The joys of physical media
I'm the type of guy who has always loved discovering new music. An amazing new artist or album can put me on a cloud for weeks.
Maybe it's a nerdiness sideeffect, but I'm also a merch, memorabilia and swag type of guy. If I love something, I want to represent it. And I want a physical representation of it (if possible).
When I was a kid, CDs were the media format of the day. They were more than that to me though. They were artifacts that offered me a connection to my heroes.
The music itself was transitory. It was swirling all around me. I could imagine the players, but they weren't in the room with me.
The CD was though, with its clicketyclack jewel case and its booklet that would give me insights into who the artists were and what they were all about. The CD in my hand made the artist real.
When I got a bit older I learned about an esteemed ancestor of the CD. The vinyl record.
Record stores at the time were wellstocked with dusty bins of vinyl that were plentiful and dirt cheap. For me, this was a boom time. Records were like time capsules.
They offered the same tangible experience of CDs with the added romance of something that felt like reaching into the past.
I remember my dad's confusion when he learned that I was collecting vinyl. Didn't I know that CD audio was more crisp and clear, that there was a reason that the record was rendered obsolete?
I did, but the crackle and pop of vinyl was part of the fun. For me, that was how the music was meant to sound. That's how it sounded when it was released. That's what made it feel authentic.
Then, digital downloads and streaming came on the scene and killed all physical media. Finally, people could declutter and stop hauling all their CDs, tapes, DVDs and records with them when they moved.
But it didn't take long for some audiophiles to feel like something was missing.
They missed holding the album booklet in their hand, poring through it to learn details of the recording. They missed cataloguing the album and displaying it like a trophy. They missed feeling like they were supporting their favourite artists. They missed leafing through the racks at a record store. They missed owning a thing they loved.
Which brings us to now. Welcome to a new golden era of physical media.
It's not for everyone, obviously. Our media landscape is truly a chooseyourownadventure experience. But for those who choose it, cassettes, CDs and vinyl offer rewards that make a streamingonly approach feel a bit empty.
If you feel that way, it may be time to discover (or rediscover) intentional listening. Sit. Listen. Focus. Cut away the distraction of modern life. You've ascended, you are now one with music.
Just kidding, it's not that deep. It is a great time, though!
Want to get into it? Hamilton and the surrounding area offers some of the best record shopping in the country. Make sure you pick up a tape, CD or record from a local artist to truly make your contribution to our arts scene.
Here's where you can make it happen:
■ Dr. Disc One of the best in the business, Dr. Disc has been a downtown staple for more than 25 years.
■ Into the Abyss A fresh move hasn't diminished the magic of this local gem, which also puts on showcases that highlight local talent.
■ Revolution Records A great place for fresh finds with super friendly staff and a new location in Dundas.
■ Mourning Star Tattoos Do you like tattoos and heavy metal? If the answer is yes and yes some more, this place is for you.
■ Flashbacks A great place to satisfy your vinyl craving on the mountain with fun finds in every crate.
■ Notable mentions Rocky's Records, Where Heads Meet, Out of the Basement, Damn Fine Records and Stardust Records