Vinyl - mp3 Showdown

Ways of recording and preserving music have been ever changing since just before the turn of the 20^th century. From vinyl to mp3’s, audiocassette tapes to compact discs, the ways of making music portable have been in competition with one other. But which is the best way? Well, it all depends on the listener and his or her dedication to the music; his or her needs when wanting to listen to some rocking tunes.

Vinyl records were created with liquid vinyl and punctured grooves where the music would be recorded. Although vinyl was retired in the early 80’s when audiocassettes came into popularity, DJ’s and music enthusiasts of today still greatly value their influence on today’s musical world. Many will argue, I included, that no other type of music recording technology could compare to the warmth behind a vinyl record. Records have made music what it is today. Because of their high demand, radio stations came into play. They also contributed to the importance of album art. Dozens of albums would not be as popular without the visually stimulating aspect of their cover art.

Vinyl records were put to rest by audiocassettes, which proved even more transportable. The car radio was now not the only form of entertainment on long car rides. This way of recording consisting of magnetic strips was taken from film. The simplistic rewind feature on walkmans was revolutionary to the music industry. The idea of “mix tapes” would not be in existence if it were not for this turn in music technology.

As the 1980’s came to a close, the CD was invented. It was compact and still allowed for cover art, which the audiocassette could not justify. The sound quality of a CD greatly surpassed that of a tape. The invention of the CD was virtually the next step to the record except the compact disc uses laser technology rather than a needle and grooves.

When common families began having home computers, it was no surprise that this would add to the music industry. The mp3 was invented. One could download whatever song or album with the click of a button. Mp3 players were revolutionary to the portability of music. You could take your entire music collection with you where ever you went in small compact form.

But what type of musical recording is best? Well, it all depends on the listener. Today’s teens seem to only be concerned with quantity. So if you need to have all your Britney Spears and Ke$ha albums with you at all times and you don’t care what form they come in, then an mp3 player is probably going to fit you very well. If you like to have the album art of a band as well as the lyrics with you when you are jamming out to Mazzy Star in your Acura TL, then compact disc is probably the choice for you. If you are stuck in your glory days taking place in the 80’s and still think holding an obscenely large boom box over your head will help you get the girl of your dreams then the audiocassette complete with all of Peter Gabriel would suit you just fine. But for some, music is life and you want to be able to feel the warmth behind a band’s creation. Some may want to be able to hear all of your parents’ old Simon and Garfunkel, Pink Floyd and Buddy Holly albums gathering dust in your basement. Okay, maybe that’s just me, but personally, I feel nothing can compare the musical impact and realness behind the playing of vinyl on an old Bang & Olufsen turn table.