“I don’t consider myself a traditional vinyl collector. I’m not one of those who prefer unopened, unplayed vinyl wrapped up tightly in plastic. Whatever the appropriate antonym for a hoarder is, that’s typically what I aspire to be. Vinyl is a slight exception to the rule. I prefer buying records on the cheap, beat up fizzes, pops and all, as long as they don’t skip. Half the fun of looking is what you may find.”
“Jerry’s Records, (not just Pittsburgh famous) is one of a kind, just a mile from my house. Jerry’s sometimes offers large boxes of free vinyl, one box per person. I’ve stumbled across some gems. You find standard Sinatra, Tom Jones, some Glenn Miller Orchestra, and lots of Ray Charles. Those are fun with drinks, catching up with old friends. I’ve pulled some Motown Christmas albums and yacht rock like Seals and Crofts from those boxes. Oh yeah and Van Morrison’s Hard Nose The Highway. That’s the one he sings Kermit the Frog’s “Being Green.”
Some of my current favorites in regular rotation are Isaac Hayes’ Hot Buttered Soul. This choice signals the transitional wind down to any end of the night dance party. If I need to clean the hell out of the house The Clash’s London Calling or Fugazi’s In On the Kill Taker gets me going. I enjoy warming up my voice and singing harmonies to The Beatles ‘65. Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk can unwind me from a stressful day.
Breakfast time is always better with Dusty Springfield’s A Brand New Me. Enjoyable dinnertime music at our place is usually Ricky Nelson or Elvis Presley’s Sun Sessions. Radiohead’s latest, A Moon Shape Pool looks and sounds exceptional on wax, it’s the latest record I bought for myself. Beach House’s Depression Cherry was a birthday gift that sounds as soft and fuzzy as its album cover art is to the touch.
Some days I can’t recall where I left my car keys, but I often remember where I bought an album, if it was gifted to me and whom it was from. Records make wonderful presents. It’s a cool gesture recommending music to someone; passing on physical art hoping to inspire a reaction, turning someone on to something new, they can then transfer it to another. Simply changing an album from one side to another forces suspense and anticipation, commanding the listener’s attention, a new chapter of a book.
“Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it just let it happen.” –Agent Dale Cooper.
It’s even sweeter when someone unintentionally gives you a duplicate record; those kinds of friends are keepers. I have several copies of Lennon’s Double Fantasy and Plastic Ono Band, multiple Ziggy Stardust copies. The Smiths Louder Than Bombs and Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks are getting worn out. Certain albums are essential bliss. You can chalk it up to sweet gift giving or the charming act of merging two record collections; it’s an intimate thing. I suppose my affinity to vinyl is quite sentimental in that regard.”
—Chad Monticue
The Juliana Theory is celebrating their 20th anniversary with a tour and repress of their seminal release Emotion Is Dead. Preorder Emotion Is Dead right here.
The Juliana Theory Official | Facebook | Twitter
