Category: Vinyl Records

With vinyl records more popular now than ever, it can be challenging to narrow down the options out there. It isn’t easy to make decisions when it comes to purchasing albums on vinyl because there are just so many albums to choose from- especially in the jazz genre. That’s why I’ve created a list of the best jazz albums that you need to hear on vinyl.

Here are the 13 best jazz vinyl records that you need to hear:

1. Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
2. Dave Brubeck’s Greatest Hits by Dave Brubeck
3. Duke Ellington and John Coltrane by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane
4. A Go Go by John Scofield
5. Chet Baker Sings by Chet Baker
6. Shadow Work by Mammal Hands
7. Green by Robohands
8. Stay a While by The Cactus Channel
9. End of the World Party (Just in Case) by Medeski, Martin & Wood
10. Memphis Underground by Herbie Mann
11. A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
12. The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery
13. The Quintet: Jazz At Massey Hall

Now let’s discuss why these jazz albums are so great- and why they will make an excellent addition to your collection of vinyl records.

1. Kind of Blue by Miles Davis

You can’t have a jazz collection on vinyl without owning a copy of Kind of Blue by Miles Davis.

In April of 1959, Miles Davis and his trumpet collaborated with a handful of other jazz artists to create the worldwide phenomenon known as Kind of Blue.

Some regard Miles Davis as the best jazz musician of all time. No other jazz album has sold as well as the quadruple-platinum masterpiece Kind of Blue, which has sold nearly 5 million copies in its 62-year reign as a favorite to many. Davis’ music is still popular to this day, with “So What” having been streamed over 67 million times on Spotify alone.

“Kind Of Blue not only changed the way people regarded Miles,” says a review by BBC, “it changed the very face of music itself… It never falters, despite its meandering pace.”

Kind of Blue is classy, effortless, and kinetic. Davis’ trumpet is crisp and clean, and his solos are an extraordinary kind of genius that you can’t help but drop your jaw to the sound of. So why not add it to your vinyl collection?

2. Time Out by the Dave Brubeck Quartet

You’ve likely heard “Take Five” at least once in your life- and Dave Brubeck is to thank for that.

Dave Brubeck was an American jazz artist who started creating his music in the 1940s. Time Out was initially released in December of 1949 and features some of Brubeck’s best work, including “Take Five.”

“Take Five” is one of the most famous and influential jazz songs in the world. It currently has over 154 million streams on Spotify, and for a good reason.

The song is bouncy, elevating, and the audible embodiment of cheer. The saxophone is glossy and effortless, supported by comforting bass notes and sturdy piano lines. Though the track is simple in theory, the genius behind its complex simplicity is far from elementary. It flows beautifully and leaves you harboring this feeling that has understandably warmed the hearts of millions.

“It’s hypnotic, stabilizing, and inviting,” says a review by jazz enthusiast Allen Michie.

Time Out also features other well-known songs, like “Blue Rondo à la Turk,” which features a more complex and fast-paced kind of excitement that is described as “an ingenious construction” and an “interlocking jigsaw puzzle” by Michie.

“The album seems to roll out of the loudspeakers with a fresh, joyous burst of melody and swing, no matter how complex the meters or pungently polytonal the harmonies,” says San Francisco Classical Voice. “It sounds so spontaneous, so easy.”

Time Out is flawless, and if you have the desire to add a jazz masterpiece to your vinyl record collection, it will surely be an addition that meets the criteria.

3. Duke Ellington and John Coltrane by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane

Duke Ellington and John Coltrane was released in 1963 by- you guessed it- Duke Ellington and John Coltrane.

Duke Ellington was an award-winning pianist and composer who collaborated with the talented saxophonist (and fellow composer) John Coltrane to record the album in 1962. Its first track “In a Sentimental Mood” still remains popular in a day of digital streaming, with over 162 million plays on Spotify.

“In a Sentimental Mood” is a beautiful kind of melancholy. Cleanly sophisticated piano played by Ellington and Coltrane’s heartfelt saxophone work together to create deceptive effortlessness that really does put you in a sentimental mood.

According to a review by On Stage Magazine, the song has an “ability to create an emotional connection between the mood, the music, and the listener.”

“‘In a Sentimental Mood’ is a stroke of brilliance,” says On Stage Magazine about the work of Ellington and Coltrane. “These are two of the giants of jazz, and the music they make together is sublime… [and] not only music, but also a piece of history.”

Duke Ellington and John Coltrane also feature other popular tracks, including more complex and rhythmically outgoing songs like “Take The Coltrane” and “Angelica” that still remain thoroughly-listened to today.

This collaborative album is an authentic piece of art, and if you don’t already have it in your collection of jazz vinyl records, you’re surely missing out on something beautiful.

4. A Go Go by John Scofield

A Go Go is a 1997 album written and performed by jazz guitarist John Scofield in collaboration with Medeski, Martin & Wood. It was nominated for the Soul Train Music Award for Best Jazz Album and features tracks with notes of funk, smooth jazz, and the unconventional electric bliss of Scofield’s guitar.

