Playing vinyls: A unique experience

The ritual begins with the tactile pleasure of selecting an album. Each record sleeve, often adorned with eye-grabbing artwork, tells its own story and sets the stage for the auditory journey ahead.

Once the record is placed – gingerly – on the turntable, the gentle crackle as the needle touches down like a plane on a tarmac is a prelude to the rich, warm sound that follows.

Unlike the sterile perfection of digital music, vinyl offers a depth and texture that feels more organic and alive. The music breathes, with every pop and hiss adding character to the listening experience.

Playing a vinyl also requires your attention and care – from cleaning the record to adjusting the turntable settings. This engagement fosters a deeper connection to the music. You’re not just passively consuming sound but also participating in its ‘telling’.

Vinyls encourage us to listen to albums in their entirety, as many artists intended. In an age of shuffled playlists and single-track downloads, this return to a more deliberate form of listening is incredibly rewarding.