Vinyl Versus CD: Comparisons Between Vinyl Records and Compact Discs

Ahh Vinyl! That most tangible of musical pleasures. I remember the pure joy I used to feel going to my local record store and picking up the latest great album on vinyl. I remember receiving 'London Calling' by 'The Clash' for Xmas in 1979. It was a double vinyl disc and it had weight, it was substantial, aside from being one of the 10 best Rock Albums ever. It even had a smell and it was visually pleasing also. Back when Vinyl was king the Graphic Artists had free reign to create some truly inspired and masterful images for the large 12" x 12" canvas. Vinyl unlike the Cassette or 8-Track it wouldn't snap or break easily. Sure you could scratch it if you weren't careful but as any record collector will tell you it's quite easy to look after your record collection without them becoming damaged. I always made sure that I didn't get my greasy fingerprints all over the vinyl by removing and replacing the treasured platter delicately from the sleeve & made sure to clean my records occasionally. Most important was to use a good quality diamond stylus. All these simple steps help keep most records pristine and replayable for decades to come.