The album is upbeat and uplifting, and though each track is unique, the album has an overall flow that’s satisfyingly cohesive. Songs like “A Go Go” and “Green Tea” utilize silky bass, soft percussion, and crisp electric guitar to create a sound that’s far from ordinary and near perfection.

A review by Tim DiGravina describes the tracks in ‘A Go Go’ as “mostly breezy, sometimes tense, jam-based grooves” that embrace a “warm, vibrant sound” that’s almost impossible not to dance along to.

“A Go Go is far more than four cool cats jamming together and enjoying each other’s company,” says DiGravina. “It’s an immensely entertaining, enlightening ride.”

With a copy of A Go Go on vinyl, your collection will be blessed with an innovatively unique album that’s sure to appeal to the ear of any jazz enthusiast.

5. Chet Baker Sings by Chet Baker

Chet Baker Sings is an album by trumpeter and vocalist Chet Baker. It was launched by Pacific Jazz Records and won a Grammy Hall of Fame award in 2001, and is one of the most well-loved albums in jazz and 20th-century music as a whole.

Chet Baker Sings is the first album that includes vocals by Baker in addition to his usual cool jazz. The track “I Fall In Love Too Easily” is known and adored by many, and remains popular to this day with almost 70 million streams on Spotify.

The love for Baker’s songs is so understandable. His voice is velvety and calming, and his trumpet is no different. The musician’s work draws you in and hypnotizes you, especially “I Fall In Love Too Easily.” It’s the kind of song that changes you; you’re different after listening to Baker’s songs, almost fundamentally.

“Besides being the poster boy of West Coast Jazz,” says Haluk Dumar in an article about the musician’s life, “Baker is also credited as one of the legendary trumpet players of jazz history.”

Baker’s influence and magic come to life in Chet Baker Sings, and it’s an album that will sound amazing on a record player.

6. Shadow Work by Mammal Hands

Shadow Work by Mammal Hands is an excellent example of modern jazz, and happens to be my personal favorite.

Released in October of 2017 by a newer jazz trio from Norwich, Shadow Work is an intricately surreal and ambient album with saxophone that seems to flow like water and piano that sounds like the fluttering of butterflies- if you could assign music to such a thing.

“Boreal Forest” is a prime example of Mammal Hands’ musical genius. At nearly 4 million plays on Spotify, this song exceeds its worth in terms of popularity. The colorful saxophone, warming piano, and soft percussion come together to create something extraordinary. Its brilliance is the musical embodiment of a true boreal forest.

Though “Boreal Forest” is undoubtedly one of the best pieces of 21st-century jazz, Shadow Work is filled with other outstanding tracks like “Black Sails” and “Being Here.”

A review by Nextbop claims that “there is something tantric, meditative and deeply moving with European jazz [that is] more focused on patterns and vibes” as opposed to maintaining American jazz traditions.

“The band says that they take inspiration from North Indian Folk and the spiritual places it takes you, and that dance is clearly on show here,” says a review by Higher Plain Music. “It sounds like sanctuary… [and] I feel like I’ve been cleansed or gone through a catharsis each time I listen to it – and each time I grow more connected to it.”

Shadow Work is undoubtedly a masterpiece and a true example of artistic jazz that maintains personality, style, and a deep-rooted passion for the beauty that can be found in the natural world around us. It’s something that needs to be in everyone’s vinyl collection.

7. Green by Robohands

Green by Robohands was released in May of 2018 and is yet another charming example of lesser-known modern jazz.

Bandcamp describes Robohands as “the experimental solo/collaborative project of London based composer/multi instrumentalist Andy Baxter.” Like Mammal Hands, Robohands is another example of European jazz that strays from orthodox jazz traditions but still maintains bits and pieces of American influence.

Green is an album that’s calming, inquisitive, and melancholy all at once. Tracks like “Green” and “Lament” seem to draw their inspiration from soft funk with quirky electric guitar lines and notes of delightfully smooth keyboard that almost makes you float.

“With almost zero effort to promote the album, Robohands has grown in underground popularity getting over a million views on his album and songs on YouTube and gaining gig requests left, right and centre from all over the world,” says a review by Content Catnip, which also describes Robohands as “a great example of a musician who is just making his art and doing it superbly on a shoe-string budget. And now he is emerging and achieving success due to his raw talent.”

Robohands is undoubtedly an up-and-coming artist. Adding Baxter’s album Green to your vinyl collection would definitely be an educated decision.

8. Stay a While by The Cactus Channel

Stay a While is an album by the eclectic group The Cactus Channel.

Released in November of 2017,  Stay a While has since grown in popularity, with their top track “Stay a While” currently at over 2 million streams on Spotify alone.

The album derives influence from jazz, soul futurism, and alternative trends that make it not only a collection of songs, but a collection of genres and styles as well. “Stay a While” features entrancing bass, electric guitar, percussion, and hypnotic saxophones to produce a track that I cannot stop listening to- and I’m sure you won’t either.

The Cactus Channel is a truly innovative band. According to their About page, their shared “love of soul music and the kind of hip-hop, jazz, and alternative releases that spring from it, meant that from the beginning The Cactus Channel have prided themselves not just on eclecticism, but on the constant sharing of influences among their members; exploring new influences and sonic territories.”

