So, Saturday morning. I've just got back from a lovely, sun drenched Leeds after queuing an hour and a little bit for several records. Was it worth it? Yes.
Around seven years ago on a Saturday morning, as a naive, 13 year old boy I got the train into Leeds city centre on a mission; I was determined to go out and buy a copy of The Smiths album The Queen is Dead. I'd been fortunate enough to have heard Morrissey for the first time shortly before hand, and I was recommended to the album by a very cool drama teacher I had. Needless to say, after hearing this record, my life was never quite the same again. Cliche I know, but 100% true. From that day onwards, I learnt the true value of the record store- a place, where music wasn't rubbish, wasn't what everyone else at school listened to, and more importantly, wasn't Brittany Spears.
So, about seven years, and eight hundred CDs, records and singles later, I made the same trip that I did seven years ago, to buy the very same album on a limited edition 10" vinyl copy. Regardless of the fact I have the album on CD, my iPod, and two copies on vinyl, I went out to buy the life changing artifact once again. Why? Sentimental value? Perhaps. Increased sound quality? Well, it has been remastered, but probably not too much difference from the 2009 vinyl. Yes, all these reasons played a part, but more to the fact it was an opportunity to support a shop that I, and many others, are greatly indebted to. Jumbo Records is a store where I've discovered many great bands simply by browsing the shelves, such as The Replacements, The Long Blondes, and Pylon- so many acts that I've learnt to love through that store, and probably so many more I will find.
The people I was queuing with shared similar experiences, as we edged towards the front of the queue. Over 200 people were served, and thankfully I made the two purchases I went in for (picking up The Queen is Dead and the last copy of an R.E.M. Collapse Into Now Singles Boxset). It was so great to see so many people in a shop that can rarely be that busy, and to see the joy on peoples' faces as they successfully acquired the vinyl they most wanted. Obviously people did miss out on certain things, which must have been disappointing, but I'm sure most people found the whole thing enjoyable or slightly exciting.
Whatever will happen to record stores in an age of digital music is yet to be seen. However, today proved to me that music is more than just getting an MP3- it is the social aspect, the way that people interact and chat over music, and the pleasure in getting hold of the record, staring at the cover as you await to get it home and listen to it.
However you get your music, be it iTunes, HMV or Picadilly Records, I hope that on today of all days, you enjoy your music, and give a thought to the record store; a place where surely everyone has experienced that one, life changing moment.
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