Blast from the Past: Return of the Vinyl Record

I recently developed a knack for collecting old 12" Vinyl records because I had originally thought they would make great wall decorations. I loved how the covers looked and how each album was approximately the size of a picture. However, my motives changed after my grandmother gave me a Memorex record player for christmas. I immediately fell in love with the looks of the shiny wooden box, along with padded speakers and optional radio system. I felt like I was back in time as I turned the knob on the radio dial. For some reason, all the radio stations sounded better coming from this box.

I listened to 1940's jazz and felt as if I were a young schoolgirl getting ready for a night out with a handsome soldier visiting from the war. I then turned on the classical music station and imagined myself as some young wealthy socialite, preparing for my debutante ball. I put on a Beach Boys record I had purchased (my very first vinyl) and saw myself as some gal from the fifties, preparing to go to the sock hop with my friends, twisting to "Surfin' Safari" as I got ready in my room.

The record player has a bewitching effect on those who listen to it. It's almost spooky, because you genuinely feel as if you have been warped back in time. I think I'm just one of those nostalgic people who longs for things of the past. I don't know how to use a dishwasher, nor do I really care to learn. I've been able to get by so far by washing them manually, and I don't really want to exhaust my efforts learning how to use another machine. I do have an ipod, and have to admit, it is extremely convenient, but no matter what, I will prefer the record player because it's just more classic. I feel more in touch with my parents, who both listened to record players as youths. Some kids look down on their parents for living such "primitive" lifestyles; I personally applaud my parents. They led simplistic lives and were happy.

The ipod in my opinion is futuristic and rather impersonal. Sure, the record player would be hard to take with me when I go running by the beach or to the gym, and of course you'll see me take my ipod. But when I'm lounging at home in my room on a lazy summer day, you can bet that you'll catch me listening to a vintage Bob Marley record onb my classic record player. I simply wouldn't have it any other way.