According to a review by Stereonet, the “vintage tone of the dual guitars, the warm, talkative bass style, the jazzy organ, the funky drummer and the fat horn section” all create “a combined effect of harkening back to a classic era of soul music.”

“The bass and horns often help to keep the songs grounded in terms of key,” says Stereonet, “while the keys and guitar parts seem to be pushing against our expectations, whether that be with unexpected counter melodies, or knowing just the right notes to play to create suspense.”

Their music really is remarkable, and you won’t be disappointed by Stay a While. The album is similar to The Cactus Channel itself- creatively unlike any other. It will indeed feel at home in your vinyl collection.

9. End of the World Party (Just in Case) by Medeski, Martin & Wood

End of the World Party (Just in Case) is a jazz-funk album released in September of 2004 by Medeski, Martin & Wood.

Medeski, Martin & Wood is an American jazz band that was formed in 1991 and consists of John Medeski (keyboardist), Billy Martin (drummer), and Chris Wood (bassist). The group is known and praised for their often unusual takes on jazz-funk, and their talent for producing the irregular is clear in End of the World Party (Just in Case).

The album features upbeat and fast-paced funk with influence from more conventional jazz traditions as well. The electric mood of the group’s creative instrumentals provides the listener with a fresh perspective on both jazz and funk genres.

All About Jazz describes the group as “an underground jazz legend” and claims that listeners “will marvel at the mood and flow of this studio creation that certainly contains, apart from the physical presence of the band and an audience, all the best qualities of this trio on stage.”

“The development of momentum is imperceptible,” says All About Jazz, “until you find yourself in the midst of the sharp funk of something like ‘Ice’ and realize how much ground you and the threesome have covered in terms of textures and beats.”

There’s something so special about Medeski, Martin & Wood. They seem to lack any fear of the often-present pressure to stick to what is known rather than unknown. But this group has undoubtedly ventured into the unknown, and within its depths produced something remarkable that would, without a doubt, be a great album to own on vinyl.

10. Memphis Underground by Herbie Mann

Herbert Jay Soloman- known by the moniker Herbie Mann and for his jazz-flute innovations- created Memphis Underground in 1969.

The album is a colorful blend of jazz, blues, and a touch of funk. Mann is known for being one of the first-ever jazz musicians to have utilized the flute in the genre, and his work has served well-known and influential roles ever since it first made its way to the public ear.

“Herbie Mann was one of the most prolific jazz artists ever and was never one to shy away from trying out the latest trends and styles so that he could record yet one more album,” says a review by Music Archives.

This drive to do something new and unheard of made Mann the star that he was. Mann and Memphis Underground undoubtedly had an influence on the jazz genre as a whole, and I’d like to believe that the album will serve you well in your vinyl record collection.

11. A Love Supreme by John Coltrane

A Love Supreme was created in December of 1964 by acclaimed saxophonist John Coltrane.

The album consists of four tracks, each one more unique than the last. Coltrane’s raw talent and master of the art of jazz truly shines through in A Love Supreme. His magic with the saxophone is unlike any other, and it makes the album excellent.

“A Love Supreme is John Coltrane’s defining album,” says Pitchfork. “Structured as a suite and delivered in praise of God, everything about it is designed for maximum emotional impact.”

The album was recorded after Coltrane was fired from the band of Miles Davis for problems involving an addiction to drugs and alcohol. But luckily for Coltrane (and the rest of the world), he recovered from his addictions and felt inspired to let creation bloom in places that were once infected with pain and hardships.

“He wasn’t just covering ground,” says Pitchfork, “he was accelerating.”

Now, A Love Supreme is regarded by some to be the finest collection of jazz works in history. With a masterful expression of love and overcoming adversity, Coltrane’s most famous album has touched the lives of millions throughout the world- and still continues to do so to this day.

A Love Supreme is excellent; it needs to be on your shelf as soon as possible.

12. The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery

The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery is an album released in April of 1960 by acclaimed jazz guitarist John Leslie Montgomery.

Montgomery picked up the guitar at age 19 and never seemed to put it back down. He learned how to play the instrument by copying songs by Charlie Christian and figuring out how to play them all on his own. The guitarist had an excellent ear for music, which is beautifully apparent in this album.

Being a self-taught guitarist, Montgomery was known for his unorthodox approach to playing the guitar. He developed a technique that was often seen as unusual, but it gave him a unique sound that helped him rise to fame as a solo artist in the 50’s. One of the noted peculiarities of his technique is that he preferred to use his right thumb instead of a traditional guitar pick.

“Universally acknowledged as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of jazz, Wes Montgomery virtually defined modern jazz guitar during the 1950s and ’60s,” says the official Wes Montgomery website. “His unique idiomatic conception to the instrument and the power of his soloing influenced generations of players who followed him.”

Montgomery’s work as a jazz musician— especially his work in The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery— created a legacy that has lasted to this day. If you’re looking to add a piece of that legacy to your own collection, this album is the way to go.

