
The Turntable Rabbit Hole: The Gear Obsession That Comes With Vinyl
At some point, every vinyl collector asks the same question: what do I actually need to listen to these records?

At some point, every vinyl collector asks the same question: what do I actually need to listen to these records?

Whether it’s the powerful riffs of a guitar, the energetic pulse of a drum, or the soulful vocals of a singer, music resonates with something deep within us. From ancient rituals to modern concerts, the wonder of music lies in its ability to transcend language and speak directly to our hearts.

Streaming makes listening to music easier than it’s ever been — and also easier to take for granted. When everything is available all the time, nothing feels urgent. Maybe that’s why physical media hasn’t disappeared the way we expected.

In an age where most music is consumed digitally via streaming platforms, the traditional A-side/B-side distinction has become largely obsolete. Before diving too far into a discussion of the “B-side,” it’s worth defining what that actually meant.

Those early days of interviewing the artists who played on my turntable made something click.

Rock has always thrived by crossing lines: borders, scenes, even who gets to shred on guitar. The U.S. lit the…