Uncovering timeless sounds and cherished memories within a collection of old records.

Collecting and playing old records offers a unique thrill that goes beyond just listening to music. For collectors, there’s a deep sense of nostalgia and discovery in searching for rare vinyl, holding the album in hand, and hearing the warm, crackling sound as the needle touches down. Each record tells a story, from its iconic cover art to the physical imperfections that make every listen a little different. The tangible connection to music history and the joy of uncovering hidden gems make record collecting an endlessly rewarding passion.

Steve Erangey, owner of Gumbo Bottoms Ale House, had a childhood coated in music. Growing up in Cork, Ireland, before immigrating to the United States, Steve remembers music as a core part of his familial identity.

“I grew up backstage at Cork Opera House in Cork, Ireland,” Steve explains. “My dad was a singer, and my mom ran the box office.”

Steve preserves the memory of his Irish ancestry and solidifies his ongoing passion for music through collecting records. Before the invention of 8-tracks and compact cassette tapes or streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, it was all about record players. Vinyl records and record players have a rich and complex history. The grandfather of the turntable was the phonograph, a device invented by Thomas Edison in 1877 that featured a rectangular box with a hand crank and cylinders that recorded sounds and played them back to the listener through a sound horn. By 1895, the phonograph developed into the gramophone, which used the first disc records made from hard rubber; shellac; and, eventually, vinyl. In 1948, the first 12-inch, 33RPM record was produced by CBS. This improved the durability of records and allowed for the invention of long-play (LP) records, which could play recordings for up to roughly 20 minutes. Eventually, the growing popularity of these records and the already-established radio stations changed music history forever. For the first time, musicians such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles were able to release full albums to the world, as opposed to a few selected songs at a time.

When reminiscing about turntable days, Steve occasionally pulls out one of his many records and plays it during his shift for customers as they enjoy a beverage inside the dimly lit bar. For Steve, the appeal of record collecting is not necessarily about sound quality.

“It doesn’t sound better as much as it feels better,” Steve says.

Steve loves the feeling of listening to vinyl records while drinking a perfectly crafted beer.

“It’s not about nostalgia or quality,” he says. “There’s something uniquely cool about the patience and investment of listening to a record.”

Steve is not alone in his passion for record collecting. The U.S. Music Revenue Database reports that in 2021, the total sales volume of vinyl records increased by 68%. Researchers have linked the increased sales of record players to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many to find alternative hobbies while at home. Regardless of the reasoning, there is nothing quite like the feeling and comfort of playing a record. For many people, playing records is most common during the holiday season.

Steve recalls his most cherished Christmas nights spent with a winter drink and his favorite Christmas song, “The Fairytale of New York” by the Pogues, playing throughout his home. But unlike in the early 1900s, when people were limited by status and wealth to obtain a record player, let alone a record collection, music lovers can now find a variety of good quality record players at affordable prices. When looking to start a record collection, there are a few things to consider before purchasing and handling:

Record players typically refer to a vinyl-playing mechanism with speakers and amplification included. To use a more up-to-date speaker system, consider purchasing a turntable, a modern-day record player component that can be used with amps and speakers.

• If the desire to purchase a record player is for aesthetic purposes and sound quality isn’t important, opt for a cheaper player from a local supercenter. If excellent sound quality is desired, invest in a higher-quality player.
• Most online sources and experts refer to VPI, Clear-audio, and Michell as the highest-quality brands. Sources also suggest that starter vinyl enthusiasts begin with a cheaper player and upgrade as the hobby develops. The New York Times references the Fluance RT85N as the best turntable of 2024, and itis listed under $60.
• If you like to listen to a record with headphones, make sure to purchase a turntable or record player that has a preamp or Bluetooth.
• Record player maintenance is important. Turntables need to be placed in a spot where the player will not experience any additional vibration to prevent them from scratching the vinyl records. A turntable shelf can also be purchased to prevent vibrations.
• Always remember to pick up vinyl records by the edges.
• Remember to determine the correct speed for the vinyl record and adjust the player to the appropriate rotations per minute (RPM).

Regardless of the brand and style of a record player, it’s important to remember Steve’s advice to value the patience and investment of playing a vinyl record.

Top 10 Christmas Records

Enjoy a warm drink or winter cocktail while listening to one of these top 10 Christmas albums from vinylmeplease.com.   

1. “A Christmas Gift for You,” by Phil Spector  
2. “The Andy Williams Christmas Album,” by Andy Williams  
3. “A Christmas Together,” by John Denver & The Muppets 
4. “The Ventures’ Christmas Album,” by The Ventures  
5. “Soul Christmas,” a compilation by various artists  
6. “Elvis’ Christmas Album,” by Elvis Presley  
7. “Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas,” by Ella Fitzgerald 
8. “A Motown Christmas,” by Motown  
9. “Merry Christmas,” by Bing Crosby  
10. “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” by Vince Guaraldi Trio