13. The Quintet: Jazz At Massey Hall

Jazz At Massey Hall is a live bebop jazz album created in 1953 by “The Quintet.” Known for being Charlie Parker’s last collaborative work, it is considered one of the best live jazz performances to have been recorded.

“The Quintet” was a group of renowned jazz musicians, consisting of Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Max Roach, and Charles Mingus. This album features their performance in Massey Hall, a well-known event venue in Toronto.

Parker’s work is loved by essentially everyone, even to this day. Jazz At Massey Hall is considered by some to be a must-have for any collection of vinyl records, and it certainly lives up to its expectations.

Why Listen to Jazz?

Jazz is a genre of such massive historical and cultural influence. It’s a beautiful method of expression, and without it, our world- especially the modern music industry- would surely be something incomprehensibly different from the one we’re familiar with today.

Hopefully, this list of the best jazz albums to own on vinyl has helped you appreciate jazz and the act of vinyl collecting a bit more. This genre is genuinely remarkable, and these albums are great examples of that.

In the past ten years, the way we buy and listen to music has dramatically changed. With the development of streaming and subscription services, you might think that purchasing physical albums has become obsolete — but the booming vinyl record industry indicates otherwise. 

Over 18 million vinyl records have been sold each year since 2019, and LP sales have risen drastically since then. Vinyl records sold more copies than CDs or digital albums in 2020 and 2021, indicating further growth for vinyl sales in the coming years. 

Let’s look at the statistics and talk about how the music industry has rapidly changed in favor of vinyl records. I’ll break down the data and discuss what we can expect from vinyl record sales in the coming years. So, let’s pop on a record and get to it. 

Vinyl Sales by Year

For a while, when the portable compact disk was still a new invention, CDs ruled the music sales market, eventually being replaced by digital albums for MP3 players. Today, as the years pass and as streaming has come into play, vinyl records are making a huge resurgence. 

After the invention of the CD and MP3 player, vinyl record sales stayed low and constant, with only about one million albums sold every year. However, in 2008, things started picking up for the LP industry. Sales continue to rise as time goes on, with over 27.5 million records sold in 2020. 

Things have changed as the record industry has seen a massive boom in just the past few years. 

Just take a look at this timeline of how many vinyl records have sold over the years and that year’s best-selling vinyl album:

In this timeline, you can see the evolution of record sales, but most importantly, you can see how the dominant genres in record sales are changing. 

If we use the past two years to indicate what we’ll see in the future, it seems that vinyl records will continue growing in popularity to become the preferred media for listening to up-and-coming pop artists and top-40 albums.

This shift in genre also saw a tremendous increase in sales. Billboard states that a whopping 41.72 million vinyl albums were sold in 2021 in the US alone, a 51.4% increase compared to the previous year.

These sales were generated mainly by new releases from modern pop artists — not from The Beatles or Queen. 

So, as time goes on, we can expect this number of sales to grow as we see more top-40 artists releasing and selling LPs. 

What Percentage of Music Sales Are Vinyl?

As we just saw, vinyl sales are rapidly increasing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that vinyl albums are the preferred way to listen to music today. 

Vinyl records made up 38% of music sales in the first half of 2021, with CDs making up 37%. However, based on the growth of the vinyl industry, we can expect vinyl sales to continue making up the majority of physical music sales. 

Nowadays, people are buying far fewer albums both physically and digitally since streaming platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Internet Radio have more or less taken over the music industry. 

However, in just the past year, physical media has started replacing digital music purchases, and when it comes to sales, vinyl has seen the most growth in popularity. 

So, let’s compare the album sales by format in the first six months of 2021:

Based on these statistics from Billboard’s reviews, digital album purchases are at an all-time low, while physical media is becoming much more popular. 

CDs are still seeing a slight increase in sales, but vinyl records, with that huge 108% increase since 2020, have a promising future as the preferred physical media for album sales. 

In addition, vinyl records sales have just recently surpassed those of CDs, which might indicate that CDs are on their way out. 

Still, streaming seems to be the preferred way to listen to music today. In 2021, more than 381 million people subscribed to Spotify alone, and the top songs of the year received upwards of 1 billion streams. Although we can’t account for album sales on a streaming service, it seems that far more people are subscribing than purchasing albums. 

Will Vinyl Albums Replace CDs?

Vinyl records seem to be significantly more popular with the younger generations, indicating that the CD might eventually decrease in popularity. However, in the past year, CD sales have risen too, making it difficult to predict the future of the Compact Disk. 

It seems unlikely that vinyl albums will replace CDs at the moment. Physical media sales are rising, and vinyl is becoming extremely popular with people under 35. However, CDs still have a market for people over 35, so you shouldn’t expect to see them disappear anytime soon. 

Today, people younger than 35 make up about 72% of vinyl sales, making them the target audience for most record retailers and recording artists who release their albums in the LP format.

Young people who have grown up with only digital music, whether it be in MP3, CD, or streamed music, are the ones fueling the boom in vinyl sales. The difference between vinyl and digital is what makes oversized, colorful, and tangible LPs so popular right now. 

