Viva La Vinyl

The latest record comes out, the order is placed, anticipation builds, until the day finally comes when a flat, square, "capitol records" box shows up in the mail. The recipient excitedly cuts open the package to find the long awaited platter. The Beatles, Elton John, Pat Boone, all names you might expect to see, and all names you will not find on this record. They have been replaced by a simple "Viva La Vida," the apt new title for the latest offering from Coldplay.

Yes my friends, I bought the latest Coldplay album, officially titled "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends," in sheer vinyl glory. I have become part of the resurgence enjoying Coldplay in all its 33 1/3 rpm glory.


There is something to be said for music you can hold, art you can touch. We have grown to take in music as a passive exercise in our busy society, listening while doing other things, completing other tasks. Music should be digested like any art form, pondered, considered, and critiqued. For me, having it in Vinyl only helps with the process.

I'm not going to deny that simply using iTunes would be far easier and probably give a better sound quality. It's hard to beat typing in the song you want and pushing the space-bar; however the extra effort required for the vinyl, brings a deeper appreciation of the music itself. You also get the huge booklet of photos and album art, words for the songs, etc. (Actually, in my case, it came with a surprise CD copy as well) The sound itself is different, more earthy and tonal, than its digital counterpart.

My current (modern) vinyl collection is still small, but it includes:
-"Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" by Coldplay
-"Fix You" (45 Single) by Coldplay
-"St. Elsewhere" by Gnarls Barkley
-"Whistle for the Choir" (45 Single) by The Fratellis

Grab an old turntable and some records, you'll enjoy it, and its slightly addictive.

-@