Wonderful vinyl

It's true that MP3's have made music more accessible and portable. I use this format all the time. Most of my music is now in MP3 format and I have a vast collection of radio drama and audio books. I use these to help me sleep and I use a WIFI MP3 player to access my collection from the comfort of my bed each night. Today, I rediscovered something - vinyl. I found my record deck, buried under some books and other assorted junk. I dusted it and put on a record. It was one of the many Top of the Pops records I have - released on the Pickwick label and very popular during the 70's and early 80's. They 'recreated' the hits of the day - actually quite well. As the first track began to play, I was reminded of how warm and soft the tones are from vinyl. I'll never be able to recreate the sound of my Nan's radiogram, but this was close. Although most of my records are in pretty good condition, there was still the occasional noice made by the odd dust particle - but this was right, it sounded more perfect, if you see what I mean. The pop and crackle are all part of the experience. Vinyl isn't perfect. I don't think it ever professed to be perfect. But it does sound right. In comparison, my MP3's sound harsh and too sharp. They are convenient and that's all.
I love hunting for these vinyl discs of audible pleasure. High street charity shops are ideal places to find them, often tucked away in the corner or under shelves in an old cardboard box. Amongst the Max Bygraves and sing-along Christmas albums, there will occasionally be lurking the odd gem - a Disney original or soundtrack to some blockbuster film. From time to time, it's also possible to stumble across a Betjeman or Tony Hancock radio show. These are moments of excitement - the thrill of the hunt - knowing you've found something quite exceptional. I love these moments. And for this pleasure, you are seldom asked for more than 25 or 50p. I would happily pay more and often do if I find something exceptional. Some vinyl is worth it.
To me, vinyl is very much alive. It never actually went away. It was simply languishing in pokey little shops and attics waiting to be found once more. Only this time, it is loved and cherished like never before... certainly by me.