They offer a completely different experience than pressing play on an iPod. It’s safe to say that these millennials and Gen Z-ers will stick with vinyl for the aesthetic and the “warmer” sound of the music. 

However, like vinyl records, CDs still have an appeal and rack up sales that slowly increase every year. Nevertheless, some experts predict that it’ll be streaming that replaces CDs. That’s because the digital format produces a very similar sound quality and has become more portable with smartphones. 

Still, only time will tell what’s in store for the CD industry. Vinyl is on the rise, and we can only expect more profit and increased sales from the vinyl recording industry in the coming years. 

Final Thoughts

Vinyl records are here, and they are here to stay. Tens of millions of vinyl records are sold every year, and, in the past two years, more vinyl records were sold than CDs. Considering the projected growth in the vinyl record market and its shift towards pop music for younger generations, it seems that LPs are only getting more popular and profitable.

We all know how annoying it is to get adhesive off something, especially when it’s a vinyl record. In the case of a jar of tomato sauce, you probably don’t care about the state of the jar, so it doesn’t matter how you clean it. However, when cleaning a vinyl record, you want to ensure that the method you’re using won’t damage the delicate surface. 

You can use Goo Gone on vinyl records to remove sticky residue that won’t come off on its own. Goo Gone applied to a clean cloth is a safe and convenient way to clean your vinyl records without damaging them.

In the rest of this article, I’ll cover how to use Goo Gone works, how to use it to clean your vinyl records, as well as some popular alternatives to Glue Gone to remove adhesive from records. 

How Does Goo Gone Work?

For the most part, when you’re looking for adhesive removers, you’ll find products similar to mineral spirits, and they work fairly well. However, if you’re looking for something that’s a little bit safer to use and won’t damage your vinyl records, Goo Gone is a great product to try out. 

Goo Gone works by taking the natural chemicals and enzymes found in citrus fruits and concentrating them. The enzymes and chemicals work to eat away at the sticky residue without using harsh chemicals, making it a great choice for vinyl records.

Many adhesive removers use harsh chemicals that are unsafe to use around children and may cause damage to surfaces. However, Goo Gone is different. Goo Gone uses the natural components of citrus fruits to create a compound that can eat through adhesive. 

All you have to do is: 

1. Apply the product.
2. Let it soak into the adhesive for up to 10 minutes.
3. Wipe it away, and you should be good to go.

Since it’s formulated from natural citrus fruits, it won’t leave a lingering unpleasant odor that many other products will. 

How To Use Goo Gone on Records

Goo Gone is the perfect tool for removing sticky residue from vinyl records. Here’s everything you need to know before wiping down your collection with it:

1. Remove As Much of the Adhesive As Possible

The first step to removing the sticky adhesive from your vinyl records is to physically remove as much of it as possible. That way, the Goo Gone doesn’t have to eat through several layers of adhesive, so you can avoid applying it more than once.

Of course, your best bet is to use a clean microfiber cloth. Don’t use sharp objects like razor blades to scrape away the excess residue, as they will forever ruin the grooves on your vinyl. Doing this should leave you with the minimum amount of adhesive possible. That way, the Goo Gone can do its job fairly quickly.

If you’re concerned about damaging your vinyl record with physical removal, then you can skip this step. You’ll simply need to do a few more rounds of the chemical removal to make sure all the adhesive is removed. 

2. Apply the Goo Gone

Now it’s time to apply Goo Gone. Here’s a step-by-step on how to do it:

1. Spray the dirty surface of your vinyl record with Goo Gone. Ensure the residue is completely saturated.
2. Allow the Goo Gone to sit for 5-10 minutes. This ensures that the citric acid has time to mix and break down the sticky residue.
3. Wipe it off using a clean cloth. Only wipe once with each side of the cloth to ensure you’re not leaving any residue.

3. Remove All Traces of Goo Gone

Now that you’ve wiped the Goo Gone off with a cloth, you’ll want to use rubbing alcohol to make sure you’ve removed every trace of it. 

You can also use soap and water, but rubbing alcohol will be easier to work with and keep your vinyl from getting too wet. That’s because alcohol evaporates extremely quickly.

4. Reapply Goo Gone if Needed

Now that the Goo Gone is gone (pun intended), inspect your record to see if the residue is gone. 

If not, you should repeat steps 1-3 until all adhesive has been removed from your vinyl record. Also, be sure to allow the Goo Gone to sit long enough.

What Are Some Alternative Methods to Remove Goo Gone?

There are seemingly a thousand different methods for removing adhesive from vinyl records, and nobody can agree on which one is best. The most common alternative methods are using lighter fluid, playing the record, using a stylus brush, and cleaning with distilled water.

Lighter Fluid

Across all of the vinyl record forums and online groups, lighter fluid seems to be the most popular choice for removing adhesive. It’s cheap, and most of the time, you already have it around the house.

To use lighter fluid to remove adhesive, you’ll use it just like Goo Gone: 

1. Pour a little bit on top.
2. Let it soak for a few minutes.
3. Wipe it off with a clean cloth or paper towel.
4. After you’ve wiped it off, just check to make sure all the adhesive was removed. If not, you can reapply it.

