Introduction: The Beginning of the Journey
My journey into vinyl collecting began during the early months of the Covid pandemic. With more time at home, I decided to build a high-end audio system, which quickly led me from streaming services to SACDs and CDs. Then, in Christmas of 2023, I received a turntable as a gift, and everything changed. Owning records felt more personal, and I set a fun goal for myself—buying my first 50 albums and documenting the process on WaxCatalog.
The First Record: How It All Began
The very first record I bought was Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska. It’s always been one of my favorite albums because it’s so different from anything else in his catalog. While the album is universally considered a masterpiece, getting it on 180-gram vinyl made it feel even more special. When I dropped the needle for the first time and heard “Atlantic City,” followed by “Mansion on the Hill” and “State Trooper,” I was hooked. Vinyl brought a raw authenticity that digital couldn’t match, and I knew I was in for the long haul.
Early Discoveries and Learning the Ropes
After Nebraska, I knew I wasn’t going to be hunting for used $5 albums. While many vinyl collectors love that approach, I wanted to go in the other direction—focusing on mint-condition, high-quality pressings that I could pass down to my kids one day. Rather than prioritizing quantity, I aimed for albums that would sound incredible and hold their value over time.
My next big purchase was The Slow Rush by Tame Impala. The depth of Kevin Parker’s production made it a standout, and hearing it on vinyl added an extra layer to the experience. I also picked up Southeastern by Jason Isbell, a deeply personal album that just felt right on vinyl. Other early additions included Celebration Rock by Japandroids and Live at the Shoals Theater by Jason Isbell, Mike Cooley, and Patterson Hood.
I quickly realized the importance of doing my research—different pressings can vary in sound quality, and Discogs became my go-to tool for finding the right editions. Keeping track of everything on WaxCatalog helped me stay organized, making sure each addition to the collection had a purpose.
Key Milestones: Albums That Shaped the Collection
There are so many great records in my collection, but a few stand out. One of the most significant was the Live at the Shoals Theater box set, featuring Mike Cooley, Patterson Hood, and Jason Isbell. It’s a 2015 concert recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and there’s a certain energy that vinyl just captures perfectly.
Another highlight is an original pressing of Live at the Fillmore East by the Allman Brothers Band. The extended version of “Whipping Post” still blows me away every time I listen to it—this album is often hailed as one of the best live recordings ever made, and I can see why.
I also rediscovered my love for The Wall by Pink Floyd. Sure, I’ve got Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here, but The Wall is the one I keep coming back to. It’s even better on vinyl, especially when you turn it up loud.
A couple of records came from my friend Chris, who gifted me Life’s Rich Pageant by R.E.M. and Penthouse by Luna. Life’s Rich Pageant has been one of my favorites since the mid-80s. It was the first independent, college rock record I ever listened to, and it opened my eyes to music beyond the mainstream.
I didn’t limit myself to just classic rock either. Some modern albums really stood out, like Strange Disciple by Nation of Language, which came on clear vinyl, and Lucifer on the Sofa by Spoon. I also picked up Wall of Eyes by The Smile and Beholder by The Blinders. Even early 2000s electronic albums like Simple Things by Zero 7 and Moon Safari by Air made their way into my collection—absolute must-haves for any vinyl lover.
The Vinyl Experience vs. Digital
For me, vinyl and digital music coexist pretty well. I go back and forth between the two depending on my mood, and I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to enjoy music. Sometimes I love the convenience of streaming, but other times, I want the ritual that comes with playing vinyl. There’s just something about holding the record, setting up the turntable, and watching it spin. It’s a slower, more deliberate process that makes the experience feel special.
My setup really enhances that experience. I’ve got a Pro-Ject Audio Systems EV0 Carbon turntable running through a Yamaha A-S1200 amp and a pair of Klipsch Heresy IV speakers. The sound is rich and full, bringing out the best in each record and making the whole process of listening to vinyl even more enjoyable.
Wrapping It Up
Building this vinyl collection has been such a fun journey. From that first copy of Nebraska to all the records that followed, it’s been about more than just music—it’s the experience of holding a record, hearing the difference in sound, and diving into something tangible. Whether it’s classic albums or new discoveries, each record means something to me.
Now that I’ve hit 50 albums, I’m excited to see where this goes next. I’ll keep exploring, adding new music, and hopefully build a collection that will last for years to come.