The Vinyl Journey: First Songs and Albums That Shaped My Music Collection
Music has always been a profound part of my life, and my journey as a vinyl collector began with some iconic tracks and albums. My first foray into the world of vinyl started with 45 rpm singles, with either 'Delaware' by Perry Como or 'Gonna Get Along Without You Now' by Patience and Prudence. However, my first recorded purchase may have been an album, possibly a Hermans Hermits or Rolling Stones LP, before transitioning to building my cherished Beatles collection with 'Introducing The Beatles' on Vee-Jay records.
While my initial vinyl purchases were marked by these iconic artists, I also recently acquired a set of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 'Chronicle', their greatest hits. Unwrapping the vinyl and placing it on my record player was a unique experience, one that evoked a sense of nostalgia and made the music feel more vibrant. The record’s sound quality, enhanced by modern remastering, was a step up from radio or digital streaming platforms. There is a tangible, nostalgic charm to putting on a record, placing the needle on the spine, and allowing the music to fill the room. It’s a ritual that feels both modern and retro, a real standout feature of vinyl collections.
As a child, my exposure to music was largely through weight tapes, but my first CD purchase was an exceptionally memorable one. The CD I bought was from Crazy Town, mainly because my friends and I were Eminem and Rob Zombie fans. However, I also received many of my mom’s old music CDs as she was cleaning out. She loved music and would always pass down her old CDs to me, urging me to play them when she was gone. These CD collections remind me of countless good and bad memories, like watching my siblings during the long days. The best CDs among them were from Aqua and Bloodhound Gang, who both had a unique and distinct sound that resonated with me.
One of the earliest vinyl memories I have is from 1974, when I purchased the Beatles' album 'Let It Be' at Rexall Drug Store in Madisonville, Kentucky. This album featured 'The Long and Winding Road', a song that has held a special place in my heart for years. The Beatles' music has remained timeless, and even though Rexall Drugs no longer stands, the music endures.
My first 45 single was 'Apache' by The Shadows, and my first LP I bought was a duet between two legendary blues acts. 'A Hard Road' by John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers with the incomparable Peter Green on guitar, and 'Disraeli Gears' by Cream featuring Eric Clapton on guitar, marking a time when Clapton was the god of the electric guitar. These purchases symbolize a critical period in my music collection, a time when I discovered the unique charm and allure of vinyl records, each song and album a small piece of music history coming to life on my turntable.