Play the Record

Another alternative method, which is super simple, works very well if the adhesive has actually made its way into the record’s grooves. Here’s how to use this method: 

1. Remove as much of the adhesive as possible.
2. Put the stylus into the affected section and run it repeatedly. 

As the stylus runs through the affected area, it will slowly chip away at the adhesive until the groove is clear. Remember that this won’t eliminate all the glue, just the stuff inside the groove. So if you’re trying to remove the glue for aesthetic reasons, you’re better off sticking to one of the chemical cleaning methods. 

Use a Stylus Brush

If you don’t want to put chemicals on your record, you can try another option — use the stylus brush to chip away at the adhesive. 

When you purchase your turntable, it should come with a stylus brush. This is a stiff brush that is meant to be used to scrape any residue off the actual stylus. However, you can also use it for smoothing out imperfections in the grooves of the record, including chipping away at the glue. 

Keep in mind that using a stylus brush does have the potential to mar the surface of the record with scratches. So, if you’re trying to avoid that, you’re better off trying out a different method. 

Household Spray Polish

Another suggested method that people swear by is simply using any household spray polish. Users suggested spraying it onto a microfiber cloth then wiping away at the adhesive. This is a gentler method, so it may not be the best if you have a lot of residue to remove. But it’s an easy one that won’t harm anything. So, it’s worth a shot if you have some spray polish sitting around.

Dishwasher Detergent 

One last method that I’ll mention is using a dishwasher detergent solution made with regular dishwashing detergent and water. Apply the mixture to the adhesive-covered area, let it sit, then wash it off. Like with the other methods, you may need to repeat this process several times for the adhesive to be fully removed. 

Conclusion

Glue Gone can be a great product to try out if you have a stubborn adhesive that simply won’t come off your vinyl records. It’s safe to use on vinyl, and because of its formulation, it’s non-toxic and safe to use around the house. It’s made from natural citrus enzymes that eat through the adhesive to remove it from various surfaces.

If you’d rather use an alternative solution, you can also try using lighter fluid, household spray polish, or dishwashing detergent. Other popular methods include scraping the adhesive away by letting the turntable run or using a stylus brush.

Nothing spells out more vintage and class than a spinning phonograph record playing a song on a recorder. The mystique of a spinning black vinyl record on a needle adjuster, and the sound production, makes the experience all the more attractive in a digital music age.

Most Vinyl records are black, mainly because of the Carbon detailing and heavy metals (Initially Cadmium, Lead, Tin, and now Zinc) additions during their manufacturing. These additives stabilize the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) disk, giving it desirable qualities like low flammability and melting point.

We’ll look at the origins and how a vinyl record really works. Also, we’ll demystify the familiar visual resemblance that seems to characterize most vinyl records and answer the question, “Why are vinyl records black?”

What Are Vinyl Records?

Vinyl records are disks that store analog music formats inscribed and embedded on circular grooves that characterize the disk. These records are played on a phonograph or a turntable. 

There are two types of sound formats inscribed on these circular disks: long play (LP) and extended play (EP).

What’s most interesting about the Vinyl record is that you can record and reproduce sound on both disk surfaces, namely side A and B.

Sound Formats of the Vinyl Records

The format in use usually determines the rotation speed of the vinyl record on the player.

Long Play Format

The Long Play format in vinyl records, plays at 33.5 rotations per minute (RPM). The LP disk is about 12 inches (30.48 cm) in diameter. This format typically holds between 30 and 44 minutes of sound after recording both sides. 

Even though the shift from analog to digital music formats came with the decline in records and the rise of the compact disk, the terminology “long play” remains in use in the music industry to imply an entire album.

Usually, an album comprises between ten and twelve songs at most.

Extended Play Format

On the other hand, Extended Play Vinyl records (EP) have a play rate of 45 rotations per minute. The disk format can hold only one audio song per side, typically up to 7.5 minutes long. Therefore, an EP holding audio on both sides means only 15 minutes of song play. This aspect implies that the EP contains only half the sound capacity of the LP. 

The EP vinyl record has a diameter of 10 inches (25.4 cm). In modern-day music, Extended Play (EP) denotes a single song released by an artist.

Interestingly, before, a 7 inches (17.78 cm), 45 RPM EP disc was eventually surpassed, which led to the production of the 10 inches (25.4 cm) EP records, suitable for singles.

The History of the Vinyl Record

Initially, Vinyl records were made of rubber, later replaced by shellac (wax) pressed into a disk, with circular grooves on both sides of the disk. This technique was Emile Berliner’s advancement of Thomas Edison’s prototype phonograph that recorded sound on a cylinder of tin folds in the late 1800s. Berliner’s shellac disk resulted in the naming of phonographs to gramophone records.

However, in the mid-’70s onwards, PVC became the way to go in making records. This aspect would proceed until Compact Disks surpassed Vinyl records in the ’90s.

Recently, there has been a hype about vinyl records, as indicated by sales, showing that this vintage technology might be returning to the music scene. 

Related article: Record Player History: The Rise And Fall (And Rise) Of Turntables

What Are Vinyl Records Made of?

