I Like Physical Media
A couple of years ago, my partner got me a record player, and a vinyl record of Kind Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's "Quarters!" for Christmas. I was so excited to give it a spin, that morning I scrounged around for some speakers I could plug into the record player, and put down the record. The speakers weren't great, and it was just playing in the middle of our dining room table. Even so, I was so happy with the setup. I think my partner had to convince me to move it somewhere else. Eventually, my setup formalized, and since then, my record collection continues to grow. I have even expanded into other mediums. My favorites right now are CDs and Blu-Rays, because they are relatively cheap for the quality you get, and it's still pretty easy to find players for them. (And not so hard to rip them to digital...)
I feel very proud of my collection because I feel more connected to it than the infinite music and media I have with my streaming services. I have a rule for myself when I buy physical media: Most of the time, I cannot order a disc online. (There are some exceptions to this, since it would be impossible to find the record otherwise). I have this rule, because it:
- Stops me from being irresponsible with my spending on media
- Makes me go out and explore local businesses and concerts
There is an amazing thrill when I find an album I love. I still can't really believe some of the stuff I have found at my local Goodwill. I am lucky that I have a good selection of record stores and physical movie shops, and a not-super-dead music scene, which allows me to buy some releases from some local acts.
When my partner and I are looking for a movie, I often have the instinct to look through the discs first. When I'm near my stereo, I'll pass on streaming and grab a CD or record instead. There is some kind of pull about using the things you have over the fleeting and impermanent music and video from streaming.
Canadian communication theorist Marshall McLuhan came up with the phrase The medium is the message. The idea of pulling out a record, setting it on the turntable, and dropping the needle transforms the nature of the music. It makes it more intentional, more important, and less transitory. In a world where pretty much everything is temporary, disposable and "background music", physical media can serve a role in logging off and feeling more connected to the world.
Or maybe I just like to put a record on while reading looking through the included lyric book.
If you look through my collection and think, "Dang! This internet stranger would love this (insert album or movie here), send me an email! I'm always looking for new stuff.