In 2002, vinyl preservationist and historian Gary Freiberg designated August 12 as National Vinyl Record Day. He established the holiday on the anniversary of Thomas Edison inventing the phonograph in 1877. But beyond the historical significance of the day, he wanted to celebrate fond memories and good times. As Freiberg said, “The objective of Vinyl Record Day is to remember that, whatever we go through on a personal or national level, life has its goodness. Music is the primary vehicle to our fondest memories, Vinyl Record Day is to celebrate and remember them.”
To celebrate National Vinyl Record Day this year, we asked a few members of the Abt family to share some of their favorite albums that they think sound the better on vinyl. What do our employees enjoy spinning on their turntables? Let’s find out…
Nikko Magpayo – Web Merchandising Clerk/Multi-Faceted Musician
By day, Nikko Magpayo tirelessly works to get the latest products on Abt.com. But by night, he is a talented musician who writes and records his own music. As an artist himself, he can appreciate it when an artist goes above and beyond for their art regardless of the genre. He can respect it when acts like The Black Keys and Daft Punk look to the past to inspire the present. Also, the crazy stuff that Jack White did to create an “Ultra LP” with alternate tracks, hidden easter eggs, and a hologram is just next level.
“Lazaretto” by Jack White
“Thickfreakness” by The Black Keys
“Random Access Memories” by Daft Punk
Ben Silverio – Content Writer/Pop Culture Enthusiast
Content writer Ben Silverio is a collector and nostalgia junkie, as you could probably tell if you saw his desk. Since the renewed popularity of vinyl, it was only a matter of time before he jumped on the bandwagon. Though his picks are pretty random, they definitely reflect the objective of the holiday by celebrating his fond memories and good times connected to 80s icons and gritty punk rock legends. What better way to listen to old school music than with an old school music player?
“Back to the Future” soundtrack
“…And Out Come The Wolves” by Rancid
Emily Graef – Content Creator/Social Media Butterfly
As a member of our social media team, Emily Graef is constantly plugged into what’s cool. With her fingers on the pulse of the mainstream, she has been connected to some of the coolest up-and-coming artists over the years. But when it comes to her vinyl picks, she spotlights performers that shine even brighter on vinyl thanks to a rich, full sound coming through her speakers (particularly when it comes to powerful vocals).
“Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse
“Hozier” by Hozier
Bill McMartin – Audio Sales Manager/Self-Admitted Vinylphile
It’s easy to turn to titans of the music industry like The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, or Miles Davis when assembling a list of recommendations like this. Especially when it comes to our musically eclectic Audio Sales Manager Bill McMartin, who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to vinyl and all things audio. Instead, he pulled multiple modern marvels out of his collection. According to Bill, the bass notes and sense of intimacy are elevated and showcased on vinyl in a way that is lost on digital. And these albums will definitely “make you shake your moneymaker as soon as the needle hits the groove”.
“When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” by Billie Eilish
“Lemonade” by Beyonce
“Damn” by Kendrick Lamar
What do you think about our picks? Do you have any of these in your collection already? And what are some of your favorite albums that sound better on vinyl? Let us know in the comments!
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