It is the question that many collectors ask, and without sounding too biased you really can not beat the original but there are some exceptions to that rule. Here at World of Rare Books, we look into the history of vinyl and the age old debate of original vs reissue. A great reissue can offer a great listening experience over owning a scratchy original, many factors help determine whether you’ve purchased a good or bad record.
Vinyl records that predate the 1970’s are usually a safe bet at being a good pressing. As vinyl was the only music format available at that time, record labels competed for our money. This did ensure that the LPs and 45s were consistent in quality during this period.
The 1970s produced great records but with the global energy crisis impacting the way vinyl was created, the music industry relied heavily on petroleum for vinyl production, which was expensive. To get around this most labels cut the costs by reducing the thickness and quality of the record. Rather than only using “virgin” vinyl they began to add recycled scraps from other records, (they would do this by removing the centre label and the vinyl was then melted down and reused). Paper was sometimes embedded in and around the edges of these unstable looking records. RCA records branded these as Dynaflex, citing an innovation in vinyl production. Deep down it was an attempt to put a positive spin on a flimsier product.
The 1980’s bought a new age of music format, the cassette tape and compact disc were introduced and they, of course, made music convenient and portable. CDs promised perfection in sound and were cheaper to produce. Portable CD players and Walkmans drove the demand as did car stereos. This was the beginning of the end of vinyl. By the end of the decade, vinyl sales began to plummet.
The 80’s had plenty of vinyl but it was still flimsy and rather bendy from the decade before. Many LPs from this decade tried to replicate the digital output of CDs. Many vinyl records from this era were “electronically enhanced” or “digitally remastered”. Reissues from this period are seen as inferior as they do not stick to the analog format.
By the 1990s vinyl was seemingly obsolete. For the next 20 years, digital files and steaming slowly began killing the CD as well. An original vinyl record from this time period is an exciting find for many collectors and they are highly sought after.
Like most things, vinyl made a stunning comeback. The Vinyl Revival was upon us and in 2007 a renewed desire in an immersive and tangible experience with music spurred the vinyl sales. Sadly there are not many pressing plants and the outdated machines are operating way past the capacity run by inexperienced staff, so the pressings can sound bad. They may also appear warped. You can find some great reissues in this current day and age, however, they are few and far between with many poorly made vinyl trying to cash in on the current vinyl boom upon us.
We still love an original vinyl record at World of Rare Books, and when we find one, we are beyond excited to listen to it here on our turntable. However, there are some great reissues out there and we are certain that you would love to listen to the nostalgic popping sounds of vinyl with the hustle and bustle of today’s life. You can browse our great vinyl selection here to find the perfect gift for a music lover or treat yourself to your favourite record from a decade gone by.