The ‘Greatest Hits’ (let’s call the ‘GH’ from here) for many decades has been the best way to get a slice of your favourite artist. It gave us a great snapshot of our favourite artist/band. You had a one or double LP (or CD) jammed with the joys of ‘Hits’. Back in the day, until the rise of digital, this was the only way (apart from buying 7” or 12” Eps, radio) to explore the music without buying a stack of albums. (CD’s included) ‘GH’ were created by the record companies as a way of stretching out their sales, when they were close to the...

Previously, we have looked at the challenges of discovering new music for those who love old school classic rock and jazz. Investigating new sounds can be daunting, with unknown artists waiting to be explored, it often feels like a journey too challenging. To help with this discovery, we have decided to come up with a list of music our team at OnVinyl have discovered on our own journey curating our top-notch selection. So, let's dive in. All the music we're about to explore is contemporary (some of the artists have been doing it for awhile), and released in the last...

In the past Blog we talked about the care and preservation of the record with the importance of using a quality archival inner sleeve. We are looking at simple but effective ways of protecting your, not inconsiderable investment, in a new record. So, this leads us to the question, ‘How about the care of the record and sleeve?’  Importance of good outer sleeves protective cover. First step- remove the cellophane style wrap from the record. If you are using a protective outer sleeve, then this is superfluous. Generally, they are shrunk wrap and can cause the original sleeve to twist...

As avid collectors, we understand the importance of preserving the integrity of your vinyl. That's why we're  discussing Mofi Inner Archival Sleeves and the art of record preservation. From the very outset of our journey as record collector enthusiasts, we learned: "Put a clean record in a new inner sleeve." A record, delicate and prone to degradation, loathes the heat, detests dust, pet hair, and grease, and especially abhors gritty particles capable of inflicting irreparable damage. Regrettably, many record companies still utilise paper-based sleeves, akin to fine sandpaper, capable of scratching and leaching acids onto the surface, producing a sound...

Alan Parsons said “Audiophiles don’t use their equipment to listen to music. Audiophiles use your music to listen to their equipment” This one is a bit of a ‘hot potato’…. I can just see Audiophiles steaming at the suggestion, and lovers of music are applauding the idea. Definition- ‘An audiophile is a person who loves listening to high-quality sound from a stereo. Audiophile-grade recordings and equipment are designed to reproduce music without distortion or coloration.’ So that sounds, no pun intended, about right. As audiophiles we do love to sit down and try a new record, or music from a...

Heading out of San Fran Central you cross the San Fran- Oakland bridge (the Bay Bridge) and head to the area of Berkley, with the famous University. It has a College town feel and vibe. Two records stores recommended are: ‘Amoeba’ Berkley- Smaller, but nicely stacked with treats. Some good value stuff with an emphasis on newer albums. ‘Rasputin’ Records- same area and a big site. Lots of CD’s and a great selection of lovely vinyl downstairs. We saw a store called ‘Hi Fidelity’ but they sell (legally) Cali Green and how pervasive is that smell. Moving on we headed...