Initially, records were made of Shellac wax, a hydrocarbon. However, it was replaced by PVC due to its brittle nature. Further, the use of PVC records helped reduce noise compared to shellac. 

This development was later advanced to the more dominant PVC records, which required the addition of Carbon and heavy metals to stabilize the plastic. 

These PVC records offered better cost-effectiveness, durability, reduced statistical charges, to mention a few function-attractive qualities.

As a result, these additives, like Carbon and Lead, Tin Chloride, and Zinc, gave the PVC component, which is naturally colorless, a black-colored flair.

Is Vinyl Environmentally Friendly?

Initially, there were concerns about the environmental impacts of vinyl records. The main problems stem from the heavy metals and other stabilizing additives that were particularly degrading and toxic to the environment and users.

Even though there are regulations that oversee allowable additives in the production of PVC records, the manufacturing process still poses a danger to the environment. This exposure arises due to the release of toxic and potentially carcinogenic dioxins during PVC manufacture. 

There has been experimentation of plastics like PET from recycled bottles to obtain more environmentally conscious alternatives. However, the sound quality is reported to be lower.

That said, the odds of disposing of vinyl discs are significantly low, especially now that its perceived market value is rising. 

Although there’s some level of concern about the ecological nature of vinyl records, it’s no cause for alarm; that’s because the existing records and annual production of these records don’t account for much of the plastic production and disposal worldwide today.

You can read more about vinyl records and the environment in this article that I wrote: Are Vinyl Records Recyclable? Let’s Find Out!

How do Vinyl Records Work?

Vinyl records work by converting sound vibrations imprinted on grooves into sound waves. The three-Dimensional sound waves are imprinted on the grooves on the vinyl disk. The major components of a playback recorder include a stylus needle, cartridge, magnetic coil, cantilever, and body. 

When a stylus needle is placed on a rotating vinyl disk, the mechanical energy of imprinted sound vibrations is converted to sound waves. As the vinyl disk spins, the needle fits in the grooves of the rotating vinyl record, collecting and transferring the sound vibration via a cartridge. The cartridge transduces mechanical sound vibrations to electrical energy directed to amplifiers, then to speakers to display the playing sound.

How To Use a Vinyl Record Player

Here are the steps on how to use a vinyl record player:

1. First, it’s always important to lock the Vinyl record on the turntable to ensure it’s properly secured. It’s essential to understand the rotations per minute of the vinyl record disk before using a record player. It’s typical for a 12 inch (30.48 cm) vinyl record to play at 33.5 RPM on most record players.
2. Then, raise the record player’s arm, switch on the equipment, and slowly lower the arm to touch the rotating vinyl disk. When the needle contacts the circulating vinyl disk, the sound transmits to the speakers, and we can hear the song play.
3. To skip a track, you raise the record player’s arm and place it on the grooves, past or before the point it was initially playing, to forward or rewind the track, respectively. 

The Vinyl Comeback

There’s been a resurgence in the sales of vinyl records since 1991. The growth in revenue due to direct sales of Vinyl records has grown significantly and consecutively since 2010. Interestingly, vinyl record sales have surpassed compact disk sales. 

Most might think that the boomers generation caused the rebirth. However, this demand growth is partly driven by millennials who want to tap into the old-fashioned way of experiential listening. 

In a world bombarded with music streaming platforms, it must be nice to sit down and let a Vinyl record play on the phonograph.

Final Thoughts

There’s not much functional significance in the black color of the Vinyl record, other than the stabilizer additives used in producing Polyvinyl Chloride record disks. 

Perhaps, from a visual standpoint, it’s how we can identify a vinyl record original as presented by the initial founders of the recording technology.

However, the color has minimal impact on the quality of sound of the record upon playback.

Vinyl records are extensive for music enthusiasts. Vinyl records have been gracing listeners since the 1900s, but while they’re thought of as retro, that hasn’t deterred music consumers from continuing to purchase them. Increased purchases means a high need to store them properly.   

Vinyl records can fit in old or modern oversized milk crates. About 40 to 50 records can fit in an old milk crate or an oversized crate, which will hold the vinyl albums upright and keep them safe. Plus, the handles on milk crates make for easy carrying.  

After decades of storing music electronically and online, vinyl started to see a resurgence in popularity around 2010, which means that record collections are just getting bigger! So, let’s talk about how and where to properly store records so that you can keep them safe and organized for years to come. 

Records Stored in Milk Crates

Vinyl records aren’t just excellent sound quality in a unique design– they’re iconic. 

For decades, vinyl records have been the stamp of authentic musicians and enthusiasts alike. While they’re classic markers for the 60s and 70s, modern-day musicians and collectors still enjoy using them and displaying them.

However, if you’re music enthusiasts with lots of records beginning to pile up, their iconic-ness can become less admirable and more obnoxious if they’re not correctly stored.  

You want to keep your collection safe and accessible, I get it, but they take up space. So, what can you do to maintain the integrity of your records while also preserving your space? Well, old-school milk crates have been the go-to storage method for decades.  

