on vinyl
5. The Chronic by Dr. Dre:
No serious hip-hop vinyl collection is complete without a copy of the iconic west-coast gangsta rap legend, Dr. Dre’s ‘The Chronic’. It put the west-coast on the throne of rap for a long time with its cinematic production which even led it to become the pioneering sound for G-Funk. It introduced the world to the smooth, laid-back grooves of the West Coast and showcased Dre’s unparalleled skills as a producer and artist. It’s the ultimate ode to defiance and street life
For any vinyl collector, owning The Chronic is not just about appreciating its historical significance but also experiencing the profound impact of it’s sound and cultural importance.
Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
The Equipment
Entry Level:
The TRC Enthusiast Pack (Audio Technica AT-LP60X Turntable + Edifier R1280DB Active Stereo Speakers):
Our best-selling entry-level turntable and a fan favorite, the perfect entry point to your vinyl journey. The Edifier R1280DB complements it well, offering excellent value and quality sound without stretching your budget.
Buy now: Enthusiast Pack
Buy Now: Audio Technica AT-LP60X Turntable
Buy Now: Edifier R1280DB Active Speakers
Mid-Range:
Audio Technica AT-LP120X USB Turntable:
This direct drive turntable delivers exceptional value without a hefty price tag. You can go down two routes with a turntable of this caliber:
1. Active Speakers: Ideal if space is at a premium, active speakers eliminate the need for extra components like bulky amplifiers, keeping your setup clean and simple.
2. Passive Stereo System: Offers greater flexibility and upgrade options, allowing you to enhance your system with better speakers, amplifiers and even more source options over time.
Buy Now: Audio Technica AT-LP120X Direct Drive Turntable
High End:
Technics SL-1200 Series:
The one time investment for high-end listening, Technics is THE most culturally significant in the world of turntables.Contact us for a free consultation to explore this option.
Interested? Get in touch with us here
Vinyl Care
Now that you have an idea of what you need and like, the next thing you should know about when it comes to owning records and a record player is how to take care of them and keep them clean to ensure a good music experience and better sound quality.
Whenever you place a record on a turntable, it is important to note that the disc should always be held by the sides. Make sure not to touch the playable part, as the oil from your hands may stick to the grooves and lead to dust collection over time.
An essential piece of equipment to invest in is a carbon fiber or anti-static record brush. This brush will remove any dust and reduce static buildup that may have settled on the records.
Audio Technica AT6011a Anti-Static Record Brush
Before playing your record, hold the brush at an angle and gradually rotate the record clockwise while it is in contact with the surface. This ensures that your stylus does not collect excess dust.
Check out our in-depth guide to vinyl care
Shop Vinyl Care and Accessories
Cleaning Vinyl Records:
To clean vinyl records that have collected dust in their grooves, you can invest in a record brush, cleaning machines, vinyl cleaning solution or just DIY it!
Here's how:
1. To make your solution, combine distilled water and isopropyl alcohol. Use a mixture of 80% distilled water, 20% isopropyl alcohol, and 2 drops of dishwashing soap. Tap water should be avoided, as it can leave mineral deposits.
2. Use a microfiber cloth or record cloth and dampen it with the solution. The cloth should be damp but not dripping wet.
3. Gently place the damp cloth on the record and move it in a straight line from the outer edge to the center. Do not apply too much pressure, as you may risk damaging the grooves. If the record is particularly dirty, you may need to repeat the process several times, each time using a clean area of the cloth.
4. After wiping the record with the damp cloth, allow it to air dry vertically in a dust-free area. A clean dish drying rack or a vinyl record drying rack can be used for this purpose. Once the record is completely dry, inspect it under bright lighting to ensure there are no streaks or residue left.
Cleaning the Stylus:
Over time, dust, debris, and vinyl residue may build up on the stylus, reducing the lifespan of both your records and the stylus. There are two ways to clean the stylus: using a stylus brush or applying a cleaning solution.
If there is excess dust on the stylus, you can simply blow on it to remove the dust. If that does not work, you can use a stylus cleaning brush. A stylus brush is a gentle and risk-free method of removing loose material. To remove any dust or particles, carefully brush the stylus a few times, moving from the back to the front. It is advisable to brush in the same direction as the tonearm. If you are using a cleaning solution, apply a small drop to the stylus, allowing a minute or two for it to evaporate before using the turntable.
If you only play records occasionally, cleaning the stylus every 5-10 hours of audio playback is sufficient. Consider cleaning the stylus after every 3-5 hours of playback if you use your turntable more frequently.
Comments