Friday, July 25, 2008

TVD | Friday @ Random

I'm still shaking my head a bit at placing number five on Makeoutclub's Top 10 Mp3 Blogs of All Time List. JUST when I was wondering if this experiment in blogging about all things vinyl might have run its course, comes this fine recognition. And considering the zillions of blogs out there, I'm more than honored.

If I can be allowed one (tiny) quibble however, it has to do with this line in their write-up: "Given their nature, music posted on the Vinyl District are mainly in the “classic rock” area..." Actually, I'm not sure that's accurate. Much to Mick's dismay, there's the random KISS post for sure (it's my 'adultolescence' ...right?) ...the Thin Lizzy fascination, my T-Rexstacy, and certainly musings about all things '70's, but truthfully 85% of the TVD content tends to be of the post-punk/punk/new wave variety. Now, don't get me wrong, I dig me some AOR/FM radio rock...just not THAT much.

I think the thing is that, yea sure, vinyl's on the upswing in terms of sales volume (however incrementally) but still the majority of all new releases are most certainly CD or Mp3-based. (I can't tell you when the last time I actually bought a CD was though--maybe a boxset or some rare find on ebay...but really, who buys CDs any longer?) I actually do buy my new, NEW releases on vinyl...lovingly pressed and assembled for the 10 or 12 (fill-in-the-blanks) like me. From Bauhaus's "Go Away White" on white vinyl, to the new Supergrass or Joe Jackson LP's--all were previewed via download and purchased new. But I've had a quandary regarding posting some of this new stuff as vinyl rips for example. I mean, when it's readily available now, why undermine the sale of the shiny new stuff by Mp3-ing it up, of all things?

So, I've tended to indeed go back and highlight the stuff that kicked me in the ass way back when and perhaps it's heard for the very first time by someone. And OK, becomes a "classic" for them along the way. That'd be nice. (Hm. Now maybe if I add quotation marks around 'classic' like that, Makeoutclub was indeed RIGHT on the money...? Hm.)

If the powers that be see fit, these artists below deserve their new releases on vinyl and then you can say to your e-friends that you heard this brand new track on TVD and wow, cool--now it's out on vinyl! And that'll be when I see you at the next (fill-in-the-blank) meeting. "Hi, my name is Jon.............."

Knights - The Words Don't Come (Mp3)
The Joy Formidable - Austere (Mp3)
CIAM - The Journey (Mp3)
Bon Iver - Blindsided (Mp3)
Liam Finn - This Place Is Killing Me (Mp3)

(First track courtesy of Cale at BYT...can't get it out of my head now. Thanks, I think.)

10 comments:

Aya Amurjuev said...

85% post-punk/punk/new wave + 15% classic rock = perfect formula for one of the most fantastic music blogs on the internet (i would rank you as top 5 for sure)

i love your taste TVD!!! keep up the good work!!! :D

Jon said...

Aw, thanks...! (And there's a request of yours I believe among the Weekend Shots, yes?)

Aya Amurjuev said...

OMFG i hadn't even had the chance to see that! how in the world did you manage it? gawd i LOVE that song it gives me chills :) you made my day jon!!! hugs! (lots of other amazing goodies in that post... stay true to your new wave post punk vision you are a gem!)

Anonymous said...

Hey, how is Diamond Hoo Ha? Thinking of seeing Supergrass next week in NYC.
Noah

Jon said...

Honestly, it has some very fine moments, indeed.

Supergrass live is always a 'yes' in my book too.

Anonymous said...

I still buy a lot of music and the breakdown is probably something like 60%/40% in favor of cd's to vinyl. I certainly prefer vinyl and wish that I had the patience/wherewithal to limit my new purchases to vinyl. In reality, I still find the convenience of the cd format to be its main selling point. I can take it in the car or fit it easily into my bag and bring to work. Or slip it into my Discman for jogs. I am kind of anti-mp3 and have no interest in any making any effort to built up or maintain a digital library. So that's why I still buy cd's. I'm not happy about it though!

Jon said...

Oddly, I'm all for convenience too despite my vinyl leanings.

In my opinion, all new LPs should come with a coupon for a free Mp3 download for your ipod. The music's portable when needed and sounds top-notch at home. PLUS, it's been paid for, right?

Anonymous said...

Damn, that first track by Knight is so freakin catchy. Got that soft spot for spot-on pop.
Ghazi

Anonymous said...

Jon, You deserve this accolaide, and I agree (completely) with your quibble... you hsve to know, yours is THE ONLY music blog I check weekly--

I love the new wave bent you have - and I tolerate some of your weird selections... most gratefully-- as you really seem to dig out the best of what I missed in my childhood (and what came before I was born in 1982!)

Anyway. Thanks for helping me discover new/old music!

Anonymous said...

Dude, i am new to this site, and i have to say that its so good, it almost smells like vinyl! Please join us at our members only MP3 blog. Mainly for rare funk and jazz stuff. Drop us an email for an invite code. myrarevinyl at gmail dot com...

:)