“Like most music enthusiasts my age, my love for vinyl began early in life.”
“Some of my first memories involved me as a four year old kid, laying belly down on the carpet in front of Pop’s Bang & Olufsen. Flipping through album sleeves for hours. I didn’t know exactly what I was doing, but I remember being intrigued. Whether I was listening to The Beatles, or Peter, Paul and Mary singing “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” I was making a connection between the sounds in my ears with the photos and paintings in my little mitts. Falling in love with everything about them.
I spent my childhood trying to sing like Young, dress like Jackson, and having a huge crush on Diana Ross. I remember looking at her album covers way more than I should have… After growing up a bit more, I realized how lucky I was to grow up with such an amazing record collection. Especially living in a small town in Alaska. My parents’ investment in vinyl initiated an unbelievable love for music in me and has led me to the job of my dreams. How did I repay them? By stealing it, of course. I’m a real jerk.
After leaving the state for college, I realized how much I missed those records. For the past 12 years or so, I’ve been flying home a couple times a year to visit/pack 8 to 10 LPs in my luggage. That along with my own shopping, my collection is looking pretty good. It didn’t take me long to confess this to them, but they’re understanding folks. I only had to return a few.
Having those specific copies puts the listening experience on a whole different level for me. A lot of people say, “I grew up listening to this album.” I mean it. I grew up listening to THIS album. It’s very special to me. I love and appreciate my parents for that and a million other reasons. But if you’re reading this Ma, I plan on stealing the Bang & Olufsen next time I fly up. Sorry.. Love you!”
—Zach Carothers