Collectors have loved milk crates for ages because of their durability, portability, and size. However, the new milk crates aren’t precisely the right size though. If you want to use milk crates to store your collection, make sure they’re the old ones or the new oversized ones.

However, be careful! 

If you elect to use milk crates, just know that there could be some possible consequences. While repurposing these items seems like a recycling win, there has been some pushback against using them for vinyls.

For example, this article from the Vinyl Factory claims that dairy companies estimate losing about $80 million annually from milk crate thefts. So, by all means, don’t steal one! Hop down to a vintage store, antique store, or your local thrift shop to find a reliable source for your crates.    

What Size Crate Holds Records?

You have to take storage seriously when you have a vinyl collection – whether it’s a group of 10 records or 1,000. Vinyl is sensitive to wear and environmental factors. Considering things like temperature, light exposure, and storage bins will keep their top shape.  

A crate that is 12 by 12 inches (30.5 by 30.5 cm) or larger holds records. On average, an LP record jacket is 12×12 inches (30.48×30.48 cm), so your crate should be just a tiny bit bigger to ensure that there’s room for you to slide your LPs in and out of the container easily.  

Make sure to select a crate or bin with enough room for your records without stacking them flat on top of each other. Vinyl can be heavy, so when you pile them on top of each other, even just a dozen or so could cause warping damage. So, always stand them up!  

The old-school milk crates are the perfect dimensions for storing records at 12×12 inches (30.48×30.28 cm). And, if you’re looking for a practical storage option, the handles on them make them perfect for transporting.  

Other Album Storage Options

So how much space do you have available to store your collections? And just how many records do you have? Answering these questions will help you determine the best ways to keep your vinyl.  

Crates and bins are great for most folks with about 10 to 100 records. If your collection is significant, though, you may want to consider installing shelving units. There are so many aesthetically pleasing ways to store your vinyl collection. Check out this article from Funky Moose Records to get some inspiration.  

If you’re looking for a store-bought storage option, try the KAIU Vinyl Record Storage Holder (available on Amazon.com). It’s a wooden holder that can hold up to 50 records. I love this holder and think it makes a lovely piece of furniture to display my prized collection. 

The great thing about your collection is that it’s your collection. So if you want to have floor-to-ceiling shelving units installed to store your vinyl collection, you totally should! Or, if you prefer more minimalistic looks, you can use primary bins and cabinets.  

Remember to keep your vinyl records stored in an upright, vertical position. Holding them horizontally can lead to damage. Also, if you’re going to use shelving, make sure that it’s sturdy.  As I mentioned before, a vinyl collection can be heavy. Whatever you put them on needs to be able to support their weight.  

You also want to be sure to keep them away from any place with the potential to flood or cause water damage for the same reason that you want to avoid humidity. Vinyl records are susceptible to mold growth, and if you’re not careful with your collection, irreparable damage could ruin your records.   

Best Ways To Store Vinyl Records

Remember that where you store your records is equally important as what you store them in.  

As I said previously, you never want to stack vinyl records on top of each other. When you do, their weight can warp the ones on the bottom – even if it’s just a few of them.  

Another no-no to keep in mind if you’re considering how to best store your collection is the location. Is your space getting a lot of sunlight? If so, you may want to pick a different room or area since too much sunlight can also cause vinyl records to warp.  

A cool, dry space is best for storing records. However, too much humidity can also harm your records. High humidity can create growths in the inner grooves of the vinyl and create mold in the jackets.  

Related articles:

• How to Store Vinyl Records: 8 Things You Need to Know
• Can Records Be Stored Horizontally?
• Can Records Be Stored in Cold?

How To Store Vinyl Records Without Sleeves?

Maybe you lost the cover or had a bad buy with mold, but either way, if you find yourself without covers for your vinyl records, you may be wondering how you can keep your collection safe and accessible. 

To store vinyl records without sleeves, you’ll need to clean them thoroughly, purchase or make a replacement cover to prevent scratching and UV damage, and keep them upright to prevent warping. 

Well, first things first, back to basics – make sure that you store your records vertically. Yes – even if you don’t have the cover. 

If you recently lost a cover, or multiple covers, for your records, you can use paper towels or soft clothes on each side of the record to keep it from scratching or warping. This technique will work in the short term, but this won’t be functional forever in the long run.

A large microfiber towel in-between them would also help protect the vinyl from scratching or warping. Finally, you want something soft that you can use temporarily to save the record from outside elements damaging it.  

Luckily, you can purchase replacement vinyl record covers. Most are within the price range of $12 to $30.  

If you’re the creative type, purchasing replacement covers might be the perfect way to customize your collection. Check out this article from All For Turntables for ideas.  

You can also try to make your own sleeves from cereal boxes, some acid-free paper, or any other materials that you have lying around. Just be sure to purchase one of those paper inserts for your record to protect it from chemicals or other contaminants that might be on your recycling! 

Conclusion

While you may not see old-school DJs carrying around their collections in milk crates anymore, milk crates are almost as classic as the vinyl itself.  

Old milk crates have and do work well if you’re looking for an iconic and durable means of storing your collection. Their dimensions fit albums perfectly, allow for vertical storage, and have handles for portability.