Vinyl Lives: Resurrecting Music’s True Soul

Rediscover the Thrill of Owning Your Music.

Kevin McElroy
Editor, Tune Up Magazine

Vinyl isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. But let’s give credit where it’s due. CDs deserve a shoutout too. Both formats, in fact, offer something you don’t get from streaming: a real connection. Buying music physically, whether it’s vinyl, a CD, or even a cassette, is more than a nostalgic nod—it’s a way to support the artists we love. Streaming might give us convenience, but owning music? That’s putting your money where your music is.

And let’s not forget, when you buy a physical copy, more cash goes straight to the band. Streaming payouts suck. That Spotify or Apple Music subscription you’re spending a tenner a month on? The artists are seeing pennies from those plays. But when you buy an album—whether from your favorite local record store or, even better, straight from the band at a live show—you’re making sure the artist gets a bigger cut of the action.

The Zombie-Like Rise of Vinyl

Vinyl’s made an epic return from the grave, literally rising like a zombie to reclaim its throne as the king of formats. Remember back in the early 2000s when people thought vinyl was dead and buried? Well, joke’s on them—vinyl’s been undead for years now, outselling CDs at times and leaving digital downloads in the dust. And why? Because owning music isn’t just about listening, it’s about the experience.

Buying vinyl is like unearthing treasure. There’s a thrill in flipping through crates, holding that gorgeous album art in your hands, and finally dropping the needle. It’s a ritual, an emotional connection to the music that streaming just doesn’t offer. And guess what? It’s not just for the old-timers—new generations of music lovers are joining in on this analog revolution, proving that vinyl truly lives.

CDs Are in the Club Too

While vinyl’s the headliner of this resurrection, let’s not bury CDs too quickly. They had their time, and they’re still damn good. They’re tangible, they’re convenient, and they offer sound quality that holds up today. Owning a physical copy—whether it’s a record or a CD—is a tangible way to connect with your favorite music, and it beats the faceless digital catalogues any day.

Owning Music is the Ultimate Trick or Treat

Since it’s October, we can’t skip the Halloween connection, can we? Think of digital music as the endless background noise of a haunted house—there but forgettable. Meanwhile, vinyl and CDs? They’re the buried treasures you dig up, dust off, and bring back to life. This spooky season, why not resurrect the age-old tradition of owning your music? Support your local record store or your favorite artists directly. Be part of the Vinyl Lives revolution.

Oh, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for Record Store Day’s Black Friday event on Friday, November 29th. It’s the perfect time to snatch up some killer exclusive vinyl releases and maybe even grab some holiday gifts for the music lovers in your life. For details, visit Record Store Day.

So, whether you’re resurrecting your love for vinyl, or you’re still rocking your CD collection, one thing is clear: Vinyl Lives, and so should your music collection. Put your money where your music is, and keep that undead beat spinning.