“My first memory of vinyl was when my parents upgraded their ancient turntable sound system for a CD HIFI unit. I inherited the record player for my room along with a bundle of records ranging from Culture Club’s Colour by Numbers to Led Zeppelin IV. It was one of those old rack turntables with a separate amplifier and old tatty brown speakers. When you switched it on, it would take a good minute to warm up. Pretty sure it had valves. It was the kind of antique that would probably be worth a small fortune now.”
“I felt like proper grown-up having the record player at my disposal. My inherited collection of vinyl was fairly eclectic thanks to my parents. I’d listen to Queen’s A Night at the Opera then quickly onto Dexy’s Too-Rye-Ay before cranking up Roxy Music or David Bowie. At that time, it didn’t really matter. I just loved each record, the way it was presented in the sleeve, the lyrics on the pullout, and even the smell of it.
My brother and I would giggle listening to records played at the wrong speed or backwards and inevitably we would try our luck at scratching. We would quickly learn that this would break the needle and ultimately, the old turntable.
Despite not really having a record player in my teens, I had a fascination of collecting unique and coloured vinyl. Mostly punk and rock records, limited releases, and anything a little bit unusual.
We were fairly spoiled for choice in Edinburgh with some great independent record stores like Vinyl Villains, Hog’s Head Music, and Avalanche Records. I remember picking up coloured vinyl by the likes of Faith No More, Rage Against The Machine, Depeche Mode, Green Day, and Nirvana. I had no means to actually listen to these records, I just liked to have them in my room and would show them off to my friends.
I still have all my old records (including Culture Club). I would never get rid them. I got a new record player about five years ago which re-ignited my love for vinyl. I instantly went back to riffling through charity shop record piles and actually found a few bargains like Ultravox’s Vienna and a bunch of The Smiths’ 12” singles.
We now live in an age where we want everything on the move instantly and for that reason, the music streaming channels and Mp3 download options are vital for musicians and music fans alike however, with revenue from vinyl sales in the UK overtaking that of digital downloads in December 2016, it’s clear that vinyl still has a valid place in our lives. After all, you can’t unwrap, touch, study, and love an MP3. That experience belongs to vinyl and long may it.”
—Nick Green
KOBA’s “Rush” is in stores 10th February, 2017 via INSTRMNT Records.
