The pops and crackles of a needle finding its way through the grooves to get to the music embedded in the record is a comforting sound to many. Still the largest consumer group, and the one with the most disposable income, Baby Boomers are leading the surge back to vinyl records. Not only is vinyl hot with boomers, they are dragging two and sometimes three generations with them.
The children of boomers, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren have discovered the music their parents listened to, and have learned to appreciate the medium that brought it home. Technology pushed media to cassettes, through 8-tracks and all the way to CDs and digital downloads. But as with many products, the pendulum has swung back. It’s not just about nostalgia, although for many that would be sufficient to dust off old albums and find a new turntable. It’s not just about the music either, because it’s available in digital form, usually without purchase. The resurgence in vinyl is a phenomenon that is so far not fully understood. Pressing records is satisfying; listening to them is more so.
Until very recently, vinyl in South Jersey was only available from attics, basements and thrift stores. Some were warped, others melted and most scratched. Lucky shoppers would rush home to listen, and very often be disappointed at the quality. Like old book aficionados though, they’d be right back in the hunt for the Beatles, Barry Manilow or Meat Loaf from the ’70s.
Today, there is a better way. Music stores have begun to buy used records from those same attics and basements. The difference is that now, when the hunt is on for vinyl in South Jersey, shoppers can be assured that their purchases will be playable. Only those records that have survived decades and are still in good shape will be found on the shelves. In some locales vinyl has become the top music medium performer, outselling all others.
An entire new industry has arisen for old records and turntables. Sellers often stick around, shop and become buyers. Buyers find new caches and become sellers. One business that both buys and sells used records in South Jersey can be located through their website at Innergrooverecords.com.
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