The state of the music world is quite strange these days, everything is digital and cd's have pretty much become obsolete. But from this digital obsession came the rebirth of interest in vinyl.

Vinyl not only adds an awesome vintage feeling to any space but also feeds humans need to collect things. Vinyl lasts far longer than a cd or cassette and also depending on the album vinyl can add an amazing sound creating a whole different experience when listening to an album! I recently have begun my collection after receiving a great record player for christmas and it seems to be growing more and more every month.

Some recent buys: Bestial Mouths - Hissing Veil EP, Lightning Bolt - Wonderful Rainbow, Chrome - Red Exposure, and Braids - Native Speaker

My newest addition comes from LA based synth rock band Bestial Mouths one of the best albums of 2011 and packed full of artwork, lyrics and the vinyl is clear!

One of the things I love the most about collecting Vinyl records is the fact that bands and artists usually go the extra step with the artwork included in the album or when it is printed on things like clear vinyl or red or marble, the possibilities are nearly endless and watching something like that spin while playing is just entertainment in itself.

One of my favourite records comes from local group Animal Bodies, which their EP Kiss Of The Fang is printed on white and blue marble vinyl.

But where is the best place to find records? Well there are a few stores in Vancouver that I tend to visit often Redcat Records and Dandelion Records on Main, Zulu down on 4th ave and then there is always the bargain bins at thrift stores you really never know what you can find there. But My favourite go to place has got to be Zoo Zhop on Main and Powell.

A great place to get local releases, step into Zoo Zhop and allow eccentric owner David to take you on a journey through his incredible musical knowledge. Although small, Zoo Zhop offers a different variety of music from the other stores in Vancouver (I am currently lusting over a Xeno & Oaklander and Soft Moon record there) and the customer service is out of this world.