“With CDs on the O-U-T, it pains me to think people don’t appreciate the art of listening to a record anymore. But, I have hope that the resurgence of vinyl means otherwise. I’m hoping people still give a shit about a record in its entirety as a work of art. This is something I think about a lot. So much time and energy goes into putting together a record knowing its meant to exist as a whole body of work. When It Happens To You, my newest LP is an extension of that entire sentiment.”
“For me, I don’t enjoy listening to NEW records on vinyl as much as I do the OLD. I appreciate the process of acquiring used vinyl, romanticizing the history and sentimental value behind it, especially your parents’ old ones! Just imagining (and longing for) the simpler times in the world and music industry. I can’t even imagine what it was like to put on Music From Big Pink for the first time or Dark Side Of The Moon. Music was consumed in such simpler ways in the ’60s, gather round with your friends and listen to the entire record. “Hey Donna got the new Neil Young record! We’re meeting at her place after school to listen!” It became a whole event, a means of savoring and taking your time with the music. IT was special and the artist was appreciated for the art itself.
I love popping on jazz (especially bebop) records for the similar reasons. Monk (At Town Hall), Mingus, Bill Evans (Conversations With Myself—this one I’ve been searching for)… even some weird Jazz Fusion one offs. There is something to be said about listening/consuming music in the way it was meant to be heard at that time. It affected the way somebody played, the caliber of expectation, and seriousness (or perhaps lack of but that as part of the beauty) in doing a take and getting it right.
More albums I love on vinyl— Layla: And Other Assorted Love Songs more than anything… that and Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. Wow what a phenomenal record. I mean the swing, the live feeling, you really appreciate what it takes (From the arrangements to the musicianship and sheer talent— how many hours went into rehearsing to get it right!) in a way that not many operate anymore. It’s funny because I actually bought this record for $1 for an “ex” of mine. He never got it because he ended things before I could give it to him (he was never really an ex and to be honest, it was a short-lived fling). But if it wasn’t for him I would have never discovered that album! And I pop it on during every Christmas.
And don’t get me wrong, I love listening to Ryan Adams’ Live at Carnegie Hall, or White Denim’s Stiff (thanks BF for spectacular Xmas presents last year) and I’ll take that over streaming. It’s different because listening to records is a hobby now, not a necessity. And on the other hand, I am so grateful for Spotify because everything is in one place, but also a dauntingly overwhelming for the exact same reasons!”
—Rachel Ana Dobken
Rachel Ana Dobken’s full length release, When It Happens To You is in stores now.
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PHOTOS: DANNY CLINCH
