Vinyl Records and Analog Culture in the Digital Age: Pressing Matters

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Vinyl Records and Analog Culture in the Digital Age: Pressing Matters examines the resurgence of vinyl record technologies in the twenty-first century and their place in the history of analog sound and the recording industry. It seeks to answer the questions: why has this supposedly outmoded format made a comeback in a digital culture into which it might appear to be unwelcome Why, in an era of disembodied pleasures afforded to us in this age of cloud computing would listeners seek out this remnant of the late nineteenth century and bring it seemingly back from the grave Why do many listeners believe vinyl, with its obvious drawbacks, to be a superior format for conveying music to the relatively noiseless CD or digital file This book looks at the ways in which music technologies are both inflected by and inflect human interactions, creating discourses, practices, disciplines, and communities.

Reviews

Not just the die-hard fans and collectors of vinyl recordings will be interested in this new book by Paul E. Winters. . . .Here we have a good study on many characteristics of not just vinyl collecting but on the nature, 'aura,' authenticity and meaning of this important intellectual and artistic product; which, nevertheless, remains a product that, according to the very nature and purpose of the music industry, needs to be promoted and sold to generate revenue. . . .Very informative and not too academic in nature, this text will appeal to vinyl collectors and researchers of popular culture and consumer culture as well. * Popcultureshelf.com *
Winters takes the reader on a fascinating journey from the days of shellac to the current renaissance of vinyl. Along the way he weaves through issues concerning authenticity, simulacrum, production, consumption, collecting practices, and listening perceptions, giving space to theorists and music fans. It is a masterful study written with verve and lucidity. -- Thomas M. Kitts, professor of English, St. John's University

Author Bio

Paul E. Winters is professor of liberal arts and sciences at DeVry University