Vinyl Visions: The Joys Of Record Collecting From 1931 To The Future

VINYL records have been cheering people up ever since RCA Victor released the first long-player in 1931.

 

Vinyl1

 

And as soon as the first person bought his (and it probably was a him) second album, the first record collector was born.

 

Vinyl2

 

Over the years this obsessive and often anal breed would become a recognisable stereotype, immortalised in print by Nick Hornby in his novel High Fidelity, and in film by Daniel Stern in Barry Levinson’s 1950s period piece Diner.

 

 

And the above clip prompted this comment on YouTube: ‘What’s really funny about this scene is the camera focuses on the label of the record playing- a turquoise Capitol label that would accompany a Gene Vincent or Tennessee Ernie Ford Capitol label LP. But what is playing? “Having Fun” by Memphis Slim, recorded for Chess Records, which would have been on a black label with silver lettering. Almost a perfect film moment.’

 

Vinyl3

 

The joys of record collecting have been celebrated for some time now on photographer Eilon Paz’s website dustandgrooves.com and he has now published a lovely book, available here.

The book interviews and depicts vinyl junkies from around the world…

 

Vinyl4

Vinyl5

Vinyl6

Vinyl7

Vinyl8

Vinyl9

 

And very nice it is. As are these slightly more niche, but equally pleasing examples of the genre…

Vinyl10

Vinyl11

Vinyl12

 

Records are one thing, and very neat they are too. But you can’t beat a record-and-celebrity combo. So here, from the age when records were really records and stars were really stars, are a few of our favourites.

We start in the pre-pop days of chinos, loafers and radiograms. Can you name ’em all?

 

Vinyl13

Vinyl14

Vinyl15

Vinyl16

Vinyl17

Vinyl18

 

Elvis changed everything.

 

Vinyl19

 

But as Elvis fan John Lennon said, he died when he went into the army. Lennon claimed to prefer records to watching live performances. He had a portable jukebox that he took on tour, and a turntable fitted in his multi-coloured Rolls Royce.

 

Vinyl19b

Vinyl19c

 

Here we see the Fabs taking vinyl – including their won efforts – to their multiple bosom.

 

Vinyl20

Vinyl21

Vinyl22

Vinyl23

Vinyl24

Vinyl25

Vinyl26

Vinyl27

Vinyl28

Vinyl29

 

As did fellow Sixties superstars…

 

Vinyl30

Vinyl31

Vinyl32

Vinyl33

 

Bobby, I can’t put my finger on it, but… You’ve changed!

Vinyl34

Vinyl35

Vinyl36

 

 

And if you think Andy’s weird, here’s goofy Brian ‘doing a Lucy’…
Vinyl37

Vinyl38

 

On we go, to the Seventies and beyond…

 

Vinyl39

Vinyl40

Vinyl41

Vinyl42

Vinyl43

 

And bringing things up to date, this lot…

 

Vinyl44

Vinyl45

Vinyl46

Vinyl47

 

Next time: The Wonderful World of record Shops…

Stars and their vinyl records

Would you like to support Flashbak?

Please consider making a donation to our site. We don't want to rely on ads to bring you the best of visual culture. You can also support us by signing up to our Mailing List. And you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For great art and culture delivered to your door, visit our shop.