“When I think about vinyl records, the first thing that comes to mind is the ritualistic work that is involved in playing a record.”
“First, searching through your collection by hand and deciding what you want to listen to (no shuffle or quick mix button as on an electronic device). Then pulling the record out of its sleeve, looking at the insert or some liner notes or the credits. This is all part of an intentional experience by the artist; whether I consciously recognize it or not I’d like to think this information, artwork and all, directly affects the way in which I gauge the music contained in those tiny grooves. The connection to this music goes even further if you take the time to clean and wipe your vinyl before playing each side.
I never felt anything when I bought a CD. In high school I remember buying CDs, putting them in the CD player in my car and throwing the jewel case on the passenger seat or even on the floor. Not taking the time to look inside really.
Looking back, CDs felt more like a convenient medium for music rather, to me, something I felt proud to own; I feel proud to own the records I do now. Some are cheap and can be found in almost every record store I walk into. Others are rare, hard to find, first pressings, etc. These make me feel like I own a piece of history, as if transported in time to the day the record came out.
Another joy of vinyl records is doing nothing else but solely focusing on listening to the music, following along with the lyrics, if provided. You can really lose yourself and be infatuated by a song or a whole album of you turn off your phone, put away your computer, and just sit down and listen to music. Pure and simple. The artist and/or record label went to all this work to present you with a piece of art that the least you can do is rid yourself of distraction and hear how the record intends to be heard.
Sure there is a certain novelty factor with vinyl nowadays, a resurgence in owning and listening to music on vinyl. I don’t worry about that though, I make it personal and buy vinyl because I think it is the best way to listen to music.”
—Bryan Enas
Stagnant Pools’ LP, Geist arrives in stores on June 10th via Polyvinyl Records.
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PHOTO: ANNA POWELL TEETER
