Although record stores are scattered across the Bay area, Daddy Kool seems to be the go-to spot in the ‘Burg. The store carries records from just about any music genre imaginable.
One month ago, I wrote an article on the comeback of vinyl records. I knew nothing of the format. The seemingly departed method of music delivery was of no interest to me.
Then, something terrible happened.
In the last 30 days, I have spent $347.62 on records and record-related items. An Audio Technica turntable, standalone speakers, and a stack of vinyl capable of supporting the Parthenon – are now scattered across my bedroom.
I have made multiple returns to downtown St. Petersburg’s record shop, Daddy Kool. While at a college media conference in Austin, Texas, I took a trip to Waterloo Records.
I dragged my vinyl finds back to St. Pete in a cardboard box, crudely stuffed inside my luggage; sandwiched somewhere between a mountain of clothes and electronics.
The collectors were right. It has become an obsession. A costly one.
It all started while I was interviewing Benny Normal and the rest of the staff at Daddy Kool records. The high fidelity sound, the unique colorways, the amazing tone and the overall collectability – it all had me hooked.
Sure, they’re pretty expensive compared to CDs or digital downloads, but at least I no longer have to worry about being hunted down by the FBI for all my time spent on The Pirate Bay.
“I’ll buy one soon enough,” I thought, trying to prevent myself from making the impulse purchase that I knew, deep-down, was inevitable.
I left the interview empty-handed.
However, one day later I was the proud owner of an Audio-Technica AT-LP60 fully automatic, belt-driven turntable. I also purchased two MF Doom albums – Special Herbs Volumes 9 and 0, as well as Mm.. Food – since I had no records prior to this exact moment.
“It (listening to a record) is a totally unique experience,” Normal said.
I hate that he was right.
While most of us see music as convenient background noise – a passive action best saved for Facebook scrolling or the daily commute – listening to vinyl is an action in and of itself.
Before purchasing my turntable, I couldn’t tell you the last time I sat down for the sole purpose of listening to music.
I mean, really listening. Absorbing it. Experiencing it, unadulterated, in its purest form.
