Last night Emma Watson told Jimmy Fallen that the director of her latest film gave her an album on vinyl, and she has been collecting ever since. The world's cutest child star grows into the world's cutest movie star, and now she's into analog! (She is only rivaled of course, by Natalie Portman, but this might give her the edge, sorry A.P.) The young star of the biggest movie franchise in history promotes vinyl, now that's something!
Quentin Tarantino is another vinyl freak. His friend, Fiona Apple, always listens to records at his insistence whenever she goes there. Maybe that is why her more recent stuff is on vinyl, and maybe it is why the last one mentions an idler wheel in its title. Anyway, Albert, you aren't the only one with a really nice listening room in Texas. Quentin Tarantino has one, too. ;)
I expect this will be unpopular, but why should I care that Emma Watson collects vinyl? It does not elevate my enjoyment but rather probably only elevates prices. No offense Blkadr - I'm guessing you are seeing this "endorsement" of the medium as something that will help promote a noble cause. You might be right. If it helps sustain quality vinyl recordings for the long run, that would be a good thing. On the other hand, (this present case being a benign example) I object to the utterances of stars of popular entertainment being afforded oracular status. I remain, devotedly cantankerous, GH
09-16-12: Ghosthouse I expect this will be unpopular, but why should I care that Emma Watson collects vinyl? It does not elevate my enjoyment but rather probably only elevates prices.
More likely to lower prices and increase availability of new vinyl. It's economy of scale. When celebrities come out in favor of vinyl, it is no longer a marginal (i.e., perceived as wacky) practice. Thanks to the increased enthusiasm for vinyl and increased production runs, prices of some vinyl titles are coming down. Examples include Diana Krall and Rod Stewart. Instead $35-40, Krall's "Quiet Nights" and Stewart's "Fly Me to the Moon" came out at a list price of $20-25, and the Stewart is a 2-LP set.
It affects reissues too. I got new 180g pressings of Hendrix's "Axis: Bold as Love" and The Band's self-titled and "Songs from Big Pink" for about $18 each.
House's SOTA turntable, celebrities talking about vinyl, not a big deal- but I can only see it as a positive. As the industry goes further toward all digital, I fear soon music will only be available online. Recording quality is already suffering, any influence that might help postpones the death of hi quality sound is worth noting. And Emma is cute, so there's that.
Artist Shelby Lynne is also a strong vinyl advocate. There is an interview with her on youtube, if anyone is interested. I haven't heard her new record, which is on her own label. Just a Little Lovin' on QRP does sound fantastic though. This, IMO of course.
09-18-12: Soix Not sure listening to vinyl automatically makes you an audiophile, but I'd sure rather listen to music with her than any of you guys. No offense.
Fjn04 - I have listened to "I Am Shelby Lynne" more times than I could count and was fortunate enough to see her live at a small club. Inspired to check out her latest , thanks.
I have a 24-year-old female friend who is mesmerized by the sound of my analog system and the whole experience of listening to records. It of course helps that I have a dedicated listening room with $$$-worth of equipment (by non-audiophile, not by A-gon standards of course), but she loves the entire experience and aspires to get an analog system when she makes enough money to afford it. Before I "converted" her, she listened to her IPhone exclusively...I really think the fact that kids today are hardly ever exposed to good sound has most to do with the analog being a niche interest. Make the hobby less exclusive and attempt to expose one's kids, friends and non-audiophiles to the experience. It may not bring vinyl back as the music reproduction source of choice for all, but it will strengthen its popularity and ongoing revival. Just my two cents.
Before I "converted" her, she listened to her IPhone exclusively...I really think the fact that kids today are hardly ever exposed to good sound has most to do with the analog being a niche interest. Make the hobby less exclusive and attempt to expose one's kids, friends and non-audiophiles to the experience.
I don't know how many times I've said that same thing.
Even if you do nothing for analog or high end audio, the fact a young person discovers how beautiful music can be when it's presented in top form is passing along the joy we all experience.
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