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Vinyl records have made a major resurgence over the past decade and not simply as a collector’s item. Many modern artists are now releasing music on vinyl, and it continues to be one of the best ways to listen to classics. The staff at Alison’s Record Shop in Nashville, TN, advise that one of vinyl’s best qualities is how it emotionally connects the listener with the past. It’s an experience that can’t be replicated and something that continues to make younger generations discover and fall in love with older music.

A Brief History of Vinyl Records

The first vinyl records were designed in 1889 by Emile Berliner for the gramophone. While the sound quality wasn’t that good, the 5” discs were the first flat disc resembling modern vinyl. Lateral discs continued to expand in size—up to 7”—and as the quality of the gramophone improved, so did the sound.

In 1901, modern vinyl appeared in several different sizes and was played at varying speeds. Discs were made from a range of materials, including zinc coated in beeswax and a shellac compound. Because it could easily record sound, it became the go-to medium for music throughout the mid-century until CDs and cassette tapes were invented.

The Emotional Quality of Vinyls

vinyl-records-alisons-record-shopWhen you purchase a vinyl record, you’re getting the original production of the album. It isn’t digitally enhanced or remastered; the music sounds exactly as it did when it was first recorded and released by the artists. This creates a deeply experiential connection when you hear it this way, and you understand the impact it first made on listeners at that time. Whether it’s the rock of the 70s or sounds of the Jazz Age, you get to experience what it was like to be alive in a certain place and time through the audio.

If you’re looking to start or add to your vinyl record connection, stop by Alison’s Record Shop. They carry an extensive selection of vinyl albums, turntables, and other products. Their friendly staff will find the perfect addition to your collection. Call (615) 356-0180 or visit their website to learn more about this record shop. 

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