subject: Modern Vinyl Records [print this page] Most modern media stores only sell digital media such as CDs or DVDs. If you want to listen to analogue music instead of digital, you need to find a source for vinyl records.
Modern vinyl records are released in three basic formats. The 7 single contains a single track. There are also 7 and 12 EPs, or Extended Play records, which commonly hold 3-4 tracks at a playing time of 10-15 minutes for the 7 EP, or 4-5 tracks at a playing time of 12-25 minutes for the 12 EP. More rare, but still, available is the 10 EP. Finally, the 12 LPs, or Long Playing records, can contain ten or more tracks at a playing time of over 20 minutes per side.
Records are also released on a variety of materials. The standard material is black vinyl however some records are released on coloured vinyl which may be a single solid colour, or a pattern of multiple colours. Often, coloured vinyl is chosen to match the name of the record album in some way. Some records, usually only LPs, are released on a heavier grade of vinyl. These are often referred to as audiophile vinyl.
You can purchase new black or coloured vinyl LPs online from an online record store or in person from a specialty retailer. You can also purchase vinyl EPs and singles from online and in-person stores which specialise in independent bands. Records can also be purchased directly from bands, either at a concert or from their fan website.
The new vinyl records available are a mix of reissued older records and new releases. Most of the new releases are also available in CD format, with a smaller number of copies in vinyl format. That said, there are some releases, especially promotional singles and EPs, which are only available in vinyl.
Two of the most popular categories of records available in vinyl are electronic dance music and hip hop. Both of these are used by DJs and musicians who take advantage of the range of distortions you can perform on the music by slowing, speeding, or reversing the turntable on which the record is played, as well as techniques such as scratching. DJs also take advantage of the ways that you can slip-cue and beat match records on turntables. Other popular categories of modern records available include punk and indie rock, where special vinyl releases of LPs and EPs are snapped up by fans.
You can buy any of these new releases of vinyl EPs or LPs online. New releases will be sold sealed in shrink wrap by the manufacturer. You can also purchase second-hand copies of records from online auction websites or used record dealers, either online or in-person. Occasionally, these records will still be shrink wrapped, although most often they have been opened. If the original record was purchased by someone who wanted to protect the album artwork, the shrink wrap may have been slit open to allow the record to be removed, while keeping it in place around the album cover.
