Designing an album cover has been a well-respected job throughout music history, often considered just as important as the music itself. Many of the best examples are as familiar to the eye as the music is to our ears. In the days when vinyl was the primary music medium, getting the album cover just right was essential to commercial success. … Read More
Why Are Vinyl Records So Expensive? Will Prices Come Down?
Consumer demand for vinyl records continues to defy all odds in the digital age. By the end of 2022, total units sold in the US capped out at 43.5 million records (up 4.2% from 41.7 million in 2021—according to this report). Given that $30-$40 price tags are not uncommon on your average LP, it’s quite remarkable to see such sustained … Read More
Why Buy Vinyl Records? Top Five Reasons
In a world where we can access almost any piece of music at the click of a mouse or the tap of a screen, who would think that a physical format like vinyl would continue to endure? Far from being a nostalgia trip, vinyl records are now enjoyed by a wide range of ages by music fans searching for something … Read More
Music Fans Quit Streaming in Favour of Vinyl, CD, & Digital Files?
Does music feel less significant in your life compared to ten, fifteen, or even twenty years ago? If so, you are not alone. While the transition from physical formats such as vinyl, CD, & tape through to digital downloads, and, eventually, streaming has provided many conveniences, it has also left a giant hole in the lives of dedicated music lovers. … Read More
Off Center Records: How to Spot this Pressing Error & Can You Fix It?
Off-center records are all too common and sometimes tricky to spot. It’s a vinyl pressing error and there’s a good chance you’ve got some off-center records lurking in your collection. Below, we explain what an off-center record is, how to spot one visually, and how it affects sound quality. Lastly, we’ll explain what you can do to correct the problem. … Read More
Worst Vinyl Record Collecting Mistakes
As record collectors, we all make mistakes from time-to-time. Particularly when we’re new to the vinyl hobby, there’s a lot to take on and learn. Even the most seasoned of vinyl hoarders would be hard-pressed to say they never make a mistake or skimp over the details. If not, well, you’re a better man than me! We’ve rounded up the … Read More
10 Fun Facts About Vinyl Records For The True Vinyl Geek
Despite the convenience of digital streaming, vinyl records continue to grow in popularity. The world of vinyl is full of interesting facts and details that even the most seasoned collector might not know. To celebrate the lasting returning success of a format once written off as obsolete, we’ve compiled a list of fun facts about vinyl records for the true … Read More
Creative Ways to Display Your Vinyl Records
Besides the great sound, ritual, and process, a huge part of vinyl’s lasting appeal is undoubtedly the aesthetic. Enthusiasts hail the large format artwork and the sense of satisfaction that comes with physically owning the music you love as just part of the reason why vinyl record sales continue to grow year-on-year. Many album covers are pieces of art in … Read More
The Best-Selling Albums of All Time – USA & Worldwide
Crafting the perfect album is a true art form. There’s a certain level of skill required in taking a collection of individual songs and compiling them into a finished body of work. When everything comes together, an otherwise ordinary handful of tracks become something extra special, capturing the heart and minds of music fans for decades to come. So what … Read More
Rough Trade West – Record Store Spotlight
Opened in 1976 by Geoff Travis, the original Rough Trade store based in West London would eventually spawn a series of record stores and a record label responsible for some of the most loved acts to immerge from the British independent music scene. Sound Matters visited the iconic Rough Trade West to explore what makes this place historically important and a … Read More